Lookin' Out My Backdoor

Happy New Year - 2012

2012-01-01T15:42:00.000-06:00

This is about how I feel today although I have been somewhat productive - shredding papers and receipts and just enjoying the day. We went over to our neighbor's house last night and I have a new favorite cocktail - Effen Black Cherry vodka and 7 Up! Quite delicious! We actually made it past midnight and the boys ran outside banging pots and pans and whooping it up - it was so cute!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2012!

It's A Small World After All...

2011-10-20T16:48:00.001-05:00

We went to Disney World last week and had a wonderful time. We kept it a surprise from Michael until we got to the Southwest Airlines gate at the airport, then I handed him a typed up note saying "Surprise, Michael...We are taking you to Walt Disney World"! At first he thought we were going to California (Disney Land), but then when we told him Orlando, Florida, his face lit up with the best smile! Michael had a lot of fun getting autographs from all of the characters. The whole family had to get a hug and a picture with Pooh!

I had not been to WDW since around 1990 and WOW! This place has really grown. There is now the Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks in addition to Epcot and The Magic Kingdom.

Have a Sparklin' Weekend - Happy Birthday, America!

2011-07-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and your loved one's a wonderful weekend...be safe!

I Heart Faces Contest

2011-04-26T20:49:00.001-05:00

I thought I would enter this contest for the fun of it. I love this photo of Roadie's adorable face. He was really focused on me because I had a treat for him if he listened well!

"You're Soaking In It."

2011-03-30T18:17:00.013-05:00

On Thursday, the Forest Preserve/Park District did a controlled burn in the field out back to kill off the dead weeds and reeds, etc. They try to do it before any birds start nesting so as not to disturb the wildlife. Here are a couple of pictures of the burn... Whoa!! It sure looks like it might be getting a little out of control but it didn't. The fires went out pretty quickly. So now we have burnt grass, weeds, etc. out back except for the mowed trails that we like to walk on, well we used to just walk on the non-burnt trails. But now that the grass has been charred, "let's not listen to Mom as she calls me back to the yard and just run ALL OVER the nice burned grass"!

Burned grass and white Aussie paws do not mix. So of course a mani and pedi is in order. Do you ever wonder how dogs know by the tone of your voice that something is up...

Here is a little video clip of the escape. Roadie is running back to me but Holly took off the other way.

Giving Back

2011-03-26T17:01:00.006-05:00

For the past 6 months or so I have been volunteering on Saturday mornings for a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding program and I love it! This program provides Therapeutic horseback riding for physically and mentally challenged children and adults. I get to the barn around 8:00 am to help groom and lunge the horses before the first riders arrive at 9:00. Then, I help out for the next hour as either a horse walker or side walker. It's really amazing to see how this program really helps the riders become physically stronger, mentally able to better communicate emotions or emotionally improving self-confidence and self-esteem.

I also love spending time with the horses - and I get to "get my horse fix"; smell the smells of the barn and horses, brushing and tacking.

Here are a couple of the horses in the program. This is Big Shrek - he's a 14 year old Percheron, pretty sweet,sometimes stubborn but great with the riders!

This is Little Cloud ("Mini Shrek"). He's 17 and has been with the program for 14 years - what a doll baby!

Here is KC - she's a little moody in the morning but that attitude disappears when they put on the vaulting saddle. She's used for the therapeutic vaulting sessions - very interesting to watch the kids - they are fearless!

I hope to snap some pictures this spring - if it ever gets here! Thank goodness the barn and arena are somewhat heated.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-03-05T13:40:00.004-06:00

One year ago we drove to Ohio (near Cleveland) to pick up little Roadie. He has become such a wonderful member of our family. He's quite a little love bug and a little stinker, too!

Just kidding! Here is our handsome little guy...

Catching Up

2010-12-28T16:58:00.012-06:00

Since I have a few days off of work, I thought I would catch up on posting. We went to San Diego at Thanksgiving and we brought the cold rainy weather with us. During a break in the rain, we went to Balboa Park and walked around a bit.

This is a beautiful building with a Lily Pond in front of it.

This is the Casa del Prado Theatre. We didn't get inside but I heard that it isn't as nice as the outside. Oh, well.

Close-up...it might not be that grand inside, but this ornate facade is pretty amazing.

Here is the Botanical Building - very nice with lot's of Orchids, Christmas Cactus and Poinsettias.

More posts to come about our trip. We really had a lot of fun there and hope to go back this summer.

Christmas Gift

2010-12-28T07:40:00.003-06:00

I have enjoyed reading Country Living for years now and was introduced to
"The Farm Chicks" through the magazine. I saw their exhibit at the Country Living Fair a few years ago when it was held at the Chicago Botanical Garden and purchased their first book last year. So, one of the items on my list this year was to get The Farm Chicks Christmas book - which I got! I can't wait to start some of the great projects and recipes. I'll let you know how they turn out. What did you get for Christmas?

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2010-12-25T10:13:00.001-06:00

We hope that you all have had a lovely Christmas! It was a great Christmas here - we opened our presents and then went over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house. Lovely dinner - polish sausage, ham, scalloped potatoes, pigs in a blanket (my fav!) and pumpkin pie.

Driving back through the city was a bit hairy, lake effect snow hampered driving but it was nice to catch up with my brother, who met us at my MIL's house. He and I drove back together.

Even Holly and Roadie had a nice Christmas, a few new stuffed animals to tear apart. Time to call it a night...Merry Christmas to all!

Happy Halloween To All!

2010-10-31T15:45:00.009-05:00

Well, the kids are all dressed in their costumes and ready to hit the neighborhood.

Michael is a Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Player, Holly is a "Queen Bee" and Roadie is a King...not "The King" but that gives me an idea for next year.

Holly - Miss Queen Bee. She was a trooper and the costume stayed on the whole time!

King Roadie and Holly. I had to bring Roadie home because he wasn't behaving well - little Brat.

As we progressed, Michael shed most of his Costume and I ended up carrying his gloves, his roller blades and then his helmet. Next year, he's on his own! But it is a beautiful afternoon here - we've had worse Halloweens. It seems like it was always raining and cold when I was young. Then again, we got to go begging for candy on the actual Halloween day, not matter what day of the week and it was at night too.

I hope all of your little goblins have a safe and Happy Halloween!

It's all happening at the zoo

2010-08-15T07:44:00.003-05:00

Just a few photos of our trip to the Brookfield Zoo. We especially enjoyed the butterfly house.

2010-07-13T19:15:00.003-05:00

For about a week, these lovelies hung out back...aren't they beautiful?

There were 3 bucks and a doe. They were eating the leaves from the maple trees.

Michael named the two that were the bravest and came the closest to our back yard. This is Frank.

And this is Rudy, coming in to munch from the salad bar.

Be Still My Heart...

2010-07-01T05:51:00.002-05:00

Rick Bayless Book Signing

2010-05-16T07:44:00.010-05:00

Last night, I went with some friends Anita, Linda to our Village's Cultural and Civic center to see Award-winning chef-restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality - Rick Bayless - it was awesome!

The place was hoppin'. We went an hour early for a wine and cheese reception and dined on excellent hors'dourves - especially the Salmon Risotto. This reception was not catered by Rick Bayless, but everything they served was wonderful.

This is Chris (a friend who works with Anita), me, Anita and Linda enjoying the event!

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Chef Bayless talking about how he wanted to become a Chef after falling in love with the sights, sounds and flavor of Mexico. His family had restaurants in Oklahoma, where he grew up. He seems very down to earth and humble, relaxed, not like some of the other crazy chefs that you see on TV. There were a few glitches with the sound system but he couldn't have been nicer about it and improvised with a regular mic, the sound system problem did get fixed.

He talked about his Frontera Farmer Foundation which he established in 2003 to attract support for small Midwestern farms. Rick and Deann Bayless, along with the restaurants’ staff, created the Foundation out of their concern for struggling farmers and the importance of local produce to the vitality of Chicago’s culinary culture. It was very interesting to hear where he buys his produce locally.

We waited about an hour to have him sign our books and take a few photos with him, it was well worth it. Then we headed over to The Vine in Grayslake to have a few dessert martini's - I had the Mudslide Martini and it was delicious.

