I Know You Missed My Blog

Because you are all harassing me....... JK Well it has taken some time for me to get my self back together after my vaca. You know, laundry, shopping, cleaning, paying bills, etc.. And last night we went to the Piston's game. Very cool - They were celebrating the 50th year of the Pistons. (Lisa you are getting behind) So 30 of the top scorers were there. I saw John Sally, Bill Lambier, John or James Edwards, Vinnie Johnson, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas etc. just to name a few. Got a souvenir hat signed by the Edwards guy. Also got special passes to go to the press conf. after the game, exciting stuff!
The pictures on my blog took place on my second to last day in S.C. That is my sister Jan sleeping on the picnic table at the beach. That is after she already took a nap right on the beach a few minutes earlier! It was hot & windy and really pretty there. We went to the state park. She told me it is where they filmed the Vietnam scene from Forest Gump, cool huh? We went to Beufort and shopped, ate and then went to the beach. Lunch was very exciting. We stopped at a BBQ joint. While we were finishing up our delicious bbq, smoke started pouring out from the side porch where they were heating the coals. Apparently the coals started on fire. The flames were almost up to the ceiling. The waitress went out with a water bottle and shot the flames out. We hurried out of the smokey joint! For dinner we went to an awesome seafood place. We had an hour wait! But it was pretty, we sat out by the water and I took the picture of the shrimp boat. We pigged out on shrimp, flounder, crab, scallops salad and baked potato. No room for dessert! We got home at about midnight. Fell flat out asleep. I was tired from driving - I had to drive - Jan said her glasses were not too good for night driving. We really had a good time in the south! The people are really nice and friendly.

The Red Door and More

It's been beautiful and fun couple of days in S.C. Yesterday we went to my sister's shop, "The Red Door" and messed around. I mostly sat on the front porch in a rocking chair and sipped my tea, pronounced "teaay." I actually rang up a few customers and even gave the change back right! Then when we were finishing up dinner (Calif. Pizza Kitchen pizza, Jan said let's go we're going somewhere for a surprise. Marlene was all in a panic and thought we were going to a southern bible study! We actually went on a private carriage ride around historic Camden. It was awesome! Warm and just the right time of evening. The sun was setting and with all the flowers, bushes etc. blooming it was smellyicious! Our horse Shadow knew the way and clipp-clopped along at a nice pace. 1/2 way through the ride we stopped at a billionaire's mansion because my sister ( I won't mention which one) had to pee. So they went right up to the house to use the bathroom. Quit funny.

Today we bombed around Camden. Had lunch at a little place then went to a bunch of shops - antique and second hand shops. Oh well. BUT, then we found a cousin to the Beal's Outlets like they have in FL. and Marlene and I had a ball. Tonight Jan and I went out for dinner at the "Ole South" a restaurant where people died of food poisoning a few years back!! Long story. We were brave enough to try it. Good ole southern food, everything fried in "fatback." Except the peach cobbler - yummy. Let's see what tomorrow brings!

South Carolina At Last

We arrived officially at 2:10 a.m. After:
flight 3708 delayed
flight 3708 changed from 1:38 p.m. to 1:55 pm.
flight 3708 changed from 1:55 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Flight 3708 cancelled
New Flight: 3710 9:30 p.m.
Received $26 food voucher, ate at Chili's Too
Don picked us up at 2:00 p.m. went home to wait
Arrived back at the airport at 8:00 p.m. for 9:30 flight
Moved from gate C2 to C36
Moved from gate C36 to C23
Flight 3710 delayed until 9:45 p.m.
Flight 3710 delayed until 10:15
Flight 3710 delayed until 10:45 (mechanical issues)
Flight 3710 delayed until 11:30 (waiting for crew change)
Flight 3710 delayed until 1:15 a.m. (same)
Flight 3710 back until 11:15 p.m.
Yea! Here comes the crew!
Boarded plane at 11:30 p.m.
Roar! Started the engines (with the door still open!)
Wait, here comes 2 late people...
Ok, we are ready but just waiting for ground crew...
Whew, flight attendant closed the door - manually - got showered with rain upon slamming of door.
Ok, 12:30 a.m. taxied out to Lenawee County for 1/2 hour. I'm sure it was busy at that time of night
Stopped at McDonalds for the late people, got back on runway.....
12:35 a.m. In the air hooray! Free drinks for all your troubles, but the snacks cost $2.00
Anyway, final descent into Columbia S.C. 2:00 a.m.
2:15 a.m. Taxied around the city of Columbia
2:25 a.m. Plane brakes working just fine - came to a COMPLETE stop out in the middle of the airstrip.
Flight attendant flung the door open - no ground crew in sight.
2:30 a.m. Flight attendant makes an announcement:
"Sorry folks we have no Jetway, we will be deplaning right here. Hmmmmm. Get off plane. Look to left, look to right. Hmmmmm there is a guy 200 yards over there- must be place to go.
2:35 a.m. climb steps from bowels of the airport to the main level. Don't have to get our luggage from thingy cause Jan saw it sitting up by "lost luggage" area.
3:30 a.m. Pull into sister's house in Lugoff after driving through dense fog.
3:35 a.m. Head hits pillow - fast asleep!

Good Bye North (cold, snow & rain) Hello South

I (unlike my sister) am still washing and packing. We (my eldest) ha ha sister and I are leaving on the friendly skies to warmer weather to visit the middle sister. We are celebrating our up and coming milestone birthdays. The big 60 and 50! We will have a blast. You never know what can happen when the 3 of us get together. We will spend a day at The Red Door, which is the shop my sister runs. Possibly a day in Beufort which is a quaint town on the shore (so I've heard) and maybe just a day hanging out, or visiting a plantation. There is so much to do in S.C. Keep in touch for updates...

Snowing Like Mad

OR, I'm mad it's snowing. Check it out!!

To Entertain or Be Entertained

My buddy from across the street came for a visit yesterday. I figured I would entertain her so her mommy could get her laundry done. However, it may have been the other way around. A three year old can be very entertaining. We watched Ruby and Max and Caillou. Then we re-enacted the Caillou episode. Caillou and his family went to a ranch. They went for a ride on a cart pulled by a horse. So we found some ribbon for the reigns and galloped around the house! Then we got the toys out. Of course we had to call the Dr. because we took turns being the sick patient. Then we got out the playskool people and played school with them. Of course the playskool people got hurt and had to take turns going to the hobabble. (hospital) Then everyone had to take a nap. Bedtime stories were hilarious! Hmmm, then it was pretty much time for dinner. Syd called her mom cause she wasn't ready to go home yet. She got permission to stay for dinner. She ate her whole plate of sania and coleslaw and 1/2 piece of garlic bread. Then we went outside and Syd rode her NEW bike up and down the street while i tried to keep up with her. Then I told her it was time for her to go home cuase I had to take Niki to softball. She said, "I go with you." I said you can't go this time because we don't have a car seat. She then informed me, "I don't need a car seat I will sit in the back seat like a big girl." How funny! luckily she decided it would be ok to go home so she pedaled down the drive way and up the other side. (me holding on to her on the downside) As I opened the door for her to go inside she said, "Bye khaki see you later!" We had a blast.

Today I think I'll get out of the house. My lunch buddy and I (Chris) are going shopping for her sister-in-laws 25th anniversary gift. The party is Sunday. I'm hoping lunch will be involved!

