Flowers at the Gardens

The flowers were so beautiful - the colors vibrant - the landscaping fabulous - there were orchids and hibiscus and flowers that looked like a Chihuly!

Back from Grand Rapids

I know I've said this before - but - I LOVE CHIHULY! We went to Grand Rapids to see the show at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The pictures above are my FAVORITE - of course it brought tears to my eyes just looking at it. The setting was perfect for the sculpture and the colors were brilliant - it so reminded me of Pentecost.





The pictures above were the favorite of all the people going to the exhibit. I just loved the outside exhibits - but the inside ones were really fabulous, too. I will post some of those the next time I'm in here!

We really had a wonderful time - the weather channel told us it was going to rain ALL DAY with thunderstorms - HAH - it didn't even rain but a few raindrops. The day was perfect for walking through the gardens. We even decided to stay an extra night because we were both exhausted from all the shopping and the walking around the gardens.

What an exhausting day!

We have been to several thrift stores - a few antique stores - and best of all Meijer Gardens to see Chihuly in the Gardens and the Davinci Horse. I will update tomorrow when I have more time - but the trip to Grand Rapids was REALLY FANTASTIC!

Reunion Planning

We had such a nice visit with John and Mary Beth and Joan and Tom and Steve last Sunday. We decided to send out postcards for the class reunion. Their home is so beautiful and the backyard is such a relaxing spot.

Steve took care of us all afternoon - we laughed until our cheeks hurt - and we had a preview of some of the foods that will be served at the reunion. IT WAS FABULOUS!

It's only a few weeks away and I can't wait to see our friends from YIKES 40 years ago.

Robbie and Sheala

A visit from the Jacklin family last night was such fun.

Pat and I had to go to the store because we only had chicken for dinner - no sides - so we went to Kroger and I bought 8 different salads, corn on the cob and a loaf of jalepeno bread and hummus and some sushi. (My grandkids LOVE sushi.)

Sheala and Robbie were playing cards in the kitchen when we walked in from the store and I set out the bread and hummus for them to eat. Joanna found some celery in the frig and had that with hummus, since she is now on the Atkins diet with Robin.)

The kids stayed in the kitchen playing cards and I went to sit with Jo in the living room. Pat started cooking chicken on the grill and we waited to see if Robin would get out of work in time for dinner with us.

Sheala was humming away in the kitchen (a sure sign she is winning at cards) and Robbie was laughing and bugging her. Joanna was working on Soduko (which by the way she does in pen with nothing scribble out or written over!!!!)

Then Robbie and Sheala decided to make smoothies - frozen blueberries that our neighbor picked for us a few weeks ago. Then Robbie sat on the couch with me and told me "there is no love in his family" he proceeded to tell me that Joanna and Sheala saw him fall on the stairs at home and they didn't even care - they just laughed at him - he wasn't feelin' any love! I told him I loved him more than life itself.

Our nephew, David, called and I talked with him a bit and then Pat talked with him until it was time for dinner. Then Robin came in, Pat brought in the chicken and we sat down to a yummy dinner. We sent them all home right after dinner (they usually help us clean up but we insisted they needed to leave for their errands).

Then we went to the park for a bit and came home. It was a very nice night in Saginaw.

Rain Rain Go Away

We have two outdoor weddings to go to today! The rain is threatening with gray clouds and nastiness out there! Hopefully the sun will peek out for the weddings.

We played cards with Bill and Amy last night - what fun. Bill and I even traded hands a couple times because we both were complaining so much about the rotten cards we were getting. One time I got better cards and the next time MUCH MUCH worse. We played a couple of games of Spades and a couple of Hearts. I don't think I've been up that late in a long while. We drank gin and tonics and of course I had leg cramps last night, all night long. But - it was a fun night.

It is official - I got my numbers for retirement - I'll take a hit by going a year early - but - we can actually do it financially. However, after January there will be no more Keno! A small price to pay to start having a great time with my sweetie!

1/2 Day

Pat and I took off for up north this afternoon - what a nice ride. I can't take it for granite anymore - it feels so good to have my knee feel fine on a long ride - I wasn't sure I would be able to go on our adventures anymore - but not one bit of being uncomfortable when we went today! YEAH!

I haven't even started "cleaning for the cleaning lady" as my Mom would say and she comes tomorrow! I will have to scurry around in the morning in order to have the place be clean enough to be cleaned!!!!

Remembering Paula

Being a Great Wife and Mother
A Sister and Friend,
Playing Pinochle – always my partner and
Always bidding high against David,
Cooking Sweet and Sour Pork,
Selling at the Antique Festival,
Going to Thrift Stores and Garage Sales,
Encouraging Artists and Painting Beautiful Art,
Opening and Closing Her Gallery,
Filling up Every Available Space with Treasures,
Coaxing David to Make More Space Available,
Camping, Talking, Laughing,
Enjoying Life and Making Other People Enjoy it, too.
I'll miss you Paula

New Business Card

I love my new business cards - I've resisted getting any but when I am at the craft shows lots of people ask for them - so - when Vista started advertising on TV I decided to try them - they were very affordable you just have to wade through one or two emails every day from them. All in all - that is worth the price to me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE SCHMANE

Just a short fireworks from Saginaw, Michigan 2009 - Happy Birthday, Sister Dear - all these people were ooohing and ahhhhing for your birthday celebration!

First Blueberry Pie

MMMMMmmmmm..... Our tenant, Marge and our next door neighbor, Juanita, went blueberry picking this morning - they came back and gave us enough berries for blueberry pie - the fruit was tart and the crust turned out great - mmmmm.... I know my friend Kay is cringing at the thought of ruining a good blueberry - but we loved it!

I spent the morning, with Pat's help, finishing up the dishes and knives from the Frankenmuth show - we had lots of bugs at the show and I didn't want to bring them in the basement so we left everything in the garage until I could get to them. Pat bullied me into doing it this morning and by the time we were done I thanked him - it has been on my mind but I just hate getting started!

Then we went for a nice drive - to the Wooden Shoe restaurant - it was a great drive but I don't think we would go just for the restaurant - even though we ate outside on the patio on the Tittabawassee River it was just an okay place. The Dockside in Bay City on the Saginaw Bay has us SPOILED.

YEAH

I just found out I can retire in January 2011 instead of 2012!!!!! I am SOOO happy - the smile hasn't left my face. We had our friends Bill and Amy and Jan and Jim over for dinner to celebrate - I tried my niece Kim's shrimp recipe - but I made it a little easier. We bought already cooked shrimp at Jack's then added:

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 tsp ginger
Juice of one lime

Marinated for 1 hour then we put it on a flat screen type grill pan and covered it with foil - then we put it on the grill for about 5 minutes - just to warm it up.

YUMMMMMM!!!!

River Roar

We went to the Dockside in Bay City yesterday afternoon and watched the practice runs for the River Roar this weekend - we had such a good time - lots of sunshine - warm wind - fast boats - and most of all sitting next to my Honey. I sure did miss him while he was traveling the past two weeks. Good to have him home.

Looking for......

Classmates addresses: Joe Schneider, Janice Sutter, Bob Wilcox, Margot Phelan, Ron Majewski, Rene Gaudreau. I am sending the flyers out for our 40th this week - I want to make sure everyone is invited.

Nice Dinner

I just had dinner with my son-in-law, Robin. We had such a nice evening - talking about family and church and life in general. He is so proud of his kids and it shows in the stories he tells. Joanna is in Hawaii and Pat is in New Jersey so I texed him and asked if he wanted to go out to dinner - it was very nice.

Pat will be home tomorrow - I can't wait - I miss him lots.

Long Weekend

The weekend in Frankenmuth was so hot - and really no one had purchases in their hands - I am really only going to do Fall and Winter shows. My plates are great gifts for Christmas and I'm going to stick with that for now. I certainly made enough to pay for everything but I am sure I could have spent the weekend with my family visiting from Tulsa and had more fun! Thank goodness for Patrick - what a good sport - he sat with me all weekend long!

I had my cousin over for dinner last night and we wrapped spoons and knives to match dishes she had. That was a lot of fun and very nice to visit with her.

I'm supposed to be getting out the class reunion flyers tonight - but I decided to wait until tomorrow! I never knew what a procrastinator I am! Going to work at 4 am yesterday really exhausted me - I had to work at a very fast pace trying to make up for Friday when the computers went down at work - I did make my deadlines but I am still paying the price - when I came home this afternoon I took a nap and I am sure I'll still sleep well tonight.

I talked to Sheala for a bit today - she had a WONDERFUL time in Boston. She made so many friends and really didn't want to come home. I am so happy she had a great time. Now they are visiting their cousins in New Jersey - what a fun way to begin the summer.

