It's up.

The tree that is.  We don't usually put it up before the 10th, but the weather was nice enough so Jack could get it out of the garage.  No snow or ice to deal with.  Have some decorations sitting on the table to be put in their proper places, but daughter-in-law and her sister do a yearly cookie bake so there is also a bunch of pans waiting to be picked up on the table too.

 

Gave a few decoations away for raffles at the Moose.  Didn't dig out all of them this year.  Guess the lack of snow (which I don't mind) didn't help in getting us in the mood.  I love Christmas and all the decor but the work can get to a person.  It always looks so festive when it's finally done. 

 

Wishing you all the best of the Christmas season. 

 

 

 

 

Believing in Santa

Did you believe in Santa.  It was a right of passage in growing up for most kids.  I know I did, as did my children.  How long do you let a child continue in that belief?  I think most parents know when a child is able to hear the truth.  Especially if you teach the real meaning of Christmas right along. 

 

My kids each learned at different ages for many reasons.  Many kids hear it from their friends at school.  Others parents.  Always, the truth hurts a bit.  Let me tell you about my youngest and her love and belief as well as learning the truth.

 

My husband was with the fire dept. and they always had Christmas parties for the kids.  There was this gentleman in town who was a wonderful Santa and always the on they fire dept. hired for the night.  When she was 2 and Santa came into the room she ran and jumped into his arms.  She did not want to get off his lap while he handed out presents.  He let her stay. 

 

As we belong to a couple other organizations who had parties, it was quite the thing that the same man was Santa.  We never took her to the Malls etc. so she never saw how Santa changed at different places.  Her sister and brothers never spilled the beans. 

 

Well when she went to school it was okay for the first few years.  But, by fifth grade the kids were trying to convince her there was no Santa.  They asked her if she didn't notice the difference in the places she went.  Wasn't he tall and skinny in some, etc.?  She had to say no.  So she believed right up to the fifth grade and we finally had to burst her bubble.  She took it so well and even explained to the kids why she believed so long.  There was no teasing etc. so it all turned out well. 

 

I don't know if waiting helped her deal with it or what, but happy that she didn't fall apart and get mad. 

 

 



Hello! Yes it's me.

It's that time.  Elections coming and I just hate turning on the tv and hearing the incessant ads.  Enought to drive a person to drink, lol.

 

Been in pretty goos health around here.  Knock on wood.  When I read or hear of all the friends have a problem I feel lucky.  Got my notice from the Doc. that it is time for the dreaded colon check.  Hubby just had his and all was well and I expect the same.  Will get it done next week.

 

Signed up for a My Health online health management tool.  I will be able to view my labe results, documents, medication or Download My recors.  I can renew medication, view or request an appointment etc. all through the Health System I go to. 

 

My granddaughter Steph was married last weekend.  She was a beautiful bride and the wedding was gorgeous.  It was outside at the Beckman Mill.  A site that had been let go for years and has been completely refurbished.  It is just beautiful.

 

There was a sad note that day though.  Her dad (Darla's husband Jim) was having trouble breathing.  He hadn't been feeling well for a little over a week, but is stubborn and put going to the doctor.  Well as soon as the wedding was over and he got in the car Darla took him right to the emergency room and they admited him.  No reception for them.  He had pheumonia and pulmanary hyperstension, along with COPD.  They got him under control and he came home this Sat.  He will have to be on oxygen though. 

 

Well I guess I had better get those sheets from the dryer.  I am challenging myself to post a least once a week. 



Time flies!

It seems like it was just yesterday we brought this little fellow home.

It was yesterday that he was 2 years old. 

 

He has grown so much.

 



 

I must say, he has become the light of our lives.  He is so loving and funny, it's hard to imagine when he wasn't a part of the family.  He has definitely learned how to control us, for the most part.  Much smarter than I thought he was at first.  He just had to mature a little to learn things faster. 

 

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY OREO!

 

Things seem to have quieted down a little bit around here.  I think the police finally getting some ID's on the trouble makers and posting their pictures have helped some.  Now if they can just catch them.

 

 

 

 

 



Yes! It's me!

My Gosh!  I can't belive I have been away so long.  It's not like I don't have the time, being retired and all.  I could try to blame Oreo as when the weather is good I have to sit outside with him.  He won't stay out there alone, and after reading an article about dog stealing and then calling you for ransom, I don't mind.  Bad weather keeps us in of course, so there is no excuse there. 

