Swallowtail Butterflies

We found a bunch of butterflies by the side of the road. After looking up why they could possibly be all in one jumble I found that Swallowtails gather together on dirt roads where it is damp to eat the salt and minerals in the dirt!

It was a beautiful sight.

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Tent Yoga

Our screened tent was dancing in the wind all day. The wind was blowing so hard today I thought it would fly away. But it didn't.

Today was our day to cook. We are so glad we are done. We made French toast and bacon for breakfast. Chili on Fritos for lunch. Gnocci with sausage and peppers and onions, salad and cookies for dinner.

The weather has cooled down, the wind has died down and I am ready for bed. I love camping.

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Missed Picture Opportunity

We stopped at the store across from the campground to buy ice and the wind was blowing through the van. Our camp sticker that is supposed to adhere to the back of the review mirror flew out the window. Pat ran after it - turned around with an incredulous look on his face and said it was stuck to a bird. Then a blackbird took off with the sticker fluttering in the wind on his wing! Even though I had my camera with me it all happened way too fast.

The park ranger said she never heard an excuse that was so funny about why a camper needed a new sticker!

We are in the midst of a severe weather storm watch - it has been getting darker and darker by the minute. We have been watching the doppler weather on the Galaxy Tablet which has been a great tool for camping.

Picture Perfect

Lilacs are at their peak this week in Rose City. I wish you could smell them. It is so beautiful. The weather is wonderful for our annual trip with our friends to the Rifle River Recreation Area.

My friend Arnie used to tell me the story of living on the farm with, I think, seven brothers and his mother would send them all out to pick armloads of lilacs. She would throw all the windows open and it was one of his favorite memories of growing up. Thank you God for lilacs.

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Grandpa and Grandma Caroline playing 1-2-3 with Ayva!

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Jim's Birthday Dinner

MLive.com : jj Jamokes offers food with a view in Caro

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We read the review of JJ Jamokes in Caro in the Saginaw News (link above) and decided to take Jim there for his birthday dinner. (Yes his birthday is in March but we all have had the travel bug this year!) The food was good and the scene outside the window was beautiful. Cindy had Chicken Carbanera, Jim had Steak and Shrimp, Pat had Perch and I had Salmon Salad. Everyone liked what they ordered. We all said we would go back again.

Cindy

I actually had to search for the word sister to see if I had already blogged this - I haven't. I always say that our family is most blessed because my brother, Jim married such a wonderdul woman.

She not only brought two wonderful children into our family but she has become a wonderful sister, too.

When my Mom was sick she relieved me every single day at 7:00. She had her hands full at home, she was working and going to school. But still - every night she came to Mom's apartment and stayed until a caregiver came for the evening. And. . . . She not only showed up she would get my Mom in the wheelchair, push her across the hall and visit with my Mom's sisters and brothers many of those evenings - sometimes they even played cards. She must have been exhausted - but she never waivered in her goodness and was always reliable and loving.

Another thing is how she has always opened her home to us for family get togethers. Sometimes blending her family with our family making a big houseful of people. We have had the opportunity to meet her first husband's family as well.

Why write about Cindy today? Cause I love her and I am so glad Jim married her so I could have another sister!

Woohoo!

We bought a refrigerator WITH a Freezer for our Holiday Rambler! This is a BIG upgrade. Pat had to do some carpentry work and he reworked the electrical a bit. I can't wait to go camping!

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Testing Out Bill's Theory

We stopped over to see Bill and Amy this afternoon. I have to say Amy and I bonded over the last week of Oprah. We told them we were going to the Junction for dinner and when we left Bill said not to eat too much popcorn!

Too much popcorn? How could you eat too much popcorn? He said the next day you may be sorry! So we got a third bowl of popcorn for the very first time! If I don't mention this again you will know Bill Meister was incorrect!

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Drive Two Hours for Half Hour Walk

We drove to Marl Lake (just across from Higgins Lake South campground.) Then we walked in the woods for a half hour. There was a chill in the air, perfect for a brisk walk with my Sweetie. He walks ahead of me on the trails to knock down spider webs for me!

