mesc

Sunday Dinner

2012-02-13T03:59:00.001-05:00

Oh yum, Joanna made delicious food for dinner at the Jacklin house! Yeah Pinterest for being major inspiration.

Dumplings filled with squash (How did I not get a picture!?!)

Chicken with Asian flavors

Beans with ham

Salad

Cannoli tarts

Such a great time!

Dr. Suess Quote

2012-02-11T23:34:00.001-05:00

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

MLIVE Picture

2012-02-10T19:52:00.001-05:00

Michigan drivers usually drive better than this! North I75 was closed down from Birch Run to Bay City for about four hours late this afternoon. Over 65 accidents.

Hello Winter!

Michigan Girl

2012-02-08T13:14:00.001-05:00

Watch ""Michigan Girl"" on YouTube

Thanks Fran for sending this link!

Fandangles

2012-02-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

Jim, Cindy, Kathy, Mary Lynn, Pat and I went to Fandangles for dinner on Saturday. We had such a nice time. We got to see Tom and Steve and our waitress was a gem. This is our second annual dinner.

I had the special, sea bass, oh it was buttery delicious. All of us got dessert, mine was a slice of heaven, dark chocolate fudge something or other. I would do just about amything for that dessert!

It's Going to Work!

2012-02-06T07:56:00.004-05:00

I get inspired and quickly realize I am in over my head! The string art just wasn't working in my head. Yesterday at church I realized the art needed to be floor to ceiling in a rectangle. Originally I was thinking large hoops behind the cross but it was bothering me that most of it would not be seen and in my mind I think it should look like sun rays behind the cross. I talked it over with Bill and Pat and came home and put together a prototype - It is going to work!

I love finding art that inspires - Gabriel Dawe has done that and I can't wait to get started!

A Nice Visit with Cathy

2012-02-04T09:07:00.000-05:00

Pat's sister spent the night, it was so nice to visit with her. We never get to just sit and talk - it was fun. She already left to go to a class at SVSU. So dishes are done, house is clean, sounds like a day to write!

Quick Trip to Lansing

2012-02-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

We decided to go to Roma's yesterday for pizza crusts. I know, I know, it is crazy to drive to Lansing for pizza crusts. But, they are the best. Light and airy, just pull them out of the freezer and Javier and Ayva love to put different toppings on them. Everyone loves them.

We stopped at a few thrift stores and I found some dishes and a whole bag of seafood forks! I can't wait to wrap them in beads.

Before we left I dropped off the auction item for the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum Arts from the Heart. This is the 5th annual event and I have donated something every year - I look all year long for a cake plate and this year I found a beautiful Mikasa one. Click on the right column of the blog under the contruction zone and go to the 1st serving site to see a picture!

1861 - 1911 How Ridiculous You Look My Dear

2012-01-30T08:32:00.001-05:00

This picture was my Grandma Shea's - then my Mom had it hanging in her bathroom that we wallpapered for her at the Amadore Apartments in Saginaw. Then when she moved to the McArthur Condo it was in her bathroom. Then my sister, Jane took it home after Mom died - mmmmm..... I wonder if it is in her bathroom. For my retirement she scanned it in and put it in a frame and it is in my bathroom now. This is sort of scary that we have a bathroom art tradition!!

Anyway - I finally found it online - on a Russian site I think! The caption reads: 1861-1961 How Ridiculous You Look My Dear

I always wonder which woman has said this!

Casino Fun

2012-01-28T12:44:00.000-05:00

This was the Monkey's Slot Machine

This was the Siberian Tiger Slot Machine

When we were up north this week we stopped at several Casino's because we were winning! This really doesn't happen often and when it does we just go with the flow! We ended up with about $300 in winnings.

We saw at the Turtle Creek Casino that they have an H&R Block on the premises - YIKES - I bet it is really cheap to get the taxes done, if not free, and that they even hand you your refund in cash so you can gamble it away!!!!

We never lose more than $40 when we go gambling and usually only go about once every couple of months. So this was fun - but you can bet your shorts we aren't getting our taxes done at a Casino!!!

Apple Pie

2012-01-28T06:45:00.004-05:00

Apple Pie Recipe

FILLING
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 TBS all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 8 medium sized tart apples sliced very thin – I use Cortland
• 2 TBS Butter

CRUST (recipe makes one double crust):
• 2 1/2 cups white flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 sticks butter
• 8 tbsp. ice water

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Filling:
Peel, core and slice the apples. Try to keep the size of the slices thin.

Mix sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl.
Stir in apples.

Crust:
Measure the flour and salt together into food processor.

Add the chilled butter pieces to the bowl. Pulse several times

Add the ice water. Pulse just until the dough holds together (add a bit more water, if necessary).

Turn the dough onto Saran wrap and shape into 2 balls, flatten and refrigerate for ½ hour at least – 4 hours even better

Put dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out

Pour filling into pastry-lined pie plate.

