Lessons in Life

I learned so much from my Mom; I want to pass these lessons on to my children and grandchildren to continue the legacy of my Mom for generations to come.

When I was twelve, my father died of cancer of the esophagus; it was a long and difficult illness. During my Dad’s illness, I saw firsthand the importance of having compassion while caring for a dying loved one and that a mother could go on after losing a spouse, work outside of the home and raise a family alone. After his death, Mom carried on as a strong, faith-filled woman, way ahead of her time. This was the 1960’s, a time when women stayed home to raise children, yet with two children away at college, one in high school and two in elementary school, financially she had to work outside of the home.

Bankers usually dealt with the man in the family when I was growing up. On a very limited income my Mom sold our house and bought her dream home, the bankers never knew what hit them! Mom worked for a small parochial school and her pension was going to be next to nothing, however when Dad died she invested the insurance money wisely. Banks would post the rates of certificate of deposits for the next business day and on one occasion Mom took out a $10,000 loan for one day to buy her certificates before the rates plunged. She taught me the importance of planning ahead financially.
Mom always had friends around her and many of them were years younger. Many Friday evenings the teachers from her school would gather around our kitchen to relax after a long difficult week. Mom had a timeless quality about her – she made you laugh, you always knew she cared about you and she was genuinely interested in your life. She taught me the importance of being a good friend and gathering your friends around you in life.

In her later years, Mom talked her sisters and brothers into buying condominiums together, all in the same building on the same floor. Two brothers who had lost their wives lived in one, two sisters who had lived together their whole lives were in another and Mom had her own across the hall. They had ten years of dinners together, Saturday night poker games, companionship and love. That extended family made all the difference to me when I was caring for Mom while she was dying. They came over daily to see if everything was okay and I always knew that help was just across the hall. Mom taught me to appreciate how much family means to me.

In October of 1995, Mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. After surgery we found out the cancer had already spread to her lungs and liver and she decided not to have treatments. That Christmas we talked about her friends and she had a difficult time trying to decide what we should buy for them. I told her they would be deeply touched if she gave them something that was precious to her; something they could remember her by for years to come. We spent a long time going over her treasured cut glass pieces deciding who should get what for Christmas. Mom was letting go of possessions and nurturing friends.

After the holidays it was time to turn to Hospice for help. They assigned a kind and compassionate nurse who helped us tremendously for the rest of Mom’s life. Mom and I talked for a very long time after the nurse’s first visit about how she wanted to live the rest of her life. She told me she did not want to go to the hospital and she did not want extraordinary measures taken to keep her alive. When she could no longer be left alone Hospice sent a caregiver to be with her daily. I began taking Family Medical Leave from work each day; this allowed me to arrive at her home by 1:00 before the caregiver had to leave. I stayed until 7:00 and then my sister-in-law came to stay until 9:00 when the night caregiver we hired arrived. I don't know what I would have done without my sister-in-law!

The hardest part of caring for her was managing her pain. Even though we had a pharmacist who could make medicines in liquid or pill in any flavor it was still difficult. Mom didn’t complain but when she didn’t want to do something she just said, “No.” She hated losing control little by little over so much of her life and I tried to make sure if she didn’t want to do something that I didn’t force the issue. Mom was teaching me how to care for her in this final stage of her life.

On St. Patrick’s Day, my daughter gave birth to a baby girl. Mom was a great grandma and that made her rally a bit. The baby was premature so she had to stay in the hospital, but the day she came for her first visit was very emotional. She spent hours sleeping on her great grandma’s chest and it was the first time in a long time that I saw Mom with such a contented and peaceful smile on her face. Mom decided she was going to the baptism, she hadn’t been out of the house in a month and that had been to go to the doctor’s office. Everyone at church was so pleased to see Mom and sensed it would be the last time she would be there. They applauded at the end of the liturgy to show their love and support for her and she was overwhelmed. Mom taught me the importance of our church and what our parish family means to me.

Mom loved to watch Oprah with me in the afternoons. It was amazing how many times we would watch a show that would bring about the best conversations. One time she wondered if when she got to heaven if my Dad would look younger than she would because he died in his 40’s and here she was an “old lady” in her 70’s. We laughed and decided it wouldn’t be heaven if that mattered! She wondered if she had been “good enough” to get into heaven and we laughed when I told her she must already be in heaven with me rubbing her feet all afternoon! Some of her medications were making her confused and angry and she thought she was in the hospital. I explained to her that we were in her living room and she would angrily tell me I was lying to her. I would laugh and say “Mom I never lie to you, oh well, maybe in high school I lied to you but never now!” She would laugh and snap out of it and realize she was home. Mom taught me the importance of laughter during a very difficult time.

Mom wanted to plan her funeral and help me write her obituary. One of the pastoral team and his wife came to her home and helped us plan her last celebration. It was a day filled with laughter and love and actually was one of her very last good days. Mom told the pastoral associate she couldn’t decide which music to choose and he told her he would make a tape for her to listen to. Well she never did decide because she loved to hear him sing every single one of the songs on the tape but we enjoyed listening to that tape every day from then on. We wrote her obituary but she was beginning to fail and was having a hard time talking. I knew she wasn’t satisfied about one section and she pointed to her files, after searching for a bit I found a couple of paragraphs she had written months before and I inserted them and then she was happy with it. She taught me that planning for your death is an important part of planning your life.

All during her illness my brothers and sisters came home for visits with Mom. It was very difficult for them to be so far away during this time and often they would ask me if it was time for them to come home, if she was dying. I didn’t know, I knew she was doing poorly but I just couldn’t tell if this was the end. I finally told them that they had been here when it mattered, while she was still able to talk with them and that I didn’t think we would be able to tell when her final moments were going to be and they just were going to have to be peaceful about not knowing when her death would happen. However, the day before she died it was quite evident that this was the end of her life. Her breaths became shallow and far apart and she wasn’t talking at all or even opening her eyes. My sister and brother made plans to come home and I called a few of Mom’s best friends and asked them to come over to be with us.

Two members of the pastoral team came over to pray and bless Mom. These women were so loving and supportive; they told her it was time to go home, that she had lived a tremendous and wonderful life and she was ready to be with God. After they left Mom squeezed my hand and I knew she was ready.

My daughter and granddaughter came over and I called five of Mom’s friends to be with us. We crowded into her bedroom and they told stories that all began, “Elinor, remember when…………” Mom would raise her eyebrows and smile and we knew she remembered very well indeed. It was an amazing afternoon filled with friendship and love. These women were strong, faith-filled women who made significant contributions in their schools, communities, families and the world around us and they were partly that way because my Mom was their friend. She helped shape everyone in that room and she was teaching us to say goodbye.

We prayed for miracles during her illness, not for her to be cured just any miracles God felt like sending our way and we received many. We had a few critical moments during her care but I was never alone when they occurred – that was a miracle. Our caregivers were wonderful and they loved Mom, she kept making friends right up until the end – that was a miracle. Her great granddaughter was born healthy and beautiful and early – that was a miracle. Her family was with her when she died, she didn’t want to die alone – that was a miracle. She was my Mom and my best friend in the world – that was a miracle, too.

Consequences

If you remember from an earlier post, Millie and Tillie stories were my Mom’s way of teaching us the consequences of our actions. In her stories, Millie was very, very good and Tillie was awful. We had stories for every occasion and on our way to an event we were always told a story so we knew what would happen if we misbehaved and acted like Tillie.

I used Millie and Tillie with my children and now I continue the tradition with my grandchildren. There have been stories for going to the dentist, the first day of school, and as they got older, fighting a traffic ticket and even one for being in labor. You are never too old to hear what the consequences of your actions will be in life!

Another way to teach consequences is to let someone guess what the punishment will be for someone else. I always used another child’s behavior as a teaching experience when my child was being good. When we were at a restaurant and a child was acting unruly I would whisper to mine and ask what she thought would happen to the one that was misbehaving. It was interesting that my child knew what the consequences were and she would shake her head in woe for the other child. Of course when it was mine misbehaving no amount of whispering helped!

At about three years old a child learns to listen and obey and they are usually able to play with the understanding that they cannot run into the street. They begin to understand some of the logic of life. This doesn’t mean they like it or that they will always be mindful, it just means they are beginning to be able to figure things out. Actually, it is a time of great joy for a parent. It is fun to watch our children gain independence and start making decisions.

One of the joys of being a grandparent is not having to say no very often. Rules are relaxed and we have all the time in the world to lavish attention on our grandchildren when they are with us. However, we have learned that all children test the limits every once in awhile and even grandparents need to set standards and rules. We used to take our grandkids to McDonalds about once a week and we let them play for a very long time after dinner. I remember one time when our first grandchild was almost three when we didn’t go to McDonalds for a month. Every time she asked to go we said we couldn’t go there because she wouldn’t leave when we said it was time to go home the last time we were there. I reminded her that we had to carry her out the door screaming and kicking with people wondering if I was kidnapping her.

A month later I asked if she was ready to act like a big girl and go back to McDonalds for dinner and fun in the playland. She said she would be very good when it was time to leave and she was. Since that time we have never had a problem when it was time to go home. We have watched many parents struggle with their kids when it is time to leave and our grandkids always run up and tell us that those kids won’t be back for a very long time!

Learning the consequences of our actions is not an easy lesson to learn. Teaching this can be frustrating and may seem like a never-ending job. These lessons are important to teach and they are the basis for instilling values and ethics in our children, the satisfaction of having your children become responsible adults is the reward.

Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven, Michigan

I am so pleased with the display of my serving pieces at Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven, Michigan. Leah and Hank, the owners, have really made the display so beautiful. They have been really selling well - and the tourist season isn't even here! YEAH!

We were so excited about the display that we decided to keep the First Serving and the Second Serving at Grand Haven and left the extra pieces with them. So we did not go to Saugatuck. Maybe later this spring into early summer we will stop there.

On our way again

We are going to Earthly Possessions in Grand Haven this morning to deliver 3 flower vases filled with wrapped pieces. Then on to Saugatuck to see if I can get in a store there. I wish I had several of these vases pictured above. I only had one - it displays the pieces very well. The other two are nice enough but this one is great.

It was fun putting these pieces together. Leah, the store owner at Earthly Possessions called and asked to have place settings wrapped. Not all matching - just in groupings. I found three chests of silver plated pieces at an antique store last week and I really enjoyed making the sets all different.

Well - we'll see if these sell!

Paul and Rett

We stopped to see the babies in Ann Arbor. They are such cuties. We only stayed a few minutes but it was so nice to see all of them. The babies slept most of the time we were there. Everett was holding Rett. We just wanted to let them know that we are thinking and praying for them and to give Everett and Ellie a kiss.

We have many blessings in this family.

It's been awhile

I've been working on the SMCReunion blog - that has been consuming my time - but it is so much fun looking through all the old yearbooks.

Well - I have to have some minor knee surgery in May - I'll be off work for a bit and hopefully will be able to resume walking again. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't walk a mile without hurting my knee and when I couldn't sleep through the night because of the pain. (Of course that is why I have gotten so much blogging done on the SMC site - not much sleep - but lots of blogging!) My brother actually called and told me he didn't want me up all night blogging - I needed my sleep. Sweet brother - but I'd rather be blogging than watching TV at 2 in the morning!

We had a great get together with friends last night. We love seeing our friends and such good cooks! I know I've said this before but last night was extreme cooking. We had great treats to start out - ostrich and cream cheese and herbs in filo dough - veggies, olives and cheeses. Dinner had Chicken Cacciatore, vegetables with mint and basil, potatoes, rolls, broccoli slaw, cheesecake and key lime pie. That was the first time I've had ostrich - it was very good. And the first time I was offered cheesecake and I turned it down - because I had never tasted key lime pie either - that was a GREAT dessert. The chicken was moist and yummy. Okay - Okay - I know I have to shop for a dress for Caroline's wedding and this is bad - but so worth it.

Sheala and Robbie were over yesterday after school - Robbie was on the computer and Sheala was sorting my beads. She LOVES to sort beads - but yesterday she combined colors into spice bottles - this is interesting - I'll have to see if this helps me or not!

OK - time for coffee before work - I'll be back soon.

TESTS! YIKES!

It's been a LONG, LONG, LONG time since I had to take a test. Employee Services is benchmarking where employees are at in several classifications and looking at tests for those positions. We have been asked to take the tests on two days. Today was the first - five tests - less than an hour.

These tests consisted of filing numbers and names, proofreading and math WITHOUT a calculator! Tomorrow there will be a other tests including a math test with a calculator and I'll feel much more comfortable.

I was glad to take them - we didn't have to put our names on the tests but if we wanted to know how we did we could put our names and they will let us know how we did. I can tell you right now - percentages and decimals have always been my downfall.

I tried to talk everyone from the police department into going - I explained to them that if they want to take promotional tests then this was the perfect opportunity to take these tests with no pressure - and learn where we need to study - I even bribed them with chocolate chip cookies for today and sugar cookies for tomorrow - I did talk some into it - seven of us rode over in my van - I promised them we would have fun - I may have exaggerated that part a bit - but the cookies were good!

Family

We are busy planning Caroline’s wedding. So many preparations are already done – Caroline is very organized. I’ve been thinking about how our family is growing by leaps and bounds. When Caroline and Jesse marry, that will bring two more grandchildren and a GREAT grandchild into our family. We are so blessed to have them joining our family.

I remember Bill talking at my Mom’s funeral. He said that when Jim married his mother and he found out he would have another Grandmother he first thought was, “I don’t need another Grandma!” Well, he also said, he was wrong he did need Grandma Shea.

My Mom made sure that Mary Lynn and her family became integrated into our family when Aunt Irene and Uncle Cecil died. Mary Lynn is more a sister than a cousin in our family.

I’ve watched my sister-in-law, Cindy pull together our blended families in such a wonderful way. She makes entertaining 30 people at a time look easy for holidays. Sometimes it’s her family, our family, her first husband’s family, all breaking bread together as one big family. She is amazing.

Mary and Bruce adopted Lillie and Anna and whether we are visiting them at the beach, on the basketball court, or First Eucharist celebrations, they have helped us connect to their family.

I’ve learned we cannot have enough people in our families. Each person is so different. Each branch of our family brings new traditions and new ideas to embrace. Whether we are discussing religion, politics or food – we have different views and opinions. But one thing we all have in common is our love and respect for each other.

I am looking forward to Jesse and Caroline’s wedding where all of us can be together.

A NEW STORE TO PURCHASE FIRST AND SECOND SERVINGS - EARTHLY POSSESSIONS

You can now purchase First AND Second Serving pieces in Grand Haven, Michigan at EARTHLY POSSESSIONS. This a a consignment gallery dealing in Quality Furnishings and Home Decor. It is the first time that BOTH First and Second Serving are available in one location!

Pat and I visited at least 100 antique and consignment shops in the last two weeks. We were on a whirlwind tour of the west side of the state this past weekend. This gallery was at the end of our trip and we only showed both First and Second Serving pieces at this store. When we walked in - we knew we had found the right one. It is decorated beautifully, the inventory is placed tastefully - you can actually walk around with ease and see every piece for sale in the shop. And the aroma of fresh perked coffee was in the air - so refreshing.

We met with the owner, Leah Hawley, and she was so excited about having First and Second Serving pieces for her tourist season that is close at hand. It was fun watching someone react to the pieces - it is a new concept on the west side of the state and she will have the only ones available in all the stores we visited.

If you are traveling to Grand Haven this summer - make sure you stop at this fabulous shop and tell Leah you read about it HERE!

Earthly Possessions
118 North 3rd Street
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417-1210
Phone: (616) 846-7440

St. Mary Cathedral All Class Reunion Blog

I've started another blog. It's all about St. Mary Cathedral - in Saginaw, Michigan. The school closed in 1986 and this is the 2nd All Class Reunion. My brother Jim is co-chair with Stella Mudd Thelen - The last one was sold out at the Horizon Conference Center and it was a blast. Click here to see the St. Mary Cathedral All Class Reunion Blog. I also have a link at the bottom of my blog. This is going to be fun. I've started with a welcome and the next blog was from the centennial yearbook. If you have any articles from newsletters or great memories please post there - Go see - it's going to be fun!

Weekend Update

We delivered an order yesterday afternoon to Fabulous Finds in Tawas. I took up two dozen serving spoons - all with different beads, bright colors, some old and some older. I love going there the store is little but it is packed with beautiful items.

Today we've been stopping at antique stores - I told Amy and Olympia I would find the shower gift for our friend's daughter-in-law-to-be. I have a specific gift in mind and have found all but two pieces. Even online I haven't been able to find the last two. ST. ANTHONY PATRON SAINT OF LOST AND FOUND, HELP ME WHILE I LOOK AROUND!

There - that should do it - of course my sister, Jane does not call on St. Anthony because he didn't help her find her cordless phone (cordless should give you a hint as to how long ago it was!) St. Anthony always helps me find things. Thank you.

So, Pat is sleeping on the couch here in the office with Gordon Lightfoot playing on the cd player, snoring away. He is so sweet to take me all over the State. We love traveling so this has been a fun business to get into.

The twins seem to be doing well. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.

I went to a meeting at City Hall this week and saw one of my hit and runners - she always knows what's happening in my life - that's fun. Hi Peg.

That's all from here.

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere

Two scenerios - same situation

Caroline and I went last week to a flower shop that I got my flowers from for my wedding. We walked in - the woman said, "We are too busy for you - you will have to make an appointment - if you want to look at the books over there you can, but I can't help you!"

So - we looked at books - there were five people laughing and talking and working behind the counter. The person that "greeted" us walked past us to get flowers - never said a word. We got up to leave and she watched us leave - never asking if we wanted to make an appointment, never asking us to return. We looked at each other and laughed as we were getting in the car.

Then we walked into Gaertner's - just around the block from our home. The wedding flower consultant came over and and said, "We are really busy - but why don't you look at our books and I'll check on you?" So we looked at books - Well, Jackie was back in to check on us, looked up a few pictures that she thought Caroline would like and said, "I've got to get back in there to work on the funeral flowers - I would be so much happier to be with you!" She came out two more times, told Caroline to call when she found out what day she had off and told us she couldn't wait to help Caroline choose her flowers.

MMMMMM..... which one would you think we went back to yesterday - YUP - Gaertners - Caroline picked out beautiful flowers for the wedding. This is a joy working with Caroline and Jesse on this wedding. We're having fun.

Joanna went with Caroline last night and they found a photographer - so things are really coming together.

Happy Birthday, Mom - I bet you are watching over this having as much fun as we are!

A Whirlwind Travel Weekend

So on Saturday our travels continued - we went to Mt. Pleasant looking for treasures. I found two cake plates - one darling little pink glass one that a small cake (like Bill Knapp's used to have)would be perfect on and a pretty white china one with grey and pink flowers. I don't know why I continue to buy cake plates - they don't sell that well - but some of them just jump out at me and I love them - and the price was right.

