Cornland Central

And The Beat Goes On...........

2011-03-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly a week since Ash Wednesday. I haven't gone into FB and do miss snooping into others days and adventures, BUT as I suspected it is a huge waste of time. I have found much better uses of those precious moment and surprise....I have found more ways to waste it.

I have washed the dining room windows and curtains. Cleaned out a corner in the kitchen, you know the shelves that collect strange pieces of clutter. Little cups that are meant for decoration but end up filling with tiny things. I am a surface girl. My house shows it, on the outside is pretty neat, a bit hairy but overall not too bad. But in the cupboards, end tables, drawers and closets it's another story. In any given drawer there is a collection of strange things. Example an end table in the front room. Open the door and there are a hand full of pens, a headless pilgrim (head there, but slightly chewed up by a dog) 9 or so votive holders, poker chips and there is more that's just what can be seen. Close the door, quick and do it another day.

After closing the door I notice my Rockband guitar. It hasn't been played much well since the arrival of FB. So I pick it up, turn it on and for the next hour I play that. Then I design my Rock chick wannabe. Funny how the distracted mind works. I feel a a connection with my 13 month old Grandson Travis. "Oh this is neat, hey what's that, there's something different".

And so it goes on, the beat that is........I really don't think there is much hope for me. I can and will find new and exciting ways to spend my time. It's frustrating BUT it sure is fun.......

Lent

2011-03-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

It is the 2nd official day of Lent. When I was a kid, we had to give up something because we were told to do so. Now as an adult I think about the 40 days with more care. I think about Jesus in that Garden, praying, afraid and basically alone. So 40 days without sweets and FaceBook is a walk in the park. A bit o history here.....I was born and raised Catholic. My entire family has been Catholic. Like many young people, when I left the confines of my home and headed out so did my 17 years of my religious upbringing. Church gave way to sleeping late, parties and hangovers. My kids were baptised but, (I am ashamed) I fell short on the their religious education and no they were not confirmed. Fast forward to to the last 5 years. I think it may have started with hanging out with Amy (a Nazarene), or it may have happened because we have a cool Priest who LOVES flowers. I am unsure of the catalyst, but I slowly have been changing my ways. Amy also had a deep faith in her church and during the early days of our friendship we would talk religion. She gave a a daily use Bible of which I almost have it read (don't ever get behind!). Now that I am on the back half of my life I want more than ever to get back into the good graces of my church. So the third part of my Lenten journey is to submit the paper work required so that Dennis and I can receive confession and Communion. (More on that later).

Following thru

2009-10-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

It's 6:30 am on a monday morning. I now have been sitting at the computer for 45 mins and I am 15 mins away from having to log off. I am struggling with balance. I have an all or non mentality and am finding a very hard time with balancing the things that I enjoy vs the things that have to be done. There is something both good and bad about maintaining a strict schedule. I almost typed fairlystrict but the very fact that I nearly used "fairly" shows that I am not ready to commit to following the rules. For the longest time I had a pretty good handle on the schedule, however recently my little world has been rocked. My hubby who has been an over the road driver now is home every night. I have almost gotten over the loss of the remote but I will admit it's a bit hard at bedtime. I like a movie he likes that Earl show. It's funny, it used to take me about 2 mins to fall asleep, now that another show is on it takes me longer. I have no idea why. I used to walk every morning but now sometimes I stay in bed a bit longer as it's nice to be with Dennis. After my walk I would ran about the house and do some cleaning chores, now I have a cup of coffee and a game of hearts with Dennis. Then go to work, return home maybe have a bowl of cereal or a frozen dinner do a few more chores and then watch a bit of TV. Now I return from work, make dinner (not cereal) eat dinner, play another game of hearts then watch TV. What that all means is I'm gaining weight (no will power, NONE, nada), our home is more hairy and dusty, and I am feeling sorry about my self. What has been a good thing hanging out with my Poppy has shook my little world. See mention about willpower. So........I decided last night that I was going to fight for balance in my life, so why can't I have it all. Several years ago after a bout with depression and some professional consoling I learned that ultimately I and only I am in charge of my own ship, that as much as it's easier to blame others for our perceived short comings when it all comes down to it's up to me. So here I go, a schedule for me with a hearty promise to hold myself accountable. Times up and my 15 mins is done.