Family and Shows

We saw lots of family at the funeral this week - of course we all decided never to miss another year without getting together - but you know how that goes - weddings and funerals.

It was a nice time to see two of our nieces and my sister from Tulsa - we don't get enough hugs, smiles, and kisses from them. It was so nice to talk with them about their future plans and tell them we love them. Jim and Cindy showed us a slide show if their Mission trip to Cuba. Cindy has been at her sons house and then her mom's house for a few weeks and she was home last night - I like it when she is home! Mary Lynn went over to spend the night, too - I'm glad she stayed. I missed Kathy and Larry though.

The show in Frankenmuth was HOT HOT HOT yesterday - and it looks as if today will be the same - but at least all the storms were down south of the show so maybe when we get there today our tent will still be standing!

I Sold a good number of dishes - there was this really great cobalt blue bowl shaped like a fish and I was so glad it sold - it needed a good home - it was my favorite piece on the table. Today my goal is to sell the beautiful pink glass bowl with a spoon with beautiful Swarovski pink beads. I don't like having pieces that are so special to pack away.

Well off I go - time to find a few more dishes in the basement to take with me - I noticed I didn't have near enough glass dishes to sparkle in the sunshine.

Resurrection Sunday - Budapest

Thank you Maureen!

FRANKENMUTH

I will be in Frankenmuth all weekend long - starting today at Noon, Friday, June 18th through Sunday. I will be selling the hostess sets - $10 for one set and $15 for two sets. I found some really great dishes - perfect for the 4th of July!

We are hoping the weather cooperates - it sounds as if it might - I can't wait to see you all.

Prayers

My cousin, Mary Lynn, lost her son this week while he was out on his daily exercise run - he had a fatal heart attack at the age of 46. He was a good man - a fun uncle - loved by many. His obituary shows how full of life he was (Click on his name below to read it). Our love and prayers to his family and friends.

Fr. Damien

Jazz on Jefferson - What Fun

We saw so many people that we know at "Jazz on Jefferson" last night. We had such a good time. People from St. Mary's and St. Pete's and the City of Saginaw and Delta and we had our booth next to Jan and Jim - it was fun, fun, fun. We could hear Jean Marie singing over on Millard Street which was very nice.

We sold 20 plates and knives which was a great night when no one even knew there was going to be a vendor spot. It was such a nice evening. We hope to do it again next year.

This week

I had the week off from work - what a luxurious thing - to be off and not trying to recuperate from surgery! I have such good friends at work who pick up my job and get it done while I am gone - I can't thank them enough. Anyone who has been following my blog knows that I have been counting down until retirement - well - I'm under 500 days!!!!!!!!!

We started out our camping year on a great note - camping with friends at the Rifle River State Recreation Area - we had one really great day weather-wise and the others were okay. Pat is camping with his brothers this weekend so I've been shopping the estate sales and going to buy fabulous beads at Joanne's - they were all on sale so I bought lots.

Jan and I are excited about the Jazz on Jefferson on Wednesday evening - Her purses are so fabulous you will want to see them - we will be set up in the Team One Credit Union parking lot - hope you will stop by and see us.

Class of 1970 Reunion

Attention all Classmates of Saginaw St. Mary Cathedral Class of 1970 - we will be having a reunion dinner at classmate Tom Price's restaurant in Flushing on August 14, 2010.

Tom has an award winning restaurant - Fandangles' - even his bathroom at the restaurant came in 5th in the NATION! He was nice enough to offer to host our party - the food and atmosphere at Fandangles' is really fabulous.

It is only about 30-40 minutes from Saginaw and it will be a night to remember. More details will follow.

More Travels

We went to Traverse City Friday and came home yesterday. It was just a short buying trip - we went to garage sales and thrift shops and I found some great Christmas dishes as well as pottery and a medium sized blue bowl that is shaped like a fish - I couldn't leave it - I'll put a large serving spoon with blue beads with it.

Of course we stopped at Peninsula Grill for lunch before coming home - and to our favorite wine tasting school house - Peninsula Cellars. We bought a case of wine which we like to think saves us money - but if we didn't buy the wine at all we would save much more! But what fun would that be?

We took some fabulous pictures of lilacs - they were at the end of the season but there were so many and so beautiful.

Back to the mundane today - cleaning the porch, going grocery shopping and searching the Internet for grilled trout recipes for camping and a truffle recipe for dessert when we have friends that we haven't seen in years over for dinner this week.

Lots of containers filled

Well - I really worked hard this week on the dishes. I filled seven large containers with dishes and wrapped knives. It was hard work but well worth the time. I am sure I have enough for the Jazz on Jefferson on June 9th and the Frankenmuth Craft Show on June 18, 19 and 20. So now I can relax for a few weeks. Then I'll have to get down to business again because I have so many shows this year that I think I better stay ahead.

I must say when I went down into the basement I was pleasantly surprised to see how many dishes I actually have down there. We have been really concentrating on Christmas dishes and I do have lots - but I still think I will need quite a few more to get through to the end of the year.

I just don't think I can have too many Christmas dishes - however - I think Patrick may disagree! He's the one that goes down the basement to store my dishes and he keeps saying there isn't anymore room. But I made a major dent in it with the ones I finished this week and those are out of his way. I'll see if I can fill it back up for him today!

First time in a very long time

We were trying to figure out how long it had been that Patrick, Joanna, Caroline and I had all been together all by ourselves - no spouses, grandkids or great grandkids - I think we came up with 1991! Oh my goodness! We had a very nice time being with our original family. It just doesn't happen anymore.

I love the spouses, the grandkids and the great grandkids - wouldn't trade any of them for anything - but it was such a treat to listen to our children and enjoy each other's company.

Random Thoughts

Random because that drives Pat crazy - when we clean the house he likes to clean ONE room at a time - finishing every single thing in the room. I'll explain how I clean by telling you how I got to sign in and blog this morning.

Pat left to work on a job with a friend - before he left I asked him to bring up several of my containers with dishes in them. I thought I would begin getting ready for "Jazz on Jefferson" which will be on June 9th.

I started emptying containers - washing dishes, putting different knives with different dishes. I fill a couple of containers and put a post it note on them to tell what is in the container (my attempt at organizing before I leave for a show) Then I went downstairs to find dishes that have a Martini theme - thinking those Jazz people might like martinis! I found them - but there were no knives already wrapped that had the colors I needed.

So upstairs I go - while looking for beads, I think maybe I should get some spoons too because I have some cute Partridge in a Pear Tree mugs that would be fun to sell. I go to sit down to search in my bead containers and think that while I'm up here I might as well print out some labels for the containers because the post it notes look as if they might fall off.

So I turn the computer on and sit down to search out beads. (It takes awhile for the computer to do it's backup that I always miss because I don't go on the computer enough!) So then I find the beads and go to print out the labels. While I'm here I think - I might as well go online and see if I have any messages. Then I think - mmmmm - maybe I'll blog!!!!!!

Now Patrick would have worked with what was in the containers and finished the whole job already - I on the other hand have enjoyed doing a lot of different chores and got to blog, too!

Chihuly in Michigan

My friend Peggy, a great lurker on this site, sent me an article about the Meijer Gardens Chihuly Exhibit in Grand Rapids. We would have gone this weekend but it's FREEZING in Michigan this weekend. So we are looking forward to a trip in the near future. Our nephew is getting married in Croatia and then having a reception in Grand Rapids so - NOTICE TO ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS GOING TO THE WEDDING - we'll organize a field trip to Meijer Gardens! YEAH!!!

I called my cousin Mary Lynn and told her she should contact the gift shop and have her quilts there for sale during the exhibit - now through September. They were inspired by our trip to the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix when we went to see the Chihuly exhibit there.

Pat and I went to a few estate sales today - I didn't buy anything at those but there was a church rummage sale (those are the best) and I got a bag of books and dishes for a dollar! Then I bought a few more items that were half off today. All in all - a great day.

Nice Weekend

We went to friends on Friday for dinner and cards - we had a great time. They had been on a trip and we missed them - it was good to have them home.

Saturday we went up north. I found some really great Christmas dishes both on the way up going to estate sales and at a store in Tawas. We stopped to see Julie at Finder's Keepers and she has my serving pieces displayed so nice in her area of the store. Oh by the way - it's her birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE.

We did stop at a VERY SCARY estate sale on the way up north. I walked in and walked back out - it looked like something out of that new show about hoarders - even though I've never seen the show; I've seen the ads - YIKES - I walked back out as fast as I could and we drove out of there!!!!!! SCARY!!!!!