 

Things have been kind of wild in this area .  The city to the south has had 7 killings since the first of year.  It seem a few people have decided they don't like each others.  If they want to do each other in I guess that's their weird idea of settling things, but when you start shooting in a public park with kids playing, it's going to far.  Of course every clams up and didn't see or hear a thing.  So you have people calling for shots just about every day, and it's usually fireworks they're not suppose to be using either.  Finally I think someone decided to talk and they have warrants out for some people.  The area confuses people though as the city and the township we live have the same basic name.  One being the city of and the other the town of.   Danielle got a new job and one of the guys was giving here the business about where she lived.  She kept telling him she didn't live in the city, but out in a separate community.  Though that's still too close, he's finally convinced.  I just hope and prayer they get the fools and this mania can stop.

 

Have to say she loves her job so far.  They have even sent her to CA. for training.

 

Been having to send out so many prayers lately for some dear people.  I know all the prayers will help. 

 

Well you would think this would be real long after all this time, but I have to go pickup the hubby.

Will try to do better.  Hugs to you all.

 

 



Stormy Weather

Boy that storm that went through here yesterday was different.  Some areas in the area got wind, heavy rain, hail and even a tree or two down.  Pictures this morning from the city north of us of damage.  Had a tree go down and block a road completely across the road from Shopko, my favorite place.  A friend put up a video of the hail hitting her car while she waited for her daughter across the street from the high school.  Cousin put up pictures of the large chunks of hail that came down by his house.  Us, we got rain and some wind and that is all.

 

It was pretty scattered and funny.  FB friends were reporting what was happening there and I kept saying not here.  It went through our neighborhood with little fanfare.  One bout of heavy rain quickly and it was over.  My sister Jodi said it was strange as she sat at her dining room table and watched it cross across her deck in a line and done.  It amazes me how such things happen. 

 

Hope everyone out there didn't have any serious damage.  

Happy Mother's Day....

...to each and every one of you. 

 

As many of you know we always have a big family get-together, and this year was no different.  Almost everyone was there.  We did miss Sherry's son and grandson, and my daughter-in-laws brother & family, but the rst of us made it. 

 

As you can see, we are just a small group.   Lol!

 

Was a great time, with good food and even better people.



It's depressing...

.....the weather I mean.  All gray, gloomy and rain on and off.  Poor Oreo spends most of the day on the back of the sofa staring out the window.  I sure hope the May flowers are in abundance with the April wet weather. 

 

Even more depressing is the bad behavior of people.  There have been two murders within 24 hours here last week.  Police are still trying for figure if they are connected.  How do you get people to learn to deal with problems in a better way.  Life is too precious to use violence to settle a disagreement.  In addition there have been about 6 or 7 hit and runs. One resulting in the death of two people on motorcycles.    Though it was a tough decision to make, I commend the dad that turned in his own son for the death of those two motorcyclists he hit and ran.  I really feel for the man.  Had to be the hardest thing he ever had to do.  

 

I don't know if I ranted about his before but there is a neighbor on the next street who lets his dogs out without a leash.  Needless to say they seem to think our yard is their dumpling grounds.  We carry a bag for out own little dog so our nieces and nephews little children are not stepping in Oreos business.  They play here a lot as we have a big yard.  Danielle has chased them out of the yard twice.  This morning it happened again and my hubby decided they need that stuff in their own yard.  He took a bag out, picked it up and went over and dumped it in their yard.  LOL!  Trying not to have to report them, but if it keeps up we will have to.

 

Sorry this is such a downer.  Just had to vent a little. 

 

One a upnote.  My daughter has an interview tomorrow for a new job.  I sure hope she gets it, as she's not real happy at the place she is at.  I pray it all goes her way.

Wake up call.

It's 4:30 in the morning and a paw is tapping the cheek. Maybe if it's ignored, he will go back to sleep. 

 Nope, a few seconds later another few taps.  Lay still and pretend you didn't feel it. Nope.

 

Then the scratching that shakes the whole bed starts.  That doesn't seem to be doing the job and getting her to to get up. 

 

How about shaking the head so hard it sounds like the ears helicopter blades.  Boy she is being stubborn this morning.