Garden Girls gone Wild

2009-10-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Yipeeeeee. I found my pictures. All it took was a bit of patience and voila. Years ago after moving to Shelbyville I met up with these gals. Karla (on left), (Marla on right), and Dizi (in the middle)Dizi was my cohort at work. We were much younger with younger kids and all the fun that goes with that. Somewhere before your 40th birthday and around the time you baby gets his drivers license gardening becomes a good idea. I happens when a pot of petunias just wont do ya any more. Gardening evolves with age. We started out touring gardens and garden shops looking for certain special varieties of hosta. Became overjoyed with the knockout and was over the top with the Endless summer hydrangea. From there adding a few spendy trees for winter interest. Saturday Lifetime movies gave way to HGTV and we became fairly sophisticated. We would go to shows on container gardens, special sales and lunch after. My 42nd birthday included a limo to do our fall shopping. That was fun, tuned up on Mimosa's, traveling down the highway to Springfield only to pull up to Prairie Gardens and have the chauffeur let us out. Then after a goodly amount of time he loaded our purchases (10 or so plants) back in the trunk and we were off. The limo was a birthday surprise from my hubby (cool huh). We have been together for years now. I don't get to make the trips anymore because of the flower shop. It's very hard to make any plans in this business, something always comes up. BUT these girls still invite me to everything, they haven't given up on me. We are friends. Just like the Steele Magnolia's. Lots in our lives have changed. Kids are grown, and some have kids of their own. We endured problems with those cute little minions, overcame them. Had boyfriends and girlfriends enter and leave their lives. Lost a parent. Got another grandbaby. Healed a sick kid, and sent one off to war. We get together less and less it seems. From several times a year to 3-4 times. But they are still the same girls. Ready to jump in at a moments notice and bail me out of a bind. God Bless these girls, their hubbies and their children. I love them.

Stop and see the Glitter

2009-10-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Since I can't find my new pictures here is one I dug up. Yes that's snow and ya'll know how I love the snow but, do you see the sparkles. No it's not the flash it's glitter. Here's the story. Amy and I took off one afternoon for some Holiday shopping. In the decoration aisle I found Martha Stewart Glitter. It comes in big bottles in really cool colors. I bought gold and limey green oh the things I can do with this beautiful glitter. Well anyway we got home late and I left the bags in the kitchen. Next day I lock up the dogs in the same room and head off to work, all long day at work only to arrive home turn on the light and what do I see...........green glitter everywhere over the floor on the dogs in sprinkles and in piles. I I grab the broom and begin to clean, carefully folding up the rug.. I took it out to shake it in the yard when it caught my eye. My yard sparkled, not just like new snow but a pretty green. So pretty I grabbed my camera and voila. It was kind of a mess but gosh it was pretty.

F-362

2009-09-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's an other good day in Cornland. My birthday came and went(sadly) and now it's the count down for my biggest birthday ever. The big 50. I don't mind getting older and I truly believe I will always feel this way however, I would hope I could finally get my crap together. In the following 362 days I plan to make great strides in my weak areas and hopefully get it together. Area 1: Balance. Big problem, big, big problem. I have had a problem with all or none almost my life. No, not standing a tight rope balance (altho that's pretty funny too). It's the ability to get everything in and still retain your mental status. Too much stuff in either direction well your off balance and well there is the tightrope thing. Perhaps a schedule. Yaya that's the ticket. I want to find time to get everything in or most things like writing everyday. I have mastered walking everyday. I get up around 4:30 and before I brush do any thing I walk the dogs. It is a sight to see, good thing it's dark as I haven't brushed my hair or washed my face. You see if I do that well I may become distracted and start something else. Anyway the dogs (x4) and I head out for a brisk walk, 2 on leashes 2 w/o. The grand pups follow fairly close and despit their big size they hardly ever scare a random " I can't sleep, I'll think I'll walk " people. Sometimes it can be exciting....a deer crossing the street or the other day Bear the biggest one found and brought me a wild kitty. There's a sight Kitten in mouth of dog, 3 others wanting a piece of the action and me in the middle trying to stop the freefor all. Success getting the dogs to drop the cat not so much for the cat. Well I am off for another big day. Tata Teri

Six Shopping Days

2009-09-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

I can't find my pictures, they are some where in a file in this computer. Technology, it can be a good thing. It can be an infuriating thing too. I collect pictures, some of people, dogs and odd things. I take them as they are good blog material. I like to write in the morning and today I have a few extra minuets BUT I can't find my new stuff. This Saturday I got a new cell phone. My old one (given to me) has really small keys and I can't hit the number dial with my fake finger nails. The new one has a camera and a key board for texting. It took my son Dan to show me how to use it, today he will show me the camera. Anyway, I have held onto the opinion that cell phones are intrusive, rude and a regular pain in the ass. But in an effort to save money I will begin to carry this infernal thing. I never wanted to be that assessable to anyone. I mean really you can't even go to the grocery store without seeing at least 2/3 people talking away. What can be so important????? It has happened on more than one occasion that I stupidly thought someone was actually talking to me and after a moment of talking the person turns around and there tethered to their ear is that darned phone. The phone call is not to remind the receiver to pick up milk, no, the conversation goes something like......I'm at the store.....yes I saw them.......what happened yada yada. I should get used to it as it has been going on forever. Don't even get me started on texting, the ultimate in rudeness. Perhaps tomorrow or my next day I'll attack that. Lets not forget the good that modern technology has given us. Better health care! For that I am grateful.

