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Friday, April 29, 2011
Yes, I am watching the royal wedding
When I think back to watching Princess Diana's wedding with Joanna it is a very fond memory.
I keep switching channels and I love seeing all the beautiful hats - some are fanciful, some are very angular, some are so big I don't know how anyone can sit next to them.
This is a fun day!
Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena - the homily started with a quote of hers:
"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire."
A beautiful way to begin a marriage.
I keep switching channels and I love seeing all the beautiful hats - some are fanciful, some are very angular, some are so big I don't know how anyone can sit next to them.
This is a fun day!
Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena - the homily started with a quote of hers:
"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire."
A beautiful way to begin a marriage.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Fixed My Computer
Finally, I fixed my computer. Since Charter went to the "enhanced" email I have had problems both with the Galaxy and the computer.
I called Charter and they said my modem was on their blacklist! Too old to handle high speed internet (I wasn't sure if he was talking about the modem or the operator!) So we went out and bought a new modem (since buying a new operator wasn't an option!) and after installing it I still had no email. So today I worked on it and after three hours it finally worked.
The Galaxy just isn't big enough for all the info on the screen. So I'll continue using gmail on that.
As much as I love technology I hate technology!
I called Charter and they said my modem was on their blacklist! Too old to handle high speed internet (I wasn't sure if he was talking about the modem or the operator!) So we went out and bought a new modem (since buying a new operator wasn't an option!) and after installing it I still had no email. So today I worked on it and after three hours it finally worked.
The Galaxy just isn't big enough for all the info on the screen. So I'll continue using gmail on that.
As much as I love technology I hate technology!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Two Nights in a Row
I cooked again! We had Joanna, Sheala and Robbie over for dinner. (Robin had to work late so I sent food home.) I made ham, spinach salad, potatoes, broiled zuccini and corn pudding.
It was my first time to make corn pudding but it won't be my last. Everyone who tasted it loved it (that would be Sheala who did not taste it!)
It is always nice to have them visit.
It was my first time to make corn pudding but it won't be my last. Everyone who tasted it loved it (that would be Sheala who did not taste it!)
It is always nice to have them visit.
Monday, April 25, 2011
EASY Shrimp Risotto - Yum
SAUTE 1/2 MEDIUM ONION IN OLIVE OIL
ADD 1 BOX LUNDBERG'S CREAMY PARMESEAN RISOTTO
ADD BROTH INSTEAD OF WATER
ADD SEASONING FROM BOX
BRING TO BOIL THEN LOWER HEAT TO SIMMER FOR 20 MINUTES - DO NOT COVER - STIR EVERY FEW MINUTES
IN A DIFFERENT PAN SAUTE 1 FROZEN BAG OF SHRIMP
SPRINKLE WITH GARLIC POWDER AND MRS. DASH
ADD SHRIMP TO FINISHED RISOTTO
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Unfriending on Facebook
I have had to unfriend two people this week on Facebook. For some reason I have not been able to hide comments on my Galaxy - so if someone posts something I'm embarrassed to have on my site they're outa there!
Watching the Tigers win sitting in the warmth of my living room sofa. They certaibly are doing great in 41 degree weather. Oops make that I watched them WIN - yeah!
Watching the Tigers win sitting in the warmth of my living room sofa. They certaibly are doing great in 41 degree weather. Oops make that I watched them WIN - yeah!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Holy Thursday
I remember when I was little I got the chance to see the play Peter Pan. Everyone was offered the chance to go to the stage to make Tinkerbell okay at the end of the play. I didn't go. Afterwards I was so upset that I didn't take that "chance" to do something I wasn't sure of that it made a profound difference in my life.
As I was growing up I found myself raising my hand when a volunteer was requested from the audience or in the classroom. However, I still like to be in the background instead of in the limelight. I would rather stage the art environment instead of leading the prayer service. I do hope though that I would have said "Yes, my Lord!" if He asked to wash my feet.
May this Holy Thursday be a blessed day for you.
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Palm Sunday Cantata
This is my nephew, Pastor Bill Chu. The Palm Sunday celebration was very Spirit-filled. I am so thankful he shares with us - I wanted to share with you. So wait until you have time to see the whole service and then enjoy. (It works best if you press the screen until you are given the choice to go to Youtube to view this.)
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
Life Lessons
As Pat and Robbie were walking out the back door I overheard Robbie asking Papa if he was sure he wanted to use his Loiusville Slugger bat at ball practice. Papa asked why not and Robbie said it would get dirty. Papa told him it's usrless to have something and not use it. He bought it to play ball.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
It Doesn't Take Much to Make M.E. Happy
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Millie and Tillie Visit the Dentist
This is for my friend Heather's twins who do not like to go to the dentist! YOU CAN HEAR NANA TELLING THIS STORY BY CLICKING ON THE SIDEBAR!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once upon a time there were two little girls. One was named Millie and one was named Tillie. Millie was a very good little girl and Tillie usually wasn't. One day Mother came into the living room and said, "Girls, today we are going to the dentist." Tillie started running around the living room screaming at the top of her lungs, "NO, NO, NO!" Millie and Tillie had gone to the dentist several months ago and Tillie had not enjoyed that visit.
Mother told Tillie to sit down and listen to what she had to say. Tillie lay on the floor kicking her feet and turning her head back and forth, back and forth but at least she listened. Mother said it was time to get their teeth cleaned and if they were very good they could go to the zoo after the dentist appointment.
Millie and Tillie loved going to the zoo. There were penguins and snakes and monkeys. Tillie was trying to figure out if it was worth going to the dentist if she chould go to the zoo. Mother told them they would even get to pet the goats and so Tillie thought it might be worth being a good girl at the dentist because she loved to pet the goats.
Later that afternoon the girls went with their Mother to the dentist. Millie went in first and had her teeth cleaned. When she came out she told Tillie it was quite easy to get your teeth cleaned. She opened her mouth wide and the woman used a little metal pick to clean between her teeth. It didn't hurt at all. Tillie started to say she didn't want to go in but her Mother reminded her she was going to the zoo after the appointment.
Tillie went back into the dentist office and sat in the big chair. All of a sudden she started yelling that she didn't want her teeth cleaned - she started kicking and crying and everyone in the office heard her make a big fuss. Mother went in to Tillie and told her to settle down. Tillie just got worse. So eventually they had to take her to Grandma's house while Millie got to go to the zoo with Mother.
Millie had such fun at the zoo. The monkeys were swinging from rope to rope and the snakes were shedding their skin! But the best of all was that there was a brand new baby goat and Millie got to feed it a bottle. When they got home Tillie was so upset that she had missed the opportunity to feed that baby goat that she pleaded with Mother to take her back to the dentist. Mother called the dentist office and they said to bring her back in. Even though Tillie did not want to have her teeth cleaned she sat still and did as she was told. She actually decided it really didn't hurt but she didn't tell anyone that.
After the dentist appointment they all went to the zoo and Tillie got to see the baby goat. However, it wasn't time to feed the goats so she couldn't give it a bottle. All the way home Tillie complained that life wasn't fair and that Millie always got to do the fun things and she never got to do anything fun.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once upon a time there were two little girls. One was named Millie and one was named Tillie. Millie was a very good little girl and Tillie usually wasn't. One day Mother came into the living room and said, "Girls, today we are going to the dentist." Tillie started running around the living room screaming at the top of her lungs, "NO, NO, NO!" Millie and Tillie had gone to the dentist several months ago and Tillie had not enjoyed that visit.
Mother told Tillie to sit down and listen to what she had to say. Tillie lay on the floor kicking her feet and turning her head back and forth, back and forth but at least she listened. Mother said it was time to get their teeth cleaned and if they were very good they could go to the zoo after the dentist appointment.
Millie and Tillie loved going to the zoo. There were penguins and snakes and monkeys. Tillie was trying to figure out if it was worth going to the dentist if she chould go to the zoo. Mother told them they would even get to pet the goats and so Tillie thought it might be worth being a good girl at the dentist because she loved to pet the goats.