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First Picnic

We all met at the Saginaw Township playscape, eventually. Joanna says I told her 6:45 not 5:45! But we still had fun. Jesse and Caroline brought Ayva - Javier was with his other Grandma so he couldn't join us. :-(

Sheala brought Nathanial. Robin, Joanna and Robbie,too. We stopped at Subway and brought subs.

It was so windy but we had fun. Ayva had everybody playing with her. She is fearless - one time falling on her butt coming down the slide and she knows how to not do that again. Robbie, Sheala and Nathanial had fun with her after dinner.

I did send a message to Parks and Recreation - the seagulls were pulling everything out of the trash bins - they need to have covers on them.

While Pat and I were waiting for everyone we saw two little girls playing on a roof of one of the structures. When they started dodging water balloons I turned into the park police and made them get down!

We had such a good time - I know they wanted to play ball but the ball fields must have been too wet - this was a fun replacement.

Jesse and Ayva

We came home right after lunch to play with Ayva. We had such fun watching her go in the with the sprinkler and catch bubbles her Grandpa was making.

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Lunch

We drove to Tawas to have lunch. We were hoping Pier 23 would be open. They are not. So we stopped at Mr. Jack'ss in town.

I told the Chef I would move to Tawas for the salad I had for lunch!

It had greens, Asian pears, goat's cheese and pecans carmelized with Kaluha! Oh my goodness. It was delicious.

All is Right with the World

I know some people were worried about the prediction that the world was going to end yesterday at 6:00 pm. Well really I've been living with those predictions since I can remember. Wasn't Jean Dixon predicting the end of the world in the 60's?

Instead I was worried my friend Fran, from Shalimar, had quit reading my blog! I watch the cities of my visitors. Like clockwork Fran and my friend Peggy in Saginaw both come in around the same time every morning. This past week - no Fran. So I finally emailed her and asked if she was okay. She was at Disney - her favorite stomping grounds!

So - today, a day after the end of the world prediction - all is right with the world.

Yikes - Maybe There are Aliens!

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Carwash Today

Get your car washed and support Youth for Christ - Sheala and Robbie are there - it is until 2:00

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Javier Graduates from Preschool

We went to see Javier graduate this morning. He is growing up so fast! CONGRATULATIONS JAVIER!

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Yeah Tigers!

We are at O'Kelly's in Mt. Pleasant watching the Tigers on the big screen TVs. We love coming here to watch them. Good var food, nice waitstaff, fun time. BTW we saw a beautiful rainbow on our way here.

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Music Class

One of my favorite memories of grade school was a music class in sixth grade. Sister Marie Raymond, who was not my favorite teacher, helped us write lyrics to a song. I don't remember even what the song was about. She wrote the lyrics on the chalk board and then told us to begin to sing!

We were so surprised because there were no notes, how could we sing the song? After many students spoke up and asked how we were supposed to do that she told us we would all naturally sing together eventually and she would write the notes above the words.

I was amazed because it actually worked. Even though I do not remember anything about that song it taught me about working as a team. It was fun and unexpected and made a lasting impression on me.

New Parish

We officially joined SS Peter and Paul church. Even though we have been going there for a few years we never officially left St. Mary's. We stopped by the St. Pete's parish office today and later this afternoon I will send a letter to St. Mary's to tell them we have joined another parish. This is a very difficult day for me. I feel at peace with the decision but the tears have been flowing.

First House Built by Paul Clifford

The sun is shining so we decided to go for a ride. We went to recycle so Pat first thought we would go towards the Thumb. But as we headed that way it looked cloudy and gray. So we turned toward Indiantown.

As we drove down Trumball towards Cass Pat said the first house he lived in and that his Dad built was just up the road. So we stopped and took a few pictures. It is real cute. When we showed him the picture he said that both Grandpa Clyde Clifford and Grandpa Joseph Crower helped him build that house.