On Sunday we were driving out of the church parking lot and Pat and I looked at each other and started laughing - it was such a beautiful day - very mild - still tons of snow piles and the sun was shining - off we went to Lansing. We stopped at Goodwill on the way into Lansing - I bought a beautiful deep purple coat for $14 - We stopped at the Antique Mega Mall - din't find anything there. We got close to Pat's sister's house and we called her and asked if she wanted to go out to lunch. We went to Flap Jacks - had a sandwich and then she went with us to a couple more antique stops. It was a very nice day. So - for a tank of gas over the weekend we did a lot of driving.

A twin update - they had a busy weekend - the little baby, Paul, had to have some surgery on his bowels and Rett has had trouble with circulation in one of his legs - all in all - they seem to be doing okay now. Ells Bells was discharged from the hospital and even though it is hard to be away from the boys she needs to have a couple of really good sleep nights. You know you never sleep in a hospital. So our prayers are with them - keep them in yours.

Yuk - our travels are over - back to work - ME

Welcome Twin Boys Paul and Rett

We are so blessed - our Ells Bells and her wonderful husband Everett have had their twin boys. Born yesterday - According to their VERY PROUD Grandma Mary, Paul is 1 pound 9 ounces and Rett is 2 pounds 9 ounces. Everett wrote in his care log that even though they are small - they already are squeezing his fingers and that they already love the boys so much. We are all praying and keeping the whole family in our hearts.

Pat and I played hooky yesterday - I worked four hours and got out at 10 am - I came home and because our friend who cleans our house had knee surgery, Pat was cleaning up a storm. So we both worked to finish it (GET WELL SOON AMERS - I HATE CLEANING) and then we went up north. We stopped at Fabulous Finds - I got a GREAT check - and another order - so I'll be wrapping beads this week. Then we went for lunch to the Ausauble Inn - they have the BEST crabcakes I've ever had. Every time we go there I order them and want to lick the plate. Pat ordered perch and he said it was fabulous.

Then we stopped at the new casino - it was packed. We almost didn't go in because there were no parking spaces - but finally we got one. There were so many people that I don't think we will ever go back there - everything is jammed together and most of the machines are 1 cent and 2 cent machines. It took me about 20 minutes to lose the $20 limit we have. I think I'll wait until we go back up Suttons Bay or Manistique.

Then we met a few friends for a drink back in Saginaw. I wonder why bars don't have diet tonic water. I decided to drink tonic and lime - because I was thirsty - and I've learned that lesson in life - don't drink wine when you are thirsty - you drink tooooo much. We only stayed for a bit and then home.

So today - I'm wrapping beads.

Snow, snow and more snow

It's snowing outside - I don't even want to drive to work in it. I have to admit - if I had my way I would be somewhere very warm in the month of February! EVERY FEBRUARY! We haven't seen this much snow in about 20 years.

So - had our taxes done yesterday - pleasant surprise - don't owe this year. That's good news. Had to pull together all my information on the bead wrapping business - yikes - that was fun!

Got a call about the MRI - yup - I have a tear - now I have an appointment with the Orhopedic surgeon. I only will go to one - I've seen a few disasters at the work when some of the surgeons the officers have gone to have had less than desirable results working on injuries. I know this surgeon - he did my carpal tunnel and Pat's broken wrist and he is great - so I requested him - he is busy and I can't get in til the end of March - worth the wait!

Ells bells is in the hospital making sure everything is okay with the twins - one has an enlarged heart - but so far everything else is okay. We are saying prayers and waiting patiently for the magic 30 weeks and then hopefully 32 weeks.

Caroline and Jesse

Jesse asked Caroline to marry him - AND - she said yes. They seem very happy. Probably a September wedding - that is a family tradition in our household - September is a great month to get married in Michigan. So the planning has started - phone calls back and forth - calling halls and maybe even looking for dresses - I loved helping Joanna plan her wedding - so I'm looking forward to this (remind me in a few months that I said that, ok?)

Cupid

"I'm just sayin......"

Cupid is in the air

Sheala's Dessert

YUM - Sheala made a sherbet for us for dinner last night. She put in orange juice, frozen raspberries, yogurt and I think peaches and blended it all together (in our blender that Bette Jo and Velma gave us for our wedding in 1972!) and then she put it in the freezer. By the time we ate dessert it was a delicious frozen treat. She and Robbie love to experiment in the kitchen and lately it has been food we can eat instead of throw out! (Usually Robbie's have to be thrown out - he puts very different types of things in his - anything he can find - even soap!)

Sheala also helped me make my Grandma's lasagna. She didn't know there was cottage cheese in the filling with the riccota cheese - she decided not to eat the lasagna and just eat the leftover lasagna noodles with sauce. Sheala and Caroline were making faces when they were talking about foods they don't like - Sheala hates ketchup and Caroline hates fish - they are so funny. Jesse had to work so we missed him and I was going to send lasagna with Caroline for him - but - they left before I put food away and it didn't get sent! Sorry, Jesse!

Joanna and Caroline left to go shopping and Robin took Sheala and Robbie home to do homework. It was a short visit but very nice.

This and That

Yum - Pasongs - on Michigan Ave just down from the Saginaw Court House - only open Tuesday - Friday until 6 pm (7 pm in the summer) has great food. Eat in or Take out - we'll go back again for sure!

We went to Antique Warehouse to check on my case - picked up a small check - then went to two Goodwills and Salvation Army. Only found a couple of plates and a bowl and one spoon and fork. I have to say I've never seen such bare shelves at Goodwill. They have had ads lately showing a picture of those yellow planet aid boxes with a red X on it to show it isn't Goodwill that you are donating to - Pat has made several trips this past couple of weeks from the basement to Goodwill - when we walked in he told me not to bring home anything that we donated! There is an estate sale today - maybe we'll stop by there to see what there is - of course if we see anything we can't buy until tomorrow when it will be half off.

OOOOHHHH - Ells Bells - Joanna called with a great idea for a shower gift for the twinolas from Carolina Moon and Joanna and Sheala and ME - can't wait - what fun we will have next weekend. 28 weeks - great milestone is right - just keep on keeping on - can't wait to see you!

A Premiere Event to Benefit MMCM

I have donated a five piece hostess set wrapped with hearts and red glass beads for the auction to benefit The Mid-Michigan Children's Museum. They will have an auction on Thursday, February 7 from 6-9 pm at the Museum. Tickets are $75

ART FROM THE HEART

This and That

As you can see above in the slideshow - I'M DONE with the beading for Michigan Artists Gallery - Pat and I are going up there next Saturday - YEAH - I have one storage container filled to the brim with brightly colored glass beads and gleaming stainless - so exciting.

I also asked my friend, Jan, to make a few purses to take up there with us. She has fabulous purses - each one a work of art. I told the owner about them and she was interested - so I'll just take a few with me so she can decide if she wants to put them in the gallery.

A poem hung in Mother Teresa's Calcutta orphanage - Anyway:
The title above is a link to my niece's blog - I just love this poem - I need to be able to click and read every single day - go see it.

Millie and Tillie Debut

Well - my friend Heather, who has a two year old and eight month old twins, wanted to see one of my stories about Millie and Tillie. Now let me tell you - my sister Jane has great stories too and she should post some for you. My Mom used to tell us these stories (Daffy and Dandy show up for boy stories when needed.) Whenever we were going anywhere - the doctor's office, shopping, to the Aunts, a Millie and Tillie story would be told on the way - there was never any doubt as to the outcome of good or bad behavior. Millie and Tillie stories have been told in the courthouse waiting for a traffic ticket hearing - in the delivery room - waiting for Sheala to be born - and several have been told to Robbie and Sheala - any time at all is a good time for a Millie and Tillie story! Enjoy! YOU CAN HEAR NANA TELL THIS STORY BY CLICKING ON THE SIDEBAR!
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Once upon a time there were two sisters named Millie and Tillie. Millie usually acted quite good even in difficult situations and Tillie acted very bad most of the time even when there weren’t any “situations.”

Millie smiled every time someone came into the room. Millie was very careful playing with her toys and when friends came to play with Millie they also were very gentle with her toys; as a result of that she was very happy to share her toys with her friends.

Tillie NEVER wanted to share anything and she usually frowned when someone came to visit because she was afraid someone would break her toys. Tillie was very rough with her toys. The doll she received from her aunt last Christmas had a broken arm and the wig was pulled off so Tillie could perform an operation on it on New Years Day. Usually, when friends came over to visit with Tillie they were just as rough with the toys.

One day, Mother told Millie and Tillie that her friend from long ago was coming to visit and she was bringing her three boys with her for a few days. Millie would have to move into Tillie’s room and give up her bedroom because she had the extra bed in her room. Millie was a little upset that she had to give her room to the boys and she went into the kitchen to talk with her Mom. She told her Mom that she was worried the boys might be tempted to play with her doll collection and they may not be very careful with the dolls. Mom looked at Tillie running through the living room swinging her doll by the one arm she had left, and agreed with Millie. So they carefully packed Millie’s doll collection in a big box and put it in the attic.

When the boys came to visit they had a very nice time. When they played with Millie they sat at the kitchen table and played store. Mother would let them use the cans of food in the pantry and they would have a wonderful time. They would scan the food across a box and then pack the groceries into a big brown sack. Then one of the boys would take the food home and put it back on the pantry shelf. It was great fun. Mother looked in on them once and was pleased to see how happy they were and how well they all played together.