Dot with butter

Roll out the second ball of dough and cover the top of the pie. Use your fingers to pinch the edges together and cut a few slits in the top

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust.

Happy Birthday, Dad

2012-01-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

It is your 97th birthday! I know you are all celebrating with your friends and relatives. Do you celebrate today or maybe you celebrate May 4th as your birthday in Heaven! Well anyway, down here on earth we still wish you a happy birthday today! Love you.

Sunshine, Snow and Beauty

2012-01-27T09:37:00.001-05:00

The sun and snow makes Little Traverse Bay a color that I think I would say is Prussian Blue. It is the prettiest deep blue with frothy white waves. The snow and rocks surrounding the water and the sun on Harbor Springs on the other side of the bay made for a picture perfect morning.

We have had the nicest two days in Charlevoix, Traverse City and Petoskey. On our way home this afternoon.

Camping

2012-01-24T04:51:00.002-05:00

Thinking about Sheala going off to college next year already has me thinking about our "last" summer before everything changes.
So I told everyone I want one weekend camping this summer. Even Jesse who thinks camping should include a motel instead of a tent!
Javie and Ayva think it is a great idea. They both want to go, Javie remembers our one overnight trip and he says he wants to sleep in the trailer with Nana and Papa. Ayva was too little to remember, but said, "I want to sleep with you too, Nana and your dog." I answered her, "I don't have a dog, Ayva Schmayva." She said in her sing song way, "Yeah you do, on your bed!"
We do have a dog stuffed animal on our bed. I guess he's going camping with us.

Food Blog Search

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Look on the right hand side of my blog, scroll down, click on the Food Blog Search - you can type in any recipe and it will give you the results of hundreds of food blogs that have that recipe. You can also add the widget to your blog or website.

AAAAHHHH Martinez!!!!

2012-01-19T08:46:00.002-05:00

Didn't you stretch?????

OH YUM! Roasted Sweetness

2012-01-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

We were at Meijer and there were tons of grape tomatoes on the sell fast display. They still looked great and I actually only threw out about 7 tomatoes after washing and drying them. We were going to a potluck at church and I bought tons! I looked up an Barefoot Contessa recipe and used that as a base recipe. Covered two cookie sheets with foil and doused them with a mixture of:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
4 cloves of garlic minced (I used my planer - I love to mince garlic that way)
1 TBS Mrs. Dash
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp garlic powder

Roast at 450 for 20 minutes. They were sweet and juicy and YUMMMMMMMY! You can toss with pasta and serve warm, or put them on garlic toast just the way they are or east them room temperature.

Cutting Bacon

2012-01-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

When making quiche I like to cut the bacon into smaller uniform pieces before cooking it. I find that if I put it in the freezer for ten minutes before cutting it the pieces stay together and cut easily.

Removing Wax

2012-01-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

You can put glass candleholders in the microwave oven on low power. After a minute the wax will melt off - be careful the glass may be hot and the wax will be very hot. If the candleholder is made of metal you can't put it in the microwave, but you can use the opposite method - freeze the candleholder in the for an hour, the wax will come off very easily

onions

2012-01-13T08:04:00.000-05:00

When cutting onions, put them into the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing and dicing. The cold causes the little particles that spray into the air to become crystallized. Now you won't shed any tears when cutting them up.

Green Peppers

2012-01-13T07:58:00.001-05:00

Did you know that peppers with three bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better if you want to eat them raw or make a salad? Peppers with four bumps are better for cooking!

Left Center Right

2012-01-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

I cannot wait to buy this game, I am such a dweeb. I told Pat when we went to Target there was something there I wanted to buy - couldn't remember it - walked through the store trying to remember what it was. It was the game we played at Bill and Amy's on New Year's Day. Now I have to make a trip to Target today.

Gabriel Dawe Inspiration

2012-01-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

Inspiration from Gabriel Dawe - Art and Environment Easter?

Pirates Aarrgh

2012-01-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun. Ayva and Javier dressed up like pirates in costumes that Papa and Nana bought. Then they had to follow clues

go to kitchen pans
go to bathroom shelf
go to piano
go to Nana and Papa's room

and the treasures were under the bed.

We had soooo much fun

2012-01-08T18:30:00.001-05:00

Sunday Dinner

2012-01-08T18:29:00.004-05:00

Having Martinez and Jacklin family for Sunday dinner.

My own version of Tandoori Chicken - hands down best chicken ever

Worcestershire Sauce - several drops
Franks Red Hot - few drops
Cinnamon - teaspoon
Smoked Paprika - teaspoon
Cayenne Red Pepper- 1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin - teaspoon
Oregano Leaves - teaspoon
Fat Free Plain Yogurt - 1 pint
Fat Free Sour Cream - 1/2 pint

Mix all together and add 12 - 15 boned, skinless, chicken thighs. Let marinate at least half hour. LET EXCESS DRIP OFF AND THEN GRILL.