Snow Snow A Go Go

Away that is! Woke up to another 1/2 inch of the white stuff this morning. Now the weather people are saying we are getting another 2 to 4 inches tomorrow. Enough already. Spring has definitely not sprung. One week and I am heading south, yahoo!
Tomorrow I am going to a meeting regarding grant writing. My former associate from work is putting together a grant writing team. It may be something I can get involved in to earn a little extra cash while waiting for the FCS to make up their mind regarding our jobs. Well that's it--me and the dog are just hangin around.

Never Mind the Gusty Winds

It's the first day of Spring. The sun is supposed to shine today! Yea! Never mind that the forecast for tomorrow includes snow with possible accumulation...... Today is the day to celebrate.

Okay, Okay

No need to worry I am alive and kickin. There just is not much new to report. How about this:
Ten Reasons to Enjoy the Lay-off:

My house stays cleaner
I can sleep in (too much sometimes)
Baily and I are really bonding
Less miles on the car
Smaller laundry loads
I can watch Rachel all day
I can IM my sister
All the calls, errands etc. get done
I can play with Sydney
I am free if anyone wants to take me out to lunch :-)
**Bonus - I have time to visit my sis in SC (12 more days)

Ten reasons being laid-off is annoying:

I have to pick up around the house
I am groggy from sleeping in
I have no money for gas
I have no money for shopping
I eat too much
everyone expects me to cook and clean
The dog is getting on my nerves (my shadow)
My hands, fingers are hurting from being on the computer
I get bored
No one calls to take me out to lunch

Florida in Michigan

I've been thinking so much about Florida that a palm tree grew right in the middle of the office! Syd and I were playing with Cocoa the puppy and the tree yesterday. It sure was sunny! Not much else is new. I've been volunteering a little for my old job. They think they may have found a grant to get us back in the fall. I might hang around for that because the benefits are so good. My sister (who is still in Fla.) and I leave to visit my other sister in SC in 19 days!! Tomorrow I will have pics of the NEW Florida inspired bathroom.

Up To Date

Thursday I had an interview at Ross Medical School in Brighton. The interview went well, I thought. We'll see if I hear back. The interviewer said I should hear by Monday whether or not I will continue with the interview process.

Friday I drove down to Karen & Raymond's to babysit Riley. We had a busy morning! We played Cinderella 3 or 4 times (and that is with 3 changes of outfits), we played Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, We cooked for each other several times. One person cooked while the other laid on the couch with the "flu" and and also a "bleeding boo-boo." Then we did some Brain Quest questions, played going shopping, sang in a band. Whew! Finally Karen came home and we all went to Buddy's for a yummylicious lunch!

Yesterday we went to Home Depot to pick out the wood for the chair rail. We are redecorating the bathroom in a seashells decor. Then went grocery shopping. Watched 2 movies while waiting for Nicole to get home from her Spanish field trip to Chicago. They were supposed to be home around 10:30 p.m. Well at 9:30 she called and said they were going to be late, 1:00 or 1:30 a.m. because one of the girls got caught shoplifting and went to jail. They went to Navy Pier while the whole thing got straightened out. The girl never told the police that she was from Flint with a field trip. Then about 11:00 she called again. They had pulled over to the side of the road because one of the buses had hit a deer. No damage to bus or kids. All in all they made it home about 12:15 a.m. crazy!

Today cleaned the house real good and started the laundry.

Ridin' Shotgun

That's what I have been up to. Twice this week I was sitting in the shotgun seat going from house to house with Sarah. Bailey and I stood guard. (no guns involved though...) We did not go into any "bad" neighborhoods. I read a book while Sarah does her thing.
Today I had an interview for Ross Medical Education Center in Brighton. It seems like a really nice place and the job might be interesting. It is for a career development coordinator. Today I am "volunteering" my time at my old job. I don't think I will do that too much longer though because then they will think they can get the work done without paying me.
ANOTHER snow storm on the way.......

March 1st

MyHotComments

Last Day of FebRuary

Why don't we just say feb-ru-ary? I'll have to look it up. Of course we got a couple inches of NEW snow to end out the month. Record high and all that stuff. I think it has stopped for now. Marlene has been texting me from her journey south. They are in GA somewhere just over the border. It's 54 degrees. Better than 20 something and snow, right? I'm taking a vicarious trip with her.

I'm Bored

Ok, third day off work and I'm already bored! The house is clean & picked up, the washing is done. Made an awesome dinner that everyone liked alot. I guess it's time to write my blog. Too bad I don't feel like doing things like scrapping, organizing drawers, cupboards, pictures etc..
On the bright side, my niece Michelle got her test results back and there is no evidence of cancer! She will have 2 more rounds of chemo as insurance.
On the not bright side my sister Marlene is leaving for Florida for 2 weeks. She doesn't know this but that makes me a little anxious... That's because I tell her she is now the matriarch of the family. :-) Well anway they will have a good time. Hope it warms up - it was 54 in Tampa today.

Time to Catch Up

So, been back from Florida for a week now... :-( It was sunny all weekend so thankgoodness I could adjust. Been drinking lots of O.J. and eating my oranges and grapefruit that I got in FL. Lots of fresh "C."
I'm getting plenty of rest due to the fact that I got laid off from the FCS. It's a long story that has to do with the fact that the grant (federal) that was paying my salary wasn't approved for this year. The powers that be are looking for other money and there is a chance that I will get called back in April. So, I'm going to wait it out until then and see what comes of it. :-)
So I'm getting all caught up on appointments and such things like that.
Let's see what else. All Sarah's medical tests came back negative. We traded the Blazer in for a new work van for Sarah. Her co-worker bought the old scooby van. Nicole is taking driver's ed. scarey!! That's about it for now.

Here are a Few Choice Pics from Florida

The following is from an e-mail FW that I really liked. (which is rare)

Why, Why, Why,
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?And my FAVORITE ......
The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Hmmm

Too tired and crabby to write.

Last Day of Sun and Palms

We have had a relaxing last couple of days. Went to the beach for some pure sun time. We went to the Mixon Fruit Farm and took a tour of the farm and learned alot about the growing of citrus fruit. Tasted some yummy samples of fruit and juice. We are going back today to send some fruit home. We have visited with friends, bought the souviner shops out, gone sight-seeing and just hung around in the sun.
Sunday morning we had an awesome pancake breakfast right on the beach! My sister Marlene suggested that one. I will upload pictures when we get home.
Bye Sunshine state!

Chillin in the Sunshine State

Got here about 1:30 picked up our car and breezed on in to Bradenton ridin' in style. It was 75 degrees. We stopped to eat at the Atlanta Bread Co. By the time we got to our condo it was raining and the temp. dropped 10 degrees. Oh well. The sun came back out today and we went to the Jungle Gardens. A really pretty mini zoo. There were no lions, tigers, and bears. (oh my) But parrots, gators and flamingos. Pictures to follow!

Good-Bye

Cold, snow, freezing drizzle, cold, snain, rain, ice, cold, well you get the idea. We're off to sunny Florida!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTEN!!

Record Snow

It's official, we had 12.4 inches of snow. TV said record snow in Flint since 1948. Roads were HORRIBLE today. We'll see if they get them clean enough for school tomorrow. We've already used up the limit of allowed snow days. Today was a make-up day. Now I'm really getting worried though. Weather dude says getting another BIG storm on Tuesday. We fly out (to FLA) on Wednesday.

Pretty Smart

I was very jealous because my sister Jan had music on her blog. So I thought I would try and figure out how to get it on mine. Took me a looooooooooooong time. Whenever I don't know how to do something on the computer I just mess around until I figure it out. Just don't give up. Well as you can see I figured it out.
Another big snow storm on the way. Rain, ice, sleet, snow etc... Will there be another snow day? There are all used up. From now on any snow days will have to be made up. Not good. Don't have to worry about Flint schools though. Tomorrow is a PD day. No school for kids. I think I might sleep in! zzzzzzzzzzz.
Here's a quirky fact: I earned $2000 on Jeopardy tonight. When I lived at home (when didn't I? - ha ha) I watched it every night with my mom. I think I should be a contestent on Jeopardy.