It was very beautiful up north - we stopped at Lumberman's Monument which is one of our favorite spots. The warm wind was blowing and we watched kids climbing on the logs. A couple of hikers with huge backpacks came up to the monument and they were taking pictures of each other so I offered to take one of both of them. They had just hiked from Iargo Springs - they are training for their trip to Isle Royale. I told them that our daughter Caroline had hiked there and she loved the Island. Then on the way out we were reminiscing about when we had a picnic at the park in the Lumberman's Monument when I was pregnant for Joanna so many years ago. We cooked ribs - it was early spring because I had on my winter jacket - it is one of our favorite memories.

We stopped to eat and while we were eating I had to call my sister to tell her the Kentucky Derby was on and Noble's Promise was a 24 to 1 bet - came in 3rd I think after our call. She told me that Liz and a friend were talking about "Patisms" at the dinner table - and they came up with "As useless as a screen door on a submarine" - Pat loved it! Isn't it amazing when you talk about someone or remember a great time how the person just pops up and surrounds you? What a nice thing to happen in our lives.

Then my best friend's son called and Pat and I laughed all the way through the conversation - he is a sweetie. It was good to catch up with him.

Then home - it was a really beautiful trip.

Yeah! Magglio!

I left work early today - not because my knee hurt - because we wanted to see Magglio hit #2,000! He was so happy - his face was one big smile - Pat and I went to the Junction at 1:00 to see the Tiger game - Magglio hit one his first time up but he was out - the second time up was the magic number. Caroline came in to watch with us after her interview. We had a nice afternoon - much - much - much better than staying at work!

A few good estate sales

We went to three good estate sales yesterday. Found some platters and some dishes. YEAH!

On Friday we went to pick up our trailer at Pat's brother's home in Lansing. Paula and I went to some thrift shops where I found some dishes and then when we got back to their house the trailer was all hooked up and ready to go. So we all went to the Draft House and played a game of pinochle where Paula and I WON! Then we had dinner and back home to Saginaw.

It's raining this morning which is really good because the trees and grass need a good soaking. I hope the weather is okay tomorrow for Sheala's soccer game.

YAHOOOO - 2 days in a row

I've worked 8 hours two days in a row! And when I got home this afternoon I was still feeling pretty good. My goal is for the whole week to be 8 hour days.

The wildlife is moving in all over the city. This morning when I got to work there was an injured fox in a cage that had been hit by a car and this afternoon there was a wild turkey that flew across Malzahn to our neighbors bushes. The poor animals must be scared with all the traffic and people.

We had Jesse and Caroline and Crystal and the kids over for dinner last night. Jesse and Caroline went to the disappointing Tiger game and then they all came over for fettucini - unfortunatley I don't think Caroline was happy with the meal - I floured the meat which made a gravy instead of au jus with the meat and the homemade garlic bread didn't measure up to Coles - but we had fun anyway. The kids were riding on Caroline's lap bumping down the stairs. It brought back memories of Brandon and Bryant sliding down the stairs when they were little with Joanna and Caroline.

Catchup with Ketchup

When my friend, Fran, said she was coming to Saginaw I asked her to go out to breakfast - of course she said "Bringers?" Her parents were regulars at Bringers for years and it was fun to meet her there. We had a chance to find out what everyone is doing - how her aunts and uncles and cousins are doing. It sure was a nice time to catch up (the Ketchup part of this was eating the yummy hashbrowns with ketchup - they make the best hashbrowns anywhere at Bringers!)

When we were growing up Fran and her family moved in just a few houses down from us on Hoyt Street. It was so amazing to go over to her house - there was Ma, Helen, Honey, Uncle Pat, Uncle Ed, Patsy, Pumpkin and Fran. There was always something going on - lots of aunts and uncles and cousins - always a baby to hold and play with - stories to hear on the porch - cookies or bread baking in the oven - just a warm loving home that I always wanted to be part of and was thankfully always welcome to be one of their own.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone. I hope today is a great spring day. I love spring in Michigan. Our daffodils are so beautiful this year. Our tenant takes care of the flowers and there are so many explosions of yellow on the side and front of the house - I love them.

It seems as if the little rain we got yesterday made all the forsythia begin to bloom all over town. My kids used to call them Aunt Cindy's bushes - For Cynthias. There is one house in the township that has a whole line of the bushes and I can't wait until next week when they probably will all be flowered.

We had all our trees pruned this spring - I hope they do well. Our Sugar Maple in back is "stressed" from all the concrete around it - because it doesn't get enough water - so - I guess the water bill will be higher this year to see if we can save it.

On the side of the house the lawn looks very bad - I think we need to look into doing something - it is very yellow. I think it needs fertilizer and that is where all the snow stays the longest so it must not get enough sun either. Thankfully, Pat works outside - I really don't enjoy it at all. But I love it when things look good - mmmmmm..... Doesn't say much for M.E.

Farewell to a Friend

Police Officer Jim Blondin passed away on Sunday and his memorial service was on Thursday. He had been ill for a year and actually we thought he was going to die last spring. But Jim wasn't ready to die. He didn't want to leave his wife and children and grandchildren. Over the last year I have thought a lot about Jim and Sue. I sent cards every once in awhile - mostly funny ones to make him laugh because he made me laugh every time I saw him. He was so funny and a joy to work with.

I told Sue at the service that she will remember this last year with wonderful memories - the difficult times will melt away, her memories will be of Jim the way he looked before he became ill, she will be so blessed from the love they had this last year. I know this in my heart.

The procession left from the Police Department on the way to the funeral home and drove down Jim and Sue's old street - Court Street - and past Fuzzy's where Jim loved to stop. Jim's sister, Pam, told me that people were out at the curbs to see the procession go by with their hands over their hearts - the people at Fuzzy's were out, too. She said it was so touching and meant so much to their family.

We will miss Jim so much. But I know that Heaven is a much better place with him in it - with the saints and angels laughing every time they talk with Jim.

An Amazing Trip to the Museum

My cousin, Mary Lynn, wanted to know if I would like to go to the Castle Museum with her to donate our Great Grandmother's quilt. I was very happy to go with her. We met with Sandy who started to take down information. She told us that our Great Grandfather's harp was now on exhibit.

I ALMOST STARTED TO CRY! I had never seen the harp! So she told us we could go upstairs to see the exhibit when we were ready to go. Then she took down information about Mary Lynn and asked me to give her my information also. I laughed and told her I had four names. I started out: Mary Ellen Shea C... and she said, "Shea? - wait a minute - did you know Elinor?" I told her that Elinor was my Mom. I laughed and asked her "Did you love her?" That may be a funny question to a stranger - but I cannot tell you how many people really did love my Mom! She broke into a huge smile and nodded her head and told me that my Mom and my Mom's friend Kay were her first volunteers that she worked with at the museum 18 years ago. She said she still sometimes will go into a room and think that it needs the "Elinor Touch!"

So then it was time to go up to the harp. It was placed in a living room. And we could just picture Great Grandma's quilt going on the sofa next to it. Mary Lynn and I had such a nice visit there - I can't wait to go see the quilt with the harp!

First Long Trip

We drove to Traverse City and spent the night - we stopped a lot along the way there - Jay's in Clare, and a couple of thrift stores. I felt okay when we got there. While we were there we went to both casinos (came out a little ahead) we stopped at Goodwill, Salvation Army and three thrift shops - I found so many great Christmas plates - after a very dry couple of months I was so happy to find so many cute plates.




We stayed at the Hampton Inn - it was very nice and I even went to the fitness center and worked out on the bike. We had dinner at the Fresh Water Lodge - I had salmon and Pat had the perch - fabulous dinners. And then for lunch we stopped at the Peninsula Grill and I had the lobster roll and Pat had a Salmon sandwich - we sat in the sun by the window and the waitress was very nice and friendly and we decided if we could do this trip all over again it couldn't be better.

Then the drive home - too much car time - not enough stops - haven't I learned my lesson yet?!? GGGrrrr..... Sometimes I could kick myself. Because of a detour there really wasn't anywhere to stop for a long time - I also fell asleep which meant I didn't move my legs in the car - live and learn (I hope).

BTW

This Back To Work stuff isn't so much fun! Well - Thursday I worked the whole day - I should have worked 6 hours. Friday I worked 5 hours and went right to physical therapy. So I'm thinking every day next week will have to be a short day until I'm feeling like I can work 8 hours.

It was nice to see everyone - I didn't realize how much I missed working. I knew I was bored but I really liked getting back in my office and actually working on payroll!