Pork Roast on the rottisserie
Marinate in Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup wine, juice of one orange, rosemary and thyme. Put on rottisserie and discard marinade. Make new one orange juice, olive oil, garlic, Mrs. Dash, salt, pepper. Brush on every 15 minutes. Delicious

Pinned Recipes
Broccoli - good
Smashed Potatoes - everyone loved them
Zuccini - oven fried - pirate power coins -
making one box of Kraft macaroni and cheese for the littlest picky eater!

2012-01-07T14:06:00.002-05:00

A Quick Trip to the Scrapbox

2012-01-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

We decided to go to Ann Arbor to buy ends of rolls of newsprint to wrap the hostess gifts I sell at craft shows.

So I texted our niece, Ellie and their family met us there.

Aunt ME and Uncle Pat had fun with them. Pauly and Rett send me a picture on your Mom's phone of something you made from your bag of goodies.

My Favorite Household Tip

2012-01-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Here is the best way to degrease a pan when doing your dishes. After washing the pan let the water drip out of it, squirt some dish soap into the pan and use the flat of your hand to swirl it all over the bottom and sides. The pan gets squeaky clean.

Funky

2012-01-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I wouldn't call it the flu because thank goodness neither of us has been in the bathroom. However I did have chills and a crampy feeling and Pat felt "funky". I didn't even write at all yesterday or today - I must have been sick!

But I'm feeling better so back to my writing.

2012-01-02T20:54:00.001-05:00

Cookie Fruit Tart

2012-01-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

Javier and Ayva and I had such fun in the kitchen today.

I prepared everything before they got here. Cut all the vegetables for the salad and cooked the sausage for the pizza. Rinsed the fruit and baked the cookie for the tart.

Then they assembled everything.Lots of tasting, licking and fun.

April 1st

2012-01-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

Countdown to Opening Day is on! Can't Wait! I Miss My Tigers!

90 Days

Working hard on second book

2011-12-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

I'm done with the first draft of the second chapter book. I love it. I would like to have several done before I do anything with them. My sister suggested ebooks and I have been reading up on it and I think I agree with her.

I have a new blog with the first chapter of each book - click on the right under the construction zone for the link.

Pizza with the Family

2011-12-26T18:02:00.001-05:00

We had so much fun at the Bavarian Inn arcade. We had pizza and all the kids played the games.

It was a nice time to visit.

Altered Book

2011-12-26T09:02:00.000-05:00

I was looking at the pictures of the altered book I made my friend, Amy. I don't think I ever posted any of them. I really would like to do another one. It does take over the computer room - so I would have to really, really want to do another one.

There is so much drying time when making one that you have to leave it open on the page you are working on for a bit.

Amy and I both love hummingbirds - I searched for just the right book to use for months before I found this one. I wanted to make memories about her Mom who had passed away. Her husband, Bill, helped me by providing many pictures that I scanned in and printed out - I didn't want to use her originals. We also found some of Amy's hair her mother had saved.

This was so beautiful when it was done - I still love it.

Here is the outside of the book:

This is the section that I used the locket and hair:

I used old wallpaper books for many of the backgrounds. One picture was her Mom outside with Amy on the grass next to her, another one her Mom sitting in a chair outside, and one with her friends. I put the backgrounds of the beach and a lighthouse and a library in France and a gazebo.

Vintage Birdcage

2011-12-26T07:55:00.000-05:00

When visiting friends over the holidays, I couldn't resist taking this picture - I love the birdcage - and this one looks as if it holds a Christmas Tree!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:53:00.000-05:00

We spent the day going to visit friends. It was a very nice morning. Then stopped at Harvey's for lunch. Tonight we are going to church at 5:00 to be with Bill and Amy and at 9:00 to be with Jim and Jan. Pat also is singing at 9:00.

I hope you enjoy the pictures we took at church the other night. Merry Christmas to all!

Inspired

2011-12-22T04:06:00.000-05:00

We finished the decorating last night at SS Peter and Paul Church. It was a fun night. The evening started with the traditional hot dog dinner. Then everyone just gets to work.

The colors are gold and white and the tree turned out so pretty. I won't post the pictures until Christmas. But I will tell you that I used the picture I found on Pinterest as inspiration and it really turned out sweet!

If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook

2011-12-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

ISO Setting

2011-12-17T07:58:00.001-05:00

Since the Pinterest pin about taking pictures in the dark with the lights on the Christmas Tree I decided to just play around with the ISO settings this morning. I had to adjust the color after I took them - so I have a long way to go. But this is fun.

2011-12-16T07:11:00.003-05:00

My new fun pastime is so much fun I had to turn off my Galaxy Tablet for the first time because I have three more days left for this billing cycle and I have used 2.95 of 3.00 GB for the month!!!!