Enough Already of the Snacks and Appetizers

It seems like thats all you have between Christmas and New Years. So for SBS I just made an awesome dish of lasagna. Garfield would be proud. I used tons and tons of cheese. Then I put the suace on after it was baked. (I saw Bobby Flay do it on the lasagna throwdown.) It was enjoyed by all! There are a few leftover pieces....

Life's Twists & Turns

Been at the ER for the last 25 hours with Sarah. She had a sharp pain in her chest that was hurting when she took a breath. They did 2 chest x-rays, an Ultrasound, CT and then today a chest scan. They eventually ruled out anything serious and sent her home with pain meds and an anti-inflamatory. They think it is pleurasy - an inflamation in the lining of the lung. It is a side affect somtimes from having a bad flu or pnemonia. It was very annoying how slow they were. But the ER was hoppin. Flu, broken bones etc. One thing I've learned in the hospital is you pretty much have to take care of your own or your loved one's care. This all on the 3 year anniversary of when my mom died. My sister wrote a great tribute. Here is the web address to her blog.http://www.magnoliawhispers.blogspot.com/ However, I would change the part about her yelling alot when I was young. i don't remember it that way. Anyway, I'm tired and, well that's about it.

Flat and About to be Flat Tire

This morning when I was driving to work I heard an extra clickety-clack. I pulled over, zipped up and hooded up, got out and looked at my tires. Couldn't see a thing. Later when I was parked at the admin. building I came out to go to lunch and sure enough my back right tire was flat as a pancake. I called Sarah because I was supposed to meet her for lunch. Then I called Ford Emergency Road Service. They said it would be an hour so we drove up to Rally's got a Rally combo and by the time we got back the guy was there. Good timing. So he changed the tire, Sarah and I switched cars and off I went. She called me from the tire store. There was a hunk of metal in my tire and then a nail in another one. So I needed 2 new tires. Good thing the last time I had a flat a couple of months ago I bought the replacement insurance on all tires. It was only 30 bucks to replace 2 tires! But, man on the coldest day of the year. I'm just glad it happened at the admin. building.
A freak day off school yesterday. It was 45 degrees but school everywhere except in the city schools was cancelled. So I had school but everyone else was off. They said the bus drivers got out but called in saying the back roads were solid ice. It was all that snow and then the rain on top. You would think the warm temps. would have melted the ice but I guess it wasn't enough time. Then this morning ALL the roads were icy but they didn't cancel.

I Have Been In Bed All Weekend

Stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, nose running, tempature of 100. Just don't feel good. I am staying home today in hopes of getting better. I send my sister a picture of me in bed with my "vicks' scented kleenex and the sunlamp on me. She sent me a picture of her under the palm tree in Florida-- No fair! I told her I was hopping on the next plane out of Bishop and to pick me up at the airport! I wonder if they went? Well that's all for now, I am going back to bed!

Just A Plain Ole Cold

I hope it doesn't turn in to anything worse. I still haven't gone to the store to get the Zycam. I'm not really feeling all that badly, just a runny nose, coughing some and my head is stuffed up. I'm thankful I don't have that horrible flu everyone has.
We are getting some snow today. Probably a couple of inches. Enough to get the snow blower going Tonight we are going to a basketball game that has some old timey professional stars playing against each other. Its a fund raiser for the Flint and Detroit schools. Anyway, my boss, Jeff Grayer, who is a former NBA player is playing. Should be fun.

It Starts With a Tickle

In your throat, doesn't it? I'm getting sick I can feel it coming on. Stay tuned.

I decided to make a list of books that I'm reading this year. Inspired by Sistopher Marlene. So far in 2008 I have read:
Playing for Pizza by John Grishom
4th of July by James Patterson
T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson
And 1/2 of my new Amy Grant Book but I won't count it until I'm finished

Bought a new coat for work today. Eggplant, like my car. It's real pretty and I think it will be warmer than the leather coat I've been wearing. So of course I had to get new gloves too. They had eggplant colored leather gloves, but I thought that would look too ghetto, so I just got some black leather gloves.
All for now, going to go take vit. C and echinachea (sp?)

Sleeper

So I took Alyssa to see the new Veggie tale movie and she fell asleep. I guess that was her review. Actually, she wasn't feeling too good when I picked her up. Probably should have left her home. I thought it was cute. The popcorn was good, the pop & the milkduds as well.

A Good Excuse to Clean

Having people over is a good reason to clean your house. Sarah's Radio Shack peeps are coming over for a belated Christmas pot-luck tonight. (Well, appetizer pot-luck actually) Man, you start cleaning stuff you never even knew you had. You also find out that places like under the stove or fridge are really, really dirty! Or how about on top of the fridge? Yuck. I love the smell of a clean house though. It's so worth the effort. I made Kristen's Southwestern Tortilla roll ups and I'm also making the ham and cheese pinwheels that I made for the family Christmas party.

One of the girls is supposed to bring the board game, Imagine Iff. It's really fun...

It's simple! Just imagine what the other players are most like. Keep choosing the most popular answer to win the game. All the players write their names on the erasable game board. Fill in empty spaces with names of people. For example a question might be: Marlene is most like a bananna, orange or kiwi Whichever answer is most popular wins points for who ever guessed it.

January 19th Means

Apparently I am half way ( in the year) to turning 50. I guess I will have to:

Change the name of my blog
Start buying gray hair coloring
Keep taking my calcium
Apply for an AARP card
Get a Big Boys Senior card
Watch the weather channel
etc... You get the picture.

Happy half way birthday to me.....

Follow Up

Yesterday Sarah and her cousin Mike went to go finish up a few jobs that were remaining. They had to go back over to the house on Milbourne (where she was held at gunpoint). The girl that was with the hold-up guy came walking out of the house next door! She seemed to recognize Sarah and the Scooby van and walked away quickly while continuously looking over her shoulder. Well they high-tailed it out of there and called the cops who never came in time. But they wrote down the address and we are going to call it in on Monday.

On a lighter note Bailey and I went outside to watch the Renee's take down their Christmas lights. The kids came out and we chatted and just stood in the sun until it started to cloud up and cool off! The sun was really warm and it felt so good with the sun on our faces.

A Very Frightening Day

I should not have said what I said yesterday, nothing new under the sun. The impossible happened. Sarah was held at gunpoint and robbed while doing work at a house in Flint yesterday. She was getting something out of her van and the dude walked up and grabbed her by the shoulder and said "hey." When she turned around he had a gun pointed at her head. He only took what was in her pockets: phone, keys, camera, & a pocket full of change. As he started to leave he said, "get out of here, " she said to him, "I can't you have my keys!" He then replied, "shut up or I'll shoot your dog." Who was just standing there being his calm self. She just walked away and then remembered she had an extra set of keys in the van. She got Bailey in and drove off. She ended up at a fire station, pounded on the door, because of course in Flint even the Fire stations lock their doors. They called 911 for her, she called me and then waited for the po-po. When the po-po asked for her ID she couldn't find her wallet, so we're not sure where that is. She didn't remember giving it to the guy. She was pretty shook up by the time she got home. We went to the hardware and bought new locks and security lights because the guy has our keys and maybe our address. The po-po said , "don't let it stop you from doing your work, it's a one time thing." That is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard. WE are thanking God that she got out unharmed!! And I was thinking that maybe just maybe Bailey being the calm kind of dog he is just might have saved his skin. If he was aggressive he might not still be here.

