T Minus 8 Days (Wed. June 27)

A hot and stormy day today. Had to wait for the washer man to come and fix the NEW washer. They said between 8 and 12. He came at 11:30. But Syd was here to entertain me. Three year olds can be so much fun. We watched Kiyou, played on the computer and chatted. Then we decided to take her out to lunch and then to the airport to pick up Niki. We got her car seat and everything. We went to Don Pablos. I think Syd enjoyed it very much. She loved the airport seeing the planes on the runway and taking off. But she loved surprising Niki even more.

Later in the afternoon it was off to the Detroit Shock game with my little sis Alyssa. She had never been to the Palace so it was quite exciting for her. By the third quarter she really got into the game whopping and hollering like everyone else. We ate hot dogs, chips, popcorn and cotton candy! The game was sponsored (free) from the BBBS organization. We had to ride down to the Palace on a Flint School bus though. It was storming on the way home. All the kids screamed every time the lightning flashed. (which was about every 20 or 30 seconds) The bus was cramped. The were putting 3 kids to a seat, 2 adults. Well, behind me there was 3 boys probably 5th grade sitting together. Now you can imagine that. They were off the chain. I finally had to give them my best "stern" teacher lecture. Even that didn't work with one little guy. Finally, I had them switch seats and I sat with the rowdy one. Now I have a new little friend named Christian who is a very hyper 11 yr old. He likes Ninjas and does well in school. I tested him on his time tables and asked him how lighning is formed. He did very well on both. He just needed some attention I think. He was quite a bit calmer by the time we pulled into the BBBS parking lot.
Check in later for T MInus Day 7

T Minus 9 Days (Tuesday June 26)

Another HOT one! Ninety something today. whew. But today I cranked the air on early. (First time it's been on this year.) Early in the morning I dropped a hardcover book on my toes. Ouch! The only way I could walk without pain was to wear my gym shoes. Probably broke a toe. I had to spray my hanging baskets with insectiside again. I seem to have a Japeneese Beetle problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking about just throwing the plants away. Because these bugs seem very invasive and they are grossing me out!

Photo Show Attempt

Happenings - T Minus 10 Days (Mon. June 25th

Didn't really do a whole lot cuz it was hot!!
In the afternoon Sydney from across the street (age 2 1/2) came over to get me to go swimming in her pool. It was a sweet relief. Mind you there was barely room for Sydney, me and brother Evan. (age 6) The pool is one of those inflatable jobs, probably 2 feet deep. It still felt cool and relaxing. We grilled chicken/veggie packets on the grill--they were very yummy & easy. After that I just lounged around and sat in the driveway. On a chair of course!

Mini Vacation

Finally got away for a mini-vacation. We packed allot into just a one night stay.
Got to the B & B in Whitehall, MI at around 4:00 Friday afternoon. We stopped at the visitor center, cruised around town for a while and then checked in. It was an old Victorian with beautiful woodwork and furniture. It has a wonder screened in porch complete with comfy wicker furniture. The room was also really nice with a claw foot jacuzzi tub.
After discussing dinner options with our hostess (Cathy Russell - picture of her and me) we decided to go to a local hangout, the Old Channel Inn. Sarah tried the Salmon and I got the Grouper. Both were delicious! I ate too much and got a bad stomach ache so after walking on the beach (Lk. MI.) we went back and vegged at the B & B. Oh, I forgot, we took a short drive down the channel and ended up across from the White River light station. Could not get to it because we were across the channel.

Breakfast on Sat. a.m. was scrumptious. Homemade apple muffin, fresh fruit Brulee', Yummy! (She gave me the recipe) The main course was yummy french toast that had soaked all night and toasted then baked, and sausage. We left and did some shopping in the local shops then went to the other side of the lake where the lighthouse is. It had a little museum and Sarah walked up to the top of the tower. I of course was too chicken.