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Just Get Through This

I'm watching Oprah - only 8 more shows to go. James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces is the guest. His book was an Oprah Book Club selection when it was found that he lied in his book. Oprah stood behind him and then had him back on the show. It was evident to her during that show that he had lied.

Today's interview when she asked how he felt after that interview five years ago. He said he felt if he could only get through the next few weeks he could make it.

It brought back memories of the several times I ended up in the principal's office in high school. I always got through those times by saying inside my head, "This will all be over in a couple weeks!"

I have to say it always was over after a few weeks and I lived through it. It is amazing how we cope and learn to get through things.

Friends For Dinner

We had Kay and Jerry over for dinner last night. We had such a nice time. You cannot be around them for five minutes before you start laughing. We lived next to each other when our kids were small. It was such a blessing to become such good friends.

We talked about old times, kids, blueberries, wine, dentists, chemistry,food, work, families, vacations, camping, computers, houses, mushrooms, dirty feet, friends, garages, basements and a gazillion other things. Such a nice evening.

Trying Out New Recipes

I always like to try new things. This week I have been trying out new recipes for our annual camping trip with Amy and Bill and Jan and Jim. We take turns cooking for the group. I have lunch dinner and appetizers picked out but I'm still not sure about breakfast.

The new appetizer is an apple/onion tart with dried cranberries and blue cheese along with an old favorite, spinach balls. I can make the tart ahead and have the spinach balls frozen ahead of time and just pop them in the oven for a few minutes.

Lunch is called a "walking taco" that we had at one of the high school craft shows last winter. You just take single serving Fritos or Dorritos and open the bags and add chili. Each person can add lettuce, tomatoes and onions. You eat it right out of the bag. Easy cleanup and very delicious.

Dinner will be turkey sausage pizza. We purchased the pizza stone last month and even though I haven't perfected it yet I still have time to keep working on it.

So breakfast is still not chosen - I will continue searching the websites for something new. If you have any suggestions I would love to have you leave me a comment. Thanks.

I'm Back

Oh my goodness, Blogger has been out of service! No entries since my last one on Tuesday! The blogs were read only so when it went down any comments made on Wednesday were lost in cyber space forever! Even though I don't have anything important to say - I just like to blog. Welcome back Blogger.

Stylin' Granddaughter

Sheala sent me a picture of her trying on her prom dress at the mall. The next day this Marchesa designer gown was in my Harper's Bazaar. I share my magazine with Sheala so I sent her the picture and told her how stylin' she is. What fun being her Nana!

Sheala's Prom Dress

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Marchesa Original from Bazaar

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Hollow Legs

Oh my goodness, Robbie has to have hollow legs! Where does that young man put the food he eats! He came over with Caroline, Jesse, Javier and Ayva before their first ballgame of the year. He ate everything in sight.

Pat didn't get to go play ball. He hurt his back just before coming home from camping with his brother for the weekend. He actually went to the doctor yesterday and the drugs seem to be helping.

We kept Javier and Ayva while they all went to the game. I took them back to Chester Miller - they had so much fun. Then we came back home and played tea party and had cheese and crackers. They are a joy to play with. Lots of please and thank yous and even you're welcomes. They love the animal sounds on my Galaxy Tablet and the Star Wars app that has the characters say their most famous sayings when you tap their pictures.

Hope

Yesterday I went to church alone. My friends were with families and Patrick went camping with his brother. The liturgy was so good I felt sorry they had all missed it.

The Gospel reading was about disciples on the road to Emmaus talking with each other and Jesus walks up and joins them and he explains by interpreting the scriptures that were about his life just why he died and was raised. They still do not recognize him until they share and break bread with him and then he disappears.

They then return to Jerusalem and gave hope to the apostles by telling them how Christ appeared to them and they had come to know him in the breaking of the bread. Every time I receive Eucharist I have a chance to know Jesus. To take the time to reflect on that hope the disciples felt.

