Monday, August 31, 2009

My new goal

I am going to try to be as nice, kind, giving, and caring as the Kennedys.

Monday, July 13, 2009

So, this is summer

I don't mind the mid-to-high 70 degree days, but water, water everywhere! Of the last 43 days, we've had some amount of rain 29 of those days. It has been so cool and rainy that we haven't even gotten out our patio table. The umbrella isn't waterproof enough! There is promise that in a couple of weeks we'll have summer weather. I just wonder if maybe summer will carry into the autumn season.

Friday, June 26, 2009

I dropped a bed on my toe


Yes, I did. I was moving a bed to rearrange a room and this big, heavy wooden frame landed on my big toe. My first thought was blood, then no toe nail. But, there was no blood. I really don't think I even broke it. It turned purple very quickly and hurt like crazy. I was supposed to get a pedicure the following day but thought better of it. When I got there to have my nails done, they talked me into it. It didn't hurt and of course I loved the pedicure. I think the polish helps to hide the real mess.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I need a new dictionary

What does the word "stop" mean? The past week I have seen at least 10 drivers drive up to a stop sign and keep right on going. Some of them don't even slow down. I've heard of the "rolling stop" where the driver slows down to a crawl and doesn't come to a complete stop, but this is just dangerous. I only pray no one I love or know is the recipient of one of these non-stop violations.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Is it my fault?

Maybe if I change my background design it will stop raining. The problem is, I don't know how to do it!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

How can I be so busy?

I thought that when I retired I'd have a life of leisure. It seemed that way for a couple of years, but now we are so busy I find myself in stress! I had a phone call the other day and the person asked me if I am gearing up for the big July 4th celebration in Hamilton. When I said not yet, he asked if I am a party pooper. I told him that I had a scrap day on Saturday, baby sitting on Monday, doll class on Tuesday, my niece's graduation on Thursday, her party on Friday, relatives visiting from Sunday to Sunday, an endoscopy on a Tuesday. Then maybe I could think about the 4th of July. I need to convince myself that being busy beats the alternative!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I'm not a shopper

I really don't like going shopping for myself. This is worse since I've been retired. I could live in pajamas or jeans and a t-shirt, but sometimes I do have to look presentable. Recently I went shopping with Jay who needed some new golf shirts. I went to the ladies' section to look. Deja vu all over again!! I thought I was back in college! Where are the fashion police???? I expected Janis Joplin to come out of the dressing room singing "Take A Little Piece of My Heart".

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter

We have both ends this Easter - joy and sadness. We will have the joy of being with Anna and watching her hunt eggs. She now loves life and enjoys every minute of it passing that joy onto us. We also get to spend the day with our daughter and son-in-law, my mom, and my brothers' and sister's families.

On the other hand, our son and daughter-in-law and my niece and nephew in college won't be with us. That makes me sad. I hate it when someone is missing from the crowd. You'd think with the big crowd we have it would be hard to miss anyone, but there will be a little piece of my heart that will shed a tear today. Guess it's selfish - me missing them. But, I am sure they will be missing us, too.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Colin Powell

We were given tickets to hear Colin Powell speak tonight. I've always admired him, but now even more. He was a fantastic public speaker. He is a brilliant man. It was a wonderful experience.

His message was what my Dad taught us. A good leader takes care of his followers and good followers take care of their leader. Everyone has a purpose. The janitor who cleaned his office had the job of getting it ready for the world the next day. And, you let him know his job is important and that he does a good job.

He told a great story about how he sneaked out of his office when he was Secretary of State and went to the basement where the garage is. There were more cars than spaces, so they had to park triple. The last had to wait to get out. He said the workers were mainly immigrants who were paid not much more than minimum. After chatting with them, he asked how they decided who was in the front and who got the back. Finally a brave soul told him. Those who rolled down the window and said good morning got the front. Those who wouldn't even give them a look got the back. My Dad always told us you treat everyone the same. The janitor is as important as the president/boss.

I am so happy we went. Off to write a thank you to my niece who gave us the tickets.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

A woman I'd love to have a conversation with

My grandmother died when I was 9. I loved her so much. She was an Irish immigrant who raised 10 children - many years on her own because my grandfather died at a young age. She always felt inferior and was a quiet, humble, hard-working woman. I have so many wonderful memories spending time with her. I'd love to be able to talk with her now that I am older and wiser. I'd like to hear of her life in Ireland.