Tillie never wanted to play store, she said that was for babies. When Tillie played with the boys they usually played tag. They would all run around the living room until someone would run into the lamp or a table and either hurt their head or break the lamp. Today, it was the lamp. Mother came into the room and stopped the game of tag and told all the kids it was time for a much needed rest until dinnertime. Tillie hated rest time and she cried all the way to the bedroom, where she found Millie reading a book. She was not very happy to be in the bedroom with Millie and she cried and cried and cried until she finally fell asleep.

After the family went home, Millie moved back into her room and put her beautiful doll collection back on the window seat. That night at the dinner table Mother said it had been a wonderful visit with her friend and they would all go to visit at their house next year. Tillie thought of all the toys she would have a chance to play with and Millie thought about how nice it would be to visit with her friends again.

A Tribute to Mrs. Fordney

In 1964 I was in sixth grade at St. Mary Cathedral and my father was dying. My mom spent weeks at a time in Detroit at Ford Hospital. I could have spent that year getting in a lot of trouble but instead my best friend, Janet, and I were chosen as Red Cross Youth Volunteers.

We collected goods for friendship boxes to send overseas and that took hours and hours after school. We would stop down on Jefferson Avenue to that beautiful old home that was the Red Cross office and Mrs. Fordney would give us direction. We went to meetings every month and after one of those meetings she suggested we volunteer more of our time. That was when I became an Office Volunteer. Every week I would go to the Red Cross Office and work on collating newsletters, answering phones and anything else that needed to be done. That summer after sixth grade I even took a typing class at Central Jr. High so I could do some typing at my volunteer work.

All through my school years Janet and I were involved with the Red Cross Youth. If Mrs. Fordney needed volunteers for swimming classes with the mentally disabled children she called us. If she needed someone to go see the young men drafted for the Vietnam War off from the bus station, she called us. We took our volunteer work seriously because Mrs. Fordney took our work seriously and she appreciated everything we did.

As I became an adult I continued my volunteer work, many times as the secretary of an organization. I give a workshop to adults and sometimes to high school students on the importance of volunteer work and how a person can use that experience on their resume and I tell of Mrs. Fordney and how she focused the direction of my career with her mentoring. I chose secretarial work as my profession and Mrs. Fordney had so much to do with my love of that work.

I saw Mrs. Fordney many times over the last few years of her life and she was always genuinely interested in my career and my life and she always asked about my friend Janet, too. Many times Janet and I talked over the years and wondered why we never could or why we never wanted to say no to her and we decided it was the goodness in her that radiated out to us when we were near her. As children are growing up they realize that some adults just placate them and put up with them – Mrs. Fordney was never like that – she took time and mentored us throughout our lives. When I look back on the importance of that mentoring in my life I am amazed at the time and effort she took with us. I made sure over the years that she knew how important she was in my life and she will always have a place in my heart.

Back to work

The last holiday for a very long time is done - Pat and I had fun yesterday - we went to Ann Arbor for the afternoon (didn't call you Ells Bells because we were home before you got home from work!)

We went to
Salvation Army - found a dish(and the sales girl told us to go to Valueland)
Antique Store - we were going to buy a cake plate and server set but the lady wouldn't stop talking with someone who wanted to buy something BIG and so we put it back and left.
Reuse Center - a wooden dish holder - YEAH - second one I have now I will be able to display my hostess gift plate and knives in it at shows.
PTO Thrift Shop - didn't find anything there
Valueland - found one pretty dish

Glad we left there early because there was blowing snow and in the daylight it was okay to drive in but I don't like to be in it in the dark, sometimes it's hard to see through it.

So - back to work today - and not another holiday off until Good Friday - I can see my PTO dwindling during the next few months.....

Dinner at Vince and Olympia's

It was so nice to see so many of our friends. We had such a good time catching up with everyone. Jean Marie was so nice to give us all a few photos from one of our past visits when Kevin and Laurie were home. Everyone looked so good and healthy. What a blessing to have this group of people in our lives. I told someone I would put my recipe for rolls on the blog - here it is:

This takes about three hours.
2 Packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup granluated sugar
1 cup warm milk
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour (I have made this with all white, 1/2 white and wheat and all wheat - my favorite is 3 cups white to 1 cup wheat.)
1/4 tsp salt
6 Tbs butter, softened
2 large eggs

Glaze
1 egg
2 tsp water

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp of sugar in warm milk. Let stand until foamy, 5 - 10 minutes. Mix together salt and flour. Beat butter and remaining sugar into yeast mixture - add eggs one at a time. I use the dough hook on my Kitchenaid for about four minutes. Then knead on floured surface 5 - 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in large greased bowl, cover loosely with a damp cloth and let rise for one and a half hours. Punch down dough - shape into rolls - let rise a half hour. Brush on egg glaze mixture. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Parish Party

We went to the parish party last night at SS Peter and Pauls. Even though we haven't signed up for the parish, Fr. Jack made everyone feel so welcomed to attend last Sunday during announcements that Pat wanted to go! Now if you know Pat - you know that is amazing.

It was a very nice party. We sat with a big group of people that were fun. I actually knew one of those people from working at the City. Then Julie and Al came in that we knew from St. Mary's and they sat with us. There was a mom with two children sitting at our table and I held the baby while she ate and danced with her two year old - that was very enjoyable. Al and Julie joined the church yesterday and feel at peace with the change. Still can't make the change but I am thinking about it - that says something!

I get to bake bread this afternoon to take to Olympia and Vince's. We are invited to a dinner party at their home. We love going there for dinner with friends - it is so relaxing and enjoyable. We help Olympia cook, but mostly just sit around in the kitchen watching her create the most wonderful dinners. She is a Maestro in that kitchen - it is a joy to watch her cook. Kevin, Laurie and Henry - we're really missing you. Been thinking a lot about you all lately. Hope church, work, school and all are going well. I'm sure we'll talk about you tonight - Lots of love from Saginaw.

Had a little email spat with the City Manager this week - won't go into it here but we disagree on some things and of course I can't keep my fingers from flying over the keyboard. I have always told people exactly how I feel if I think it needs to be said - sometimes even if it doesn't need to be said but I just want to say it. Either you hate me or you love me but you always know what I think about something - that's how it is.

Pat and I spent an hour reading posts in Lizzie and Sarah's blogs - then my voice started cracking and my butt fell asleep - so we'll have to finish those this weekend and start on the others. It was very enjoyable reading - they both have a wonderful way of describing events so that you feel as if you are right there with them.

My friend Robyn from work gave me I Am of Irelaunde it is a wonderful tale of St. Patrick. I'm almost done but I keep reading a few pages and then putting it back down so I won't finish it fast.

That's all for now - ME

As Jane Would Say - Pray for Patience

I definitely do not have patience. Example - last night posting to Sarah's site - didn't see it - posted again - of course - two posts! At work - I have six different programs going at once and then complain about how slow everything is running. COGNOS has a cute little rainbow colored fish swimming on the bottom of the screen while it gathers information - some days I could STRANGLE that fish. OK Jane and Chris you ar right - pray for patience. Maybe that is one reason I love to cook - I have several dishes cooking and baking and I like it when everything is done at the same time.

Jim and Cindy and Pat and I went out to Timbers for dinner last night. Then back over to their house for a bit. They were going to take Kim and Fred and the girls out for dinner but the movers have been there since Tuesday and Kim said they probably wouldn't be done before 9 PM. One reason was the truck wouldn't fit into their court so the movers have to transport everything to the end of the street to put it in the truck - I'd be going crazy.

Jim is really busy with the Saint Mary Cathedral All Class Reunion to be held in August 2008. He is a real detective going onto the Internet to find people in the white pages, calling people in one class to get siblings phone numbers and addresses, asking everyone he knows if they know someone's address. If you know a graduate from SMC and they have NOT received a mailing please let him know. His email address is: jiml82@aol.com

Cindy is still waiting to hear about going back to work and in the meantime she is so busy with church that when I asked them when they could come over for dinner the answer was "Until Lent, Thursday nights are good, during Lent, no night is good!"

I've been busy buying beads in fabulous blues, greens, reds, and oranges. Very metallic looking and beautiful. I've been unwrapping conventional spoons and rewrapping them in a more eclectic style to match the Michigan Artists Gallery. This is my most favorite thing to do - find the style of the store I'm going to have the flatware at and make the spoons a perfect fit!

Well, I'm getting ready for a nice long weekend. MLK day is Monday so I'm going to leave work at 1:00 and then enjoy the weekend. Pat and I are going to tackle my stuff in the basement - GOODWILL here we come - get ready - I'm in the mood to seriously clean out!

Traverse City Weekend

What a beautiful weekend - we left for Traverse City on Thursday after I got out of work because there was a weather warning in effect and we didn't want to wake up on Friday and not be able to get there. We had a great evening - driving in we saw that La Senorita had Burger Night - now if you don't remember La's Burger Night in Saginaw then you won't understand why we were so happy! So after checking in at the Traverse Victorian Inn - and getting a beautiful room with a jacuzzi and a fireplace at a very reasonable price we went to have dinner and: The Chicago Burger was better than ever!

Then we went to Leelanau Sands Casino in Suttons Bay - the big spenders that we are - we each had $20 to lose - and we did! However, we spent about 2 and a half hours winning and losing - it was fun. However, one night at the casino is enough for us. On the way back it started to snow hard. At one point we had a white out for a few seconds - I didn't like that!

On Thursday morning Bill called us to tell us that they got a lot of snow and we shouldn't try to make it from Saginaw - I told him that I knew that because we were getting ready to go to breakfast and it was beautiful outside. Each branch of every tree was outlined in heavy white snow. After the complimentary breakfast at Mabels across the street from the Inn we went to Bill and Julie's.