Pat and I went shopping and I found LOTS of snowman plates - that is a good start for next season craft shows. Which by the way aren't that far away.

I thought I would get lots of beading done while I was off but I didn't - I was surprised to have such a short attention span while recuperating - I didn't read either. Thank goodness for Cash Cab being on Discovery so many times during the day! That by the way is my favorite show - Amy told me about it and I watched it every day - lots of times I fell asleep while it was on but it sure made the day go faster!

Dinner at Outback

Jim and Cindy and Pat and I went out to celebrate my birthday - we were all so busy in December we couldn't go and then my knee surgery - so we went out last night. It sure was nice to sit and visit and see what everyone is doing. We even called Jane and told her to update her blog! Her response was that "Jim doesn't even HAVE a blog!" We had a really nice time.

So many of our kids and grandkids go out of the country on a regular basis - I still can't get used to how global this generation is - it is nothing to find them visiting or living in Australia, New Zealand, India, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, China, Chile, Croatia, Mexico - all over the globe. My one trek to Ireland with Mom, Fran and Patsy - that and an occasional trip to Canada will probably be the extent of my out of the US travel.

I'm gearing up for going back to work at the end of the week - YIKES - I'm not sure I am ready for this!

Mary Lynn's Art Show

My cousin, Mary Andrews, has a solo art show at the Saginaw Township Offices. When we went to Arizona we saw a Chihuly glass exhibit at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens - it was amazing - when we got home - even more amazing was how Mary Lynn made quilt hangings that looked just like the gardens.

I tried to pick out my favorite - it was difficult - but I guess the boat filled with glass and a large tree behind it was beautiful. The dark bark of the tree contrasts with rest of the quilt and I stood in front of it a long time soaking in the artistry.

The display will be there all of March - if you haven't seen it - stop by and walk through.

Another milestone

We made it to Tawas yesterday. Car rides have not been the best thing lately - but yesterday we actually made it up north - and if you know us at all - you know that is a big milestone. We did stop at the casino on the way so I could lose $40 and it gave us a break from the car. I had fun - played a long time on the last $20 - the guy next to me kept winning and I think he actually ended up with $150 - not bad on a penny machine.

We stopped to see our friend Barb - it was a nice visit and a chance to catch up about our families. We were laughing about Grand Marais when we (Barb and I)wouldn't go down Devil's Slide anymore (it was when I knew I was actually an adult because I wouldn't let Janet talk me into something STUPID!) Then we laughed more remembering Pat going all the way down - coming back up and then going down again for one of the other kids having trouble coming up.

The trip home was okay until about 3 miles from home - then I was really ready for the trip to be done. But it was a great day filled with memories, sunshine and Lake Huron.

GGGRRRRR.....

I went to help a friend with Word 2007 - I HATE IT - even though I have come to love Excel 2007 I don't use Word enough to overcome my intense dislike of it. I tried to make changes for him on his computer and they kept going back to the previous way the documents were setup. So I researched it this morning and I'll go back and see if I can change it. Mine is setup correctly - which makes me thing that maybe he needs to reinstall his. We'll see if the changes work.

I am getting more and more mobile - I am still worried about going back to work next week and sitting most of the day - the PT told me I can't do that - I have to walk around as much as possible. We'll see how that works when I go back. I'm going shopping today - I need some new spring clothes - I sure hope I find what I need to go back to work. I still will need to wear my tennis shoes for support and I need a couple pairs of pants and some tops.

We went to the soup supper and evening prayer last night - it has been a very nice Lenten service. It simplifies the middle of the week and gives us a chance to slow down and take time to pray.

Ells Bells called with a plumbing problem - but alas - Uncle Pat has been working and on jury duty for the past 2 weeks - hope everything worked out for you!

Proof - Spring is Here

Not the Red Wing Blackbird, not a Robin.......

In Mt. Pleasant yesterday a college student walked in with a mini skirt, tank top and sandals - no coat! PROOF POSITIVE Spring has sprung in Michigan!

We went to all our favorite stops - 2 antique stores, Goodwill and Salvation Army - not one plate to be purchased! I can't believe it! Someone advertised in the Saginaw News that they are having a "Cabin Fever" Garage Sale today - I think I have to go!

Really worked hard at PT yesterday - lots of new things - Amy you will love this - I had to balance on one foot - couldn't do it - even with my WII Yoga which I can balance on - the mat I had to balance on at PT was a cushy - wobbly thing - I don't think I will ever get to more than a few seconds on it.

Pat's going to work on the garage all day - back wall needs replacing from a accident a few weeks ago - not us thank goodness and no one was hurt. But the back wall is a mess. We got the insurance check and he's going to try to get it done quickly.

Going to a baby shower today - then to church - that's it for now - ME

What a beautiful week

The sun has been shining all week long - temps in the high 30's - blue sky - I love it when you get days like this in March in Michigan.

The other night I heard something in the kitchen - It actually sounded as if a shelf fell in one of the cupboards - no crashes - just noise. I didn't get up to investigate. In the morning we found the latch to the microwave broke and the door opened and hit the wall. We decided to get a new microwave so yesterday we bought the cheapest model that was over the range. We really only defrost, reheat and make popcorn - so we think this is the best model for us. Pat is installing it as I type. We are talking about redoing the kitchen - I'm pleading for summertime instead of while I am still trying to take it easy.

PT is getting harder - celibrex is working pretty well - I'm actually looking forward to going back to work (I know remind me of that when I get back, Robyn.)

One more change

When I went for my yearly physical yesterday I got one more change in medication - the doctor wasn't happy with me taking 2 advil every 4 hours even throughout the night - so I'm on to one pill a day of Celibrex - I have some pain today but it is not awful - and she said to give it 3 days - so maybe this will work. I have to say I was very leary of taking so many advil.

We are really taking it easy this week - I have been sitting around in between doing physical therapy and my home exercises. I was talking to Amy last night and we both said those two things take up A LOT of time.

We are going to the Lenten soup supper and evening prayer on Wednesday's - I love evening prayer - very few people were there - enough to fill the chapel though so it was nice last week. It did make me think of my friends at St. Mary's - Gene Schreiber and his awesome clam chowder that I wish I would have asked him for the recipe (Maybe Anne Marie has it - I'm going into facebook to ask her this morning. And Ruth Eggers fabulous white chili that I did get the recipe for thank goodness.

I'm looking forward to doing the Stephen Knapp inspired lights at church for Easter - Bill and Pat are going to help, too. Can't wait. It feels good getting to be a part of a parish again.

The socks are gone!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOO - the white, tight, to the thigh (if you are tall, but being 5'2" that meant folding it over and over) socks are gone! The doctor visit went well - I have a back to work date - Physical Therapy is extended a few more weeks - all is going well.

Today is the day

I go to the doctor today and will find out when I can return to work. I'm guessing in mid to end March or early April. Life is slowly getting back to normal - spending most of the day away from the bedroom thank goodness - I'm so sick of that bed that I could scream.

Our friends, Jim and Jan, spent the week taking every piece of paper in their house and sorted it and threw away and filed. I am inspired! I am hoping before I go back to work I will have a major dent made into the same project.

We have a new Flex Spending Account at work - wow - mine is gone already! I wish we could have put more into it this first year. It did help a lot - I didn't have to pay for our deductible and now I've reached my limit of copays for treatment - so for the rest of the year I'm taken care of - now I'll be healthy until Jan 1 right?

So - anyway - that's it - I'm going to sort papers!!!!

OK OK - I've learned my lesson - I think

Way toooooo much yesterday. But really - it was the first day I felt normal (no smart remarks from the peanut gallery on that one!)I am exhausted today - most of the day will be in bed.

We keep waking up very early - so we went for a ride to see the sunrise - it was beautiful - sometimes we drove past groves of trees and the sun would travel through the trees while we drove past - it was spectacular. We drove towards Vassar and actually drove past our friend Terry's house - but - we thought on a Saturday morning we shouldn't just show up at sunrise on her doorstep!

Then to Robbie's bowling - we watched 2 games - it was fun. He is doing VERY well. I was so happy to hear that they took his Grandpa's bowling ball and had it filled and redrilled for Robbie - what a nice way to remember his Grandpa.

Then on to two estate sales - bought a few dishes at each. One was right near Jim and Cindy's so we stopped to say hi there.

I know sitting at a desk all day will be difficult - I will need to walk a lot in between doing payroll I think when the doctor says I can go back - but all in all - it feels good to be back in business again!