Later that afternoon the girls went with their Mother to the dentist. Millie went in first and had her teeth cleaned. When she came out she told Tillie it was quite easy to get your teeth cleaned. She opened her mouth wide and the woman used a little metal pick to clean between her teeth. It didn't hurt at all. Tillie started to say she didn't want to go in but her Mother reminded her she was going to the zoo after the appointment.
Tillie went back into the dentist office and sat in the big chair. All of a sudden she started yelling that she didn't want her teeth cleaned - she started kicking and crying and everyone in the office heard her make a big fuss. Mother went in to Tillie and told her to settle down. Tillie just got worse. So eventually they had to take her to Grandma's house while Millie got to go to the zoo with Mother.
Millie had such fun at the zoo. The monkeys were swinging from rope to rope and the snakes were shedding their skin! But the best of all was that there was a brand new baby goat and Millie got to feed it a bottle. When they got home Tillie was so upset that she had missed the opportunity to feed that baby goat that she pleaded with Mother to take her back to the dentist. Mother called the dentist office and they said to bring her back in. Even though Tillie did not want to have her teeth cleaned she sat still and did as she was told. She actually decided it really didn't hurt but she didn't tell anyone that.
After the dentist appointment they all went to the zoo and Tillie got to see the baby goat. However, it wasn't time to feed the goats so she couldn't give it a bottle. All the way home Tillie complained that life wasn't fair and that Millie always got to do the fun things and she never got to do anything fun.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Look a snail getting a turtle back ride!
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Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friends and Family Making Memory Visits
Sometimes the smallest things can make a memory visit possible. A commercial for Victoria Secrets and Greg pops into my mind for a visit. Today while shopping at Meijer I noticed the package of chicken had "pollo" written on it and Paula popped in for a visit. (One time we talked our way through a win in a Trivial Pursuit game with pollo as part of the winning clue.) In the past couple of weeks I've given an item of my Mom's to a couple people that I know she loved dearly in hopes of creating a memory visit for them.
This Lent has been filled with memories and wonderful opportunities for prayer and contemplation. My niece Theresa has helped me on my journey with her blog. My nephew Bill has had a daily entry on Facebook and my nephew Michael suggested I read The Brothers Karamazov which is very thought provoking. Bishop Ken's Little Black Book has daily prayer and reflections. We have been going to SS Peter and Paul Soup and prayer Wednesday evenings. So Lent has been a good time for reflection this year.
This Lent has been filled with memories and wonderful opportunities for prayer and contemplation. My niece Theresa has helped me on my journey with her blog. My nephew Bill has had a daily entry on Facebook and my nephew Michael suggested I read The Brothers Karamazov which is very thought provoking. Bishop Ken's Little Black Book has daily prayer and reflections. We have been going to SS Peter and Paul Soup and prayer Wednesday evenings. So Lent has been a good time for reflection this year.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Gurgle
It started with a gurgle - we are into the second day of Pat working on our tenant's and our bathroom pipes. He tore into the walls after a plugged sink drain turned nasty.
I can see why he started saying no to any side jobs. He is very sore today and he is back up there again today.
Today is the Tiger's home opening game. The weather is supposed to clear up in time for the game. I saw an interview with Inge and he can't wait for the new guys to experience their first opening day as a Tiger. He said Tiger fans are the best!
I can see why he started saying no to any side jobs. He is very sore today and he is back up there again today.
Today is the Tiger's home opening game. The weather is supposed to clear up in time for the game. I saw an interview with Inge and he can't wait for the new guys to experience their first opening day as a Tiger. He said Tiger fans are the best!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Deep Fried Oreos
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Aesop's Fables
I'm reading Aesop's Fables and I am amazed at how many sayings that have become a part of our everyday lives have come from these stories.
Slow but steady wins the race.
Fairweather friends are not worth much.
Look before you leap.
Might makes right.
Birds of a feather flock together.
In one of the foonotes it said that some of the fables were written to refer to an intended event. That makes the Millie and Tilie stories fables, too. I've written before about how great Millie and Tillie stories are for letting your children know the consequences of their behavior before they misbehave!
Millie always tries to do the right thing - Tillie is always misbehaving.
I do have one Millie and Tillie story and you can find it on the right listed in the Most Popular Posts section
Slow but steady wins the race.
Fairweather friends are not worth much.
Look before you leap.
Might makes right.
Birds of a feather flock together.
In one of the foonotes it said that some of the fables were written to refer to an intended event. That makes the Millie and Tilie stories fables, too. I've written before about how great Millie and Tillie stories are for letting your children know the consequences of their behavior before they misbehave!
Millie always tries to do the right thing - Tillie is always misbehaving.
I do have one Millie and Tillie story and you can find it on the right listed in the Most Popular Posts section
Friday, April 1, 2011
Dinner with the Jacklins
We had the Jacklins over for seafood. We made salmon, shrimp, spinach balls, a fabulous smoked pizza, asparagus and avocado salad - of course the avocado salad had Jello in it and Joanna just laughed when I told her it wasn't jellin! She reminded me we are a Jello-challanged family!
My Mom made yummy wonderful Jello - me not so much. Joanna says she is Jello-challenged, too.
Oh well, Pat made the best pizza on the new pizza stone. He used apple wood. I sauted onions and peppers and put it on top of sauce on a Roma's crust. Covered it with cheese and then on to the Weber grill on the pizza stone. YUM!
Sheala brought her friend Nathanial and they and Robbie and Pat played the WII and had a great time.
My Mom made yummy wonderful Jello - me not so much. Joanna says she is Jello-challenged, too.
Oh well, Pat made the best pizza on the new pizza stone. He used apple wood. I sauted onions and peppers and put it on top of sauce on a Roma's crust. Covered it with cheese and then on to the Weber grill on the pizza stone. YUM!
Sheala brought her friend Nathanial and they and Robbie and Pat played the WII and had a great time.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Yeah - Crocus
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These crocus are at the Drafthouse in Dewitt. We drove to Lansing for a stop at Romas and decided to stop at the Drafthouse to see the opening of the Tigers vs Yankees. It is only 41 degrees in New York - they all must be freezing after being in Florida!
So far they are doing great. Actually I can see Martinez shirts on quite a few people. Okay, so the Tiger's lost. Maybe Leyland realizes that we should have kept Granderson! Paybacks are awful!
Mrs. Torongo's Rhythm Class at the YWCA
I was 3 1/2 years old - I just remember that Kathy took ballet lessons and I really wanted to take lessons, too. I don't remember any of the classes but I do remember that I loved my teacher, Mrs. Torongo - this is the little red skirt my Mom made and that I was wearing in the picture. It's fun to look at the program and see that my friend, Peggy and my cousin Eddy were in the band. Aren't old memories fun?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Gambling, Soup and Prayer, Morning Glory and Bazaar
So we had a typical Pat and Mary Ellen day - well not really - we actually walked out of the casino with money! Then we stopped to see our friends Bill and Amy. Then on to the soup supper at church and Evening Prayer after.
When we got home we watched Morning Glory on Demand. It was a cute show with Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton. Both Pat and I liked the show.
I got my Bazaar magazine today and I was flipping pages when I came across a designer dress by Marqeusa that looked so much like Sheala's prom dress. Of course I had to take a picture and send it to Sheala to let her know how stylin she is!
Pat just said this was a great day - it sure was!
When we got home we watched Morning Glory on Demand. It was a cute show with Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton. Both Pat and I liked the show.
I got my Bazaar magazine today and I was flipping pages when I came across a designer dress by Marqeusa that looked so much like Sheala's prom dress. Of course I had to take a picture and send it to Sheala to let her know how stylin she is!
Pat just said this was a great day - it sure was!
More Church Signs
You know I love the twitterness of church signs - today is a bonus:
Beat the Easter rush - come to church this Sunday
and
Too cold to change the sign, come in for message
It doesn't take much to make me smile!
