MaryEllen and her Juan and only

Monday, October 12, 2009

2009-10-12T19:50:00.004-04:00

Juan sometimes brings home magazines from the different stores at the mall and he happened to come home with a copy of "ESPN", "The Body Issue". Lots of athletic bodies. The above photo is of Natasha Kai of the Women's U.S. Soccer team and Olympic Gold Winner. While in Hawaii we met her father at the Polynesian Cultural Center where he displayed him many musical talents. He had told us of his daughter and her accomplishments and you could tell he was a very proud father and proud of the fact she was the only Hawaiian winning a medal.

Went out today and bought me a pair of black pants that fit. Had thought the ones I have were too big. Whata you know! Also bought me a new purse...not too dressy and not too casual...kind of inbetween.

When I came back I toyed with the idea of going out to the library for book # 4 of the "Twilight" series but had seen online that all were check out so didn't bother. John stopped by and said that you can reserve it online...which I didn't know. So after he left I went to reserve a copy and saw that one was just returned. Hopped in my car and drove straight over to the library. Got it! Know Alex had thought there was one more book after that but the author scrapped it once a bucnh of her chapters were leeked online. The book was to have been called: "Midnight Sun: Edward's Version of Twilight". Just happy I have the last installment. Don't know if the author will ever continue with the "Twilight" books. Will have to wait and see.

And that's about it. Back to my book!

40 Years!

2009-10-11T10:29:00.002-04:00

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2009-10-10T16:29:00.003-04:00

So...get up early...as usual when you have a puppy...and do my usual routine. Went to 7-11 and picked up a Free Press..which is $1.00 now...geeh! Came back, had breakfast and headed over to the library. Had to get the next book! And what book is that....the next installment to the book "Twilight". Bought the book before we went to Hawaii as something to read on the plane and never even glanced at it. So yesterday started reading it....and finished it in one day. You know...I probably would not have been interested in the next installment except for the fact that in the copy of "Twilight" they had the first chapter to the next book..."New Moon"...and I was hooked. And where in the library did I have to pick up the book? In the "Teenage Room"...ahhhhh! So be it....have to find out what is going on next. In fact, I also checked out the installment after "New Moon"...which is titled "Eclipse". Think there is one more after that...can't remember the title but will probably check that one out.
John came over...wants to borrow my car for tonight and after I made some goulash for dinner. Haven't made that in a while. Now I'm full! Called John to see if he wanted to come by for some...not sure if he will but said he would tomorrow.
Went to a store over in the mall where Juan cleans up and bought some things for the "thing" I made for next week-end. The party is getting close now...can hardly wait. People I haven't seen in a while and also cousins will be in attendance...should be a good time.
Tomorrow.....40 years!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2009-10-07T07:59:00.008-04:00

Last night I did the stupidest thing! Wrote in this blog a BIG, LONG comment about the rest of our Hawaii trip and when I was finished, instead of posting it, I hit the close button. AHHHHHH! So....here I go again.
Sunday, Sept. 27th we took off for the Dole Plantation. A pretty place with a train ride, a maze to walk through and a large gift shop with everything you ever wanted in pineapple. Didn't realize there were so many varieties.
Then off to the North Shore with the big waves. A couple of days before it was reported that the waves were 15 to 20 feet high. Not this day but still nice to see. They were kind of quick waves....not long ones where a surfer could really ride well.
Drove over to Honolulu and saw the statue of King Kamehameha and saw big cruise ships docked right next to the highway. Weird! That night we went to a luau. But after seeing the Polynesian Center's dances that were dressed so authentic, this was more like Vegas....not quite...but almost. Saw them taking out the pig, had dinner and would have to say that their show was entertaining.
The next day, Monday, was our last day in Hawaii. We packed up all of our stuff...tons...and left our luggage at the hotel since our plane didn't leave until around 9pm. Then off to the Bishop Museum to see Hawaiian history and also a Dinosaur exhibit that was taking place. Interesting to see what Hawaii looked like years ago compared to today. At the museum they had some stuffed animals of the islands. A few days before we had seen this "thing" run across the road in front of our car and didn't know what it was. Found out, from the museum's stuff animals, that it was a mongoose which neither of us had ever seen before. They resemble, somewhat, a squirrel without the bushy tail.
Next we drove over to Nuuanu Pali State Park. If you ever get to Oahu, this is a place you must see. At the park there is this cliff which when you walk up to lets you see a beautiful view of the island and ocean. It was at this cliff that King Kamehameha I invaded Oahu and did battle with his enemies. Four hundred of his enemies were forced off the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below. This was suppose to the the turning point in uniting all the Hawaiian islands under one rule. The other thing about this cliff is the WIND!!!! It is extremely windy. The trade winds blow through the valley between the high mountains on either side, forming a strong wind tunnel of sorts. On extra windy days, you can even lean into the wind and let the gusts hold you up. Yup....windy!
After leaving the park we stopped at a couple scenic sites and then had lunch. After that it was on to The Valley of the Temples. Beautiful place. The best of the temples has got to be The Byodo-In Temple. It was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantation fields. It is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodoin Temple located in Uji, Japan near Kyoto. Buddah is there and you have to take off your shoes to enter the temple. The whole place is very pretty and peaceful.
We then headed back to the hotel to pick up our luggage and off to the airport. Plane didn't leave until around 9:15pm and we got back to Detroit at around 4:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
And here we are. Added some more photos to the slide show.

Monday, October 5, 2009

2009-10-05T12:55:00.004-04:00

Alright...where was I...oh yeah....Hawaii! Ü After the rehearsal we Alex drove to some beaches and we had lunch near one of them. A lot of the public beach are connected to a park which is nice. Get tired of the water and sand, go up to the grass and trees. Love the trees of Hawaii especially those trees with all the trunks and branches going all over the place. That night Alex went to a "girls night" with Alicia and her friends. I went and walked around out front of our hotel, to the park, looked at shops, watched the "street entertainers" and had an ice cream. Then went up to our room and watched a Korean soap opera. Ü They are pretty good and have subtitles.
Next day we went to Pearl Harbor and saw the Arizona Memorial. Very nice and oil is still seeping up from the ship. Learned that Elvis Presley, who loved Hawaii, gave the money to have the memorial built. After that we went to a couple of Target stores looking for these special Target bags. They are really cute and only sold at the Hawaii stores. Alex received one from Alicia that was packed with goodies as a welcoming gift. She wanted to get them as gifts. I also picked up some to use instead of plastic bags at the stores. Of course, went grocery shopping today and forgot the bags. :( You will see the one pictured in the additional photos I have put up further down on this page. After that we headed over the Hilo Hatties a big souvenir shop on the islands. They had some really nice things and picked up a few items....including hula girls for both Juan and John's cars. That night we both went to the rehearsal dinner at an Asian seafood restaurant not far from our hotel. Tasted so seafood I had never tried before. Just told Alex not to tell me what I was eating. Ü There were quite a few people at the dinner as many had flown in from all over, including China. A very nice time talking with Tom & Alicia's friends and family.
Next day was the wedding and I had chose not to attend as I felt I would just be imposing. Alex left early as they were going to close the street in front of our hotel because of a big parade. It would be closed from 9-1 but since the wedding was at 10am it wasn't such a big thing for Alex to get out in time. I went and had breakfast, walked around and waited for the parade. Saw about an hour of the parade and had to go back into my air conditioned room. The thing about Hawaii is that it is HOT!!!! And for us the temperature was the same each day....90º. Being by the water does not help. Only thing was that when we went up to the North Shore of the island, it is cooler by about 8º. Felt sorry for the people in the parade as they had to walk a looonnnggg trek. Saw a young girl, who was in one of the bands, get ill and had to be taken into the shade and cooled down. With each band or float there was always people walking with them that had water and stuff. So watched some TV and listened to the parade go by down below. The wedding was to last until 2pm and it did! Alex was back at about 3pm. She rested a while and then we went out and walked around Waikiki beach and even saw my Uncle Stanley in a photo at "Duke's" restaurant. :)
That's it for today...will continue tomorrow.

Hawaii

2009-10-04T17:38:00.004-04:00

So...back from Hawaii and it is sure a beautiful place. Some call it "paradise" and I can understand why. Would do a couple of things differently...like the flight going there. We went from here to Dallas/Fort Worth and that was fine...but...then the next flight was from DFW to Hawaii and that was way too long of a flight. Know I am well padded but had to get up several times as sitting there just hurt. Stood in the back of the plane for quite a bit and that helped. Coming home wasn't as bad. We flew out of Honolulu at 9:30 pm Monday night. Flew from there to LA and arrived at about 5:25 am Tuesday which wasn't as bad as you slept most of the time. Next was our flight at 6:10 am to Dallas/Fort Worth. Had about a 2 hour layover and then on to Detroit where we arrived at about 4:15 pm. You have to remember that there is a six hour difference in time...so getting here at 4:15 pm, it would be 10:15 am in Hawaii.
So, the first day we are kind of tired from the long flights and don't do too much. By the time we got our luggage and then had to take a shuttle to pick up our rental car then get to the hotel, it was about 5:30 pm....that would be 11:30 pm at home. Just unpacked all our stuff and then went out for a small meal. Went to the place kind of next door and upstairs there was a food court with all kinds of places to buy a meal. We just had a slice of pizza and a bottle of water. That's one slice a piece plus the water. Bill came to $13.68. Expensive in Hawaii....it sure is. Then went back to our room and went to bed.
The next day, Wednesday, we had reservations to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Now this is a place I would recommend to anyone going to Oahu. Place is fabulous! We got there a little early so went to the place down the road from it.....Mormon Temple grounds. Beautiful surroundings BUT our mistake was going in. They set us up with a Sister Paige....a young girl...a missionary. Needless to say she tried to "convert" us...but heathens that we are, she didn't. Ü Forgot to mention that this Polynesian Center is owned and run by the Mormon's. Ninety-five percent of the people working there are students at the BYU there in Hawaii. So we were there from noon until about 8:30pm. Everything was beautiful and the people are so talented. Well worth going. We had the VIP tickets so had our own personal guide. A young man from the Philippines named Ton Ton. He took up to all the right places at the right time and we had up front seats for everything. Web site for this place is: http://www.polynesia.com
Since Alex had been there before she knew a lot of the places to see...and she is good with driving directions. A couple of times we went in circles but no problem.
Thursday morning we went to the rehearsal for the wedding at the golf club. Another beautiful place. Alicia is Alex's girlfriend that she met while living in Virginia and Alicia moved to Hawaii where she met her future husband...a really nice man named Tom. Alicia is so funny as she like to take photos of everything and had her camera in hand to capture everything. Wedding will look beautiful the that setting.

Will have to continue this tomorrow as am doing to many things at once here. Put up some photos down near the bottom of this page. Just some...will have to do more tomorrow.

