Sounds like January 2011 is going to go out with a storm. Blizzard is forecast after freeing rain and sleet tonite and tomorrow. Forecast is crazy. 1" of ice followed by who-knows-how-much snow. Weather maps showing 1-2 FEET of snow. Holy crap.
Remembering the last huge snow like this. Jan 30, 1982. Exactly 29 years ago. We had almost 2 feet of snow at our house. I have a great picture of Katie standing beside the huge mound of snow we shoveled from the driveway. She was 20 months old & looks terrified of that huge mountain of snow. Our street wasn't plowed for 5 days. Hope that doesn't happen this time. Of course, we may end up with no snow at all (wishful thinking!).
We have lots of projects to keep us busy this week, as long as we have electricity. I need to, once and for all, finish painting a cabinet for the powder room. But, first I have to draw & paint a fleur-de-lis on the cabinet doors. With absolutely no artistic ability, it should be interesting. IF it turns out, we'll hang it & I'll take some pictures of our fun newly updated space.
Need to organize the craft/exercise room, add cabinet hardware I found at Home Goods for a total of $8 for 8 knobs. Let's hope they fit.
Supposed to be reviewing a couple kitchen plans from a couple of places this week. Was hoping to make a contractor decision this week. That too will be dependent upon the amount of ice and snow we get. Hope we can get out to look at cabinetry and countertops this week. Woo hoo. Fun stuff.
Praying for our friend Barb's mom, Margaret.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Brrrr, it's cold outside
Brrrr, it's been a cold winter so far. And, two snow storms in 3 wks, so unusual for us. Too cold to play in this week's snow.
Nick & Zack spent their "snow day" off school with us and I thought we might get to go sledding. Windchill was 6 degrees so we went bowling. First time G'Pa had bowled in 40 yrs! And, it had probably been 10-15 yrs for me. None of us scored over 100. Pitiful but fun!
Feeling so much better this week. Finally have some energy & plans to tackle some home projects. There's a long list but I need to finish painting a cabinet for the powder room and get that room finished!
Big house projects ahead will certainly keep us occupied. I'm excited!
Nick & Zack spent their "snow day" off school with us and I thought we might get to go sledding. Windchill was 6 degrees so we went bowling. First time G'Pa had bowled in 40 yrs! And, it had probably been 10-15 yrs for me. None of us scored over 100. Pitiful but fun!
Feeling so much better this week. Finally have some energy & plans to tackle some home projects. There's a long list but I need to finish painting a cabinet for the powder room and get that room finished!
Big house projects ahead will certainly keep us occupied. I'm excited!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to Zack!
Wow, it's a new decade. 2011. Hard to imagine.
Christmas has come and gone and so has another year. Fun watching the boys tear open their presents. It took Aidan a while and he was as interested in the wrapping paper as his was the gifts at first. Finally settled on playing with his new "computer." Zack opened everything so fast, like it was a contest, he couldn't even tell us what he had received. Nick seemed to enjoy the opening AND his gifts. Yea!
We spent a quiet New Year's Eve, actually purchasing a car, then a quick dinner at our favorite local restaurant . A long process but love the new SUV. Now I have room for car seats and grandkids. Not sure what our first grandson trip will be...hmmm.
Today we celebrated Zack's 5th birthday. Can't believe he's already five! It was just a minute ago that Tommy called to tell us he'd arrived. In a few months he will start kindergarten and a new chapter in his little life. His favorite thing in the world at age 5 seems to be wrestling, well actually UFC which is just a barbaric, bloody sport of some sort. Zack loves watching UFC, WWF ? and wrestling with Nick, his dad, his grandpa, anyone that will get on the floor with him. I just tell him grandma's don't wrestle.
Zack's also discovered he likes coloring and painting and still loves Legos - thank goodness they're each a much better alternative than watching that crap on TV.
Zack got new Crayons!
We're bracing for another round of snow over the next couple of days. Glad there's no work commute to contend with. Maybe we can venture out to Hidden Valley for some skiing if we get enough snow altho' it will be so cold. Brrrr. Too bad it can't be warm & sunny for skiing. It would be so much easier!
