The Wettest Independence Day Ever!

We drove the hour and a half to Owenton KY after advising Jim we would be gone for two nights.  I actually was thinking "we are storing our RV here for two days for $82!" But such is life.

After getting our belongings and food contributions settled in at Karen's, we rode the pontoon over to Cindy and Tim's to see their new place.  They have a four bedroom house so it is bigger than Karen's but they wanted bedrooms for each of their kids and their families to have their own bedroom.  They have done a lot but have big plans to do way more.  We took a ride with them on the pontoon too.

One of the many coves.

We saw a fawn all by itself at the edge of the lake.  It eventually ran off into the woods where hopefully its mother was waiting.  A bunch of turtles were resting on a log.

Ronnie grilled pork chops and Cindy, Tim and Landon joined us for dinner.  People were arriving at the four various houses all day Wednesday and Thursday morning.

We awoke to rain on Thursday and it never stopped.  We drove to Ed and Vicki's new place to see it.  Dan and Sue had arrived there along with two of Ed's friends.  We spent several hours visiting but then went home to get ready for them to come over for dinner.  Steve and family had arrived at David's (who was working since he owns Queen City Pyrotechnics) but with the rain, we never made it across the lake to say hi.  David has had a house on the lake for years and we have been there before.

There were 17 adults and two little ones.  Karen and I were just glad they didn't bring the three dogs since it kept raining.

When they left we sat on the screened porch and Ronnie said he could hear a raccoon "chattering."  We all listened and heard it but none of us knew that was a sound a raccoon made.  Sure enough a very young one was spotted behind the trash can used for recycling aluminum cans.  I tried to get a picture but it was too dark.  He eventually took off up the hill.

It rained all night again.  It certainly wasn't a great day for the boaters, swimmers and fishermen at the lake on Thursday.  We had a light breakfast this morning.  Cindy and Tim came in their pontoon to say goodbye and then we got ourselves ready and came back to the trailer.  All was fine even with all the rain.

We hope to see Ted's sister Kathy today.  Her son and family are due in from Columbus some time.  We are just hanging loose for now.

A good family is one that spends time together once in a while. A great family creates memories that lasts for generations. ~ 

Michael Kilby 

 

Happy Independence Day

I understand there is a push on to correctly identify what July 4 is in America.  So I have done my small part with my title.  I remember when Memorial Day was called Decoration Day.  I don't know when that changed.  And Veteran's Day used to be Armistice Day.  I will not change Merry Christmas into Happy Holidays, however.  There is no offense intended in wishing someone to join in your celebration.  I will gladly accept their wishes to me on their special days.  

Ted attended his Enquirer luncheon and he said there was a good turn out.  They discussed the printing of the paper being moved to the Columbus Dispatch which closed the Enquirer's production facility in Cincinnati.  The financial health of the pressmen's pension was also talked about but most of the old timers are not concerned about it in their lifetime.  Ted's is so small since he stopped contributing in 1981 that it has virtually no financial impact on us thank goodness.

My lunch with the girls was great!  Geneva, Donna O, Charlene, Mary, Diane, Cookie, Donna P and yours truly, Donna R, had a 2.5 hour lunch and it would have gone on longer if Ted hadn't called to say he was ready to pick me up. We laughed so much but there were a few tears over Mary's brother Joe who was buried just a few weeks ago.  Mary was a year behind us and Joe was in our class.  He was my very first boyfriend in 6th grade.  He named his daughter Donna which always made me feel special (though he and his wife may have just liked the name!).  Last year when I saw the whole group he gave me a peck on the cheek when I was leaving and said goodbye.  I didn't know it really would be.

Everyone looked so good and we talked of our 50th high school reunion.  Five of us were in the Class of 1963 at Mother of Mercy High School.  I will be flying in and there will be a dinner for the entire St. Bonnie's group including the fellows the night before the reunion.  I will be double dipping on both grade school and high school memories.  What fun!  

As we left the restaurant Ted said he had to go back to the parking lot at Meijer's because a lady needed a battery jump.  He told her he had to pick me up but would return.  I don't know if they were surprised he returned but he soon had them on their way.  I hope they remember the gentleman from Texas who kept his word.

We ran by Gabriel's, a store we like to browse through, and Ted bought a pair of jeans and I got a few tops.  The summer clearance prices were good.  We came back to the RV and eventually had some dinner.  It was a quiet evening.  We are heading to Elk Lake today so there will be no postings before Friday at the earliest.

Today I am remembering our trip to Idaho where we saw beautiful "amber waves of grain" blowing in a gentle breeze and the "purple mountain majesties" of the Tetons at the same time.  God surely has "shed his grace" on us.  Never forget those who given all for our freedoms.  These are difficult times and it is time for us to remember our "rights" stop where "the other guy's nose begins."  

        

Tripping Over Relatives Again

On Saturday Kara and crew came by to get Sam and they got on their way at noon heading to the Wright Patterson Air Force museum in Dayton OH.  We had lunch and didn't do much until it was time for church.  As we pulled up, Barb and Kevin, Ted's brother, were walking in and we honked.  They waited for us and we sat together.  Barb pointed out my cousin Paul and his wife Janet in the congregation.  It has been decades since I have seen them.  I recognized Paul but not Janet.  I caught up with them to say hello.  He and my mother were first cousins so he knew who I was when I mentioned her name.  They are both past 80 and appear to be in frail health.  Barb said Paul was a pall bearer for her father.  Westside Cincinnati is really a small town.

We went to their new house to visit for awhile.  They have a house where they can live on one floor but has a finished walk out basement for crowds or overnight company.  You just don't buy a house in this area without a basement and it provides oodles of living space.  It was a great house and beautifully decorated of course.

Megan and Greg dropped 2 year old Leo off for the night and he entertained us for some time.  He was just into everything and messed up Grandma's perfect order in no time.  We were glad to see him and his parents too if only to say hello and goodbye.  We stopped at Skyline Chili on the way home.  Now we have that and LaRosa's taken care of.  Next up, a United Dairy Farmer malt.