Girls Grown Up

2009-09-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

Meet Sara and Evie. They are my Grand Nieces daughters of Gail and Paul. For several summers now I get to have my home girls spend a week or so ( without their parents). We get to swim. play Rockband, and have mini spa days. Sara has her permit now and gets to drive her parents about. It's crazy how fast kids grow up. Our time in the pool has evolved from learning syncronized swimming routines to talk about girls stuff. Funny how carefree kids are all of a sudden hurdled into grownup girl stuff. Boys, mean girls and future plans. Each of the girls battling their own demons with different perspectives. It was a hard time for me, I remember it well and thinking back it's some pretty hard stuff. I was a chubby girl who had crossed eyes. Talk about a double whammy. The crossed eyes were really hard as both boys and girls teased me. But the weight, that crappy weight thing. It's something I continue to fight today. Sara, the oldest is a bit quiet, a deep thinker I believe. She's funny and very smart. She has a trainer, she's lost weight and is feeling fairly confident ( as much as one can at 15ish). Evie, soon to be 13 also lost weight this year. She also developed a big allergy to seafood much to her family's horror, they can no longer eat at seafood places. She's got the eating thing down pretty good. Lucky her, now she only has to deal with the mean girls. Crazy how girls can have so much power. Evie cares too much what others think. Hopefully soon she'll gain the confidence her sis has. I am absolutely crazy for these girls. Time marches on tho, and with that are the changes that come with it. Soon Sara will get her drivers license. BOO HISS because I know what happens after she gets her license......the dreaded job.....and no more time for me.......................................................

Kids of Summer

2009-08-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Say hello to Haylen and Cole. They are grandkids #4 &5 in the line. These are the kids that get to hang with me for a week + after their parents leave. They are my chance for "do overs". When Kate and Dan were small - this age I was too wrapped up in other things. Not work related but extracurricular. I mean really it would have been nice to be a stay at home mom, but, insurance is a high priority. Anyway I was into volunteering at that time and in between that and trying to keep house I didn't get to play too much.

Haylen is like a 4 foot piece of velcro. That kid sticks to me like glue. She's up for anything with barely a complaint. I had the opportunity to sit next to her on her first ever big peoples ride at 6Flags, it was Batman and I can still hear her scream. I was abit afraid that I would lose them at the park since I haven't been around little ones for years. NO problem that kid was next to me the whole day, well that week for that much.

Cole is 9 and with that age comes all the boy stuff. Dead things, blowing things up. Blood and gore it's all cool for Cole at this age. I think he worries too much. Unlike his sis (who lives just for the second) Cole is thinking about the future. He likes old Metal Music won't have much ok anything to do with the Jonas Bros (I'm secretly glad about that). I learned one thing about him. DO NOT let him talk you into playing battle on GH. He knows the cheat codes and it's almost impossible to beat him then, but I did once. It took me several times and when it did happen I did gloat. He had it coming. He a really neat kid and after you answer the million questions and he just starts talking well he's a sweet kid.

They call me the fun Grandma. Cool huh! They have a bunch of them but they call me the fun one. Another Grandma said it's because I don't make them mind the rules. Rules are for later right now all I want to do is play.

The Men of Summer

2009-08-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the men if summer. Well anyway some the guys that hung out in the back yard this past July. It's funny how when your younger one appreciated the 6 pack abs. I always found my self looking at thighs, I guess I am a leg girl. Was anyway. Now I find that I prefer to chuckle at old men with jiggly pecks. You've seen them they can be found out in the yard, working wearing jeans and no shirt. God love them they are so darned cute. Now don't get me wrong, just the sight of LLCool J can bring me right back to the warm fuzzy feeling described in an earlier post (see Neil Diamond).

On the left in tank is son Tim, The boy in white is Grand S Cole, kid in green is a neighbor, skinny guy is Zack (friend of Dan), the guy in blue is my big bro Ken and in front is son Danny.

Well I am off to deliver another wedding yipee skippy. More Men later!!!!! Teri

Better Phrasing

2009-08-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

OK in retrospect I believe i used the wrong word in describing July at our home. The word hell is synonymous with really bad stuff. That is not the case at all. It wasn't even hot here. It's fun, wild, loud, very loud and crazy. But bad it's just not. gaday ya'll Teri

Gee It's Great to Be Back

2009-08-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been over 6 months since I wrote. I took many MANY pictures each one thinking I can't wait to blog about this but Valentines Day came along with several other events. Gosh just where do I start. I think I'll just pick a pick and begin. And there you have it numero 1. This pic was taken July 5th. Here in Cornland July is known as hell month, because for one month straight we have family here. The guests vary, in age and quantity but nevertheless we are booked.
From the left daughter Kelly and then, grand d Tia, the little blonde is grand d Haylen, then me with last but not least daughter Audi.