Have to get some more stuff done tomorrow - purging closets, trying to organize the house, one room at at time...but that A.D.D. thing takes over & I find myself with multiple projects going at the same time :-(
I think a Lowe's trip is in order for a "closet" for the Laundry Room - need space to store bigger kitchen appliances and pantry overflow. Did I mention that I hate my kitchen? I'm sure I have. Cabinets are crappy (and now peeling paint 5 yrs after a painter painted them), we have a teeny tiny pantry, it's just an inefficient space that I hope to improve in 2011.
OK, enough for now.
Christmas has come and gone and so has another year. Fun watching the boys tear open their presents. It took Aidan a while and he was as interested in the wrapping paper as his was the gifts at first. Finally settled on playing with his new "computer." Zack opened everything so fast, like it was a contest, he couldn't even tell us what he had received. Nick seemed to enjoy the opening AND his gifts. Yea!
We spent a quiet New Year's Eve, actually purchasing a car, then a quick dinner at our favorite local restaurant . A long process but love the new SUV. Now I have room for car seats and grandkids. Not sure what our first grandson trip will be...hmmm.
Today we celebrated Zack's 5th birthday. Can't believe he's already five! It was just a minute ago that Tommy called to tell us he'd arrived. In a few months he will start kindergarten and a new chapter in his little life. His favorite thing in the world at age 5 seems to be wrestling, well actually UFC which is just a barbaric, bloody sport of some sort. Zack loves watching UFC, WWF ? and wrestling with Nick, his dad, his grandpa, anyone that will get on the floor with him. I just tell him grandma's don't wrestle.
Zack's also discovered he likes coloring and painting and still loves Legos - thank goodness they're each a much better alternative than watching that crap on TV.
Zack got new Crayons!
We're bracing for another round of snow over the next couple of days. Glad there's no work commute to contend with. Maybe we can venture out to Hidden Valley for some skiing if we get enough snow altho' it will be so cold. Brrrr. Too bad it can't be warm & sunny for skiing. It would be so much easier!
Have to get some more stuff done tomorrow - purging closets, trying to organize the house, one room at at time...but that A.D.D. thing takes over & I find myself with multiple projects going at the same time :-(
I think a Lowe's trip is in order for a "closet" for the Laundry Room - need space to store bigger kitchen appliances and pantry overflow. Did I mention that I hate my kitchen? I'm sure I have. Cabinets are crappy (and now peeling paint 5 yrs after a painter painted them), we have a teeny tiny pantry, it's just an inefficient space that I hope to improve in 2011.
OK, enough for now.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas 2010
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| 3 little guys |
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| Nick & Aidan (eating paper) |
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| Aidan's computer is really interesting! Christmas morning with the kids |
White Christmas 2010!
Beautiful white Christmas this year! Here are some pics.
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| Back Yard |
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| Christmas Eve at home |
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Cookie day
LOVED baking cookies today with Katie. And, of course we had to make our goofy gingerbread cookies again, including some anatomically "correct." My mom used to always bake gingerbread cookies with Katie & we decided to continue that tradition with a few, um, alterations. Will have to take some pics.
Enough cookies to last the entire winter, I think, plus some easy-to-make fudge. That will put any pancreas in overdrive.
A Good Samaritan in our neighborhood recently held a Holiday Open House to benefit another area family. The young mother of 5 children has a very unusual, late stage type breast cancer. Although we were not able to attend the Open House, I knew we needed to help. So, after our cooking baking, we brought our donation...plus some of those cookies (minus the special gingerbread!) Hearing stories of families in need, especially this time of year, reminds me of how fortunate we are, how precious life is and what's really important. Prayers for the Pickett family of O'Fallon.
Enough cookies to last the entire winter, I think, plus some easy-to-make fudge. That will put any pancreas in overdrive.