Beat the Easter rush - come to church this Sunday
and
Too cold to change the sign, come in for message
It doesn't take much to make me smile!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
NEWS FLASH!
Kathy called to say this was probably recorded at the Folly's in 1947! I have a copy of the picture from that show but I'll wait to see if I can find the original!
I have recorded and published my Dad's recording of Rosalie. He sang this at an Elk's Club show which I think was in the late 50's and a record was made at that show and in the 70's we had it put onto a cassette tape. Today I recorded that cassette playing and posted it to the AndRecorder site. Click on the link below and enjoy!
Kathy called to say this was probably recorded at the Folly's in 1947! I have a copy of the picture from that show but I'll wait to see if I can find the original!
I have recorded and published my Dad's recording of Rosalie. He sang this at an Elk's Club show which I think was in the late 50's and a record was made at that show and in the 70's we had it put onto a cassette tape. Today I recorded that cassette playing and posted it to the AndRecorder site. Click on the link below and enjoy!
Charles F. Shea Singing Rosalie
An AndRecorder recording by MESClifford - AndRecorder
I found the words - I have been looking for years - tonight I Googled Rosalie my darling instead of Rosalie and there they wete! It was a Sammy Kaye song:
Rosalie, my darling
Rosalie, my dream
Since one night when stars danced above
I'm oh, oh, so much in love
So, Rosalie have mercy
Rosalie don't decline
Won't you make my life thrilling
And tell me you're willing
To be mine
Rosalie, mine
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I found the words - I have been looking for years - tonight I Googled Rosalie my darling instead of Rosalie and there they wete! It was a Sammy Kaye song:
Rosalie, my darling
Rosalie, my dream
Since one night when stars danced above
I'm oh, oh, so much in love
So, Rosalie have mercy
Rosalie don't decline
Won't you make my life thrilling
And tell me you're willing
To be mine
Rosalie, mine
Monday, March 28, 2011
Really Old Saginaw Newspapers
We went out with Joanna and Robin and the kids the other night. I told Robbie and Sheala about the old Saginaw Newspapers I found in the boxes from the attic the other day. I want them to come over and go through them with me.
When I say they are old you will understand when I tell you the daily was 2¢ and Sunday was 3¢.
There were such great ads and wonderful articles. There was so much social news - who went to what parties and what they wore. Everyone could be part of the fashion scene even if it was to read about it.
Many articles about how to save money during the wars. Stories about the King and Queen of Romania, Presidents and their wives, Mayors of Saginaw.
The ads are priceless - dentures and glasses and electricity for your homes. Kitchen tables and chairs, hats and movie theaters galore.
When I say they are old you will understand when I tell you the daily was 2¢ and Sunday was 3¢.
There were such great ads and wonderful articles. There was so much social news - who went to what parties and what they wore. Everyone could be part of the fashion scene even if it was to read about it.
Many articles about how to save money during the wars. Stories about the King and Queen of Romania, Presidents and their wives, Mayors of Saginaw.
The ads are priceless - dentures and glasses and electricity for your homes. Kitchen tables and chairs, hats and movie theaters galore.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Eight Hours Later, Not Again!
That is NOT as in I did NOT go to Oscoda.
Instead Pat changed the fan in the bathroom. He put all the boxes stored in front of the attic access on the cedar chest in my office and when I turned around I almost threw up there were so many. So I spent all day sorting into piles of save, shred, recycle and trash.
I only got sidetracked twice which if you read my blogs you know is pretty good for me! I couldn't throw away some old newspapers until Sheala and Robbie see them. I have two boxes that I saved the rest are out of here. Good work for a Saturday.
And Pat replaced the fan.
Instead Pat changed the fan in the bathroom. He put all the boxes stored in front of the attic access on the cedar chest in my office and when I turned around I almost threw up there were so many. So I spent all day sorting into piles of save, shred, recycle and trash.
I only got sidetracked twice which if you read my blogs you know is pretty good for me! I couldn't throw away some old newspapers until Sheala and Robbie see them. I have two boxes that I saved the rest are out of here. Good work for a Saturday.
And Pat replaced the fan.
OR NOT
So - I didn't win the jackpot - but I had fun spending it!
There is a canoe race in Oscoda this weekend - the sun is shining - I wonder if we'll wander that way for a little ride?
There is a canoe race in Oscoda this weekend - the sun is shining - I wonder if we'll wander that way for a little ride?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Mega Millions
I just bought the winning ticket for tonight's drawing! Can you imagine what fun I will have?
Let's Go Camping!
Pat and I just left Jay's in Clare. We haven't really bought anything new for camping in a few years - and in the past two days we took care of that! Yesterday Walgreens had a two pot coil burner that we can plug in to boil our water for dishes - it was on sale for $8 so that was a deal.
Today - no sales. But still fun. I got a pizza stone - I love making pizza on the fire. The first time it was fabulous. The camper next to us asked what we had for dinner because it smelled so delicious. The next several times I burned the bottom of the crust. So today when I was debating whether to buy it or not Pat told me it was just dumb luck it turned out the first time! So that went into the basket.
We actually went in to buy a new grill for the fire. The one we have is starting to wear thin from so many years of use. We love it because it sits on a pole and you can swivel it and move it up and down. This really helps cooking while camping because it isn't that easy to adjust the fire. So that went in the basket.
Then we saw some heavy duty gloves for Pat to take food off the fire. This was a no brainer - those went in the basket!
Last but not least were two of those whirly jigs on a stick for any little sweeties that might go on a camping trip with us! Now if Michigan weather would act like spring we could go camping!
Today - no sales. But still fun. I got a pizza stone - I love making pizza on the fire. The first time it was fabulous. The camper next to us asked what we had for dinner because it smelled so delicious. The next several times I burned the bottom of the crust. So today when I was debating whether to buy it or not Pat told me it was just dumb luck it turned out the first time! So that went into the basket.
We actually went in to buy a new grill for the fire. The one we have is starting to wear thin from so many years of use. We love it because it sits on a pole and you can swivel it and move it up and down. This really helps cooking while camping because it isn't that easy to adjust the fire. So that went in the basket.
Then we saw some heavy duty gloves for Pat to take food off the fire. This was a no brainer - those went in the basket!
Last but not least were two of those whirly jigs on a stick for any little sweeties that might go on a camping trip with us! Now if Michigan weather would act like spring we could go camping!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Michigan March
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External Drive
I remember someone saying they had an external drive for 3.5 disks. I would like to borrow it. Please let me know - thanks.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
So the cleaning continues. . . .
I decided to clean out the beautiful desk that was my Grandfathers. So many memories and of course I got sidetracked.
First I found letters and cards sent to my Mom just before she died. Friends sent her the most wonderful sentiments of how much she meant to them. Of course I had to read through all of them.
Then I found the diary I kept when I was pregnant with Joanna. It was filled wth friends coming to visit and family gatherings. So many times I had Sarah over to play while Steve and Terry went on errands. The long, long wait for Joanna to be born (the doctor said any day in the beginning of July and she decided it would be August 8th.)
It was a very, very hot summer - over the years my friend Robyn who had her daughter the same week I had Joanna and I talked many times about that hot summer!
Pat worked in the thumb so he would drop me off at my Mom's on Monday, pick me up on Wednesday then he would go back to work on Thursday morning and come home on Friday. I so missed him and was so thankful for the Monday and Tuesdays I stayed at Mom's with her and Jim and Jane.
I finally finished the desk and enjoyed the walk down memory lane.
First I found letters and cards sent to my Mom just before she died. Friends sent her the most wonderful sentiments of how much she meant to them. Of course I had to read through all of them.
Then I found the diary I kept when I was pregnant with Joanna. It was filled wth friends coming to visit and family gatherings. So many times I had Sarah over to play while Steve and Terry went on errands. The long, long wait for Joanna to be born (the doctor said any day in the beginning of July and she decided it would be August 8th.)
It was a very, very hot summer - over the years my friend Robyn who had her daughter the same week I had Joanna and I talked many times about that hot summer!