I now have my cookbook proudly displayed on top of my cookbook cabinet and cannot wait to whip up some authentic Mexican cuisine!

Jbien Provecho everyone!

Carnage out my backdoor

2010-05-15T10:31:00.005-05:00

Well, in my earlier post about the critters we have seen this spring, I wrote about the coyotes who have made themselves heard and seen. This morning Roadie was making a ruckus, so I looked out to see if our neighbors were out in their backyard and I saw this critter chomping down on something.

I grabbed my little point and shoot and managed to get a couple of pictures of it after I had interrupted its breakfast.

There was a mama duck in the pond going crazy so I though that it might have eaten papa duck. Carlos & Anita came over and Carlos found 3 dead baby ducklings..sniff, sniff...mama duck is still flying around looking for them, it is quite sad to see. Anita and I had Carlos bury them so the coyote couldn't get them again.

I know that nature is not always pleasant and I am a huge animal lover but the coyotes are really worrying me. I think this one could easily take down Roadie, heaven forbid. Would it be horrible to get a b-b gun to scare it off if I ever see it again?

So Excited - Going to a book signing tonight...

2010-05-15T07:28:00.003-05:00

for a famous Chef/Author. Stay tuned...

Spring Critters Out My Backdoor

2010-05-15T07:12:00.005-05:00

Here is a little photo essay of the animals that we've seen this spring just out our backdoor.

One of the male mallards. He and his mate were in our backyard looking for a nesting place but with our two dogs, who love to chase birds, they decided to move in down the street.

"There arose such a clatter". On May 1st, I heard this loud clacking noise and saw these two Sandhills out on the park grounds. I sent Ron out with his new camera to get some shots. Aren't they cool?

More clattering, but this was from the Canada Geese - one late afternoon they were just honking and carrying on, it was quite annoying. I decided to see what was going on when I saw these two out back. This scrawny yearling...

and it's Mama. Love it!!!

We've also had a lot of coyotes out back but I can never take their picture because it's too dark. They have been very active and noisy this spring. Our next-door neighbor saw one jump our 4' fence from his yard to ours. Kind of scary actually so we have to watch Roadie and Holly when we let them out at night.

Contest at The Vintage Workshop

2010-05-13T07:04:00.005-05:00

I have a been a fan of The Vintage Workshop for years now. Here's a neat contest going on and you can win one of two “Fresh From the Garden” Gift Sets!

What do you win? Two gift sets will be awarded. The first set will include: garden seed packet apron, seed packet tote bag, tomato journal, set of gardening/floral imagery, and a set of garden themed note cards from Indygo Junction. The second set will include: strawberry apron, seed packet purse with crystals, seed packet pillow, little girl gardening journal, Faber Seed Co. tissue box cover, several CD’s with gardening/flower imagery, & a set of garden themed note cards from Indygo Junction.

Click here The Vintage Workshop to enter the contest and good luck!

Holly Retouched

2010-03-28T06:25:00.001-05:00

I was playing around with the photo of Holly in Picasa. I can't wait to learn how to use our new Canon 7D. So far, I'm impressed with the photos it has taken.

Fun at the D-O-G P-A-R-K

2010-03-26T19:04:00.003-05:00

Yes, we have to spell out Dog Park or else we will have two very excited and persistent Aussies on our heels.

Ron bought a new camera, a real fancy one and last week when it was in the 60's we took the pups to the DOG PARK! Here is Holly coming back to me at a full gallop.

My beautiful girl...isn't she precious?

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun...

2010-03-14T07:37:00.011-05:00

with two Aussie dogs!

Introducing the newest member of the family, Roadie!

Isn't he the cutest little bugger? We found him and adopted him through Aussie Rescue two weeks ago. We took a road trip to Ohio to get him and he's settling down pretty well. He's a little dude, a Mini-Aussie and is about a year and a half old. Seriously, what's a little more dog hair floating around and making incredible dust bunnies...whoop de-doo!

Michael thinks he's great...

I think he'll be a great at agility too, but first he needs to learn some basics.

Holly likes him too, just like I knew she would.

Candy Girl

2010-01-23T15:55:00.009-06:00

I received my coveted 90th Anniversary Edition, Candy Apple Red, Kitchenaid Stand Mixer the other day! Yippee! I have been eyeing this baby up for a few months now and voila - she's mine and it makes me want to sing...

Candy Girl - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons -

~I've been a-searchin' all this wide world
Now finally I've found my
Candy girl Candy girl

I-yi-yi-yi found me a girl (Candy girl)
She-ee-ee-ee sets my heart a-whirl (Candy girl)
With huggin' and kissin' and lov-in'
(She's mine) mi-ine (mine) mi-ine
Whoa-oa-oa-oh-oh (Candy girl)

We get along so well (Candy girl)
I know just why I fell (Candy girl)
She's thrillin' (thrillin') oh, chillin' (chillin'),
yes she's so divine
(She's mine) mi-ine (mine) mi-ine
Whoa-oa-oa-oh-oh (Candy girl)~

But I digress...

I can't say enough about www.everythingkitchens.com - great price, free shipping and it arrived in 3 days. I will definitely order from them again.

So this morning, Michael and I baked some of Grandma's Peanut Butter Cookies - I think Michael likes "Candy Girl" as much as I do!

Michael is very interested in cooking so I am showing him how to get all the 'gredients out on the counter first.

Nice looking cookie dough

Michael had fun rolling the cookies in the balls before we used a fork to make the criss-cross on top.

Fresh out of the oven and cooling on the bakers rack.

Fresh Home Made Cookies! Yummmmmmmm.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T07:20:00.000-06:00

A Merry Christmas Indeed!

2009-12-26T06:53:00.009-06:00

Holly waiting for Michael to wake up!

Star Wars has taken over the house from Star Wars Monopoly; SW Bobble Heads; SW Plush toys; SW Pinball Game.

Holly couldn't wait to see what was in her stocking!

Another stuffed critter to mutilate and destroy (and spread that stuffing stuff all over the house!).

Our faithful Holly, watching over the festivities! Have I mentioned how much I love this girl??

These slippers are cute? Can I eat them?

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas - I know that we sure did!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:13:00.001-06:00

'twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T08:17:00.005-06:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart with peace, your home with love

Life Is Good Today

2009-12-05T06:37:00.007-06:00

I got my toes in the water

ass in the sand

Not a worry in the world,

Life is good today. Life is good today.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week in San Diego. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, not a cloud in sky for the whole 7 days! We went to Coronado Island one afternoon to soak up the vitamin D and let the sun warm our bones to prepare us for what is supposed to be a long, cold winter (according to The Farmer's Almanac).

These photos reminded me of the song 'toes' by The Zac Brown Band...here the first verse.

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.
Well, the plane touched down just about 3 o’clock
And the city’s still on my mind
Bikinis and palm trees danced in my head
I was still in the baggage line
Concrete and cars are their own prison bars like this life I’m living in
But the plane brought me farther.
I’m surrounded by water
And I’m not going back again

Special Request for a Special Child - An Early Christmas

2009-11-13T12:35:00.005-06:00

Noah Biorkman is a young boy stricken with cancer. His family doesn’t think he’ll make it to Christmas, so, they want to have as many people as possible to send him cards now.

I just saw a video on CNN. What a little doll! He is from South Lyon, MI and is in the last stages of a 2 1/2 yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. Noah & his family are celebrating X-mas next week since he may not make it through Dec. Noah’s request for X-mas was to get a lot of Christmas cards in the mail. Let’s fulfill his request! Send cards to: Noah Biorkman 1141 Fountain View Circle South Lyon, MI 48178..Copy and Repost! Let’s show this child how special he is:)”

So I wanted to see if I could help.

I’m going to send my card this week, will you?

Post Script: Sad News -- Noah Biorkman died on Monday, November 23rd. He received over 1 million Christmas Cards from well wishers from all over the world. Sleep in peace, Noah.

A Chrismas Carol (In July)

2009-11-07T06:08:00.019-06:00

It was snowing in Union Station!

Disney's "A Christmas Carol" train came into Union Station for a few days this summer on its way from L.A. to New York city for the premiere of the newest version of the Dickens classic. We took the Metra down to see it and it was really neat, once you got through the long line.

