Children...

My beautiful daughters (am me in the middle)

When our children are born we promise to give them all that we can and love them no matter what. And from the day my first daughter was born I have done this and continued with daughter number two. No matter what the situation becomes no matter how good or bad, we love them. It's just how I was raised and how I feel. My daughters are my greatest blessing that has been given to me. When they need hugs, I give them out, when they money, I give it out, when they need a shoulder to cry on, I have two...when they need a ride, a key to a locked door, a pony tail fixed, I'm there.

Remember that cute little baby powder smelling head to that all grown up adult. I can hardly believe that it has been 25 years since my first was born...25 years, where did all those years go? Mom, I do understand now when you said that time would pass quicker when you get older.

So my beautiful daughters, your Dad and I are here now and will be here forever....just try and get rid of us! We love you!!!

Holidays.....

Just returned from four days at my parents home for the Christmas holidays...what fun we had!
Thursday evening started off with Christmas Church service at my Mother-in-law's church. It was and is always a very nice service. Really gets you in the holiday spirit with all the singing and fellowship there. I was a bit sad on Christmas eve, this is the first year since 1984 (when my oldest was born) that I have not spent Christmas eve with my girls. Now that they are adults, they have adult responsibilities and they had to work Christmas eve, so they drove up to my parents on Christmas day. I was so excited to see them! Christmas day started off with my girls and future son in law arriving and we opening our Santa gifts. After that all the family started showing up. We had another round of gift opening and then lots of picture taking, food consuming and lots of laughter! Christmas day two was spent with my best friend and her family. We exchanged gifts, ate lunch and just sat and enjoyed each other's company. Christmas day three was spent at my Aunt's home. The extended family came, more gifts, more food, more pictures and more laughter. I'm finally home and exhausted! I plan to get to bed soon....sleep well...and tomorrow is a Cindy day....not sure what I'm doing, but the household will be working...I may just sleep all day!!! Hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday!!!

Holiday Season

Well all, it's that time of year we all love and we all hate!!! Love the time we spend with our family, the time spent with friends, the look of excitement on our children's face, all the party's and the beautiful decorations. We hate the hustle, the stress and the expense of Christmas. We all know that Christmas comes every year on the same day and every year I say, "How did this creep up on me?" It just seems to do it every year. This year I swore it would be different and no it is not! My decorations are finally up. My shopping is almost complete. My cards are not even started. Tomorrow night is my annual Bunko Christmas party. All my friends come over for dinner, drinks and dice! It always proves to be a fun night. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and hope all your dreams come true...think about me for the next 13 days....I'll still be shopping!!!

Jackson....

This week we found out our beloved 12 yr old Jackson had cancer. The Dr. called me at work to tell me the sad news. As the Dr. discussed Jackson's cancer, the treatment and whatever else he told me all I could think of was, I'll be losing our beloved friend, family member. Our Dr. is great! He was very kind, compassionate and extremely gentle while breaking the sad news. After much discussion, we have decided to make him comfortable and love him for the rest of his time with us. He is on medication and is now eating and drinking like crazy..which is great, we have not seen that in a year. I know it's the medicine and I know this is temporary, but I'll take it for now.
So for tonight and the remaining nights, "Sleep good my puppy, I love you".

Jackson....

Over the last year our 12 year old black lab, Jackson, has been losing weight...we haven't been able to figure out why he wasn't eating. He has lost 24 lbs in about 15 months. Last week I made a Vet appointment for him and today was the day. We had an appointment with the Dr. that we started with 25 years ago when we first moved in this area. Within the first 5 minutes of the Dr. examining Jackson he found a mass in his abdominal area. After blood work, urine test and x-rays it was determined that the mass was in or around the spleen area. Four hours later he was in surgery. And about two hours after that I finally received the call that he was doing well and resting comfortable. The spleen was removed and in about 5 days we will know the results of the biopsy.

Our animals become part of our family. We bring them in our homes in various ways...they are picked, found, rescued or just show up. Jackson was a found puppy. About 14 years ago our beloved first four-legged child, Sandy, passed on to the next life and I thought we would never love another pet. A year later, our sweet Jackson was found by one of hubby's Navy friends. The friend was unable to keep him and offered him to us. Our daughters were at their grandparents for the week, so we took the 5 pound ball of fun, bathed him, he was full of fleas, fed him, took him to the vet and fell in love with him. After the okay from the Dr. we introduced him to our girls. They loved him! But, immediately he was hubby's dog, would follow hubby everywhere. Jackson grew to be 85 lbs, would eat anything the girls could slip to him and loved to run around in our yard. Open a car or truck door and he would jump in, never to get out without his ride around the neighborhood! He gives unconditional love, asking nothing in return but a rub under the chin. Today sitting there in the waiting room before the Dr. took him back to surgery I was thinking about all the fun and love he has brought to us. I am so grateful for him today and grateful that he made it through surgery and is resting comfortably tonight. Tonight, I pray he will not be scared that we are not there with him and I pray he knows we will be there tomorrow to pick him up and love him for the rest of his life, whether that is a short time or a long, long time. If you have pets, give them a big hug tonight and remember they are only here for a short time...make it the best. I love you Jackson...sleep well and pain free tonight..see you tomorrow!!

Observations....