Pat worked in the thumb so he would drop me off at my Mom's on Monday, pick me up on Wednesday then he would go back to work on Thursday morning and come home on Friday. I so missed him and was so thankful for the Monday and Tuesdays I stayed at Mom's with her and Jim and Jane.
I finally finished the desk and enjoyed the walk down memory lane.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why Saying Goodbye is so Good
We went to the memorial service for my brother-in-laws mother. We got the chance to see two of our nieces and Chris and his sisters and Jane and a friend say goodbye to "Mimi" and another niece Skyped in from Mexico.
It was a good prayer service and a super sharing time. Everyone had a chance to say such loving stories about her. I knew how great it was when I wished I had had a chance to know her.
She will be very missed by all of her family and friends. And I missed a chance to know a loving warm peaceful person.
It was also a wonderful chance to catch up with Chris and Theresa and Jane and Elizabeth.
It was a good prayer service and a super sharing time. Everyone had a chance to say such loving stories about her. I knew how great it was when I wished I had had a chance to know her.
She will be very missed by all of her family and friends. And I missed a chance to know a loving warm peaceful person.
It was also a wonderful chance to catch up with Chris and Theresa and Jane and Elizabeth.
Siblings
I've been thinking about how siblings are so different from each other. Yesterday Mary was saying that the girls are opposites and I was thinking of Joanna and Caroline and how different they were growing up. God made this on purpose I am sure.
Can you imagine if everyone thought the same? If everyone was Democrat or everyone Republican? Or if everyone hated to do math, or biology, or working with chidren or working in hospitals or working with plumbing!
Thank goodness there are so many different kinds of people with so many different points of view and talents - thank you God!
Can you imagine if everyone thought the same? If everyone was Democrat or everyone Republican? Or if everyone hated to do math, or biology, or working with chidren or working in hospitals or working with plumbing!
Thank goodness there are so many different kinds of people with so many different points of view and talents - thank you God!
Nice Vist
We had a nice visit with Lillie and Anna and their parents. The ultimate goal has been achieved by Lillie - she is taller than Nana (of course that is not soooo tall - but they all love that milestone!) Anna isn't very far behind.
We heard all about playing the trumpet in band, martial arts and swimming from Lillie and choir, martial arts and swimming from Anna.
It was such a nice afternoon.
We heard all about playing the trumpet in band, martial arts and swimming from Lillie and choir, martial arts and swimming from Anna.
It was such a nice afternoon.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Worst Drawer is Done
I spent three and a half - yes 3 1/2 - hours sorting my jewelry drawer. Do I have anything worth anything - well not money-wise but in memories they are priceless. I have such fun memories in that drawer. Many nights I would come home and empty out my pockets into that drawer. My favorite was a note that I had to wear at Dave Sharma's 40th birthday. His wife, my friend, Barb, made lots of funny sayings to choose from - mine says - I'd rather be 40 than pregnant!
One time I told my Great Aunt Adeline Zito that I liked a pin she was wearing and she took it off and handed it to me. My Grandma Florence Shea always had BIG pieces of paste jewelry that she wore - I found a few of those. My Mom, Elinor Shea's wedding ring minus the diamonds because Caroline wanted that ring for her wedding but the band was too thin to size so she took the diamonds and had them put into a setting similar to her Grandma's. My Aunt Bernice Brandi always had fun jewelry we could play with when we went to spend the night at the house on Clinton Street. When I found beads and bracelets that I have been saving for fun I put them in the toy cupboard (which by the way is on the list to clean, too) for Ayva and Javier to find.
I filled the wastebasket, put notes with some of the pieces so someday when Joanna and Caroline have to go through my drawers they will know why I kept all this "worthless" junk!
I sure had fun.
One time I told my Great Aunt Adeline Zito that I liked a pin she was wearing and she took it off and handed it to me. My Grandma Florence Shea always had BIG pieces of paste jewelry that she wore - I found a few of those. My Mom, Elinor Shea's wedding ring minus the diamonds because Caroline wanted that ring for her wedding but the band was too thin to size so she took the diamonds and had them put into a setting similar to her Grandma's. My Aunt Bernice Brandi always had fun jewelry we could play with when we went to spend the night at the house on Clinton Street. When I found beads and bracelets that I have been saving for fun I put them in the toy cupboard (which by the way is on the list to clean, too) for Ayva and Javier to find.
I filled the wastebasket, put notes with some of the pieces so someday when Joanna and Caroline have to go through my drawers they will know why I kept all this "worthless" junk!
I sure had fun.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day
So many good memories. Parties on Hoyt Street. My Dad a great Irish Tenor singing with Ma in the kitchen at the Novak/Foley/Looby Home. Joanna and Caroline wearing t-shirts to Blessed Sacrament school saying on the front "I Love Being Irish" and on the back "Because my Mom says so!" Then it seemed in only the blink of an eye our little baby granddaughter Sheala was born on this day 17 years ago.
Our lives seem to be flying by - each year making lovely memories. Have a wonderful day!
Our lives seem to be flying by - each year making lovely memories. Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ah Spring Has Sprung
We are on our way to Lansing and we have seen both Red Wing Blackbirds and Robins - yeah Spring.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Custom Drapes
That makes them about 33 years old! They are still in great condition. I am still thankful to have such well made drapes.
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l'm really glad you are here.
Such an ordinary sentence - however - one that meant so much to me. When Jean came over to talk about art and environment before church on Sunday she mentioned how glad she was that Pat and I are working with their commitee.
Many times over the last few days those words have come back to my mind and each time it warms my heart. How blessed we are that they have taken us in.
Many times over the last few days those words have come back to my mind and each time it warms my heart. How blessed we are that they have taken us in.
16 hours of sleep!
I went to the dentist yesterday - l was sedated for some extensive work. I fell asleep, came home and slept some more, woke up to eat, went back to sleep, woke up to take the dentist's call to say I was feeling okay, went back to sleep until 4:30 am. No pain at all. Now that is the way to go to the dentist!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Dinner at Fandangles
Jim and Cindy, Kathy, Mary Lynn, Pat and I went to Fandangles in Flushing for dinner. Pat had flank steak, Jim had crab cakes, Mary Lynn had salmon, Cindy had pork tenderloins, Kathy had chicken marsala and I had sea bass - each of us thought we had the best meal!
Everything was fabulous - the food, the atmosphere, the wait staff - everything was great. We all want to go back again.
Thank you Tom and Steve!
Everything was fabulous - the food, the atmosphere, the wait staff - everything was great. We all want to go back again.
Thank you Tom and Steve!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Latest Painting by Paul Clifford
I love that he gets to spend so much time doing what he loves to do.
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Airline Tickets
Joanna saved oodles of money on their tickets to Hawaii. Their whole family is going to see her best friend's famiky.Sheala remembers living on base and that birds used to land on her little hand. Robbie was too little to remember. All of them are so excited about going.
If you need an airline ticket now might be the time to get one!
If you need an airline ticket now might be the time to get one!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Getting Our House In Order
We are still working on the main floors (I will do anything to NOT go in that basement!) So yesterday we started cleaning out drawers in the kitchen. You never know what kind of treasures you might find in those. I found a Clifford the Big Red Dog matching game that I can't wait to play with Javier and Ayva. And I found more serving pieces (they are in every nook and cranny and I think they multiply like rabbits).
I also had my yearly physical (Hey Robyn when is yours?) Of course I had to confess to eating and drinking our way to and through Florida and back. Good thing Lent is here, it really needs to be a time of saying NO to myself.
I also had my yearly physical (Hey Robyn when is yours?) Of course I had to confess to eating and drinking our way to and through Florida and back. Good thing Lent is here, it really needs to be a time of saying NO to myself.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
David Haas Concert
My cousin, Mary Lynn called to ask us to go to ths David Haas concert in Bridgeport. When we got there our friend, Olympia was there with her daughter, Ellen, so we all sat together. I let Olympia take the "Letters from Aunt Bernice" book because she knew all the Brandi family. Then she asked if her children could read it. So it was fun when Ellen asked if this was "THE" Mary Lynn.