Ted went shooting Sunday morning and when he came back we went to Sam's for the rest of our food cravings - goetta, Skyline, brats and turtle soup.  We are well stocked now!

We had planned to go to the movies Saturday night but spent the time with his family so we went late afternoon on Sunday.  We saw The Heat with Sandra Bullock.  It was a funny movie but the language was terrible.  If you took all the curse words out, especially the F word, there would have been no dialogue.  For this reason alone I would say skip it.  The story and acting were fine and would have been a good movie otherwise.  

We were astonished at movie prices.  With the kids in Bowling Green it was $44 for 2 kid and 2 senior tickets plus 2 medium slushes!  Yesterday was just $12 for 2 senior tickets.  I refuse to be gouged with their refreshment prices but people were lined up 6 deep to pay such outrageous sums for what you get.  Oh for the days of West Hills theater where you could see a double feature, cartoon, previews and a serial for a quarter and candy was six cents, pop and popcorn a dime each.  I am showing my age!!

Today is Ted's Enquirer retiree luncheon and tomorrow I have lunch with the St. Bonnie's girls.  I hope there is a good turnout at both places.  It is so much fun to visit with these folks that we have known for so long.  Mine go back to kindergarten (1950) and Ted's to the early 60's.  Like I said, westside Cincinnati is a small town.

Wednesday we will drive to Elk Lake in KY for the July 4 celebrations and stay until Friday.  There are two more family cabins bought this past year for us to see.  Karen's daughter and Danny's son are both busy building docks at their new vacation homes.  Karen and Ron just sold theirs to their son Terry (after 30+ years) so the four of us will have to finagle places to stay from now on!  For now we will all be staying in Terry's newly purchased cabin.  Karen and Ron of course have an open invitation to stay there whenever they want.

We are attending Mass and having dinner with our maid of honor and best man on Saturday.  They just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.  This is another relationship that goes back to the early 60's.  We so enjoy catching up with them on our visits to this area.  

Then on Sunday we move on to Grand Lake in St. Mary OH for some shooting, fishing and time visiting my brother Dan and Sue.  She enjoyed our trip to Shipshewana last year so much she asked if we could go again.  So Tuesday we'll do just that.  We love visiting the Amish country.

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~ Erma Bombeck

Fishing Grandma

Thursday dawned bright and sunny.  Too bright and sunny for the kids to be in the outside pool with their fair skin all day.  So we decided to go to Tom's home to feed the ducks and fish.  Little did I know I was with a bunch of squeamish fishermen!

We fed the ducks and found the white ones very aggressive towards the one Canada goose and the half dozen Mallards.  Until the white ones were finished, the others didn't even come around,  then there was lots of honking and chasing until the white ones all swam away like a little army.

Bill had borrowed some fishing gear up at the house.  While waiting, I used the remaining bread to make dough balls using soda as the moistener.  Ted no sooner put his line in the water while helping Morgan than he had a fish.  But they all stood around looking at it!  I told them to take it off and throw it back and they asked how.  Ted wanted something to hold it with.  So I went over, grabbed the poor little fish, took the hook out of its mouth and tossed it back.

Sam wasn't having any luck so I suggested we use worms Bill brought down.  I grossed him out cutting the worm in two with my fingernail and threading it on the hook.  Sam did catch a fish but the hook was through its gills.  So after washing the worm mess off my hands I now had fish blood on them getting the fish off the hook.  I knew it wouldn't make it but didn't want to cut it up for bait in front of the kids so I tossed it off to the side.  After several nibbles it disappeared under the water and they didn't notice. 

Ted's big catch of the day!  

I think we caught about a dozen 5 inch bluegills or sunfish, not sure which.  But the kids had fun and learned a little something in the process about fishing - and Grandma's hidden talents!  I didn't spend   summers at Grand Lake as a kid and not learn a few things.

We stopped to meet Tom's very extended family and they were the nicest folks.  Later we went to dinner at the Mellow Mushroom then headed home to prepare for our Friday departure.

Our trip to Cincinnati was uneventful with no construction or Nascar race traffic delays.  Jim was glad to see us and had our spot ready.  We had settled in and were cleaning up from lunch when there was a knock on the door.  Sherry, Wyatt and Amanda stopped by on their way home from the vet.  They couldn't  stay long because all three dogs were in the car.  It was great to see them.  Our time here is short and we won't have time to see everyone so I am glad they stopped by.

When the Kara entourage arrived, we went to LaRosa's for pizza.  It was after 8:00 and we were all starving.  We drove past the two houses Kara lived in here as a child to show Bill.  She was entering Middle School when we moved to Michigan.

Sam spent the night with us and they will be by soon to get him.  The kids will spend the next 10 days with their father and then we will be there for almost three weeks to help out while they are out of school.

Our friends Jay and Stella will be at the Michigan campground while we are there.  We haven't seen them since February when they left the Rio Grande valley.  We are looking forward to spending time with them.  I want to try some of the Facebook recipes and hopefully they will be my test subjects since Ted won't!

Rolling in Bowling Green

Today we met the kids at their motel and drove to Mammoth Cave National Park.  We had tickets purchased on line for the New Entrance Tour.  We had done the Historic Tour two years ago while in the area.  Despite the warnings we had no problems negotiating this tour either.

Tour Description

This trip begins with a bus ride over the top of the cave to the New Entrance. Discovered in the 1920's it opened a whole new opportunity for visitors to see Mammoth Cave.

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hr. 00 min.
• Distance: .75 miles
• Number of Steps: 500
• Accessible: No
• Effort: Moderate

Know Before You Go

This trip will have an elevation change of 250 feet and you will descend and climb a total of 500 steps.

Accessibility

Not accessible.

Amenities

No restrooms.

The Frozen Niagara area at the end of this tour was spectacular.   It was worth all the steps and walking  to get there.