It's been a while since my last post, things have been wild and crazy in my life. So thought I would fill you in on an observation I made today...I have started working out at our local recreation center, and hopefully will continue for a long time...I recently told my mother "my a@@ was spreading and everything jiggles!" She laughed as did I, but knew I need to get it together. So back to my story, I was walking on the treadmill today at the rec center, (it overlooks the gym) while watching everyone file in and out of the gym looking at all the beautiful goods for our annual Christmas Stocking Craft Show. As I watched the patrons and the crafters I was drawn to one gentleman. He sat behind a table filled with beautiful handmade blankets. As patrons approached his table he greeted them, answered questions and was very pleasant. I watched as he carefully unfolded blankets to display to curious patrons and then meticulously folded the blankets back up and put them back in their original spot. I was really drawn to the careful attention he gave each patron as well as each blanket. As I continued to walk and watch, I kept thinking about this gentleman, did he make these blankets? Did his wife? Mother? What was his career? What a great guy he must be to come to a craft show, sit for two days, sell blankets to patrons and keep these blankets so organized.
Do you ever sit and wonder about people, your co-workers, your boss, your grocery clerk...what do they do on their off time? You just never know...are they athletes, are they artist, are they craftsman? Or are they blankets salesman? We never know...so we must never judge a book by it's cover as the old saying goes.

Frustration

I just finished helping my hubby send an email with 5 pictures, WOW...I think I need a drink. Frustration is the only sane word I can say right now! My hubby has a limited knowledge of computers. He is very good at research on a search engine, or sending a simple email, but when it comes to more complicated issues, well he is not there yet. Hubby is an Aircraft and Automobile mechanic and is great at his job. He uses the computer very little at work. Tonight he needed to write an article, resize 5 pictures and send an email. But when things do not work his way the first time on the computer, he gets very frustrated and I am the one that has to help him through the teaching stage. So after tonight, I may start drinking! Just kidding. I love hubby and over the years he has gotten better with the computer and I know he continues to improve. Honey when you read this I love you!!! And I'll continue to teach you the computer and you can teach me to re-build an aircraft engine...yeah right!!!!

Lazy Saturday

Yesterday was a very lazy Saturday for me, I felt blahhhh all day. The morning started out late, I didn't get out of bed until about 9am, I must have been tired! Most of Saturday I sat in my hubby's recliner and watched my DVR'd shows. About 2pm I decided that I must get up and do something on this day. I was able to get hubby to go to the mall with me, yes the mall. I have been looking for a new black shirt, I went from place to place trying on skirts, finally success. I found a skirt and shirt, my lucky day. Hubby was very good, he kinda hung around and let me check things out. Now that our girls are off and doing their own thing, he is the one that gets to shop with me. After our trip to the mall we then went to the local grocery store for a few things, and fifty dollars later, we were out of there. We did find a few minutes to have dinner. I was so hungry that I needed to eat immediately, I guess that while I was sitting in the recliner all day, that I forgot to eat...wow, wish I could forget more often. :) I keep saying that I need to exercise, but just haven't gotten there yet. I really need to get motivated and start. I have the motivation of a Wedding in September, that should be a huge motivation. Sunday is starting out to be the same, sitting around for a while, reading the paper and now I'm just updating this site and doing nothing more. Hope you all have a great Sunday and now I'll wait for some football.....

Dinner with Friends

Tonight we had dinner with our great friends, Russ, Rhonda and son, Daniel. We met Russ about 16 years ago. We lived in a townhouse, when the neighbors moved out and up drove a moving truck from California. We didn't know then, but this new neighbor would become one of our closest friends. Over the years we have seen Russ through ups, downs, out to sea, on shore duty and everything in between. Russ has been there for me when hubby has been at sea. Anytime I needed him he was there. You see Russ is a big guy, he's 6'5" about 250 lbs and all muscle...he looks like "the Rock". Many times I would call him to come somewhere with me to just "be there" and that was always just for that support. We were so happy years ago when Russ met Rhonda, then they decided to marry. They married on Valentine's Day. I remember their wedding was just family and close friends in a small church. I remember watching them say their vows and thought, this is so great!!! I am so happy for them!!! A few years passed and they became pregnant. I knew that Russ has always wanted a child and October 2001 out popped this cute, little round faced, precious baby. Daniel is too cute and he has loved my hubby and our family from day one. And we have always loved the entire family! We do not see them as much as we would like, everyone is running in seperate directions these days but I know and they know that if needed we all would come running. Thank you God for bringing this wonderful person and his family into our lives, we are blessed!!!

The Wedding Plans....

Last weekend my engaged daughter and I went wedding dress shopping. What a great time we had and what a beautiful bride she will be! We spent the day trying on dresses, planning and trying on more dressed. Mallori is her own person with her own ideas and her own fashion statement. And all the dresses she tried on were all different. At our last appointment my youngest daughter came by to offer her opinion. The day ended with Mallori deciding between two dresses. Now the choice, what do I do?? She is the only one that can figure that out. I am really proud of her, she is very organized and researching everything! She is working to keep the expenses down and to have the wedding of her dreams. I am so happy about this next year, it will be an exciting one!

Today...