Four cars were turned into really cool exhibits; everything from real artifacts from the Charles Dickens Museum in London, to actual props and costumes worn by the actors.

One car had a lot of hands-on things to show the cool technology they used to turn the live performances into virtual 3-D.

At the end of the exhibit, they had a little place set up for a photo op - We wish you a Merry Christmas!

After we viewed the 3-D preview of the movie, we hopped a cab to have lunch at Ed Debevic's, a 50's style diner.

They make you wear these dorky paper hats...

The music and food are great. If you ever visit Chicago, you have to "Eat At Ed's".

All in all, it was a nice excursion to the city, but it's time to go home now.

after while, Crocodile...

There were some frightful sights in the neighborhood....

2009-11-01T09:22:00.001-06:00

Happy Haunting

2009-10-31T08:12:00.003-05:00

AHHHHHH! Happy Halloweeeeen!!!

Family

2009-08-08T08:02:00.005-05:00

My Dad and Step-Mom, Pat came to visit us a few weeks ago. They drove their new little RV from California. It's a Winnebago View and it's quite cute - it would be perfect for Ron, Michael, Holly and I to travel this great land of ours one day! *giggle*

Here's my Dad, he's 83 - doesn't he look great?

Here's a photo of my Dad and Mom when he was about 32 or 33 - handsome fella, eh? My Mom was quite pretty, I really miss her.

This is my Dad and Pat. They have been married for almost 25 years now. She's always on the go, go, go! Pat had a double knee replacement last year on Valentine's day and she said it was the best thing she ever did, although her recovery took longer than she hoped it would. She is a fantastic seamstress and quilter. She always wins ribbons at the San Diego County Fair for her creations. She also sews baby blankets and clothes for needy children. She's a neat lady and I love her very much.

Cousins...

First Cousins - my Dad and his cousin, Bill, who is 89.

We all had a ball at the reunion. Sometimes I really miss Michigan and all of my friends and family, but I'm happy with the home that Ron and I have here.

Girl's Weekend (part 2)

2009-07-08T07:49:00.000-05:00

We stayed at a charming B&B in Asheville, The Princess Anne Hotel. What a delightful, charming place. The suite we stayed in was darling, the night manager was a delight, graciously extending the wine and cheese happy hour for us Yankees! I would definitely go back and stay at the Princess Anne again.

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All in all, it was a lovely weekend, although I hurt for days after I got home. I took my first riding lesson in about 10 years on a great big horse, 17.1 hand TB. It was a blast and boy am I out of riding shape. More later.

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-04T09:03:00.002-05:00

Wishing all a very Happy and Safe 4th - Happy Birthday, America!

Obsessed?

2009-07-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

Ron came home yesterday and found that the T.V. was left on. Hmmmm, the only one home was Holly.

I think she was playing Wii - Star Wars the Clone Wars game. See what I mean? Light saber, Wii controls. The proof is in the pudding...

It all started...

"A long time ago...on a bed, far, far away"

Girl's Weekend (part 1)

2009-07-03T06:39:00.018-05:00

In May, I was able to "get away" for a long girl's weekend with my good friends Paula and Ann, which coincidentally happened to be around my birthday.

We have been talking and dreaming about visiting the fabulous Biltmore House in Asheville, NC for a while now and that is where we went! Have you ever been there? It is truly magnificent and certainly a place to put on your "places I want to visit" list.

Come along with me on a little tour. As the old saying goes, "the pictures don't do it justice".

We got there a little late in the afternoon due to my flight problems (that is another story in itself - note, you don't want to fly with me, I always have issues - I actually think it's O'Hare airport, ugh). Anywho, we knew we wouldn't have time to tour the house so we decided to see the gardens and surrounding points of interest on the estate.

So, on with the tour...this is the conservatory near the beautiful gardens. The garden's were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed New York's Central Park, the Jefferson Memorial and many other outstanding projects.

We strolled through the rose garden...

Don't you just love the color of this rose!

Then we made our way up closer to the house and enjoyed the shrub garden, esplanade and especially the Italian Garden.

I loved this darling statue! He was in the Italian Garden, which design concept dates back to the 16th century.

Here are a couple views of the land surrounding Biltmore.

My friends Ann and Paula. We had so much fun, I don't think we stopped talking and laughing for the 4 days we were together!!

We went to visit the farm animals at the farm yard and then toured the winery and enjoyed the wine tasting! The wine was wonderful and I will be ordering some to give out this Christmas. Here is a pic of the Wine and Champagne Cellar.

To be continued...

Michael's Summer Camp Adventures

2009-07-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Michael has really enjoyed being at Summer Day Camp so far. He's really starting to swim well and has made a lot of new friends! Each week they go on Field Trips to some cool place. Last week they happened to go to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Here are a couple of photos from that trip.

Here is Michael and his group, he's the last one on the right.

This is a great photo - they have a butterfly vivarium (Latin, literally for "place of life")(fancy, schmancy word, eh?) at the museum and Michael met a new friend!

So It's The Laughter...

2009-07-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

Can you pick me out of the class photo below?

Yep, this is me!

~we will remember, whenever we remember, the way we were~

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T17:02:00.004-05:00

Even though it was a long, cold winter, this spring the flowers have been just outstanding and many have bloomed earlier than in Springs past.

Here is a photo of one of my azalea's - it's outstanding this spring! Behind it is my trellis with my Clematis, it has some new sprouts growing up from the ground but nothing on last years wood - which you're supposed to leave - we'll see how this blooms in a few months.

Michael and I worked on my planters and flower pots the other day. I found kids gardening gloves for him and we also found these lovlies - horned violeta, I think they are adorable!

Who doesn't love Gerbera Daisy's?

Happy Sunday, Happy Mother's Day!

Red Birds

2009-05-09T16:34:00.007-05:00

I love to watch and feed the birds. Last year we had a nest of Robins in our little crab apple bush near our front porch. Unfortunately, the babies did not make it and some critter got to them before they could fly. I found the decimation on our front walkway one morning, pretty gross.

This spring I put a plate feeder in our front tree and the birds have really enjoyed it! It has attracted a male and female cardinal and a few weeks ago I noticed the pair flying around our front porch. I finally spotted this little nest in the crab apple bush.

It doesn't look like much of a nest but the cardinals seem happy.

Last Saturday, May 2nd, I peeked into the nest and saw these 4 adorable eggs! We're so excited and hope that the babies make it to grace our feeders like their parents!

I will try to post some more photos of the babies (hopefully)when they hatch! I understand that the Papa takes over the feeding of the little brood so I hope he doesn't mind me peeking in on them.

Easter Greetings

2009-04-09T19:58:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a Spring time fresh with new promises and an Easter full of happiness!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-05T18:08:00.008-05:00

Yesterday Michael and I went to our local Easter Egg hunt sponsored by our park district. It was a rather nice morning and the snow from last Sunday has all melted.

Waiting patiently for the start.

Checking out all of those eggs!

The countdown begins...ten, nine, eight...

Here's a little video clip - it was crazy! That space was clean in a matter of minutes! Michael got a bunch of candy - Smarties and Caramels, but no "Golden Ticket" for a bigger prize. Oh well, next year.

Out Like A Lamb?

2009-03-29T08:02:00.003-05:00

You decide...

My poor tulips... :(

Go Spartans!

2009-03-23T19:16:00.004-05:00

Good luck on Friday - beat the Jayhawks!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

2009-03-22T10:08:00.009-05:00

Happy Birthday, Michael! You are now a big 6 year old! Wow, it doesn't seem possible, in many ways it seems like yesterday when you made your grand entrance into the world. I wanted to let you know how much your Daddy and I love you! You are such a funny, loving, caring, imaginative and intelligent little man.

I hope you enjoy your Pirate Cake that I baked for you!

You have brought us so much joy, Michael. Have a wonderful day!

Love 500, Mommy

Look What I Found

2009-03-06T05:55:00.001-06:00

For this weeks Show & Tell, I would like to show you a few additions to my kitchen.

First, this adorable lamp -- shhhh, it only cost $12.99. It's not an antique or anything, I just liked it and wanted something to give off a little light in my kitchen.

Here are a few new/old cookbooks that I happened upon.

This one is "Quick Dishes For the Woman In A Hurry" -

Next is, 250 "Luscious" Refrigerator Desserts...