We parted company and went to lunch while they all headed back to the motel to swim.  At 5:00 the kids were  brought back to the park and we took them to see Monster U followed by a trip to McDonald's for them.  Ted had a cone while they ate but I didn't order anything.  Our lunch had been about 2:30 and I wasn't hungry.

While we had the kids Bill and Kara took his friends and their wives to dinner.  I am sure they enjoyed their time out with just adults.

After we came back to the park, they came for the kids and took our laundry back with them.  They have access at night to the commercial laundry at the motel and said they would do what I had.  We have nine days worth plus the bedclothes so it will be a big help.

Not sure what is up for tomorrow.  We have storm warnings for tonight and it has started raining.  We will regroup in the morning

 

Back in Central Time

I didn't leave the RV all day on Monday.  By the time I slept in, got things put where they belonged, took a shower and dressed, it was raining pretty hard outside.  I said a quiet "thank you" for the great weather we had all weekend during the reunion.  Taking it easy the rest of the day was just what I needed.  The owner finally stopped by to get his check and had no idea how many nights we had stayed.  Crazy way to run a business.

On Tuesday we headed south to Bowling Green where we are in a KOA because it is at the same exit as the motel that Bill's friend owns where he, Kara and the kids are staying.  Two free rooms are hard to pass up.  They came down Sunday and spent the day at Lost Cave yesterday.  Ted and I visited it two years ago so they went before our arrival.

The whole bunch of them arrived at the KOA park and we took a ride to Bill's friends' house and visited an Aviation Park.  You can sit in your car and listen to a description of the planes and the Kentuckians who flew them.  Then we got out to look at them up close.

We stopped at JCP to return Ted's Father's Day gift and then stopped at Brands where he got something else.   

Next we went over to the motel pool for a picnic.  Because we are close to Camping World we went there to get toilet chemicals before we started swimming.  Finally we went back and went swimming until early evening.

Tomorrow we are going to Mammoth Cave.  We took the Historical tour two years ago.  I think we are doing the Entrance tour tomorrow if Kara got a reservation.  Otherwise we will take what is available.

At 18 our convictions are hills from which we look; at 45 they are caves in which we hide.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

All Quiet in Bardstown

We spent Wednesday night in Hurricane Mills, TN, home of the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch.  There is a campground there but we stayed at a KOA near the interstate.  However, we did ride through the area and it is quite nice.  Maybe next time.

Our arrival in Bardstown coincided with a few others arriving early so once we were set up we met up with Keith, Steve and Marge and walked into town to browse.  We visited the Talbot Tavern where we decided to partake of the bourbon sauce over bread pudding.  In this town, bourbon is king!  Later on we ate dinner at Mammy's, the old five and dime turned into a restaurant.  I had a Kentucky Hot Brown, indigenous to this area - first made at the Brown Hotel in Louisville - and it was the best one I have ever had.  It is ham and turkey over toast, covered with a cheese sauce and topped off with a tomato and bacon slices then broiled.  Yummy!

On Friday morning we returned to the hotel and helped Charles get the goody bags, shirts, name tags, etc. ready for everyone who would be arriving later in the day.  We had a total of 96 participants this year, down from the 133 in 2011.  We lost a whole family who had another gathering out west to attend.

Once finished, Ted returned to the trailer to wash the rig and windows.  He also had to get our propane tanks filled.  I chose to take the trolley ride through town and visit the Barton Distillery with Keith, Steve and Marge.  They can keep their bourbon tastings and just go straight to the bourbon candy for me!  But the science of making bourbon is very interesting.  There are some new machines and things but the technique remains the same.  I learned President Johnson had a law passed stating that bourbon 1) has to be made in the US; 2) it must be at least 51% and no more than 80% corn with the remaining ingredients being rye or wheat (never both) and barley.  Others outside the US can make bourbon, they just can't call it bourbon.  All bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon.

Bardstown was voted the most beautiful small town by Conde Nast this past year.  Beautiful rolling hill, horses and constant employment distilling bourbon has made a wonderful life for the folks in the area.  We ate lunch at Hurst Drug Store's original soda and lunch counter.  We missed the crowd because on weekends it really gets packed.

By late afternoon everyone had arrived and we had a light dinner and "meet and greet" for everyone followed by an evening in the pool.

On Saturday everyone scattered in different directions.  Ted and Brandon went to Brooks, KY to shoot.  I spent the day with Kara, Bill, Morgan, Sam, Karen and Ron.  I took another trolley ride with the kids and saw and learned a few more things about the area and making bourbon.  Your tour guide makes a big difference and the route was different the second time.

We separated and had lunch again at Mammy's so Karen could have a Hot Brown, a favorite of hers too.  Ronnie had a special dinner companion.  The inside of the restaurant has changed little from its five and dime days and the old tin ceiling is original.

Saturday night we all gathered at the Carriage House and had our big dinner.  Cousin Dave welcomed everyone and asked that people check the accuracy of their personal information on the Family Tree I had worked on.  Charles did a terrific book of old photos (I was 2.5 years old and 10 years old in some of them) and he has a photo of my great-grandparents' wedding in January 1907.  I still have no official documentation for this and the date is handwritten but I asked for a copy to put with the Census Reports that list their years married.  I attended their 50th wedding anniversary in 1957 so I know the date is right but I would like to have it in a legal document.

 

 

 

After a big dinner the card games started while others went outside for a night time swim.  We closed up the pool and the hall except there were three players left playing Texas Hold 'Em when we left.  I don't know how long they kept the employees waiting to close up shop.  Ronnie eventually won when Brian went "all in" just to end the game.

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning was goodbye to most folks.  We all had breakfast in the Carriage House and those of us left went to St. Joseph Cathedral for Mass at 11:30.  Afterwards we drove to Shepherdsville to the Zappo's 6 PM shoe outlet.  Our lucky day!  Not only were the shoes 50% off, there was an additional 40% off the total!  We bought five pairs of shoes (Ted 2, Me 3) for $117.  They are brand name, expensive shoes but at really good prices.  Karen bought a pair and so did Ron.