Wow...this has been an incredible week...it was the end of our fiscal year on Sep. 30, I worked until 9pm that night. What a long day that was. As I said it has been a very busy week and I am so glad the weekend is here. My engaged daughter wants to try on wedding dresses tomorrow so that's what we are going to do. Had dinner with her this week, and she is so excited and so organized! So tomorrow we shop for dresses....I'll keep you posted on our finds.
Tonight was spent with hubby, he has been great this week. I have been very late every day and he has held down the home front. So thank you Hubby, I love you .

The Engagement

Happy Engagement My Beautiful Daughter

This has been the most amazing weekend. My oldest daughter graduated from RN Nursing School, we had the family over for a graduation party that turned into a graduation/engagement party. My daughter's dreams are coming true! It's so wonderful as a parent to see the child, that you brought into this world, making their dreams come true. Last week my daughter's boyfriend called and asked to come over to talk with my husband and I. I texted (of course this is how we communicate now) when we were home. A hour or so later in he walks and he was so nervous. My husband is very scary to the men in both my daughters lives, it's only because he's a big guy and is so very quiet. The boyfriend finally showed us the ring, asked for my daughters hand in marriage and my husband and I both gave our blessing. We were so excited. That was Wednesday, on Thursday was the graduation ceremony, which by the way was so very sweet. My parents and in-laws all came in for the ceremony. What a beautiful day. Saturday was the big party. That morning the son-in-law to be proposed. My daughter was ecstatic! When they arrived for the party, the family was here waiting, as she came in to the house she had her hand out stretched showing off her ring...my sister, Mom and BFF all started to cry. By the time the hugs and congrats were finished, we were all crying! Now we are finally going to have the son we never had. Congrats Mallori and Anthony, we are so proud of you and love you both!!!

My Daughter The Nurse!!!

Today was one of my most proudest, happiest days of my life. I was able to watch my beautiful first born walk across the stage to receive her Registered Nursing pin. This day has been a long time coming. When she graduated from high school she knew that she wanted to be a nurse. Then, she took the long road to decide to go to school and get her degree. Two years ago she made the commitment and she followed through. Lots of studying, lots of tears, lots of tests, lots of sweat and lots of index cards! Two weeks ago while she was leaving her first day of her preceptor ship, she called me and said "Mom, this is exactly what I want to do!" How wonderful it is to be trained and to be able to work in the field you want to work. How many of us get to do that? I am so happy that she can make her dreams come true. Congratulations my beautiful daughter, your father and I are so very proud! We love you!!! You did it!!!!!

Relaxing with Friends....

Beautiful River Sunset

Since the last post worked, here I go with this one again....My BFF's parents have a river house and I have been there a number of times. My BFF invited me for a week to just relax, of course I accepted the invitation. All week I was looking forward to a weekend of relaxing, beautiful views and lots of girl talk. Saturday morning I packed a few clothes, my makeup (of course, cannot forget that!) my beach towel and I was ready. Oh, don't forget my directions...you know I am directionally challenged, and I admit it! :) I set off on my adventure, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there and I was off. The ride over was uneventful, thankfully. I arrived to find my BFF sitting on the glassed in back porch watching the view of the river and her husband and son fishing. What a beautiful view! We sat for a while and it was so nice. We at lunch and then decided to go sit out on the pier and collect a few sun rays. It was a warm day. I took my camera and was able to get a few shots of beautiful views. You know I take pictures of everything now! Sprinkles ran us inside and the boys too. As we were watching the rain start up we saw a very interesting site, a sheet of rain coming across the river, it was so cool to see, I ran out in the sprinkles to get pictures. The rain sheet finally reached us with huge downpours. After a few hours of rain it stopped and then came the most amazing sunset. I ran out and took more pictures...just beautiful. We ate dinner, watched a movie and then sleep came. It was so nice. I awoke to a quiet, peaceful day. After visiting with my BFF for a few hours ,had to get in more girl talk, it was time for me to head back home. What a nice weekend it was, spending time with my BFF, just relaxing and forgetting anything stressful. Thank you BFF...Love you and had a great time!!! Can't wait to so it again.

Me and My BFF at the river

The rain coming across the river...isn't this cool?

Another beautiful sunset...I love it, wish I was there right now!!

Test Post

Having trouble posting, last night I wrote up this really nice post and all I received was errors when I posted and and then nothing! I about screamed! So this is just a test. Do you love the picture? It's of the sunset at my BFF's river house. Beautiful!!! I w as playing with the settings on my camera...that's the reason for the yellow/orange look.

Relaxing with Friends....

This week has been so incredibility busy. Work has been crazy, home have been busy and life has just spun out of control....so my BFF invited me to her parents house on the river. I am so excited to go...it will be a nice relaxing time. I leave in the morning...just me...no one but me..and only me! My BFF, he husband and son will be there...the hubby and son will fish and be gone most of the time, they usually scatter when we are there. :) Too much girl talk! I am so looking forward to about 28 hours of just us girls. Hope your weekend is starting off to be a good one and hope you have a relaxing time too! I'll report on the fun I had when I return!