Pat and Bill went to work adding a humidifier to their furnace and Julie and I had a chance to catch up. We played all morning with Ethan and Tsipporah. We had so much fun playing games with Ethan and then watching him run around the couch chasing Tsipporah with the toy shopping cart with her laughing and giggling and plopping down on the big pillow that was "safe" - Ethan was a good big brother because he slowed down when he got too close to Tsipporah.

After we left there we went to a couple of thrift shops and a Goodwill. Bought a few dishes. Then to Auntie Pastas for dinner. That was a great place. The music was two guys playing guitars and singing - but not too loud - which made for an interesting situation. The people in the booth behind me were talking about how the City Manager has the same co-pay as the lowest paid employee and how that wasn't fair. After we were done eating I stopped by their booth and asked if he was a city worker - he said yes and I told him I overheard the insurance talk and I told him our unions and the Michigan Municipal League should be working TOGETHER to solve some of the problems we have with our cities being able to afford insurance. He agreed - asked who I was and where I worked and how to get a hold of me. That was fun - City workers UNITE!

On Saturday we stopped at several consignment shops. Bought several spreaders at one and some spoons at another. Then we stopped at our favorite wineries and bought a lot of wine. First at Peninsula Cellars and then Chateau Grand Traverse. We always enjoy talking with the people at the wineries. At Chateau Grand Traverse we always have the same person help us - we have him pick out the different wines each year and then he tells us what to serve with them. That was fun. Then we went out to the Old Mission Tavern and Bella Galleria for lunch.

Then the most exciting news - I have always wanted to stop at the Michigan Artists Gallery in Suttons Bay. I love their website and I couldn't wait to go in to the gallery. It was so fabulous. I wish I had a huge house with unlimited funds - and actually there is such a beautiful tile piece that if I had a huge house I would take out a loan to buy it. All of the artwork is unique with intense color. I started talking with the owner and told her how much I love their website. Then I asked how to get your artwork accepted. I had one hostess set in the car and Pat went out to get it and she loved it. We took it over to the pottery and the lime green beads matched perfectly with the dish she put it on. So we talked a bit about what she wanted and I told her I would bring back more in a month. I cannot tell you how much this means to me - to be accepted at the Michigan Artists Gallery - WOW. Every one needs to stop by there - it is a great place.

Heavens - it's been awhile

I have been so busy that I haven't had time to write anything on the blog. I wish I had before pictures of my bead room - Pat helped me empty the closet that was still filled with craft objects I used for altered books and so I had no room for beads and dishes and glassware. After 400 trips to the basement by my sweetie I have ROOM!

Last night we had Joanna and Robin and the kids over for dinner. I picked up Sheala after school because Robbie had bowling class. So Sheala helped me make dinner. It was so much fun baking and cooking with her. We made from scratch dinner rolls, potato pancakes, Grandma Shea's chicken, lettuce salad and fresh mozzarella and cherry tomato salad. YUM. Sheala did all the seasonings - she was exactly right on with each one so every dish was delicious. A couple of weeks ago Robbie and I cooked together and he also did an amazing job - these kiddos are turning out to be wonderful chefs.

Then while Pat, Robin and Robbie did dishes, Joanna put up my "Friends are Forever and Ever After" on my friends wall - it is so cool. I'm going to think up something for the kitchen and purchase that when Joanna has another party.

We bought a "new" van - a 2004 Chevy Venture - it is really nice. The front windshield is so big with no obstructions. I think the Astro has a bigger front dash so this is very different. We kept the Astro to pull the 1964 Holiday Rambler that we love to camp in but we traded in Pat's truck. So we are a two van household. I am driving the Astro to work every day to keep the mileage down because Pat drives all over the place.

I've been working on a huge report at work. I use a software report writing program called COGNOS to pull information from my payroll program, HTE. One problem we have in HTE is that if something is pending we don't see it in the bottom line. So you don't really know where you are in spending. Soooo.... I have several reports that I save into Excel and then with one touch of the macro button - YEAH - I have a fabulous up to date report. This is just what we needed for working on the budget. I would rather write reports and spreadsheets than anything else - it is like a puzzle trying to figure out what I need to make the report work. My friends and coworkers Heather and Kim have been helping by looking at information and telling my why it isn't complete and then I go on a treasure hunt looking for the information to add to the report. We still have to double check several line items today to make sure they are correct. This has been fun.

Okay - I have to go - ME

Camping Reservations

It is 9 degrees above zero and I'm making camping reservations! This is a picture of us camping last year at Clear Lake. I already lost out making a reservation for the weekend we wanted in Tawas - now I have to wait for a few more weeks to show up on the reservation availability list - the DNR show 6 mos worth to the date so anything after July 2 isn't showing yet.

I did reserve a week at the Rifle River and a long weekend at Clear Lake this summer - so I'm already getting excited about going. We always make our first camping trip of the year to be with two other couples. We take turns cooking for a whole day - so it is like being in Heaven the other two days. I love that trip the most. We lounge around, laugh, drink, we take long walks and drive to see the eagles, then we lounge around and laugh and drink some more. Lots of great campfires to sit around to enjoy each other's company.

Just knowing I have a couple of reservations on our favorite sites is enough to get me through this 9 degree weather - there is hope though - I've heard we are supposed to get up into the 50's by the end of the week! YEAH!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

My best wishes to all of you for a great year filled with family, love, happiness, and peace. Looking over last year I am thankful for so many things.

Finding a celebration each week at SS Peter and Paul church that brings us hope
Seeing that our family is filled with love and happiness
Knowing our friends and family are in such good health
Remembering that there are only 98 more payrolls until I can retire

Pat and I talk a lot about how happy we are - we would rather be with each other than anything else. Yesterday we drove to Lansing to go to thrift shops and Goodwills - I'm determined to buy lots of little plates to make hostess gifts for next year - I am also thinking of doing some bazaars next year - maybe I can talk Joanna into going to work a few if they are on the same day. I think small Christmas gifts is going to be the way to go. My friends bought hostess sets for their office staff and the staff really liked them - I should find a way to market to small businesses too.

After shopping we stopped at Beggar's Banquet for a late lunch - early dinner (or as we call it DRUNCH). It was nice - no one else was in the restaurant and they were decorating for their New Year's Eve party. We got home just after dark, which we noticed was after 5:30 - the days are getting longer - spring can't be that far off, right?

We are going to Bill and Amy's this evening for a traditional New Year's Day get together - THAT IS THE END OF CELEBRATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS! I'm actually ready to be done!

Hope you all have a wonderful day and a great year to come!

Fried Pickles

We went to Ann Arbor yesterday to shop and visit with family. Unfortunately two of the stores we wanted to go to were closed for the holidays. But we did go to the Reuse center and the PTO Thrift shop - an antique store and Salvation Army. I also got to go to Trader Joe's for the first time. I'm glad they don't have one here - it was expensive - but that didn't stop me from buying things I wanted! I got chicken sausages, perogies, fresh mozarella in olive oil that Meijers used to carry and stopped that I love and a wine that made me think of my friend Jan and since we are going to see her on New Years Day I got that. So we had plenty of stores to see even though I didn't get to see my spoons at the Second Chance store in Ypsi and the Scrapbox was closed it was a great day.

Then we stopped to see Pat's niece and her husband. They are going to have twins and we got to see lots of ultra sound pictures and talk about having babies and parenting and how much their lives are going to change. We went out to one of our favorite restaurants in Willis - yes - Willis. It is called the Pickle Barrel Inn. We always order fried pickles - they are so yummy. So we continued our conversation there and had a very nice time.

Lately - several people have told me they read my blog - but - they are hit and runs - they don't leave a message. I was wondering if I was writing this just for the few people whom have left comments - but no - my good friend in Florida, Pat's niece, and a few friends at work have all told me they read it all the time. So hi all you hit and run friends and family.

Today we are having Christmas at Jim and Cindy's - that will be fun. We have a Chinese Auction where you choose a gift - and then the next person can take that gift or choose another one. We always have one thing that everyone wants and that makes it fun.

Sheala and Robbie didn't make the gingerbread house - I'm thinking that maybe we can take it there and they can work on it with Karina and Karalee. I'll have to call Cindy though and make sure there is room in the basement for them to work on it.

I'm looking forward to the holidays to be done - I have to lose some of this weight I've gained before I go to the doctor in February. And since I don't have any will power at all right now - fried pickles and all - I'll have to just STOP the crazy eating and start walking. It will be easier to do without all the holiday stops. We'll see how motivated I can get.

Christmas at the Clifford Home

I came home from work and Robbie and Pat had gone grocery shopping - so the whirlwind cooking and baking started. Robbie helped me get the bread started - then he played with the leftovers from the bowl. Adding flour, sugar, apples, onions, whatever he could find - he had fun shaping one piece into a fish for Caroline.

Explanation: I told Caroline we would probably just have a simple dinner of pizza and salad - her response was: "We eat a lot of pizza" So - I called her back later that evening and left her a message: "mmmm... We'll have salmon"

Explanation 2: Caroline does not eat fish because my best friend, Janet, served us trout with the head on it when Caroline was three. She came over to me and said, "Mommy, the fishie is looking at me" - never ate fish again.

So, Caroline called me and said, "Jesse doesn't like fish either!" I just laughed and told her we were having soup. She didn't think it was funny. But Robbie did.

So then Robbie and I were peeling potatoes - he found one with a deep crevice in it - and then the laughing started. He said it was Mr. Crack Canyon.