Let's just see what kind of "luscious" recipes we'll find inside now, shall we?

Prune Ice Cream?! I don't know about you but that doesn't sound too luscious to me!

I found this cute wire basket and also some unpainted wooden eggs. Painting them will be a good rainy day thing to do for Michael and I.

Michael and Ron love to build things together with Legos and K'Nex. Michael also loves to destroy their creations soon after they are built, much to Ron's dismay. I found this lovely Erector set for them. Perhaps now their creations will stay in one piece longer.

Michael was so cute...out of the blue he thanked me for buying this for him. He really loves it! My little boy is growing up so and that little "thank you" just meant the world to me. Not that he doesn't say thank you, but most of the time it's said after a little prompting.

Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful posts!

Happy Saturday

2009-01-17T08:49:00.009-06:00

Greetings and Happy Saturday!

I have not posted in a few weeks because I have been too busy at work - a lot of reorganization in the company.

This was the temperature on our deck yesterday morning. I kid you not, it was -17 degrees Fahrenheit - brrrrrrr. They are forecasting a high of around 20 today - woo hoo - I'm going to get out the sunblock.

Last weekend after we had another 12" of snow, we went to the local sledding hill. Below the 12" of snow was about 3" of ice - it made for a few treacherous trips up the hill, just about killed me. It was a good workout though, I wonder how many activity points I earned doing that?! Oh, I have joined Weight Watchers again. My company is sponsoring WW @Work and we have a great group of co-workers. I have lost about 5.5 lbs. so far, lots more to lose but it's a start.

Here are some photos of Michael on the sledding hill last Saturday.

And here are some photos of Michael after we got home from sledding, hee, hee..(I have a whole collection of photos and videos of Michael sleeping, can't wait to show them to his future loves).

Hey, wait a minute! Holly didn't go sledding...what a lazy hound! :)

Have a great day!

Happy New Year Fun!

2009-01-01T20:27:00.018-06:00

Kelli is hosting a Blog Review for 2008. What you do is post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favorite picture from each month.

Here are mine:

January

I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day...

February

God bless weathermen, er, I mean meteorologist (excuse me).

March

Birdie came into our lives in December, 2001 after we tried for over a year and a half(unsuccessfully) to have a baby.

April

This is my first "Tuesdays with Michael" post and I hope to keep this up each week as kind of a diary of my "special" day with our wonderful, yet challenging, young son.

May

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday - Woohoo!

June

Have you ever thought that you lost something for good, something that was very sentimental to you?

July

God Bless America

August

I'm a day late and a dollar short on my post this week. I was having computer problems yesterday but all is fine now.

September

A few weeks ago, a friend and I decided to go visit some old friends - of the Equine variety.

October

Go Green! Go White!

November

Good morning! As we start our day here in Illinois with the first snow of the season, I wanted to share with you some photos from our honeymoon to the beautiful island of Maui.

December

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, how lovely are your branches~

Happy 2009 everyone!

Winter Wonderland - December 19, 2008

2008-12-20T07:27:00.006-06:00

Here are a couple of photos from yesterday's storm. We had close to a foot of snow! Michael, Holly and I went out on an "adventure" in the back. Holly was like a little bunny, hopping around because the snow was past her shoulders.

Lookin' Out My Frontdoor...

Lookin' Out The Back...

Christmas Memories - 1963

2008-12-19T20:03:00.007-06:00

This is a photo of my older brother and I around 1963, a dear friend gave me the frame the photo is in, isn't it adorable? I was such a girlie-girl back then. I ALWAYS got baby dolls and spent hours playing Mommy to them.

Doesn't my brother look thrilled in this photo?

A few years ago I confirmed with my father that they used to put up the tree and put the presents out all on Christmas Eve! Can you imagine that? I don't know how my parents did it back then. They probably just fell asleep when the little munchkins woke up to see what Santa brought them!

Christmas Treasures - Muffy Vanderbear

2008-12-19T06:21:00.014-06:00

Good morning and Happy Friday! We are in the middle of a Winter Storm and boy is it ever nasty out there. Michael's school is closed, Ron is home on vacation and I'm NOT going to go in to work today! To quote Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, "Isn't a fit night out for man nor beast".

For today's Show and Tell Friday, I'd like to share with you a couple of my Muffy Vanderbears (do you remember them?). I have other Muffy's as well but here are my two special holiday Muffy's...

First is Muffy Snowbear.

Don't you just love her little carrot nose?

Next is Muffy The Red Nosed Reinbear! I love the detail on the boxes and I try to keep them in their boxes so they don't get grubby, but the boxes also make a nice display too.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! I will post some photos of the snow later today.
Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful posts!

Photo Fun

2008-12-13T05:40:00.008-06:00

I have been having fun with Picasa, the free photo editor program owned by Google.

This is a Christmas Collage that I created and I'm going to use for my Christmas Cards.

Have a wonderful weekend!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

2008-12-09T19:03:00.016-06:00

how lovely are your branches~

We piled in the car to get our tree last Saturday and ventured out to Woodstock. When we arrived, I realized that I forgot my camera at home. I was a little upset but we trudged on and after a nice horse-drawn wagon ride out to the hinderlands, we found this lovely tree!

Michael couldn't wait to put the star on the top.

Here is the final result - all decked out. We even brought out the Polar Express Train to run around the tree.

A few years ago I found two feather trees from Martha Stewart collection at KMart. I enjoy decorating the white feather tree in Red & White ornaments. Michael is decorating the green one and I'll post his finished tree later.

I have missed participating in Kelli's Show and Tell Friday! Wishing you all a very wonderful and blessed holiday season. Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful posts!

I Am Thankful For...

2008-11-29T19:14:00.001-06:00

If it weren't for "Cheesy Noo Noo's" I don't know what my five year old would eat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T06:43:00.005-06:00

We are having most of my husband's family up from Indiana and our next door neighbors over for dinner. I hope to take pics of the preparation (and mayhem) and will post them later!

I am truly thankful for all that we have and for the good health of our family and friends. I am thankful that America elected Barack Obama for President, he WILL turn things around for all Americans.

From our my family to yours, may you all have a wonderful day with your families and friends. God Bless.

Doohickey

2008-11-25T17:27:00.003-06:00

Pronunciation: doo-hik-ee; –noun, plural -eys. Informal. a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
a way to describe an object when your mind is in such a clutter you can't remember its' name because you are pressed for time. similar in meaning to thing-a-ma-jig.

I was working here in the family room while Michael watched "Word Girl" on PBS Kids when one of the words that Captain Huggy Pants said popped out and made me chuckle, "doohickey". I'm so glad that our young children are hearing words like this so they will live on for generations to come. Seriously. My Gramma B was a darling little Irish Lass and she had a seriously quirky vocabulary and a great sense of humor. She also made the best peanut butter cookies (with the fork tine crosses in the middle). I miss you Gramma.

Check this out

2008-11-25T06:53:00.005-06:00

If you want to start or end your day with a smile and a few tears, please look at this video. It has been out there for a few months but I just saw it for the first time this morning. It just made me smile and pray that hopefully, we can all get along with each other. You might want to scroll to the bottom and turn off the Christmas Tunes. Enjoy!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo it's amazing!

Aloha Kakahiaka

2008-11-09T06:20:00.001-06:00

Good morning! As we start our day here in Illinois with the first snow of the season, I wanted to share with you some photos from our honeymoon to the beautiful island of Maui.

We signed up to Bicycle down Haleakala - the bad part was getting up at 2:00 a.m. - the nice part was the incredible views and watching the sunrise at 10,000 feet!

Here we are ready to bike down -wish us luck! It was actually a little frightening for me and I was happier on the second leg of the ride. When I was little, I had a major wipe-out on my bike on an oiled dirt road - I had dirt, rocks and oil embedded in my shins, elbows and palms.

I'm on top of the world!

We made it! Here we are 28 miles later at sea level, Baldwin Beach in Paia.

We had a wonderful honeymoon. We took our car on "the road to Hana" - what a blast we had! We went with another couple that we met at our hotel and stopped off at waterfalls and beaches along the way.

It was a nice day, watching the sunrise from 10,000 feet and watching the sunset on the beach in Lahaina!