Vacation

Sunrise August 7, 2009

Well vacation is over...yes it's over...hard to believe after a week at the beach, waking up when you want, eating when you want, sitting on the beach all day doing nothing...it's now over. We had a great time with the family, with the new niece and the nephews. My mom and I walked everyday, that was nice. I really enjoy that time with her, but I tell you she is a little firecracker...she can walk me in the ground! She keeps those little short legs just a moving. We had the pleasure of spending time with my new niece, "Daddy's Little Girl" (this is what my brother calls her all the time!) she is just as beautiful as she was when she was born, and just as little! Had a great week spending time with my daughter Princess #2. She stayed at the beach all week with us, which really surprised me. I had assumed that she would leave about half way through the week and be tired of us, the old family, but she hung on until Friday night and left then. I was really glad I could spend time with her and the rest of the family. I taught my mom and sister how to make a basket...they really seemed to have fun and I, too, enjoyed it. I love to share my craft.

This has been a great vacation...thank you family for a great time!! Love you all!!! Now back to reality!

My crazy family...I love you!!!! August 2009

Vacation

We wait all year long and then it is here...Our VACATION! Can you believe it has been a year? Wow. So next week my whole family will all arrive at the beach house we have rented and unload the hundreds of bags of food and stuff. Food, now that's something we have a good supply of! We do eat well! I have spent this week getting ready for our trip. Washing clothes, packing bags, visit to the Commissary for food and cleaning up the house. My great friend Adina will be here visiting and she will be staying at my house, keeping the dog and visiting all her local friends. She will come out and hang out with us on the beach too. I've been on vacation for about 20 hours now and am very excited!!! As much as I love my job, I just need time to rest and rejuvenate myself! Lounging around the pool and on the beach will make that happen. Can't wait to see my family and spend time with them. I have a great family and enjoy our time together. My new niece Reagan will be there for a couple of days, Yeah...I get to play Auntie! I'll update more later...take care and if you get to have a few days vacation, enjoy every minute of it, I plan too!!!

Happy Birthday Mallori

Twenty five years ago today a beautiful little angel was born. My oldest daughter. I remember it well...I was so young and so scared, hubby was right there by my side the entire time. We were stationed in Beeville, TX with the Navy. We went to the hospital, two scared young 20ish year olds. And we came home with this little bundle of joy. We didn't know what to do! Our families were in Virginia and we were in Texas, what to do??? We were so innocent! It wasn't long before we had the daily duties of raising a child down pat, or so we thought. Then the days, months and years go by and that little bundle of joy is now 25! Where did the time go? My Momma always told me that as you age time flies by and she is right. (Momma I say that often now, "You are right")My beautiful daughter, her boyfriend and my Grand dog Leo all came for dinner tonight. We had a really nice dinner with brownie split pizza for dessert, topped with candles, presents and the Happy Birthday song. We are so blessed to have two beautiful daughters in our lives. They are both growing up to be such great young women. Happy Birthday Mal....We love you!!!

Charleston, SC

Last Sunday I went to Charleston SC for training for my job. It was a really fun and learning trip. The two ladies that I hung out with were lots of fun. We went to some great restaurants...Coast, Hyman Seafood, Mustard Seed and a sushi place. I ate way too much! We stayed at an Embassy Suites that was very nice and accommodating to us. They had a fitness room that I visited often! :) Me and the treadmill were very good friends! My last night there I had dinner with 3 guys I work with and we went for Sushi. It was really good. Then as we left the weather was starting to look bad, so we ducked into a nice restaurant/bar. We all ordered a drink, next thing we know the rain let loose...and it rained so bad the entire downtown was flooded! The owner of the establishment put sandbags at the front door and told us all if at all possible do not leave and walk in that contaminated water. So we had nothing to do but order more drinks and sit and talk. I found out a lot of good info about my co-workers. They are great guys. I really am blessed to work with such good people. After about 3 hours the flooding had receded and we were able to leave. They guys walked me back to my car and off I went. Got back to my hotel about midnight, packed and was up at 5:15am to get ready, leave and be at the airport in time to catch my flight. I was back home by 1:00pm with the hubby waiting at the terminal as I arrived. It is always so nice to see his smiling face when I arrive! Training was good, travel was good, food was good, fellowship was good, what more could I have asked for?

Happy Birthday Reagan Elizabeth!!!

Happy Birthday Little Girl!!!

Today a miracle happened....our family was blessed with another member...Reagan Elizabeth. She arrived at 12:04pm, 7 lbs 2 oz, 18 1/2 in long. And she is absolutely beautiful!! We all arrived at the hospital early this morning to find a nervous Mommy and Daddy in waiting. Mommy progressed quickly. Three pushes and out popped this sweet little bundle. As her Grandma delivered the news to all of us in the waiting room, we cried those happy tears. We had the whole room crying...even the volunteer behind the counter! After about 15 minutes or so we were all invited back to meet the new family member and the crying continued. To see my brother holding the most important person in his life at that moment was too much for us all to handle. He has waited for this moment for many years and the love in his eyes was everything! My sister in law looked beautiful and just as happy as she could be. We passed Reagan around to individually meet each of us. We took tons of pictures...the paparazzi had arrived! Then she had to go to the nursery. We must have stood there for an hour or more watching her. The nurses were wonderful and kept showing her to us and telling us what a calm, content baby we had. After an hour or so she was brought back to her Mommy. Again the paparazzi arrived! And she was quickly passed from one family member to the other. After another hour or so of watching her and watching my brother fuss over her, it was time to leave. The new family needed their time together. We all hugged and said our good byes. As I drove my two hours home I thought of what a wonderful day this was for our family. Each and every child and grandchild has been and continues to be such a joy to this family and they are all loved! Reagan Elizabeth...welcome to the family, we love you!!!!