It is called Pinterest - a site where people "Pin" and "Repin" things they want to try or pictures they like on to "Boards" So I have Great Photos, Food with multiple categories, 1st Serving, Crafts, Holidays, and whenever I see something I would like to try or a site I want to revisit - I put it into a Pin on a Board.

It is addicting - and works great on the PC - but there are drawbacks when using the Galaxy. It took me a bit to figure out there are some glitches. When saving to a board not all of my boards show up only the top 7 or so and it won't scroll down - so - I made my first board be an I Need to Move Board. I put anything in there that I can't get to the board it needs to be in - so when I go into my own space I can edit each one to the board it needs to be in - for some reason when I am in my own Pinterest Home where my boards are the correct way to choose a board kicks in.

I also cannot pin - only repin - that is a major glitch - but one I am sure they will fix - it is just a minor problem because I can go on my PC - which all of a sudden I am doing a lot more because of Pinterest! There are so many good things to repin I am happy with using my Galaxy 75% of the time with Pinterest.

I love my Pinterest - thank you Heather for getting me addicted to something that is so much fun.

Christmas Has Finally Arrived at the Cliffords

2011-12-15T09:07:00.000-05:00

My favorite heirloom from my Mom. I probably already blogged this but - here goes again. My Mom had an ongoing tradition that started before she moved out of her Jefferson Street home (which by the way looks awful). She made a list of her most treasured possessions and asked us to put down in numerical order what we wanted to inherit from her. It was often heard, "When you die....." Sounds morbid I know but my kids do it now, too! We have fun with it.

This is the Nativity Set that I put as NUMBER 1 on my list of things I wanted from my Mom's house. I asked her, "Mom, if something is not on the list can I still put it as Number 1?" My brothers and sisters were not happy that I wanted something that was not on the list!!!! What was it??? Did they want it??? Because it was something that only came out of the attic at Christmas time it never made it onto the list - but - I used to stand in front of the Nativity scene on Hoyt Street just looking at the beautiful statues. I think her Uncle Mario made the stable and her Uncle Ray painted it. I just called my cousin, Mary Lynn and she is going to double check the Uncle Mario part!

Anyway - when Mom moved to the condo she gave me the nativity set - I still love it to pieces.

Beef and Polenta Crockpot Dinner

2011-12-14T18:00:00.001-05:00

I was inspired by a pinterest recipe. Use leftover pulled roast beef and slice a tube of prepared polenta.

In a crockpot layer:

Fire roasted tomatoes (I used Hunts)
Polenta slices
Leftover shredded roast beef
Black beans (rinsed and drained)
Sprinkle with Taco Seasoning
Slices of Colby Jack Cheese

Put a second layer on top. Cook on high 4 hours. Turn off and let sit for 15 minutes.

It was delicious and so easy. The polenta was so creamy. The original recipe was called a tamale casserole. This really did not taste like a tamale but it was so good.

The Best Day Ever

2011-12-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

The Jacklin and Martinez families came for dinner. Then we made Aunt Betty's Sugar Cookies. We frosted them and put sprinkles on them. Javier said, This was the best day ever!" Nana said, "I think so, too!"

Click to read the Webber House article

2011-12-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

Saginaw Images - Essay - Webber House

My First Chapter Book

2011-12-08T20:38:00.000-05:00

I've been playing around writing a story. I've been using lots of good lines from my life. It sure has been fun. I'm using several different decades of memories to make Saginaw come alive. So in my world Berties Bakery, the Webber house, cell phones and texting all are in the present. It's fun.

Stop by for my last show

2011-12-07T06:07:00.000-05:00

Don't forget my last show for 2011 - Today from 10-4 at Andersen Enrichment Center on Ezra Rust in Saginaw. There is a holly sale and a great lunch. See you there!

All Set to Go

2011-12-06T14:11:00.001-05:00

We just finished setting up at Andersen Enrichment Center for the Hollydays Fair from 10-4 Wednesday (tomorrow). It was fun watching the vendors set up. Many people walked over to say they read the article in the Saginaw News on Sunday. Can't wait for tomorrow.

A Great Show

2011-12-04T22:22:00.002-05:00

Clarkston was another great show. We sold like there was no tomorrow - then today was quite slow. But there was a rally at the end to make today a good day, too. Joanna was sweet enough to go to Grandy Farm to pick up our inventory after that show closed at 5:00 again this year.

In Clarkston we were next to Linda and Ron Harris who sell sculptures of fish bones. They are great. (The sculptures and Ron and Linda!)

We had so much fun. It seemed that every plate Ron touched sold in the next hour. Every time it happened we laughed. So he came into the booth and touched lots of plates. Then a couple women walked up and bought 12 sets!

Pat was looking at their sculptures and walked over to their booth and saw the Parrothead and he had to have it. He thought it was just too cool.