A Good Samaritan in our neighborhood recently held a Holiday Open House to benefit another area family. The young mother of 5 children has a very unusual, late stage type breast cancer. Although we were not able to attend the Open House, I knew we needed to help. So, after our cooking baking, we brought our donation...plus some of those cookies (minus the special gingerbread!) Hearing stories of families in need, especially this time of year, reminds me of how fortunate we are, how precious life is and what's really important. Prayers for the Pickett family of O'Fallon.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas week
Hmmm, now wouldn't this look much prettier with a little snow on the ground? Could it snow at nite and be warm during the day, AND not have the snow melt? That's probably asking a lot.
I think the shopping may be complete altho' I haven't sorted out the stocking stuffers yet. I'm not sure I buy all of the "holiday spirit" stuff about Christmas shopping....I don't think I saw any cheery faces at the mall today. Well, maybe Santa's.
I do love Christmas decorations. I'll have to take some pics of our indoor decorations so I can duplicate them next year. It always takes me a while to figure out what I want to do with all of my Christmas decorations. Maybe I'll just drop some pics from this year into the Christmas storage containers. bahaha We have 2 trees inside, lots of decorations and still have lots in boxes. Probably will donate some this year. However, I do like choice & don't use the same things every year. And, there's always trips to Hobby Lobby and the fabulous Evergreen at the Lake. Oh well, our kids can have a garage sale when we go in the "rest" home. ha Knowing Katie, it will bypass a sale and go directly to the dumpster.
I love my new "inside" wreath created this year with a basic 33" boring, plain outdoor wreath. Just added some stuff from Hobby Lobby, wired it in and added the pretty bow....and pretty gold, sparkly strand from the wonderful White Hare shop. Voila, a really pretty wreath that's large enough for the area above our fireplace. Love it. Maybe I'll get a good photo after that "great" photography class we took.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas with cousins
We celebrated Christmas with cousins today. So lucky to have them in my life. They're really more than cousins for me. They're more like siblings that I don't have. Love that they are live so near and that our kids and grandkids get to spend time with them also. Since I'm the oldest of this group, they have younger kids & we have grandkids which makes for a big group of kiddos when we get together. So much fun to watch!
Loved our 1st White Elephant/Rob-Your-Neighbor event. Too funny. Everyone wanted the "big" present which turned out to be a broken Christmas decorative sign which included the letters: "JO_" Obviously, missing the "Y" which resulted in a lot of jokes. And, yes there is a relative named Joe. Anyway, had a great time at Mark & Judy's house.
Looking forward to the upcoming week. Hope to finish wrapping tomorrow - woohoo! Kate & I hope to bake cookies mid-week. Maybe more anatomically correct GingerBread "people"? We'll probably eat the cookies as fast as we bake :-))
Hoping for a white Christmas....it might actually happen this year.
Safe travels.
Loved our 1st White Elephant/Rob-Your-Neighbor event. Too funny. Everyone wanted the "big" present which turned out to be a broken Christmas decorative sign which included the letters: "JO_" Obviously, missing the "Y" which resulted in a lot of jokes. And, yes there is a relative named Joe. Anyway, had a great time at Mark & Judy's house.
Looking forward to the upcoming week. Hope to finish wrapping tomorrow - woohoo! Kate & I hope to bake cookies mid-week. Maybe more anatomically correct GingerBread "people"? We'll probably eat the cookies as fast as we bake :-))
Hoping for a white Christmas....it might actually happen this year.
Safe travels.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
blogging again
So, after almost 2 years absence, I thought I'd try blogging again...I certainly follow enough blogs & look forward to reading them almost daily.
Although we retired 6 months ago, I am amazed at how busy we are! Sounds crazy, right? But it's true. Summer time is always hectic as is the mid-November thru December time. Cooking, entertaining, shopping, Christmas decorations up, wrapping, more cooking and celebrating. But who knew that Fall would be busy?