Just Like Soloman...

there is nothing new under the sun. Or so it seems.

Actually, we have been busy at work with our new program at one of the high schools. Wow! Very scary. In Flint they have combined the 7 - 12th grades into the H.S. That makes 1500 students at the school we visited. We are presenting a motivational program that would give incentives for excellence in behavior, attendance and grades. (All stuff they should be doing anyway) Yesterday we spoke to the 11th and 12th graders, which was the smallest group of all. I asked one of the teachers if they were all there. She said yes this is a small group. Why I asked? The answer, because most of the kids drop out by 11th grade. There are only 100 in 12th grade in a school of 1500 students! Sad. The disrespect of the students would shock and scare you. On a happier note I saw several of my old third grade students! What a trip. They are now in H.S. and WAY taller than me. I received hugs and warm receptions, and it was fun to talk about old times with my former students. Many of them seemed to be doing well - that made me feel good.

Back to Work

With a 8:00 a.m. meeting no less. Ah well. I did finally get to scrappin. Yesterday. That is pretty sad. But I did get 4 pages mostly finished. I say mostly because I needed a glue stick and I need to make some letters on the Cricket. ( Hi Renee) Oh my gosh I'm watching the news and Hillary has taken to crying on tv......
Ok sorry about that I just couldn't help but make a comment. Whew I just got back from Niki's basketball (bb) game. It was very exciting, right down to the end. They won by 3 points! It was a pretty rough game.
Let's see what else. Not too much else. Oh yeah, it was 60 degrees today!! No sun, but we'll take the warm weather.

Last Day of Vacation

The Good, the bad, and the ugly
The good= a hot cup of Christmas brew
The bad= My last day of vacation
The Ugly= I woke up at 6:00 a.m.

I sure don't know where all my vacation went. I had alot of stuff planned that I never even got to. I think I'll see if Renee is scraping today. That might be a fun way to spend MY LAST VACATION day.

Snow Day

Yesterday was a snow day (not for me - but anyone who was supposed to go back to school.) I decided to take little sis Alyssa sledding. We bundled up and headed to the sledding slope at Elms Rd. Park. Nothing like what I remember of Hines Park or Kensington. But, a good size hill for a 6 year old. (and 49 year old) We met the Aurands there and had fun taking turns on the various sleds, etc. that we had. Neighbor Elissa said to me, "look what I have--an old fashioned wooden sled!" "Old fashioned," I exclaimed. I then proceeded to "school" her on the benefits of the wooden sled. Anyway, I was brave enough to jump (more like fall) onto the blow-up raft type thing that we had brought and slid down the slope. I was extremely frightened when it started going sideways. I managed to stay on to the very end. We all had a ball but soon headed in for some hot chocolate because it was freezing cold!
All that sledding reminded me of when dad used to take us sledding when we were kids. I loved to go to Hines, one time I remember that brother Rob went so far he went in between the hay stacks they had for stoppers and flew into the parking lot road, that was scary. I also remember going to those mountainous slopes at Kensington. Talk about frightening!! Those things were MAJOR horror runs.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ 2008

I am enjoying the morning - quiet, I love to be up by myself. It's just me and Phoebe (Bailey's sister.) I already put the mushrooms in the crockpot and I'll be starting the marinade for the chicken satay skewers soon. Later I'll be putting together the ham/cheese pinwheels and the brushetta. Isn't that a weird combination of food? Just a few easy appetizers, I really didn't want to fuss.
Well, we really got our fair share of snow. I haven't seen the amounts yet, but it looks to be 6 or 8 inches, AND there is supposed to be snow showers, blowing and drifting all day. The kids are supposed to go back to school tomorrow but I predict a snow day. Last time we only had 5 inches of snow and there was a snow day. That would work out well for me because I am supposed to pick up lil sis Alyssa tomorrow and take her sledding.
Happy New Year One and All!

The Year 2007 in Retrospect

Well it's been another one of those wild and wooley years however there are many things to be thankful for.
Like:
Good health in spite of 2 operations!
A job with good health benefits and retirement
A good season for Sarah's business
Good friends and neighbors
A roof over our heads
A new business for my sister Jan

Things to look forward to in 2008~
Continued healing for my niece Michelle
A new baby (great niece or nephew)
Katie graduates
Going to FLORIDA in February
Maybe a few snow days...
Finishing my scrap book projects & starting new ones
Turning 50............................ (no comments from the peanut gallery please!)

It's Nigh Onto the End of the Year

And I Still Haven't:
*Started eating sensibly
*Started riding my exercise bike
*Stopped complaining about the things I cannot change
*Lost any weight
*Finished Katie's scrapbook
*Gone to the Melting Pot
*Been to Hawaii
*Started Mom's scrapbook
*Started a walking plan
*Given up caffeine
*Bought myself a teapot
*Let my nails grow
I could go on but really what is the point. Maybe on Tuesday I will make a list of things I'd like to do and then see how many I actually accomplish. That sounds too much like a New Years Resolution though doesn't it?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Other Stories

Tonight I tried my new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tea. It was quite a production since I don't have a teapot. (That is another story) I heated water in the microwave in a 4 cup bowl. Then I carefully measured out the tea with my new tea spoon thingy and let it steep a good 5 or 6 minutes. Then I strained it into a big mug that I got for Christmas. Yummy, sweet good tea. I stirred in a rock candy thingy that I also received from my sistopher.
Sarah and I played my new Risk game tonight. I got skunked by a rookie, I surely was not a happy camper! Anyway, tomorrow I have to meetings for work so I am probably going to bed early.

Two Blogs Today

My 10 Favorite Gifts I Received for Christmas
1. Rachael Ray knife
2. 3 good books to read: John Grishom, Amy Grant & a new author for me from Karen
3. 20 Question game - i love 20 questions, right karen & kristen?
4. Wicked Good slippers from LL Bean
5. Movie Tickets
6. Really cute retro egg nog punch bowl set
7. Cheese Grits (yum-O), tea that everyone raves about & tea measuring spoon
8. Scrap Bookin Kit
9. Christmas Coffee from the Beanery
10. Classic Risk game

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (100th Post)

Yesterday we went to see the TSO at the Palace. It was very good- awesome seats. The light show was amazing, the singing great! I wasn't sure beforehand if I was going to like it or not, but I really enjoyed it.

I don't know about you all but I am wacked out since all this holiday business. It probably doesn't help that I never get a full nights sleep. AND I still have a million things to do. Dentist today and then I want to go to Michael's and get some containers for all my new do-dads. Tomorrow I am meeting a friend for lunch, then I have to conduct an orientation for work. Then between Saturday and Sunday I will be helping Sarah balance the business books, cleaning at dads, having my little sis over, grocery shopping, spend my $5 coupon at Borders etc... Whew! Some time I plan to get some scrappin done. A little birdie told me Renee got a what-cha-ma-call-it uh, oh yeah cricket for Christmas. I will help her break it in. :-) Oh yeah and taking down the DECORATIONS! Oh wait and I forgot we are having a lunch meeting for work at Fire Mountain on Saturday.
Hey, I thought I was on vacation???