They talked us into checking out the Glenn Arbor show in July so we look forward to seeing them again. A link to their website is below.

2011-12-04T22:12:00.000-05:00

Spirit Fish artwork created by Ronald Harris

Sue White - Saginaw News

2011-12-04T07:45:00.001-05:00

Last week Sue White called to ask about my hostess gifts. She heard from Marsha Braun at the Andersen Enrichment Center that I would be at the Hollyday Art Fair this Wednesday.

After a short phonecall where she talked to me like she was a dear friend she wrote an article for today's Saginaw News that perfectly describes how much I love making and selling my hostess sets. Click below to read the article.

2011-12-04T07:01:00.000-05:00

MLive.com: Bay City : Old becomes new again at Saginaw's Hollyday Art Fair

Last Shows for the Year

2011-12-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

Sunday - Grandy Farm 9-5
Sunday - Clarkston High School 11-4
Wednesday - Andersen Enrichment Center 10-4

This has been a very good year. Thank you to all my new and repeat customers. It is so much fun watching people choose the hostess gifts. I love working the craft shows.

Bluebirds

2011-12-01T14:26:00.001-05:00

We saw five beautiful bluebirds at the entrance of Chippewa Nature Center. It surprised us because it has been years since we saw one.

Grandy Farm

2011-12-01T13:51:00.001-05:00

We set up this morning at the Grandy Farm. It is the 25th year for the holiday open house. Everything looks so festive. Deb is pondering this being the last year! I would really miss this show. It is Friday-Sunday and I will be working all day Friday. Stop on by and tell Deb to have another show next year!

Time to Bake

2011-11-29T06:45:00.004-05:00

On my way into the kitchen to bake cookies for the 25th Annual Grandy Farm Open House this weekend.

I have lots of leftover snacks from Thanksgiving - chocolate covered peanuts, malted milk balls, chocolate dusted almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts. I found a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and everything is going in - I'll post a pic when I am done.

Ggggggrrrrrr - no I won't. If a cookie recipe ever says to melt the butter - think twice before making them. Flat as pancakes - stuck to the pans - in the trash - then 1/2 hour scraping the pans clean (and no I didn't use pam because the recipe had two sticks of butter and I have never had cookies stick with that much butter!) Need to start over.

Oh yum - made my sister, Jane's pumkin cookie recipe. These are the best.

Paetz Photography

2011-11-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

We had our picture taken for the church directory. I am very happy with Paetz Photography. This is the best picture we've had in years. So if you are thinking of a portrait choose Paetz!

Oops!

2011-11-28T14:41:00.001-05:00

We had to go back to raise the wreath so the drapes would be higher. SS Peter and Paul uses a projector instead of printed worship aides and some people in the last row couldn't see the words. And of course this past weekend was the weekend where the words changed during the liturgy.

Oops!

Dark Shadows

2011-11-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

I remember coming home after school and watching Dark Shadows with my sister, Jane. The movie due out in May will have Tim Burton directing and Johnny Depp will be Barnabus Collins. I have to say that duo scares me - they are both creepy! Jane we should go to see it together.

Advent

2011-11-25T15:09:00.003-05:00

We just finished preparing the worship space for Advent. I wish you could smell the Juniper - the fragrance is amazing.

The simple lines of the draping through the wreath is very beautiful. Even though the material in the picture looks blue St. Pete's uses the traditional purple. Nancy couldn't stop thinking about how it should look - I'm glad she felt so strongly about trying it.

One Shopping Trip

2011-11-25T06:34:00.000-05:00

Ashamed to say for the second year in a row I went shopping on Thanksgiving. Couldn't resist a quick run to Michaels - $576 worth of beads for $200! Can't resist such a good deal so I can keep selling the hostess plates and knives for the same price.

I did apologize to the store clerk but she said she was happy to be working because she had Thanksgiving dinner at 1:00 and she would just be sitting at home - made me feel a bit better.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

Started out the morning making sweet potatoes and apples. Then we went to St. Pete's for a beautiful Thanksgiving liturgy. I am so thankful for our family and friends.

We came home and put the turkey in the oven - first time ever I didn't stuff the turkey. I came across a crockpot stuffing recipe that sounded great so I thought I would try it.

All I have left is the salad and the roasted veggies. Caroline said she was coming early to help so I'll wait for her to do those with me.

Today, Michael's wife arrived in the U.S. It has been almost two years for the visa process. WELCOME HOME KESENIJA SHEA. We are truly thankful you are reunited with Michael.

2011-11-24T06:22:00.001-05:00

Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe - Food.com - 49609

What an Afternoon!

2011-11-23T17:24:00.000-05:00

Robbie came over all day helping his Papa with the ceiling in the basement. Then at 3:00 he stpped and we reviewed his notes for his driving test. I drove him to Center Courts where we reviewed one more time before he went in to take the test. Joanna called to say he passed the test - 100% - yeah. That means he can get his license in nine days when he turns 16!