Proud Papa!!!

Aunt Cindy meets her new niece.

Reagan....

Tomorrow after work I head to Richmond for the birth of my niece Reagan. We are so very excited to meet her, we can hardly contain ourselves! My brother has waited a very long time to have a daughter of his own and when he married a year ago to a sweet, sweet lady, we were thrilled and when they announced they were pregnant, we could not have been happier! He is just over the top about this child and she hasn't even made an appearance yet. What will he do when that little slimy, bloody, sweet thing appears...he will be like the rest of us in the waiting area...he will be crying his eyes out. So say happy prayers for an easy birth for mother and child. Reagan we can't wait to meet you!!!!!! Yeah...I'll be an Aunt again!!!!!!!

Happy 4th of July...

Today has been a great day. The kids came over with the Granddog and we had a little cookout. Sat out back on the deck, by the pool, under the umbrella and ate dinner. The Granddog , Leo, terrorized Jackson, our 12 yr. old black lab, and they both ran around in the back yard for a while. It was really nice to have both girls and the future son in law here for dinner. Everyone is so busy these days and it's difficult to have dinner all together, so tonight was a treat. I enjoyed every minute of it! Hubby cooked on the grill and did a great job...(sometimes he gets involved and forgets what's on the grill). After dinner everyone left...daughter one went home and daughter two went to watch the fireworks. I can hear them all around me now. So Happy Birthday America....hope you had a great birthday!!!

Happy Birthday America

Today is the 233rd birthday of our great America, Happy Birthday America! Today is a day to celebrate, have a cook out, enjoy friends and family...a day to enjoy life! So get out there and eat a piece of birthday cake for our great lady America!!!

Wicked.....

About a month ago the hubby and I took our daughters to see the Broadway production of "Wicked". This is the story of the wicked witch before Dorothy dropped in. This tells how she became "Wicked". When daughter #1 wanted to go, I hesitated to purchase the tickets, even the balcony seat were expensive. But after a month or so of talking about it, I finally did put out the money and go for it. This production was only here for about 2 weeks and it looks like I will never go to NY to see it, so what the heck. We went, the balcony seats were center stage, about 6 rows up. The production was AWESOME! We were all just in awe of the performers, the lighting, the set just the entire production. This really gave you a look into the life of someone that is different.


Daughter #1 has been a "Wizard of Oz" fan since she was very little. Daughter #2 was scare of it, the flying monkeys freaked her out! Daughter #1 would watch it every day if I let her. Over the years she has collected many Oz items, dolls, ornaments, movies, posters and such. So she was thrilled at the show. We took pictures on her camera, but I haven't been able to get them from her...when I do, I'll post them. Anyway....the show was great...we all loved it and we will be going back to see another show...oh the Wizard of Oz comes out in March....we will be there!!!

Veterans

Veterans...I know and love many Veterans and have a major special place in my heart for them all. This week we lost WWII Veteran. A dear friend of mine died this week. I met him about 18 years ago while working at a local bank. He and his wife came in and opened an account with us. He was the customer of another account rep and one day she wasn't there, he came to me, ever since that day we became fast friends. He was a retired Navy Chief, and he retired in the 1960's. When the hubby made Chief I was the proud wife and told my friend, the next day he came into the bank and gave me a little box. Enclosed were two Chief's pins for the hubby's pinning ceremony. The hubby and I could not have been happier to have the pins passed down from a Veteran. I eventually left the bank, but did not forget him and his wife. Through Christmas cards, a visit and an occasional card through out the year, we kept up with each other's lives. Last year he lost his beloved wife of 57 years. It was a devastating blow to my friend. This has been a tough year for him. A couple of months ago he became ill and last week he was reunited with his wife. I attended the viewing for him and was so very proud to have known him. As I talked with his daughter I understood him a little bit better. He was always giving back. Once a month he went to the commissary and would spend $150.00 and purchase can goods, then take them to the local food bank. He would buy items for those in need. He gave back where he could. What a great person I knew. I am thankful for knowing Mr. B. and thankful for his service in the Navy. Mr. B. I hope you are dancing with Mrs. B. right now!!! I'll miss you.

Sunday Morning

Don't you just love Sunday morning? I love to wake up slowly, get up, read the paper and watch the CBS Morning Show. This has been a very busy week at work and home for me and having Sunday to finally relax and enjoy life is wonderful. My plan today is to clean the house and do a little yard work but not much more than that. Hope you enjoy your Sunday and hope you are ready for Monday....it will be here whether we want it or not! :)

A blast from the past.....

Huey Lewis and the News

Last night the hubby and I went up to the Wolftrap Amphitheater and saw Huey Lewis and the News. It was a great get away for the hubby and I. Huey Lewis puts on a great show. This is the third time I have seen him, the second time here at Wolftrap. This band has been together for over 30 years, can you believe that? And I have been listening to them for 30 years! Wow, that makes me feel old. Wolftrap is a great venue, small and cozy. This trip we had second level box seats, front row. I got a great deal on the tickets and was very impressed with my selection! And hubby loved it too. Hubby enjoys the show, but he doesn't like to stand during the concert and I, of course, like to stand and dance the whole time. This year I contained myself in my seat until the encore, and then, heck with the rows behind me, I was up on my feet clapping and dancing to the music. Huey played new music and old. He has a great amount of energy on stage along with his band. The weather was beautiful and the company even better! What a great way to spend a couple of days.