Christmas Eve

Had to get up early and put the baked beans on. I am using Aunt Hazel's authentic Boston Baked Beans recipe. One year my brother Rob & I went on vacation with my parents and visited where Mom grew up and met some of the relatives. Aunt Hazel being one of them. I think we went to her house for a picnic and she served these awesome beans. Mom got the recipe and started making them for Christmas day. She bought a real bean pot and everything. We're also having a glazed him, cheesy potatoes, some kind of veggies, salad and rolls. That is a far fetch from the Christmas Eve dinner of my childhood. Chinese - take out style. I'm sure my mom was taking a break from cooking. I often went with my dad to pick up the dinner at Moy's little take out joint. Christmas Eve was very special. I remember just loving it. All those kids! We would turn out all the lights and watch the tree lights sparkle. Then our parents would make us practice for the upcoming church program. (treat!) We always had this mix of Christmas hard candy including these huge chunks of ribbon candy. Someone always read the Christmas poem, the one about sugar plums. Then we opened 1 gift - pajamas or slippers. Then is was off to bed. I would try hard not to fall asleep, but that never worked very good. Oh yeah, I forgot we pinned up our stocking to either a couch or arm chair. That's were our pile of gifts would be the next morning, right under our stocking.
I love talking to people to find out how their families traditions are similar or different.

WINTER SOLSTICE

Put in your George Winston "December" Cd and veg out on the couch. Today is the darkest day of the year. I'm sorry Marlene. I doubt we will even see the sun today. I feel like I live in Alaska. I don't even think I'm going out. I'm going to clean up around this messy house and put on a big pot of White Chicken Chili. Yum-O. Oh and I still have presents to wrap. However, the grocery shopping is done for Christmas Eve (here) and Christmas Day.
Last night we had fun celebrating Christmas with the Aurands. The kids were so excited. We could see them waiting at the front door, running back and forth. We quickly scarfed down three pizzas and an order of cheesy bread from Hungry Howies. After opening gifts we decided to play games. Bad idea. We all got spanked by Tom playing Win, Lose or Draw and then Scene It. I of course had to babysit the babies (dolls) for most of the night.

p.s. This is the most number of blogs i have written in a month.

The Sun

The Sun's energy output (3.86e33 ergs/second or 386 billion billion megawatts) is produced by nuclear fusion reactions. Huh, I never knew that, did you? All I know is that I feel much better when the sun is shining. It doesn't matter how cold it is, the sun makes going outside bearable. It warms up the car. I think it even makes me more cheerful. The poor sun is trying to shine today, but the clouds keep coming around and getting in the way. These cloudy days we've been having are getting old.

Still Haven't Plowed

Our road is a mess. There are tire tracks going every which way. Then you can basically only drive straight down the middle and you better hope another car doesn't come! I thought they would have plowed by now. The sun was out today here in Flint, I hope my sister in Livonia got to see some rays as well.
Probably going to go see neighbor Alissa's 6th grade band concert tonight. Hope they're in tune! The count down is well on it's way. 3 more days until Christmas Vacation, YEA!

SNOW DAY

Snow day today. We really didn't even get all that much snow. Maybe 6 or 7 inches. But it was very windy yesterday, I don't think they could keep up with the roads. It's mainly due to the back roads and side streets they said. It's a nice surprise. I'll get to watch morning tv (go for it Kristen) and finish my laundry and clean up around the house. Maybe I'll even make something yummy for dinner. It's snowing again, imagine that - just flurries though. Would be nice to see the sun today.
We had to go out yesterday in the middle of that mess. It was Sarah's moms family Christmas. We didn't have to go far, thank goodness. The roads were pretty slick. We saw a guy who was driving too fast (of course) spin out and almost hit a bunch of cars. Somehow he managed to miss everyone. It was crazy!

P.S. I decided to make Florentine Meatballs w/Cheese sauce.

Food Network Junkie

We just got cable back so now I am able to watch my favorite channel, the Food Network! I just love to see whats cookin. Sometimes I even try the recipes. You should be so lucky to be the experimentee. I must admit Sarah and the girls are pretty patient. I few weeks ago I made a pasta with pumpkin sauce. It was ok. Nothing to write home about. It sounded better than it tasted. Of course if I don't have alot of the stuff they put in their recipes I improvise. Maybe it's the improvising that doesn't work so well. Tonight there were 2 recipes on Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals that I'm going to try. Papa al Pomodoro - otherwise known as "stale bread soup" and Florentine Meatballs. Think I will try those over the Christmas break. Check out the recipe on http://www.foodnetwork.com/ After I try them and if I like them maybe I'll post them.

Right now I'm waiting for "Paula's Party," at 9:00 p.m. She is going to have the rock-ets and also Amy Grant.

The Scent of the Season

Is....... Twisted Peppermint from Bath and Body Works. Ummmm. Delicious. First, take a bath and pour some of the bubble bath/shampoo/body wash into the water. Then wash your hair with it-- as you rinse take in the minty frothy bubbly scent. Then scrub your skin and wake it up. Upon exiting the bath, lavish several squirts of the body lotion all over your body.
You are now refreshed and ready to start your day.

This is how I start my day. You should try it too! It's almost better than a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks!

10 Reasons Why I'd Rather Stay Home Today

1. It's starting to snow.
2. The weather is going to get worse.
3. I don't want to get dressed up.
4. I miss morning tv. Racheal Ray
5. I'm warm and I don't want to get cold.
6. I don't feel like talking to people.
7. I could wrap Christmas presents.
8. It looks icky out.
9. I feel sleepy.
10. Just Cuz!

Yea Gas Went Down

For about 5 minutes... I just saw on tv a gas station in Flint has gas for $2.73/gal. Hurry run to the gas station. The next time you look it will probably be up again! Well also on the news they are saying that we're getting nasty weather tomorrow morning. That will remain to be seen. We must've had sun and above freezing temps. today because the snow on the lawn and driveway has melted.
Tonight's dinner is lasagna. But it is Stoffer's family size. Can you believe it? I actually broke down and bought frozen stuff for dinner. It's just too hard to work and then make homemade lasagna.
By the way yesterdays' blog (mine) has a record number of comments. (6) Lisa where are you? Ok here is a list. My sister Jan is always making lists.

Favorite Christmas Movies

1. A Christmas Carol
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. The Christmas Shoes (A real tear-jerker)
4. Charlie Brown (the one where Chuck is the play director)
5. Christmas With the Kranks
6. Elf
7. Jack Frost
8. How The Grinch Stole Christmas - The cartoon
9. Santa Claus I
10. The Walton Family Christmas

A Very Busy Day

I picked up Alyssa (my little sis) at 11:00. We drove straight to Kroger's and proceeded to buy cookies to decorate and also some cupcakes. She wanted to take cookies to her class and we all wanted to eat the cupcakes! We did the baking and decorating and then had pizza in between. (Whew what a mess!) All at once Niki noticed an animal up in the tree out back. It was a big Opossum. Sarah ran out onto the deck and snapped a few pictures. It's actually kind of cute.

After all the baking I decided to let Alyssa open her Christmas gifts in case Of bad weather or whatever I don't see her before Christmas. She got a summer backpack with a water bottle, frisbee and beach towel. I also got her a big coloring set because she loves to color. There were markers and crayons and all sorts of things to color. I took her home around 3:30 and then I make a big pot of yummy chicken soup. I"m probably just going to chill out and read for the evening. Supposed to get some icky weather but I'm not sure if it's coming or not.

Oh wait, I forgot, we are going to watch "A Christmas Carol" tonight.

Frozen Doggie

We heard a bark at about 7:00 a.m. this morning. This from a dog who never barks unless being threatened by another dog. He was not in his doggie bed. He was not out in the living room or kitchen. NO, he had been left out in the garage by some un-named people since they got home at about 10:00 p.m.. Poor buddy, he was frozen like a popsicle! Needless to say he is curled up in the bed wrapped up in blankets.