 

Aaaah, I have it.  How about kisses all over her face.  Eureka!  She's sitting up. 

 

SHE CALLED ME A PEST!  Can you believe that.  I just wanted to go outside and do my thing.  After all, she goes when she wants to.

 

Now that I've taken care of the morning wake up routine, I think I'll take a nap. 

I'm Oreo and by the way, I'M A CUTE PEST. 



Lobster Red

Well almost.  I'm a bad girl.  Did just what the Doc said not to do. Stay out in the sun.  We sat out in the yard Sunday, enjoying the beautiful day, and got my face sunburned.  It really didn't seem like the warm but you know how it is when you don't really feel the sun too much. After all I did have my coat on as it wasn't that warm.  Just didn't have tha heart to take Oreo inside.  He was enjoying it so much watching and playing with the kids.  

 

I really need to get to more reading.  I have been buying books for my kindle but just don't have the time to sit and read as much as I'd like.  Now that they are taxed at purchase here I don't have to hold back and keep account of every purchase for the tax lady.  Not that I like that there taxed.  Some pleasures should just be free, don't you think?

 

Went to a benefit for a dear lady that got throat cancer and must say what a success it was.  It makes you feel so good when people turn out and are willing to give for others.

 

Had a surprise party for my grandson's 30th birthday.  It's funny because his birthday isn't until May, but he's such a nosy little stinker his wife pulled and fast one and had it early.  Well it worked.  He really was surprised.  Fun was had by all.

 

Oreo is a little stinker.  He doesn't care much for a bath.  I got everything ready and Jack brought him up and I shut the door (he'll try to run).  When he couldn't get out he lifted his leg and proceeded to show us what his opinion was by letting the shower curtain have it.  'Make me take a bath, I'll make extra work for you.'  LOL

 

Well better get on with it.  Nothing gets done sitting here.  Have a good day.

 

 

GO BADGERS!

 

 



I'm still here.

Been busy as well as a bit lazy, and that's all I'm going to say about that, lol.

 

Was standing at the store yesterday, while hubby was getting a perscription filled, looking over the magazines by the check outs.  I've always wondered what people see in those 'scandal sheets'.  One had Prince Charles wife Camila on it with the headline, "Camilla 400 Million divorce demand" or she'll spill the beans about Charles gay life.  Another of the downfall of the Kardashian supposedly losing their tv show etc.  Jennifer Anistons suppose pregnancy, and on and on. 

 

Years ago I bought one to see what all the hype is about and couldn't believe some of the stuff in it.  I know they've been sued a few times and lost some big ones (Carol Burnett for one), so why do they keep it up.  Yes, there may be some semblance of truths to them, but the way it's presented is pure shock value and demeaning in many ways.  I guess people get some satifaction out of seeing someone else has troubles too.  Maybe makes us not feel so alone when down.

 

Okay enough on that subject.  How's your weather?  We're expecting more cold and snow this week, and hopefully that will be the end of it.  I mean really.  April is only days away.  The robins have been hopping all over the yard driving the poor dog nuts.  He sees them, wants out and about jerks my arm off trying to catch them.  Silly dog. 

 

Well, have I yammered on enough for you?  LOL.  Time to get to work around here.  You all have a good day.  

Hope I don't offend.

I hope I don't upset anyone with this post but just have to make my observation on the subject.  What subject?  The Gay lifestyle everyone seems so worried about.  Trying to do all they can to shove these people back into the closet. Don't get me wrong.  I don't understand such preferences, but I don't condem them either. 

 

I don't understand how their life should affect the lives or families or marriages of us who live another way.  I don't believe in telling others how to live their lives, whether their gay, straight, christian, athiest, Jewish, Muslim,  black, red, white, or whatever.  It's their life, not mine. 

 

You can't always tell if someone is gay.  You surely can't always tell by their looks or professions.  Yes there are those that give off that vibe, Liberace was one.  Then there are the Rock Hudsonstypes that shock everyone when found out. I have a neighbor who  (a sister of a friend) when I was growing up had no idea she was like that, relatives I learned about later.  Teachers that surprised me during my life.  I've know a few others that completely surprised me, and those that didn't.  Did I removed them from circle of friends and aquaintenances. No.  