In the afternoon we drove to Muskegon and nosed around there. We actually ran into a submarine and lifeguard boat that we had seen from across that channel several years ago. We had a good laugh about that. As we were driving along the beach road we saw a cute little place called "Captain Jack's. It was so cool. We secured a table in the shade overlooking Lk. Mich. and the channel. Well, we were sitting there listening to the music (live) and all of a sudden I looked over toward the channel and my eyes bugging, said "oh my gosh!" There was a huge freighter heading down the channel. It was awesome. No picture though cause we had left the camera in the car. Trekked through a few shops and got some neat stuff. Our idea for this year's Christmas gifts and some birthday stuff for someone who has a birthday pretty soon...

Later, in the afternoon we drove to Grand Haven to check stuff out there. Of course we hit a few shops again. Then headed out to the lighthouse/beach area for a few pictures. Eventually we parked the car and just sat and watched the boats coming up and down the channels. It was fun to people watch pretend which boat would suit us next. We left around 6:00 p.m. and stopped at one of our favorite spots for a quick meal: Steak and Shake! There is a new one in Lansing. We managed the whole trip with major water bottles and not one ice-cream cone. ( I still can't believe that.)

Longest Day of the Year

First day of summer! But, tomorrow the days get shorter........ Ok, Ok, don't dwell on the negative!
It promises to be a beautiful day with a high of 80 degrees.
Here is Kathy's Top Ten List - Best Way to Spend the first Day of Summer:
10. Cook out on the grill for dinner
9. Go to a softball game
8. Go on a picnic
7. Buy and plant a new flowering plant
6. Swim in your pool - or someone Else's!
5. Stay inside and crank up the air if you live somewhere
where it's really hot!
4. Take the kids to the beach.
3. Park your chaise lounge in the shade and read a good book
2. Take a trip to the zoo
1. Enjoy the day!

Two More Weeks of Freedom

Hmmm, what will I do with my next two weeks?

Probably wake early. I got up at 6:00 a.m. today for no reason at all. (At least I slept through the night.)
Going on a mini-vacation this weekend to a B & B in Whitehall MI.
Going camping to Seven Lakes State Park with the neighbors the next weekend.
Take a nightly bike ride.
Take my little sister to the BBBS outing. (Detroit Shock Game)
Get my hair cut SHORT - really SHORT. So I don't have to worry about it.
Have Karen & Riley over for Taco Salad.
Appreciate my mobility!!

June 17th ~ Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday Sarah & Riley Rose

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.Deuteronomy 5:16 (New International Version)

I've been thinking about this verse as I thought about Father's Day. To honor means to give respect. Respect is something that seems to be missing in todays society. But that's another topic for another day. Let me just say I miss it. Anyway, Happy Father's Day Dad. Hope it is a good one.

Happy 39th Sarah! and Happy 3rd Riley!

The rose is from my rosebush

My Little Sister

I met my "little sister" for the first time on Tuesday. Her name is Alyssa and she is 6 yrs. old. She's cute and really smart. She wanted to go to Red Robin for our first outing because she had never been there but the "Red Robin Chicken" had visited her school. We chatted throughout the meal and there was even a magician who came to our table to do tricks. We were both amazed and dazed! Afterwards, we went to McDonald's for desert. (she has quite a healthy appetite) I ran into someone from LCA (Brent and his daughter) and while we caught up, the girls played in the play area. We went back to the house and talked with mom and grandma for a little while. I'll probably be seeing her again in a few weeks. We already have a list of "Things to Do."

Roller Skating (Yikes!)
Go to the park
Ride bikes at my house
Go to the beach

Memorial Day 2007

The White House Commission on Remembrance is an independent government agency whose missions include:
 Promoting the spirit of unity and remembrance through observance of The National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day;
 Ensuring the nation remembers the sacrifices of America's fallen from the Revolutionary War to the present;
 Recognizing those who served and those who continue to serve our great nation and reminding all Americans of their common heritage

Thanks Dad and others who serve(d) our country.