We returned to the hotel and went swimming in an uncrowded, quiet pool.  Later Ted and I treated the 10 of us still there to dinner at the Stephen Foster restaurant next door.  Everyone had been buying us things all weekend and this gave us a chance to reciprocate.

I had purchased tickets for all of us to see The Stephen Foster Story, an outdoor production performed at My Old Kentucky Home state park amphitheater.  It had been really hot but the temperature dropped about 10 degrees and the humidity is nothing like we are used to so it was quite comfortable.

The production was very well done and of course listening to Beautiful Dreamer, Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, Camptown Races, Oh Suzanna, My Old Kentucky Home and many others was so enjoyable.  How the play ends and what is written about Stephen Foster in the program has made me want to read his biography.  Of course the play had a happy ending when Jeannie agrees to marry him but he died at age 37 after a fall "in his room in the Bowery."  It sounds as if he was alone.  Now I am curious what happened after they married.  Stay tuned.

It was goodbye and hugs at the hotel when we got back to get our truck to come back to the campground.  We will see Ron and Karen at the lake and Keith, Steve and Marge in February for the wedding.  It will probably be two years before we see Lisa, Marshall and Brandon again.

Today we slept in and are just trying to get things caught up and back in order.  We have been gone so much that we still haven't paid for our spot.  The fact that there is no office or employees here hasn't helped.  If they don't come by for their money before tomorrow morning, I will mail the check to this address.  Not a great way to run a business!

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, everybody needs one. ~ Jane Howard.

From Arkansas

Good news!  I found my Michael Kors sunglasses in the console of my car.  I guess I should look in there every now and then.

We have found another spot for the wedding and are checking on hotels.  We did not have to change dates.  Things are calm there for the time being.   

We made it to Texarkana last night and left there this morning at 7:30.  We are now east of Little Rock approaching construction on I-40.  Just passed a bridge being built, no delay!

We will stop short of Nashville this afternoon and finish up tomorrow.  Looking forward to seeing the 90 relatives able to make the reunion this year.

   ~   Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk.

Hitting The Road

Things were going along pretty well until I tried to block rooms for the wedding.  That is when I learned the wedding is the day before the Daytona 500.  Rooms were hard to come by and very expensive but I had a block at two hotels and just needed their final choice to lock them in.

Then I was ready to walk out the door on Monday morning.  Ted brought me my phone, he said I had a voicemail.  It must have rung while I was in the shower.

It was from Kristin informing me she received an email from Maison and Jardon saying they were losing their lease the end of October and were not renewing.  Therefore the February wedding reservation was cancelled.  They have been in business since 1972 and choose to close four months before the wedding!

I had to go to bunco but she and I spent most of the day on the phone.  There were so many variables.  If we moved the date up, could we pull it together?  Could we move it up a day to Friday?  Were the church, photographer and DJ available the day before?  Should we move it to spring?  There are no weddings in Catholic Churches during Lent so it was 3/1 at the latest or wait until the first Saturday in May.  We have an Ohio wedding April 26 so that pushed us back even further.

When we lived in Florida we were members of the DeBary Golf and Country Club which gave us access to the Citrus Club in downtown Orlando.  It was a shot in the dark but we called them. Today they got back to us and they have the date open!  All right!

Now we are back to finding a block of rooms in downtown Orlando.  I don't want any more surprises with this wedding.  Let's hope it is smooth sailing at least for awhile.

We left this morning and are in Texarkana, Arkansas for the night.  We will hit somewhere between Memphis and Nashville tomorrow with a push into Bardstown on Thursday.  

Take care and have a cool summer.

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

~ Germaine Greer 

NOT Cruising

All of a sudden everything seemed to be creeping up on me and I found myself with a lot to get done.  I made a nail appointment, hair appointment and dentist appointment.  I arranged for my hanging baskets to be taken care of for the summer since Chris "doesn't do flowers."  There were so many phone calls to make - reservations for some of the campgrounds we are going to, our mail service, hotel block for the wedding, CD rollover (laughable situation if it wasn't so sad!), etc., etc., etc.  Where was all this coming from at the last minute????

I cleaned the house top to bottom last Thursday and Friday.  I wore myself out but I certainly did sleep well those two nights.  After church on Saturday we went to Terry and Carol's for dinner because their daughter and son-in-law were in for a visit.  They have hosted three of their four kids the past month.  Plus they were in Illinois last month for a First Communion and are going to New York for a graduation.  It seems everyone is on the go.

Monday night I had them over for dinner and we played cards afterwards.  We were teaching Shanghai to Sharon and Don so they could play Wednesday night with our group.

I put in four hours at the Thrift Shop on Tuesday so I have 8 of my 50 hours done so far.  Considering that's all I will have until September, it isn't a very big number but with good planning and sign-up help from my friends I should be OK by next May when the year ends.

I went from there to the dentist and had planned to meet Gerre for dinner but such a terrible thunderstorm rolled through we decided not to meet.  The next day she dropped off a beautiful pendant made of sea glass for me for watching Tucker.  It wasn't necessary but certainly is appreciated.

Wednesday was our buffet dinner and card night at the golf course clubhouse.  They do a nice job of dinner for a good price.  I came in second at my table by one point and Ted lost second place by one point at his table!  My dime purse was getting low so I was glad to get some back.  Of course they will sit now until we return in September.

I attended my last neighborhood luncheon until the Fall.  The one person I wanted to talk to had a funeral to attend so I didn't get to ask her about having her master bath redone.  Her husband is also on the water board and I wanted to know if we are allowed to go to three days watering.  Two days is OK now because we've had rain but the temperatures are going to increase and the rains come less so I will have to instruct Chris on how to add a day to the timer if they lift the restriction while we are gone.  I don't want a $100 fine every week for watering one day too many.  Big Brother is watching everywhere it seems!

I have turned our Mi-Fi back on for the summer.  It is our Internet connection while we are gone.  I love being able to use my computer and I-Pad in the car while traveling.  We have two plugs also if the batteries wear down.  Such advancement in technology. 

