Walking

Well, we are back on track.  Literally, walking at the track at Freeland Sports Zone.  We had a couple of false starts.  I had to get used to walking again.  Then my back was hurting so I bought a new pair of shoes.  The Skechers I purchased are very comfortable.  I put them on at Meijer and then shopped in them before I bought them! After walking for 1/4 mile I had to add a bandaid on the back of my right heel, but then it was fine.

My goal is to walk two miles, five times a week.

I'm Back!!!!

A virus program was holding my blog on my phone hostage!!!  It kept saying there was a virus - then when I read the report it said there was no problem with the site. I couldn't find the program on my Galaxy Notes 3 - but I couldn't get any help from the stupid virus company.  Finally, after searching dozens of sites for help I saw one little comment that told me it was in my Verizon apps.

It was very frustrating.  Glad to be back.

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole

Preheat oven 350

1 lb hash browns
1 can light cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 stick unsalted melted butter
2 shallots diced fine
Salt & pepper & Mrs. Dash
Squeeze garlic and Italian tubes
2 sleeves small or 1 large Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 stick unsalted butter melted

Instructions
Mix soup, sour cream and onion
Melt 1/2 stick butter salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, garlic and Italian seasoning
Combine with hash browns in 7 x 10 casserole dish.

Melt 1/2 stick butter add cracker crumbs. Sprinkle on top.

Bake 1 hour

Pat out in the wilderness!!

Not really!  In our front yard. We found out last night at a Condo meeting that Dow Chemical is going to clean up the waterfront in June.  That should provide some activity to sit on the porch and watch.  It will stabilize the bank of the river as well as get rid of a few of the trees by the edge that are causing erosion.  It was nice to meet some of our neighbors.

Yeah!

Mr. Agresta gives his thumbs up to be the track coach in the "New Beginnings" book!

Can't even begin to explain how that makes me so happy.

Say a Prayer

Just asked someone if I could use him in the "New Beginnings" book that I am writing.  I think he probably will say no, but I just had to ask.  So say a prayer because I think he really belongs.

Lent

St. Dominic - Ss. Peter and Paul Site

Ash Wednesday - 2016

Grandma Shea

I found this picture behind another in a frame.  I am so glad I found it.  Grandma Florence Shea was so stylish.  She had many professional pictures taken over the years, but this is one of my favorites.

1st Cookout

Cindy is at Mike and Ksenja's home in New Jersey helping out with Lilliana. Jim took Cindy but the apartment is small so he stayed at Kim and Fred's and then flew home. He will fly back out next week to bring Cindy home.

So he came over for dinner last night. It was so beautiful out that Pat cooked steaks out on the grill. They were perfectly cooked medium.

I'm starting to feel like this is home. We have a new neighbor in the condo across the hall so we are officially not the new kids on the blick.

Small fold up scrapbook

I saw this on Sheala's Facebook page and remembered going to my friend Amanda's to learn how to make one.

I want to teach Ayva and Javie how to do this.

Still Unpacking

Three more boxes done.  This is never going to end.....  I have about ten more to go.  It is getting more and more difficult to find places for the things I want.  More things are going to Goodwill.

Extra cookbooks that Maria put together.... Can't get rid of them.... need to pass on to the grandkids....

Blankets....  These I love to have in the house.  Ayva and Javier made a huge fort yesterday.  If I get rid of the blankets they won't be able to do that.  So I have to find something to store these blankets in.  The obvious choice is the cedar chest.  Nope.....  It has all the kids toys in it.....

MMmmmmm...... I am seeing a pattern here......

New Neighbor

Haven't met her yet, but our condo building is now full. She moved in Friday and Saturday. Lots of people helping her so we stayed out of her way.

I'll go say hi today or tomorrow.

Pileated Woodpecker

Many times we have caught glimpse of these magnificent woodpeckers while walking in the woods. Yesterday we watched one out our living room window for twenty minutes. We feel like we won the lottery!

Winter

Winter is here

The Tittabawassee River froze yesterday. On Sunday it was sunny and the river was flowing very fast. Monday it stopped dead in its tracks. It will be interesting to see if it stays frozen.

Lunch

We had a really nice time with classmates yesterday. We went to the restaurant next door for lunch. I bought a coconut cream pie to bring home and everyone came over for pie.

It was a first lunch for Marilyn Polzin Gunther and Kathy Lazowski Bruce.

On to the chairs

This morning we worked on recovering the dining room chairs.  We finished two of the six.  Pat had to go to Midland so we will work on them tomorrow morning.

I really like the material from JoAnn's Fabric.  It goes well with the sofa and chair in the living room.  When I couldn't figure out what to get, Joanna said to match to the furniture in the living room because the dining room is right next to the couch.  Good Call!!

No Luck

We drove to Ann Arbor to the Reuse Center. We were hoping to find something cool to use for the counter. They have a reclaimed wood section. Beautiful slabs of hardwood. Some had the bark on them. Couldn't afford those!

Stopped at the PTO Thrift Store and Salvation Army. Nothing. Nada.

On our way back home.

Starting to look like home!