Not just a day to picnic and plant flowers. Have a Great Memorial Day!

The Nickerson Inn

If you read my last blog you would see that I was asking for suggestions for a place to go for a "mini-vacation." Marlene recommended the Nickerson Inn in Pentwater, MI. So I went online this AM to check it out and probably make a reservation. When I got to the website I saw in big red bold letters. "The Nickerson Inn was Destroyed by Fire on Monday, May 21, 2007." I sent the article via e-mail to Marlene, I knew she would want to know. I guess I won't be going there. I was really looking forward to it. Marlene had told me lots about it. I'm sure she'll be writing all about it in her blog.

"Do You Concur?"

"Yes, Yes I concur." Said Leanardo DiCaprio impersonating a doctor in the movie "Catch Me if You Can." Well, Dr. Hicks ( a real Dr.) has also concurred with Dr. Lapa ( another real Dr.) that all my gizzards (female parts) must come out. The scheduler will be calling soon with the surgery date. It seems we have quite some bad cancer genes passed down on the maternal side. Dr. Hicks is checking into genetic testing for me. If the insurance will pay for it I will have it. It's only a blood test, but a very expensive one at that. $4000.00 Maybe they send it to outer space and back. I can't imagine why a blood test would be so costly.

Anyway, I'm thinking it sure would be nice to take a vacation or even a "mini-vacation" before I have to go in. Any suggestions? Please log in with your answers!

Stayed Up Too Late Last Night

I was in my robe, half asleep when there was a LOUD pounding on the door. (It was 10;20 p.m.) I couldn't even get my thoughts together fast enough to figure out what was going on. It was the neighbors. They were all at Toni and Josh's house and wanted us to come over. I had to get re-dressed and fix my hair. We ended up staying way too long. 1:30 a.m. Which by the way the best part of the evening was watching Tom and Toni do Dance-Dance-Revolution. I felt sorry for the little kids who stayed up so late. But I'll tell ya this they look way better than I do this morning. I slept in until 10:30 a.m. but somehow that never seems to work for me. Went out for breakfast to try and wake up. Probably didn't help that I carbo-loaded on Biscuits and Gravy. Even the coffee hasn't worked yet!

After we got home I went up to Rich's Farm Market, I love that place and it's only about a mile from home. I got the last Rosemary plant because I want to make roasted rosemary potatoes with the pork chops tonight. However, the thing is so tiny and spindly that I would have to strip it completely to have enough herbage for the potatoes. Now I have a real predicament. I also bought 2 little ($5.99) hanging baskets. They are so cute. Going to figure out a way to hang them on the deck somehow. While I was there I got a bright idea for a "new" look for the front porch. Gonna have Sarah put in a couple of hooks for some hanging baskets of the porch roof. Whew, that's enough for today. I think we'll rent a movie and crash early this evening.

Ho Hum

Not much to report really. I saw Cherethe Hollinger today, that was fun. (Private joke for Lisa) Got home from work a little early, sat in the sun. Why I don't know because I'm still peeling skin from being out too long during the garage sale days!

Had ribs at Logans, ate a few peanuts and threw the shells on the floor. Finally got the freezy pops for Evan who'd been bugging me for the last 3 weeks to buy them. (little guy across the street) Evan had blue, Elyssa choose red and Syd took yellow. Ah, the first freezy pop of the summer.
Anyway, then 2 seconds after I got out of the tubby, Sarah broght the neighbors in for a "tour" Hmmm, that was fun, my undies were on the bed. (and probably my clothes, towels) Oh well, I guess she didn't know that. That's what I get for leavin' my stuff out.

Dad is coming for dinner tomorrow. Going to grill Chicken and veggie kabobs. I guess I better pick up my stuff now! Don't get lost dad, I hope my directions were good.

Storm Tracker

Last night was the first "Big" storm of the season. We were watching the front move in from the south. All of a sudden it was dark as night, the wind started whipping the trees and the rain was vertical. Storm Tracker on Channel 12 (7 for you Wayne/Oakland people) said that the storm was approaching with winds at 70 mph. We saw some of the clouds rotating and decided to head downstairs.