Friday, September 4, 2009

2009-09-04T11:29:00.002-04:00

I'm here waiting for Alex to get her and I just got her call. She just left her place so guess I will be waiting some more. My back went out again last night and had an appointment with the chiropractor again for this morning, which was good. He said that the back sometimes likes to go back to it's old position so he push it back into place and I go see him again on Tuesday. Am having reservations about going on this trip. Will have to wait and see.

Have to go over to my Uncle Stanley's house today and pick up and photo to scan for Liz. Juan and I are suppose to take over a HEAVY statue for him but that will have to wait.

Hope my back stays in place. Took a couple of Tylenol to try and calm me down. Know I'm all tense thinking it will pop out again. And believe me....that HURTS! And....my blood sugar went WAY UP because of the stress. Just have to relax and clam down.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T16:50:00.003-04:00

My two fuzz face doggies. Yesterday I wrote about GiGi being ill and thinking it was the food. Gave her new food yesterday and she was fine so am thinking that was what made her ill. Senór Lucky is bouncing around more and more each day. He goes to the vet next Friday for blood tests to see how he is doing. Hopefully, all will be well.

Went to the chiropractor again this morning and he did that both side back popping thing. Ehhhhh....not a fan of that but it's over fast so not that bad. Will be going back this Friday and probably three times a week until we leave for Hawaii. Also, he gave me some exercises I have to do a couple of times a day. Can't believe it's almost time to go. Haven't made any list yet of what I have to remember to bring. Will have to get going on that.

Alex will be here Friday through Monday. Yea! Think she is going to help me with transferring stuff from my old computer to this one. Have had that modem sitting here for over a year now. Would be nice to get my family tree back and also photos I lost on this one. Know I lost most of 2007 and 2009 photos and all of 2008 photos. We are going to get some kind of zip thing where I can store important files for myself and not have the fear of losing them.

Still busy making greeting cards for who ever. Am stumped with one card Alex wants me to make for Alicia's up-coming wedding. Want some cherry tree branches and flowers for an idea I have...still have to work out the placement of their names on the card. You wouldn't believe how much math is involved with scrapbooking/card making, especially lining things up right on the computer to print stuff out.

John is already back in the groove of going to work and Brandy isn't really working this week. She is at the plant but for the week is going through orientation. Guess she is trying to get onto days because of the kids. And that's about it for today.

Here I am again! Tuesday, September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T16:32:00.003-04:00

Well...trying this again...blogging that is. Once I got on Facebook!!! seems like I just didn't feel like blogging anymore. The thing with Facebook is that you can't go on and on like I sometimes like to do. And the reason for the above photo you ask? Had to go to a Chiropractor this morning. My lower back went out big time! For the last three days have had really bad pain...but only in the late afternoon and evening. Last night was the worst. Seems like when I get up in the morning...pain is gone...so just thought that it would go away. Made the appointment yesterday as I just kept thinking that it's not getting any better...in fact, worse. A neighbor of mine, Gloria, recommended this guy to me as he had helped her and her husband. Knew he was around here for a long time...just never went to him. He is very nice and took x-rays and some other kind of x-ray, then pressed around my back and then we went into another room and he snapped my back into place. Yikes! Hurt a bit but not long. Then had to lay there for about 10 minutes with an ice pack on my back. Told him I was leaving in three weeks for Hawaii and he said well, we have to get that back in shape then. Feel much better and go back tomorrow morning. Couldn't imagine being on that plane for hours with this back.

And poor Daddy. Had to tend to the two dogs and me yesterday and then my poor little GiGi got sick last night. Around 2 a.m. Juan had to get up and let her outside...which we never have to do. Couldn't leave her out too long as a skunk was in the area...pheeeew! Once inside she began to throw up...not once...but five times. Only thing that we could think was making her ill was the food I gave her yesterday. I feed Lucky twice a day and GiGi once, since she is an adult. Both get their meals at around 5:30 p.m. I give GiGi a mix of two foods...dry Beneful and a 1/4 of a container of Beneful Prepared Meals...which is a wet food. I'm thinking it was the latter of the two foods since I had just opened up that container yesterday and it was the first serving of it I was giving to her. I usually listen for a hisss sound when opening the container but yesterday I didn't feel well and GiGi was barking for her food so am thinking this was a bad container. Don't know what else would have made her so ill. She is fine today. Threw that container away and will open a new one today. Hopefully she will be okay.

John and Brandy both went back to work yesterday. John at the warehouse where he used to work but Brandy was sent to a new place. The Warren plant where Juan retired. Boy...long drive. Both are on afternoons so don't know what is going to happen with the girls. They are both at their grandparents house for this week but next Tuesday school starts...soooo...who knows.

And that's about all I think I am going to write for today. Know three months have past since my last writing and there is probably lots to write about. But not today. Ü So until tomorrow...have a good day.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T20:55:00.003-04:00

Reading the Free Press today and noticed that there is a two hour narrated cruise of the Detroit River which includes a BBQ buffet AND enjoy an overhead ‘front-row’ view of one of the grandest pyrotechnical displays in North America....the Detroit River Fireworks! The cruise is being sponsored by the Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit and the money is going all for charity...sooooo....Juan and I are going! Yea! Haven't seen the fireworks in person since....geeh...must be 40 or more years. Not since I used to work downtown. Always envied the people with boats who could be on the river watching. The firework display is June 24th this year. Seems like they have it earlier and earlier as it is supposed to be for the 4th of July. Well...whatever. Should be fun and am looking forward to it.
Garage sale is almost here and starts this Thursday. Sooooo much stuff as there is every year. Juan was bringing found garbage in today....ahhh. Well, we are supposed to have nice weather....thank goodness. Hate when it is soooo hot.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

2009-05-28T19:10:00.004-04:00

So Juan and I went out for dinner tonight. Went to Zack's up in Plymouth that used to be called Silverman's long ago. We usually go there for breakfast and I have never looked at the whole menu. Was surprised when I saw they had a list of "Senior Specials". Included on the list was Liver & Onions...ummmm. Don't make it much anymore as Juan isn't suppose to eat liver because of gout. But we both ordered it. You get soup or salad, bread & butter, choice of potato, vegetable medley, choice of beverage and either Rice Pudding or ice cream for dessert. All for 6.79 per person. Pretty good! And the meal was also good.
Juan had a follow-up doctor's appointment this morning and is doing fine. I had a foot doctor's appointment this afternoon. I have a condition with my left foot called Morton's Neuroma. It's a pinched nerve near my toes and I have had it for years. Anyway, went to see him a couple of weeks ago and he gave me a cortisone shot. Didn't help and I told him, so he said sometimes it takes two shots and he gave me another one today. ahhhhhhh Go back in two more weeks. Must say that so far it hasn't bothered me. Not like last time with that shot....my foot started hurting right away.
Got a new pair of sandals today that came UPS. Ordered them from Zappo's. Because of my feet conditions I have to get a wide size and order shoes online. I like these shoes. They are by Soft Walk and are very comfortable. So am pleased with these shoes. Pictured them above.
GiGi is obsessed with that frog! The frog didn't come today but she keeps looking all over for it.
And the Red Wings won! How great is that?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

2009-05-27T13:42:00.003-04:00

So I'm in the house and hear GiGi barking on the front porch. Seems a friend has come to see her but, being GiGi, she is not that overjoyed. Just, "you are on my property and if it wasn't for this window in front of me I would get you" barking. Just a little froggy...sitting and watching GiGi knowing that it can't be hurt.
Aunt Bea stopped by after her dentist appointment this morning. She is staying at Sandy's house watching both Tinkerbell and Rocky until Sandy gets back from Pennsylvania helping Courtney move. And then John stopped by to pick up a coupon to get his hair cut. Must be hair day today as Juan went this morning, John this afternoon and I go at 5:30 today. I look like a bushman...need this haircut.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T07:03:00.003-04:00

Well hello again! Haven't written anything in over three weeks. Was an odd few weeks for me. Was having anxiety attacks and couldn't understand why! This went on for over two weeks and finally realized it was some new medication I was taking. Boy..now I make sure I read all the symptoms that can come with a medication. Don't want that feeling again. Kept doing Lamaze breathing but it wasn't doing any good. Know there was reason to have anxiety but didn't think it should bother me sooo much. John and Brandy both are now laid off from their jobs at GM. Both are supposed to go back September 1st but since Brandy has the lowest seniority at the plant, she may not be going back. But, that's something we will have to wait and see.
Did the above scrapbook page of Alex and the Jaycees she belongs to in Lansing. This was Lansing's 150th anniversary so they made a float and were in the parade. She was here Saturday and Sunday for a BBQ that Juan made and she helped quite a bit with straightening up the garage for the up-coming garage sale which starts June 4th. Always is soooo much stuff.
And Brandy came over yesterday and dropped off her wedding dress for us to hold. Very pretty dress!
So, here I am again and will try to do a better job of blogging.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

2009-05-03T13:09:00.003-04:00

Well, it was announced today that the Plymouth/Canton schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday because of a suspected case of the flu. Said it was a 16 year old student. So...it probably has come to our town. Just hope everyone is fine and it sweeps through quickly without too many getting ill.

Friday, May 1, 2009

2009-05-01T12:41:00.004-04:00

Went to the bank and to Target this morning and at Target picked up three cushions for the front porch chairs. Really was looking for a more solid color but they didn't have any colors I wanted so ended up getting the ones pictured. They don't look too bad in person as the flowers match the color of the rug. Was only going to get one cushion but they had them on sale so got three. The one cushion in the chair I usually sit in was really getting worn and the other two we will just save if John needs replacement cushions for his two chairs which match the two we have on the porch. I put Juan's dark green cushion back over the new cushion as he likes more fluff. More and more it's beginning to look like Martha Stewart. Ü
When I got home from shopping found that Juan had cut out the bottom part of a plant holder he found. Took the chair off the peony bush and replaced it with the plant holder. Think it looks a little better than the chair. The chair would have been good if the plant were up against a wall or fence but, just to have a chair sitting there didn't look right to me.
Nothing really planned for this week-end. Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, we are going to Mexican town to pick up some stuff and will stop by Uncle Stanley's afterward's to drop off some cat food our neighbor gave us. We don't have a cat anymore but Juan takes it to behind the mall he works at for all the critters. Uncle Stanley and Aunt Lois now have a cat...Patches.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

2009-04-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

The rug for the front porch came this afternoon and there it is...above. Like it! Went over to BB&B and picked up mat for inside the door. We had a really large one that was from the front door and out but will use that one now the for back patio. Now if only all the chair covers matched. I know...I could go out and buy some but probably won't...at least not now. The chair down in the right bottom corner goes with five other chairs that we have on the back patio along with the table. The other two green fabric covered chairs we got free from a neighbor who was getting a new set. Think we got four chairs all together and we gave John two of them. The dark green cover on the one chair (Juan's chair) is extra support for Juan since he sits out there for hours. The rug is an indoor/outdoor rug so should be easy to keep clean...although if you notice, I still put the one darker mat under Juan's chair because of his big ole' boots with the black rubber soles. They used to make marks all over the place where he sat. Got that mat after we have the porch enclosed.
And today Alex and I got our plane, hotel and car reservations. We are staying at the Outrigger Hotel on Waikiki Beach. http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/oahu-waikiki/outrigger-waikiki-on-the-beach
That's the web site if you are interested. You have to copy and paste. We are renting a car since you can go around the island is three hours and would be easier for all the wedding stuff Alex has to attend.