A little health scare for me in late September but all is well. October brought lots of visits to a Chicago area hospital and sad news as our beloved brother/brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly. For his siblings, he was the "hero" (oldest brother). Such a compassionate, loving man with a great-dimpled smile and twinkling blue eyes. Brilliant. So involved in his community, especially his church community. Although it sounds odd to say, we met so many wonderful people during Jake's illness. We also got to know his step-children much more. And, as you might imagine, they are a wonderful, loving family of 6. Great hearing then share their stories - we had a glimpse into Jake's day-to-day life in Chicago with his wife, kids and grandkids that we hadn't experienced as siblings. It confirmed that we need to spend time with those we love and make sure they know how we feel. You never know how much time you will have with them.
We're both enjoying retirement - lots of projects and some new hobbies for both Ralph and me. The very best part has been the increase in time we've been able to spend with our grandsons. All are in the metro area. Truly a blessing.
Ralph's interest in techy things continues and, of course for him, GOLF is life. Winter isn't conducive to playing golf here so he needed a new hobby. He's just purchased his first model train and is setting that up. We've also unpacked my old Lionel trains - there's now one under the Christmas tree.
I'm involved in volunteering at several organizations which, for the most part, is enjoyable. One organization is an older group and very slow to adopt change. I find that pretty frustrating but understandable. We've just gotten an Internet presence with our first web-site, a Facebook page and an electronic newsletter so we've moved into the current century at last.
I'm hooked on decorating blogs. Way too many ideas tho' for my own house now. The hard part is finishing projects that I begin! The project thing is on hold for now as Christmas shopping, wrapping, planning takes up a ton of time. Speaking of Christmas, I need to go pull out gifts to assess what I still need to buy and/or do. Perfect rainy day to force me to do so.
Although we retired 6 months ago, I am amazed at how busy we are! Sounds crazy, right? But it's true. Summer time is always hectic as is the mid-November thru December time. Cooking, entertaining, shopping, Christmas decorations up, wrapping, more cooking and celebrating. But who knew that Fall would be busy?
A little health scare for me in late September but all is well. October brought lots of visits to a Chicago area hospital and sad news as our beloved brother/brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly. For his siblings, he was the "hero" (oldest brother). Such a compassionate, loving man with a great-dimpled smile and twinkling blue eyes. Brilliant. So involved in his community, especially his church community. Although it sounds odd to say, we met so many wonderful people during Jake's illness. We also got to know his step-children much more. And, as you might imagine, they are a wonderful, loving family of 6. Great hearing then share their stories - we had a glimpse into Jake's day-to-day life in Chicago with his wife, kids and grandkids that we hadn't experienced as siblings. It confirmed that we need to spend time with those we love and make sure they know how we feel. You never know how much time you will have with them.
We're both enjoying retirement - lots of projects and some new hobbies for both Ralph and me. The very best part has been the increase in time we've been able to spend with our grandsons. All are in the metro area. Truly a blessing.
Ralph's interest in techy things continues and, of course for him, GOLF is life. Winter isn't conducive to playing golf here so he needed a new hobby. He's just purchased his first model train and is setting that up. We've also unpacked my old Lionel trains - there's now one under the Christmas tree.
I'm involved in volunteering at several organizations which, for the most part, is enjoyable. One organization is an older group and very slow to adopt change. I find that pretty frustrating but understandable. We've just gotten an Internet presence with our first web-site, a Facebook page and an electronic newsletter so we've moved into the current century at last.
I'm hooked on decorating blogs. Way too many ideas tho' for my own house now. The hard part is finishing projects that I begin! The project thing is on hold for now as Christmas shopping, wrapping, planning takes up a ton of time. Speaking of Christmas, I need to go pull out gifts to assess what I still need to buy and/or do. Perfect rainy day to force me to do so.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Great friends
We just returned from a visit with our friends, Ron & Janet G, who now live in Florida. We had such a wonderful time with them! It had been a year since we had last seen them - at Katie & Troy's wedding!
We had a low key visit - some golf for the guys, pool/beach a few days - just a great time hanging out. The guys saw some giant alligators at the golf course, at a close enough distance to be pretty scary. Ugh. Alligators are OK on TV or at the zoo. Venice is such a great area - great weather and everyone active outdoors, riding bikes, playing golf or tennis. Like a vacation everyday.