Have a great day, Mahalo!

Shades of Autumn

2008-10-26T05:23:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we went to Stades Pumpkin Farm in Spring Grove and had a wonderful time! Stades has it down pat - there is a corn maze, wagon rides, pony rides, hay mountain, pedal cars and lots of stuff to keep the little kids busy. You have to get tickets for most of the rides, but they don't gouge you on the price. For us "older kids", they also have a Pumpkin Cannon - it is a riot to see the Pumpkins get launched into outer space!

If you didn't want to trudge through the pumpkin patch to get your pumpkins, there were plenty to choose from near the entrance.

Our little corn angel!

You could also ride on a combine -

They had a fine collection of antique and modern farm equipment.

All in all, it was a lovely day and we'll be back again next year.

The Franklin Cider Mill

2008-10-11T08:29:00.010-05:00

On our way back to Illinois from our weekend in Michigan, we stopped at The Franklin Cider Mill for the world's best Apple Cider and Cider Donuts - yummmmmm! The place was really busy and has changed some but the cider and donuts are still as delicious as ever.

Long lines of folks hungry for the wonderful apple delicacies that await them inside.

A sign that is posted and explains the history of the mill.

The water wheel that powers the mill. This is a new one, painted Candy Apple Red.

This the original governor that controlled the speed of the water wheel when the Franklin River would rise.

A shot of the Franklin River, an off-shoot of the River Rouge that runs behind and thus, powers the water wheel. The bouncy things are new - I guess they needed something to entertain the kids. When I was little, we used to just run up the sandy hill behind or play on the banks of the river.

Delicious, fresh apple cider made from Honey Crisp apples - the nectar of the gods! *Cheers*

A "Spooky" Show and Tell

2008-09-26T06:43:00.013-05:00

I had a special delivery yesterday - oh goodie!! Would you like to see what is in the box?

Yeah, it's my order from D. Blumchen & Co.!

Look at the adorable party favor baskets!

Retro Halloween Cutouts -

Some decorative festooning and garland - oh, I can't wait to decorate - do you think it's too early for Halloween???

I also got an adorable book of Halloween Stickers.

I wonder what Ron has up his sleeve for our outdoor decorations this year. Here's a post from last Halloween. 2007 Halloween

I can't wait to visit Visit Kelli's Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts! Have a wonderful day and weekend, everyone!

Show & Tell Friday - Still Life

2008-09-19T07:04:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday! This week's post is a short & sweet one. We have guests coming this weekend so I'm getting ready for their arrival. This is a painting that my Mother painted about a year before she became ill. She took beginning art classes and created some very lovely oil paintings. I recently had this one re-framed and it now hangs proudly in our family room.

Visit Kelli's Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts! I have really enjoyed contributing and reading other's, its a lot of fun!

Tuesday's With Michael - Photographs and Memories

2008-09-09T16:15:00.011-05:00

I was down in the basement this morning doing a little cleaning while waiting for Michael to get home from Kindergarten and I ran across a storage bin of Michael's old clothes. In this bin was this cute onesie that he wore during his first Christmas. Also in there was the adorable Santa suit that I dressed him in to take his first Christmas photo. I can't bear the thought of donating them so they will go into my cedar chest for safe keeping.

Also this morning, I had an email that the photography studio we went to a couple of times, Sadies, is closing. :( The photos they took were outstanding and I have uploaded a few from his "first professional shoot". I hope you enjoy looking at our little one. The past five years have just flown by. Now, he's a big Kindergartener, can you believe it?

Here he is in a big pile of Bears! He loved it!

I had this one made into a black and white photo, it looks like it could have been taken in the 50's or 60's.

This is a close up - these photos have not been retouched - don't you love those cheeks?

Here we are, one happy and blessed family. What fun we had that!

Show and Tell Friday - Crocks and Stuff

2008-09-05T07:06:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday to everyone!

I wanted to show you some crocks that I have gathered on my travels. A friend of mine gave me this before she moved to Arizona. It's in my guest bedroom and has a basket of flowers on it usually, but I'm in the middle of putting in the fall flowers.

This one is in my foyer and I change the flowers with the seasons. I love this bunch of "faux" hydrangeas!

One of my dearest friends had this crock made of our house. We were married in 2000 and bought this house that same year. It sits on a cute table in my foyer.

Here is a photo of that table in the little nook. The clock was made for my Mom from the Bradford Exchange some time in the 70's. I love it! The little photo of Michael is one my most favorites.

I hope you enjoyed my little post. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts!

Old Friends

2008-09-02T15:51:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, a friend and I decided to go visit some old friends - of the Equine variety. We used to go to a local stable and groom and take a few school horses out on the trails in the forest preserves. The stable we went to was sold and the land re-developed. The farm/stable relocated about 20 miles from the original place and we wondered if any of our friends made the journey.

We were happy to find out that many of them did! Here is my friend with a cute Appy named Ticker. He's in his 20's now but still in good shape. His owner just uses him for walk/trot lessons.

This is C.G. He used to be a barrel racer. What a nice horse, fun to ride.

It was nice to see them again and smell the barn smells - I miss it. In fact, this has spurred me on to find a local stable so I can start lessons again this fall!

Show and Tell Friday - My Kinda Town

2008-08-29T00:10:00.001-05:00

Chicago Is! For this week's Show and Tell, I have decided to show you around the great town of Chicago! I moved here in 1986 and have loved every minute of it! Though we now live about 60 miles northwest of the city, it's an easy commute by train.

This past Sunday we decided to take the Metra train to the city. It was a beautiful, no humidity day. Michael got a kick out of the train ride.

We stopped for a photo op at the river near Monroe Street.

Look up, waaaay up....(gulp)

After 9/11, I can't say that I've been too keen on going to the top of the Sears Tower, but I'm sure glad that I did...what a view!

I'm on the top of the world, looking down on creation...

Michael had a blast!

This photo is from a side of the building where you can look straight down to the river.

We took a water taxi to Navy Pier. This is a great way to see the wonderful architectural buildings here.

I worked in this building for 8 years, boy, those were the days! I worked for two awesome companies and am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best and to explore this wonderful city on a daily basis.

Love the name of this boat! Remember the Seinfeld episode?? Makes me laugh to this day!

This is the new Trump Tower that is going up. Some people have already moved into it. It's across from the Tribune Tower.

When we got to Navy Pier, we took a ride on the Ferris Wheel, it takes 7 minutes to go around once, nice and slow so you can enjoy the sites from on top.

Beautiful skyline. I hope you have enjoyed my little tour of Chicago.

Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts and have a great long Labor Day weekend!

Walking With Dinosaurs

2008-08-18T20:02:00.010-05:00

We took Michael to see Walking With Dinosaurs at the United Center. It was a pretty cool production, especially if you are a 5 year old boy!

The show was narrated by a Paleontologist and we got to see 15 different species of Dinosaurs.

We saw Utah Raptors...

Braciosaurus...

Sometimes the noise was deafening!

Torosaurus...

And the Grand Daddy of them all...

Show and Tell Friday - August 15, 2008

2008-08-15T00:30:00.004-05:00

For today's Show and Tell Friday, I'd like to introduce you to a little gem of a place here in the Chicagoland area - The Chicago Botanic Garden. This past Saturday we went to the Kite Festival at the Garden. We went to our first kite festival two years ago and had so much fun - I'm glad that we were able to go again this year.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

You are encouraged to bring (or buy) a kite and fly it during breaks between the demonstrations.

The Chicago Fire is a sychronized kite flying drill team. The music they coordinate their routines to is wonderful and they are amazing! It was a beautiful day.

After the demonstrations we strolled through the gardens and took a few photos.

Isn't this rose lovely?

This makes me think that it belongs somewhere in France.

Another grouping of beautiful roses.

Pretty water lily.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to the garden. Please visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts and have a great weekend!

Show and Tell Friday

2008-08-02T18:03:00.006-05:00

I'm a day late and a dollar short on my post this week. I was having computer problems yesterday but all is fine now.

I would like to show you some more treasures that I have displayed in my china cabinet. Most of the treasures were collected by my Mom.

This adorable, hand painted little bud vase is just precious.

I don't know where/when my Mom found this, it is "signed" on the bottom. Could it really be almost 90 years old?!?