We are a very lucky melding of three families into one. The kids sometimes refer to me as the ESM ( evil step mom). It's funny tho as I kinda like the "tough" reference. The grand D's call me GT, or Grandma for the little one. It's cool they all like me and I like them too.

For 7 or so days we drink like fishes, swim and play full contact keep away in the pool. We may be getting too old for the game tho, the bangs and bumps are harder to mend from and this year I tried to fold my Grandson Cole in half (not the way mother nature intended). He survived tho after a respectable mending period and I am happy to report that he doesn't hold a bit of grudge

After the grownups leave then the 2 youngest grand kids stay for a while. Now that's fun and exhausting as I get to be a kid too. Not a lot of rules to be followed except for one Don't make me sad. Explanation : If you fight it makes me sad, If you don't pick up after yourselves that makes me sad you get the picture. We had a great time and now I have graduated to the hard level on Guitar Hero it's good to be a kid again.

Nothing Like a Snow Day

2009-02-04T03:55:00.000-08:00

Look what I woke up to last week!!!!! It hardly ever happens here but alas! SNOW! Everything had snow piled up on it. These are not mushrooms but leftover sedum blooms. This picture was taken about 4:30 am as the girls and I headed out for our am walk. Well it was at that moment I decided that in lieu of walking I would get my exercise by cleaning the side walks. The weather guy said it was 4 inches, but, my broom stick said at least 6. So I began the job by looking for the shovel. Down here in Illinois land they refer to shoveling snow as "scooping" snow, isn't that sweet. Through the house and to the basement I go, looking in the corner where the long handled tools are kept-no go. I stood in the basement trying to go back, way back to the last time I had seen that yellow beast, think, think where the heck is it???? The last time I recall using it was in the spring to "scoop" up piles of leaves. Can't remember the last time it was used for snow removal. Well I found a long rubbery thing that I use to clean the pool, some people use it to clean floors, I like it better for the pool, anyway back up the stairs and to the porch. It worked great for the porch-sidewalk not so much. I was able to peel away a trail to the car and a small path for the mailchick. It was later as I was shoveling out the flowershop when it dawned on me where the shovel may be. I picked up the phone and dialed Danny, hey Danny- where ya dreaming about me around 5 am I asked? No mom, are ya sure? no, I don't think I dreamed last night. Well Dan I said I was out side trying to clear the snow with the pool cleaner, have any idea where the shovel is?????????? Now my beloved Mom, always used this phrase " Wait until your kids grow up" I thought she was referring to the trouble I caused her, Kate and Dan didn't cause too much trouble, that's not what she meant. I got it ma, you mean they'll "borrow" stuff and you don't know it's gone until you need it. Miss you Ma. Again you were right.

Oh Say Can You See.......Not so much

2009-01-17T04:21:00.000-08:00

Over the new years holiday and in between funerals Poppy and I took a little trek to the Iowa boarder to visit family. Imagine just 4 hours away and within 17 miles were our kids Tony (#5) his wife Heather and our newest baby Leah and my niece Gail and her family. It was a wild fast trip lots to do and see. The bird is not Leah I guess you knew that ( we have a new computer, can't find the right pic, downloaded what I thought was Leah awwwwwwww you know the rest).

I'll digress about the eagle a bit. Remember years ago they were put on the extinct list? Well not so anymore. Apparently they roost along the missasip during the winter. The fishing is good for them and well they like it. The Brown's ( Heathers M&D) live on the Mississippi, you can almost drive a golf ball in ALMOST. With my new camera I tool several pics. They are as thick as thieves there almost look like a flock of seagulls in areas. They are pretty cool. Last time I saw that many was on a trip with my little bro Kevin back when Kate was a baby. It was strange timing to see them, and remember Kev as this week it was 16 years ago he died. Miss you Kevin.

The next few entries into the blog will be like a Freshman Comp final. I can't tell which pics are what in the new harddrive, anyway I'm going to post a mystery pic then tell ya'll about it. TTFN Teri

Wanted: Young Blood

2008-12-31T04:44:00.000-08:00

Faster than a speeding bullet, or an Illinois plated car on vacation is the Bentley Girls. Now I realize that I may push my luck with this blog as sometimes when folks realize that talents may have been exploited they decide "well I'm not doing that anymore", I will take my chances. It's true, in a blink of an eye or perhaps just more glass of wine, these two women can clean up a kitchen so fast that you would think you were in a life fast forwarded. They are defiantly old school, taught by their moms that you always pick up after a meal, and MO ONE does it better.
When I was a kid the task was taught early, my cousins and I were in our early teens and while the Aunties and Grandma enjoyed an extra cup of coffee the younger chicks cleaned. It's happening to me instead of a cup of coffee it may be another cocktail, but what about these girls? Who will replace them in the clean up area? Danny is good at it, but he has "things to do". The kiddie in the pic, well lets say he's opting for a management position. Like the art of tatting, the cleanup girls are going away, paper plates anyone?????????