We are packing and loading this weekend.  Besides church tomorrow evening, we have no social plans.  Ted will shoot on Sunday.  I am playing bunco on Monday.  Tuesday we head out with an expected arrival in Bardstown, KY on Thursday.

Next time you hear from me it should be from the Bourbon Trail.  What an appropriate place for my family to meet.  If you gave my kids a sniff of bourbon and asked them what it reminded them of they would say Uncle Ray and Uncle Bill.  God rest their souls.

“Tough girls come from New York. Sweet girls, they're from Georgia. But us Kentucky girls, we have fire and ice in our blood. We can ride horses, be a debutante, throw left hooks, and drink with the boys, all the while making sweet tea, darlin'. And if we have an opinion, you know you're gonna hear it.”


  ~ Ashley Judd







  

Just Cruising

Well the Feds never did come arrest me but I told my niece they had and I was communicating on the  computer in my shoe just like Maxwell Smart.  I hope she is old enough to remember him.  It took Alison an hour and a half and $90 to clear up that mess.  I really need a new computer but I use my IPad so much I don't know if I want to bother.  Some junk can get through firewalls no matter what I guess.

Yesterday I worked at the thrift store.  After three hours of hauling bags, bending and sorting, I chose to sit down and cut off buttons.  No one seems to like to do that but I was able to empty the basket.  Who knew there was such a big market for buttons?

Today I am going to look for a dress for the wedding.  If it takes 3-4 months to come in as I have been advised it may, I will have time in the fall to get it altered (I know it will need to be hemmed since God built me so close to the ground).  Wish me luck!

Another niece and her husband are coming in from Alabama this weekend so we may have more family time visiting with them.  My sister-in-law Carol is not getting a lot of breathing room between house guests.

Tucker went home yesterday after spending the week.  We both missed him immediately.  It takes a day or two to stop looking around for him.  He is such a good dog, no trouble at all and is welcome back anytime.

I did reserve our Eastern European Riverboat cruise for August of 2014.  These ships are small and rooms fill up fast.  There are 70 cabins on this ship so it is the same size as the one we took to do western Europe.  Our France trip only had  39 passengers.  Keith, Steve and Marge are onboard (pun intended) and will make their reservations today.  They were waiting for me to get a group name and number.  If anyone is interested in joining us, let me know.  This will be our fourth trip with Grand Circle Tours and we have loved them all.  After our 12 day cruise we are going to Prague for four days.

I am confident and optimistic about the future but that did not stop me from buying the Cancel For Any Reason insurance.  It also covers a multitude of other things including the medical insurance the Czech Republic demands you carry.  Medicare does not pay outside the U.S. and is a consideration when traveling.  Because GCT has our records they reminded me both our passports expire in 2014 and that needs to be tended to also.  We will do that after February when we will be finished going over to Mexico.  Paperwork!!!

Before I get bombarded with "there is so much to see right here" comments I want to state we have been from Anchorage to Tijuana, Nova Scotia to Key West, San Diego to Jacksonville and most places in between.  We have visited most large cities and a multitude of small towns USA; national parks in the west and the height of Mount Ranier in the north.  We've seen the power of Niagara Falls and the majesty of Saguaro cacti in the desert.  The history to be seen in Europe is of great interest to us and we enjoy it. 

I have had no more moving experience than to visit the Battle of the Bulge cemetery in Luxembourg.  I have  been to Arlington and to the beaches of Normandy but I was moved beyond belief as I listened to the carillon play America the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Battle Hymn of the Republic in a foreign country that has given that land to us in perpetuity for what our country did for them.  The meticulously kept crosses and grounds are so beautiful.  George Patton is buried there.  He wanted to be buried with his men.  

Notable Quotations from George Santayana:

'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' 

 Life of Reason, Reason in Common Sense, Scribner's, 1905, page 284

Starting the Countdown

I hosted Shanghai Thursday but didn't win.  We are watching Tucker this week but even his sitting in my lap didn't bring me any luck.  My snacks were all from HEB since I just didn't have time to make things but they were well received.

Friday we had three generations for dinner - Ted's brother and wife, their son and his wife and their son's daughter and her husband.  They were visiting from Alabama.  We had a fun evening and I was glad we were able to have them over.

I was glad we had no social engagement for the weekend but when Terry brought us some Vidalia onions he suggested we join them for dinner at a local restaurant after church.  So we spent a second night visiting with them all.  Dinner was great but the company was even better.  It was raining Sunday morning and I felt bad they had to drive home in the rain.  Hopefully as they drove east they got out of it.  

I did laundry Sunday and used the time to catch up with an old friend by phone that I haven't seen in some time.  Our earliest camping experiences were with her and her family.  We had six kids between us from ages 3-12 when we hooked up and we had some great times.  But the kids are all grown.  The grandkids are graduating college, in the armed services, getting married and unfortunately her husband has passed on.  But she and I can talk like we just saw each other yesterday.  I am working on a way to see her on our way home from Virginia this year.

Alison is coming to fix my computer that is infected with malware.  According to the screen the Department of Justice has locked it down because of viewing child pornography!!  Really?  I have to buy a $450 Money Pak at Walmart or 7-11 for cash and enter the money order number for the computer to be released.  Yeah right!  And if I don't, criminal proceedings will start in 48 hours.  And if I try to unlock it myself my hard drive will lose all data.  Boy they covered all the bases.  My 48 hours are up and so far no knocks on the door.  I guess some poor schmuck who actually visits those sites and isn't too smart besides could fall for that. I was born at night but it wasn't last night.  If they accused me of visiting financial, travel or mother of the bride sites I may have had to give this more thought!

This would be even funnier if the things coming to light out of Washington weren't so scary.  I only hope someone sends a copy of this poem to remind those who are stomping on our rights that "might does not make right" and just because you can be a bully in a situation, you shouldn't.  I feel like we are becoming a Banana Republic.

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the socialists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Catholic.

Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak for me.

The Rest of the Week

We attended Mass on Sunday at our old parish and I had an opportunity to visit with some more old friends.  The kids waited patiently while I did so.