Monday, April 27, 2009

2009-04-27T13:11:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that in eight days how much my peony bush has grown. So glad I put the chair over them as they would have fallen over with the first rain. Will have to wait and see what they look like in full bloom. The plant actually reminds of asparagus. Went off to the pet store and grocery store this morning. Food and another new squeaky small toy for GiGi and mostly food for John's lunch. Yesterday was fooled by thinking we were getting a slight sprinkle of rain. That sprinkle turned out to be buckets. Juan had to run out to his truck to close the windows. Talked to John later and he and the girls were at a nearby park when it started to rain. He thought the same thing that it was only going to be a sprinkle. When it started raining hard they started running and I guess Alexis freaked out and was wailing loudly. Think he had to pick her up and run.
Heard from Alex and she has her vacation days approved so will be going to Hawaii with her in September. The more I think about that 12-1/2 hour flight...ahhhhhh. Oh well.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

2009-04-25T21:28:00.003-04:00

Well, it was old times again today at my Uncle Stanley's and Aunt Lois's house. Juan and I went there to visit and to see my cousins Elizabeth and Judith who were both in town. Liz made a great rib dinner and I had brought dessert. Was fun talking old times and also current times as to what all everyone is up to now. Always fun to get together with relatives and laugh about who knows what. Coming home we ended up in the rain storm and boy, at one point, was it ever coming down. Hate driving in rain like that...you really can hardly see in front of you. But by the time we got into Canton the rain and left.

Friday, April 24, 2009

2009-04-24T10:10:00.005-04:00

The above photo is of Alexandra's friend Alicia and her fiancee Tom. Alicia's family now lives Virginia and Tom's are in Los Angeles. Like some weddings, Alicia and Tom wanted a small wedding with just immediate family and a couple of friends but like things happen..it is becoming larger. Sounds kind of familiar. Ü And, Juan doesn't want to go. Once he found out how long the flight is...12-1/2 hours...that was it. So it will be me and Alex. Believe we will leave September 22nd and come back on September 29th as Alex needs to keep some vacation time. Juan says he will stay home and take care of GiGi and for me to bring him back a grass skirt.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

2009-04-23T17:02:00.003-04:00

Okay...John's car is fixed. Cost a bit more because more was wrong with it. Had to get a new water pump, radiator hose, serpentine belt, coolant, belt tensionr pulley, water pump pulley and a new thermostat. And the good news is I have my car back. Ü
The photo above is of Hawaii....Oahu to be exact....and the music is the Hawaii 5-0 theme. Why???? One of Alex's good friends that she met while living in Virginia and has since moved to Hawaii, is now to be married this September 26th. She asked Alex if she would be one of her bridesmaids...Alex said yes. Today, Alex called and asked me if Juan and I would like to go visit Hawaii while she is there. Hummmm. Have always wanted to go...yeah, when I was younger, thinner and wasn't allergic to the sun. But still would be fun. We have to let her know by Monday. Juan at first thought he might like to go but now says no...doesn't like the long, long, flight and his ears bother him when he flies. We'll see. Have four days to think about it. Think Alex would like to have someone come with her as Alicia will be on her honeymoon and Alex will be by herself. I probably will go but will keep talking to Juan.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T16:49:00.006-04:00

Okay...so John calls me last night around quarter to midnight.....not going to make it home with his car he says. He made it to Lilley and Palmer but had to sit there for about five minutes to let the car cool down. It is the water pump that cools the engine that is broke. So anyway, when I'm on the way to pick him up he calls me and says that he made it to Lilley and Ford Road and will park his car in front of Richardson's Drug Store. Take him home and this morning his father picked him up and took him to his car and then they all went to the auto repair shop further down on Lilley. Found out he has something else wrong with the car and it's going to cost him around four hundred....will be ready tomorrow. In the meantime, he has my car and he and Alexis go home. When it's time to take her to school...he can't find the car keys. Ahhhhhhh! Calls his dad...calls me...calls his dad and calls me again as he finally found the keys under some papers. Gets Alexis to school where she is only about 10 minutes late. Am I surprized about all the losing and calling and finding??? Not really as this is John.
On another note, Tina was married either last week-end or the week-end before. Big Indian wedding complete with the groom coming in on a white horse. Just where do you find a white horse???? but was thinking that it probably gets rented out a lot just for Indian weddings. One of John's friends on Facebook is a relative of Tina's and posted photos so John let me look at them. Reception was at Laurel Manor....Tina looked great as did all her friends.

Tuesday, April 22, 2009

2009-04-21T19:34:00.002-04:00

Well, the little munchkin loves her new school. First day she got to play dress-up, draw a picture, listen to a story, learned how to sit down with applesauce (or something like that...sitting down with your legs folded and crossed and with your hands in your lap) and made some new friends. Photo above was taken a couple of weeks ago and that cat peeking around the pillow is their cat Piper.
Went grocery shopping yesterday and today to the post office and the bank. John called on his way to work and said that his car was acting up so Juan and I went over to where he works at around 5:30pm with some antifreeze. John and a friend of his came out to look at the car and noticed that the fan belt was loose and that it looked like something had broke off. Told him to call me when he gets home tonight and he will probably have to take Juan's truck in tomorrow and have his car fixed. Always something.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

2009-04-19T12:20:00.005-04:00

So here is a solution to falling over peony stems. Saw this online and thought it would look better than stakes with ropes going all around. Will have to wait and see. The chair was an old broken one that Juan found and he just took out the seat in the middle and there you are. Know it looks a little weird now but once the stems get bigger and then all the peony blooms it should look okay....something like the one in the bottom photo. The blooms are so pretty but as soon as it rains...down they all go. Hopefully this will hold them all up.
It was such a nice sunny day yesterday. Didn't really do anything special and not today either although, all the sun has disappeared and the temperature dropped 20degrees. I do believe it's going to rain! Which is good.
Ordered a indoor/outdoor carpet for the front porch. Not really too sure about the color I ordered. Terra Cotta. I mean I like the color but Juan's boots...that's another thing. Will still use the one small carpet for under his chair and feet on the porch. This way don't think it will get that dirty. GiGi should like it. And that it. Tonight watching one of my favorite TV shows...Celebrity Apprentice. Love that show.

Friday, April 27, 2009

2009-04-17T11:28:00.004-04:00

Kids, dentists, bicycles and John Wayne. And what do they all have in common? Had to watch to two girls last night because Brandy had to make an emergency run to the dentist. And John Wayne...well, he saved the day along with bicycles. That's him in the photos above. A 2-1/2 pound teeny, tiny, little Chihuahua that lives next door with the "dog lady". When the girls first came over Juan had fixed their bikes for them so they were riding up and down the street. Then the "dog Lady" came out with John Wayne, or Duke for short, and the girls were all over him. John Wayne's best friend is Isis a 165 pound grey Great Dane. Isis treats John Wayne like he were her baby and is very protective of him. Both are sweet dogs. John Wayne is not one of those nervous, yapping dogs like my sister-in-law owns. I call them the Devil Dogs. Bark, bark, bark, bark, bark...geeh! John Wayne or Isis are not for sale and will stay with "the dog Lady".
Imagine John will be over to pick up the girls bikes that we were storing for him here at our house. He has a vacation day today...so a nice long week-end.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

2009-04-15T19:07:00.004-04:00

Well, lets see. John's giant TV finally went on him and he sold it on Craigslist. Guess the person works on TVs. So....he bought another one today at ABC Warehouse since the kind he wanted had the better price. It's the one pictured above. Another rear projection television....60". His old one was all one piece and sat on the floor and this one is doing that now until he gets a stand for it. When you play games on the TV guess the bigger the better.
Had both girls today...ahhh. Two together is not a happy time. The older one seems to always get the younger one racing or jumping or just both getting into mischief. Feels like a Benny Hill sketch over here. One more day of the two of them together. Like I said before...one hour seems like an eternity at times.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

2009-04-14T12:26:00.002-04:00

Finished the above scrapbook page for Alex's album. In case you can't read what it says: "The Lansing Jaycees held their annual Easter Egg Hunt in front of the Capitol on Saturday, April 11, 2009. The weather was on the cold side but the sun was brightly shining."
"The cold didn’t keep the many, many children from coming out to enjoy the festivities. Over 10,000 plastic eggs were stuffed the previous week-end with candy, toys and stickers."
"Through a raffle, the Jaycees made over $800.00."
We have Sierra today for an hour and for the rest of the week because of Easter vacation. Brandy took Alexis to her new school yesterday and found out that it is closed for the week. Guess no one told them so she starts next week and we have her also for the rest of the week.

Monday, April 13, 2009

2009-04-13T18:26:00.003-04:00

Well, the egg hunt was a big success for the Lansing Jaycees as it was for Sierra. She won one of the prize Easter baskets that held lots of candy plus Hannah Montana items, a jewelry box, necklace, and other items. They met the Easter Bunny, Lugnut (the local mascot for the Lansing baseball team, Cricket (mascot for the click-it safety belt campaign, an owl, ferrets, and other animals from the local zoo plus free coloring books and the like. There were TONS of children and they had three roped off areas with over 10,000 plasic eggs containing candy, stickers and a prize in each one. Roped off areas were for the 0 to 3 year olds, 4 to 6 year olds and 7 and up. John was with Alexis and I stayed with Sierra in her section. Countdown for the start of the hunt and within 2 minutes....2 MINUTES....every egg was gone! Alexis managed to get 8 or 9 eggs and Seirra scooped up 7 eggs. She was a little bummed by that since her sister had two more eggs but that all stopped when she won a basket. Thank goodness. Ü On the way home we stopped at a McDonald's for lunch and then drove back home. Later that day Brandy's mother came by and they all decorated eggs. Know that the Easter bunny hid eggs at their house. Finished the above scrapbook page for John's album and will be working on one for Alex's album. Of course, you can click on the photo for a larger view.

