Last Day of August

Who would believe it?  Just haven't felt much like blobing lately.  One reason is, I have been in much PAIN!  I did something to my back/hips.  My hips are out of joint.  Went to Chiropractor 3 times, and even had a massage yesterday.  Woke up very sore today.  I think the Chiro used too much force yesterday.  So, now I kinda hurt worse then ever.  I'm sitting with a heating pad in my chair today.  We have been crazy busy at work, I have had to go out on the jobs more than I would like.  I think maybe that's how I threw my back out.  We are supposed to go camping for the Labor Day weekend.  Third annual "group" camping trip out to Myers Lake in Argentine.  I hope my back gets to feeling better.  Pain makes me crabby!!

Signs That F%LL is Approaching

Nights are getting cooler
Flowers are looking faded
It's time for the safeguard conference
Labor day camping is only 2 week-ends away
The grass is growing again
The lawn mowers are breaking down
I'm in the mood for spaghetti, chili, stuffed peppers
           and even soup
Berry then apple season

Just a Chillin' Kind of Day

Got up, walked the dog and decided I wanted to go out to breakfast.  Found a country place called "the Hotspot" in Coloma, Mi.  Not bad.  Drove around seeing the sights on the Blue Star Hwy.  Stopped at a dunes beach and walked down to Lake Michigan.  What a hike back "up" the sandy trail.  Went to a fruit market.  There are literally millions around.  So many fruit jams, spreads, salsa's, toppings, sauces" it's so hard to pick!  Then went to an Antique place that had everything including the kitchen sink.  They had 2 or 3 barns full and a yard.  It all smelled moldy to me.  LOL  Then went to another winery.  This one only sold fruit wines.  Very sweet and yummy.  Bought 3 bottles.  Only 2 for me; one for a friend.   Came home (back to the camper) made tortlilini with alfredo sauce and a mandrin orange/almond salad with "Salad Expressions" dressing.  I did indulge in 1/2 of the dark orange truffle.  Very good!  Some lucky person is gettting a 2-pack.  Tonight is homemade sloppy joes and probably all the leftover veggies etc...Dessert is blueberry/peach pies cooked over the fire.  I know I'm eating too much sugar~ Well it IS vacation.  I'm trying to still go "easy."

Camping, Storms & Blueberries

We are camping again, this time with our friends the Hinspeters in South Haven.  We're at a KOA where they have full hook up ~ Yay.  So you can run the water all you want and "potty" to your heart's content.  My niece Karen would appreciate that.  Woke up to a nice thunderstorm about 7 am Sat. morning.   It is Blueberry season, so thus the Blueberry Festival.  You can pick blueberries everywhere and even right here at the campground.  We picked 5 lbs on Friday at a "U Pick" farm.  A buck and a quarter a lb.  They're quite tasty too.  I'm going to freeze them.

 We had blueberry pancakes at the campground sponsored breakfast on Saturday.  We also went to a vineyard and did a little wine tasting.  Bought one bottle of a white wine that was quite tasty.  Then we went to a Chocolate store called the Chocolate Garden.  Apparently it's famous and rated in America's top chocolates and has been featured on the Cooking Network channel.  Someone I know is getting a tasty, yummy treat from there!  Then a storm blew up so we headed back to the campground.  Upon arrival we saw tents and other things that had been blown around or blown over.  I'm kinda glad we were in town. 
Today's events may include going back to the Blueberry festival in town and picking peaches and perhaps raspberries or blackberries.

Christmas List 2011

Here it is folks, hot off the press.  This year's Christmas Wish List!  What's that you say, I must have too much time on my hands?  Contrair.  I'm multi-tasking.  Babysitting, (he's asleep), working, laundry, shower, dishes, etc.  While I was in the shower I was thinking about stuff I might need. (want)  he ha ha

• Barnes & Noble Gift Card (for Nook)
• Queen Bee charm from Pandora
• Ceramic coffee mug 12 oz or 16
• Scarf-like belt (to wear with jeans)
• New jeans in a new size! (probably 16)
• Coffee pods for Keureg maker
• July Birthstone charm from Pandora
• Airline Ticket to Florida (just thot I'd sneak that in)
• new bedspread

Wednesday Hodgepodge ~ A Day Early!

Hodgepodge
1. Share a favorite song lyric:
Oh my word, music is always circling in my head.  So a fav. lyric?  Ummm

BROOKS & DUNN "He looked at me and smiled, said

I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
Oh i believe"



2. When was the last time someone yelled at you?
Not sure, people don't yell at me; I yell at them.

3. Money, fame, happiness…are they mutually exclusive?

I don't even know exactly what that means.  I don't think they go together if that's what this means.

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn’t require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill?

This is very limiting.  Let's see.  I guess that would be fondue.  Everyone loves when I make that!

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it?

Hmmm.  I can't think of something for this one.  My life is not that complicated, LOL.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being 100% and 1 being not at all) how tuned in are you to your country’s national political scene?

IDK, maybe a 5.  Right in the middle.  I try and follow the main events.