The concert was great - of course I thought about singing in choir at St. Mary Cathedral with our choir director Kevin. I only teared up for a couple songs so I did okay. The rest of the woman had a few tears, too. We talked after about how tears really do heal.
Anyway, then Mary Lynn went out to dinner with Pat and me. We got a chance to talk and it was a very nice day.
The concert was great - of course I thought about singing in choir at St. Mary Cathedral with our choir director Kevin. I only teared up for a couple songs so I did okay. The rest of the woman had a few tears, too. We talked after about how tears really do heal.
Anyway, then Mary Lynn went out to dinner with Pat and me. We got a chance to talk and it was a very nice day.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Hoyt Street House
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Mmmmm. . . Hot Sun Tomato Wine Inspired Dinner
Remember when I blogged about going to the Panama City Beach Winery with Pat and our friend Noreen? Well we had our friends over for dinner and every part of the main courses had Hot Sun Tomato wine in it.
Tostados made with ground beef cooked in wine and refried beans cooked in wine.
Empanadas made with roast beef cooked in wine and some made with chicken cooked in wine.
Tomatoes cooked in wine.
Enchiladas made with a tomato sauce cooked with wine and chicken cooked in wine.
It was all delicious. And spending time with friends - what a nice evening.
Tostados made with ground beef cooked in wine and refried beans cooked in wine.
Empanadas made with roast beef cooked in wine and some made with chicken cooked in wine.
Tomatoes cooked in wine.
Enchiladas made with a tomato sauce cooked with wine and chicken cooked in wine.
It was all delicious. And spending time with friends - what a nice evening.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Camping with Babies
Danielle, Caroline's best friend from high school (and also considered another daughter) called to say that they had just purchased a pop up camper and they were so excited. We used to take Danielle camping with us when the kids were growing up. She wondered if I had any tips about camping with toddlers and babies. Gosh do I ever remember those days - it was so much fun. I do remember a few tips:
Make sure you have all kinds of clothes - you will probably start out the day with jackets and sweaters go to bathing suits in the middle of the day and end up with long pants and maybe even a heavy coat in the evening. Take double what you think you need. Wet pants and socks need to be changed a lot.
We also start saving small branches early in the spring. We just put them in a wastebasket. These are our fire base along with the firestarter we buy at our thriftshop (they make wood chips and wax in a paper cup). We always made sure there was no heat left in the firepit when we packed up for home and set up a fire for the next campers - as well as making sure the campsite is clean and ready for the next campers.
Take a playpen or one of those circular fence type gadgets that you can put the kids in and quit worrying for five minutes! Until a child is about three years old they really don't understand your rules. Even though it is quite a bit of work when they are so young it is worth every minute of joy when they realize they get to sleep in the camper and eat outside. Taking turns being the one in charge of watching the kids gives each of you a bit of time to yourself for cooking or reading or just closing your eyes for a bit.
A dishpan of water by the camper works wonders for coming from the sandy beach. Just have the kids step into it and pick them up to go into the camper to change clothes. We also took a little blow up pool and we set it in the sun with a small amount of water to give the kids a "bath" before bed - much easier than the showers at a campground. Oh and a portable potty chair will save you tons of trips to the bathroom.(Warning - some people think it is cute to teach their little boys to pee outside by a tree while camping - it is not easy to explain to them when you get home that they can't do that in your front yard or at the church picnic!)
It is never too young to teach your children to look for traffic. Our rule was if you see a car coming you move off the street and stop until there is no more traffic. Also fire safety is a must.
No toys with little pieces. Shovels, pails, chalk, large bouncing balls, water toys and dump trucks. A few games to play in the camper if it rains. Story books, crayons, paper, things for quiet play. Don't forget to take the kids bikes, wagon, stroller, and for babies a back carrier.
My favorite tip was from a workshop I went to - they said to take a twin sized sheet (I take 2 or 3) to use as tablecloths on the picnic tables - the fitted ends make it so they don't blow away. These work unless you get a handicap table - those are extra long tables and the sheets don't fit.
Take lots of water for drinking especially if it is hot. Make sure you give the kids drinks every hour during the hot day. Take foods the kids like. Even if you are having something different a hot dog on a stick is a great dinner while camping.
Don't forget necessities - first aid kit, suntan lotion, bug spray, flashlights, umbrella, lots of towels, paper plates and cups (I am NOT a very good green camper!) I use lots of foil pans for cooking on the fire.
Don't worry about dirty kids and clothes - relax and remember you are camping and have a wonderful time.
Make sure you have all kinds of clothes - you will probably start out the day with jackets and sweaters go to bathing suits in the middle of the day and end up with long pants and maybe even a heavy coat in the evening. Take double what you think you need. Wet pants and socks need to be changed a lot.
We also start saving small branches early in the spring. We just put them in a wastebasket. These are our fire base along with the firestarter we buy at our thriftshop (they make wood chips and wax in a paper cup). We always made sure there was no heat left in the firepit when we packed up for home and set up a fire for the next campers - as well as making sure the campsite is clean and ready for the next campers.
Take a playpen or one of those circular fence type gadgets that you can put the kids in and quit worrying for five minutes! Until a child is about three years old they really don't understand your rules. Even though it is quite a bit of work when they are so young it is worth every minute of joy when they realize they get to sleep in the camper and eat outside. Taking turns being the one in charge of watching the kids gives each of you a bit of time to yourself for cooking or reading or just closing your eyes for a bit.
A dishpan of water by the camper works wonders for coming from the sandy beach. Just have the kids step into it and pick them up to go into the camper to change clothes. We also took a little blow up pool and we set it in the sun with a small amount of water to give the kids a "bath" before bed - much easier than the showers at a campground. Oh and a portable potty chair will save you tons of trips to the bathroom.(Warning - some people think it is cute to teach their little boys to pee outside by a tree while camping - it is not easy to explain to them when you get home that they can't do that in your front yard or at the church picnic!)
It is never too young to teach your children to look for traffic. Our rule was if you see a car coming you move off the street and stop until there is no more traffic. Also fire safety is a must.
No toys with little pieces. Shovels, pails, chalk, large bouncing balls, water toys and dump trucks. A few games to play in the camper if it rains. Story books, crayons, paper, things for quiet play. Don't forget to take the kids bikes, wagon, stroller, and for babies a back carrier.
My favorite tip was from a workshop I went to - they said to take a twin sized sheet (I take 2 or 3) to use as tablecloths on the picnic tables - the fitted ends make it so they don't blow away. These work unless you get a handicap table - those are extra long tables and the sheets don't fit.
Take lots of water for drinking especially if it is hot. Make sure you give the kids drinks every hour during the hot day. Take foods the kids like. Even if you are having something different a hot dog on a stick is a great dinner while camping.
Don't forget necessities - first aid kit, suntan lotion, bug spray, flashlights, umbrella, lots of towels, paper plates and cups (I am NOT a very good green camper!) I use lots of foil pans for cooking on the fire.
Don't worry about dirty kids and clothes - relax and remember you are camping and have a wonderful time.
Jack's Visit
We had a surprise visit from our friend Jack. We sat at the kitchen table talking unions, politics, Detroit Tigers, Spring training, church league baseball, church, our favorite stops in Florida and family.
He got a call from Kelly saying she would be late coming home from work - so as the empty beer bottles were put by the sink I decided we all better eat something substantial if Jack was going to drive home. Luckily I had chicken in the slow cooker so I made a large tray of chicken nachos. Yum!
We talked about going to a Tiger ballgame soon. We sure missed Kelly but we had a great afternoon.
He got a call from Kelly saying she would be late coming home from work - so as the empty beer bottles were put by the sink I decided we all better eat something substantial if Jack was going to drive home. Luckily I had chicken in the slow cooker so I made a large tray of chicken nachos. Yum!