A woman who I'm is awe of

This is my daughter. She is an amazing person. She is talented, smart, pretty, clever. She has overcome so much. While in school, she was bullied and her life was made hell by several nasty people. It was heart-breaking for her and for us. But, she managed to struggle through it. She now is in a wonderful place. She is married to a great guy and has the most fantastic baby I know! She's going back to school and doing well. She is loved by so many people and is greeted lovingly wherever she goes. I am so proud of her and all she's achieved. She is so strong and has worked so hard to become such an amazing person.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A woman who touched my life in a major way

She's not really a woman yet, but is a female. And, she's touched my life in a way no other person has. It is amazing to become a mother and there's nothing like it...until you become a grandmother. Anna is the sun, moon, and stars to me. I'm sure there aren't many people who know me that don't already know this! I was with her the moment she was born. I went to Syracuse every day she was in NICU. We started babysitting her at 2 months old when our daughter went back to college. Watching her grow and become a little person has been an experience I wouldn't trade for all the gold in the world. She's changed my life. I am working at being healthier because of her. I am a happier person because of her. I am more tolerant with life because of her. There is no way to explain the feeling I get when she sees me and her eyes light up and she shouts out "Grandmama" and opens her arms for me to hold her.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

A woman who you laugh so hard I cry with

This would be my friend, Sharon. We can be having a very nice, normal conversation when one of us hears something and just starts laughing. Then the other gets laughing and we can't stop. We also met through the SS scrapping message board. We have been through a lot together. It amazes me still that we can be such great friends and so close, but have only known each other for a few years and see each other a couple of times a year. But those few times are filled with so much fun and laughter.

A woman who can finish my sentences

This would be my friend Mary. I've only known her a few years, but it is like we have cloned lives. We met through SS - a scrapping message board. We've traveled to several retreats together. At night we spend a lot of time talking which means we solve the problems of the world. We discovered we married the same man. We get a lot of laughs over that. The last time we were together, I said that I had married my mother. She got laughing - said she's said she married her mother, too. If one of us says "I was thinking the same thing", the other will say "Of course you were"! We've even sent each other the same email at almost the same time. I get to spend this Sunday with Mary at a scrapping event. I can't wait to talk with her.

A woman who made me want to be a mom

This would be my mom. She is a wonderful mother. We had so much fun when we were kids. We made cookies, played games, read. Holidays were always so special. There were decorations and little things to make the holiday memorable. Of course there were times when she wasn't my favorite person, but that is another reason she is a great mom. We were taught to be kind, selfless, respectful, helpful people.

I thought my mom was the norm, but didn't know otherwise until I was "old"! She made us a family and that is what I wanted. I just hope I have given my children some of what my mother gave me.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A woman I wish was still here with me


I miss my aunt. She lived down the street from us when we moved here for about 17 years. She and my uncle retired to FL where they lived for 15 years. We wrote letters back and forth, then emailed. They moved back to town (right around the corner) last spring because she was sick and I believe wanted to come home. She died last October when I was away for the weekend. I visited her the night before I left. I knew it wouldn't be long, but didn't expect it to be so soon.


She was a great person. She spoke her mind - you always knew where you stood with her. She was a party girl! We had some great times together. Back in 1976, her neighbor was very upset that nothing was being done in our town for the 200th birthday of our country so he organized a parade. We all dressed up as 1776 people and had a parade on July 4th. We were asked to be in many parades that summer. It was something none of us will ever forget and something we talked about the last time I visited her.


Another great memory is Belgian waffles. Every so often a bunch of us would take our waffle makers to someone's house and have a waffle fest! Some in my family love dried beef gravy. Whenever my other aunt would visit, she'd always make that and the three of us plus my daughter would enjoy the feast. A couple days after she died, my daughter suggested I make dried beef gravy dinner for all of us in her honor. We really enjoyed it and knew my aunt would get a chuckle out of us doing that.


After they moved back, Anna and I would go for walks. I'd push the stroller up the ramp that was built for her wheelchair and we'd visit. It was great having her back here even for a short time. I know I am going to miss her more this spring when we go for walks and she's not there to visit.