That afternoon I returned to Windsor to pick up Cassie.  Traffic was light, I knew where I was going, Customs was not backed up and we had no problems.  The train was even 15 minutes early.

In the evening 10 of us gathered at our favorite Italian restaurant.  It was a 40th birthday dinner for Kristin and an engagement celebration for her and Larry.  Kristin's best friend since she was 8 years old, Sheetal, hosted it.  She will be the Maid of Honor in the wedding.

We celebrated Memorial Day inside because it was cool and drizzly.  There were over 20 people invited but one family got sick and the OB/GYN had babies arriving and couldn't make it so about 15 showed up.  Kara, as usual, outdid herself with the cooking.  No hamburgers and chips at this picnic.  We also celebrated Sam and Morgan's birthdays.

When Kristin came in she complained about her back.  By the end of the evening she was in excrutiating pain.  I recognized it as an aggravated sciatic nerve because Ted has had it.  Sheetal was there and is a doctor and she recommended ice plus a pain killer from Kara's arsenal left from her surgery.  Kara called her neighbor who is a pain doctor but he was in Saginaw.  He did call back immediately and offered advice.  Sheetal gave us the name of her friend on duty in the ER if we felt that was necessary.

Getting Kristin back to Kelly's was difficult but Larry was so good with her.  I didn't sleep well worrying about how she was going to fly home the next day.  I went over all  kinds of scenarios in my head about how I could help if I didn't leave in the morning.

The pills worked well enough that I was able to fly home and so was she.  Wednesday morning she went to the doctor where she got more pills, an x-ray and an appointment for physical therapy.  That was what Ted did too but it takes time for that nerve to settle down.  

Ted had parked my car at the airport and I found it with no difficulty.  A trip to the grocery was in order so I bought myself a salad while there for my dinner.  I watched The Bachelorette premiere that was taped and went to bed. I was pooped.

Since I have gals coming to play Shanghai today, I cleaned a bit yesterday.  Of course unpacking and mail are always there when you return from a trip.  I had things in order when I left to get Ted at the airport.  His flight from Virginia was right on time.  Once home I realized I hadn't gotten Tuesday's mail so I had a bit more paperwork in the afternoon when two days mail hit my desk.

I have people coming at 1:00.  I need to get moving.

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. ~ author unknown

Wearing Me Out

I managed to drive Cassie through downtown Detroit, through the tunnel under the river into Windsor, Canada to the train station.  We left ourselves plenty of time in case Customs was backed up but it wasn't.  So we had time for lunch after we figured out where to go exactly at the train station.

I used my American coins in the parking meter at the restaurant and received a $10 Canadian bill as change at the restaurant.  When I parked at the train station it was $1 in coins for 30 minutes.  My coins were gone so I tried to use my credit card.  Not!  So I used my debit card and it worked.  I didn't think too much about it.

I used the $10 to pay the $4.50 tunnel fee on the way home and saved the Canadian change to use today when I pick her up.

When I arrived home we went to the drug store where my credit card wouldn't work and I once again used my debit card.  So on the way to Rain Forest Cafe for Morgan's birthday dinner, I called Bank of America.  While talking to them, Ted was calling me so I told Kara to call him back.  He wanted me to know the bank called him about the card being used in Michigan.

Long story even longer, they expect me to tell them when I am going to use my card outside of Texas. I always do this when we travel internationally but not within the U.S.  I asked if the attempt of $1 at the train station in Canada caused the red flag but they had no record of that.  They did say the account was used in Texas earlier in the day.  Duh!  There are two people on the account.  We are married not Siamese twins!

They have no idea of how many states we hit in a year.  At approximately $350 per fill up every other day when pulling the trailer, we will be on the phone to them a lot.  Ted will end up annoyed and use his American Express.  I see a rough road ahead.  

With that settled we had dinner and I ordered a drink.   Between driving in the traffic, the currency exchange and the credit card problems I needed one.  It came in a souvenir glass which the kids will enjoy.  The food was good and the kids ate well.

Saturday was bridesmaids, flower girl and mother of the bride dress shopping.  We hit three different bridal salons and have a good idea of what we are all getting.  Coordinating from three states is a bit tricky.  The bridesmaids will be in Eggplant, I think I will be in Teal or Cranberry and Morgan will be in ivory to match Kristin.  The "boys" had gone to see Star Wars in 3-D and ate at McDonald's.

I had a dinner invitation to my former Celanese boss and his wife's home which is a stone's throw from Kara's.  They are Chinese and she is a marvelous cook.  She said we were having an International dinner and it was all great.  Tofu and seaweed Japanese soup, Indian curried chicken over rice, American baked broccoli and celery with cream of mushroom soup, and Middle Eastern pita bread and baklava for dessert.  I enjoyed it all but Ted would not have been as adventuresome as I am.  If you travel you really have to be open to try new things.  Haggis is probably something I would have a problem with but on our European riverboat cruises I have tried all kinds of things.  Mustard soup comes to mind and it was really good.

Today after church I will do the Detroit-tunnel-train station thing again to pick up Cassie from her weekend in Toronto.  Then we move onto the engagement dinner for Kristin and Larry.  My time is passing quickly.  Ted said he came in second place in his class at the tournament yesterday.  I wish him good luck today.  

Say what you want about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins.

Mae West

An Owl's Diet

Yesterday Kara and I volunteered at Morgan's school to help with the day's science project.  It involved  breaking apart owl pellets (like a cat's hairball) to look for bones.  They were wrapped in foil, about the size of a small egg, and had been sanitized (?) but many of the children were hesitant to break them apart.  Grandma to the rescue!  The skulls and hip bones were neat.  Rats, voles and mice have pretty big front teeth!  It was a fun time.  One little Asian girl had nothing but "dust" when she was finished.  She didn't talk to anyone, just went through everything with a fine tooth comb.  Her bag was filled with bones.  Kara said she will probably have it all mounted and marked on poster board by today.  Maybe a neurosurgeon in the making!  She thoroughly impressed me.