Good Friday

2009-04-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow myself, John and the girls will be going up to Lansing for the Easter Egg Hunt. Brandy has some shopping to do so will not be coming. Should be fun...especially for the girls as I don't believe they have ever been to an egg hunt. Today went grocery shopping for Sunday's dinner. Guess now it will be only Juan and myself as Alex won't be coming down. Even with things on sale I can't get over at how expensive groceries are now. Geeh...spent $100.00 on ???? Didn't think there were that many items but boy, sure adds up.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T16:46:00.003-04:00

Today Alexis and I did Easter eggs....two dozen! And with today it is the last time we will watch her as she will be starting school next week. Oh, I'm sure there will be some days when we will still watch her...like when there is no school....or possibly sometime during the summer. Not sure if she will be going in the summer or not. She starts kindergarten this fall and am not sure if it full day or not. Know they are switching over to full days for that age. So, get to get rid of all the kids stuff in the family room...not that it's a lot but still...crayons, coloring books, rocking horse, chalkboard and some other things.
And for Easter Sunday it will be just Alex, Juan and myself. Making a pot roast. Ü We are not big ham eaters here....one meal is just enough...don't like the leftover. Have to go tomorrow to the grocery store and get the stuff...maybe even tonight. Will see.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T17:50:00.002-04:00

So Alexis will be starting nursery school next Wednesday from 1:15pm to 3:30pm. She will go every other week for three days and then the next week will be for five days. She goes to her Dad's house for two days every other week on Monday's and Tuesdays. The place is very resonable. Guess the church only opened up last October at its present location. They take care of children 2-1/2 to 6 years of age from 7am to 6pm but she will only be there for the above mentioned times. Here is their schedule:
1:15pm - Seatwork
1:20 - Afternoon routine, songs, phonics, letters, numbers calendar (children can join when they wake up) (that part is for the kids who are there already)
1:48 - Restroom break
1:55 - Afternoon snack
2:10 - Afternoon recess
2:30 - Bible & Jesus time
2:45 - Story Time or Listen & Color
3:00 - Arts & Crafts Time
3:15 - Language Developemnt
3:30 - Recess or inside free play (of course, this is when she goes home)
So...should be something different for her.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

2009-04-07T18:12:00.002-04:00

Well, John called places about having Alexis attend nursery school. He is going to the New Hope Church here in Canton tomorrow to talk with the people there. She would be going five days a week from 1 pm until 3:30 pm. She really needs to be with some kids her own age and to be able to interact with them. So, looks like we won't be watching her for awhile. The above photo is of the church. It's a Methodist church and does have 20 minutes of church related stuff every day during the time she will be attending. Since Brandy is more into religion than John...that's fine with her.

Here We Go Again

2009-04-06T13:04:00.003-04:00

Who said winter was over? Had some snow around here this morning but nothing sticking to the pavement...just melts off. Yesterday met John and Brandy up at Hawthorne Valley to look at the room where the wedding reception will take place. Nice...big room. Will have the wedding shower at the same place and because of that we get a free wedding rehersal dinner for up to twenty-five people. Pretty good. Because they were serving Sunday Brunch, we were all able to taste the food. Not bad. Some items were better than others. They have decided to go with individual dinners and have picked out filet and some kind of chicken...not sure what...but will be served together. Soup, salad, potato, vegetable, rolls, coffee and dessert come with the main dish. They will pick out just what the items are later.
Think we will have chili tonight for dinner. Sounds good on a snowy day.

Friday, April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T10:49:00.004-04:00

Was talking with Alex last night about the crafts I have been doing with Alexis and the craft she did when she was 8 years old came up. Alex had told me I should have Alexis make the bunny ears like she did and when I brought this up to Alexis she said, "No...too boring." hehehehe What? Alexandra's bunny costume too boring? Never! Photo is above.
Did I write that John and Brandy have set a wedding date? Well, if I did here is another reminder....June 26, 2010. They are going this week-end to put a deposit down at Hawthorne Valley in Westland for the reception site. Don't think they still know where the wedding ceremony will take place. Looking at the Hawthorne site I noticed they have a garden....maybe the wedding could take place there? Brandy isn't Catholic so don't think they could have it at a Catholic church. Here is the site if you are interested.... http://www.hawthornevalley.com You will have to copy and paste. They are taking the Aspen Room which is the largest. John is already picking out songs he wants played or not played.
Here at home we are adjusting to not getting the Free Press every day. Now it will only be delivered Thursday, Friday and Sunday. So....a new experience is being tested. Juan on the computer. Have been trying to teach him how to read the paper online. Fun!
Oh...and hear someone finally has a computer again....Unlce Stanley! HI!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

2009-03-26T13:43:00.003-04:00

Well, it's craft day today to keep the little munchkin amused. Decided we would make the above craft which is easy enough for a little one. The head of the bunny is just an outline of her hand with some of the fingers folded over. She should be able to do this...hopefully. Not much else going on....just doing laundry...how exciting. Yesterday my back went out for a while but after a nights sleep seems pretty good today....fingers crossed. Can't believe March is almost over...even winter. Well, not really saying winter is over until the end of April. Can remember snow during that month.

Sunday Afternoon

2009-03-22T13:22:00.003-04:00

A quiet Sunday....so far. Not doing too much, just straightening up around the house and kind of cleaning here and there. Although, I should be cleaning more than straightening. Ü Guys came over yesterday to look at the fence that needs to be taken down. They are guys that Juan knows and the one did some electrical work for us last year. Both are young and have done this type of work before so they will be doing the work. Forgot to ask Juan just when they will be doing it..imagine pretty soon. Don't know just how long they have to wait for the ground to become unfroze. Would think that it is already but ????.
Well, back to my cleaning and straightening.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

2009-03-21T12:24:00.003-04:00

Finished the above page of photos from Sierra's concert. Wish I had more photos of all the kids singing but it was sooo crowded that I didn't want to get in any one's way. Brandy and I had to stand the whole time against a wall but at least we were up front. The tag in the layout (on the right side) can be pulled out and explains what was happening that night.
We have to get a new fence for one of the sides in the backyard. It is really falling down and needs support. People on that side complain they have no money yet they seem to always be going on trips. Just recently a vacation to Mexico and at least twice a year to Albania where they are from originally. Oh well....what are you going to do? We have had that cedar fence for over 30 years now so is time to replace. Will get the vinyl like we have along the back.

Spring!

2009-03-20T12:19:00.004-04:00

So it's Spring...finally. Yesterday went to Sierra's school 2nd and 3rd grade music recital. Was cute and they all did a really nice job. In the bottom photo she is on the second from the top row, right underneath the really tall girl standing on the top row. I was noticing how diversified the school is now compared to when our kids were going to school. There is every nationality living in Canton now. Makes it a true American town.
Went to the bank this morning and will probably go out in the front yard and rake some. In the backyard will have to pick up all the dead tree branches that fell during the winter. Really just sticks but still have to be picked up.

Pinocchio

2009-03-18T11:40:00.002-04:00

The above photo is of a Pinocchio doll that Juan has had since he was little. Unfortunately, it was damaged when we were living in Dearborn as somehow it was left outside one night and got damaged from the dew. So was thinking that I will take it over to the doll hospital in Berkley to see what can be done with it and most importantly, how much will be the cost. He has always wanted it fixed. Did get the movie Pinocchio and hadn't realized that it came out in 1939...the same year that Juan was born. We have Alexis today so will probably show the movie to her. But, Juan found a standing chalkboard so she might want to play with that...and of course, there are all the books she chose from the library last week. So much to chose from. Juan also found a child's seat for the car...nice one. Will have to have John put it in my car so I don't have to get his each time I take Alexis somewhere.
Yesterday we had our Irish dinner...corned beef, potatoes and carrots. Ummmmm good! Corned beef melted in your mouth it was so good. Will be having more tonight and have to give Brandy some as they like it.

Would you be knowin'

2009-03-17T11:22:00.003-04:00

The above photos were taken a few years back and so was the layout but I'm posting it just for St. Patty's Day. So to all the Irish and would be's, Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all. And a grand day it will be.
Would be be knowin' why the Irish only put two hundred tirty-nine beans in Irish Bean Soup? Because if you be addin' one more...it would be two farty!

Finally Back!

2009-03-16T12:19:00.006-04:00

I know, I know, I haven't posted in a while now. Kind of got caught up in Facebook. ??? But I miss being able to rant on and on. Ü So what has happened in the past few weeks? Well, Juan had his 70th birthday.....70!!! Yikes! Took a couple of photos from that event but he didn't shave and if there is anything worse in a photos it's a 70 year old who hasn't shaved....so no photos to share of that event. The above photos are of Sierra, John and GiGi. GiGi kept trying to lick the paint off Sierra's face so that is the reason she has her head turned a bit. Sierra, Alexis and their mother went skating and that is where she had her face painted. Guess John is looking for a house. He and Juan went yesterday to look at one but it was too small with no basement. Tomorrow he is looking at a foreclosure house that is a two story with four bedrooms near where he is living now.
Tomorrow is Green Day and Juan went and bought some corned beef today and Holiday Market. They sell the Wigleys brand that we all love and would have to go to Eastern Market to buy. Will make that for St. Patty's day along with potatoes and carrots but no cabbage this time. Juan can't seem to stomache it anymore and I'm not getting a head just for me. Will be wearin' the green and eatin' me irish dinner but no stout. Juan takes care of that department.
Will try to keep up this blog more regular from now on....although will still keep track of facebook.
Oh...added a new gadget on this blog. My favorite blog sites. Check it out...it's on the right hand side right after "About Me".