Monday, March 09, 2009

March Challenge

This month is "Women's History Month" and St. Patrick's Day. We have a list of questions to answer about 7 special women we are lucky to have in our lives. I'll be back!

Friday, February 27, 2009

#14 I love San Francisco




I never dreamed I'd ever go to California, but I did. Our son was married there in October, 2007. We spent three days in San Francisco before we went to Healdsburg for the wedding. We had a fantastic time being tourists. We spent a whole day with our son, which was very special, and took a trip to Pebble Beach. We also spent time with my brother, sister-in-law, sister, nieces, nephews and our cousin from Ireland. I don't think we missed many famous places and had lots of great times together. I left a piece of my heart in San Francisco!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

#13 I love digi scrapping






I was never going to do digital scrapping! A customer asked about it, so I decided I needed to become informed. I got help getting started and then played. I am hooked! I have made close to 20 albums in a less than a year! I like that it is quicker, especially when I make gifts. I have a great printer so I can print my pages and slip them into the album. My mom's 80th birthday party was on a Sunday. Her actual birthday was the following Thursday. I gave her a 24 page album of the party on her birthday. I never could have done that the traditional way of scrapping. I will always be a paper scrapper, but love to play with digi!

Monday, February 23, 2009

#12 I love surprises!





The mailman rang the bell today and handed me a large box. It was addressed to my granddaughter. My cousin has two daughters 6 and 4. She sent a box of wonderful hand-me-downs. My daughter had just gotten here to pick up Anna. We had so much fun going through the box looking at all the treasures. Each item was more fun than the last. At the bottom of the box was a tutu and ballet shoes. Anna was so excited! She danced and danced. My daughter was so excited that she went right to my computer and made thank you cards on my SBC+! That was another surprise that made me happy.

# 11 I love Plum Passions


I usually only drink at very special occasions - I drank my life's quota in college! We went to a Japanese restaurant for my daughter's birthday. She ordered a Plum Passion. I had a taste. It was scrumpdiddlyumptious and I ordered one! The only request I had for my birthday was for someone to find plum wine and get a bottle of champagne, which they did. My daughter got the right combination on the first try. Everyone loved this drink. I have 1 1/2 bottles of plum wine left. Need to get some more champagne!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

#10 I love my mother




I thought my mom was part of the blog about loving my family, but decided she deserved her own. My mom is very special. She is kind, generous, caring, selfless. Today she had a birthday dinner for me. She made our childhood favorite - chicken, biscuit, and gravy with mashed potatoes, peas, and cabbage salad. My sister and her family were able to be there and all of my family was there. We had a great time. I know my mom was trying to make this a special day for me which made it even more special. The best part was that when we did cake, she made sure someone took pictures because she said I am never in any pictures - I am always the one taking them! Then she directed the taking of group pictures! I think I have enough for a Storybook! I am still full from dinner, but that is ok. I am so happy. This has been the best birthday I've ever had.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

#9 I love my birthday 2009





I had the happiest birthday today.

Monday, February 16, 2009

#8 I love the ocean


Our family has vacationed at the Outer Banks the past four years. Every year has been a week of heaven. We share making dinner so you are totally on vacation five of the seven days. Our house is right on the beach so we just head out the back door and there we are. Or we can sit on the deck and just watch the water. It is so peaceful to sit and let the water mesmerize you. I am not sure I could live on the ocean, but one week of heaven lasts me a long time.

#7 I love chocolate






I really, really love chocolate. Dark chocolate is my favorite. I like it with mint, raspberry, or cherry best. It was a thrill for me to go to Ghiradelli in San Francisco. We spent three days before J.C.'s and Erin's wedding in SF. Our hotel was in walking distance of the chocolate. I was in heaven. It was the first place we went to. We had sundaes combining my favorite treat with my second favorite treat - ice cream!

The sad news is, we all are on a Fit for Life plan which means that I can't have my chocolate like I used to. I thought I wasn't missing it, but had a piece yesterday (Ghiradelli dark chocolate with mint center) and I do miss it.

#6 I love to take pictures


I carry my camera with me everywhere I go. I need it ready just in case I spot the perfect picture! I am not shy about taking pictures in stores, restaurants, or anywhere. If someone doesn't like it, they can tell me "no", but that may not stop me.