Fr. Jack read the Vatican response to the killing of Osama bin Laden. "Osama bin Laden, as we all know, was gravely responsible for promoting hatred and division between peoples, causing the death of countless innocent lives and of exploiting religions to this end. Faced with the death of a man a Christian never rejoices but reflects on the serious responsibility of each and every one of us before God and before man, and hopes and commits himself so that no event be an opportunity for further growth of hatred but for peace."

This response and the Gospel and Fr. Jack's homily have touched my heart in many ways.

Moms I Know and Love

There are so many moms in our lives. Of course my own Mom is first on the list. She taught me how wonderful being at home with your children is - every single day she was there when I came home from school. I never ever remember her not being there my first years in grade school. I loved coming home after school. My Mom didn't drive, it was a different time, a slower pace, a wonderful time. Then she went to work outside of the home and I learned you could go to work and still love your children. She was there every evening to listen about our day. Becoming a mom in the 70's I wanted to stay home with my babies and in the midst of so many women working outside of their homes, because of my life experiences, I felt comfortable making the decision to stay home for the first several years of their lives.

Then there were the neighborhood moms, women who watched over us and helped form our lives. It didn't matter what house you were at all these mothers were "stay at home" moms. I can't help but feel sadness that this support system is no longer available to most children.

Then I married Patrick and I inherited a Mother-in-Law. I have come to love and care about her. I am very thankful that she raised my husband to be the most caring and loving husband.

Then my friends became mothers and I began working with women who were mothers. It always was a learning experience watching how other mothers mother. Having Julie and Sarah during their first years living next to us was a joy. They gave me the chance to be a "neighborhood mom!" I loved having them play outside next door and spent many good times watching them grow up.

We were in our parish school principal's office when her daughter called to say she didn't want to stay at her new college. As she lovingly told her daughter that she had to stay at school and that she would call her back after she got home I realized saying no hurt very much but that was an important part of parenting.

Then watching my friends parent was so helpful. Many of those moms were going through the same things as our family and it helped us to watch others solve problems. There is something so comforting about watching others mother. It is fun to watch your friends when their children succeed in even the smallest ways and it is important to be there when your friends have to go through difficult times as well.

Then watching my children become such wonderful mothers is a gift in life. Both Joanna and Caroline are the best mothers and I couldn't be a prouder mother. I love being a mother - it has been such a wonderful part of my life. There has been laughter, tears, trips, camping, baking, cooking, laying on the couch together, watching them swimming, playing ball, dating, driving, going to school, getting married, becoming mothers, just going through life with my children has been such an important part of my life. Blessings. There are so many.

Spring Flowers

The sun is coming up and I just had to open the front door and take a snapshot of the beautiful flowers our friend and tenant, Marge, planted. What a beautiful morning.

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Remembering Mom

I can't believe how long ago Mom died - Sheala is 17 and she was born the year my Mom died. Even now my Mom is still so present in my life. Just tonight I was riding in the car with Joanna and I told her how her Grandma always said when she got a little extra money that would be when the washer broke or the roof needed to be repaired or some other crisis.

She never was upset that something would need to be repaired - instead she was so thankful that these things only happened when she could afford to fix them. She said that God always made sure there was enough.

On this Mother's Day weekend I just want to remember how wise she was and how thankful I am that I appreciated that wisdom while she was still alive. I miss her friendship as well as her wonderful mothering.

Bishop Ken Untener Homilies

I found Bishop Ken's homilies online. His sister, Sr. Mary Ann Untener, IHM, gave them to Visitation North Spirituality Center to post. I miss him so much - this is a treasure box to me - I am so happy. I've been reading them and have felt very blessed to find his words and thoughts. Not all readings have homilies available but many do. I am going to read one every day.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW
Bishop Ken Untener's Year C - Luke Gospels -Homilies

Bishop Ken Untener's Year B - Mark Gospels - Homilies

Bishop Ken Untener's Year A - Matthew Gospels - Homilies

Eulogy of Charles F. Shea - May 1964

Monsignor Forbes, pastor of St. Mary Cathedral in Saginaw, Michigan, delivered this eulogy for my Dad, Charles Francis Shea in May 1964. On the anniversary of his death, when I read over these words, I am reminded again of the man I did not know for very long - 12 years - but even though I was very young, I remember what a devoted parishioner he was and how important our church was to him.