Hard returning to reality. The next 2 wks are going to be tough travel weeks for me. Got back in town tonite & leaving bright & early Mon for Burlington for a few days.Returning to BTV again next Sun, then home for 36 hrs before flying out to Denver. It makes me tired thinking about it!
I am SO ready for some warm, sunny days here at home!
We had a low key visit - some golf for the guys, pool/beach a few days - just a great time hanging out. The guys saw some giant alligators at the golf course, at a close enough distance to be pretty scary. Ugh. Alligators are OK on TV or at the zoo. Venice is such a great area - great weather and everyone active outdoors, riding bikes, playing golf or tennis. Like a vacation everyday.
Hard returning to reality. The next 2 wks are going to be tough travel weeks for me. Got back in town tonite & leaving bright & early Mon for Burlington for a few days.Returning to BTV again next Sun, then home for 36 hrs before flying out to Denver. It makes me tired thinking about it!
I am SO ready for some warm, sunny days here at home!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Finally Friday
Whew, seemed like a long week but it was good to be able to work from home. Got to go to the Dolly Dinner this week which is always hilarious. 9" of snow & most of us still made it. Also finally made my first book club meeting. Of course, it's always wonderful seeing that group. We read "Nineteen Minutes" by Judy Piccoult (sp?). Not a book I would've ever picked to read but it was good - sad, thought-provoking.
Ready for some warmer weather. I'm over the snow. Guessing it will all melt this weekend. Just in time for me to fly back to VT for next week...and more snow. Pray for sunshine and spring time.
Gave Ralph an early b-day present tonite. Tickets to Florida for a long-weekend visit with our friends, Janet & Ron. We're so excited. Haven't seen them in a year! I know Ralph's also looking forward to playing some golf w/ Ron. I'm just looking forward to hanging w/ our friends & getting to be outside in warm, sunny weather. Sand vs snow :)
Ready for some warmer weather. I'm over the snow. Guessing it will all melt this weekend. Just in time for me to fly back to VT for next week...and more snow. Pray for sunshine and spring time.
Gave Ralph an early b-day present tonite. Tickets to Florida for a long-weekend visit with our friends, Janet & Ron. We're so excited. Haven't seen them in a year! I know Ralph's also looking forward to playing some golf w/ Ron. I'm just looking forward to hanging w/ our friends & getting to be outside in warm, sunny weather. Sand vs snow :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Snow Day!
Sweet Mocha!
The backyard looks so different in the winter!
It's our first official snow of 2009. Actually, sleet & snow that goes on and on and on..... .
I'm working from home this week and can't seem to get away from the snow. However, the forecast for Burlington is 12" plus. I probably would've gotten stuck in VT this week so my guardian angel is working over time. My Jury Duty was cancelled today - which is the reason I am working at home this week. Yippee! Let's hope I'm off the Jury Duty list for now.
As pretty as the snow is, I'm ready for the BEACH! Thinking warm and sunny!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Where were you on Jan 20, 2009?
Today was a "where-were-you-when" day for me. Like many others, we mark time in our lives based on "where we were" on certain dates. For many of us - the Baby Boomer generation - the JFK presidency may have been the first such event. The first man on the moon -where were you? (I was at the lake w/ my parents) Other memorial dates were tragic - MLK & Robert Kennedy's assainations; war/ peach rallies, Woodstock, the Challenger, 9/11 - the list goes on. Whatever your politics, the inauguration of Barach Obama was an historic day.
So where was I? Burlington, Vermont at FAHC in an auditorium over-filled with strangers, hospital employees, med students, physicians, nurse - watching CNN "live" on the theater screen. All ages, races - at rapt attention - all listening, clapping, thoughtful. Looking around, I realized as never before, how engaged so many people are in "politics" and how hopeful they are. It was a sentiment I heard quietly discussed today. I feel that same way - very hopeful about the future.