Saturday, February 28, 2009

2009-02-28T10:55:00.002-05:00

Well, Alex is going back to her place this morning. Waiting here for John to show up as he is coming with us to help take her stuff up the stairs to her apartment. During the week Lynn and then Caroline came by to visit and last night Tanya, Paul and Paige came by and we all went out to dinner together at Four Friends.
Photo above is of Sierra at the Henry Ford. John had taken her to the IMax show there and they stopped in at the museum for a look around.
Gotta go....John is here.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T13:26:00.004-05:00

Well, Alex is doing fine after surgery on her left knee. There were two tears that were stitched and the doctor also cleaned out stuff from lupus. They had given her crutches to use but she is using a walker we had here at home. Today, she is walking on her own. The doctor also sent her home with a cooler type thing called a Cryo/Cuff. You put water and lots of ice inside of it and then attach the hose to your knee cuff. It is motorized so you then plug it in and it circulates ice water around your knee while also giving your knee circulation. It goes off and on every couple of minutes. Kind of neat. Photo of it is above. She uses it both day and night. The doctor said she can take off the bandage after three days but, she has to call him tomorrow as he didn't specify when she can take a shower....or when she can drive. So, she is coming along fine and each day getting better.
Tonight are the Oscar ceremonies so will be watching to see all the hoopla that goes with the awards.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

2009-02-19T14:07:00.003-05:00

So...this morning Alexis was here nice and early. She wanted to watch the rest of the movie Snow White that we were watching yesterday and then after that we bundled up and went to the library. It was the first time for her to go there and she had a great time. She put on a puppet show for me with animal puppets, played with some of the puzzles, played on the computer, explored the fish tank that had a Nemo in it, loved the frog clock with the moving eyes, and then got lots of books to check out. We ended up staying there for about 1-1/2 hours. When we got back she wanted some lunch...peanut butter & jelly sandwich & milk and then we started to read books. John called and said that Sierra's class was on it's way back to the school and that Alexis should take a nap. After reading two more books to her she laid down on the sofa and I went into the computer room. After about a half hour, John was here to pick her up. Don't think she had any nap so he will probably make her lay down at home.
Tomorrow will be going to Lansing to pick up Alex and take her to the hospital for her operation. They were changing the time with her but now it's back to 3pm although she has to be there at 1pm. Then we will come back here. Have to go out today to the grocery store for a few things and that's that.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

2009-02-18T10:42:00.003-05:00

Wondering why I have a photo of RuPaul? He has a new show (well, fairly new) called, "RuPaul's Drag Race" on the LOGO network. I love this show....makes me laugh. Of course, by the name you know it's about drag queens. Men (women) are competing against one another to see who will become the Queen of Queens. Some of these guys look really good as women..geeh. It's on every Monday at 10pm with reruns every Thursday at 8pm. Check it out.
Alexis will be here this afternoon and tomorrow we have her from 8am something until 1pm and then again from 2:30pm for an hour. John is a chaperon for Sierra's class as they are going to the DIA???...can't remember...will have to find out. Anyway, I'm not even up at 8am so this will be something different for me. Will borrow John's car seat for Alexis so we can go to the library together. This way she can pick out books she would like to read...plus they have all kinds of hands on stuff for her to play with.
Friday, I go up to Lansing for Alex's' operation on her knee. Will bring her back here for her recovery for as many days as it takes. They had told her it would only be three days...we'll see.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T11:44:00.004-05:00

So the above is a photo of part of the inside of the restaurant Juan and I went to last night. We sat just to the left in this photo and there was a single rose in a vase on each table. Very nice and the dinner was excellent! The place was busy with all the Valentine dinners being prepared and lots of wait staff all in black, white and red. Saw a couple of the male waiters wearing black slacks that had red kisses printed on them...not all over, just kind of in a swirl pattern. We both had the prime rib with Juan having the larger serving of meat. Came with a bread tray, and we both got the salad, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Even though both of us couldn't finish the dinner, I ordered dessert. Ü Had a cheesecake with raspberry and pecans. Came on a fancy plate and I asked for two forks as we shared it. Yummy! I signed up for email notification of specials and coupons and they also want to know your birthdate and wedding anniversary date. The place is not real expensive but still not cheap. Our dinners plus tip was about $74.00 and Juan had two beers. So, not really that bad and like I said, the meal was excellent. It has been in business off and on since 1945. Can't believe we had never been there but will definately go again. They have music usually on Saturday nights and they also have a banquet room that seats 100 people. So, thumbs up and this restarant.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T15:49:00.003-05:00

Finished the above scrapbook page this morning. She was all excited yesterday taking her Valentine's home to give out to everyone. My Juan and only gave me a card and a giant box of chocolates. Very nice but ahhhhhhh really don't need all that chocolate. Know what you are saying...."then don't eat them"....yeah, right!
Today Juan wants to go out for dinner...specifically for prime rib. He's in the mood for some he says. Have a couple of places in mind that serve prime rib. One in Canton, one in Westland and the other is in Salem Township. Think we will go to the one in Salem Township as we have never been there. The restaurants name is Karl's Cabin and has been there for years. Funny we have never been since we have lived here for years. Well....hopefully there isn't a big wait....we'll see.

Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T11:27:00.003-05:00

Valentine's day is soon here and the photos above show the Valentine's Alexis and I made for her to pass out to her friends and family. Made hearts to be that she stamped and I wrote the inside wording. Then folded it up and this is her Valentines. The other project was to make hearts that became flowers. The center of the flower was a Tootsie Pop. These are to be given to each person with the Valentine card. Didn't have her yesterday as she was ill. Haven't heard, but assuming she will be here today. If not I will drop off the Valentines at her place.
Nothing else speciall going on. Yesterday I was all over the place. First went to the library, then to a jewelry store to look at a couple "thumb rings" for an old neighbor who was looking for some, later to Kroger's and then Meijer's. Too much walking for me. Really have to go to a doctor to look at these feet of mine. Know I have spurs so maybe they can do something about it.....who knows.
If I don't write anything tomorrow....HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to everyone.

My Hunny Bunny Bike!

2009-02-09T20:28:00.002-05:00

Look what my cousin Martha made for me! It's the hotest thing just like him. I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!! Of course, you know I would love to ride him...oops...it. hehehehe She is really a very talented artist, so glad she made this for me.
Today Alexis and I started making some Valentines for her to give out. So far she has 14 people who will receive her Valentines. She is so funny and gets so excited about the littlest things. Made me laugh as on her list are two boys in her neighborhood who she calls the "mean boys". Don't know why they are mean but they are each getting a Valentine. Her Mom showed up to get her and she got all excited, yelling, "Don't come in here." I had told her that the Valentines were going to be a secret and she wasn't going to get them until Friday. We used my Cricut to cut out the Valentine...so much easier. Should take two/three days to finish everything up.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T10:00:00.004-05:00

So my cousin Marilyn's funeral was yesterday and Juan and I drove up to Greenville for the service. LOTS of people were in attendance and it was a very nice service. My cousin Charlene's son Michael is now a Catholic priest and he conducted the service. Charlene is Marilyn's sister. After the service we were all invited for a luncheon which was held in a church in Sheridan. Met lots of cousins! Afterwards Juan and I were invited to my cousin Lenny's home back in Greenville where we stayed for about an hour. Met the newest cousin of the bunch...Drake...who is 4 months old. He was being babysat by his father, Rod at his grandparent's home. That's a picture of Drake above with his mother Tara and Grandmother Laurie. Tara is the middle child of my cousin Lenny and his wife Laurie. Their older daughter, Shayla, is expecting her first child, a boy, in May. So...more cousins. Have included an older scrapbook page that I did of Tara & Rod's wedding back in May, 2007. The ride there and back was ideal. No rain, snow or whatever. Just a few sprays of water from the melting snow.
Today I'm cutting out hearts for the project I will be doing with Alexis during the week. Have just a few more to cut out and that part will be done. John called us from the restaurant he took Brandy to last night. Guess the hotel was having some kind of Roaring Twenties party there and people were all dressed up from that era. Don't know if he took any photos or not.

Friday, February 6, 2009

2009-02-06T12:35:00.003-05:00

Have decided to do some Valentine projects with Alexis next week and make some Valentines for her to give out. Finished showing her Beauty and the Beast yesterday and have a feeling that this movie will take the place of The Wizard of Oz which she likes to watch over and over and over and over. I even know all the words now. Since John and Brandy won't have the girls this week-end he has decided to celebrate Valentines tomorrow. They have the kids every other week-end. Guess they are going to some restaurant in the old Book Cadillac hotel downtown. Don't know what else he has planned.
Tomorrow Juan and I will be going up north for my cousins funeral. Will have John stop here at around noon to let GiGi out. She should be good after that until we get back.

2009-02-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

And the song playing is "Alejandra". So you see Alex, there is a song with your name. When Alex came down Sunday she brought along the movie "Beauty & the Beast". Started showing it to Alexis and she loves it. Of course, we didn't finish seeing it so will show more today when she comes.
Juan and I will be going up north for my cousin's funeral Saturday morning. I imagine a ton of people will be there as she had a large family and was clerk of the city of Sheridan for 33 years. Sheridan is a small town, probably about 700 people, think the whole town will be in attendance. Still don't know what the cause of death was as all they knew at the time was that she had massive internal bleeding but didn't know why at the time of her death. Would think they would know by this week-end.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

2009-02-03T21:17:00.004-05:00

Had some sad news this evening. A cousin of mine, on my Dad's side, passed away this afternoon. She was 75 years old. Know that sounds kind of old but never thought of her as being old. That's her on the left in the top photo when she was probably 18 years old. She was always so pretty and even just as pretty as she got older. I imagine her sister, Charlene, is devastated as they were really close. She was married and had five children and don't know how many grandchildren. Haven't heard of all the arrangements yet but I am assuming that the funeral will be this coming Saturday. She lived her whole life in the same small town where she grew up...Sheridan, Michigan. Hadn't seen her in a while...last time was about a year and a half ago. The other scrapbook page I did is with all the cousins, at that time. There eventually would be 10 of us first cousins... same number as there are on my Mom's side. Marilyn was the oldest of the cousins on my Dad's side and I'm the oldest on my Mom's side.

Monday, February 2, 2009

2009-02-02T13:35:00.007-05:00

A house up the street and around the corner from us was on fire this morning. (NE corner house on Hanford and Morton Taylor..colonial) Don't know all of the damages but sure heard the fire trucks coming and knew it was nearby. Know homes owners adopted a lot of children and hopefully none were home at the time. This was around 8:30-9:00am so should think that the kids were in school. That's a photo of the house in the picture above. Took it from the Canton Observer site. They report that no one was home at the time of the fire and that it started in the garage.
And how did you like the Super Bowl game. Watched the end and that was pretty good. Saw a few of the commercials and they were okay nothing special. John, Brandy and the girls were over. John went down the basement and brought up his box of He-Man action figures for them to play. Forgot most of the figures names. They still are all in pretty good condition.
Today, when Alexis comes, we are baking Valentine cookies. Will see how that goes.

2009-02-01T15:54:00.002-05:00

So...I'm sitting here at the ocmputer and the doorbell rings. Juan goes and yells by the door..."WHO IS IT?" And, who is it???...Alex. She drove down here just to pick up her scarf she left here at Christmas and to drop off a couple of things. Stayed here about 30-40 minutes and then left to go back home. That's alright as she will be here for some days after she has her knee operated on February 20th. Will have to go up there on that day and be with her for the operation and then bring her here. I'm sure she is looking forward to it. Ü
John, Brandy and the girls will be here later to watch the Super Bowl game but are leaving at half time or there about. Juan is making wing dings and I made some chex mix, brownies and will be making some oven fires. That should be enough for us. Don't really care who wins but guess I'm kind of rooting for Arizona. Just like watching the comercials.