Explanation 3: When Pat, Caroline, Robbie, Sheala and I went up north to Grand Marais we stopped in Seney for lunch. There was a guy at the counter with his pants WAY DOWN. I wish I could explain this right but I'll try anyway. First Caroline noticed it - she turned red. Then I saw it and started laughing. The Robbie saw it and he did a double, no a triple take and turned red and started laughing. I kept nodding my head toward the counter for Sheala to look but she wouldn't - she knew it was BAD. We could barely (pun intended) eat we were laughing so hard. After we left the restaurant we named the customer at the counter Mr. Crack Canyon. Well from that time on - just the mere idea of a crack sends us over the edge.

So we made potato soup, chicken noodle soup, outback croutons and dinner rolls. Then everyone came over and we ate. Then we opened presents. Then of course Caroline, Robbie and Sheala went after each other, I kept yelling at them not to break the lamp, knock over the tree, break the nativity pieces - Joanna kept telling me if I'd stop laughing while I was yelling they might listen to me.

All in all - it was a great Christmas celebration.

Nice Afternoon

We celebrated with Jesse's family yesterday. Crystal and Melissa and Javier came over for lunch with Pat's parents. Javier loved his rocking horse - it was so much fun watching him keep trying to get on it by himself and finally getting the hang of it and then learning how to make it rock. Christmas day watching a little one enjoy himself was an unexpected joy!

Ellie and Everett sent a picture of the twins first Christmas in their Mommy's womb - so I put a nice border on it - typed in The Twins First Christmas - 2007 - and framed it for Grandma and Grandpa - that was fun. Pat and I had a quiet evening by ourselves - it was very nice.

My favorite City Manager is home for the holidays - we'll be meeting her later with lots of her friends - I am really looking forward to talking with her. Then tomorrow night Joanna and her family, Caroline and Jesse will be over. I bought a Gingerbread House kit for Robbie and Sheala to put together - so that will be fun.

Hope everyone's holidays were wonderful - ME

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays to everyone - after telling everyone twice that I was done Christmas shopping - well - we had to go out yesteday to get a few things - and - it wasn't bad let me tell you. Next year I may start on Christmas Eve - it was in and out at every store - no long lines - mmmmmm.....

We went to a party before church - just a few friends - that was real nice. Then off to church. I'll just say it was emotional.

Today Caroline and Jesse are coming over and Pat's parents - just to have a small dinner - our Christmas with Pat's family was last Saturday and with Joanna's Family, Caroline and Jesse's Family will be on Thursday. So today will just be a quiet celebration.

Much love - ME

Off and Running

The Nativity is up - the tree is now decorated - the house smells like pumpkin and cinnamon and fresh cut pine - Gifts are wrapped - we're good to go!

Sunday Pat shoveled out from 10 inch drifts - I think we only got about 6 inches but the blowing caused huge powder like snow to shovel. Because he does the neighbors too it and he had to tweak the snowblower it took 4 hours - the roads were awful which caused us not to be able to go get the Christmas tree with the kids.

Monday morning at 2:00 Pat and I were cleaning the house, setting up the Nativity Scene and trying to start some kind of Christmas spirit at the Clifford household.

Tuesday I stopped for some last minute shopping - I know, I know, I said I was done when I had that stupid survey going on the blog but I found out when I wrapped gifts that I wasn't! Right after Pat got home from work, we stopped at McDonalds Nursery to buy a cut tree and then headed over to Joanna and Robin's for dinner with Caroline for my birthday - that was fun - Robin made some fabulous potato soup and then grilled steaks that were cooked to perfection! Followed by the most yummy eggnog cheese cake from The Patisserie - mmmmm.....

Yesterday morning Pat started putting the lights on the tree and when I got home I finished the lights and decorated it. Even though this holiday season is all chopped up we are getting it done - and the tree really is pretty.

Tonight - Rod and Patrick - our good friends are coming for dinner with Caroline. This will be a very nice relaxing evening. Can't wait to see them.

So we're off and running - Christmas time has arrived at the Clifford's!

Christmas Update at the Cliffords

HO HO HO! We got a tree! YEAH! Pat is putting the lights up this morning and I'm going to decorate it when I get home - Thank Goodness - Christmas is HERE!

One Week - AAAHHHH - I'm still not ready

Well at 2:00 am Pat and I were up and setting up the nativity scene - cleaning the house - doing laundray - generally doing all the stuff we should have been doing all last week when I was wrapping beads! Anyway - the tree will be tonight - if we can find one to buy this late!

I'm having a little bit of a hard time - no choir, no Midnight Mass, no decorating church - it's just not feelilng like Christmas to me. Oh I am sure it will be okay - I just have to get going a little bit. We will be going to SS Peter and Paul at 10 pm Christmas Eve Mass - I bet it will be beautiful.

At least I sent out the Christmas cards yesterday! ME

When Hard Times Become Good Memories

A good friend just told us her husband is out of work. I know from experience that this is a difficult time for a family. For many years our income was very limited, the building of a nuclear plant in our area was discontinued with many jobs lost, including my husband’s. We were faced with unemployment or moving; we chose not to move for three years. Pat would get jobs here and there but it was not consistent. I started a word processing business in our home and many times when a customer came in the front door to pick up a resume, Pat would go out the back door to buy milk and bread.

Pat took a more active role in childcare and I spent more time on my business. It was difficult for me to give up some of the controlling aspects of parenting. I remember one morning the kids asked me if I was going to the school talent show and I hadn’t even known there was one in the planning. Before that particular life lesson I always wondered how a parent (read that FATHER) could possibly not be involved enough in a family to know what was going on with their children. It was a humbling moment.

We both became more involved at school and church. Our parish school hired both of us part time knowing that we were in financial trouble. I managed the learning center, working one-on-one with the children, teaching the parents how to help the children with the computers and scheduling volunteers. Pat worked in the lunchroom and on the playground and we got to know all the kids at the school. The staff was warm and accepting and we will always think of the time we spent at Blessed Sacrament with thankfulness and fond memories.

The most important was the time spent with our family. We started a list of thanks that hung in our kitchen. Whenever someone did something nice or when we were especially thankful for something it was written on the list. Sometimes we would find neighbors and friends had even put something on the list. It helped us focus on the good in our lives. I think I have that list somewhere – I will have to find it and post it here – it was a great list!

Even when Pat was working full time we didn’t celebrate holidays that florists and card stores created to make more money; but during that time even our anniversary was one we couldn’t afford. I remember going into a card store and picking out beautiful and expensive cards for each other, we read the cards and put them back on the shelf. We knew the message in the card was much more important than actually having a card to put in a drawer later.

We found ways to have fun that cost less. We had stopped going out for dinner months earlier but we still could go for an ice cream cone. Instead of movies we read books as a family; our favorite was the Little House series. Camping for a week was out but we still found a way to camp for one weekend. Rummage sales were in; shopping in stores was out. Spending time walking in the woods at Ringwood Forest in St. Charles, singing loudly about all the things we were thankful for – these are some of my best memories of that time.

It took us quite a few months to get back on secure financial ground. We moved to Saginaw where I found employment and I walked to work every day – I still did word processing in my home – sometimes working all night and then going to work in the morning. Pat went back to work on a more regular basis and we eventually had enough money to resume our former lifestyle. But we never forgot the important lessons we learned during that time.

I know we were just down on our luck – not destitute – not homeless – and we had enough skills to be able to pull ourselves out of the difficult time. It was a good experience for us as a family. I know that not everyone can make a bad experience into a good one - I am just very thankful that we could.

Christmas is Coming

Last night Joanna stopped by to ask when we were going to get our tree - we decided next Sunday - then this morning I read Sarah Beara's blog and now I'm excited about Christmas. Just thinking about my grandkids helping us decorate the tree - one reading the Christmas story from Luke and putting the star on top of the tree and the other one putting Jesus in the manger. We have decided to wait until next weekend to put the tree up - now I can't wait!

I met an author, Harvey Hirsch, selling his Christmas book The Creche of Krakow: A Christmas Story . He was such a persuasive salesman - I took it home and it was such a sweet story. I have a collection of Christmas books that sit out at Christmas time and I read them to the kids - of course - they are now pretty much just humoring me when I say I want to read to them - but I love it. I am glad I can add this one to the collection. I'm also going to buy one that is based on the song Mary Did You Know? I saw it this past weekend and I'm going to run over to the Antique Warehouse bookstore and get it. I love books.

Christmas is coming - I'm finally excited about it!

ANNOUNCING - FIRST SERVING NOW AVAILABLE AT ANDERSEN ENRICHMENT CENTER

You can now purchase First Serving spoons at the Andersen Enrichment Center. They have glass cases with artwork from several local artists for sale. If you are looking for a unique gift item for this Christmas - stop by Mon-Fri 9-3.

Also - this Thursday there is the:
5th Annual Hollyday Art Fair
Andersen Enrichment Ctr., 120 Ezra Rust Drive
December 6, 2007
Lunch will be served in the Garden Rm, featuring homemade soups & sandwiches $6. The Hollyday Fair will feature a fresh holly sale as well as distinctive gifts in the gift gallery. Offering pottery, jewelry, folk art, paintings fibers, baskets, clothing, woodworking & a variety of holiday crafts. Superb sweets for holiday entertaining will be available @ Hollyday Bake Shoppe. Silent Auction 10am-3pm. For more information 989-759-1363. Free admission

I have donated a set of spoons for the silent auction - so stop by on Thursday to support the ARTS in Saginaw.