For we have not here the last big city, but we speak one that is to come. These words, my dear friends, are taken from the Book of Hebrew, the New Testament, Chapter 13:14. In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

My dear friends we are continuously in life reminded of the fact that this Earth is not our final end and goal; we proceed from birth through infancy to maturity of middle years to old age, we are constantly reminded of the gradual dissipation of our strength and of our youth. And this concerns our own self. But we’re also reminded of the transcendence of Earthly things, nothing is certain and nothing is secure. Material things that we depend upon, they disappear. The governments that have ruled the world and the kings have come and gone. Everywhere we look about us we see change. Change in ourselves and change going on around about us. For we have not here our final goal, but we seek one that is to come.

This is certainly brought home to us today, very graphically and forcefully when we are present at the final rites of the church over the remains of one of her beloved sons, who died in his mature years, full of strength, vigor of health for whom God had other plans and called him unto his own. There was a lot of work remaining for him, the family is not yet raised. Why would God for example, call Charles Shea and not his beloved mother who has seen the fullness of her years? This is the plan of God and His providence that we do not know why one and not another. Why Charles Shea and not me, we are the same age? It brings home to us deeply, earnestly, the fact that our name is written in the book of life and that we know not the day nor the hour when we will be called to give an accounting of our stewardship.

My dear friends, all of us who have known Charles (Chuck) Shea, have our own personal thoughts about him. We think of the many kindnesses he has done to each and every one of us. The charity in his life that has brought you here in such numbers today to be present in this last gesture that you can make on behalf of this man, whom you love.

I can speak as the pastor of this church. This man was, in my mind, our number one parishioner. The convent which stands at 621 Hoyt Avenue is a monument to the zeal and industry of this beloved parishioner. He was in on its planning, he headed the funds raising campaign that helped pay for it. But he was a head not in name; he was a head in deed as well. He came when he was called at all hours of the day and night, and he spent many of them on behalf of his church and its work. There are few parishioners like that around these days but there aren’t very many of them. Pastors when they do find one, they are certainly Heaven-blessed. We have a parish in the thumb where two years ago they were celebrating their 75th anniversary. This is a flourishing little parish, not many families, but they are devoted families. And one of the pastors had done a kind of history of the place, told how in the days of beginning, the priest would send word that something was to be done on the church property or in the church building and these men, farmers all, would leave their horses standing in the field and they would come at the call of their priest and shepherd to do the work that was to be done. You don’t find many people like that anymore, but we have lost one in Chuck Shea.

For years he was a valued member of our choir. It’s his faithfulness to this body here that he brought them out in numbers to raise their voices in final farewell to him, their beloved member. He was active in every organization we had in the parish. For years in the Home and School Parent Teachers Association. The Athletic Club, he had picked it up by its boot straps and established it. He was a faithful member of the parish in every way.

And at the wake the other night, I heard somebody say, “He never harmed anyone in his life.” He went about doing good and he did no harm to any that have come into contact with him. You and I are for better because for a fleeting moment we have known Chuck Shea. We have known a true Christian gentleman, a true follower of Christ, who put the teachings of Christianity into practice in his daily life. St. Mary’s is going to be the worse because of his demise. You and I are going to feel a loss at his going. Certainly we hope that his going will leave us a little the better. That we will be able to put into practice and try to practice the virtues of Christian charity and zeal and helpfulness that we saw exemplified in his life. I hope that we are all better, better Christians because we were privileged to know Chuck Shea even for a short time.