Then Jane called with David and Sarah on a three way call - they were making cauzone for Thanksgiving! Traditionally an Easter pie in our family but David makes it for Thanksgiving. It was a joy talking to them!

I decided I didn't have room in the refrigerator to cook anymore today so I'll be up early tommorrow.

Thanksgiving Prep

2011-11-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

We are having Pat's family here on Thursday and Joanna and Caroline's families here on Friday so I'm getting ready for two dinners.

Yesterday I made pumpkin risotto for Thursday and Friday plus enchiladas for Friday. Today I'm making my sister-in-law Cindy's apples and sweet potatoes and my friend Pam's pumpkin cake for Thursday and Friday.

Robbie is coming over to help his Papa put the ceiling in the basement - hopefully making an area for some people to eat on Thursday. Personally I don't think we will use the area but I'll be happy to have that job done! I've got some decluttering to do in the computer room, a stop at the store for a couple more things, so with those things and the cooking I'll be busy today.

Christmas?

2011-11-20T15:32:00.001-05:00

I saw a Facebook post from my friend Barb that said because they were not having family home for Thanksgiving they decided to decorate for Christmas.

So today we called and said we were coming for a Christmas drink. We had such an enjoyable visit with Barb and Dave. Remembering when our kids were little and such good friends.Our camping trips as well as the visits to their home over the years.

Good friends - good memories - good visit!

Holiday in the Heart of the City

2011-11-18T21:46:00.001-05:00

Sheala, Caroline, Ayva, Pat and I went to Holiday in the Heart of the City. It was perfect weather for walking. We started at the zoo. The white wolf even walked right up to the windows to see Ayva.

I got to see my friend Heather and her family walking into the zoo - her daughter Liv was brave enough to ride the pony. Maybe next year Sophie and Maddie might!

Then we went to the Japanese Tea House and had Sheala and Ayva's names written in Japanese.

Then off to the carriage rides where they got the last ride of the night. The lady said we were too late but we stood there until they filled the carriage and there was room for Caroline, Sheala and Ayva!

After Caroline said Ayva didn't like the 4th of July fireworks and she didn't want to see the fireworks tonight so we got in the car to leave when Ayva said, "Nana, I want to see the fireworks." So we pulled over and she loved watching them from the car.

A very good night!

Ayva Shmayva Come Play with Nana!

2011-11-18T14:39:00.001-05:00

Ayva - look what Nana found for you at the thrift store! There is a set of twins and triplets - one even plays music! All for $10 - what a deal! Come play with me!

Dinner

2011-11-16T18:54:00.001-05:00

OK Remember when I said it was my new favorite wine? Lot 49 is SOOOOOO good I made Pat promise never to open a bottle unless he is going to drink half of it!

We shared a bottle over steak and enchiladas - yum.

New Favorite Church Sign

2011-11-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

Honk if you love Jesus
Text while you drive if you want to meet him

My New Favorite Wine

2011-11-14T16:21:00.001-05:00

We decided to drive up to Traverse City after our night in Grand Rapids. We stopped at all the consignment shops during the early afternoon.

Now we are wine tasting. Our first stop was Peninsula Cellars where we bought a few different kinds of wine. Then on to Chateau Grand Traverse to get some oak barrel fermented Chardonnay that we really like. We love coming to the vineyards at this time because you can take your time with fewer people. The vinter at Chateau Grand Traverse has waited on us several years now - he actually was the person who told me I would love the barrel fermented Chardonnay at room temperature. So I asked him to pick out the last wine for us to taste and it was fabulous. It is only the third year that this wine has been made - it won first place in London for those first two years. It is called Lot 49 Riesling. It also spends some time in oak barrels. It isn't sold in stores but it is worth the trip here - they only have a few cases left. It is yummy.

Power of Prayer

2011-11-14T12:57:00.001-05:00

Right after I retired my friend Kim told me she had a mouse in her office. I told her that was because when I worked there EVERY SINGLE MORNING I said a prayer on my way into work to keep the creatures and the critters away.

I just thought maybe I should have been praying for world peace all those years!

Dinner with Liz and Joe

2011-11-13T18:19:00.001-05:00

Such a nice night with Liz and Joe! We drove to Grand Rapids for an overnight and my sister Jane's daughter Liz and her boyfriend Joe met us for dinner.

It was so great getting to know Joe and seeing Liz so happy.

Two Shows Today

2011-11-12T05:50:00.001-05:00

It's going to be a beautiful day for a drive. Why not drive to Mt. Pleasant or Bay City to attend a craft show? I will be at:

West Intermediate School
440 South Bradley
Mt. Pleasant
9:00 - 3:30

Pat's cousin's daughter, Christie will be selling my dishes and knives along with her jewelry and you can ask her about her unique guitar clocks! She will be at:

In His Presence Ministries
4521 Monitor
Bay City
Doors open at 9:00

Count down to 11/11/11 11:11:11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

So do I have anything better to do? Yes - we are having company for dinner so you know I have better things to do - but I thought it would be fun to post something at 11/11/11 11:11:11.