That so reminded me of when we were kids. Mom always made us head downstairs at the mention of a storm.
Suddenly, the phone was ringing. The new neighbor next-door was alone and scared. She asked if she could come over. She was soaked just from running the few feet to our garage. J R Kirtek was showing us golf-ball sized hail from some of the storms in the Mich. "Thumb" area. I would hate to have those pounding my head or my car! LOL
There actually was a sighting of a Tornado in Vernon which is about 10 or 15 miles West of Swartz Creek. The sirens were sounding in Flint because someone at the airport noticed some rotation in the clouds. 30 minutes later, the storm had passed and all was calm again. I think the biggest part of the storm thankfully missed us!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my sisters, (in-laws) and neices.
I bought a beautiful hanging Southern Fuchia and instead of putting it in the cemetary, I figured mom would want me to enjoy it. So happy Mother's Day in Heaven, Mom! I miss you more than I ever dreamed could be possible. However, as you know, Marlene is doing a great job in your place. :-)

In Regards to...

the nodule on my (left) ovary, the Gyn would like to take it out and then take out everything elso too! (Hysterectomy) Am I really that old already? Anyway, I have a consult in 2 weeks with Gyn/Oncologist to see if he concurs. If so, they will be scheduling surgery. Yipee. Apparently if they do the surgery the gyn/onc. dude will be there to assist and in case, well by chance the nodule is cancer.

So, not to be whining or complaining or anything, but I am NOT looking forward to another miserable summer of surgery recovery. Oh, well I shall try and remain thankful in all things...

New Flower Garden

Well tonight we're out in the backyard planning for a new flower bed. After all, got to get ready for the BIG party next summer. (Katie's Graduation) I decided to put in 3 peony plants behind the house. I love peonies. We had some on Oporto. I really loved walking by them. They looked and smelled so awesome. I haven't decided what color yet. I probably won't decide until I get to Home Depot.
Last year we put in a Pink Dogwood. (Because it reminds me of mom, although I should have put in a Red Bud because it reminds me even more. Can't you just hear mom saying "Red Bud" :-) Anyway, it's not doing so hot. The winter was bad. The bottom branches are dead. But the top branches are still alive and getting ready to bloom. I hope the tree makes it.

Macinaw Island Peanut Butter Fudge

Doesn't that sound yummylicious? Single dip from Gurnsey's in Northville. Yup! I ate the whole thing. Big chunks of peanut butter. I think though that I'm going to have to put into my goals for the "Spring Into Healthier You" group something about ice-cream. It gets addicting with the warmer weather upon us. How about the goal of " One ice-cream serving per day?" I'm sure my highly competitive neice would like to see that. A couple weeks ago she served me a huge ice cream sundae that I could not pass up. Then she giggled about how she was setting me up. Not fair! I wonder who else she has tricked? Watch out girls!!

One's Man's Treasure...

This weekend was the BIG Garage Sale. Friday was not too nice but Sat. and Sun. were warm and sunny. Friday started out with a huge scare. A man in a big white van was driving around the neighborhood at 7:00 a.m. trying to supposedly ask kids about the sale. But, he went about it all wrong. Someone called the cops on him because he tried to call her daughter to the van. Duh, you just can't do that in this day and age. I still say he was a perv and just using the garage sale for an excuse. The cops pulled him over right in front of our house!
Sales were slow on Friday because of the weather. Saturday was really the best day. We made a couple hundred bucks altogether. It's funny what people pass up and then all of a sudden someone will buy. There was this halloween decoration that's been in several sales. I finally marked it down to 25 cents and a lady finally bought it on Sunday. I sat out in the sun too long and got a pretty wicked sunburn. Tried to sell Hot Dogs and chips on Saturday. It was kind of a bust. I probably only broke even. Oh well. I guess I bought too much.