Next stop was Toys R Us for birthday gifts.  I stopped at Kelly's to drop off her card and stopped at CVS to get Ally a card because I was short one granddaughter card.  I had sent Cassie and Ally's gifts before I knew I was coming.  I have part of Sam's and Morgan's with me and Kelly received a check for their cruise.  All these birthdays at once!  I think I have what I need now.

Then we went to Al Ameer and Sharita in Dearborn.  This city has the largest Middle Eastern population outside of the Middle East.  All the business signs are unreadable to me with their unfamiliar squiggles but the food was very good at Al Ameer.  The chicken was scrumptious and the pastries at Sharita were mind boggling.  It was like a German konditorie or French patisserie.  I may have done major damage in the weight department.

Today I am driving Cassie to the Windsor train station for her trip to Toronto.  Tonight we are having dinner at the Rainforest Cafe for Morgan's birthday dinner.  Food, food and more food!

We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are.

Adelle Davis
(1904 - 1974)  

Hanging with the Birthday Crowd

Monday was double duty - bunco in the morning and Shanghai in the afternoon.  Didn't win at either! 

I had changed my plane ticket to arrive in Michigan on Tuesday instead of Thursday so I could attend Ed's funeral.  Thank you Delta for charging me $150 to make my own two clicks on the computer to change the date.  I have never made $75 a second and wonder how you lose money at that rate.  

So Ted took me to the airport and I had a pleasant enough trip.  No hassle at security.  But then I know not to wear sparkles, jewelry, belts or tie shoes.  I slipped off my shoes, placed my quart bag with all my liquids in the bin along with my watch and purse then sailed through.  

Just as we were landing I felt a migraine coming on.  We waited for a jetway driver for some time so by the time I got to a place in the terminal to buy aspirin, my headache had really taken hold.  Never mind the $6+ for 4 aspirin tablets and a Coke.  The travel gods were out to get as much as they could out of me.

Detroit Metro is a good place to train for a marathon.  Whoever decided to build two parallel mile long terminals was a sadist.  I walked a long, long way and went down, then up, then down on escalators to finally arrive at the car rental bus.  My head was easing up but not entirely while I waited in line for a car.  Long story short, I landed at 4 and left the airport at 5:30 and didn't wait for luggage.

Despite the time, there were only a few slowdowns and I arrived at the funeral home in plenty of time for the evening service.  When it was over I had a bite to eat then drove to Kara's.  After a good night's sleep we got the kids off to school and went to the funeral Mass.  It was at the parish we belonged to for 16 years and I saw many folks that still attend.

Ed had an honor guard from the Knights of Columbus, his wife, 3 sons and 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren to return him to Our Lord.  He also had full military honors at the cemetery.  My only problem was when the funeral director told me to put on my bright lights and flashers.  Good thing I had time because it took me awhile to find those switches.  There was a nice lunch afterwards, a job I did when I was a member.

When we came home Kara made cupcakes for Morgan's school party.  Morgan, Bill and I iced them and Kara delivered them to school this morning.  We are due back there to do something with owl droppings or regurgitations or something!!  Wish me luck on this one.  Science was my least favorite subject in school.

Kelly and Pat leave tomorrow for their Hawaiian cruise in honor of their 25th anniversary.  I am taking Cassie to the Windsor train station for a weekend in Toronto.  It is Morgan and Ally's birthday and Kelly's is Saturday.  Lots going on this Memorial Day weekend. 

May 25, 1981 ~ Ronald Reagan

Today, the United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace -- a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation.

~

Change in Plans Again

We went to Gerre's again to play cards Saturday but started out with Pam, Wayne, Gene and Jennifer on the deck by the pool enjoying the lake breeze and perfect weather.  The food and drink were so enjoyable we never moved and cards were forgotten.  Such a lovely evening!

Sunday we went to Tommy and Susan's to see their new motorhome and go out to dinner.  What a beauty.  Just to cause a bit of a stir I placed this photo on Facebook.  We look so little!  This is the brand Ted would buy but for now we are sticking with our HitchHiker fifth wheel.  If only they had pulled our numbers on that big lotto jackpot!

I flew to Michigan yesterday to attend Ed's funeral which is today.  I am staying through the Memorial Day weekend.  Ted is shooting in a tournament so he won't be lonely.  Kristin and Larry are flying in too and festivities are planned.  Kelly and Pat appreciate my coming.  

Life is what happens when you are making other plans.

This is my first attempt at posting a photo from my IPad into the blog.  Hope it works!

Half Way Through The Busy Part That Just Got Busier

I had the easy job on Monday.  My windows were washed inside and out plus the driveway and walk were power washed while I played Canasta.  With our natural area out front making a comeback and the deck done, the outside is back in shape.  We thought about getting the trim painted but it really isn't showing signs of needing it, so for now we aren't doing that.

I worked my regular four hours at the thrift store this week.  It was one of those overwhelming days. Housewares had invaded our space over the weekend and I had little area to work.  And then we received two vans full of donations.  We could hardly move!  When the young folks from the church came and started working on Housewares and putting the children's clothes I had inspected, tagged and hung, out into the store, I had a little breathing room.   The four of us didn't feel like we accomplished much.  That's just the way it is on some days.

Ted had his scheduled colonoscopy and all is good.  We are done now (hopefully!) for the rest of the year. In the fall I will get my six month blood work for my cholesterol medicine and one trip to the dentist for a six month cleaning.  All we need to do is stay well and upright.  So many people we know have hurt their shoulders, elbows, wrists, arms, ankles and feet from falling!

Thursday we picked our niece up at the airport at noon to attend her father's surprise birthday party. I knew she would be hungry since the airlines don't feed you anymore so we stopped at Old Town Spring, not far from the airport, for lunch.  We walked around a bit and then made our way home so she could rest.