Hubby and I before the concert.

Geroge Strait

Last night three friends and I went to the George Strait concert and what a great concert he puts on! We arrived at 5:30, stood in line until 6:30 and then high tailed it up on to the lawn of the Amphitheater for the best seat we could find. Julianne Hough started the show off. She is just as cute as they come, her in her little, tiny, yellow, strapless dress. All the young men were in heaven! After Julianne, Blake Shelton made the stage. Now that's a fine specimen of a man! He sang for about 30 minutes with an appearance from Miranda Lambert, was she just in the area? Who knew? After Blake left the stage, the stage hands made a dash to put together George's stage. Amazingly it only took them about 20 minutes and then the star of the show appeared and he was so humbled by the applause. What a nice man he seems to be. He sang for almost two hours, old songs and new. We sang along too. After each song he thanked the audience, have you ever been to a concert like that? Not me. Again I say he was so humbled by the audience. He wore his tight Wranglers and might I say he filled the out perfectly! My friends and I had a wonderful time, would go back to see George any time. Now I have to say, most of the party go-ers were pretty good, there were only a few in the crowd that were having way too much fun. I hate to go to a concert where you are annoyed by the loud drunk or the screaming child or the obnoxious woman that will not stop talking. Luckily that was not the case. After the concert we did pretty good with finding the car, I have a way of getting lost in parking lots and parking garages. Oh well, that's what I have the hubby for...he is great with directions! Between me and my good friend L we remembered where we parked. It was a great night, can't wait to go back....in two weeks we see Kenny Chesney...yeah more Country music!! Oh and hubby and I go to see Huey Lewis soon...yeah....I am just having way too much fun this summer.....can't wait to see what's next?

Granddog-Leo

Look at him putting his paws out to fly...Super Dog!!!!

Today I had a visit from my "Superdog" Granddog, Leo. He is the cutest, craziest little dog I have ever known. He comes over and just terrorizes Jackson and then proceeds to charm us all with his cute antics. Even Grandpa is in love with him. Here are a few pictures of him running around, lightening fast and his new trick-Superdog!

Doesnt' he look like he's getting ready to walk a tight rope? How cute is that???

Lightening fast...he runs like this all the time..could we bottle that energy?

Super Dog, Daughter #1 and Jackson...Could Jackson care any less? :)

My Garden

About a month ago a basket friend gave me two banana trees. So I planted them, thought I would try growing them. Well they are doing great. Finally. When I first planted them the hubby said, "They look like dead sticks!" He really does have a way with words! :) I have been babying my garden and my banana trees and finally I am seeing some results. My tomatoes are growing, my squash is blooming and my banana tree is growing. What more could I want! Look at these pictures of my banana tree and garden. Maybe I have a green thumb after all! Look at these tomatoes...aren't they beautiful!!!

Good Bye My Friend

In previous posts I mentioned a friend that has been battling cancer, on May 20th she lost her battle. This has been a very emotional week. Thirteen years ago we moved into our house and met our next door neighbors. As we drove up, there were people in their driveway and I recognized one of them as a previous co-worker. Hubby and I walked over and were introduced by my former co-worker to her brother and sister in law, (my neighbors). From that day forward we have been very good friends. We have vacationed together, had Thanksgiving dinners together, ridden motorcycles together, shopped, crafted, gardened, walked and talked together. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and she beat that. Then last June she received the news that the cancer was back in her lung and liver and that it was never going to be beaten this time. She and her husband made the brave decision to not take any treatments, to live life to the fullest and enjoy as much time as she had on this Earth. She fought a great fight with poise and dignity and with a huge faith in God. She knew that when she was finished with this life she would go on to the next one. She was a very quiet woman and told her husband, "Who will come to my funeral?" Well the funeral had over 250 people, more chairs had to be put down the aisle. What a beautiful day and it was choreographed just perfect. My friend planned it all out, even down to the speakers. Everyone spoke very highly of this beautiful woman and all that she meant to us all. I will never forget her and will always remember the times we shared. God has a new Angel! Good bye my friend, I will miss you!

Rainy Sunday

The rain started on Saturday, continued through Sunday. It rained and rained and rained. I was supposed to get up early and attend the second day of the annual WWII Airshow at the Virginia Beach Airport, well with all that rain, I decided to stay home. Hubby had to go, it's his job. I didn't do too much on Sunday. When it's rainy don't you just enjoy laying around in your PJ's, under a blanket doing nothing, just nothing? I sure do. And that's about all I did yesterday. Stayed home, sat around in my PJ's and did pretty much nothing most of the rainy, dreary day.
With life as crazy as it is, we all need a day like that to just veg out and do nothing.
Hope you all get to enjoy a day of doing nothing...it is refreshing!

Happy Birthday to Me!