 

Business who turn people away make me wonder how do they know?  It certainly costs them money which most can't afford to lose in this economy. 

 

I guess what I'm saying they are all kinds of people on this earth.  Put here by God.  I believe it was to teach us all to learn to live, love, learn, be tolerant, not to judge (that's HIS job) as His lessons for us.  Just as those who are handicapped in some way, or suffering in other ways.  It's to test our patience and faith.

 

As I said, God put them all here, and God doesn't make mistakes.

 

My how they grow.

Yesterday we had another birthday party for our great-grandson.  He's a whole 4. I love watching the little ones.  They are so excited at these things they just don't know what to do first.  As we watched him and Ella last week it brings back memories of the others at that age.   Before the party we were visited by our granddaughter Nicole, (who it seems like yesterday she was only 1) in here dress for the winter dance at school.  She has grown into such a lovely young lady.

  

 



So pretty.  I love the dress.  She wanted something kind of vintage looking.

The date. 

With the Mom!

 

Yesterday she was only this big.  Well it does seem that way.

 

Off to do something.  What I'm don't know.  Have a good day.

 

Hodge Podge

Here I am, back in the groove.  At least for today.  Can't seem to string two days together lately.  You would think with the weather keeping a person in I have it under control.  Guess disorganized is becoming my middle name.

 

Great-granddaughters 1st birthday party was a success.  Spoiled to the hilt with toys and clothes.  Of course the 1st birthday cake was as messy as it was suppose to be, lol.  Nice and chocolaty made by her grandpa Jim.

Getting right down to it.

The other cake for the guests, lol.

 

Unfortunately the end wasn't quite as nice.  There were two parties at the Moose that night.  Hers downstairs and an adult party upstairs.  Well as our party ended and we were leaving a lady from the other party decided to go home herself.  Unfortunately she was in no condition to leave and hit three cars trying to get out.  She narrowly missed hitting one of our great grandsons and was furious that my son and others blocked her car so she couldn't leave.  Threw a fit getting into the squad car, yelling and banging her head against the windows.  One of the cars was my daughters.  Fortunately no serious damage to them, but can you imagine had she been allowed to leave the danger she could have inflicted.  Danielle got told by some jerk she was being disrespectful to that old lady by calling the cops on her.  Well I told him.  He went back up on the steps and was quiet.

 

On another subject.  I sure wish they would make pet toys a little more durable.  Bought Oreo a new toy and it's ripped already.  I had a whole group of "wounded warriors" to repair.  So far they've lasted one day.  Fingers crossed for more.

 

Well enough ranting, and it's not even Wednesday.  Shame on me ;-).

 

With the storms across the nation, you all keep warm and keep safe.

 

 

Happy News!

So Happy to report that baby has been found, alive and well.  He was quite a sturdy and fortunate little lad.  Found in a duffle bag outside a gas station in Iowa.  The half sister of the mother had left the house (she was visiting) that morning headed for Colorado I think they said.  She was spotted and stopped in Iowa.  There were baby clothes in the car but no baby.  The FBI man said they searched the route from here to where they stopped her and the Sheriff there found him left a the gas station.  He is at the hospital being checked out this minute and arrangements are being made to reunite him with his parents.  Thank for the prayer for this adorable little boy.

 

This is the picture after they found him.  

Sad news in town.

We have a shockingly sad situation going on in our area today.  A 5 day old infant has been taken from the home early this morning while the mother slept nearby. Needless to say there are numerous law enforcement combing the area.  The FBI is also on the scene.  They haven put out an amber alert as the police say it doesn't meet the criteria, whatever that means. There was no break in .Please say a prayer for the safety of the child.

 

Of course the online talk has all sorts of speculations and of course some accusations without knowing anything.  Like how could the mother not hear.  All the usual stuff.  People forget about exhaustion after having a baby.  It's really sad the way some people react.  Fortunately, they are in the minority, at least online.  Hopefully all turns out well. 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the car is okay, lol...

.....so is the head.  It's the hardest spot on my body to hurt :-).  Didn't even get a headache.  I will be glad when winter is over and pretty sure everyone will be.  I know Oreo will be.  He sits up on the back of the sofa and stared out the window for hours.  Cabin fever gets to the dogs too.

 

Had a few busy days here.  Had a test to take and family and friends to check on for health problems.  Looks as if most everyone will be okay.  Keeping the prayers going and fingers crossed for all and Carol. 