Friday, January 30, 2009

2009-01-30T12:34:00.003-05:00

Got up this morning and walked into the kitchen and saw this dark, black line going all the way from the family room, across the kitchen and into the laundry room. "What is that?", I was thinking as I came closer. ANTS!!!! Doing a Conga line across my floor and into GiGi's food dish. AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I give GiGi dry dog food and sometimes she doesn't finish it all. Picked up the dog dish, water bowl and dog mat that it sits on and took it all into the garage to empty into the garbage bag. Not the water dish as there weren't any ants in there...just put it in the sink. Next went and got the vacuum cleaner and proceeded to suck up all those nasty things. After that, took out the bag and put it with the trash outside. At least they made a nice little track for me to follow. We seem to always have problems with ants in the winter as there is no basement below are family room...just a concrete slab over sand....an ants favorite place. Hate getting any type of exterminator out here because of the dog and because our basement is loaded with junk! I'm telling you...I don't need these problems!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T12:19:00.002-05:00

Well, here we go again with some more snow. Can't complain as it is winter. Finally cleaned the ceiling above the stove this morning. Boy...dirty. Kept looking at it and saying I was going to clean it but just kept looking at it and saying I have to clean it...never doing it. Didn't have Alexis yesterday as Brandy came home sick. Guess she went back to work today as haven't heard from John so assume am watching her today. And that's about it.

2009-01-25T19:45:00.003-05:00

Saturday night we went to a retirement party of an old friend. It was at a bar/restaurant in Wayne so wasn't too far to travel. Only thing with having a doing at a bar is the smoke! When we came home I told Juan not to hang anything in the closet just put it all in the laundry. Boy...cigarette smoke is terrible and I used to smoke...for 30 years I huffed and puffed on those things. Stinky! Stinky! Kind of a quite day today...just worked on the above scrapbook page and vacuumed a bit in the kitchen.
And....after listening a few times to the American songs I liked...decided I didn't like them that much so deleted them and left the Latin ones. Ü

Friday, January 23, 2009

2009-01-23T19:31:00.005-05:00

Tonight Juan and I went to eat at Palermo's Restaurant here in Canton. We haven't been there in ages....well, at least not to eat inside the restaurant. I had the cheese ravioli and Juan had jumbo shrimp. Was good! Tomorrow afternoon we go to a retirement party at a bar/restaurant located in Wayne. Starts at 4:00pm. At that time you can tell it is geared for older folks. Ü But, am kind of glad it is at that time as I'm not quite sure of the location of the place. Know the general vicinity so shouldn't be too difficult to find. Will be bringing my camera. Scrapbook page, you know. Ü
And....the songs playing are all on the top Billboard lists for this week...American and Latin. Songs up to La Derrota by Vicente Fernandez. These are the ones I like so far...still have others to listen to..to see if I likey. You should listen to them if you have the time...they are all pretty good.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

2009-01-22T21:15:00.003-05:00

John had brought over a disk with photos he had taken while at the Auto Show with Sierra so did the above scrapbook page. Ran across the song that is playing, "Apologize" and like it! Don't know when it came out so if I'm behind the times with hearing it...oh well. I listen to latin music all the time so don't really know what's going on out there most of the time with American music. Will have to go to billboard and see what's happening now and see if I can listen to the songs. That's one of the differences between Juan and myself. He likes to relive the past with 50's and 60's music. Now, I don't mind the music just that I like what is being playing now....and he doesn't. :(

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

2009-01-21T21:15:00.003-05:00

Juan and I saw Gran Tornio tonight. Ehhhhhhh....not my favorite movie. I really didn't think it was that good...sorry Clint. Just thought of who he reminded me of in the movie....Pappy! Remember Popeye's father? His name was Pappy and he scowled all the time and you could hardly understand him. Pappy...that was Clint Eastwood in this picture. Sooooo....what else is going on???....Nothing! We go to a retirement party this Saturday and not much else. Such an exciting life.

A New Day

2009-01-20T16:01:00.003-05:00

So...we have a new president and a new beginning. Hopefully everything will go well with him and our country. It will be a nice change. Not that much going on but am too busy watching all the doings with this day so will make this short and get back when I can concentrate more.

A Cold Wednesday

2009-01-14T17:36:00.003-05:00

Cold! Cold! Cold! GiGi gets her hair cut tomorrow or else I would have put her picture up top. You can't even see her eyes she is so fuzzy. It's that time of year again for Girl Scout cookies and I ordered some from a friend's daughter. This is her first year being a scout and her first cookie sale so order quite a few. There goes another 10 pounds. Haven't ventured out since it is so cold but will have to anyway. Have to go to the store to pick up some items and go to the bank. Besides...good to start the car and warm it up a bit even though it's in the garage. My Aunt Bea called me this morning just to say she is alive. She does this every time she dog sits at her daughters (my cousin) house. Guess she will be there until Sunday when Sandy gets back. Just assuming that Sandy went to Chicago to her one daughter's place....or maybe, to Pennsylvania for the other daughter. Not sure but think it would be Chicago.

SEE!!!!! DID I NOT TELL YOU!!!!!

2009-01-11T23:18:00.003-05:00

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE! It just won four Golden Globes tonight. Best Original Music Score Motion Picture....Best Screenplay...Best Director...and Best Motion Picture (Drama)! I told you all to go see this movie...you will love it!

Day After the Snow

2009-01-11T17:27:00.002-05:00

So...yesterday we had a bit of snow. Weather stations were saying it would come overnight but it came during the day. Pretty. John came over yesterday and helped take down the Christmas tree...sooooo...Chirstmas is finally over at our house. Still have to go downstairs and put the ornaments away but that won't take long. Juan and I went out for breakfast today...at 4pm. Ü We both like this one restaurant by us...can't think of it's name...but they serve a really good breakfast menu and they aren't expensive. Actually it's in Plymouth but right down the road. Think it's called Zack's now but it used to be called something else...Silverman's or something like that. Anyway...pretty good.
A friend of ours called yesterday to say that his retirement party had been cancelled because of the weather. Good thing we had the bad weather because I had it written down for next Saturday...ahhhh. Would have hated to have missed it. He called back later last night and said it would be on the 24th of this month. Marked it down and now should not forget.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

2009-01-07T18:58:00.004-05:00

Finished another scrapbook page for Alex. More of Chicago. Also, did another one of just Alex and Tanya as Tanya had taken lots of photos of the two of them togeter. So, did a best friends one.
We had Alexis here again today. I bought eight new coloring books for her. Got them at Walgreens for $1.00. That's $1.00 for all eight. Pretty good. They were on sale because they are holiday related books. All are different and have activities also to do but she just likes to color.
Song playing is just because I like it. It if called "La Derrota" (The Defeat) and is sung by mi Alejandro's father, Vicente Fernandez. Love the Mexican yell at the beginning and later in the middle of the song. Aye...yi...yi....ha! ha! ha! He is also a very popular singer in Mexico and is called "El Rey"...which means "The King". Sings ranchero music. Love it!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

2009-01-06T20:05:00.003-05:00

Alex and Tanya went to Chicago this past week-end. Think they found out that winter is not the time to visit, though I think they had a good time. Did the above scrapbook page and will be doing one more. Had to go out and buy some fooooood today and forgot to take my coupons. ahhhhh Not as cold as I thought it would be outside. Inside...our Christmas tree is still up. Will stay up until Alex can come and help take it down. Ü Since she is the one who put it up we aren't sure on how it comes down.

Saturday, January 4, 2008

2009-01-03T21:05:00.003-05:00

Listen....Juan and I saw a movie last night that was GREAT!!! "Slumdog Millionaire". If you get a chance go and SEE THIS MOVIE!!! A terrific movie worth seeing. It is set in India with an India not many of us have seen. The story goes...."Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai (used to be called Bombay), is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's ''Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' Arrested on suspicion of cheating, he tells the police the incredible story of his life on the streets, and of the girl he loved and lost. But what is a kid with no interest in money doing on the show? And how is it he knows all the answers?" Highly recommend!!!
And on another note...still taking down Christmas stuff though not very hurriedly...hehehe. All the ornaments off the tree now just have to load them in the laundry basket and take them downstairs to put away. Think we will wait for Alex to come and help take the tree down. Ü
That's it......GO SEE THAT MOVIE!....and don't be put off by the music now playing from the picture....it plays at the very end when the credits are rolling.

The New Year...January 2, 2009

2009-01-02T11:31:00.004-05:00

Well...2009 is here. Have to get used to typing in the 9...my finger kind of goes automatically to the eight. Anyway...guess what is coming back to our PBS station. You should know by what is playing. Yup...The Electric Company! Can't remember if it will be on the 15th or the 23rd of this month...but, this month it will start. Just looked it up and it will start on Friday, January 23rd at 4:30 pm. It will be new and not the old shows but I used to love that show. Suppose to teach children of ages 7-10 how to read and it certainly did! But, Alex and John learned how to read from that show...and at one and two years of age. So will look forward to seeing what it is all about now. Morgan Freeman was on the show as Easy Reader. Didn't even know he had a name on the show. It ran from 1971-1977 but had reruns through 1985. Caaaa.....at.....CAT. Ü
Did the above scrapbook page of John and all when they were here to get some tacos on new year's eve. Yesterday started taking down the Christmas decorations. Still have lots to put away since we put up the Christmas village this year.

New Year's Eve 2008

2008-12-31T18:12:00.006-05:00

Here at last...the last day of 2008. John, Brandy and the kids will be here to have some tacos and then it's just the two of us. Finished the above scrapbook page of the rest of the Christmas card photos received. Have to admit that some are from Alex as we didn't send out any cards this year...but we know all of them pictured.
Soooo.....Happy New Year everyone! And hope the new year holds a brighter & happier year.

Monday, December 29, 2008

2008-12-29T16:03:00.005-05:00

So the new year is almost here. For the first time in a looonnnnngggg time we aren't doing anything. We used to have a taco or tostada party on new years eve but it just is getting to be too much work. It's a lot of work making all those tacos and there are time when we make sooo many because people say they are coming and they just don't show. Juan will still be making tacos but just for us, John, Brandy and the kids. Did the above scarpbook page of some of the photos from Christmas day and when we went to Ann and Reno's this past week-end. Alex went back to her place on Sunday since she had to be back at work today. She will be going to Chicago this coming week-end. John took the girls to The Henry Ford Museum today as they had never been. Guess they had a good time and were able to make some things there. They also had their photo taken in front of a blue screen to make it look like Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz. Sierra is the Tin Man and Alexis is Dorothy with her basket. And that's about it.