Today is our annual trip to Frankenmuth. We'll be eating the sumptuous family style chicken dinner at about 4:00 p.m. Then we usually walk down to the candy store otherwise known as the "pickle store" and browse. They also have a lot of variety of teas. hmmmm Then continue on to the fudge store where the kids spend the $20 that grandpa gives them to buy fudge. A jolly time will be had by all.

I Saw The Sun Today

I got home early and I was in the office checking my e-mail AND talking on the phone and I looked outside and the sun was shining on the snow. It sure didn't last long though. I had a very frustrating day today. Of the 3 appointments I had all three cancelled! Here's the great thing about that. I can wear the same outfit again tomorrow, cool huh?
Thought for the day: 3 weeks from today Christmas will be all over...........

Mobile Concert

Today I listened to the entire CD of "Young Messiah" in my car. I felt like a traveling salesman today. Let's see I was in and out of the car 14 times today including the gas station and grocery store. I think that might be a record. At least it was not windy today. I am going to make a nice big pot of chili for dinner. Bought some nice crusty grainy bread to go with it. Having a cup of decaf with pumpkin spice cream right now--yummy! I should start riding the stationary bike tonight. Got to exercise. WB and let me know if you think I really will.........

Didn't Make The Ham

Can you believe it? I got talked into going out in that rainy, foggy messy mess last night and going to Fudruckers for a burger. I got a 1/3 lb. burger and fixed it just the way I like it, side of onion rings and a pop. MmM So I am making the ham and scalloped potatoes tonight.
Boy it was cold and oh so windy today. I swear I almost blew away. I only had 4 appointments plus a stop at my office, so that makes 10 trips in and out of my car. Yuck! I guess I just need to be thankful that I have a job in this unemployed town.
The mailman just buzzed down the road which means he will be here soon. It's 4:45 p.m. Usually means a sub. I have received 3 Christmas cards already and it's only Dec. 3. Wow I better get a move on. Lisa, e-mail me your address!

Snow Storm - December 1st

This is a picture looking out the front door Sunday morning. It wasn't as bad as some. Officially we got 2.3 inches of snow at Bishop Airport. The weather dude said they got 9.1 inches in Gaylord. Wow! Definitely too cold for a Catfish Stomp! (Read my sister's blog) Anyway, later on today we are putting up the decorations. Then I am making a delicious ham (turkey of course) and scalloped potatoes dinner. Thank you Marlene for telling me how to do colors and other cool stuff.
P.S. I could fly down to visit my sister anytime now!! This weather is not for me, or the birds!

December 1st - Can't Believe It

Well, it finally happened. I got talked into a fake Christmas tree! I've held out all this time. But, alas it's just getting to be too much. Tomorrow is the big decorating day. Yuck. I hate putting out the decorations. Going to put up my Dickens Village this year. I will take a pic. Going to a card party tonight. I hope I win. Taking little weenies. Big storm coming - so they say. Went from a Winter Storm Advisory to a Winter Storm WARNING. Must be the real thing. Good thing the card party is just down the street.

I Couldn't Agree More

A lot of truth in this CBS Sunday The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday.My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. lt; /SPAN> And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their c lassmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding God, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards.

Honestly and respectfully

My Cough is Suddenly Better....

So we drove down to Laurel PP mall today. I wanted to get a refill for my Franklin Planner. I ended up going with the next size up from what I had so I got a whole new planner and a new brief case - on sale of course. The highlight of the trip was of course eating at Olga's! We started with the snacker appetizer, then I had the soup and salad. Yummy! I wish we would get an Olga's in Flint. On the way out we passed the Saunders soda shop. Had to stop and get a Cream Puff. I got a little teary-eyed because I remember going with mom when I was a kid to the same kind of place. I think it was at Wonderland Mall. I wonder if that was before I started school because I don't remember any of the sibs being there. I'll have to ask brother Rob if he ever went there.

I Feel A Cough Coming On...

cough, cough, sniff, sniff. Huh, I might just have to call in sick tomorrow. Let's see. I have 12 Sick Days and about 6 months of work days......
It it Freeeeezing cold today. Too bad I still have to go out to an appointment tonight. This weather makes me want to curl up on the couch with any kind of hot beverage and read a good book or watch a movie. Tisk, Tisk, not tonight. I came home for a couple hours because I have the late app't. Good ole flex time.

Same Old Grind

I'm not talking about coffee beans. (miss those Starbucks beans!) I got up early for an 8:00 a.m. meeting that was not to be. A mix up in schedule for the first day back. Blah Humm Bug! Now I am tired. I sneaked out early to go to Niki's first Freshman BB game though. They lost badly. Then came home and fried up the bacon. Literally. I made bacon, scrambled eggs & toast (with jelly) for dinner. Did the dishes, now I"m blogging. Better quit soon though cuz I keep spelling things wrong! It started snowing today at around 12:30 and is still snowing. We would probably have a foot except for the fact that it's 35 degrees so it's melting when it hits. No SNOW DAY tomorrow.

Got off to an early start today. Went to the "Valley" for breakfast and then picked up the carpet cleaner at HD and picked up Nik at Lisa's house by 10:00 a.m. Caught up with Lisa for a few minutes. I miss her. Dropped Niki off at her grandma's to go to the Piston game. Then we had to pick up Katie's car because she said it was stalling. Turns out she was very low on gas and there must be some water in the gas line. Filled it up with Premium and put some anti-freeze stuff in it. Moral of the story don't let it get too empty. Came home cleaned the carpet and started the laundry. Took the carpet cleaner back, ate at Three Amigos and came home. The Aurands were putting up their Christmas lights so we couldn't be outdone. Put up the lights that actually worked. Sid and Evan helped me put up the Candy canes along the sidewalk. Still have to buy 1 strand of lights because we threw away 3 that wouldn't work. Came in and rested for a bit then took my bath. Now I am making spaghetti for dinner. Will probably read my new book by Debbie McComber after dinner.

Friday Finds

A feather bed for the camper $22
Paper plates .99
Christmas Cards - buy 1 box get another FREE
3 pack scotch tape - .99
A $9 razor with a $9 dollar rebate
A Playstation2 controller w/ 2 games - $19.99
A bag of bows - .99
3 candy cane pens - .99

I need to go back to Walgreens though because we forgot to pick up a new dog bed for Bailey $7.99 I might run up there this afternoon.
Tonight we are going to dad's to clean. Having Turkey A-la-king, yams, stuffing, cranberry and pumpkin pie. Sound familiar?

Movie Review

It might be the best "feel good" movie of the season. It is called "August Rush." It is wonderful, joyful, inspiring and really awesome. Of course there is a really cute kid. I'm a sucker for cute kid movies. But, I think you will really enjoy this one. I highly recommend it. Marlene, you will love this.
***** (Five Stars) I think I might become a movie critic. Wouldn't that be a fun job?

So anyway, it is freezing out, (22 degrees) but sunny and really pretty with the sun making the snow and ice glitter. Didn't get up and go shopping. The girls left at 10:00 p.m. with the neighbor to go to Birch Run last night and didn't get home until 6:00 a.m. CRAZY!! They are still in bed sleeping. Sarah had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to be at the Shack at 5:00 a.m. We may venture out this afternoon or tonight to see what shopping extravaganza's are left.

Over The River and Through The Woods

Wow, we have at least 2 inches of snow and it's still coming! This is like an old fashioned Thanksgiving. I think I remember eating dinner at Grandma's house. But, mostly I remember eating Thanksgiving dinner at Creager's Restaurant in Detroit. How about that parade? I wouldn't be going today with all that snow blowing around.