 

Sons birthday was Saturday, and as they were busy took them out for breakfast Sunday.  Then it was the slow time of waiting until the Super Bowl.  Why I now wonder. Without the Discover or History channel there's not much on tv to chose from while waiting.  What a sad game. 

 

Not much going on here right now.  Have a couple more birthdays coming up in the week ahead and that about does it. 

 

My granddaughter Allie is now in San Francisco continuing her chef training.  She got into a program with Applebees and spent a year in Kentucky learning and now in a advanced course.  She sends us all updates on line and pictures of course.  Yesterday there were some from Chinatown.  I'm glad she's enjoying it as well as learning. 

 

Well as you can tell it's been pretty dull around here.  Keeping warm is main goal.  Hope you do too. 

 

Look who found her way back!

Yup, it's me.  I finally got my act together and hopefully now I can keep it together.  This weather has kept me pretty much quaranteed.  You would think that would give me the time I need for here, but alas, no.  Even though I've only gone out a very few times, I have spent most of the rest huddled under a blanket or such.  Took Oreo out on one of the iciest days and wouldn't you know it, down I went. Hit my head (the hardest thing to hurt, lol) on the car.  My 'wonderful sister Sherry" asked if the car was okay.  Funny isn't she.  Worse thing is there is not a real valid excuse for such neglect, as I have both a laptop and an iPad.  (Head bowed in shame here.)

 

Has been a little hectic though with family and doctors etc.  Had a friend have a heart attack at Christmas, followed by surgery for a colon problem found while checking her health for heart surgery. Every thing there is benign, thank the Lord..  Now she has surgery for her heart Fri.  Just a couple days ago my last living uncle was taken in for a heart problem and will be getting a stent, and now 2 of his sons have been taken in for chest pains and serious flu trouble.  It seems like everything hits a once. 

 

I say this morning where Carol Dee was going to the er and am hoping an praying all is okay. 

 

Everyone keep warm and safe out there.  We all wait patiently (or not) for the warmer weather. 

 

 

 



Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Could someone with influence please get Mother Nature to turn down her hot flash cure.  Being a summer lover myself, this is not my idea of a nice day.  Low -15 and high -11 and that's NOT with the wind chill factor.  Add to that the sniffles, coughs, and watery eyes; I'm not really a happy camper here. I think I need a attitude adjustment, hee hee.

 

Danielle started a new job a few weeks ago (one with benefits) and her vehicle wouldn't start theis morning.  Ours did so Daddy to the rescue.  Took her to work and will pick her up later.

 

All schools are closed here and would you believe the coaches want the kids to come in a practice.  Sports before safety.  Seems they have little regard for the kids driving in and home in this awful weather.  There used to be a rule that no school, no extra curricular activies.  Parents have been fb-ing their complaints.  I told them to stand up and do something about it.  The boards and administration are always giving into the coaches over common sense and the only way to stop it for parents to stand their ground.  Haven heard if they did.  I know some refused to let their kids go in.

 

 

As you can guess, there is not much going on here due to the weather.  Watching reruns, movies, cleaning, cooking and reading.  Best of all, playing with the dog, or should I say the  "chasing and tossing" his toys game. 

 

Everyone keep warm out there.

 

 

Hello 2014

The new year has begun and I hope and I pray for more good things and less strife in the world. May all your days ahead be full of good things, good health, and peace.

 

Bracing for the extreme cold to hit here.  Temps with windchill of 15 to 25 below they claim.  We will tough it out as we always do.  Then more snow to come in a few days.  I'm already tired of winter, but then I never really was a winter fan anyway.  You would think I would find some way to find a warmer place wouldn't you.  No, no way would I leave here.  The closeness of our family would prevent me from even considering it.  

 

Have been having trouble putting up photos on here.  Have been trying for over a week.  All I get is a box that either has the spot to upload or cancel come up, but only half of it and the only way out is to leave  and start over.  Finally today things are working.  I have put up pictures of kids and grandkids before.  Now meet my great-grandkids.

 

The boys so love their niece they are her protectors.

 

Meet Miss Ella.  She is just a joy.

Meet Logan and Gage.  They are so adorable and funny.

 

You all have a great day.  Keep warm and safe.