When I spoke to Katie earlier today, she said the TV scenes reminded her of the Forrest Gump movie scenes in D.C.! I laughed because, as I was taking it all in, that same thought crossed my mind. But then it really reminded me of those times depicted on film and in photos - in the '60s and ''70s - huge crowds rallying on the Mall in Washington. We saw monumental changes during those times. Perhaps a glimpse into changes we will see ahead? Let us have hope.
So where was I? Burlington, Vermont at FAHC in an auditorium over-filled with strangers, hospital employees, med students, physicians, nurse - watching CNN "live" on the theater screen. All ages, races - at rapt attention - all listening, clapping, thoughtful. Looking around, I realized as never before, how engaged so many people are in "politics" and how hopeful they are. It was a sentiment I heard quietly discussed today. I feel that same way - very hopeful about the future.
When I spoke to Katie earlier today, she said the TV scenes reminded her of the Forrest Gump movie scenes in D.C.! I laughed because, as I was taking it all in, that same thought crossed my mind. But then it really reminded me of those times depicted on film and in photos - in the '60s and ''70s - huge crowds rallying on the Mall in Washington. We saw monumental changes during those times. Perhaps a glimpse into changes we will see ahead? Let us have hope.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Christmas 2008
What's in there? Santa brought presents for the boys
!
Mary, Zack, Nick and Tommy
Kyle, Zack, Nick and Ralph
A picture is worth a thousand words. It's all about boys and their toys. Look what Santa brought.
Mary and Zack (all decked out & ready to
skateboard!)
Katie and Troy, looking cute, at our Christmas celebration.
!Mary, Zack, Nick and Tommy
Kyle, Zack, Nick and Ralph
A picture is worth a thousand words. It's all about boys and their toys. Look what Santa brought.
Mary and Zack (all decked out & ready to
skateboard!)
Katie and Troy, looking cute, at our Christmas celebration.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Christmas has come and gone and now it's New Year's Day. Vegging on the couch & thinking about how we used to stay up late & feel fine the next day. Ralph is watching the Chicago Blackhawks team playing Detroit Red Wings hockey team, outdoors at Wrigley (baseball) Field.
Trying his hardest to stay awake. :-)
We had a small NY Eve party here last nite - wonderful friends, great food & drinks....and Wii competition! Well, gosh, if nursing homes can have Wii competitions, so can Wii (we) as Sandy would say! Watching everyone play is as funny as trying to play the games yourself. I think the cow races were the fave.
We had a little extra excitement last nite when we had to call 911. EMS crew arrived & whisked our friend Chuck off to the hospital. His BP was dangerously low, etc. He was admitted & is undergoing tests. And, probably fearful...not only of his test results but of his wife Ellen's "wrath." A true competitor, Ellen was geared up to win the Wii competition and was busily enjoying the beer sampling portion of the evening when EMS arrived. We've told Ellen there will be a "do-over" Wii event just for them as soon as Chuck is able. Prayers for Chuck & Ellen.
Katie & Troy will be home from Pasadena tonite with lots of stories and pictures. Can't wait to see them both. We missed them at Christmas this year. I know how much Troy will have enjoyed seeing his sisters and families this year. They got to meet a new niece, Claire, who looks adorable in her pics.
And, this weekend we will be celebrating little Zachary's 3rd b-day! Our youngest grandchild is giving his parents plenty of gray hair. His middle name is Trouble & he's so darn cute it's hard not to laugh at whatever he does.
And finally, we wish love and good health to all of our family and friends. We hope to see all of you more and pray for a happ new year!
Trying his hardest to stay awake. :-)
We had a small NY Eve party here last nite - wonderful friends, great food & drinks....and Wii competition! Well, gosh, if nursing homes can have Wii competitions, so can Wii (we) as Sandy would say! Watching everyone play is as funny as trying to play the games yourself. I think the cow races were the fave.
We had a little extra excitement last nite when we had to call 911. EMS crew arrived & whisked our friend Chuck off to the hospital. His BP was dangerously low, etc. He was admitted & is undergoing tests. And, probably fearful...not only of his test results but of his wife Ellen's "wrath." A true competitor, Ellen was geared up to win the Wii competition and was busily enjoying the beer sampling portion of the evening when EMS arrived. We've told Ellen there will be a "do-over" Wii event just for them as soon as Chuck is able. Prayers for Chuck & Ellen.