My whole life I have been drawn to look at the clock at 11:11. My Aunt Dorothy's birthday was 11/11 and when she told me she often looked at the clock at 11:11 it spooked me a bit because I did the same thing!

It's funny because I am so predictable that every time I see it I smile, point to the numbers and tell Pat "11:11" - thank God he loves me enough to put up with my craziness!

Okay - I have to watch the clock now so I can go onto FB and post at 11:11 too! (But this will be the official one posted at 11/11/11 11:11:11!)

You gotta love ME!

My Friend Jan

2011-11-10T19:17:00.001-05:00

We stopped for a hug and to drop off some food. She looks good but exhausted. May God heal her quickly and completely.

Airplanes to go camping?

2011-11-09T21:01:00.002-05:00

Caroline and the kids came over for dinner - Jesse had to work :-(

Javier made a checklist of all the food supplies we would need to go camping - checking off each thing he thought of to bring with us. Then he drew airplanes he said they were to go camping. Grandma Caroline and Grandpa are going to have to bring them camping next year so they understand they don't have to take a plane!

Then they built castles with Papa - what fun!

Wind Farms

2011-11-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

We have been driving around Breckenridge, Hemlock and St. Lois today. I bet we've seen 200 windmills. I don't see any of them working yet but they are huge. We just passed a generator being trucked to a new site and it was very big.

I can't wait to see these all working.

Gggrrrr. . . .

2011-11-08T01:50:00.001-05:00

I put chicken in the crockpot overnight and now it awakened me with the aroma and my tummy is growling saying "Feed me already!"

Shower for Monique

2011-11-06T17:10:00.002-05:00

We had such a great time meeting Azal Bryant Thomas for the first time. The baby shower was very nice and it was so good to see everyone. Got a chance to talk with Kristina (you and Brandon can come to dinner anytime - call me!) A good time was had by all.

I Hate to Drive

2011-11-05T05:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I did the driving. We went to an estate sale in Bay City. Detours, BCC getting out of school just as I drove by, sun in my eyes when I was already tired, stop signs on busy roads. . . . I am so blessed that Pat loves to drive as much as I hate to drive!

And the final insult? Walking into the estate sale and seeing the stack of beautiful glass dishes on the checkout table being purchased by an antique dealer from the Antique Warehouse!

Our New Tree!

2011-11-03T10:55:00.002-04:00

Our new Red Maple is being put into the ground today. I so missed our Sugar Maple since we had it removed. These guys from Bell Landscaping really had to work to remove the old roots from that good old tree!

I love looking out my kitchen window and having a beautiful 15 foot tree that looks at home in our yard even on its first day.

I'm So Proud!

2011-11-02T20:10:00.003-04:00

Click here to see my talented grandson, Robbie win first place-in all his glory!

Halloween and Papa's Birthday

2011-11-02T19:12:00.002-04:00

We had everyone over to celebrate Pat's birthday. We don't like having anyone driving on Halloween so the kids dressed up tonight and went out the front door to the back to trick or treat. Such fun!

Break

2011-11-01T12:16:00.001-04:00

That is break as in a rest - not as in breaking dishes! We bought some great dishes in New Jersey and I wrapped a couple hundred knives on our trip so I want to get these prepped for upcoming shows.

I have a couple more hours to work on these and need to be done before Patrick comes back from his parents.

I do think I am set for all the shows and a large order from my friend Tom. So after these are done today I'll just be selling!

Don't forget the upcoming shows - listed on the sidebar on the right!

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-31T05:36:00.001-04:00

We are home. It was a very long drive yesterday. We had planned on two 7 hour days but the snowstorm blew that plan to pieces.

On Saturday we drove 150 miles in 4 hours so yesterday we had 950 to drive! It took 14 hours with short stops for gas, breakfast and dinner. It amazes me to think we were in Massachusetts yesterday!

It feels good to be home!

Beautiful Drive in Sunshine

2011-10-30T12:39:00.001-04:00

We woke up to 2 feet of snow - a record for Lee, Massachusetts (the old record was one inch!)

What a nice day today has turned into - sunshine, blue skies, just a scattering of snow surrounding the fall colors still on the trees.

We are in Pennsylvania now - don't miss Massachusetts at all!

Should be home tonight.

Snow, snow go away!

2011-10-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

Yikes - we are trying to get to Albany which looks like it may not be snowing yet.

Memorial for Elise

2011-10-29T13:01:00.001-04:00

I am so pleased we were able to attend the memorial for Elise. It was held at the Unitarian Church in Swampscott, MA. It was a beautiful service.

