Sunday, July 31, 2011

Sunday stuff

So today there will be a hamburger cook out, but YESTERDAY was BettyDamnCrocker day…peel and chop the spuds and make potato salad…check.

spuds cooling

eggs cooling

…boil the eggs for Deviled eggs…check.

 

 

 

Chop the onions; cook the bacon; saute the onions in the bacon grease.  Check.  Drain all.  Refrigerate.  Check.

AND….those are just for the picnic tonight.

I also sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and Vidalia onions to marinate overnight to take to church this morning for a potluck luncheon after the service.  Check.

Then, when I get home from church today, I will get the baked beans made……..and the Deviled eggs.

My work for the day is over.

There will be a celebration tonight.  I am not in charge.  Somebody special is having a birthday!  Check back tomorrow for details!!!

Monday will be a day of rest.

Sure.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Say what?

two boys

So yesterday, MM and I took the wee boys on a small trip to go pick up Jason’s work truck.  Easy for us to do, especially with a CD player to entertain the boys on the way over.  You see how entertained Scooter was!

The plan was for them to sleep on the way home.  Oh well.  So much for planning! 

We were actually going to get home early enough that I wanted them to take a good nap in the bed anyway, so when I had them alone in the car on the return trip, I naturally wanted them to stay awake.  I’m not dumb.  I smelled some quiet time for Grammie!

Play word games, right?  Challenge their minds, make them think!  Keep them looking at horses and cows—anything to ward off sleep for now.

Being the older, I began with Doodlebug, asking him questions that he knew:  his name, his parents’ names, where he lives, etc.—all things that he needs to know.  Check.

And then, when I go through the litany with Scooter (remember, he is 3) and ask where he lives, he proudly said Planet Earth!

That cracked me up.  I think they both live there—most of the time!

Life is never dull, with two wee boys!  Anyone wanna come over and play today?

Friday, July 29, 2011

Here a moose, there a moose…

Mama moose waltzing through the campground in mama moose2Alaska where Dan and Joan were staying…

And not too far behind were these two babies…baby moose 2probably thinking---wait up, mom!  Our legs are short!!!

 

 

We had that happen to us in a campground at Lake Louise back in ‘89 when we were camping with the kids in our Airstream.  You don’t want to tangle with any of these guys!  They are not cuddly at all.

Not much going on here in paradise, other than trying to stay cool…and entertain our own two short-legged boys today.  Scooter’s favorite question is why??? 

Because I said so is frequently my answer!

Grammie is the BOSS!

Happy Friday, y’all!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

What kind of service is this?

Even Missy wants to stay inside and enjoy the A/C.   printer kittyNow why would she want to lay on top of the printer, instead of in the comfy bed…that she is looking at.

Oh.  She’s a kitty. She sleeps wherever she wants to sleep. Missy rules!

Are y’all as sick of all these debt talks as I am?  Or non talks.  And political posturing, untruths, half truths. Too much crappola going on, so that’s that.

But it reminds me of a funny I read about service:

At one time in my life, I thought I had a handle on the meaning of the word "service" --- The act of doing things for other people.

Then I heard the terms "Internal Revenue Service", "Postal Service", "service stations"...
and I became confused about the word "service".

This is not what I thought "service" meant.  Then one day, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them mentioned that he was having a bull service a few of his cows.  SHAZAM!!!  It all came into perspective.  Now I understand what all those "service" agencies are doing to us... 

So that’s your smile from paradise, where life is hot but good.  Have a thankful Thursday, y’all!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wonderful Wednesday

Mackinac Is Harbor

Welcome to hump day.  It’s gonna be another hot one, so I am just going to sit here (yeah, right!) and gaze at the Mackinac Island Harbor and think COOL!

I woke up way too early yesterday, but a light bulb went off in my head on ONE more thing to try on my wifi connection to my iPad.  Sigh.  It hit me that our pass code might be case sensitive.  That did it!  I am now connected.  Boy am I a happy camper.  I am getting there.  I shall conquer…or at least tame it!  I have downloaded a bunch of free and/or cheap books, so I’m having fun.

Can y’all believe August is staring us in the face?  This year needs to slow down a bit.  Wait.  That means that cooler weather and our cruise are a long way off.

Never mind. 

Back to cleaning off the paperwork here on my desk…

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Oh my goodness!