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July?

Why were you so HOT?  Normally, I love you July, but not this year.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have to get tons of work done this week, because I am WAY behind!  Leaving again for camping @ Grand Haven for the weekend.

Sunday, Sunday

I made myself a veggie egg white omelet and coffee, Ahhh.  Then a trip to the Swartz Creek Farmer's Market.  Whoo, hoo!  It's small but I do like buying local.  There is a farmer that always has nice fresh picked produce and his farm is only a couple miles away.  I got peaches, red skinned baby potatoes, green beans, pickling cukes, a red onion.  Was supposed to have blueberries, but somehow they were left behind.  I decided to try my mom's recipe for "freezer pickles."  Going to make a batch tonight.  The blueberries were for some bran muffins, but I think I still have some in the freezer that I can use.  There is a pot roast in the crock pot.  Smells pretty good.  Then we went to a neat restaurant in Grand Blanc,  Brick Street.  We ate outside, very nice.  Then a stop at Meijers to get some supplies for the pickles.  Think I'm in for the day now.  Still battling the wicked cold that keeps hanging on.

What? July is Almost Over?

I feel like I've been gone for a month.  Or most of it.  I did take an extended camping trip ~ 11 days.  Eight days at Otsego Lake with the Renee's and family.  It was hot, hot, hot.  Good thing the camper has air conditioning.  We needed it most nights.  One night was too hot to have a campfire!  We spent most of the days either lazing around or in the lake.  Too bad the boat broke on the first day.  Then I spent 3 days camping with neicopher Karen and the kids.  Their first camping experience.  Poor Riles had to sleep on the floor.  She wasn't crazy about that, but I think she enjoyed the rest of it.  Including the giant marshmallows over the fire and made into smores.  Even Brady Boy seemed to have fun.  I surely enjoyed spending time with them.  We swam in the lake, picked up sticks around the campfire, cooked "boyscout" dinner, visited Dad, walked around Boyne City, played giant horseshoes, and a little baseball.  Now, back to the regular routine for a while.  Until next time.

Cottonwood Campground

A lovely spot right on the green pond.  Campfire last night.  Huge fireworks show right from our spots.  I mean serious fireworks, professional ~ huge!  Oh the things people spend their money on.  So glad we had the foresight to take the dog home yesterday.  I am sure the outcome of leaving him alone in the camper while we attended the wedding would not have been good.  Hoping today will be truly a day of rest. I refuse to think about the fact that after returning home on Monday there is out of town guests arriving on Tuesday....
  My one goal is to finish the book I'm reading.  The last in the Fr. Tim series.  What will I read next?  I've been reading through the series for almost a year.  Excellent books!   Okay, I hope the "hound dog" across the way stops barking.  Just a random thought.  I'm so glad that "Bailey is not a "barker."   FYI: Grilled Chicken and corn on cob tonight for dinner.

Camping or Bed & Breakfast?

After a grueling day of mowing ~ 12 lawns (there were 3 of us) we arrived home around noon.  We hadn't had time this week to get things ready so we had all the packing of clothes, towels, food, etc.  Move the trailer around, hook up the camper.  Load up the camper, take a shower, kisses to Peyton.  Drive to campground.  Set up the camper AND all the paraphernalia that goes along with that.  Get dinner ready.  Grill the burgers,  heat up the beans, get the plates, forks, napkins out.  Finally sit down to dinner.,  Whew, that was alot of work.  We started pondering whether or not the whole "camping experience is worth it.  Mentally, physically and even financially.  It was 81 bucks for the weekend.  However, you really should add the cost of the monthly payment, insurance, etc... hmmm.  Something to think about.  Anyway, here we are.  Just cleaned up from dinner and it's thundering.  But, it does seem like maybe it is going around us.  I surely hope so.  Camping and thunderstorms do not mix in my book!

Thursday, June 30 ~ The Last Day of The Month

As overheard on the news.  Wow, is June really over?  Seems like it has just begun.  I'd like to see the stats on how many days the temp reached over 70 degrees?  Why am I watching the news?  It's just one "Bad News" story after another.

What Is July?

• Independence Day
• Fire Works
• Summer Swelter
• Camping Trips
• Birthdays (mine and many others)
• Outdoor dining
• Tubing (add to my wish list)
• Biking
• Boating
• Endless watering of flowers
• Ahhhhh!

Time Flies

Seems like it anyways.  Peyton is 12 weeks and starting on rice cereal.  Hoping that helps the massive spit up situation.  He's asleep right now while I'm catching up.  Sarah & Nik are returning all the Grad Party stuff that has to be returned to it's rightful owner.  Found a whole bunch of old books down the basement that we forgot we had.  Ordered some books from the library regarding antique books.  Going to see how much we can sell them for on E-Bay.  Went to the Drive In last nite to see Cars 2.  Cute movie.  Drive In is quite a place to people watch.  All the cars drving around with lights on was a bit irritating though.  Mowed 3 lawns this morning ~ whew.  Riding mower of course.  Should get on the ole bicycle later...