I have always liked this cream and sugar set. It was made for the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Has anyone ever stayed at the Waldorf Astoria? I have never been to NYC but would love to go one day.

Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place for more wonderful SNT posts and have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's With Michael - July 22 - Meet Me At The Fair!

2008-07-23T07:17:00.008-05:00

Michael and I went to the County Fair - it was a beautiful day. We had a lot of fun checking out the barns of livestock and other things like floral displays, antiques, home economics items. We rode some rides but Michael couldn't go on a lot of the "bigger" rides but it was still fun!

We went the first day of the fair so a lot of animals weren't there yet.
I thought this little calf was pretty cute.

Goats are a funny - and curious!

Do you have food?

I want to eat your hat!

Michael had fun on some of the kiddie rides.

In addition to the rides, we strolled through the other buildings and I especially liked the antique area. Here's an old fire truck. I played around with Picasa for this photo.

Here is the original photo in living color.

A lovely display of old cameras.

I Love Lucy (and Ethel too). This is a cool cookie jar!

Finally, how would you have liked to wash your clothes in this contraption? Happy Home Steam Washer? Happy? I don't think so. Makes you very thankful for all of our modern conveniences.

Hello My Baby! Hello My Honey!

2008-07-21T20:30:00.006-05:00

We went frog catchin' this evening and look what we got! He/she is pretty cute (if you can call a frog cute) actually.

We have a pond behind the house with tons of frogs in it. This one was making weird noises at first in the net. Then we put it in a minnow bucket with some water and lettuce. When we'd open the lid, it kept jumping out and did Michael ever have fun running after it!

Being a product of the 60's and raised on Looney Tunes, I have a somewhat warped sense of humor. I kept waiting for Mr./Mrs. Frog to belt out a little rag time like his/her's famous cousin...Michigan J. Frog!

Let me hear you now...

Hello, my baby!
Hello, my honey!
Hello, my ragtime gal!

Send me a kiss by wire.
Baby, my heart's on fire!

If you refuse me,
Honey, you loose me.
Then you'll be left alone.

Oh baby, telephone
And tell me I'm
Your own!

Everybody's doing the Michigan Rag
Everybody likes the Michigan Rag

Every Mame and Jane and Ruth
From Weehauken to Duluth

Slide, ride, glide the Michigan
Stomp, romp, pomp the Michigan
Jump, hump, pump the Michigan Rag

That love-d rag!!

We let the frog go back in the pond. He seemed to hang out for a little while then he jumped in and swam away.

Show and Tell Friday

2008-07-18T07:28:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's Christmas in July and I want to show you a few of the Christmas pins that I've been collecting recently. I was at the monthly Antique Show last Sunday and found 3 new/old ones. I only got a few because I spent too much on some other treasures that I'll show you next week.

This Holly Pin was my Mom's.

Isn't this Rudolph pin adorable?

So is this little deer

I absolutely adore this Candlestick pin.

Here's a darling Snowman pin. I don't think it's too old but I like it anyway.

Here is the whole kit and caboodle, including my Christopher Radko charm bracelet. Oh, this is getting me in the Christmas mood!

Have a fabulous weekend. Thank you once again, Kelli for hosting. Visit Kelli's Place Kelli's Place

Goodbye, Old Friend

2008-07-12T08:17:00.006-05:00

They are demolishing another landmark in Detroit. Tiger Stadium. Oh, the memories of that wonderful, magical ballpark.

I remember my first game in Tiger Stadium when I was six years old. We sat in the upper deck in right field. I remember the taste of the red hots in steamed buns and the taste of flat Pepsi, diluted from the ice that had melted.

In 1968, the Tigers were in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. They brought in T.V.'s in our class room so we could to watch the games. They played the series games during the day back then. Al Kaline, Mickey Lolich, Denny McLain, Stormin' Norman Cash, Bill Freeman. Go get 'em, Tigers!

My family took me to a game for my 16th birthday in 1976. We had a wonderful dinner at Carl's Chop House and then went to the game. That night, a quirky new pitcher was in the game that night - Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Remember him? He used to talk to the ball. He won 19 games and the AL Rookie of The Year award. He was quite the sensation, even had an oldies song dusted off for him..."The Bird, Bird, Bird, Bird is the word". It was a glorious summer.

I went to a lot of games through the years until I moved to Chicago. Opening Day in 1984 - it was so darn cold but we stayed the whole game. That year, the Tigers went all the way and eventually won the World Series. My older brother and I went to every home playoff and final series games. Back then, you could mail-in for playoff tickets. We sent in SASE (self addressed stamped envelopes) along with a money order for however many tickets we wanted for each game. We even had addressed some of the SASE's to my dog - she even got them!

The characters at Tiger Stadium were quite entertaining. I remember a guy selling pretzels. He would shout, "Hot Pretzels....HOOOOOT PREZELLLLS" One guy would juggle hot dogs. When you got one with mustard, they would slop on the mustard with a wooden thing that looked like a giant tongue depressor.

I don't get back to Detroit very often but hope to this Fall. It will be hard to drive by the corner of Michigan and Trumbull and see the remains of the grand old stadium.

"The Thunder Is Taking Pictures"

2008-07-11T19:48:00.006-05:00

We've had terrific storms come through this summer - more so than usual. We just made it home yesterday evening before this one hit. I am so fascinated by storms, they really don't frighten me much.

Michael was outside when I snapped this picture, later while it was still storming - loud thunder and lightning, he said "Momma, the thunder is taking pictures". It took me a minute to figure out that he meant lightning when he said pictures. Kind of like my flash going off when I took this picture. He's pretty observant, wouldn't you say?

Show and Tell Friday - More Bunnies!

2008-07-11T07:36:00.004-05:00

I guess you could say that I have a fetish for Bunnies! It all started when I was about 8. My parents got us a New Zeeland White Rabbit for Easter. My younger brother named her Mrs. Wings. Well, she was "with bunnies" and had a litter of adorable babies - I was in love.

When I was pregnant with Michael, I wanted to do his nursery in a Peter Rabbit theme. Ron surprised me with this adorable Peter Rabbit Lamp.

A friend from work gave me this collection of Beatrix Potter stories - Michael loves them and we read one just about every night. I think his favorite is the Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck.

When Michael was born, a dear friend's mother gave us this adorable Peter Rabbit set - dish, bowl and cup.

I always loved Bunnies, and was blessed to have this little cutie in my/our lives. This is CocoBunny. I had her for almost 9 years. These photos are of her when I just brought her home. She was found on the "mean streets" of Chicago, we think someone got her for Easter and then let her go. A friend at work found her and was going to take her to a pet shop...once I caught sight of those huge, floppy ears, I was hooked. I took her home in a box on the Metra Train! She was a great bunny. I'll honor her with her own post later. Have a great Friday and weekend everyone!

My thanks again to Kelli at Kelli's Place Kelli's House
for hosting Friday's Show and Tell. Please visit her page and check out all of the other Show and Tell's posted.

Our New Patio!

2008-07-08T19:44:00.004-05:00

We finally decided what we wanted to do for a patio in the backyard. We contracted out the work to have a Stamped Concrete patio put it. It looks like it's flagstone but it's one slab of concrete and they then "stamp" a design in it to make it look like individual pieces. We wanted one slab to keep the maintenance down and to keep weeds and grass from growing in between.

I kept going back and forth between wicker and wrought iron. I love the wrought iron look but everything we saw just seemed too large for the patio. We settled for this lovely wicker set with a Hawaii-ish pattern on the cushions. Since Hawaii is my paradise, I have a lot of things to spruce it up a bit!

The grass is growing around the edge quite nicely. I can't wait to landscape it a bit!

Happy Birthday, America!

2008-07-03T21:03:00.006-05:00

God Bless America
Land That I Love
Stand Beside Her
And Guide Her
Thru the Night
With the Light
From Above

From the Mountains
To the Prairies
To the Ocean's
White with Foam

God Bless America
My Home Sweet Home

God Bless America, My Home Sweet Home

Have a wonderful, safe and Happy 4th of July everyone,

Let Freedom Ring!