The party was a dual 70th celebration for Terry and another friend, John.  Both thought it was for the other and the element of surprise worked. The room was all decorated in red and black.  I brought the centerpiece home but the balloons lost their oomph before I remembered to get them out of the back of the car.  But here is an idea of what it looked like.  It was a nice evening and we were glad to help by getting Karen there to add to the surprise.
\

Last night six of us had dinner out and attended the production of Grease that is part of our theater series. The cast was all kids from surrounding schools except for the teacher.  It was an energetic, fun evening and we all had a good time.  I was able to pick up next season's tickets at the box office.  We will miss Matchmaker in the summer.  I donated those tickets and a dinner gift certificate to our Junior Forum gala this year for the silent auction.

I have five busy days left and then I am flying to Michigan on Thursday for the Memorial Day weekend.  There are engagement festivities planned for Kristin and Larry who will be visiting from Florida.  More on that later.

Before we left last night we received a call from our daughter Kelly. Her father-in-law passed away late afternoon after a very long illness.  Ed was 88 and fought long and hard for the past 12 years.  He was in a wheelchair but there wasn't one thing our grandchildren did or were involved in that he wasn't there.  His wife Lou was his caregiver until just the last few months.  She is 82 and her stamina and ability to care for him was amazing.  They were married 62 years.  Rest in peace, Ed, you were loved by many and will be missed.

2 Timothy 4:7    I have fought the good fight.  I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith.

The Home Stretch of May

I was up and out by 8:15 on Friday morning to attend the Junior Forum Installation Luncheon.  This is the most fun program we have all year.  The skit they do to install the new president and board is always so creative and entertaining.  But it is why our luncheon starts at 9:30 a.m.!  I drove to Judy's and then she drove to Gail's so we could all ride together.  We had 160 women and that's a lot of chattering going on.  Judy and I found seats and Gail was seated at the Provisional table and we didn't see her again until the end.  Lunch was very good (did you notice I hardly ever complain about food, especially when someone else has fixed it?), the program was sensational and our year is ending on a high note.

It was 2:30 before I returned home and by 5:30 we had moved on to a birthday celebration for a dear friend.  His daughter was in for the party and it was a delight to see her.  Their yard backs to the golf course and it was so pleasant sitting outside listening to just the birds and enjoying the beautiful plants and fairway.  The weather was just perfect.  It was a nice ending to a long day.

I redeemed myself big time in the Shanghai department on Saturday.  We went to Gerre and Barry's to sub in their group and I went out 5 of the 6 hands but ended up in second place.  The one time I didn't go out, I also didn't get down and had a handful of face cards which upped my score.  It soothed my ruffle feathers from my performance on Tuesday when I was wondering if I really knew how to play!  My 500+ score on that day was the highest out of almost 50 women!  We stayed after everyone left to visit with Gerre and Barry since we haven't seen our hosts for some time.  Their new pool, patio, outside bar and kitchen turned out beautifully.  It also was very serene and we ate outside before playing began.  Our spring has been spectacular this year.

We went to church on Mother's Day and after an unsuccessful attempt at eating breakfast out, we came home and Ted made pancakes and bacon for me and him.  He had offered to take me to dinner but the restaurants are always so busy that I told him to grill the filet mignons he had purchased at the store and that would be fine for dinner.  We eat out often and I would rather go when things are less hectic.

My best treat was the Survivor Finale.  I love my reality TV and to have the entire evening filled with their final show of the season was most enjoyable for me.  The four people at the end were not "bad guys" so I didn't know how it would go.  But the winner was a unanimous decision and I thought a good one.  I am SO easily entertained!

I hope all you mothers had a wonderful day with your families yesterday.  Living away from everyone it is hard to celebrate holidays but we have been doing it for years now and it doesn't make it any easier.  We just have to be sure to make the time we are together very special.

I have 10 busy days in a row coming up.  Most of it is fun stuff but I am working the thrift shop twice, Ted is having his colonoscopy and we are having the windows washed and the driveway power washed.  That should keep me out of trouble at least until Memorial Day.  Ted is flying to Virginia that day so our plans for the holiday probably won't be much but such is life.

The distance between us may be miles and years but it will not change the fact I hope you are missing me too. ~ Tammi Post

Things Are Picking Up

I had a few things frozen off at the dermatologist.  She said they are nothing other than a nuisance and there is nothing to keep those spots and skin tags from coming.  I filed that info in a growing mental file I have named DEAL WITH IT.

And then I was traumatized at Shanghai only getting down twice and ending with a score over 500!  Even when I had a Shanghai in my hand and hoped to redeem myself, the lady before me put down a Shanghai and I was stuck big time again!  But that is what keeps the game interesting.  Some days you get the cards, sometimes not!  Some days you're the bug, some days the windshield.

As I pulled in to the neighborhood there was a crowd outside.  A couple who moved away were back visiting and they invited us to meet them all for dinner.  Ted had his skeet league but I agreed to go.  It was a nice visit and now I have Ida's info to catch up with them when we are in Florida.

Our Russia trip may be turning into an Eastern Europe trip instead - Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania.  I am still waiting to hear from a few more who expressed some interest.  I have four cabins committed right now and only need two more to get the discount.  It is worth trying for but if we don't get it, we don't.  These trips are harder to fill because of the considerable cost and the physicality of the tours.  We are already starting to run into folks that don't feel they can keep up or worry about being away from US medical because of conditions they have.  Unless you need a cane, walker, wheelchair or have difficulty walking, you would be fine.  But Europe is filled with cobblestones, curbs, steps, etc.  Europe has neither an American With Disabilities Act nor Walt Disney to move you around more easily.  The day will come when at least one of us can't go, or Ted will be unable to drive the RV so we are going now while we can.

On a high note the Family Tree has turned out awesome.  I am awaiting the 6 foot by 3 foot copy printed on a pale green tree background.  Anyone know where I can pick up a frame to fit it?  I really am considering doing that and hanging it at the end of our hallway.

Well I am off to the neighborhood luncheon.  Ted went with the fellows yesterday and the ladies are up today.

Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what's for lunch. ~ Orson Welles