The 14th was my 47th birthday and I had a great day! My day started off with a call from my hubby wishing me a great day. Then my best friend called and sang to me. I arrived at work and had calls and emails from family and friends wishing me a Happy Birthday. Then lunch time arrived and the guys at work treated me to a really nice Mexican lunch. I arrived home to presents and more wishes. My birthday present was the Wii Fit game and another Wii game. I never imagined a day when I would be excited about video games....But I am! For our Anniversary I got the Wii video game system and love it! My favorite game is bowling. You really feel like you are at the bowling alley throwing the ball. Tennis, baseball, golf, racing and airplane flying are just some of the games we have. Now with the Wii Fit I can get myself in shape. I wish!!! It really has been a on of fun. Last night we did not go out to dinner, it was late when I arrived home, so we just had sandwiches. Tonight my lovely daughters took me to the Japanese Steak House for Sushi and Shrimp. It was great! Home hubby was supposed to go, but he got home late, was feeling terrible and had a bad day...so he said he wanted to go right to bed, and he did. But the girls made my night and we had a really nice time. Over the weekend we spent it with the family in Richmond and celebrated Mother's Day and all the May birthdays. What a great time we had celebrating and seeing everyone. So another birthday down and I don't really feel any older, guess that's good. I am so grateful for another year and look forward to the upcoming. Happy Birthday Me!!!

My Garden

My garden is coming along so pretty. I planted it on May 1st and the rain has been so much lately that it's growing by leaps and bounds. I am so excited! This year I might really have a great crop. My tomatoes have blooms...can you believe it! These pictures are from last week, I'll update you soon on the growth!

My Friend....

I started writing this entry about my garden and how I planted it this weekend and my excitement with the adventure in growing and then my entry has made a drastic change.
I went to see a good friend tonight, she is dying of cancer. She doesn't have too many more days to live and all she could barely talk about was that she wanted everyone to be OK. We have lived next to her and her husband for 13 years now. They have been great neighbors and she and I have become good friends. We have gone yard saleing, spent the day at a many a craft show, had Thanksgiving dinners together, talked gardening and sat on the front porch to just enjoyed the sunny day. I am so grateful that I met her and husband. I have not seen her in a few weeks. I was out of town for a week, then last week feeling very poorly and afraid to go over. Last night I went by and talked to her beautiful daughter, who is helping to care for her in her last days of life, daughter told me that she hasn't eaten in about 4 days now. That is a sign of the end of life. I knew that I would need to get there today and made it a priority to go. Nothing was going to stand in my way. About 7 pm tonight her daughter called to say she was awake and I went right over. It was so very sad. She is laying there, having lost a ton of weight and barely able to move. We did talk and I did tell her what a good friend she is and that I am happy to know her and will miss her a lot! She has a deep faith and is not afraid of leaving this life. She is worried about all of us that are left here. I sat there with her for about an hour, just holding her hand. When it was time to go, we hugged and said I love you and as I left I wonder if I will see her alive again. I'm sorry for the sad post, but she's worth talking about. I will miss you Friend and never forget you! Peace be with you.

Baby Bird has returned to the nest.....

Friday night hubby and I went to a Bill Engvall concert, which was great, when I received this frantic phone call from daughter #2, she was trying to get home and with many airport delays and she couldn't get here and was told she would have to spend the night in an airport. She was a basket of nerves and very upset. After doing the Mom thing and calming her down, she was able to talk to the lady behind the counter into finally arranging a flight to one of the local airports. I was on pins and needles the rest of the night. Then at about 12:45am she walked down the airport gate...Yeah, she was back on American soil! Daughter had been flying for about 18 or so hours and was exhausted. We hugged and immediately went outside where hubby had the car waiting, after hugging her Dad, we left. What a great night (or morning) it turned out to be. The rest of the weekend was great. We shopped, watched the Nascar race with friends. Daughter went out with friends and then to the beach on Sunday. I have to say, what a great weekend we had. Welcome Home, Daughter!!!! We missed you and we love you!!!!

Coming down the from the gate.....Isn't she cute!!

"Mom don't take my picture, you're embarrassing me!"

Dad and Daughter, "Let's get out of here, take me home!"

Speech

At work we are moving to a new system, our entire command will be changing over. I am one of the trainers to help train approximately 150 people. TodayI find out I must attend all these "Train the Trainer" classes. Which will entail traveling to Charleston two weeks in July...whhhhooooo it will be hot then! But the best part was they told me I must take a two day class next week and I have to give a 5 minute presentation! OH MY GOSH...five minutes in front of about 20-25 people! I am so nervous...already! Apparently the man, Dale, that teaches this class is great and everyone says you will feel more comfortable once you take his class. But standing up and talking...ouch...can I do it? Well yes I have too! Just that standing there and seeing all those eyes looking back at you....40 eyes...remember the old saying...imagine them in their underwear...well I will have to find the best looking man in the group and then imagine him in his underwear..:) then I really will get my thoughts all messed up! I don't have any trouble sitting at a table or in a room and telling people what to do. That's me, tell people what to do! But standing up in front of everyone...I am scared! So on my way home I started thinking about what I would talk about ...see I have been thinking about it all day! Many things came to mind, basket weaving, REACH (literacy program), PTA, Navy Wife, Breast Cancer and about 10 other things. I think at the moment REACH will be my topic. "I have been volunteering with REACH for over 10 years"...see that is how my presentation will start. OK, now take a deep breath and one more.....OK, I'm better now. I'll keep you posted on the speech and say a little prayer that I don't faint! :)

Oh by the way...how do you like my new hair cut???