Katie & Troy will be home from Pasadena tonite with lots of stories and pictures. Can't wait to see them both. We missed them at Christmas this year. I know how much Troy will have enjoyed seeing his sisters and families this year. They got to meet a new niece, Claire, who looks adorable in her pics.
And, this weekend we will be celebrating little Zachary's 3rd b-day! Our youngest grandchild is giving his parents plenty of gray hair. His middle name is Trouble & he's so darn cute it's hard not to laugh at whatever he does.
And finally, we wish love and good health to all of our family and friends. We hope to see all of you more and pray for a happ new year!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Getting ready for Santa
I've finished my first week in Vermont, as a consultant on an electronic health record project. The people were great & Vermont was just as I had expected. Cold and snowy, people are very laid back. Kind of reminds me of Colorado mountain area. Luckily, I was able to travel between snow storms & am working from home for the last 2 wks of December.
We celebrated Christmas with both Katie & Troy and with extended family this weekend. We had a wonderful time and feel very blessed to have such a great family.
Santa will be visiting here for Christmas with Tommy, Mary and the boys. We're looking forward to celebrating with them, too!
I don't think I'll get Christmas cards out this year. I needed to have them done & in the mail before December began since my work schedule was going to be so arduous. I'm sorry that didn't happen - I love sending and receiving the cards.
Well, I'm off to help Santa and the elves wrap presents!
We celebrated Christmas with both Katie & Troy and with extended family this weekend. We had a wonderful time and feel very blessed to have such a great family.
Santa will be visiting here for Christmas with Tommy, Mary and the boys. We're looking forward to celebrating with them, too!
I don't think I'll get Christmas cards out this year. I needed to have them done & in the mail before December began since my work schedule was going to be so arduous. I'm sorry that didn't happen - I love sending and receiving the cards.
Well, I'm off to help Santa and the elves wrap presents!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A day off - finally!
Finally, a day off. 10 days & 120 hrs later, I have a day off. All I wanted to do was sleep. It was a wonderful day.
I did some Christmas shopping, got to see Katie, spend time with Ralph ,play with Mocha. Like a normal person again! Having a normal day. I have another 2 days off with sleeping, catching up on TiVo'd shows, wrapping presents and packing on my agenda. Then it will be off to Vermont & onto a new adventure on Sunday.
I did some Christmas shopping, got to see Katie, spend time with Ralph ,play with Mocha. Like a normal person again! Having a normal day. I have another 2 days off with sleeping, catching up on TiVo'd shows, wrapping presents and packing on my agenda. Then it will be off to Vermont & onto a new adventure on Sunday.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Winter's here!
It's already December 5 - less than 3 wks until Christmas! Where does the time go?
We recently received our family photos and with luck, we will share them here. The grandkids are getting big & anxious for Santa. Santa hasn't finished with the gifts and is so busy, I don't when that will happen.
I'm routintely working 14+hr days and will be working every day thru 12/11. My last day at the hsp. I'm sad to be leaving so many wonderful people that I've met over the past two yrs.
I begin a consulting position in Vermont on 12/15. Isn't that crazy? What sane person purposely goes to VT in the winter? I'm looking forward to a new endeavor altho I am worried about winter travel and airport delays, etc in January & February. I'll just have to bring extra patience (& warm clothes) on my trips :)
Ralph and Mocha will get to enjoy each other's company so much this winter. Mocha's very excited to spend time with him altho I'm afraid she may get her feelings hurt when she discovers that love is one-sided.
Happy winter!
We recently received our family photos and with luck, we will share them here. The grandkids are getting big & anxious for Santa. Santa hasn't finished with the gifts and is so busy, I don't when that will happen.
I'm routintely working 14+hr days and will be working every day thru 12/11. My last day at the hsp. I'm sad to be leaving so many wonderful people that I've met over the past two yrs.