Caroline came over yesterday.  She and I worked on where pictures were going to go. Javie and Papa worked putting the barstools together.  Ayva broke up the styrofoam that came with the chairs.  She said, "Grandpa would never let me do this!"  When she was done she vacuumed the living room and I vacuumed her - her hair - her tush - her legs - her shirt - everywhere!  We had a fun day!

I love this. It made me think of my friend who lost her precious son this year. Anyone struggling with loss or doubt, this song is for you.

Merry Christmas

As we remember this night so long ago when a tiny Babe was born to save us, let us thank God for sending us salvation.

Merry Christmas 

from

Pat and Mary Ellen

Painting Done!

The sofa and chair were delivered this morning. The painting is finished. Everything looks so fresh. I can't wait until the carpet is cleaned tomorrow.  Stephanie is coming to clean out the cupboards,  wash the floors and the windows.

Bill and Karen and Pat worked very fast to get the painting done.

I went to the post office to get a key for our mailbox on the corner of the condo parking lot. Knew we had moved to a small town when they handed me the key, no questions asked.

And an added bonus... there was an eagle flying over our condo today! Oh yeah!

Finally!

Oh my goodness. More drama....

But we are here. Painting and can't wait to move in Saturday.

Almost

So we had a "soft close" today. We met at the title company with the credit union lawyer, loan rep and our realtor.

We signed a gazillion papers. Handed over money. Now we wait until Monday for the sellers to close. Of course that means everything the three sisters sent snail mail is completed correctly!

Still can't wait.

Yes... Yet another glitch

Paperwork did not make it on the airplane in Alaska.

Soft close. Asking to be able to go in tomorrow anyway since we have insurance. Say a prayer they say ok.

Otherwise can't get in until Monday.

Looking for a good day

Yesterday was worse than Monday. Seriously, this is our last move. Again our Friday closing was close to postponing.

We did have a good thing happen though. We have been with Arbury Insurance in Midland since we were married in 1972. First for rental and then for home owners.

A family friend of our sister-in-law,  Paula, was working there. Vi Schmeck was such a nice woman. I remember calling her as Pat and his Dad were cutting down a tree in our driveway when we lived on East Ashman.  I asked, "If the tree falls on my neighbors house (Yes Kay, your house!) is that covered?" She laughed and asked who was cutting the tree down. I told her and she answered, "Yes, we would cover that, but if it's Paul and Pat, don't worry then."

She was right, they knew what they were doing. She died several years ago, but I always think of her when it's time to renew our insurance.

So a few weeks ago, Kate from Arbury called. She said it looked as if our insurance cost had risen a lot and did we want her to research changing companies. I told her yes and that we would need to add the condo at closing. Yesterday we stopped to talk with her. It looks as if the new company has quoted the same amount as the old company. However it includes the condo! Good deal. Thank you Kate.

Ggggrrrr

Buying a new home comes with a lot of drama. Crisis today, resolved... Time to open that bottle of wine....

Getting Closer

Just hired Two Men and a Truck. Move date is December 19th.

Now, if we could get a confirmation on the close date!

OH MY GOODNESS!

I wish I knew two weeks ago, what I know today!!!!!

I'm telling you when I unpack we are sending half the stuff I packed two weeks ago to Goodwill, Bethesda, or Salvation Army!!!

We are now in the basement and my stomach is turning.  I can't believe what is down there.

Heaven help us to stay married through this......  Patrick hates this more than I do.......

I keep saying my mantra from when I was called into the Principal's office in high school......  "This will all be over in a month!"

Material

This is so different planning to decorate the condo. In the duplex we have our walls painted Tuscany yellow in the bedroom, Thousand Island dressing in the living room, Metallic green and blue in the kitchen. The condo, I decided all white walls.

The sofa and chair are the background color of the pillow on the left. And the material on the right will be the new covers for the dining room chairs. So beige, white and gray. Thank goodness Jan was home when I was buying material. She helped me figure out how much to buy.

Can't wait!

Getting Excited

Fastest Sale

We are almost home! Appliances purchased. Erica at Maytag is a very good salesperson.

Gas convection
Refrigerator with ice maker
Microwave

Local store
5 year warranties
No sales tax
Delivered
Installed
Stainless steel

Only $100 over budget.

Thank you St. Anthony.

Could have had a free breakfast but there was a line and we have to go decorate church.

Appliances!

Off to buy appliances for the condo as soon as Pat is out of the shower.....  Even though we haven't closed we cannot miss this opportunity for the sales today.  So say a prayer that the owners do not change their minds!!!

Going stainless for the first time ever.  When I saw this picture I really liked the charcoal grey with the stainless stove. We are painting the whole condo white - such a difference from absolutely no white in the duplex.  I will paint the cupboards later in the spring when I can paint outside.

The ad says that the Maytag store will pay the sales tax, but nothing mentions delivery.  We also cannot have delivery until after the 11th.  I don't see a gas stove in the add, only electric.... that would be a deal breaker!

So, as usual, St. Anthony, Patron Saint of Lost and Found, help me while I look around to find just what we need for the condo at the best price possible.  Thank you.