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful.......

2008-12-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

I know the quality of this picture is, well, less than award winning I am sure you can get the idea. The handrail is not wearing jewelry, that's ice. In Shelbyville we get lots and lots of ice. Last Tuesday I had to scrape1/4 inch off the windshield 4 times in one day, good gosh why oh why can't we just get snow. Today we are to get yet another " weather maker" ( that's what the local weather guys call it). We are to have one of the bigger days in flower delivery land and oh yeah it's gonna be slippery. I missed my walk this morning as my walking partner called and said it was colder today than yesterday, I believed her and hit the snooze button a few times only to check for myself and find out that it is 18 degrees warmer today. LESSON check yourself, because the fact is that some folks just aren't as hardy as we Nortlanders are. Now my dogs are bummed as they will miss another morning. Tonight however I will take them to the "secret garden" for a run. That is after I finish my last bit of shopping, after I work, and did I tell you I have yet another dental appointment. Falalalalalala. There is one good thing about holiday dental trips - my mouth is too sore to nosh on holiday treats. Oh yeah it is a good life.
Yesterday was Dennis and my 15th wedding anniversary, yes we are still together in wedded bliss, we think we'll make it to a 25th (that's for the party). We spent it as we always do, apart.
Dennis, in his truck somewhere west and me at home. My walking buddy asked me did you get anything for a gift, I replied, I don't need any gifts, Dennis shows me he loves me every tine he gets into that big truck and pulls out. It's funny how our wants and needs change as we mature.
What we thought of as necessary no longer is and appreciation for the unseen is seen. Wouldn't it be nice to have that insight in your twenties. Till tomorrow, Teri

Flat on his Face, But still Glows

2008-12-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

Frosty seen here pretty much sums up the Holiday season for me. He tipped over in one of our big wind storms on sunday night then got froze in buy rain. The ghost of Christmas past visits me every year. I Love Christmas, everything about it, the music, lights, and the presents. My Family up north Bid Dan's family was huge. My Mom in Law, BIL Butch and my sis Laura own a busy flower shop in Hayward ( Just like us, but bigger). Every year I would prepare for the holidays doing everything from shopping, decorating, baking, wrapping gifts with extra blig (move over Martha). The shop family called me Teri Christmas. Bonnie (MOM in Law) would always be tired and it seemed hard to get her excited about the holidays. Could not figure out why she couldn't get as excited. On Christmas day she would rather stay home for dinner, she was too tired even tho she still in my opinion makes the best turkey in the world. Good segue to Christmas present.
I GET IT, and I am sorry I was such a pain in the hiney. I am tired, always behind, and have given up many of the things I thought of as Christmas essentials. The tree took a week to get up, but it is. I have bought a few gifts but gift cards are looking good and I haven't baked since Janet Musser went into business. I haven't resorted to giving gifts in bags tho. That practice still drives me nuts. But after all It's A Wonderful Life.......and I'm still glowing.

Chopping Liver and Making Pate'

2008-12-16T04:05:00.000-08:00

The lady in red is my sister LeAnn. I am lucky that she too makes the trek south from Madison every Thanksgiving too. During yesterday's blog entry I flat ran out of time to post this picture, and alas I made her feel kinda bad. I am sorry. My pictures are in several different files and it takes me a while to find them and THEN I forget where they were. LeAnn aka Sissy or Sistor lives in Madison WI. She moved there after my beloved Bro in Law died over 10 years ago. Since she has been on her own she has conquered many things that the "Man" of the house usually handles one of her best talents is " Mistress of the Snowblower". Last year Madison had a record snow fall and she totally rocked in snow removal. My ma worked all the time when I was a pup and it was Sissy's job to take care of my Bro Kevin and I. She went from that to raising her own family and now is doing things for herself. Recently saw Neil Diamond in concert. Neil Diamond is kind of a Hotty, anyway I thought so when I was younger. He was the kind of guy that made you feel odd, later when I grew up I realized the odd feeling was turned on. Probably how Elvis made way older girls feel, and now well I'm not sure of a young singer that is that, that HOT. Sissy embraces her new life as noted in her virtual name miturn. SHe does a bit of traveling, works for an orthodontist and drives a caddy. In her free time she visits the grandkids and does estate sales ( getting some cool stuff ). Have more on my sistor however I have got to get ready to go to work. 6 funerals this week. Tata T