We talked about going to a Tiger ballgame soon. We sure missed Kelly but we had a great afternoon.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Re-organizing
Well, we are changing the office back into an office - all dishes in the basement - all beads and silverware in the front closet. We'll see if that helps the blasted clutter! I usually wrap in the living room so having the knives and beads in that closet makes sense. When we are close to a show the whole first floor is used - so I hope this works well.
I truly believe it will ne months before we are even close to being done. If I would quit telling Pat that we need to go for a ride in the sunshine it would go a lot faster.
I truly believe it will ne months before we are even close to being done. If I would quit telling Pat that we need to go for a ride in the sunshine it would go a lot faster.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Back to back wins for the Tigers - Yeah
Ooooh 1-0 Tigers in the 6th
Listening to the first broadcast from Lakeland FOR 2011. Playing Toronto 5th inning 0-0. Tiger's won yesterday 4-0. GO TIGERS!
Ooooh 1-0 Tigers in the 6th
Listening to the first broadcast from Lakeland FOR 2011. Playing Toronto 5th inning 0-0. Tiger's won yesterday 4-0. GO TIGERS!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tea Time
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Monday, February 21, 2011
Beads, beads, and more beads!
Oh my goodness! I sorted dishes until I ran out of boxes. So then I switched to beads. I have been saving spice bottles for the past couple of years and they are being used now! Hopefully this won't take more than a week.
Pat is outside shoveling and snow blowing the 8" of snow we got last night. I think he will be surprised to find thousands of beads in our living room when he comes in - but thankfully he doesn't mind too much.
OK back to the beads.
Pat is outside shoveling and snow blowing the 8" of snow we got last night. I think he will be surprised to find thousands of beads in our living room when he comes in - but thankfully he doesn't mind too much.
OK back to the beads.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Tip of the Iceburg
I spent two hours on Friday and two hours on Saturday in the office - ugh - it is just the tip of the iceburg. I am almost done sorting silverware and the beads are all in one place. I sent a text to Sheala and she is going to help me sort loose beads. There are literally thousands! She is angel.
I'll start on dishes today. I would take a picture and put it in here but it might cause nightmares!
I'll start on dishes today. I would take a picture and put it in here but it might cause nightmares!
Friday, February 18, 2011
OK Reality Hits
I really have to begin my list of "Have to do when I retire" TODAY. I want to tackle the office first. So I thought if I owned up to it here I would actually begin today!
When I first began buying dishes to go with my wrapped silverware I bought differently than what I buy now. As I have sold at more shows I pretty much know if something will sell. So I have lots of dishes that need to be cleaned out. Many of those are in the closet in the office. So if I clear that out I can reorganize the piles in the office.
So I'll update later today and we'll see how successful I have been!
When I first began buying dishes to go with my wrapped silverware I bought differently than what I buy now. As I have sold at more shows I pretty much know if something will sell. So I have lots of dishes that need to be cleaned out. Many of those are in the closet in the office. So if I clear that out I can reorganize the piles in the office.
So I'll update later today and we'll see how successful I have been!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Diamonds
We decided to drive to Traverse City. There is nothing more beautiful than a drive along Michigan's Great Lakes. The sun is making Lake Michigan glitter like a pool of diamonds.
What a gorgeous day!
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011
GREAT WAY TO HELP
This morning on Good Morning America there was a story about a Stanford student who is changing lives by recycling cell phones. If you have old cell phones this is for YOU! Click on the link below to learn more. Go to Hopephones.org to print a pre-paid mailing label.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Family Dinner
We had everyone over for dinner last night. It was so much fun. I told Ayva yesterday that we had a new toy in the cupboard and the very first thing she did was run to the cupboard to find the toy tea set. She and Javier kept serving all of us tea and cookies.
Blake and Robbie and Javier played wii bowling. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed lots of good food. We made steak, shrimp, pasta salad, salad, mashed potatoes, garlic bread and eclairs and cream puffs. It is always amazing when 15 people fit into the duplex and we have enough room.
It was so good to be home!
Blake and Robbie and Javier played wii bowling. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed lots of good food. We made steak, shrimp, pasta salad, salad, mashed potatoes, garlic bread and eclairs and cream puffs. It is always amazing when 15 people fit into the duplex and we have enough room.
It was so good to be home!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Really Day 1 of Retirement!
WE DROVE 5,060 MILES ON OUR TRIP.
We are beginning our real first day of retirement today. The days before this were vacation. Today we are home and it is an amazing experience. I already had to remind myself there was no hurry to do anything at all.
I turned on the wii - well lets say I tried to turn on the wii - the batteries were dead. Changed out the batteries on the hand held device and the ones on the step were dead too. So on to the bike. Then breakfast, a shower and now I'm feeling guilty doing a post while Pat is out trying to fix the snow piles!
Oh well, I am off to buy a gift for my friend Robyn who is retiring next week. She made my life so much easier by being a very good worker - she was my backup and I never worried about payroll at all. She also knows EVERYTHING. Anytime any of us needed to know something Robyn always had the answer. She is amazing.
In the next few days I'm going to put pictures with the blogs that I did while on vacation. So you will be able to see the fun we had.
We are beginning our real first day of retirement today. The days before this were vacation. Today we are home and it is an amazing experience. I already had to remind myself there was no hurry to do anything at all.
I turned on the wii - well lets say I tried to turn on the wii - the batteries were dead. Changed out the batteries on the hand held device and the ones on the step were dead too. So on to the bike. Then breakfast, a shower and now I'm feeling guilty doing a post while Pat is out trying to fix the snow piles!
Oh well, I am off to buy a gift for my friend Robyn who is retiring next week. She made my life so much easier by being a very good worker - she was my backup and I never worried about payroll at all. She also knows EVERYTHING. Anytime any of us needed to know something Robyn always had the answer. She is amazing.
In the next few days I'm going to put pictures with the blogs that I did while on vacation. So you will be able to see the fun we had.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hello Michigan
Noreen's invitation to visit her was so nice. With Fran still working, we never thought of going to Florida. Next time we will go in March to see the Tiger's in Spring training.
We have three large containers of dishes and two new stores that have my dishes and plates - a great business trip too.
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Goodbye Louisville
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Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Landscape has changed
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In the mountains in North Carolina
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On our way to Louisville
We had a pleasant dinner with Patrick. He took us downtown to eat dinner. The downtown is a fabulous array of shops and restaurants. Patrick told us several years ago it was filled with boarded up stores and no one went there. Then the last few mayors have worked hard at turning it around. There were so many people downtown last night that you would have thought it was a weekend.
We are going to Louisville today, the sun is shining and it looks like a good travel day.
We are going to Louisville today, the sun is shining and it looks like a good travel day.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Goodbye Florida
We have decided to go see Patrick, my best friend Janet's son, who is living in Greenville, South Carolina. We decided to go to a few thrift stores before we leave and then get on the road. We have so loved this trip but I think we are going to start on the trip back to Michigan.
We decided that if we save some of our money we can do another trip! This has been so relaxing and I have to say I really do feel retired.
We decided that if we save some of our money we can do another trip! This has been so relaxing and I have to say I really do feel retired.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Passing Tallahasse on to Jacksonville
It is still raining cats and dogs. So we decided to pass right by Tallahassee and drive on to Jacksonville.
We are so surprised that it really looks like Michigan on this drive. Lots of pine trees and farm land.
We are so surprised that it really looks like Michigan on this drive. Lots of pine trees and farm land.
Works like a charm
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We wanted to be able to mount the Galaxy Tab on the dashboard. The cover I purchased has a fuzzy inside cover so I knew velco would work. First we tried velcro with the sticky back. It worked fine in Michigan but once it got over 50 degrees the glue started to melt and the velcro slipped making a big mess on the dashboard.
So we went back to Ace Hardware and bought velcro luggage id straps and Command refills. We put the Command refills on the dash, cut the tags to fit, and the Galaxy stays put. There are a few things that I had to learn, such as, I put my hand under the cover and hold the velcro down when I have to take it off - otherwise the velcro comes off and you have to put it back together. Also I put a rubberband on the side to hold the cover straight.