I begin a consulting position in Vermont on 12/15. Isn't that crazy? What sane person purposely goes to VT in the winter? I'm looking forward to a new endeavor altho I am worried about winter travel and airport delays, etc in January & February. I'll just have to bring extra patience (& warm clothes) on my trips :)
Ralph and Mocha will get to enjoy each other's company so much this winter. Mocha's very excited to spend time with him altho I'm afraid she may get her feelings hurt when she discovers that love is one-sided.
Happy winter!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
What a beautiful day it was here in St Louis...sunny & warm. We had dinner with Katie & Troy topped off with the yummy pies that Troy made. What a bonus! A great son-in-law & he bakes great pies! Ralph & I bought a Wii - can you believe it? - so we had a little friendly Wii competition after dinner. Too funny.
We missed Tommy, Mary & the boys. They spent the day with Mary's parents & playing outside in the park. I know how much easier it is to celebrate a holiday one time vs 2 or 3 places & meals especially when you have little ones. But we missed them nonetheless. I think it's the 1st Turkey Day we haven't seen Tommy.
We just returned from seeing the movie "Four Christmases" Hilarious. We really enjoyed it!
Now Ralph's getting his annual Thanksgiving Day fix - the Cowboy football game. I don't hear yelling so that might mean good things for the Cowboys!
Well, this will be the big Christmas decorating wk end for us...putting the tree up & decorating inside. I have to work 11 days straight beginning Dec 1 so it's this weekend or never. I start my new consulting job the wk of 12/15...in balmy Vermont. Thinking I had better get a down coat & some warm boots!
We rec'd our family pics in the mail yesterday so we have some new pictures to share.
And, finally. Happy Birthday Aunt Sandy!
What a beautiful day it was here in St Louis...sunny & warm. We had dinner with Katie & Troy topped off with the yummy pies that Troy made. What a bonus! A great son-in-law & he bakes great pies! Ralph & I bought a Wii - can you believe it? - so we had a little friendly Wii competition after dinner. Too funny.
We missed Tommy, Mary & the boys. They spent the day with Mary's parents & playing outside in the park. I know how much easier it is to celebrate a holiday one time vs 2 or 3 places & meals especially when you have little ones. But we missed them nonetheless. I think it's the 1st Turkey Day we haven't seen Tommy.
We just returned from seeing the movie "Four Christmases" Hilarious. We really enjoyed it!
Now Ralph's getting his annual Thanksgiving Day fix - the Cowboy football game. I don't hear yelling so that might mean good things for the Cowboys!
Well, this will be the big Christmas decorating wk end for us...putting the tree up & decorating inside. I have to work 11 days straight beginning Dec 1 so it's this weekend or never. I start my new consulting job the wk of 12/15...in balmy Vermont. Thinking I had better get a down coat & some warm boots!
We rec'd our family pics in the mail yesterday so we have some new pictures to share.
And, finally. Happy Birthday Aunt Sandy!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Nov 9
Whew, we had a busy weekend. We attended a family wedding - Brooke & Jason were married on Saturday. They're a beautiful couple and it was great seeing everyone again. Danced the nite away, had some drinks & were exhausted on Sunday. It's funny. We used to be able to do that with no problem. :)
We had family pics on Sunday afternoon. Brrrr, it was cold out & we had pics taken outside! Last weekend it was almost 80 degrees and today it was in the '30s and windy.Only in St Louis. It was kind of a rocky photo session for the little guys but hopefully Kelly Manno was able to get some great pics. We will see the phots again in a few weeks. She has offered to do an additional photo session in the Spring so we'll have more pics to share.
We had family pics on Sunday afternoon. Brrrr, it was cold out & we had pics taken outside! Last weekend it was almost 80 degrees and today it was in the '30s and windy.Only in St Louis. It was kind of a rocky photo session for the little guys but hopefully Kelly Manno was able to get some great pics. We will see the phots again in a few weeks. She has offered to do an additional photo session in the Spring so we'll have more pics to share.
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