Waiting on a Turkey

2008-12-15T04:51:00.000-08:00

Once again our kids from Hayward made the trek south to spend Thanksgiving with us. We are so fortunate that they come down here for a few reasons one being that the shop is so busy and 2 that Tim brings down my wreaths for Christmas. In the pic is Cole, Tim, Haylen, Poppy and Audi. We are waiting for dinner to finish and playing Left, Right, Center. It is a age friendly gambling game where you shake 3 die and have the opportunity to win lots of quarters. We had lots of fun, ate a bit too much and time went by entirely too quick. I tried like a trooper to get pictures of Cole ( my grandson) but for some reason he decided that on this trip there would be hardly any evidence of his visit. Haylen ( my Granddaughter) does like her picture taken and I will post them when I find them in some voodoo file. The million dollar picture I did NOT get was one of Tim's truck LOADED three feet over the top of the sides with evergreens from up nort. I forgot when I ordered the greens that he had an itty bitty truck bed. Now what I don't get is what is the reason for having a truck if not to carry lots of stuff????? He tied it all down and it made the trip without incident. Imagine however, if you will the look on his face when he saw the size of my order. .........................................

Long Time No Write

2008-12-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a long absence for me and I have missed it. There are several reasons why I haven't been back. 1) Katies Visit. We had a whirlwind visit with Kate before she left for downunder. We did it all, ate, drank shopped and played ROCKBAND. We formed our own family group and it was well.............lots of fun. She had a long but safe flight and we are glad she made it. Kate now has new things to get accustomed to including riding her bike on the opposite site of the road. She had a nasty cold but now is fully recovered. Before Kate left she moved this old bat even farther into the new age by showing me how to download podcasts, utilize my new photostick thingy to print my pictures and a Web cam. Holycow that's a lot to take in, I have most of it with exception to remembering how to sign into my blogger account. REASON 2 I Need Aricept, well with the influx of all the new info out went some old................too much data storage in my head I guess. I forgot my password and could NOT remember it. After several attempts to set up a new one finally I hit paydirt and have a new one. Yahoooooooo now I have loads of material enough to keep me going for a long long time.

Fast Girl, sad Ma, TT go BY-BY

2008-11-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

Introducing Kate (Katie) Ross. My first born and #5 in our combined family. Kate is the product achieved when you mix fierce independence with a healthy dose of goal setting. Kate was the most pretty baby in the world ( sorry Leah). Dark skinned (jaundice) and a mouth her Dad I think described as like little rose buds. Fun to dress up like little girls at least until she became more mobile. It was then the frilly little dresses went away and were replaced with sweat suits ( at least they were pink). When she started crawling the skirt of the dress would catch in her legs and she would pull so hard to remove the dress hated it. BY-BY girly stuff. Loved water. For Katie the sound of running water any running water meant " Bath Time" and she would strip herself naked in anticipation. Now mind you running water could mean the washer, hose or kitchen sink for dishes. Frustrating at times but mostly just funny. Katie's first bike was a Big Wheel, well actually she had 2 of them, she wore one out. Now she rides a mac daddy bike that costs more than my cars combined, you see she is now a professional rider. Friday night she will fly into St.Louis and drive to Shelbyville to visit for a few days before she heads out on a her biggest adventure yet...........Australia for 2 WHOLE MONTHS. Even though I haven't seen her for a while I already miss her so much. So for a few days I will have her here, a chance to hold her and smell her for a few days. It will have to be enough for me to go through the holidays. I think we will watch Christmas Vacation early this year. I will have to balance healthy foods for her perennial favorites. Stop at the liquor store and pick up some of her favorite libations. And for about 4 days it will be all about Kate. More on Kate later......

The Dennis File #2

2008-11-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

As I said earlier Dennis (Poppy) bought me this amazing camera for my BD. We started walking on our new trail 3 Sundays ago for many reasons but one is to take pictures. While going through the shots I found one thing in common.........Dennis' fav shirt, a very raggy Bears sweat shirt that Danny bought him for Christmas 1996. It has washed down to a most comfortable weight ( I know this as I have worn it about the house, inside out OF COURSE). But sadly the cuffs and collar is nearly off and while it is fine for home he insists on wearing it out. In public!!!!

Now practically everyone I know has a favorite article of clothing. Thin, thread bare and a bit tattered. But most people reserve these pieces for lounging about the house. Not my Poppy. For instance. When we began dating Poppy had 2 unsomes a winter and a summer. The cold weather getup was a you guessed it Bears sweat pants a bit small, faded but in sweat pant land very,very short. Completing the look was a black and orange LP sweatshirt and sandals. While Poppy is a very handsome man the look did not match him whatsoever. He would proudly wear this down town Hayward in and out of stores OMG.....The summer look included old tank tops. You'll remember these, they were screen printed with that iron on stuff that eventually peeled away.....He bought them in 1968 or so after he returned from Viet Nam. I think he said they were3 for 5.oo. Can't remember the shorts all though to give ya'll a hint, he doesn't like the "new shorts" b/c they are too long, so are you getting the idea.......After a proper courting time had lapsed I brought up these clothes and their possible retirement, no go....they are my favorites and have special meaning....I get that, however, stop wearing them in public. It's a total nogo. What is a girl to do? We have teenage kids that are embarrassed enough with parents.... The big problem was how does one get their hands on these pieces? Poppy had his laundry done for him so the idea of having them disappear in the wash was out.....so patiently I waited until I was able to do his laundry for him, then like a stealth bomber, one by one they went away to sock land, ( that place somewhere between the washer and dryer that all missing socks go) never to be seen again.....................