Small Steps

YAHOO - I could go all the way around on the stationary bike. At least at home. I think maybe the seat is too low at PT so I'll see if changing the seat higher makes a difference there. One of my PT therapists has been telling me there is NO REASON why you can't go 100% all the way around on the bike. I told him to shut up on Wednesday. I do have a reason! My legs are short! If I can do it at home I'll be able to do it there today, cross your fingers!

The weather is supposed to be fabulous today and tomorrow - sunny - high 30's. We are going to go on a road trip and see how far we get! Maybe Mt. Pleasant and a few thrift shop stops.

There are a couple of estate sales going on this weekend, too. Maybe I'll be back in the groove! I sure feel okay today - but it always seems the day after therapy I spend a lot of time in bed with an ice pack!

Happy Birthday, Larry

I'll be calling you today - I just want you to know I'm thinking about you - this is a big one brother dear - YEAH!

I'm feeling much better. Still need to rest a lot - but I no longer have the cane - so I'm walking on my own. PT is still going good - painful but good. I don't think I can sit at a desk all day long yet so I'm guessing the doctor will keep me off next week when I go in for my checkup.

I've cut out the Advil and now will only take it if the pain is bad. I'm tired of taking medicine all the time and my stomach has had it, too.

Went to Ash Wednesday services at church last night - it was very heartwarming to go back to church - I've missed it since I've been recuperating. I'm glad to be back.

Over the worst I think

So - I'm feeling much better today - already today is better than this past weekend. I think PT helps a lot - by the time I left there yesterday I was exhausted but my knee felt much better. And I had a pretty good night sleeping so how can that be bad?

I told Pat we need to go out some this week - I need to move around and get out of the dreaded bedroom. I don't feel realy comfortable sitting in the living room in any of the chairs or couches - so I've been spending a lot of time upstairs - but I'm getting cabin fever.

I can see a shopping trip to Michaels coming up soon!

Worst Day

Well - yesterday was the worst day I've had since surgery. I decided to go off the pain meds and rely on my old standby Advil. And I'm at the end of my Lyrica so I think that may have something to do with the problems yesterday. Thank goodness for Patrick who rubbed my leg every couple of hours. I can't say that the problem was pain as much as feeling "raw" all up and down the leg. It seems a lot better today - we can only hope so since Pat went to work and Caroline won't be over til later on today.

We went to Meijers for a walk and to pick up a few things. It was two hours until I could take my Advil and I thought I better get my mind off watching the clock. Then on the way home Cindy called to say she and Jim were parked in the driveway - I told her we were almost back home. They stopped to bring me a rose valentine and some homemade bread. It was nice to see them and they only stayed a little bit.

So - now I'm waiting for an email from Basic to request documentation for a bill I paid to the hospital with my FSA card - so I'm thinking it will get here this morning. I know - I need to get a life!

Another Week Done

Last night was a long night - I couldn't remember if I took my pain pill at 10 pm so when I awakened at 1 am in pain I didn't feel as if I could take a pill for an hour - so that hour was not a good one. I ended up taking a shower at 2 am after taking the pill and I finally settled down - but not until I disturbed Pat enough for him to wake up. GGGRRRR.... I tried to be quiet but I dropped the remote. I was turning off the TV hoping to be able to fall asleep. Well - we both fell back asleep until 5:30 so it was okay.

I bought a new bead tote in case I ever feel like going for a long ride - although that still seems to be a LONG LONG time away. It hurts a lot to ride for more than a few miles. But anyway - I love the new tote - I'm starting to sort my beads by color into it this morning. That should keep me busy - or I'll get tired and have to put everything away to take a nap!

This getting better stuff takes a lot of energy! Whew!

YEAH - another PT down

I did lots more at Physical Therapy - it actually feels pretty good to do all the exercises and stretches - a few hurt but that is to be expected. I'm quite tender today but I've already done my exercises one time today.

It is not comfortable to ride in the van - We actually thought while I was recouping we could go on some rides in the van - NOT - I'd rather lay in bed all day and after a few weeks of that you know I don't want to do that either.

I have to wear these white TED socks to help prevent blood clots - as happy as I am to get them off every night to go to bed I am as happy to put them on each morning - they are a pain in the butt however they seem to keep some of the tenderness from my knee - I have to wear them until my doctor appointment in a couple weeks - we'll see if I still feel this way next week!

I'm starting to think about doing some beading - I'd like to get a head start on the Christmas season - you know how many times I ran out last year and we can't have that with more shows scheduled for this year. That's all for now.

Survived the first PT

Well - it wasn't easy - but I survived the first Physical Therapy on Wednesday and I go again today. I was very tired yesterday and very tender and sore on my knee. But things are getting better every day.

I've put in my confirmed dates for shows for 2010 - beginning in June - I also hope to be at Grandy Farm but will have to call for the date of that open house. I'm looking forward to another great year of selling plates and knives.

I'd like to say I miss work - but I don't - just some of the people. (That means you - you lurkers out there!)

OK - that's all - time to go take a nap.

Sunday Morning

Well - I think there is a turning point today - I slept very well and did not take a pain pill until I got up at 3:30 - 7 hours spread - and after being in the machine for an hour - still feel very good. YEAH! My first adventure out will be this week when I go to physical therapy - I'm a little worried because it hurt to get in the van when I came home from the hospital - but - I'm moving my knee much more now and it should be okay.

I just finished putting together a really cute item for the fund raising "Art from the Heart" for the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum - It is a covered glass cake plate with 4 glass plates, 4 forks and 1 serving piece wrapped in red glass beads and silver metal hearts. I hope someone bids big for it!

And just for the record - that is probably the last item I will ever wrap in bed while recovering from anything at all. Beads kept spilling out of tubes, hearts fell on the floor, I kept misplacing my scissors and pliers and it was generally a pain in the buttola. But worth it because I love doing this for the museum.

Getting Better Each Day

Well - I'm feeling okay - it has been a difficult 2 weeks but I can see already how good this surgery has turned out. I have a long road ahead of me when I start my out patient therapy next week. I am exhausted by the exercises and CPM machine that I do now at home each day so I can imagine I'll be really tired.

A few phone calls from work yesterday while I was in the CPM machine made the time go faster - it's nice to help out from home. I do miss writing my COGNOS and EXCEL reports but this way I make the people who need the report do the work with my help as they go along - so really - this is much better for them.

My CPM machine makes my knee bend and go straight - my range of motion is now 90 degrees for my bend and -7 degrees going flat. I think my goal by next week is 125 degrees and -10 degrees. So seeing as I started at 60 and 0 when I came home I think I'll make it!

Caroline is coming over this morning to be with me while Pat goes to work - even though I can get in and out of bed now I cannot get into and out of the machine and when I do go up and down the stairs I need my walker taken up and down too. So it will be nice to chat with Carolina Moon Keeps Shining this morning.

Good Morning!

13 Days with a new knee - and doing well. It's been a hard couple of weeks - but with Pat's help we are making it through. I don't know what I would have done without him. So first things first - a grateful heart for a wonderful husband.

Everything went better than I expected. The pain is the worst part of it but managable with drugs. I am now just taking Tylenol so hopefully that can be discontinued soon too.

I had wonderful staff at Covenant - good food - even got to sleep some. My physical therapy is going well here at home and hopefully that dreadful limp is a thing of the past - I seem to be walking okay without one at the momemt! Yeah!

I had the best night sleeping so far last night - so I think things are on the mend. That's all for now.

Fabulous Finds Has Moved in Tawas

Julie called to say they have combined the two stores into one - you will now find my serving pieces at Finders Keepers - located in the same parking lot but in the back part of the lot.

I have been in this store - bought my end table that I love there - it is wide open spaces with lots of beautiful antiques - I am excited about the new store and I can't wait to go up to see it.

Snow Snow Snow

We just got a couple of inches of snow - it cleans everything up and makes it all bright and pretty outside. Robyn at work wanted 4 feet - thankfully - her wishes didn't come true yet - Pat says it is still snowing outside so we will see tomorrow.

OK - where are you?

OK my dear lovely nieces - and sister - who talked me into blogging - where are you? No one has updated since about October or November - I'm really missing all of you - Ellie you have an excuse with twins and even you caught up your blog the other day! So the rest of you - I'd love to hear what you've been doing. Aunt ME

Christmas is Done Today

Our last Christmas visit was yesterday - with Lillie and Anna and Mary - Bruce had to work! Lillie is taller than Nana! Oh my goodness. It is amazing. Anna talks, talks, talks - she is a sweetie. Lillie is quiet and reserved and so into swimming - it was fun to have Caroline and Lillie and Anna compare swimming stories. Caroline played golf and bowling with them and had a great time. We made panini's for lunch and then our visit was over. It was so nice to catch up.