I did have a problem once. We were returning from Canada. I didn't have a digital camera at the time. The windshield of the car wasn't clean enough so I leaned out the window to take a picture of the "Welcome to New York" sign at customs. When it was our turn, the agent asked if it was a digital camera. I thought it was strange that he wanted to know about my camera! Then he asked why I was taking a picture. I told him I'm a scrapbooker. He then went on a tirade how it is illegal to take pictures at the border. I thought...if I was a spy or terrorist, I certainly would have a better camera for that kind of work. He said to the woman in the booth next to him, "What should I do?" The miserable witch said, "Take it." I was already reaching for a blank roll of film ready to change it so I didn't lose my pictures. He was fiddling on his computer, then told us to go. I have been back to Canada since, so am not on a watch list!

I also am cheap! We went to California for our son's wedding. We were there almost a week so did many touristy things. At the end of our Alcatraz trip, they had pictures of us that we could buy. Way too expensive for me, so I took a picture of the picture!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

#5 I love my family


I have two sisters and two brothers. I am the oldest. When they proclaim that, I add that I am also the smartest and best looking! We get together for all the major holidays - that is most of us. My sister and her children moved to Florida so we see them less than we used to. When it's the whole clan, we have 31 with one on the way! I love all of them dearly. I hope they know that. I would do anything for any of them and know that I can call on them if I have to. I used to think that all families were like us, but have found out that isn't how it is for everyone which is sad to me. Of course we aren't perfect and have times when we get annoyed with someone, but overall we do love each other very much.

#4 I love my daughter and son-in-law


I love my daughter! She is a treasure. She's such a caring person that it sometimes isn't good. In that way she is like her dad. She is like me in many ways and when it is obvious, she goes a little crazy. We all do that when we realize we are becoming our mothers!!! She is very talented - photography, dance, music. She went through some rough patches, but struck gold when she met her husband. He is her match. They are so good for each other. We are lucky that they live a half-hour away and we get to see them often - probably too often for them!! The best thing they ever did was give us Anna!

#3 I love my son and daughter-in-law


My son is the most wonderful man. He has the best of both of us. He strives to be the best person he can be. He's caring, sensitive, kind, handsome, and athletic. He's recently been running marathons which I think is quite an accomplishment. He did a wonderful job picking his wife. She is a sweetheart. She brings out the best in our son and I think he does the same for her. They have about 10 of my family on a fit for life plan. They are working hard to get us in shape!! I love them dearly and only wish they were closer so we could see them more.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

#2 I love my husband


Jay and I have been married for 37 years, 7 months, and 26 days. I know how lucky I am to have him in my life. He is kind, considerate, caring, sensitive, selfless, giving, and so many more wonderful things! He is the best father - our kids are so lucky - and he is the most wonderful grandfather - Anna is so lucky.
He helps with my CM events and understands how much I love my hobby. He has a lot of patience with me!! We have two retreats in our town every year with people arriving on Thursday so as not to miss time on Friday. It has evolved that we host dinner on Thursday night. Jay is so good about having 16-25 women invade our house. He will cook for us and help entertain.

He's just such a special person who I love with all my heart. If everyone in the world was like Jay, the world would be perfect.

Monday, February 02, 2009

#1 I love Anna




Anna is our granddaughter. She is a few days shy of being 15 months old. It seems like the last 15 months have been my whole life. I love this baby with all my heart. She is the light of my life. I adore watching her play by herself. It amazes me that someone so young can figure out so much. I wonder how her mind works. She reminds me of her mother. She is an adventurous child. She loves to climb and can now get onto the couch and jump! She wants to climb up the back of the couch - deja vue! She loves to walk all over, but still likes to be held. She talks and talks and talks. People are surprised at what she can say, but we aren't - her mommy was the same. A few days ago we went shopping. When we put her in the cart, she shouted out, "SHOPPING...MONEY." Her mother has trained her well. She calls Jay "Papa", but the best thing she says is "GrandMama"! I really don't think I could ever express how much I love Anna.

I'm Back!!

Shame on me - again! I don't know why I just don't take time to write on my blog when I am on the computer too much as it is.

I read a challenge on my favorite website and decided to do it. It's for February - my favorite month! I have to write 14 blogs about love - sounds easy enough, right? The bonus is to post pictures.

Anyone who knows me will immediately think that all my posts will be about Anna, but I am going to surprise you!