Veteran's Day Cont......

2008-11-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

OK, I have no idea what I did, I had written a much longer story but I lost It, lets just see if I can get it back. Dennis did a tour in Viet Nam, it was the 60's and I was about 7 or so. ( Yes, there is quite an age difference). I really didn't know much about the war except for my neighbor girls big brother was killed. Most of my knowledge base comes from the barrage of films made in the 80's. The last movie I saw was Hamburger Hill and after that I just couldn't do it any longer. Dennis does talk of that time unlike manyother guys, at least he does give some details. One day in December most of his group was killed in a recon mission. Dennis still carries the srappnel, has a purple heart and can not have a MRI. His toes are a mess because his feet were wet for days maybe weeks, he lost several teeth b/c of the water but came home. There is a memorial at the park with the boots gun and helmet placed near each other, I had seen this in the movies and asked if that is what they did to mark a death, but Dennis said mostly they were flown away and that was it. This is serious stuff. There are LOTS of funny stories about this guy but not even I can poke fun at him today. Thank You Dennis.

2008-11-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

Thank A Vet

2008-11-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day. I am very thankful for all of the veteran's and service men. Here is my favorite Vet. It's my hubbie Dennis USMC.

Pumpkins, Packers and pooches oh my......

2008-11-03T04:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday's walk on the Dacey Trail, Really pretty

Amy and Dan in the pumpkin surgical suite. Dan is instructing Amy to be careful.....

Dan posing as HE-Man...........................

Well Halloween was another success. The pumpkin carving was just as predicted with only two revisions. ! the music chosen was a real Rockband tour of our favorite songs. My fav being Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws, you can hear this on youtube. We scored over 300,00 on this one and I love it. Oh how I can digress. The 2nd revision was that my friend Amy joined us. Amy had never cleaned and carved a pumpkin, yes it's true she's fourtysomething and Thursday night was her first. Therefor her kids haven't carved pumpkins and you know it the story continues. But her grandbaby was here at the end and with a little bit of luck we have broken the evil chain.

The Packers lost in overtime. Now for my opinion. That whole overtime ruling gives me a big case of redhinnie. Flipping a coin and letting the first score win is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, never mind that football has become an excuse me sport ( pass interference calls.....we stop this action so that the receiver can catch the ball, then oh yeah now it's ok to tackle them) why not just stand at the center of the field save a whole lot of time and whom ever wins the toss gets the win. Really, play for another quarter, I can not believe how much this pisses me off.

Big investment tip........................From my brother-in-law Ben, Watch exon and when it gets to 57ish a barrel buy it. It's projected to go over 300 a barrel in 2010. Read his blog about it at Thefarnsworthfile.blogspot.com If this isn't right call me and I'll find the right one, believe me when I say this man really knows stuff.

The shop is going crazy right now. These days have been full of sadness and it will continue through the next few days. Friday I met with a couple that lost infant twin girls. Then on sat am a 17 yo boy was killed in and accident. I have to go in and start as soon as I finish writing . It is really some ruff stuff and can be pretty hard to deal with. It will be a waterproof mascara day as I cry when they cry. I am blessed to have my family and thank God for their health. See you later.....................

Trick or Treat

2008-10-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

2 days till Halloween and we have 5 mondo pumpkins sitting on our front steps waiting for the knife. I have carved pumpkins every year can't remember a single on when I haven't. In the past few years they have been sculpted with accuracy using a pumpkin masters pattern, each one taking about and hour or so, never minding the time it took. The kids would long be finished with theirs as I continued to " saw" out the intricate pieces. I'm not using a pumpkin master pattern this year. Danny will be over on Thursday night to assist in the ritual. I can't wait because for a few hours the kitchen will be a magical spot. How does this look?, Do you think we can roast these seeds? The eye broke out Mom how do I fix it? I reach into the cabinet and pullout the trusty toothpicks and all is well. The back ground music will be some kind of thumping rap, BUT it's all good. Just as long as it takes a long time so that I can hold on to the moment. But sometimes pumpkin carving can take on a whole different twist.....STORY.......Several years ago 17 or so Kate was 10 and Danny was 6. Dennis and I were dating and he was invited over for Carving Night. After dinner we cleared the table and covered it with newspaper, pulled out the markers and knives and began the task of cleaning out the pumpkins. Everyone knows it takes a bit of time to complete a pumpkin. Well, Dennis is usually all about getting the job done fast. He excuses himself and says he needs to go home and get something. Moments later he returns with a jig saw. The kids eyes got big and when they saw how fast and easy the carving could take place they were delighted, each wanting a turn at the electric power tool. After that night the jig saw was a part of Carving night. For me, and this year there will be no jig saw I want our night to last as long as I can.