Today we are putting away the Christmas tree - I actually think I am putting a trash bag over the whole thing and keeping it decorated - we'll see how that works next year!

We have been shopping the sales for dishes - oh there are some really beautiful ones that are white with gold swirls. I had some similar to those this year and they sold out first. So we are going shopping today to see if we can find some more.

It was a quiet Christmas this year - we stayed under budget and it was spread out enough so neither of us felt rushed. Looking forward to a quiet beginning to the year after my knee surgery. Hopefully I will get everything caught up at work (I know you are reading this Robyn and you know I will!)

Day after Christmas Drive

Pat and I went up to Boyne Falls to buy one last Christmas Gift - so we decided to go over to Mackinaw City for Lunch. On our way we stopped at several Goodwill and Thrift stores - only one dish found - I thought there would be lots more. I keep forgetting how expensive the west side of the State is - I don't spend that much money on my plates. At one store I saw a plate that I have two of here at home - the plate was $15 - so when someone buys my plate with a knife for 2/$15 they are REALLY getting a deal!

We stopped at the Keyhole Bar and Grill in Mackinaw City - as you know from previous posts one of our favorite stops. We had a great perch dinner and headed home. Both on the way to Boyne Falls and back home to Saginaw there were some snow showers that looked as if it might get bad but we really lucked out because the storms were all around us.

I called my brother, Larry in Arizona to see how he is doing and he sounded good. We both said we have to start exercising - I told him if I have to go into rehab after the knee surgery then he should start his hiking again. He said he'd think about it!

So - on to our last day of Christmas vacation. It has been a wonderful week.

Christmas with Pat's Family

We had a really nice Christmas with Pat's family on Christmas Day. It was amazing how many people fit in our duplex. We missed Bernie and Bonnie from Colorado and David and Paula from Lansing - Paula is recuperating from a short hospital stay and we are all glad she is feeling better. Cathy and Martin came from Lansing, Dan and Augie and Matt came from Almont, Mary and Ben from Ann Arbor stayed overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's and brought them over from Midland. Marge from next door stopped over to talk art with Pat's Dad. Joanna and Robin and Sheala and Robbie stopped by for a bit before they went to Robin's Mom's house for Christmas. Jesse and Caroline and all of their troop didn't come over because Christmas is Jesse's birthday and his wish for that day - to stay in his pajama's all day long - I heard he did and he had a wonderful celebration.

Then we all waited for Kellan and Jason to get here from Toronto. She almost didn't make it because she couldn't find her passport. Thankfully at the last minute she remembered it was in a book! They ran back into their home pulling books off the shelves and they found it. It was so good to see them and get hugs from everyone.

It was a delightful evening.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Merry Christmas to all from the Clifford house!

We had such a nice Christmas celebration on Monday - we went to the Family Fun Arcade at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. My sister, Kathy and most of her family were there - Bryant was missing because he had to work. My brother and his wife, Jim and Cindy came with Michael and my cousin Mary Lynn. Then all of our clan was there. The kids had a blast playing in the arcade and the rest of us talked for hours. We really enjoyed it. It was good to be all together for a few hours. We missed Jane and Chris and Larry.

Pat and I went over to St. Peter and Paul's and helped decorate on Tuesday. We had a very nice time and everything looked so festive.

Today is baking day. I'll be in the kitchen for a few hours. But worth all the work I am sure. Best wishes for a very merry Christmas this year.

I am so excited about my cousin, Mary Lynn Andrews, having her Chihuly inspired quilt exhibit. We went to Phoenix with my family and had a field trip to the botanical gardens where there was a Chihuly exhibit. It was so fabulous that Mary Lynn decided to put together a quilt exhibit inspired by Chihuly Glass in the Botanical Gardens.

We have two chances to see this exhibit - listed above - I'll be going to both of course - how exciting!

Done for the Season

Whew - the last craft show was yesterday - and thank you so much for everyone purchasing for Sheala's fundraiser. Joanna and Sheala were so thankful for this boost to her Medical Leadership Forum in Boston this summer.

Thanks to everyone for such a fabulous year - We will be buying for next summer - beginning in June!

See you all next year at the craft shows.

Last Bazaar for the Year!

Sheala has been invited to attend a National Youth Leadership Forum this summer. It is for students wanting to become doctors. We are so excited for her to be able to attend this program. In order to go she needs to raise the funds for the trip. She will be at Horizon Conference Center this Saturday, December 12th, selling my hostess sets. All proceeds will go towards her trip.

Take a look at Sheala's Fantastic Opportunity

Grandy Update

Wow - I did fantastic at Grandy Farm - thanks to all of my friends that came out to see the beautiful old homestead. Deb did such a fantastic job of making everything sparkle. What a wonderful weekend. Hope to be back again next year.

Grandy's Today

I'll be at Grandy Farm today from 9-5 - I stopped out there Friday night and everything SPARKLES - it really got me in the Christmas Spirit which I thought might not happen at all this year! But it did! Thank you Deb.

And as my sister Jane says they say in OK sometimes - Hope All You All stop to see me today!

Grandy Farm This Weekend

Can't wait for next weekend - I'll be working on Sunday - but the open house is all weekend long - make sure you take a drive over to see the 127 year old farm house and all the delightful gifts available for your Christmas gift list!

What a lazy day!

I took a lesson from my sister, Jane! She said she was going to spend the whole day of Thanksgiving doing nothing - well - that's what I did today! Pat went to Almont to do some work at his brother's house and here it is 6:48 and I'm still in my pj's!

I watched "Return to Me" "Say yes to the dress" (I know trashy - but fun) "Dinner Impossible" and a very short amount of "Criminal Minds" (which I never watch because it is toooo creepy and here I was watching it by myself - I turned the dog gone thing off.)

I got caught up entering all my receipts for dishes and knives, etc. into my spreadsheet. Played a few computer games. And just vegged out for most of the day. Now I'm waiting for Pat to return and go out to eat with him. I sure did miss him today.

I've been thinking of the Stelter family all day - it sounds as if Maureen will have a good recovery after her surgery - much love to all of them - and a big thanks to Jennifer for keeping us all informed on her facebook.

Yeah - last day of work for the week!

Well – with the possibility of getting into one more show next weekend, I’ll be back in high speed wrapping mode this weekend. I’ve ordered 200 more knives and this afternoon I’m going to Jo-Ann Fabric – my absolutely favorite store. They have Merry Moolah today so I’m going to buy, buy, buy lots of beads! I want gold and red and green and crystal and more gold…….

Then – I’m staying away from Black Friday – I’ll leave Joanna, my daughter, to the sales. She took a coupon class and the woman is possessed. She saves more than she spends, often getting products for free. I save all my coupons for her and she loves putting them in order and figuring out how she can save money.

Caroline sent me pictures of her grandchildren – Ava after she climbed into the dog cage with their new dog Chachi and Javier holding the dog on the couch. They are adorable pictures. Ava has tried since she started moving around to go after their first dog, Baby, but every time she got close Baby would get up and move to the other side of the house. Chachi lets her get close and she loves it!

Christmas

Even though I have been selling Christmas plates and knives since June I just cannot get into the Christmas holiday spirit especially before Thanksgiving – I hate that the radio stations have switched to Christmas music – I hate that the Christmas ads have been in the paper for weeks – I hate that I have to think about Christmas at all right now!

If I wasn’t trying to sell Christmas myself this would be okay – but when I am pushing people for seven months to buy Christmas plates I really should be more open to the blending of the season all year round – but I’m not – I hate it, too! I really don’t think that I am turning into a Grinch – just someone who wants every season to be special. So how do I justify selling these hostess gifts all year? I don’t – I just drive myself crazy – and many of my friends will tell you it is a very short drive!

I do remember one September when our daughters were little that I had every Christmas gift purchased and wrapped. My friend, Kay and I had gone to some fabulous garage sales and sidewalk sales and yup – it was a very frugal Christmas, too. It never happened again but it was an amazing holiday season not thinking about Christmas gifts at all that year during the Christmas season.

A full day of sleep!

Wow - yesterday must have been a catch up day for me! After waking up at my usual 1:00 am middle of the night can't sleep wake up - I watched a bit of TV - read a bit and then Pat got up and we had coffee. We both fell back asleep. We got up and drove to Flushing to meet a new acquaintance that had called to say she had some Christmas dishes for me - so we went to the craft show she was selling at and got the dishes - how nice of her to think of me after a brief conversation at the Clarkston show!

Well anyway - I slept all the way to Flushing. Then we went to a few thrift shops and I slept all the way home. We got home and Pat said he really wanted to go back out driving - so we did and guess what? I slept most of the afternoon away in the car.