Tuesday's With Michael - June 24 2008

2008-06-24T16:03:00.007-05:00

Welcome to another "Tuesday's with Michael" post. I didn't have any day trips planned for today, I just wanted to hang around the house a bit. Michael and I played hide and seek and other games in the house. I think Holly would be a great tracking dog - she finds Michael every time! However, since she's such a velcro dog, she gives away my hiding spot every time too! We were playing a little Star Wars and needed another body to be Obi Wan...what do you think of Obiwanholly? She looks thrilled, doesn't she.

Outside I pulled out the slip n' slide - Michael wanted me to do it with him - can you imagine. If I did, I probably would have to be in traction!

After all of the strenuous activities out in the heat, what better to cool you off than a - - - CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE! Here's what you need. First, some vanilla ice cream - we like Fieldcrest. Scoop out your ice cream into a blender.

Then you need to add some milk..also Fieldcrest (but now marked as Jewel's)

Add some Hershey's Chocolate Syrup to the blender

Oh come on...add some more chocolate syrup! ...turn that puppy on for about 25 seconds, adding more milk or ice cream to get to your desired thickness.

Smile for the camera...

Pour in a cute milkshake glass and...

Enjoy!

Lookin' Out My Frontdoor

2008-06-22T16:12:00.006-05:00

I thought I would show some of the flowers in our front yard and on the porch. Here is my little rack with various flowers.

This is my awesome Lilly. This was started from some seeds that my former next-door neighbor gave me. I think I need to split it up this fall but I love that Orange POW!

This is my lovely Clematis. This is my second growing season and it's doing pretty well.

Here's a close up...aren't they pretty?

Show and Tell Friday - Bunnies!

2008-06-20T06:42:00.007-05:00

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's been a long, long week and I'm ready for the weekend.
My thanks again to Kelli at Kelli's Place Kelli's House
for hosting Friday's Show and Tell. Please visit her page and check out all of the other Show and Tell's posted.

For this week's Show and Tell Friday, I'd like to show you a little collection of figurines that I've picked up here and there. I found one in Michigan, one in Georgia and the other's here in Illinois. They are not signed or stamped or anything. Does anyone know anything about them? I'd be curious to find out.

This first one is cute, but I don't think they are Bunnies...but this is definitely the same type as the next 3 I'm going to show.

Isn't this one adorable?

This one kind of reminds me of "Goodnight Moon".

This guy reminds me a little of Peter Rabbit.

I can't wait to see what everyone else has posted. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Change of Scenery

2008-06-18T07:12:00.001-05:00

I made a new photo for my Blog Title and changed the background color. Do you like?

I've been trying to post a photo for my background but am having a heck of a time. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?

Have a great day!

A Wild Sort Of Devil...

2008-06-15T18:38:00.006-05:00

but dead on the level, was My Gal Sal

I'm not sure if any of you have heard of that song, it was one that my Dad used to sing to us many a time. Kind of how he did the Three Stooges "Niagara Falls" skit.

My Dad. What a character. He's lived an amazing life and has so many wonderful stories. We keep asking to get him to write them down, type them or record them in a tape recorder.

I'd call him to wish him a Happy Father's Day but he's volunteering at the U.S. Open this weekend. He's always been a great golfer and still golfs once or twice a week. Arnold Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Lee Trevino have been his favorite players. In my teens, he put in a putting green in our yard. He got it from a little 9-hole course that was losing some holes due them widening a road. I have to admit that I'm a pretty good putter myself. I used to go out and horse around on the putting green to kill some time.

I miss my Dad and wish that we lived closer to he and Pat (my step-mom). But we go out there as often as we can.

I hope you had fun at the Open today, Dad! I love you!

The Washtub

2008-06-11T07:45:00.002-05:00

I dodged the rain storms on Sunday and went to the montly Antique Fair held at our county's fairgrounds. I found this old galvanized washtub on a stand and it has the original hose as well. Now I'm not sure what to use it for. I thought about -planting flowers or herbs in it; using it as a rain barrel or using it as a cooler for assorted beverages (children and adult) when we have company. What do you think I should use it for?

Tuesday's With Michael

2008-06-10T18:46:00.008-05:00

I haven't posted on this subject in a while. We have either been on vacation or I switched days with Ron but mostly because the weather has been so awful that it always seems like it was cold and rainy on Tuesday's. Well, not today - it was a glorious day!

We left the house at 9:45 a.m. and got home at 5:30 p.m. - what a day!

We did some errands first - post office; a little Kohl's shopping then we headed to Lamb's Farm in Libertyville, IL. Founded in 1961, Lambs Farm is a premier non-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. Lambs Farm has grown from a small pet shop in Chicago to a 72-acre campus located in Libertyville, Illinois where opportunity flourishes for the more than 250 men and women served.

We went to the Pet Shop to see the puppies and to dance with Delta, a Macaw who likes to dance if you sing "La Cucaracha"...she's a hoot! Then we went to the farm to see the animals. Lambs Farm not only helps adults with developmental disabilities, but they also help animals with disabilities as well. All of the animals were so friendly, except for a Llama. Michael enjoyed brushing the goats and sheep in the petting area. They were all so gentle.

We went on a train ride, played miniature golf and had lunch at the Country Inn of Lambs Farm.

We headed back toward our home and stopped off at a garden center to pick up some veggies for the garden. It's going to be a late harvest but you can't mess with Mother Nature.

Our last stop was the new Splash Pad at Central Park in Grayslake. Michael had fun getting soaked and played on the Jungle Gym there as well.

Now, it's nappy time, nothing like fresh air and sunshine...have a good evening.

Lost and Found Show and Tell Friday

2008-06-06T07:49:00.013-05:00

Have you ever thought that you lost something for good, something that was very sentimental to you? I have and I have been searching for this sentimental item for a long time. A few weeks ago, Ron was cleaning out the closet in the "computer" room and called out to me..."honey, I think you might want to look in this" and handed me a little wooden jewelry box. I held it to my chest first and said a little prayer, hoping against hope that when I opened the top, I would find this...

I just about cried and hugged Ron for 10 minutes or so. You see, this was my Mom's charm bracelet.

Let's look at some of the charms - first, a pretty heart with pearls and a roulette reel (Mom & Dad liked to go to Vegas back in the day).

Then a charm of NIAGARA FALLS (slowly I turn, step by step - sorry, that's an old Three Stooges skit that my Dad LOVED and it's part of my genetic makeup now).

I've been dreaming of a true love's kiss...

Love letters in the sand...

There are a couple of more but my photos are blurry so I'll have to post later.

Thanks again to Kelli at Kelli's Place Kelli's House
for hosting Friday's Show and Tell. Have a wonderful day and weekend, everyone!

One little, two little, three little ducklings...

2008-05-25T17:43:00.003-05:00

four little, five little, six little ducklings, seven little eight little, nine little ducklings, ten ducklings in the pond.

There were 10 ducklings on Friday and I couldn't get a good count of them this afternoon as Mama Duck kept moving them. Aren't they cute, though?

Show and Tell Friday!

2008-05-23T05:49:00.012-05:00

Many thanks to Kelli at Kelli's Place Kelli's House
for hosting this, I look forward to it each week.

I think that I got my love of rummage sales, estate sales, garage sales and antique shopping from my Mom. I remember going around in the summer to various sales and watching her get so excited from a "great find". Of course, being young then, I didn't really appreciate it. I have kept many of her treasures and here are a few more to show and tell about:

First, in my dining room I have this little plate display with 3 Wedgwood "Melody" pattern plates - I just love these and think that they look good on my red wall.

Sadly, a couple of them broke when we moved but I have found some on ebay - perhaps I'll add to this collection again!

Here are some darling collector's plates from the 60's??...from the Elephant Folio Edition of Audobon's Birds of America series. I'd like to find out more about this and add to my collection.

This first one is Passenger Pigeons:

I love the detail of the birds and foliage - wow!

Then a Bewick's Wren:

Band-Tailed Pigeons:

I put these darlings in my plate rack for a little change - I like it, don't you?

Happy AnniversarWii!

2008-05-21T07:01:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was our 8th anniversary - look at the lovely Roses that Ron brought home for me...

I love the Waterford Vase - it was a wedding gift from my cousin Bonnie from Utah. I use it every chance that I can get.

Oh, see what else "wii" got for our Anniversary...