No football...what's a girl to do?

2008-10-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

This is Iris, a very charmed Irish Setter we rescued. When we walk in the mornings she will go out of her way to avoid a puddle, BUT toss a rock in the lake and she's all about getting it.

Check out the colors on this tree. Absolutely stunning. We saw this tree on a walk around a new trail in the area ( no football remember) . It is an oak, we only have maples in our yard so it is nice to see some of the dark reds. The best part of this is no raking up these bad boys. I really missed no football yesterday, I like everything about it, the hits, scores and the sounds. It's funny how we evolve as we grow up. It should be no surprise that when I was younger I didn't care much for the game. Grew up with football playing in the bar. Didn't like it, remember my little bro had an electric football game with small helmets, and I do recall hearing great players names ( Bart Starr .....) I did have the opportunity to attend a Packer game at Lambeau with Big Dan. What a shame I did not get the game at that time Holy Cow there's a regret. This is what I remember of that game IT WAS FLIPPING COLD. My drink froze in the cup, and after making a trip down to the bathroom ( to warm up) I didn't pay close attention to our seat location and as I stood at the bottom of the stands searching through the crowd for Dan a nice, helpful worker asked if he could help when I replied I'm looking for my husband.....he's wearing blaze orange. The well meaning kid gives me a look that definitely said dumb blond as he pointed out the crowd (over 50% wearing blaze orange). Well I did find him, the Packers lost and at midnight my thighs were still red from the cold. Years later Dennis figured out how to get me to like football....with gambling. yup a simple football board and the chance to win hundreds taught me how to score and anticipate what was needed to be done so I could win. ( I did win 500 on my first game only to have the fridge die the very next day). I'm sorry about that Dan, I wished I would have like football. BUT the best part of that trip was going to a theatre and seeing for the first time Christmas Vacation, we own it and watch it every Christmas eve.

It's good to be a cheesehead

2008-10-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh another wonderful fall sunday in cornland. It's been a good day here. The weather is fantastic, the leaves are turning and falling like crazy. When I lived up north I longed for any tree but a pine tree. ( If you don't have them then you don't know that grass will never grow under them....., most are too tall to put christmas lights on them and they just dont drop colorful leaves on the ground) Now where we live we have a bunch o hardwoods and this is what we have......tons of leaves ( what do you do with them?), can't really burn them as they make neighbors mad, and sometimes when you burn them they start mini fires....STORY....One day years ago on or about our first fall I head out to the back yard all reved up and commenced to yard clean up....raked up a big pile of leaves and proceeded to set them on fire. Yup I carefully checked to see that I was far enough from the house as not to catch this 112 yo barn on fire. It was a beautiful day, bit windy but I had a handle on it, I watched it carefully and when my pile had burned to ashes I noted there was still smoke.......There on the other side of the fence was a fire FIRE my brain screamed, the fence was on fire.......I ran to get the hose and crap I had disconnected it, quick I thought what do I do......And in the corner if the yard with what I thought was a beem of light about it was............the dog water, quickly I ran over and got it, ran back and threw it with every thing I had. It's now out with exception to smoke....but it's really out. Now my next problem....how do I hide it from my beloved????? I just kicked leaves over the charred area forgetting all about it till next spring during clean up when I heard Teriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii what happenened to.... More on leaves another day

Another wonderful day in cornland......

2008-10-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Wow if your reading this diddy it means I have finally entered the modern age. We here at 607 have never been with the times, as a matter of fact we just just got a DVD player 2 years ago. In our defense really, the VCR worked just fine. Our computer is 6+ years old, has a new hard drive and yea it works just fine. (slow) but fine. BUT I have a brand new mack daddy digital camera and after paying a comp wiz to load the stuff in I am now ready to show ya'll my fam. I hope to update on monday nights. TV stinks. It will be a challenge for me as I have to balance my time between this, TV, Tiger Woods and my new best toy........ROCK BAND. Ok so much for uploading pictures. It was supposed to be a pic of Dennis and the girls (for future ref....Iris and Rosie our dogs). This girl is our granddaughter Tess. Doing some kinda I'ma hot chick pose. What you can't see here is the trully magical girl she is with a good soul. And cute toboot. Ok for another shot at a pic. And there you have it.......in the wrong spot and totally weird it's our girl Rosie. She's a rescue pooh and she is the sweetest girl ever. I'll work on this, promise ado Teri