Last Saturday of the Year

2008-12-27T11:27:00.003-05:00

Well...Christmas is over...kind of. We are off today to get together with more relatives. Christmas was different this year for us. Christmas morning was only Juan, Alex and myself as John now is with Brandy and her girls. They did come over for brunch and opening of more presents and to see what Santa brought in their stockings. Was a good Christmas day and I think everyone received what they wanted. Did the above scrapbook page of cards or photos we received with Christmas wishes. You can click on the photo for a larger view. Not that many cards this year but then, we ended up not sending out any. Know I had mentioned about typing a Christmas letter but just never got around to it.
Can't believe it's going to be 60 degrees today. One of the gifts I got for Juan is a five day forecast of your local weather. Lately this seems to be one of Juan's favorite things to talk about....which drives me crazy!...the weather. So now he can have his very own weather station and know all the latest predictions. It's a digital thing that gets it's signals from a satellite to keep you updated. Has a lot of other American cities you can scan through if you want. He loves this gift. So easy to keep him amused. Ü

Almost Christmas Day

2008-12-23T22:05:00.003-05:00

Well, the day that most people have been waiting for is almost here. One more day to go out and try and find something for the special people in your lives. Yesterday Brandy had to take Alexis to emergency as she had a fever...again. Found out she had quite a few things wrong with her including pink eye and is now on antibiotics. She is such a cute little thing and is finally feeling better. Juan calls her "the little munchkin". Not fun for a child to be sick on Christmas Day so hopefully she will be much better in a couple of days. Alex will be coming in tomorrow sometime. Know she still has all her presents to wrap. Went out today and brought food to get us through for a few days. Christmas day we will be having brunch. Just remembered...have to get the apple loaf bread out of the freezer. We should be all set. Lots of traffic out there and I suppose there will more tomorrow so didn't want to have to go out.
Anyway....Juan and I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and will be talking to you soon.

And so it's my birthday....

2008-12-22T11:47:00.003-05:00

Can't believe another year has come around to December 22nd. Geeh! And, can't believe how old I'm getting. Of course, on one hand, I guess that's a good thing. Juan gave me a giant card and a gift this morning and Alex called to wish me a happy birthday. John I'll see later when he drops off Alexis on his way to work. Finished the above scrapbook page of the girls and John with their gingerbread people. Alex will be coming here on Christmas Eve morning and that's probably when I will go out to the store and pick up a few groceries. GiGi was a bad girl as she got a hold of the one Santa hat, the one that Sierra is wearing, and pulled off half of the white poof on the top of the hat. Poof all over the family room floor. When I came into the room and said, "What did you do?"....she sulked and went under the table and laid there. Well...can't be mad at her for long. She's our baby....lol.

Gingerbread Day

2008-12-21T14:56:00.004-05:00

Today was Gingerbread Day. Sierra and Alexis decorated gingerbread men to take home. John was here to help with the process. I had made the men the day before and they finished them. Alexis' gingerbread man is shown on top and is a woman with curly hair and earrings. Sierra's gingerbread man has lots of hair and is wearing a belt. Brandy showed up later as she was out shopping. All the pictures taken are further down on this site if you want to see them all. Each girl had two to decorate and also put some decorations on the cardborad holding each man.
Think they are going to give one to their father and their grandmother. Seemed to be a good time for them both.

Monday, December 15, 2008

2008-12-15T16:53:00.004-05:00

Did the above scrapbook page of Alex with some of the other people in the Lansing JayCees when they did the "Stuff the Bus" earlier this month. That's Alex inside the bus...right side. They get donations of items to give to others at Chirstmas who are not so fortunate. Guess they got quite a few items this year. They were even written about in the local newpaper.

"For one day, a crowded bus was a cause for celebration.On Saturday, a Capital Area Transportation Authority bus parked outside Eastwood Towne Center's Wal-Mart was overflowing with hundreds of donated gifts and items for 20 Lansing-area children and shelters.
The Lansing Jaycees held their fourth annual "Stuff the Bus" donation drive to collect Christmas gifts and basic necessities such as toilet paper and underwear for the needy.
Standing outside the shopping center, Jaycees and volunteers handed lists containing the needs of the children and shelters to incoming shoppers.
The 20 children were selected through the Salvation Army's "Adopt-a-Family" initiative. The Jaycees will deliver the gifts to them before Christmas.
Angela Clock, co-chairperson of "Stuff the Bus," said the benefit "gives families the opportunity to have a good Christmas" and lets them "know they aren't alone."
"There are so many people in dire need this year," Clock said. "Even though the economy isn't great, (people) are still giving. It looks we're going to get everything we need and a little more."
Shopper Marini Lee donated a pack of toilet paper on her way out.
"It feels great. Every little bit helps," said Lee, 30, of Lansing.
Event chairperson Colleen Burton said she enjoys brightening the holiday season for others.
"They're so happy," she said. "They get all this stuff for their kids that they could never get otherwise."
Lansing Jaycee member Sean Kottke said he was humbled by the needs of his community.
"The needs don't stop after Christmas. After reading the economic news, it may get worse," said Kottke, 37, of Lansing.
"We hope this giving spirit continues into the new year."

A Cold Friday

2008-12-12T20:25:00.003-05:00

Cold...at least I am. Didn't really do anything today. Played some with Alexis while she was here. Juan found some coloring books and stuff a while back and she plays with them. One of them was Christmas related with stickers you had to punch out and place one on each page of the coloring book. I punched them out and wet a paper towel placed on a plate for her to get the sticker wet. You had to search where to put the sticker and she really liked doing that activity. Tomorrow I'm going to made my apple loaf breads...one for now and the other one to be put out for the Christmas morning brunch. Will also have some french toast that you make the night before and put in the oven the next day. Probably some bacon, juice and who knows what else. Just remembered...instead of the bacon Juan will be getting a ham from the coney island so will slice some of that up and use instead of the bacon. And that's it for today.

Hair Cut Day

2008-12-11T21:19:00.002-05:00

Finally went today and had my hair cut and yes, colored. Almost three months since I had it done. I looked like late 60's all over again. More gifts came in the mail today...the ones for Juan...like he needs more stuff. These are kind of neat...kind of. Just think...what does Juan really like....and don't say BEER! As if! Alexis and I made some chocolate chip cookies and I let her take home some of them. She is a real junk food eater...and Sierra is just the opposite. Sierra will go for the more healthy item while Alexis is nothing but sweet, sweet, sweet! Will have to head out tomorrow and get some food for GiGi. Meant to stop tonight but passed the store right by. Hope everyone out there picked up a lottery ticket for tomorrows drawing. Don't know what the figure is now BUT....IT'S LOTS! You just never know...you might be the winner....of course, I hope it's me. Ü

Wednesday Evening

2008-12-10T21:21:00.003-05:00

Well, I ended up making some cookies but not really Christmas ones. Had a package of those pre-made ones from Nestle's....Oatmeal Raisin...really good. This was the last of the packages I bought last month at Meijer's. They had them on sale and I had a good coupone so ended up getting them for only twenty-five cents each....and each package makes two dozen cookies. Pretty good. I used to use coupons all the time back in the day when I did refunding but stopped after a while. Now with the prices so high on everything, I started to use them again. Even made a new coupon box from one of Alexis' shoe boxes. You would be surprised how much you save.
Thought I would start writting some Chirstmas cards today and found out I have another problem. Have been having trouble with arthrites in my middle finger of my right hand. Well....now it is going to the pointer finger also and when I started to write...well...can't do it. But...I can type and do have some Christmas paper that once belonged to my mom so I just might write a Christmas letter. I'll have to see what I can put down without going on and on and on. Will see. When I told Juan he said to see if Alex will write the card...yeah right....and then he said John will do it....oh sure he will. I told him about the typing and he said, "Do we have a typewriter?"...as he is standing next to me while I'm on the computer. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Well, that's my Juan and only!

A Rainy Tuesday

2008-12-09T17:08:00.002-05:00

Rain, rain, rain....phooey! Wish it were snow. Know lots of people out there are glad that it isn't snow but, snow is always good in December and January....after that...nah! Went and got a great gift today to take the place of the one I am sending back. Really like what I bought. Juan can drop the one to be returned off at the UPS store near the mini mall where he works. It is free postage for that item which is great. Wrapped up more gifts and will probably bake some cookies tonight. Don't know why??? as I am the one who eats them all. :p Have to go out and get some cards to send out. I know...I was complaining about it but the more cards I get the more I feel guilty about not sending some.

Monday, Monday....

2008-12-08T20:04:00.002-05:00

A couple more packages arrived today and I'm not happy with one of them so will send it back but first have to find something to replace it. Not much going on today although I did get out to do some grocery shopping. John had to take his car in for brakes so he is using his father's truck. Think his car will be finished tomorrow but will have to wait and see. A friend of ours is doing the job so hopefully it will be cheaper. Heard the weather is not suppose to be that good tomorrow morning but I'm not the one who will be driving to pick up the car. Guess will just have to be careful. Thought I would run over to Penney's to see what they have. Got a coupon in the mail for $10.00 toward anything...hummm....pretty good. Found out that John, Brandy and the kids will be coming here Christmas morning for presents and brunch. Then they go to her mom's house afterwards. Am assuming they will be opening presents at their place first. Good....won't be here that early.

A Day That Will Live in Infamy

2008-12-07T12:55:00.004-05:00

Can't believe that a week has almost passed since I last posted. Have all my gifts wrapped...well, the ones that have already arrived in the mail. Wrapped some of John's gifts for him...the ones I know to who they are going. Still toying with the idea of whether or not I'm sending out cards this year. I don't know...seems like kind of a waste. I mean...think you should only send to people who you don't see regularly...and that's it. So...guess I should send out some...and put a little note inside.
Put up the Christmas Village this year. That's part of it pictured above. Love that little village although I shouldn't say little. It has grown to a great size. I painted most of it and Alex did some of the pieces. If you click on the photo you can see a closer view. Will have to take more photos and post them on the following days I blog.

It's Cyber Monday

2008-12-01T20:04:00.003-05:00

CyberMonday and I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done! Hurray! Good deals online and I didn't have to drive anywhere and fight the crowds. Just have to get stocking stuffer's and that's pretty much it. Still have to get something for Juan. It's getting harder now to get stuff for us as we have everything we need or want...mostly. Will have to think hard on what to get him. Oh...forgot...GiGi. Know what she likes...just have to go out and get it. A squeeky, fuzzy ball. Yup...that's her favorite!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

2008-11-29T17:54:00.003-05:00

Well...ended up not going to the Tut exhibit. Wasn't feeling that well this morning...probably from all the food I've eaten...so we will go next month sometime before it ends.
That's a picture of our tree this year. Put only a few ornaments up this year...mainly all the Wizard of Oz, all the Magic ornaments and the Barbie ones. Alex went out shopping this afternoon while I just straightened up the place and did some book work that needed to be done.
John just called as he and Brandy are coming over. Think they are going to pick up some of this turkey we have left over. That's good as then we won't have that much left.