I'm getting ready to make breakfast, French Toast and Sausage. (turkey of course) I only have to make a salad for dinner today. I got off way easy.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Back From the Windy City

And it was windy & getting cold! IT took a while to get out. Waited at least 30 minutes in line on the runway. Longer than the actual flight took! It's taken me all weekend to recover.
Today I took Alyssa to the Big Brother Big Sister bowling activity. We had fun. It's hard to bowl with my ouchie leg. (torn hamstring from last year) We got a piece of pizza and a pop for our efforts. Afterwards we came home and Alyssa played with toys and rode the scooter. I did laundry. Only 3 work days this week, yea! Thanksgiving will be at Sarah's brother's house this year. I am hoping for some leftover turkey to we can do it all over again on Friday. (with my own stuffing! --- well mom's recipe really) That's about it for now. Safe travels Marlene & Don.

Bye

Today I'm heading for the Windy city. See ya Friday!

Scrapin' Good Weekend

Well we are not going to a B & B like Marlene and the girls but we are going to a beautiful location in Tawas right on Lake Huron. It will be warm and cozy and all about scrapbookin'. Unfortunately there will not be anyone to serve our meals or turn down our beds. However, we did make up all the food ahead of time so we won't have to cook!

FYI

The book I'm reading now is an older Mary Higgins Clark. I missed it somehow. "A Cry In the Night." I hope it's not the one that someone told me not to ready because it is too scarey!

Upcoming Events ~
Going on a girls weekend with Sarah, Chris and Renee up to Sarah's Mom & Dad's cottage in Tawas to do some mega scrap booking! Should be fun. Leaving on Friday and coming back on Sunday.

Going to Chicago the 13th through the 16 for the AmeriCorps VISTA supervisor training. Staying at the Wyndam O'hare. Not crazy about it , but we'll see. I hope it doesn't snow!

Catchin' Up

So, where have I been? Working I guess. I was pretty tired last week. Saturday Sarah and I went to visit my old friend (not that she's so old, but more that I've known her a long time!) Laura Therrien and her 2 boys Ken & Tom. Ken is married and has an adorable daughter named Kenzie Rose. She is really cute. We had a good time remembering old times.
Today we cleaned the house and then went to a Campground Place called "Outdoor Adventures." You have to buy into the place. The price is $8000.00 bucks!! But, you have "free" camping for the rest of your life. I say free, because of course there is a yearly maintenance fee of $360.00 And then if you want to go to locations outside of Michigan it is an additional $150 bucks. Needless to say we did not "buy" into the program. But, we did get 21 days of free camping at their campgrounds for the next year and a $40 gas card to Speedway.
I think I'm going to start a new book tonight. I will let you know what it is.

Feeling Better

I am feeling much better today. My body is still in recovery mode, but over all I do feel better!

They Said It Would Be A Snap

My gallbladder surgery, that is. Well, it was not. My blood sugar went sky high and they almost didn't let me go home. Then there was the nausea. Started from the minute they sat me up on Monday until this morning. But, I am happy to say I am feeling better today. My stomach, heartburn, etc.. still is kind of yucky! (By the way the Doc said my gallbladder was full of infection.) It was no "snap" that is for sure. Three year old Sydney wanted to know why the Dr. keeps giving me "ouchies". Good question I said. She was very careful to not bump my tummy. I went across the street to get my "Syd time." We read her new books and played Cinderella. I of course am the fairy god-mother.
Well, it's more R & R for me. I don't plan to do much for the next couple days.

Friday, Fish Day

Aren't you supposed to eat fish on Friday? Oh maybe that is just for catholics during lent. Well, anyway I had some good fish today for lunch. There is nothing much new. It's too cold to do anything. Too bad we have to go to the "last" football game tonight. It's the senior candlewalk. Well, we're just going to the 4th quarter and then be there for the candle thing. Brrrrrrr! I could never sit through the whole game. Tomorrow I have to work, ugh! A Men's group at a church. I'm doing a presentation. Then I'm coming back home and going in my beddie bye. Not really, but wishful thinking!

Pooped Out

The soccer mom for a day is all pooped out. The birthday party (for the dogs) was later than expected. By the time we got the kids settled down it was 9 p.m. I fell right asleep. But, then the girls came home and Sydney woke up. It took a long time to get her back to sleep. But, she was quick to get up at 7:30 a.m. Evan too. And, they were hungy. I had to feed them. I think I was half asleep. I gave them Sugar Pops and Pop Tarts. Put in a movie and "tried" to sleep on the couch. At about 9 they were bored so I swapped places with Sarah. I took a "nap" from 9 to 10. Man, little kids are a lot of work. But, we had bunches of fun!

Soccer Mom

That was me today. I had to take Evan to his soccer game and bring Syd too. We grabbed a water bottle, put the chair in the trunk, Syd in her carseat and started out. It was a 10:00 a.m. game. Whew it was a hot morning. We forgot Syd's little folding chair so she had to sit in my lap. Evan's team won, 3 to 1. Then we went back home for about an hour. Evan took a shower and Syd played. Then we piled back into the car, picked up Sasa, then Alyssa (my little sis) and we all went to Chuck E. Cheese. After that we went to the pet store. It was adopt a pet day.........Yikes! Eveyone wanted to take a doggie or kitty home. NO WAY!!
That was exhausting. Syd fell alseep on the way home. I sure wish I could have too. Then we chilled out for about an hour. Evan, Syd and I made a birthday cake for Bailey and Phoebe (his sister). Now we are waiting for Phoebe and her mom and dad. We are having a BIRTHDAY PARTY for them. CRAZY!! Then the dogs will open presents and eat birthday cake. They are seven years old. 49 in human years.......same age as me. I hope they don't feel the same way I do!!! Anyways, we are having brownies.

Cholecystectomy "To remove gallstones and prevent new ones from forming."

On October 22nd. A snap, no big deal said the doc. "Ok", said I. I'm starting to feel like a pincushion!! Too bad they can't recut my incisions from my earlier Nissan-Fundo-plas-whatever surgery. But, that would cause too much scar tissue. So, anyway that are the facts. I can still enjoy my weekend trip up North.

October 1st

Wow, hard to believe. I am home for lunch and I don't want to go back to work because it is cold and raining cats and dogs. That is one thing I don't like about my job--I have to get in and out of the car alot. It really stinks in the winter! I hope the rain doesn't knock all the leaves down. I hope we can still go up north on the 19th. I am really looking forward to that.

Number Three

Surgery that is. In a 13 month time span that is. The Doc says my gall bladder must come out. Soon! Very Soon! I many small gallstones and apparently I am passing them. So he is afraid they might get lodged. Going to see surgeon on Tuesday. Can you believe it? My body is falling apart. I'm just trying to catch up to Marlene, HA! So, I guess it's a no big deal surgery, but it's just the whole process of getting the surgery. Unbelievable!

Homecoming Dance

Last nite was the Swartz Creek Homecoming. Niki's first and Katie's last. It was a beautiful day. Pictures at 5:00 p.m. at our house.

It's the first day of fall, and it's supposed to be 80 degrees! I wanted to go to the cider mill, but it's still too warm. I like it to be cool and crispy. Besides the Bees are wack if you go when it's warm. I told my little sis Alyssa that we would go in a few weeks. I remember going to the Franklin Cider mill with mom and dad every year. You could watch the cider being made inside and then go outside and watch the huge water wheel that powered the machinery. Those were the days!

What's Next?