Trip to California

I promised pictures from California, so here you go......

Looking down the street on the way to the Anaheim Convention Center

This is a shot off the top of the Convention Center(above)
Bird of Paradise...isn't it beautiful!!! (below)

Granddog-Leo

An update on the cutest Granddog ever! Leo...now weighing in at a whopping 4 lbs. He is a complete wild and crazy dog. He terrorizes Jackson, our 12 lb. black Lab. Leo runs around the house, the yard, Jackson and everywhere! Little dog high on something? Life? He is just the cutest. I (we, hubby and I) have fallen in love with this cute little ball of fur. I love being a Grandma to the four legged breed!

This is how most of my pictures turned out...Leo running away!

Our beautiful daughter #1 with her four legged baby! Aren't they beautiful?

Motorcycling

One of my most favorite things to do with the hubby is to ride on the motorcycle. Since we met hubby has owned a bike. Over our 30 years together, he's had many, many bikes. Right now we have two. Yes, two. We have a Harley that I will not ride on (it's old and has a very, very little seat, I think my behind is too big! ) and a BMW that has a wonderful back seat for me. And yes BMW does make motorcycles! We get that question at many a stop light. We love to take the bike anywhere for a weekend. It is so refreshing to ride with the wind in your face and the only thing you hear is the wind rushing by! On Saturday we went to the Outer Banks of NC, it was the annual Bike Week (or Weekend) not sure which. Anyway, we rode out on Saturday with our friends and had a great time. The weather was absolutely beautiful. We stopped at a few places here and there and checked out bikes and bikes and more bikes. Everyone from young to old was out riding and enjoying the day. We had such a nice time. After about 7 hours we returned home and I was tired, mainly from the sun, but it was a good tired. I know I should have been home working in the garden, yard or house, but you know those things will still be there...you just don't always have a great day like Saturday! Hope you had a great Saturday too!

My view from the back seat going over the bridge

Looking off the bridge

Look at all those bikes!

My Garden-Flowers

The spring has brought out the most beautiful flowers...my azaleas. They are absolutely the most beautiful thing right now. I love this time of the year. Everything is blooming...although my allergies are kicking into high gear too. That's the price you pay for beauty! Thought you would enjoy a picture, I am playing with my camera again. :)

Trip to California

I have been out of touch for the last week, was in California for a work conference. I flew out last Sunday. The flight was good, not too much drama, until I got to CA and went to pick up my bag...no bag...I waited to report it and guess what my bag went to Salt Lake City...without me! The Delta rep. assured me that my bag would be on the next flight to CA and would be delivered to my hotel. I prayed that she was right! I told my male co-workers that they would be taking me shopping for make up and conference clothes if not. You know you think about all the stuff that you take with you, make up, work clothes, heels, play clothes, contact cleanser and such. If I didn't get my bag, well I guess I would be spending a lot of money to replace everything. So in the mean time, we picked up our rental car, went to dinner, checked in the hotel, took a test drive to the conference and still no bag. I decided to go to my room and wait it out. About 9 pm on Sunday night the bellman arrived with my bag...I could have kissed him! If he was Toby Keith or Jon Bon Jovi or maybe Johnny from General Hospital, I might have! :) I was never so glad to see my beat up, black, zippered suitcase. The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. We worked during the day and went out a few of the nights. Ate at a couple of really great places...Villa Nova Italian, in Newport Beach...excellent! And Las Casa Garcia Mexican in Anaheim, also wonderful. Then it was time to come home....not too bad...other than a little turbulence and me grabbing the sleeping man next to me, scared him awake!! When I got off the plane and walked down the runway it was very nice to see my sweet hubby there waiting for me. After all these years, he still makes my heart jump when I see him!!! Love you hubby! For those 22 years of dropping him off and picking him up at Navy ships and airports, turn around is fair play!! Oh and yes my luggage made it home too!

My Toes....

Ok isn't it the best when you have that first of the season pedicure? On Saturday I treated myself to the "Get Rid of Them Winter Feet Pedicure". The ladies at the salon are so sweet and they take such great care with my feet and did I mention the lower leg massage she gave me???? Wooooohhhooooo, I was in heaven. I picked out the reddest red I could find and I love it! Anytime you want to brighten your day, go take a few minutes to sit relax and get your toes done. PS..to Lorie, feet, feet, feet...I love having my feet touched!!! (Lorie has a foot thing, she hates to have anyone touch her feet:)

Happy Easter

The Big Easter Egg Hunt

Happy Easter to you all. Today was a great day spent with family. Each year we have a wonderful dinner at my parents' home, after dinner the big egg hunt takes place. We have had this egg hunt for as long as I can remember. When I was little my Mom would hide the eggs inside or out it didn't matter and we kids would run around like wild kids grabbing the first egg we could find. As the grandchildren have come along, the tradition continues. And this year was no different. 195 eggs were hidden, 192 were found...there are still 3 out there...my Dad will find them in the next few months while in the yard and garden. Great food, Great fun, Great family...what a great Easter...Happy Easter to all and God Bless.

My Dad and Nephews looking for eggs.