The Day After

2008-11-28T19:54:00.004-05:00

Did anyone see the sun setting tonight? It was beautiful!!! Juan called from another room and said to look out back....and there it was....the trees looked like they were on fire. Just the trees...nothing else. It was something to see.
Didn't go out into the mad rush today. Haven't done that since the kids were young...me too! John came by and brought some presents as he got up early this morning into the night looking for bargains. He came here with three large bags full of stuff. We are the official hiding place. He had some lunch and then went home. Alex on the other hand went downstairs, into my room down there, and cleaned. Forgot I had some of the stuff she straightened out. Ü Am upset with myself as I didn't take any pictures yesterday for a scrapbook page. We ended up not having dinner until around 7pm as John, Brandy and her kids went to her Mom's house for turkey dinner earlier. Tomorrow, Alex and I are going to see King Tut...How'd you get so funky?...Funky Tut. Anyway....the exhibition is at the African Museum by the DIA and will end the end of January...so we thought we would go. Will take my camera to see if I can take pictures. Thought Juan would like to go but...NOT! Yesterday I told him not to fool around with lights on the house....but NO....up and down the ladder he went. Now his legs are killing him. Oh well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

2008-11-26T21:43:00.002-05:00

From our family to yours....have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T19:59:00.003-05:00

Finished the above scrapbook page of Sierra's 8th birthday party. Inside of house if pretty much decorated for Christmas. Think just a couple of things need to be done. Tomorrow is putting stuff together day in preparation for the Feast on Thursday. We are not having dinner until later because of John and Brandy having to be at her mom's. Fine with me...don't have to get up early to put the beast in the oven. Juan went and picked up three pies...ahhh....Pumpkin, cherry and Coconut Cream. I told him to get a lemon...shoot...don't know how to spell it...you know the white stuff on top pie. Anyway...they didn't have any but the guy told Juan that this is just the same. Now why would they call it Coconut Cream if it was really Lemon! ???? Oh well...Juan like that kind of pie so guess it won't go to waste. Not sure of what else we are doing. Heard that some of my cousins will be in town for the week-end but not sure of their doings. Maybe will give them a call and go over to visit.

Monday, November 24, 2008

2008-11-24T11:05:00.005-05:00

Today is Sierra's 8th birthday. It was celebrated Saturday night at a kids place called Pump It Up here in Canton. All kinds of blow up things where you slide down and crawl through and jump on. After the kids, and some adults, were finished doing their thing in that room we all went into another room where tables and chairs were set up for the cake and ice cream. Was a good time for the kids as they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
The other picture is of Juan and the chichirones he made yesterday. He has been thinking of making those things since we were in Mexico.
This past week-end Alex came down to help put up the Christmas tree and help decorate. Sure was glad to have her help. So tree is up and all but one of the Christmas village is up. One of the pieces to the village needs to be painted and Alex took it back with her to paint....so that piece will be added on Thursday when she is here again.
Juan has a doctors appointment this morning....just a check up but know he will want something for his arthrites which bothers him now that the weather is colder. Power just went out for a few seconds. Hate that! Had to type all over again.
Better get going as lots to do. Back is much better and leg is not quite all the way healed but slowly getting there....ahhh.

Sunday...and it's snowing!!!

2008-11-16T12:54:00.003-05:00

Leg is getting better but now it's my back that is out and I mean out. Started taken the Vicodin they gave me for my leg and instead, using it for my back. Hopefully this will get it back into shape although I am walking around here in a bit of a daze. Pills and all. Such fun getting old.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T19:31:00.002-05:00

Photos on the scrapbook page are from Alex's trip to Baton Rouge last month. She went to a conference there for work. Veteran's Day today and I was thinking about my Uncle Joe. Don't know why...guess because they are showing so many war pictures on the TV and it is in the news today. He LOVED Luciano Pavarotti and would listen to his music all the time. Of course, I believe, Pavarotti's most famous aria would be Nessum Dorma from the opera Turnadot. Listening to Pavarotti sing I can appreciate Uncle Joe's fondness for him. He did have such passion in his voice...something that I think some singers of classical music lack...namely Andrea Bocelli. To me he sings flat! Just my opinion.
Tomorrow I venture out into the real world. Juan and I are going to Meijer's and Korger's to grocery shop. This will be the first time for me going shopping since...???? Think it is over two weeks now....yes, over two weeks. Will have to use one of those motorized carts but that's alright. Have all my coupons together and have made a list of what I have to get from each store. Am back to using coupons since the prices have gone up soooo much for food items.
Alex will be here not this coming week-end but the next week-end to help put up the tree. Should be interesting since this is a new tree and all. Am a little concerned about the size...9 feet. Guess that's was the size of our other tree. Will soon find out!

Friday, November 7, 2008

2008-11-07T18:05:00.003-05:00

Leg is getting better but now it's my back that is hurting. Ahhhhhh...just love getting older! Went to the doctors yesterday and all they told me is what the doctors told me Saturday...rest. Was also told that my back problem is probably from the leg problem. Heard from my sister-in-law, Soco, and she just got out of the hospital from having her spleen partially removed. Talk about someone who has had everything wrong with her it's Soco. She just seems to always have something wrong.
Did the above scrapbook pages of photos of Sierra and Alexis when they were here earlier in the week. That's about all I have done but I did put in a load of wash just now. Juan tries to pick up stuff but all he does is put it in piles. Doesn't get rid of anything and I don't want to ask him to do more as he does enough. Just have to hurry up and get back on my feet.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

2008-11-06T10:40:00.003-05:00

Have found that if I sit at the kitchen table and put my right leg up on a chair I can still scrapbook. Ü Finished the two scrapbook pages above. The one goes in John's album and the other in Alexandra's. Go to the doctor's this afternoon to see if they have something that can hurry up this healing process. Can tell it is getting better but then I'm not walking on it that much. Anyway...hope there is something because I'm getting BORED!!!

And there is a change......

2008-11-05T10:59:00.006-05:00

Well...now we all have to get behind this new president and help him turn this country around. Am happy with all the results. Yesterday there was no school so we watched both Sierra and Alexis. Juan was out there raking leaves and the girls helped. Today Juan went to both Kroger and Meijer's to do some grocery shopping. Gave him a list and off he went. My leg is slowly getting better...just have to stay off it. Going to the doctors tomorrow afternoon and maybe she can give me something that will help in the healing. This not being able to walk that much is driving me nuts.
Just received from Alex a photo of her in her Halloween costume...so included it on my blog. Ü

Go Out and VOTE!!!!

2008-11-04T09:53:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note. Have tendonitis in my right leg (from the Mexico trip) and can't sit at the computer long but thought I would post these photos. That's my poor GiGi after we brought her home Friday from her operation to remove three cysts. I call her Frankenstein. Then it's John and Sierra Halloween night...they went trick or treating in our neighborhood. And then that's Brandy and John when they went to a Halloween party last week-end.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

2008-10-30T12:53:00.002-04:00

Did the two pages of the itinerary of our Mexico trip. The two pages worked out great as I have one for the first page in the album and the second one goes at the very end. This way I don't have any blank pages. I couldn't scan the pages as my scanner was getting mixed up...think the shadow lettering of Mexico was confusing. On another note....I am waiting to hear back from my doctor as my right leg is really giving me a lot of problems. Can hardly walk and my knee is really swollen. All this time I was doing pretty well and then bam! Arthritis has come back with a vengeance. Think all the walking in Mexico helped it along...who knows. So...here I am...sitting....and trying not to move too much.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

2008-10-29T10:18:00.003-04:00

Think this is finally my last scrapbook pages for our Mexico album. All I have to do now is make the cover page of which I usually put our itineary. Carpet cleaning man will be coming at noon. Have moved all the stuff out except for the kitchen table, sofas and the lazy boy chair. Too big to move and he just goes around them. Think he moves the lazy boy...not sure.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

2008-10-28T09:46:00.003-04:00

Finished the above scrapbook page of Morelia, Mexico. The photo on the top right is of the inside of the Morelia Cathedral and shows a half-ton, solid silver monstrance. Now what is a monstrance you ask??? It is used to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host during services. Never knew what it was called or even that it had a name. See, you learn something from scrapbooking! Tomorrow am having the family room, kitchen and laundry room carpet cleaned. Was going to do it after Aspen died but just never got around to call. Will move out some of the furniture today but leave all the big stuff...that can just stay in place. And have to call my doctor today and make an appointment. This arthritis is driving me crazy.

Monday, October 27, 2008

2008-10-27T10:27:00.004-04:00

Scrapbook pages are of Zacatecas, Mexico and of some of the churches we saw in Mexico. Don't know what's on the agenda today...if we have Alexis or not. Will have to give John a call to find out. Sometimes she stays at her grandmothers house on Mondays and Tuesdays. Have a lot of straightening up to do in this house...especially my computer/craft room. My table is a mess with stuff all over the place. I seem to like to scrap in organized chaos, if there is such a thing. Know where everything is...just piled up or underneath other items. Oh well.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

2008-10-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

You can see in the above scrapbook page that I got a little mixed up. Wasn't paying attention to what I was doing and got the pages not matching each other. Didn't feel like trying to peel the glued stuff off and starting over so the page will stay as it is....mixed up. Now I know one person will be saying that if I did digital scrapbooking that wouldn't happen. Ahhh, yes...but then it wouldn't get my personal look. Ü For those who don't know what I'm talking about....the stripes should match-up on both pages.
Juan ended up not going to Eastern Market yesterday so no corned beef. :( Ahh...we'll go ourselved one day and pick some up. John called last night for me to come over quick. He and Brandy were going to a Halloween party and he wanted me to take their picture. He told me to hurry so didn't take my glasses with me and one of the pictures, found out when I came home, turned out fuzzy. But, I have three more so that should be okay. Will try to get photos of the girls and then make a scrapbook page with all of them.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

2008-10-25T08:55:00.003-04:00

Scrapbook pages are of Alexis' 4th birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese and Guadalajara, Mexico. Juan is going this morning with Hank to Eastern Market in Detroit. Know some of the things he will be getting...corned beef and chorizo...who knows what else. Have been having problems with my right knee the past few days...arthritis...bummer. Just seems to be going in more and more places. Was wearing Juan's knee brace and that seems to help but hate wearing it all the time. Still working on more scrapbook pages...don't know when I'll finish with Mexico. Had to put the pages in a bigger scrapbook album as I already have 17 double pages and am working on another one right now. Well...it keeps me busy.

2008-10-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

Scrapbook papges are of Guanajuato and Taxco. Guanajuato is the state where Juan's father was from...in the city of Silao and Taxco was the last city we visited before coming home. A very pretty but very hilly city. That was the big issue in Mexico for us....the walking up and down all these hilly streets.
Picked up Alex yesterday from the airport. Of course, she comes back with stuff for all of us. She drove back home last night and is not suppose to go to work until noon today. Gives her a little bit more of rest.
Took GiGi yesterday to the vet and she is scheduled for next Friday, Halloween, to have the three cysts removed from her back and have her teeth cleaned. He gave me some kind of stuff I spray on her food to help prevent all the tarter build up. And I have medicine to spray on her inside ears because she has dry skin. Ahhhhh...what more.