My doctor's medical assistant called to tell me that my bone scan results were fine. And, oh yes, my abdominal ultrasound shows I have gall stones! I need to make an appointment to see the good Dr. I'm not sure what he is planning but I can tell you this, I am not being cut open again this year!!
By the way, my stomach pains have already subsided since I stopped taking the Evista. (Marlene)

It's been a busy week. Homecoming week in the Creek! Monday was powder puff football. Katie played of course. Wednesday was Pride and Spirit. Went to watch the neighbor girl Elissa because she is in Poms. Last night was the parade and the Homecoming game. Tonight is the Homecoming dance. Niki is all excited because this is her first "formal" dance. They are doing nails and hair and all that stuff.

HI

So, I just thought I'd say "hi" to ya'll. That is southern speak for everyone! Lisa are you still alive? Call me sometime. Kristen and Karen and Marlene have all signed up for some new fangled something or another called "Facebook." I haven't even had time to check it out. Maybe I will do that tonight.
I made Shrimp Creole tonight with fresh shrimp from Donlan's Seafood market. It was pretty good, very spicy. Work is very busy with trying to get last year's mentors back in the schools, and at the same time recruit new mentors. whew!
Nothing else much new...

Totally Unmotivated

That's what I am. I can't believe it's already 9/5/07 and I haven't written for days. Back to work and all that, I guess. Well, over the weekend Sarah and I took the camper out to Holly Rec. area for a relaxing couple of days. We cookded some awesome steaks and then chicken kaboobs with the Renee's tripod grill. The girls were at their dads....... :-) Then we came home and cleaned and winterized the camper and completed other odd jobs. Of course I didn't cook all weekend!! I've been quite busy at work the last couple of days. We are scurring to get the mentors back into the school, PLUS recruiting new groups and individuals. Tomorrow we have a big meeting with several local pastors. That should be interesting. I bought a new outfit so I could look SASSY!
Looking forward to Renee's scrapbooking birthday party on Saturday. It's going to be wild and last into the wee hours of the night I bet. I think I might start a new book. Either a vacation book or the "mom" book I've been wanting to make. Stay tuned.

Scrapbook Extravaganza

Late yesterday afternoon, Renee (my neighbor) and I drove to Marlene's to sort through Marlene & Karen's scrapbook stuff before they took it to the resale shop. We sorted through the piles, picking out armloads of goodies. We both ended up with a trunk load of goodies for a very fair price. Marlene said that she set garage sale prices. After driving through Fenton (see next para.) and stopping at Subway for a quick sub, we arrived home and quickly decided to reorganize my scrapbook materials. I dragged my stuff across the street and the fun began. Renee helped me organize and set up my "stuff" so I can better access my things. We then did a few pages. I pooped out about 11:00 p.m. I have to go get my stuff today because I was too tired to drag it home last night!

Even though the signs on the expressway said, "all exits to Fenton closed," we decided to see how far we could get. We were actually able drive right down into Fenton. It was devastating. Roads were closed to neighborhoods that had massive trees down in the streets, and on rooftops. The downtown area had a massive amount of trees twisted and broken. We couldn't really see the worst part of the damage because those areas were blocked off with yellow tape. It was pretty scary stuff!

p.s. Thanks for sharing the paper, Renee!

Slow Start

Well we are slowly getting things back together at work. We had to attend a district meeting on Monday morning. Then yesterday a meeting from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Today, another meeting from 2:00 pm to probably 4:00. Maybe by next week we will be back in full swing. There is some talk about moving our office down to the admin. building. We're hoping to stay put at the lovely Zimmerman building. You know the one where the alternative ed. classes are. With the lovely children. But at least no bosses breathing down our necks! We have computers that need to be installed. Data lines, etc.
On a more personal note, I am reading John Grishom's latest novel and we are watching the HBO movie series "band of brothers." It's a war movie, which I don't normally like but it's pretty good. It makes me wonder if that's what dad went through during the war. Probably so. In case you didn't hear Nicole made the JV squad in volleyball for this her freshman year. Pretty good!! Can't wait till they go back to school. Can you feel me on this issue?

Update Your Blog

everyone has been saying. Well, what if I really have nothing to say? Which is the case for why I haven't written. This is my last day until I go back to work. I haven't even heard from my boss as to what the schedule is for tomorrow. So, maybe I won't even go....... ha ha
Got up early today (7:30) and straighten up the house, did some e-mail, stuff like that. Hopefully I will be tired enough to go to bed at a decent time. But, I still doubt I will sleep. I never do on Sunday night. I am making tacos for dinner tonight. Now there is something exciting!

Now Can I Start the Count Down?

So, I have to go back to work next Monday. I'm trying to make the most of my last week, but I seem to keep getting caught up in the mundane. Tasks that must be completed before I'm too busy to do anything about them.
Two Dr.'s appointments
Pick up my new glasses
Take the dog to the vet for shots and heart worm
Get an oil change in the Blazer
Call the insurance company about the crack in the windshield
Get my tire replaced (ARGH! There was a nail in it, and it was non-fixable!)
Wait for the mattress people

However, on a much "brighter" note, Monday night we stayed up late with the Aurands to watch the meteor shower. It was touted to be the biggest and the best because of the New Moon. (No light to interfere) We saw a fair share, we "ohhhhhed" and "Ahhhhhed", but nothing prepared us for what happened next. There was a bright flash in the sky, we all screamed. (yes, even Tom!) We saw the hugest meteor, complete with firey ball and swooshing tail. It even hung in the sky for several seconds. Even Bailey saw it. :-) It was really worth the yawns the next morning! We all decided it was a once in a life time event!

Having Fun At The Cottage

Well we are having the usual great time at the cottage. The Aurands (our neighbors) were here Tues. and Wed. It was a bit crowded but we managed quite well. We did lots of boating and tubing. It was almost too quiet when they left! Last night we had a grilled dinner. Chicken, veggies and "JohnnyCheck" corn all on the grill. Yumm-O! The corn was awesome as usual. Should be great for Marlene & Don & Karen and Riley next week. It's a cloudy start to the day today and there is a small chance for showers. I'm thinking of going into Boyne for some good coffee and maybe a small pastry at the Boyne City Cafe...

Leavin Early

So we are all packed up and ready to go. Just waiting for Nicole to get done babysitting. Chris gave me the lowdown last night when we took them out to show them how to run the boat. Which by the way Rob, Chris and Abbey seemed to thoroughly enjoy. The neighbors, Tom, Renee, Elyssa, Evan & Big Girl will be joining us tomorrow. That should be fun. We will do lots of tubing and maybe even skiing. Me of course, I'll be driving. If I can even get up in the boat--don't want to rip my incision! By the way I like Marlene's new blog setup. I might be changing mine upon return from vaca.

Nothing Much New

Just washing, packing, shopping and getting ready to go to the cottage. We are leaving Tuesday morning. I have a major sinus headache today. Hmmmm, what else? Don't have to cook tonight because we're going to the neighbors for 2 of her kids birthday parties & she's having subs. Can't think of much else...

First Day of August

No, I'm not counting down, Lisa. I got up early so as I could get out while it was still cool. I took my Lil Sis Alyssa to a mini water park. It was called a "Splash Pad." It was pretty cool. They had water coming in all directions. Out of the ground, out of poles of various shapes and sizes, dumping from buckets and shooting from towers. Needless to say we got wet and it felt good. Channel 12 news was there, but apparently we were not photogenic enough. ha ha We went out for lunch at Burger King (her choice)... It was probably about 90 already by the time I dropped her off at around 1:30. Good thing the air was on at home, because I made hot roast beef sandwhiches for dinner. Just chillin now...