Summer Wish List

• Charity Island Dinner Cruise

• Visit The Shores of West Michigan
• Ride in a convertible car
• Start Exercising
• Biking at local parks
• Go to the Northville Farmer's Market
• Visit Calan & Emmett
• *Go for a luxurious weekend brunch on the Royal Park Hotel's patio overlooking Paint Creek in Rochester. 
• Eat at Red Mesa 
•   

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Summer’s here-whoohoo! What’s your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer?
Sight - The sun.          Sound - birds chirping, cicadas buzzing.              Smell - campfire smoke



2. Fireflies or lightning bugs…what are they called in your neck of the woods?
Lightning bugs for sure!


3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?
Mowing the lawn on the riding mower.

4. Define ‘the good life’.
Living one day at a time.  Wow, like that's easy.  Being thankful for what you have and not complaining about what you don't.  Not comparing your life to others'.  Being thankful period.  Having a positive spin on things. wow, like that's easy too.  LOL


5. Tell us what we’d see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?
Yikes, right now there are stacks of paper everywhere.  Boxes, E-Bay stuff.  The office is a mess, and I hate that.
6. Peaches or watermelon…yes, you have to choose.
watermelon

7. Ever been skinny dippin’? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won’t need details…unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated.
No way.  All that free flopin?  nope.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I love summer!  But, I love spring and fall more.  Love the green everywhere.  Love the beautiful colors of flowers and birds.  Love to go camping - that is a summer only event.  When I was a kid I loved going to summer camp - the highlight of the year.

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www.4Months2DoIt.blogspot.com

Wednesday Hodgepodge

My first Wednesday Hodgepodge. A list of questions. Thanks to my sister and her friends.

1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don’t have a bucket list let’s pretend you do.
Umm, I have always wanted to live on a lake.


2. What makes a good dad?
He's always on your side, you know he loves you. Does what's best for the family.

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?

Yikes, bees, spiders, I hate JUNE BUGS, gross.

4. We’re barbecuing…what’s on the grill at your house?

Porks chops with asparagus and pineapple.

5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning?

Ohhh, I wish I could say yes, but I LOVE to win and HATE to lose. Enough said.

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?

None, nada, nope.


7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would _______________.

have 2 grands.

8. Insert your own random thought:

I have none at the moment. Just want to be on the other side of the graduation party on Saturday.

Time's A Flyin

Whew! Can't believe it's June. Been busy doing the regular stuff plus extra chores here and there to get ready for the Grad Party. Speaking of, I need to kind of finish her scrap book. Yikes! Days are just flyin I tell ya. The little guy is looking good and growing stronger. He weights 9.15 lbs now. He is sweet and I'm very attached. Also, speaking of grad stuff, Nicole was asked to be a speaker at the Grad ceremony. She will do great I'm sure. Have a couple grad parties to attend this weekend. The flower beds received their annual mulching today. They are looking good.

Well, little man is squawking so I'm going to go and try and stuff the "paci" back into his mouth.

Balloon Fest & Dog Bowl

Balloon Fest & Dog Bowl = fun times.

Severe weather threat = everyone packing up and getting out of there.

Took a little trip with the Aurands up to Frankenmuth to go to this year's balloon fest. and the dog bowl competitions. Stopped at Culver's in Birch Run for a quick lunch. The first show we wanted to see was the border collie sheep herding. It was awesome to watch those dogs corral the sheep into a pen. Next up was the Wiener dog race which I so wanted to see. Can you imagine all those little "hot dogs" running a race? But, the storm clouds rolled in and rumors of severe storms were heard all about. So we headed back to our vehicles just as the first of the rain sprinkles could be felt. We drove thru some fierce rain on the way home. 5 minutes later the tornado sirens could be heard. We gathered up our stuff and headed for the basement. When it seemed all clear we gathered up again and went back upstairs. About 10 minutes later the wind started whipping the trees behind the house and it got really dark. The sirens started going off again. So back we headed to the basement. Meanwhile I was trying to bake some brownies. We did finally get to the brownies and ice-cream later. Evan said he was really anticipating them!

Busy Bee

That's me. I've just been trying to learn how to get stuff done while babysitting an infant. It's been quite a challenge. But, I'm getting the hang of it. Last weekend we took a mini vaca and took a camping trip. The campground was really nice; a private church campground. They had all their activities for free and the camping was 2 nites for the price of one. The activities included horse/carriage rides, zip line, rock wall, boating, and fishing. The activity I chose was, "sitting around the campfire." Wonderful. The best thing was that the campground had "full hook up." For you non campers, that means that you hook a hose directly to a water spicket and a potty hose directly to a sewer. Unlimited water!! Really roughing it, LOL. The first warm weekend - so enjoyable.

The next task is getting ready for Nicole's graduation party in three weeks. Yikes! Spent $100 on flowers the other day, so I must get busy planting. Yesterday we began the task of cleaning out the garage. It's all slowly coming together.

Gone Camping

Gone Camping for the weekend. Bye Bye!