We had to replace the command refills once but it is well worth it.
Now that we are back in Michigan guess what? The velcro strips don't want to stick onto the Command strips - but if you warm up the car they work again.
On our way again
After a great weekend with Fran we are on our way again. We are going to Tallahassee this morning then on to Jacksonville for the night. It is raining cats and dogs but hopefully it will clear up this afternoon.
We have purchased so many plates I will have to buy another container! I wrapped knives yesterday just in case I find another store to put them. This has been a fun trip.
We have purchased so many plates I will have to buy another container! I wrapped knives yesterday just in case I find another store to put them. This has been a fun trip.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A Night Out in Florida after Shopping All Day
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Money on the Ceiling
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Friday, February 4, 2011
Breaking News
Another place to purchase my dishes and knives in Florida!
Debbie Brooks has a cute booth in an antique market. She is going to display my sets for sale. She has taken several candlewick plates and other glass plates with my hand-wrapped knives to display.
The booth is at:
De'France Antiques and Collectables
230 Eglin Parkway SE
Fort Walton, Florida
If you are in Florida you must stop!
Debbie Brooks has a cute booth in an antique market. She is going to display my sets for sale. She has taken several candlewick plates and other glass plates with my hand-wrapped knives to display.
The booth is at:
De'France Antiques and Collectables
230 Eglin Parkway SE
Fort Walton, Florida
If you are in Florida you must stop!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Survived the Pedicure
Noreen was so nice to treat me to my first pedicure - my toes are very ticklish and I was worried about getting this first pedicure. And I got a prankster guy who thought that was funny! However I did not tell him that it was when they put the thing between my toes that is when I want to go through the roof. So he did that fast and I got through it.
I did okay - and having the lotion on my legs and feet made me feel like a queen with the massaging chair. Mmmm. . . . I could have taken a nap!!
Then we ran to the car in the cold and rain with those stupid little flip flops they put on our feet so we wouldn't ruin the polish they just put on our toes.
Then we went out for a delicious Mexican dinner.
Tomorrow we are off to Fran's. Our visit with Noreen was so much fun. And we were so lucky to have such a good friend to invite us for this visit.
I did okay - and having the lotion on my legs and feet made me feel like a queen with the massaging chair. Mmmm. . . . I could have taken a nap!!
Then we ran to the car in the cold and rain with those stupid little flip flops they put on our feet so we wouldn't ruin the polish they just put on our toes.
Then we went out for a delicious Mexican dinner.
Tomorrow we are off to Fran's. Our visit with Noreen was so much fun. And we were so lucky to have such a good friend to invite us for this visit.
Lots of stores very few dishes
We drove to Port St. Joe yesterday. We stopped at several Goodwills on the way. For some reason the stores in this area do not have a housewares area. Instead the put all there housewares on top of their clothes racks. I am just over 5 feet tall and several times I have to go up on my toes to see something - it is very annoying. Anyway we only found a few dishes.
But the ride was nice. We saw lots of jets taking off and landing while driving through the Tyndell AFB area. We saw a small community that looked like a ghost town. It looks brand new - with very modern store fronts, small waterfalls, restaurants, condoes - no cars and we only saw two people - it was like being in the twilight zone. When we got to Port St. Joe we saw a restaurant called Joe Mama! It made us think of our friend back home that we always call Jo Mama.
Then Noreen took us out to dinner to watch the MSU/Iowa game. Good dinner - bad game. MSU never made up the 20 points from the beginning of the game.
Later today Noreen and I are going for pedicures. I know Carolina Moon and Joanna Balanna are laughing right now. They know I have a fit when someone tries to put those things between my toes because it tickles so bad. Can't wait to see if I survive this!
But the ride was nice. We saw lots of jets taking off and landing while driving through the Tyndell AFB area. We saw a small community that looked like a ghost town. It looks brand new - with very modern store fronts, small waterfalls, restaurants, condoes - no cars and we only saw two people - it was like being in the twilight zone. When we got to Port St. Joe we saw a restaurant called Joe Mama! It made us think of our friend back home that we always call Jo Mama.
Then Noreen took us out to dinner to watch the MSU/Iowa game. Good dinner - bad game. MSU never made up the 20 points from the beginning of the game.
Later today Noreen and I are going for pedicures. I know Carolina Moon and Joanna Balanna are laughing right now. They know I have a fit when someone tries to put those things between my toes because it tickles so bad. Can't wait to see if I survive this!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Destin
We went to Destin today. Fran suggested we go there on our way to her house on Friday. However, we did not want to use up time we could be visiting with Fran. So while Noreen did errands we took a trip to Destin.
We stopped at a couple Goodwills, a thrift shop and Old Time Pottery. We found several dishes. Then we stopped at the Number 1 "restaurant" in Destin according to Trip Advisor. It really is not a restaurant, it is a take-out store front. It is called Sarah K's Gourmet (Yes, Kay, I thought about our Sarah Kay).
It was very pricey - we bought a couple crabcakes to have with dinner tonight. They were amazing. Fresh, fresh crab in huge lumps. Each one was a half pond so we cut them in thirds so we each had two small pieces. Of course we wanted to lick the plates! Well worth the money.
The weather was nice all day. It got to 70 and the sun was shining in the morning into the early afternoon. Then the clouds took over, the wind picked up and the thunder and lightening and rain started. I don't mind the rain if we get most of the day with sun!
We stopped at a couple Goodwills, a thrift shop and Old Time Pottery. We found several dishes. Then we stopped at the Number 1 "restaurant" in Destin according to Trip Advisor. It really is not a restaurant, it is a take-out store front. It is called Sarah K's Gourmet (Yes, Kay, I thought about our Sarah Kay).
It was very pricey - we bought a couple crabcakes to have with dinner tonight. They were amazing. Fresh, fresh crab in huge lumps. Each one was a half pond so we cut them in thirds so we each had two small pieces. Of course we wanted to lick the plates! Well worth the money.
The weather was nice all day. It got to 70 and the sun was shining in the morning into the early afternoon. Then the clouds took over, the wind picked up and the thunder and lightening and rain started. I don't mind the rain if we get most of the day with sun!
Fun in Florida
We stopped at the store that has my knives and plates and left a few more. I am very excited to have them in Florida at this gallery. I have been busy buying plates on the trip and have already filled two large containers. We bought another container yesterday so I can start filling that one.
We cooked dinner last night, steak, spinach salad with fruit and veggies and pomegranite dressing and our favorite potatoes, onions and carrots on the grill. With enough leftovers to make a frittata today.
We played Trivial Pursuit with Noreen - she won - we had fun.
It is supposed to rain today but it looks nice out right now.
We cooked dinner last night, steak, spinach salad with fruit and veggies and pomegranite dressing and our favorite potatoes, onions and carrots on the grill. With enough leftovers to make a frittata today.
We played Trivial Pursuit with Noreen - she won - we had fun.
It is supposed to rain today but it looks nice out right now.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Boiled Peanuts
We kept seeing signs for boiled peanuts once we got to Alabama. We were intrigued but not enough to stop.
Then when we were in Tampa we went to a restaurant that gave us a little bowl of peanuts boiled with Cajun seasoning. The texture is mushy but the taste was good. This is not something to write home about so I'm surprised I am even blogging about it. I guess the six hour drive back to Noreen's is getting to me!
Then when we were in Tampa we went to a restaurant that gave us a little bowl of peanuts boiled with Cajun seasoning. The texture is mushy but the taste was good. This is not something to write home about so I'm surprised I am even blogging about it. I guess the six hour drive back to Noreen's is getting to me!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
#1 in Lakeland for a reason - actually many reasons
We went to the #1 rated restaurant in Lakeland according to Trip Advisor. It is called Primo's Pizza. From outside it doesn't look like a number one restaurant. But we went in.
It is very small. But immediately we were greeted by the owner like we were regulars. Then his daughter waited on us and she was very nice. We ordered white pizza with sausage - one of our favorite pizza's.