It's actually quite a lot of fun - I am channeling my inner "Rock Star/Super Star"...so "Hit me with your best shot...fire away"

Oh, I totally rock at Wii Golf. I'm also planning on hitting the WPGA tour in a few weeks. I talked to Annika and she wants me to take her place since she retired from the tour. Happy to help ya out, GF!

It's going to be a busy sumnmer!

As a side note, why is it that when you mention new technology gadgets like big-screen Hi-Def TV's, computers, games, etc. that husbands are "I'll get right on that, honey" but when you ask them to help paint or finish the crown molding project or ask them to put away their tools, they are the masters of procrastination...just wonderin'

Have a great day!

My Birthday!

2008-05-18T08:47:00.006-05:00

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday! I spent 2 hours at the DMV to get my license renewed (I guess that's not so wonderful). Then I went to see Michael and Ron play T-Ball - it was much fun to watch all the 5 year olds run around like crazy! Late afternoon I dropped Holly off at the groomer's and then I got a nice pedicure, shopped a little and bought a new pair shoes. I came home and the boys had cards and a fabulous cake from "The Lovin' Oven" - they make the most delicious cakes and other baked goodies! Our next door neighbors came over for cake and ice cream.

Later today I am going to Target to get my new Bicycle - a Schwinn Hybrid!

Have a blessed day!

My Fabulous Find

2008-05-16T19:25:00.005-05:00

I so missed posting last week at Kelli's Place Kelli's House
but since I was at Disneyland with my two most favorite guys, I knew you'd all understand!

For this week's Show and Tell, I want to show you this sweet little Ladies Spinet Writing Desk that I found at an adorable Antique place called Country Church Antiques, in Ridgefield, Illinois. I have to get back there soon - they had so many treasures but I could only fit this in the back of the Santa Fe.

I needed a "spot" just for me to get a little peace and quiet and write out cards and letters. Now I am looking for just the right chair and little lamp. I hope you like my find, I sure do!

We're Back!

2008-05-15T13:16:00.006-05:00

We are back from Disneyland and San Diego. It was an adventure flying out there and an adventure flying back but we sure had fun! Michael was a real trooper and did great. I have some funny stories to share. More later, including my "Show and Tell" Friday post.

Show and Tell Friday

2008-05-02T06:56:00.007-05:00

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday - Woohoo! Here is my third post for "Show and Tell Friday". Thank you Kelli for hosting, this is so much fun! Kelli's House

For today's S&T, I'd like to show you another treasure that I inherited from my Gramma (when she moved to Florida). It's an Edward Roos Cedar Chest. The company was located near Chicago in Forest Park, Illinois. I've tried to find out more about them, but there's little information. I have found that there are a lot of folks out there with Roos Cedar Chests though.

I think it has a art deco feel to it. I need to get the legs worked on a bit...

I hope you all have a wonderful day and weekend!

Show and Tell Friday

2008-04-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

Hello again! I want to thank all of you who stopped by and wrote a comment on my first "S & T" post last week. I tried to comment on all of your posts as well, but I may have missed a few.

Here is my second installment for "Show and Tell Friday". Thank you Kelli! Kelli's House
When I was a young girl, I practically lived at the public and school libraries. I LOVED to read anything about animals, especially Dogs and Horses. I always loved reading Marguerite Henry's stories and recently started collecting them. Here is my collection so far...

I love them all and can't wait to read them to Michael, but this one holds a special place in my heart.

They made a movie about this book in the mid 60's and I remember going to the Carmen Theatre to see it and the real Brighty was there in person! I was so excited and got to pet him a lot and talk to his handler. It was cool.

Tuesdays...Er, Thursday With Michael

2008-04-24T16:30:00.006-05:00

I had to switch days with Hubby because we had a large meeting at work on Tuesday for all of the VP's of my company. So, here's my "Tuesday's With Michael" Post.

We stayed around home most of the day except to get our hair cut and colored (just me). We wanted to get it done before our vacation so it doesn't look like we "just got our haircut, haircut"...you know what I mean. Michael did really great and he wanted some "color" in his hair too - he was shy and didn't want me to take his picture, but I finally got a good one!

Here's my handsome guy -

Then, my doughboy wanted to bake a cake, well, I baked it and he put the frosting on it.

My Little Cubs Fan

2008-04-19T17:58:00.004-05:00

This was made 2 years ago when Michael was just 3, pretty good at remembering the words, don't you think?

Did you notice the GIANT Charlie Brown Pez? He's wearing a Cubs Hat! I can't wait to show you my Pez collection!

I feel the earth move...

2008-04-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

well, actually I didn't but my husband did this morning! Around 4:37 a.m. while I was in dreamland, there was a whole lotta shakin' goin' on...a 5.4 earthquake! Ron thought the roof was going to come off the house. I can't imagine what the quakes in California are like and since we're off to California in a few weeks, I sure hope we don't find out!

TGIF!

Show and Tell Friday

2008-04-18T00:01:00.005-05:00

Welcome to my blog! I ran across Kelli's
Kelli's House and thought that this sounded like fun! For my first Show & Tell Friday, I'd like to show you some of my most prized possessions, ones that I inherited from the ladies on my Mom's side of my family.

My Aunt Catherine married an Army man, Uncle Ken, and they were stationed in Germany after WWII. Aunt Catherine sent home the following Dresden Figurines. First, my Mom got this cute set of ballerina's, sorry for the reflection, I am too tired to get them out of my China Cabinet.

These lovely ladies were my Aunt Jeanne's.

And finally, this gorgeous figurine was my Gramma's. When Gramma and Aunt Jeanne moved to Florida, they left these with my Mom. When Mom died in 1981, I kept them and have tried to take good care of them. I just love looking at them and remember dusting them every week to keep the lace clean...

Tuesdays With Michael...Preface

2008-04-15T13:11:00.007-05:00

This is my first "Tuesdays with Michael" post and I hope to keep this up each week as kind of a diary of my "special" day with our wonderful, yet challenging, young son. I want to take this first "Tuesday" post to explain how it came to be...

We pulled him out of a five-day per week, more "institutional" type of daycare/preschool as we felt that he wasn't getting enough one/one attention and therefore, he started misbehaving and was put on a behavior plan - can you imagine a 4-year old on a behavior plan?.

We were both so upset about the whole situation and were trying to figure out what we could do to help him. Our school district had a Learning Behaviorist observe him back in the fall who recommended a smaller class environment, consistancy between us and the pre-school, etc. We met several times with his teacher and the director at the pre-school but it just wasn't getting any better. I spent hours on the phone talking with the Special Education District in our county but he would have had to have another "Class Action" observation done and that has to be dictated by the Principal of the school he would be attending in the fall for Kindergarten. I emailed the Principal (who we have also met) about the situation at pre-school...do you think he has emailed or called me back? NO! I'm so disappointed with the whole public school system and my son hasn't even started there for Kindergarten!

Being a parent is by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! We were both so upset over how unhappy Michael was, I wasn't concentrating at work, making silly mistakes, getting frustrated with work and homelife. As I was driving home from work one evening, I passed by this lovely old farmhouse on a hill with massive Oak Trees in the yard and a sign popped out at me...it is a small Homeschool Prep. I called the number and spoke with Bea, the owner/teacher, she was so comforting to talk to, she had been a teacher in public and catholic schools for over 30 years and has been home-schooling for 8 years or so. We all went one morning to meet her, hear about her program and have a look around. After about an hour, she asked if we'd like to leave Michael there to see how it goes. We were a little anxious, but Ron was working at home that day and this prep is only 3 minutes away. So we tried it, and Michael cried for about 3 minutes and that was it. He cried again that Friday for 2 minutes and that has been the end of it.

School is only on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays so I have asked my manager to test me staying at home on Tuesday and Ron will stay home on Thursdays. Michael has been there for about 3 weeks now and so far so good! We feel so blessed that we found Bea. We have also been going to a child therapist to learn how to deal with Michael's challenging behavior and slowly but surely that seems to be helping us all.

So there you have it, now on to the fun stuff. Last week I took Michael to the Kohl's Children Museum in Glenview - what an awesome place! We had so much fun, I am looking forward to taking him back when the weather gets better. There was a special guest-appearance by a certain BIG RED DOG...can you guess who it was?