The we came home and he wanted to take a nap - so - yup you are right - I fell asleep again. Then we went to a wake to be with a friend whose girlfriend died last week and sat and talked with friends for a few hours. We then stopped at Pompeii for dinner to see Caroline and Jesse (who waited on us with love and cooked us great perch!) Then home to where else? Bed. I didn't think I would make it all night but here it is 4:45 and I just awakened!!!!

I must have needed the whole day because I feel wonderful!

YEAH! Another Show Added for Sheala!

We are so happy that we got into the Horizon Center Keepsake Show on December 12th. Sheala is going to be selling the dishes and knives to raise money for a special trip this summer. She will be going to Boston for two weeks to attend a conference for students who want to be doctors. So she is going to use this opportunity to raise the money to pay for the trip.

So - on December 12th - at the Horizon Conference Center in Saginaw - all proceeds go to Sheala! YEAH!

Holidays Begin

I love November - it starts the season of holidays at work. First there is Veteran's Day - then Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving - then my birthday - then Christmas Eve and Christmas - then New Years day then Martin Luther King Jr. Day - I love days off so these next few months are my favorite at work!

Next weekend is the show at Mt. Pleasant High School - I am really looking forward to it because it is the opening season of deer hunting that weekend so I would imagine LOTS of women will be shopping for Christmas with their friends. And I do have to say - groups of women at my booth usually means they talk each other into buying something! Yahoo!

I'm seeing good friends from high school this weekend. Jo - who we named our first child after (with the promise if she ever won the lottery she would share it with my first born!) And my lockermate - we shared a locker for 12 years because our names alphabetically were together - good thing we loved each other! So I am looking forward to a fun time together. I am sure I'll blog about it later.

The weather is supposed to be fantastic today - a beautiful Michigan fall day - if I am to believe the weather people - which I only do when it fits my needs!

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

Two Years

So I was looking back on the blog and realized that I have been writing in it for two years - it seems like yesterday! So - since I only have two years left at work maybe it will go as quickly!!!!!

Trick or Treat

Well we stayed home to hand out candy - all 10 pieces! Whew - Adams Blvd we are not. But there was one little cutie about 6 years old that came to the door and sang the old dittie "Trick or Treat, Smell my feet, Give me somethin good to eat!" When Pat stopped laughing he gave him a candy bar and the little goblin said "Thank you have a nice Halloween!"

One young lady came to the door all dressed up with her Dad waiting at the end of the sidewalk. She looked to be about 12 and I thought how wonderful to still go trick or treating with her Dad and having a good time, too.

Anyway - I missed having lots of kids at the door.

Thank You Elise

My cousin, Elise, sent me a package of dishes and knives she had found on her antique store jaunts - they are beautiful. It was like Christmas opening the box yesterday and finding the treasures within. Thank you, thank you, thank you - what fun.

My living room and kitchen are destroyed - dishes, knives dropped beads, plastic bins to hold them - I am determined to have the bins filled and in the basement tonight with priced hostess sets ready to go to the next sale in two weeks.

I can't wait to see all the little ghosts and goblins tomorrow night - we have more kids in the neighborhood this year so I think it will be fun. It is supposed to rain and be windy today but maybe a little better for trick or treating tomorrow.

Then on Sunday we are going to Olympia and Vince's for dinner - yum - yum - Olympia is by far the very best cook around - we love to stand around the kitchen - eating snacks watching her cook (we do help out a bit too) She is a master at cooking and keeping us entertained until we sit down to a scrumptious meal. Good friends - good food - an all around good night - we are looking forward to it.

I've been helping my friend with a winkflash book - that has been fun - now it is all ready to go and I am just waiting for a sale to order them - that was fun helping her get it all in order.

Pat's birthday was yesterday so we went out to the Junction and had a drink after he went to choir practice - they had a great band there and we really enjoyed the music.

That's all for now - gotta go have coffee before I go to work - ME

Traverse City Jaunt

Our friends let us stay at their up north home in Bellaire for the weekend - it was so beautiful up there - it rained Friday and Saturday but Sunday was sunny and warm. The trees were golden with rain-soaked trunks and so the rain was even a welcome addition. There was a huge rainbow over the Mission Peninsula on Saturday in the late afternoon - it was raining and sunny in sections.

We went to eight shops - and bought some beautiful dishes. At one we found old white china plates made in Japan with a half inch golden rim - they are going to sell out this season I am sure. I wrapped beads all weekend so I just have to put the sets together and I'll be set for Mt. Pleasant.

We were going to stay one more night but decided we've played hooky from work too much lately - so we are going back to work today - yuck.

I've been working on Pat's cousins pictures and thankfully, Pat helped me yesterday and we got the last of them scanned. So I am going to start to put them together on Winkflash or Snapfish - haven't decided which one yet. So I better go do that now!

YEAH - I FOUND KNIVES

We did so well in Clarkston - I'm almost out of knives - but this morning I have been surfing and I FOUND KNIVES!!! YEAH - we can continue. We had a really nice time and met some really great crafters. Pat likes watching the people and I love selling to them! YEAH!

Getting Ready for Clarkston

We've been busy getting ready to sell at Clarkston High School this weekend. I think we will do well there - the wrapped beads with dishes are very unique and very affordable - so I'm thinking this might be an all time high for sales!

I found some really cute Christmas dishes - and Joanna found me some snowflake dishes so I'm set for this show.

Wish me good luck!

Very Sad News

Leo Lynch died this weekend. I have such great memories of him all through my life. My favorite? Riding on his shoulders when I was in first grade. He was a young associate pastor and very active with the students at St. Mary Cathedral. We loved him as much as we loved our teacher, Sr. Yvonne. He came to our classroom a lot of times and he made us laugh.

In later years, after he had married Judy, they sat many times behind us at Liturgy - his voice reminded me of my Dad's and I loved hearing him sing. My Mom asked if he could sing Ave Maria at her funeral and he did - it was beautiful and exactly what she wanted - it meant so much to all of us.

Leo and Judy were mentors to our daughter Joanna and her then fiance Robin. Joanna and Robin had just graduated from high school and Robin was ready to leave for the Army - I felt that Judy and Leo wrapped them in love and wisdom to begin their marriage.

Many times when we saw Leo and Judy over the years we had our trips to Ireland as a common experience for us to talk about - I so enjoyed those discussions. Just two weeks ago we saw them at the Frankenmuth craft show - I am so glad we got to talk for a little bit.

Much love to Judy and their children - Leo will be missed by many.

Great Sales

I had my best sales every at the Ryder Center - I didn't even have time to write a blog that I was there yesterday. Pat and I went all over the great State of Michigan looking for dishes. I wrapped until I couldn't wrap anymore and next weekend I have a two-day show in Clarkston and I have to buy and wrap all this week. It was so nice to see many friends and repeat customers! Thank you for making Saturday such a great day.

Those Dog Gone Tigers

I was so looking forward to watching the Tigers in the World Series this year. Goodness they are unpredictable. I still love them - but I'm disappointed.

Up in the UP

Pat and I are on a road trip - we try to get to Manistique once a year - usually for Pat's birthday month. So here we are sitting having coffee and waffles at the Peninsula Inn at 6:24 am.

We started out by leaving early from work and getting to the Keyhole Bar in Mackinaw City to watch the Tigers on Thursday. They had the chance of winning the division title but - they didn't do it. We thought the colors may have started but the trees have hardly turned at all.

So then we went to St. Ignace to spend the night. We stayed at a very nice hotel - the Days Inn. We had a huge room which had a balcony looking over Lake Huron. We went to the Casino and Pat made enough that we walked out with $15 extra dollars (which means he had to win a lot more because I lost my $20!) Thank goodness we had traveled over the bridge and stayed in St. Ignace because the wind was really blowing - there were people there that had to go over the bridge that morning and the staff person was telling them they would probably have to have an escort to go over the bridge! YIKES!

So then we drove to Escanaba to go to a couple thrift shops and then back to Manistique. I feel bad that it is raining so much because we can't go to Palms Brook State Park to ride on the raft - we love doing that. We did go to Ted's last night for dinner - my friend, Diane, at work heard we go there every time we come to Manistique and she laughed and told us it was her uncle that owned it. We saw him last night and I told him we were her friends and he said to say hi to her. The dinner was great - Pat said his Canadian Walleye was the best fish he ever had and my Campfire Trout was delicious. We kept trying to outdo our adjectives about the dinner saying we each had the best meal! Really - we always look forward to going there and it ALWAYS exceeds our anticipation of what it will be.