While we waited they brought us four little garlic knots with sauce. Yum. Then the owner came over and talked to us. He grew up in Michigan and went to Central for college. He was filled with stories. He kept going from table to table talking like we all were his best friends. In between all of this he was taking orders for people walking in for takeouts. While two couples waited he made a couple of slices of pizza for them to taste.
Our pizza came and it was VERY good. Garlic, ricotta, mozzerella. Just very good - not one thing overpowering any of the others. Then when we were done our waitress brought over two small cannoli's. A perfect ending to our dinner. During one of the owners stops to our table he mentioned if we know of anyone that needs a dinner and can't afford it just to call him and he will send over a pizza. Then said everyone needs to help other people.
When we got our bill the garlic knots and the cannoli were free. We tipped very well. When we left I read all the reviews on Trip Advisor and many of them mentioned that he asked each of them if they knew anyone who needed a dinner just to let him know. Many mentioned getting something free during dinner.
It was such a good experience - we left feeling like good friends.
It is very small. But immediately we were greeted by the owner like we were regulars. Then his daughter waited on us and she was very nice. We ordered white pizza with sausage - one of our favorite pizza's.
While we waited they brought us four little garlic knots with sauce. Yum. Then the owner came over and talked to us. He grew up in Michigan and went to Central for college. He was filled with stories. He kept going from table to table talking like we all were his best friends. In between all of this he was taking orders for people walking in for takeouts. While two couples waited he made a couple of slices of pizza for them to taste.
Our pizza came and it was VERY good. Garlic, ricotta, mozzerella. Just very good - not one thing overpowering any of the others. Then when we were done our waitress brought over two small cannoli's. A perfect ending to our dinner. During one of the owners stops to our table he mentioned if we know of anyone that needs a dinner and can't afford it just to call him and he will send over a pizza. Then said everyone needs to help other people.
When we got our bill the garlic knots and the cannoli were free. We tipped very well. When we left I read all the reviews on Trip Advisor and many of them mentioned that he asked each of them if they knew anyone who needed a dinner just to let him know. Many mentioned getting something free during dinner.
It was such a good experience - we left feeling like good friends.
Tigers in Florida
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We had such a fun day. Woods, Kemp, Lollich, Wilcox, Bair, and more. . . They all had so much fun messing with each other. Having fun with the fantasy camp people. We sat in the first row next to the dugout by 1st base. We watched everyone come in and they were so nice to all the fans.
Woods
Terrel
Kemp
Wilcox
Bair
Heath
Hiller
Leach
Lolich
We felt like it was a Field of Dreams moment. The smiles never left our faces.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Lakeland Pigfest 2011
We went to the Pigfest at the Lakeland Tiger's Stadium.
They have raised over $500,000 for the community since they began this festival. We tried the number one BBQ from last year and then another one - the second one we tried we thought was better.
They had a band, their Mayor, their Senator, the National Anthem, radio personalities - and great pork and fried pickles! We had fun walking around and enjoyed people watching.
Tomorrow is the second day - with the game with the Detroit Tiger Greats - can't wait to go tomorrow.
They have raised over $500,000 for the community since they began this festival. We tried the number one BBQ from last year and then another one - the second one we tried we thought was better.
They had a band, their Mayor, their Senator, the National Anthem, radio personalities - and great pork and fried pickles! We had fun walking around and enjoyed people watching.
Tomorrow is the second day - with the game with the Detroit Tiger Greats - can't wait to go tomorrow.
Galaxy Glitches and Verizon to the Rescue
Last night the Galaxy Tab started getting errors saying my personal memory was filled and it started freezing up - First thing this morning we went to the closest Verizon store. They had trouble getting into the system and finally told me they would need to reset it to the factory settings. I didn't care I just knew I wanted my Galaxy back!
Well - they got it working and we left Orlando for Lakeland. Before we got to Lakeland the errors started back up again so we headed for the first Verizon store in Lakeland. We were very lucky to have Eddie work on the tablet. He started researching on the Internet and found there is a glitch right now with syncing or something. So he turned off some checkmarks and it began to work right.
Then he asked me if I had seen the new keyboard for the tablet - I said no and he took me over to it - when I saw it was only $79 I told him to pack it up - the only down side to a tablet is the keyboard. Then he started to ring up the bill and told me that because I had to go to two stores he was giving me a discount - $20 off - that was so nice.
And finally, we brought our Garmin with us on the trip "just in case" and that has gotten us out of a couple jams when GPS was screwing up. So I have to say. I am glad we had a backup this morning to find the Verizon store and I am glad that Verizon worked on the Galaxy two times with no charge to me at all.
Well - they got it working and we left Orlando for Lakeland. Before we got to Lakeland the errors started back up again so we headed for the first Verizon store in Lakeland. We were very lucky to have Eddie work on the tablet. He started researching on the Internet and found there is a glitch right now with syncing or something. So he turned off some checkmarks and it began to work right.
Then he asked me if I had seen the new keyboard for the tablet - I said no and he took me over to it - when I saw it was only $79 I told him to pack it up - the only down side to a tablet is the keyboard. Then he started to ring up the bill and told me that because I had to go to two stores he was giving me a discount - $20 off - that was so nice.
And finally, we brought our Garmin with us on the trip "just in case" and that has gotten us out of a couple jams when GPS was screwing up. So I have to say. I am glad we had a backup this morning to find the Verizon store and I am glad that Verizon worked on the Galaxy two times with no charge to me at all.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Animal Kingdom
We went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. It was fun and we saw animals we never even heard of before. We saw lots on the African safari. We were in line for about 45 minutes but we didn't mind at all because we stood by two women from Ohio that were very nice.
There was also a large family next to us that did not speak English but the father kept the children occupied by telling them stories. It was precious. The children had their eyes wide open listening to the tales he was weaving for them and his arms were waving in the air and the tone of his voice would go from scary to funny and the kids loved every minute of it. So did I!
We walked for almost four hours and I was happy to be done when we decided to go. Of course then we had to walk for a bit trying to find our car! I forgot that I have an app called Find My Car!
There was also a large family next to us that did not speak English but the father kept the children occupied by telling them stories. It was precious. The children had their eyes wide open listening to the tales he was weaving for them and his arms were waving in the air and the tone of his voice would go from scary to funny and the kids loved every minute of it. So did I!
We walked for almost four hours and I was happy to be done when we decided to go. Of course then we had to walk for a bit trying to find our car! I forgot that I have an app called Find My Car!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
It's 1:00 in the morning. . .
And I can't sleep. Mmmmmmm. . . Could it be Pat snoring? Yes I think so. Oh well who needs to sleep?
We saw on the Lakeland Tigers website they have a big fundraising bbq contest each year and a game with the Fantasy Camp attendees and Tigers from the past. Willie Horton and Al Kaline and others that Pat knew but I didn't remember. So we are spending the weekend i Lakeland.
That leaves Wednesday and Thursday in Orlando. I think we may go to Animal Kingdom today - depends on the weather. We had huge rainstorms last evening with tornadoes all around us. I think it is supposed to clear up and be nice the rest of the week.
We saw on the Lakeland Tigers website they have a big fundraising bbq contest each year and a game with the Fantasy Camp attendees and Tigers from the past. Willie Horton and Al Kaline and others that Pat knew but I didn't remember. So we are spending the weekend i Lakeland.
That leaves Wednesday and Thursday in Orlando. I think we may go to Animal Kingdom today - depends on the weather. We had huge rainstorms last evening with tornadoes all around us. I think it is supposed to clear up and be nice the rest of the week.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tigers in Lakeland!
OK. . . OK. . . it was a Lakeland Tiger Camp - but it was baseball in 72 degree weather watching them play in Detoit Tiger uniforms at the stadium the Tigers have Spring Training at and it was fun.
We are on our way to Orlando - still not sure what we are going to do but there are hundreds of choices.
We are on our way to Orlando - still not sure what we are going to do but there are hundreds of choices.
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