What a nice party

I went to the Antique Warehouse 25th Anniversary Party. I didn't wear my green velvet coat - it was raining! But I did wear Grandma Shea's jewelry - and I had a very nice time. You can tell the people really like each other - and everyone was smiling and laughing.

Deb said Sunday at the Grandy Open House didn't have as many people - we had a snow storm on Saturday night and I don't think people wanted to venture out - but - she said sales were as good as last year - so I can't wait to find out how I did.

We are going to celebrate Robbie's birthday tonight after Sheala's volleyball game - that will be fun.

I was so busy over the weekend I didn't even blog about my power stearing pump going out - which caused my brakes to go out - which caused me to run into the curb right outside of work on Thursday and the tire to lose all it's air! Thank goodness I was going slow - approaching a stop sign. For some reason I changed the day to set up for the Grandy Farm to Wednesday instead of Thursday - I'm so glad. I still don't have the van back - they had to order the part - hopefully today - I'm just very thankful nobody got hurt. ME

Still so happy about this weekend

I should have made 10 x more hostess gifts. The "Add a cheeseball" dish and knife went like hotcakes. So I'll do more next year. I am so happy that so many of my "Add a cake" serving sets sold - I just had a hunch and it paid off.

My favorite piece - Terry bought it - it was a small cake plate with a server that was so cute. I think I blogged about it before - it was an Avon plate and I found a white necklace in Mackinaw City that I took apart and used with green and red beads. I loved it. I'm so glad my good friend bought it to put her yummy cinnamon rolls on it for Christmas morning!

I have to get ready to go to the Antique Warehouse anniversary party tonight - I wasn't going to go because I really don't know those people - but Deb Grandy was sweet enough to ask me to go with her - so I'm going. It's at the Germania - which I love to go to - and people are supposed to dress in old clothes - I don't have any - but I do have great old jewelry from Grandma Shea - so I'll wear those - and my beautiful green velvet coat I bought at an estate sale - if the Andomitas people are there I'll make sure I show them the coat I bought for $5.00 that I absolutely love! So - I'll let you know how the party was when I blog tomorrow - ME

Such Good Friends and Family

So many friends and family came to the open house at the Grandy Farm yesterday while I was working - thank you so much for your support. I sold so many items - I can't wait until tonight when I find out how I actually did. This was just the jump start my bead business needed - whew - I can finally tell Pat I can pay for some of those beads! You are amazing my friends and family - thank you.

Someone asked me to write about how I got into this - so I told her I would blog it. My brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Cindy, and Pat and I were going to a Great Lakes Loons game in Midland. We went to dinner downtown and still had time before the game so we went shopping. We stopped at the Northwood Gallery and I saw these beautiful beaded spoons. I called Cindy over and told her I was going to make her one of those spoons but I wanted her to see how much the present was going to be worth when I made it! It was very expensive.

The next day Pat and I went to an estate sale and there was a box of serving pieces half off - all for $10.00 - we went to JoAnne's Ect. and the beads were 40% off - then I came home and started wrapping - I was so excited that the spoons were tranformed into pieces of art. We took it right over to Cindy!

Then I bought a couple of new serving pieces for a wedding gift - wrapped them and then took them to a couple of stores to match some bowls to go with them. Every sales person liked them but I couldn't find the right gift. Then we went back to the Northwood Gallery - I took them in and the manager asked me if I would like to sell my serving pieces there. I said - "sure" then I went home terrified - for goodness sake I only had wrapped a few sets - here I was saying yes to an art gallery. I quickly ordered serving sets off the Internet and began wrapping. My business "First Serving" was born.

After I took 50 pieces to the Northwood Gallery I had lots of beads left over - so I started going to estate sales and started wrapping gently used pieces all the time. If I couldn't sleep - 2 am - wrapping beads - came home from work - happy - couldn't wait to wrap beads. Each piece is distinctly different - I love doing it.

Pretty soon - I had so many spoons I didn't know what to do with them. So I stopped at the Antique Warehouse to ask if I could rent a shelf. Jean and Pat liked them - and they said I could be in the small section that isn't just antiques. My business "Second Serving" was born.

It is so much fun - it nourishes my artistic part of my soul - I really love making so many pieces that are so beautiful. So anyway - thank you so much my friends and family for coming to the open house - it was so nice to see you. And if you didn't get there yesterday - Today is the last day - I won't be there but I think you will still love going to see all the great gift ideas. ME

YEAH IT'S HERE!

I stopped by at the end of the day yesterday - and I decided I better take more inventory! YEAH! So I've been up for hours pricing inventory that I still had in my storage boxes - as of 9:00 this morning - I will have NO SECOND SERVING INVENTORY left in the house! Oh my goodness - this has never happened!

There are so many great gift ideas at the open house - Deb Grandy made great memo boards with frames and tea towels - I'm measuring my cabinet before I go to see if the green one will fit on my cupboard in the kitchen - I love it!

I'm going to work from 9 am - 5 pm today - so I'm hoping to see you there! ME

All Set to Go

I went to the Grandy Farm yesterday and set up my area. I thought maybe I had taken too much inventory - but I didn't make too much - everything fit in the Kitchen and Deb Grandy gave me space in the living room - there was a nic nac shelf with a dish groove so I put most of my "Just add a cheeseball" hostess gifts in there.

I also put a couple of my gift baskets in the pantry behind the kitchen - so - I'm all set to go! I think I will run out there tomorrow after work just to see how things are going. Wouldn't it be great if I had to run to the Antique Warehouse and grab more inventory from there???? So I've got my fingers crossed! Don't forget that I work all day Saturday - hope to see you there.

Today is my "Amy Day" - my friend Amy cleans my house - I love to go home after work and just sit there and soak in how much I love our duplex. I used to make fun of my Mom because she made us clean for the cleaning lady - well - I understand it now - I don't want to pay someone to move clutter - I want her to spend her time doing the deep cleaning - and Amy is WONDERFUL! Everything is in it's place - I can smell the furniture polish and floor cleaner - I love my Amy Day.

It's Almost Here - AAAAHHHHHH!!!

The van is packed - I think I may have overdone it! I have no idea - since I've never even been to the Grandy Farm Open House before I just didn't know how much inventory to take with me. I am going over after work today to set up my space. Sheala and Robbie and I stopped over at Caroline's to pick up my Mom's little bookcase - I think it will fit next to my spot in the kitchen at the open house so I can put little items on the little shelves. I really had fun making the different hostess sets and even though I HATE pricing and inventory - I got it done.

Sheala and Robbie forgot their keys to get in at home after school - so I took them home with me and we made sugar cookies for the open house. They were a huge help - rolling out the dough - cutting out the shapes and sprinkling green and red sugar on top. We used Aunt Betty's Easy Sugar Cookies recipe - the BEST cookies ever - you can roll and reroll your dough over and over again and the cookies never are tough.

Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 400

1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla (I double this to 2 tsp - Clear vanilla makes all the difference if you can get some)
½ cup sour milk (add TBS lemon juice OR vinegar to milk)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
4 cups flour

Put baking soda into sour milk (do this first - it expands)

Cream sugar and shortening, add one egg at a time, add salt and vanilla.

Add baking powder to flour and then alternate that mixture with milk mixture.

Make sure you watch them in the oven though because they brown very quickly.

Robbie had fun making an experiment after most of the cookie dough was gone - I told him he could add stuff - Leftover egg wash, more flour, Paprika, Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Nutmeg and I don't know what else - we didn't bake it but it sure looked fantastic with all those colors in it! Then they played "Guess Who" it was so much fun to watch them having fun that I was sorry to see their Dad pick them up.

OK - see you on Saturday - if you can't come then make it on Friday or Sunday - you don't want to miss the open house! ME

Great Christmas Gift Idea

Fran Novak and I went in on a Christmas gift for each other - we purchased a brick to be placed by the flagpole at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum. This museum is across from the old Saginaw Paint Manufacturing where my Dad worked. And actually Jim and Larry worked there during their high school years.

The brick says: Patsy Novak and Elinor Shea Friends Forever

If you want to purchase a brick there is a link on the right hand side column of this blog.

I also sent out a mailing about the open house at the Grandy Farm. If you do not receive a mailing and you want to please leave a message here. If you did receive one and you don't want to be on the mailing list - ditto - leave a message for me.

All the wrapping is done - lots of spoons, forks and butter knives. Gift baskets, cake plates and servers, and lots more. I've almost got everything priced and packed - today will be the finishing touches. Then I have to bake cookies because anyone going to the open house can have cookies. I bought 24 bars of World's Finest Chocolate from Sheala (she is raising money to go to Washington D.C. with her class.) and I'll make the chocolate chip cookies with that chocolate...mmm...mmmm... So - back to work - ME

Happy Thanksgiving

There are so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving - I thought I would start a list and add to it by editing the post all week long. Add comments to increase the reasons we are all so thankful.

The Day After Thanksgiving
I am thankful that I had such a wonderful time seeing so many nieces and nephews at Jim and Cindy's. Karina, Karalee, Ethan, Robbie and Sheala played all day together while all the aunts played with Tsipporah. I love watching the grand nieces and nephews play just like their Mom's and Dad did all those Thanksgivings ago! Everything was so typical - Fred bothering Caroline, Kim bossing us all around to make sure everything made it to the table hot and delicious, The guys watching football and cooking both the turkey's on the grill, The women closing the french doors and talking until some child finds us and the quiet time ends! Thank you... Thank you... Thank you...