So - today we are going home - the wind has died down so it won't be so bad going over the bridge. We have had a very nice time. Maybe we will have to come back up in a few weeks to see some color.

Winkflash

Pat's cousin and his wife are coming over for dinner tonight and we are going to work on a photo album in Winkflash or Snapfish - of course Winkflash has a sale that ends today - ggggrrrr - she has tons of pictures that we are going to put in order tonight so I can scan them in and then the next time we get together she can work on the different pages in the book - It is fun when the book arrives to see the finished product.

I've made several books and have learned if it is not a professional picture - you might not be happy with the full page pictures - they tend to get a little blurry. But it is fun to give the books as gifts.

I haven't even thought about what I'm cooking for dinner - YIKES - I better get down to the freezer and takes something out!

Christmas Plates

Pat and I went to Mt. Pleasant yesterday - we found some really cute plates. Snowmen, Strawberries and Holly. Then when we got home Joanna had left us some plates and a cup that she found for us. I was very worried about finding Christmas plates - I sold so many last weekend that I didn't have a good selection left for Midland Antique Show this weekend and Ryder Center in October - we are going to Ann Arbor one day to look some more - then we'll have enough I am sure.

Selling My Wares

What a fun weekend – Pat and I were at the Frankenmuth Keepsake Craft Show selling my hostess sets. We met so many great people. We were setup next to three women selling beautifully hand woven blankets using a technique called Swedish Weaving. I kept telling them they needed to double their prices because I think they get about a penny an hour for their work. They were working on blankets during the show and after they start a blanket they don’t even have to look at the pattern – it was amazing! They were all friends from high school days – two from Flushing and one from Oscoda. They kept us laughing all weekend.

I sold so many hostess sets – it was the best show I’ve ever done. I can’t wait to go sell at more shows. It is most fun when someone keeps going around the tables and can’t decide which set to buy – then I know they like all the work and it just makes me smile. It was very funny – I didn’t sell any in the very early morning and very few in the late afternoon – but from Noon until 3 pm they sold like hotcakes.
Next weekend – the last Midland Antique Festival for the year, I hope the weather is just the same – sunny and warm with a slight breeze. Hope to see you there!

Frankenmuth - Last Day Today - Don't Miss IT!

This is a great show - so much to do - so much to see - it has been a lot of fun - stop by today - the last day of the show!

Lots of affordable dishes with wrapped beads ($10 for a set or 2 for $15) beautiful serving pieces - lots of fun in the park on Main Street in Frankenmuth - If you are a lurker - come to the show and introduce yourself - I love to hear that people read this blog!HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Keepsake Show
Zehnder Park, Main Street,
Frankenmuth, Michigan <-----Click on Green for Mapquest

Friday, September 18, 2009 - Noon to 7 pm
Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, September 20, 2009 - 11 am to 5 pm

Favorite Weekend of the Year

We had a really nice time at the Huron House - I posted the history of our going there last year so if you link to that one by clicking on the green "Huron House" for the basics and that post will be right below this one!

This year we just relaxed a lot. Our drive up was fun - we stopped at the casino in Standish and we walked out with $75 more dollars than when we walked in! That usually doesn't happen!

The next morning we started with coffee on the deck watching the sunrise and then fabulous breakfasts - this year some kind of yummy egg custardy mixture with a vanilla sauce on it with fresh fruit, juice one day and the next a croissant with fruit and juice.



As you probably know we love to drive around - this year we drove to Alpena to a deli we like and got lobster salad, great sandwhiches and a bottle of wine - then back to eat lunch on our private deck. That took a couple of hours of driving. We love Lake Huron - there are so many beautiful views when driving up to Alpena.

Then on Sunday we came home. This year our friend that Pat has been helping fix up a house suprised us and paid for one of our nights - such a nice gift and so appreciated!

Back to work today - goodness - the weekend went so fast!

Confession is good for the soul?

OK - ELISE - remember when we used to celebrate Mass with squished up wonder bread? How about listening to this confession? Came home from work - saw the Hershey bar that has been sitting in that cupboard for weeks and weeks - thought about you and the Hershey bars with Peanut Butter slathered all over them and BAM - slathered that PB and ate the whole thing!!!!! What memories of Owosso - thought about all the fun we had when we visited you and you visited Saginaw - some things in life never get any better than the memories. - mmmmm.....goood......

I love long weekends!

We had a nice long weekend with Memorial Day. We had dinner with friends, did some cooking and freezing of food, went antiquing a bit - just had fun all weekend long. When Paula and I were at the last Midland Antique Festival one of the regular vendors did not come to sell. I stopped to see her today and she told me she had been sick and couldn't come. She has a nice little shop in Vassar and I bought some olive forks from her.

We should have cleaned - but - thank goodness I took my sister's blog advice and didn't give a rat's patoot about the house and we just enjoyed ourselves. As usual - I don't want to go back to work - but I will. Now that Pat is working at the same building I am I love to hear the lawn mower - cause I know it's him! It makes me smile during the day.

We've got some major shows coming up in the next few weeks so I have been trying to get ready for those too. Well - It's after 10:30 pm and I can't sleep - so I better go read and try to go to sleep.

Spreadsheets

Let’s see – what do I like most about work? MMMMmmm….. Excel and COGNOS – I love working in both those software programs. If it is mathematical – you can do it in excel. Many times those same formulas work in COGNOS and if they do not – you can save the COGNOS file into an Excel file – HEAVEN – for a spreadsheet geek.

When I first started working with a computer in 1984 when I bought an apple computer from my brother, Larry, I couldn’t believe how this person who switched to “new math” in 5th grade so lost out on learning so many basic concepts could now do sums and percentages and decimal points to her heart’s content with ease. I loved Quickfile and started doing budget work and financial statements and actually enjoyed doing them.

Then when I started working at the city in 1986 my mentor, Jan, taught me Lotus 123 the precursor to excel. Now I began working on complex spreadsheets that required lots of thought and preparation (like projecting how many people would have to go to the proposed water park in order to come out even – which by the way we never could have possibly had that many people come to the now defunct water park – so it was doomed from the start!)

Then when I went to the Civic Center I worked with a Lotus 123 whiz of an accountant, Sudah – when she left to move to California I had to use her spreadsheets. That is when I learned how to write macros. It was amazing. I relied heavily on the controller, Dave, to help me understand the budget work that I had to prepare for the Board of Directors. The City has always been a place to learn on the job – you can do as much or as little as you want depending on the job you have – I have always been busy at work because I offer to help others with their work when I get caught up with my work. I have learned many things this way and the day goes by much faster if you actually work!

When I came to work at the Police Department we then got Excel – I started doing overtime reports and budget work but it was easier. I love “if” statements – they make me smile. Now with Office 2007 writing macros is a breeze. And I know I’ve stated before that the Internet is the best thing that ever happened to someone writing spreadsheets. Just typing in what you want to do in a search engine will bring you lots of ideas on how to do what you need to do. Conditional formatting is fun and interesting in a spreadsheet. I love using conditional formatting in almost every spreadsheet I write.

I’ve decided not to write anymore spreadsheets in COGNOS for anyone that has a COGNOS license on their computer at work. I’ll help them write it – working one on one with them while they write the filters and insert calculations – but doing the report for them is no help to them at all. When I finally get to retire in 2012 – they will have to know how to write a COGNOS report without any help so I figure they should be able to do that when I leave by starting to help them to learn now.
This is what I will miss most when I retire – the chance to figure out the puzzle part of a spreadsheet – working to make the spreadsheet concise and easy to use.

Chihuly, Again

Click here to go to the picture of Chihuly in the Desert and the quilt Mary Andrews made from that picture

Yesterday morning was a "TARGET SATURDAY" which meant free admission to the Flint Institute of Arts exhibit of Chihuly Seaforms. What a bonus - we chose this Saturday because my friends and family could join us to see the exhibit. It was so beautiful. The bowls within bowls within more bowls that were reflected in the shiny black tables were breathtaking.

I wanted to take pictures but the FIA does not allow pictures of the exhibit. I even thought about trying to take pictures anyway - but I just couldn't do it. So I have none to show here. However, I asked one of the workers, Susan, why they did this because I really need to get pictures of the exhibit so my cousin can make her interpretation of the work into quilted hangings for her Chihuly inspired exibit. It really helps Mary Lynn to see the piece from every angle to get the depth and color and shadows right. I explained to Susan that I had requested permission but had not heard back - she was nice enough to go on this blog to see one of Mary Lynn's Chihuly quilts and to forward my request (click the green link above to go to that picture). She said I should hear the beginning of this week. I can just picture the beautiful long table of yellow seaforms translated into a quilt.