Plowing through

I don't know how I could do this without Joanna. I so appreciate her help. Today we worked on my clothes. Wow they were packed in the closet, tucked away in the basement and in the other closet too. Joanna just kept climbing all the stairs with her hands full of clothing.

Pat is at his parents today and going to spend the night with them. We both know how much his sisters have taken on with his parents. They have been so dedicated to giving their parents care.

I've been watching Caroline and Jesse care for Romeo after his surgery. Jesse watching over Caroline because she is still healing from her surgery too.

Family means so much. Indeed we are filled with so much love for our families.

Busy Day

Joanna and I finished packing the living room and closet today.

Caroline, Javier and Ayva came to go through some of Grandma Shea's treasures. It was fun watching Joanna and Caroline picking out what they wanted.

Danielle, Caroline's best friend, came to pick up my painted houses. They have been on my shelves going up the stairs for years. She puts some of hers up at Christmas. She said she would love them.

She went right home and decorated her mantle. She sent a picture.

I love that she has them.

Lessons Learned from Mom

When you make a peanut butter sandwich make sure you spread the peanut butter all the way to each edge. My Dad came home for lunch every day to eat a peanut butter sandwich and she wanted every bite to be delicious.

If you are lucky enough to have a cleaning lady then you better clean for the cleaning lady. She told us often she wasn't paying someone to pick up our clutter.

When you take off a pair of socks, put a safety pin through the top of the toes. Never match socks again. And we each had a metal bar hanging on the inside if our closet door where the clean socks were hung.

Campbell's soup wisdom - tomato soup is served with crackers. Chicken Noodle soup with toast. Pea soup can be sucked up with a large straw. You could use cream of mushroom soup in your tuna casserole on meatless Fridays until Mrs. Slaggert told her to read the ingredients and we found out we were going to hell from eating chicken broth for the last ten years.

If you are making calls to ask people to donate food for the PTA bake sale and your kids are misbehaving you can snap your fingers and glare and they would know they had better stop immediately.

When going out for a fun night with your friends if you tell your kids you are going to a meeting they won't beg to go with you.

Setting the table with care the night before a party. Making lists of what foods you are serving so nothing is forgotten. Using the good china, real napkins, Waterford glasses and candles in beautiful Heisey holders makes your guests feel welcomed, special and appreciated.

You don't have to try on clothes at the store. Just tell your daughters they can take them back and keep the money.

Red lipstick is all the makeup you ever need.

The best one..... God will always provide. If you think you just received a bonus at work because you are great, know that the washing machine is about to break and you actually have the money needed to replace it.

Kindle Countdown - Sale Nov 11 - 16, 2015

Click the book!

                 My grandson, the inspiration for my character Noah Miller in A Light Shines Forth, is home on leave this week.  To honor his service, and the service of so many others, I have lowered the price of my book throughout this week honoring veterans.

                When I began writing A Light Shines Forth, my grandson explained what called him to serve our country and I knew I had to include it in my book.

"Noah Miller was just finishing his senior year.  He didn't care much about his grades this semester; his eyes were focused on his military ambitions.  It seemed forever since he began planning to go into military service.   He was part of a very patriotic family.  He had been born on an army base.  When he was in first grade the terrible 9/11 tragedy unfolded before his eyes on their television. Noah had grown up watching the disaster over and over again throughout his school years. Every year on the anniversary the newscasters would retell the horror and show the film of the towers collapsing.  Just as the airplanes used as weapons that morning changed direction, that tragedy forever changed the path of his life. Right then, in first grade, he had wanted to help.  He promised himself that he would always take care of those he loved. And now he couldn't wait until June when he would finally graduate from high school.  The week after graduation Noah would begin basic training in the United States Air Force."

                Follow the story as Noah graduates from high school, goes through basic training and on to his assignment in Okinawa.  Feel the pride, worry and love of his family back home. A book to read together or alone, to share with family and friends, the perfect gift for someone you love.  To honor my grandson and all our military personnel, A Light Shines Forth will be on sale November 11 - 16th. 

Robbie and Alicia's Wedding

Happy Day

What a happy day!

Robbie home with us.

Alicia stops over.

Marina has a talk with both.

Papa has a long talk with Robbie.

I get cuddles.

Happiness abounds.

Best Friends

This is Joanna's best friend. She came from Virginia to make Robbie and Alicia's wedding cake. She started baking on Tuesday. Today the last two layers are ready to go in the freezer. Our house smells soooooo good!

This is a best best friend.

Baby Steps

Inspection done....  One minor glitch, but Pat can fix it.

Painter hired.... Just need permission to start painting

Addendum signed..... putting it in the trust

Now we wait....
and wait....
and wait...

Found a video online from when it was for sale before.

https://youtu.be/o_ccxlTIZxw

Onward

Locked in interest rate today.

Went to Art Sample, Art Van and Godwins. Didn't like anything. Then we drove to Pinconning to Idzior and had several to choose from. Ordered a sofa and chair. They threw in the pillows. That was nice.

Then he asked if we wanted the protection plan. Pat said two words and I said yes!

Can you guess?