To his Mother, his Wife, his Children, I extend my sincere sympathy, you have suffered a great loss, there’s emptiness in your life that can never be filled. We want you to know that you did your best and your utmost to preserve and to keep his body and soul joined together. But the moments of final disillusion decreed by Almighty God from all eternity has come for your loved one. Almighty God who had felt that the cup of his suffering had been filled to overflowing called him to Himself. That his stewardship on this Earth had been fulfilled and was to be no more. Medical science can do much to preserve human life but it cannot stay the moment of final disillusion. We would not want him back for more and further suffering on this Earth. We miss him, we admire the patience and the resignation for which he bore the trials that were visited upon him. We sincerely hope and pray that the God of Mercy will grant him the rest and peace and the happiness in the next life and eternal reward which he deserves for faithful fulfillment of the duties of his state of life here on Earth.

I sincerely hope that you who have gathered here in numbers this morning will remember him in your prayers, as I know from the prayers of the liturgy of the Mass we must ask eternal rest for each and every departed soul; that God may give the final and eternal peace to all who have died. For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

3rd generation playing at Chester Miller playground!

First I took Caroline and Joanna (even though they were older we still went over to swing), then Sheala and Robbie owned the playground, then today Javier and Ayva had no fear! They had such fun with Nana while Grandpa and Grandma Caroline went to ball practice with Papa and Robbie.

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Sheala

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We just left Nathanial's house. Sheala and he are going to his prom. What fun!

Sheala and Nathanial

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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.

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!

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.

EASY Shrimp Risotto - Yum

I cooked dinner! I doctored up a boxed risotto and it was yummy. I used a box risotto. Instead of water I used vegetable broth.


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

Breathing with the Earth

I really like this.

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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!

Holy Thursday

I wonder how I would have reacted if Jesus wanted to wash my feet. I think it depends on what age and what experiences I may have had.

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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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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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.

Ongoing Church Signs I Love

If you are looking for a sign to come back to church - this is it!

It Doesn't Take Much to Make M.E. Happy

Driving down 46 by Lakeview we saw this white turkey displaying by the side of the road. Of course I had Pat turn around so I could take his picture. Sure enough there was a wild turkey in the ditch and when we slowed up so I could take the picture I thought the displaying turkey was going to attack the van!

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Inge's Walk Off Homerun!

Yahoo - what a great game!

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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.

RUDE SIGN!

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Look a snail getting a turtle back ride!

We went to Tuttle Marsh after church today. It was just too nice outside not to! We saw ospreys, an eagle, a kingfisher and several turtles including this one with a snail hitching a ride on a turtles back!.

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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.

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!

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Butterfly Kisses for Nunu!

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Deep Fried Oreos

We all went to Harveys for dinner. Robbie ordered deep fried oreos for dessert! My oh my - don't ever order it for yourself because you won't stop until you have licked the plate!

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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

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!

Charles F. Shea Singing Rosalie

An AndRecorder recording by MESClifford - AndRecorder

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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

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.

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.

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?

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!

Michigan March

Say what you want about the snow - I still love the beauty of a thick snowfall sticking to each limb and the bright sunshine the next day making it all glisten against the sky blue backdrop.

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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.

Michael Shea's secretary desk

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Ah Spring Has Sprung

We are on our way to Lansing and we have seen both Red Wing Blackbirds and Robins - yeah Spring.

Custom Drapes

I was with friends today and I asked if they remembered the drapery store on Genesee - they did - it was AJ Meyer. My Mom bought these drapes and curtains at that store the year she moved into the Amadore Apartments.

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.

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!

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!

Latest Painting by Paul Clifford

Pat's Dad may be turning 90 this coming August but his painting doesn't show any signs of slowing down. In fact he spends more time painting.

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!

Ash Wednesday

As we begin the Lenten Season I want to reflect on positive changes in our lives. Focus on lightening the load that Christ carried to the cross for us.

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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.

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.

Hoyt Street House

Oh my goodness, we drove past 918 and the house has beautiful siding! It looks so nice I had to post a picture. This was the best neighborhood to grow up in - the Novak, Slaggert, Shea, Shaltry, Kochan families - friends for life.

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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.

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.

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.

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.