So many of her friends - colleagues, clients, and neighbors were there. Elise was a friend and mentor to all. I am sure, her husband, Roger felt surrounded by love.

Whether it was someone reading from her high school yearbook inscriptions or coworkers telling how she mentored them or clients telling how she was such a good friend - the theme was the same - Elise was loved by many and every single person felt loved by her.

A reading from Patricia Lynn Reilly was read that so encompassed how her friends saw Elise:

Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman, a woman who honors her experience and tells her stories, one who refuses to carry the sins of others within her soul.

Imagine a woman who believes she is good, a woman who trusts and respects herself, who listens to her needs and desires, and meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who has acknowledged the past's influence on the present, a woman who has walked through her past who has healed into her present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life, a woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf, who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and to her wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who finds the Divine in herself, a woman who imagines the Divine in her image and likeness, who designs her own spirituality, and allows it to inform her life.

Elise was very humble and saw herself as a work in progress. Everyone I talked to after the service felt as if Elise cared very much about each and every one of them.

It was such a blessing to spend time with her friends remembering her life.

We are on our way home trying to outrun the winter storm predicting 6-8'' of wet heavy snow! Say prayers for a safe drive.

Revere MA

2011-10-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

We are in MA now and there is a winter storm advisory, snow scattered on the ground and it is COLD! We are here to attend a memorial service for my cousin, Elise. Say a prayer the weather holds for the service and our trip home.

Only Kim!

2011-10-27T20:11:00.001-04:00

Looking for Halloween ideas - would you be able to go down your basement and find a brand new tuxedo shirt and bow tie? Okay let's say you had one in your basement could you walk downstairs and know exactly where it was? Only Kim!

2011-10-27T19:20:00.001-04:00

Making Aunt Kathy Rolls with my Grand Niece

2011-10-27T18:20:00.001-04:00

We made dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls after school today - we had such fun. I love sharing my love of baking and cooking.

This trip has been so much fun - days filled with family, love, memories, stories, laughter and fun.

Being able to see the girls off to school and talking with them about their schoolday has been such a blessing to us.

Spending time with family is so wonderful.

Great Serve!

2011-10-25T21:28:00.001-04:00

We are having such a good time being Aunt ME and Uncle Pat. Today we got to see a tennis match.

Surprise!

2011-10-24T03:54:00.001-04:00

They pulled it off! Our niece didn't have a clue that her husband and two daughters had been planning a surprise birthday party since July.

Her parents, Jim and Cindy, and Pat and I traveled to New Jersey to be a part of the surprise. It was such a nice party. They can be proud their daughters planned such a wonderful day. The cakes and decorations were spectacular. Their sweet friendly personalities made everyone feel so welcome - it was so nice to be here with them.

Now I don't know about you but how would you like to find four extra guests coming home with you after a party with no warning? In this family it was just another night to have fun. We all sat around talking and telling stories till well past my bedtime. Now we will enjoy their compay for a few days.

This is amazing - my niece Kelly on the silks!

2011-10-23T13:58:00.002-04:00

Watch "Kelly Shea middle school performance.MOV" on YouTube

Having a chance to catch up with our niece, Kelly has been so nice. She has such a varied and interesting life. It was fun spending the day with her and sitting all evening on the couch chatting with her and Kim remembering their childhood stories from different perspectives - it reminded me of Joanna and Caroline and my brothers and sisters doing the same thing!

Goodwill Fun

2011-10-23T11:04:00.003-04:00

Cindy and I made a new friend at Goodwill - Brother Dear stayed at the hotel - Pat drove us and took pictures!

Trip Out East

2011-10-22T12:07:00.001-04:00

We are on our way to a memorial service in Massachusetts for my cousin, Elise.

These pictures do not show the Allegehny Mountains as we are seeing them - it is a cloudy day but the colors are beautiful.

New Show!

2011-10-20T11:36:00.010-04:00

I am so happy to announce that I will be at the Saginaw Arts and Enrichment Commission's Holly Day Fair held at Andersen Enrichment Center on Wednesday, December 7th from 10-4 pm.

I was asked last year but I had a conflict with another show - this year I am available on that day and will be present to sell my hostess sets of dishes and knives.

I cannot wait - I have always wanted to be in this show. So many of you have asked where my shows are for the rest of the season. Watch for updates listed on the right hand margin of this blog - here is what I have scheduled

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

November 12, 2011 9-3 pm
In His Presence Ministries, 4521 Monitor Rd, Bay City

November 12, 2011
Mt. Pleasant West Intermediate

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

December 2, 3 and 4, 2011
Grandy Farm - 25th Annual Show
8075 Gratiot

December 3 and 4, 2011
Clarkston High School

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

December 7th - Wednesday
Saginaw Arts and Enrichment Commission
Andersen Enrichment Center
10-4 pm