Late Thanksgiving Morning - Almost Noon
Pat and I went to SS Peter and Paul for Thanksgiving Mass. The Nouvel football team was there with all of their families. The place was filled with laughter and love and lots of talking. It was a beautiful service and Fr. Jack used the Waterford Chalice that Mom, Patsy, Fran and I got him from Ireland. He made sure I noticed it after Mass. We are so filled with blessings.

Thanksgiving Morning
Well - here we are Thanksgiving Morning - I'm so thankful that the pumpkin roll came out of the pan - the pie crust for the onion tarts turned out flaky AND that Cindy and Jim are so willing to share their family with ours. I cannot wait to go over and see all my nephews and nieces - everyone is home for the holidays. Also, we got just a little bit of snow and when we got up this morning every tree limb was lightly covered with beautiful white snow. It looks like a holiday card looking out my window. It looks like it might all melt by the time everyone is on the road.

DAY THREE
I am thankful to have spent time with Sheala and Robbie after school yesterday. We went to Saginaw Township government building to pick up Mary Lynn's quilt that was in an art show there. Then we stopped at Goodwill - I found a tiered cookie dish and she found a Newberry Award book. Then we went to the bowling alley and watched Robbie bowl an awesome game at his practice. We had fun. Grandchildren are the greatest!

DAY TWO
Dinner Out
We had a great time watching Sheala play volleyball - then we went over to Joanna and Robin's for a great dinner. Ham and Gnocchi - mmmm mmmmm mmmmm Robin is a great cook - we had a very nice evening.

10 Days Left Before Open House
I got up at 3:00 am and decided the bead room HAS to be cleaned out before I do another thing. Everything is in disarray. So I did the quiet stuff first while Pat was sleeping. I was out of control trying to get something done for my friend this past weekend and I kept dumping out piles of beads until I finally found what I needed. So I ended up with tons of beads mixed together - UGH - it is not easy getting them back in separate containers. So I got that part done and tonight I will work on packing up the storage boxes for the open house at the Grady's Farm on Nov 30-Dec 2 - then I will figure out what else has to be wrapped before then. So I am very thankful that I still have 10 days to get ready for the show!!!!! I will need it!!!

DAY ONE
Faith
Through an incredibly difficult year - we are still filled with faith. We are searching for a church and in the process have been blessed with wonderful homilies and faith-filled communities.

Pat
He is not in a cast this Thanksgiving. After a bad fall off a ladder last year he broke his back and his wrist. Months of rest and relaxation and recovering from these injuries had us worried about a full recovery. One year later - he is back to work and back to 100%.

Our Family
We are so blessed to have a wonderful family. Everyone is healthy and happy. Could we ask for anything more? Working at the Police Department, I see so much dysfunction in families in the victims and suspects that come through this building that I realize how easily families fall into disrepair. It takes hard work and commitment to have a family stay together. Even when people work very hard sometimes it doesn't happen. The fact that ours is so together means so much to me.

Friends
We have the most amazing friends. They stick by us through everything. I cannot believe this extended family of ours - they love us, nurture us, help us, and they are ALWAYS there for us.

Beads
I love the artistic part of the hand bead work. I will never make as much as I spend - and that is fine. The money that comes in pays for more beads. The joy is in the searching for the pieces to buy and then making the piece my own style. What fun this has been this year. Thankfully Patrick is very supportive and loves going on treasure hunts with me.

That's all for today - I'll add some more tomorrow. ME

Joanna's Having a Party

You know how much I hate home parties, don't you???? I HATE home parties. HOWEVER, Joanna is having one on Sunday and it is the coolest new thing. It's called Uppercase Living. You can personalize your home with decorative expressions. Link on the side of my blog, when you click on the link sign in on the Customer Login with the demonstrator ID 561661 and the registration token is - faith. I can't wait to order a saying for above my friend wall in the Living Room. I found a couple of sayings but one may be too long for my wall space. I'll see if I can use it - if not - I'll have a shorter verse. Anyone have a good verse about friends that is short?

Songs from the Heart

One of my friends, Amy, from St. Mary Cathedral stopped by today with a CD Songs from the Heart by Daughters of God. She wanted me to hear the song "From One Mother to Another" It is so beautiful - it reminded her of my daughter Caroline. Caroline found a couple to adopt her daughter several years ago. It is an open adoption which means we get to see her a couple of times a year. Saturday we get to go see Caroline's daughter and her daughter's sister. I can't wait to see these two grandchildren tomorrow - and - to take this CD to them. The song is very very beautiful and captures the loving heart that the birth mothers of these two girls have.

Working My Fingers to the Bone

Oh my goodness.... My fingertips are so sore. I have been cleaning silver, wrapping beads getting ready for the Grandy Open House. It wouldn't be so bad except after I'm done wrapping something I end up buying another dish at a consignment shop or estate sale that HAS to go with the already wrapped spoon or cake server and I have to undo it and rewrap it with different colored beads.

However, the new collections of sets are sooo great. I especially love one small pedestal cake plate that is an Avon Christmas plate red, white and green and the cake server I wrapped to go with it is beautiful. It is very difficult to find white beads - but the red, green and white beads on the server really are beautiful.

Yesterday I found a consignment shop going out of business - I had so much fun shopping. I found so many little bowls and dishes that I am sure I have enough to sell the whole weekend at the Grandy Farm and the Antique Warehouse for the rest of the Christmas season.

Now - if I could just wrap, wrap, wrap for days on end I would be ready!!!!

Entertaining a Lesson for Life

Good friends coming for dinner tonight makes me think of my Mom. She was such a great hostess. We would go grocery shopping to no less than three stores to make sure she had the best of everything. Provenzanos would be on her list and we would walk in there and smell the meatballs and cheese at the back of the store from the minute we walked in the front door. When checking out we usually would buy a couple lottery tickets to take out to the car and rub off - sometimes I even got to run back in and buy a few more with the money we won. One time she sent me back in four times because she kept winning! What fun!

We would get back home and her table would already be set with her beautiful cream and gold china her goldware and Waterford all glistening in the light. Everything set the night before. Each dish was on the counter with a little piece of paper that had the name of the food that was going in that dish. A list of the whole menu would be on the table to be sure that nothing was missed.

And then the dinner preparation would begin. There was always a glass of wine or if we were lucky she would make a blender full of whiskey sours. Food always comes out better if the cook is happy! The house would begin to smell like home. There was always too much food and always an extra place at the table if anyone happened to bring someone home with them. Remember how many dinners Nancy showed up with Kathy for - she was like an extra Shea kid at the table.

Once people began to show up for dinner and everything was ready then the fun would begin. I loved sitting at the table listening to all the laughter and talking. The best thing growing up was that when the good china was used then the Aunts and Mom did all the dishes so they wouldn't get broken. (However I don't ever remember ever breaking an every day dish!)

When we were little and we lived on Hoyt Street, and it was time to go to bed we would sneak up to the little room at the top of the back stairway that many years before someone much more affluent than us had used as a maid's room. We would very carefully open the heat register (move too fast and dust would fall on the kitchen table giving us away!) We would sit there trying to hear what everyone was talking about until we were so tired we would have to give up and go to bed.

Tonight Pat and I have eight friends joining us for dinner. The table isn't set, the porch has to be cleaned, the food has to be cooked (although some of it is already made). My grocery shopping is done - the house is almost done - my menu is put together. When I get home from work I will work very fast getting the cooking going and the cleaning done. Then when everyone comes over - we will all catch up - eat lots of food - drink lots of wine - laugh lots and have a wonderful time.

I'm so glad my Mom entertained so much and loved to have everyone over - she never stressed out about it - just worked very hard before everyone showed up and then stopped to enjoy all the fun with her guests. A good lesson in life.

Mini Vacation

Well, we had our four-day weekend and it was wonderful. We went up north to Houghton Lake and then over to Tawas. We stayed the night at the Tawas Beach Resort and found out that our friend John’s band, Small Change, was playing in the lounge that evening. It was fun being there when the band came in to set up and we surprised him sitting there waiting for them. We had a blast – one of the patrons was dressed up as Frankenstein (or as Jim at work corrected me: Dr. Frankenstein’s Monster) – an unbelievable costume that kept us all laughing all night long.

On Saturday, we went to our friends, Jim and JoAnn, who have a cabin in AuGres and met Bill and Amy there and we (the guys) raked and (I) burned leaves – an annual tradition. We love the smell of burning leaves and JoAnn feeds us until we are ready to burst. We had an enjoyable day catching up with them.

Then back home and on Sunday after church we went to Bringers for breakfast with Jan and Jim and Bill and Amy and Vince and Olympia. Then Pat and I drove to Mt. Pleasant, Clare and Blanchard going to antique stores. That was a lot of fun and I found silver-plated flatware to use in my Second Serving business.

On Monday we chilled out – took the van in to have some minor work done. When we got the van back we drove to Bay City and our vacation was done. I slept too much on Sunday so I got up at 2:00 am and wrapped spoons for a couple of hours. Then – back to work. I picked up Robbie from school after work and everything is back to same old same old.

I stopped at Goodwill on the way home – I found the greatest quilted Fall jacket for $3.00 – yeah – I love it when I find such a good deal.

Jane called me yesterday morning on my way in to work to say that she is on her way to New York for a conference and Sarah is going to meet her there. What fun! I would love to be there with them!

Okay – that’s all for now - ME

Yeah! A Four Day Weekend

Patrick called me at work - he's taking off Monday - so - we'll be off Friday - Monday. I used to think I had to save all of my vacation time because it will roll into my pension - HAH - not anymore. Vacation time is my saving grace. I need to spend every single solitary minute I can with that man! What a good day it is indeed.