Amy and Jason brought over the wee boyz last night for an overnight with us.  We were sitting on the deck, and I was telling Amy that the advantage of living in a small town is that we know the doctors and don't have to worry about filling out any forms as grandparents allowing us to seek medical attention, should the boys need it.

These words were hardly out of my mouth when Doodlebug came running outside and said, "Mom, I just swallowed a penny!"  We literally busted out laughing...they had not even LEFT the kids, and already something was happening.  Sheesh.

Amy assured him that he would be alright and that the penny would, um, pass.  And no, we are not going to watch for it.

The end.  Literally.

That's life with small kids...never dull! In God we Trust...that this will pass...

Monday, July 25, 2011

Another project

I mentioned to MM that the open part of our deck could use a little shade, maybe some of that lattice-work stuff.  Or something.
He whipped out the tape measure, measuring this way and that way, and made a few Deck 1trips to the box store, checking out this and that.  He bought some lumber.  And got busy.  Man on a mission!  Build the framework first…
Sit and think awhile…change of plans!  Eureka…a better idea…back to the box store, cut and add more supports…Deck 3
Deck 2
Call Jason (muscle power) and get him to come over and help carry and lift up the solar Dick, Jason ladderpanels that will be the roof…instead of lattice panels. Brilliant!  This is a better location for the panels than where he had originally planned to place them.  Plus this gives us more shade.
Note the OSHA approved ladder set up.  NOT!
Six panels up.  This is enough work for today.  The end.  Thanks, Jas!
the end
Thanks, honey.  You are making great progress, even if you are a bit blurry here.
Life is hot but good in paradise!  But we’ll have some more shade.  I like that.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Le Tour finale and stuff

Brian, Andy Schleck

Well, I am sad to say that Andy will not be the Tour winner this year, but I am happy for Aussie Cadel.

Brian actually got to meet Andy after the Tour de Georgia a few years ago.  Brian and some of his friends were over at Brasstown Valley Resort after the race.  Brian spied Andy and went over to him to congratulate him as an up and coming young rider, and he even bought Andy a beer…not that Andy would remember Brian, but Brian sure remembers him.  And he knew that Andy was going to be an impressive cyclist in the future.  Brian’s prediction was correct.  He finishes second today…no small potatoes, and his brother Frank finishes in third place.  I would say their parents are mighty proud of those young men!

We will be watching today…and next year as well!  Good job.

Cheers, guys!  Be safe…and enjoy your champagne.

Doodlebug at 4 has already ditched his training wheels, and Scooter is 3 and has worn out one set already…and wants his current training wheels taken off his bike!

Oh my!  Where is this heading?!!!

Slow down, wee boys!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Le Tour chat

Missy, Tour

Chat is French for cat!  Missy has been a somewhat regular daily Tour watcher with us.  I cracked up when she hunkered down on the rug and watched the race with us…before falling asleep.  She is not quite as dedicated a Tour watcher as Dick and I are.

Today is time trials; tomorrow is the end.  These three weeks have flown by.  We shall cheer Andy all the way to Paris!  He has come a long way from when we first saw him here during the Tour de Georgia a few years ago.  More on that later.

I am so aggravated that I can’t get on our home wifi with my new iPad.  Our system is hidden for some security reason (not that it is really needed), so I have to figure out how to UNhide it…or get someone to come do it for me.  Sigh.  Trust me, I have manually entered the info several times, and that still does not work.  And showing  the iPad to the router does not tempt it to recognize my new acquisition either.  Bugger.   Tomorrow is another day, Miz Scarlett.

Happy birthday and hugs to son-in-law Logan!

Life is good!

Friday, July 22, 2011

F is for Family!

My phone rings at noon the other day while I was in town.  It is Amy, “Mom, where are you?”

“I’m leaving the library.  Why, what’s up?”

“Go back.  I’ll meet you there.”

OK.  Hmmm, what is going on???  Surely there is no bad news!  Is anybody sick???

She pulls in and parks, then gets out of her car with Scooter in tow, immediately walking AWAY from me, telling me to follow her.  Now I am really concerned.  Does Scooter have a black eye that she will show me once they get around on the other side of the building???  Why the secrecy?  What’s up????!!!!!!

And then she suddenly stops and points to this:

brick

Oh my, does my heart do a happy dance.  What an honor…how special!  All three kids did this for our anniversary, the little sneaky stinkers!  I needed a tissue.

Books and libraries have always been a special part of my life, and with the library remodel locally, there apparently was a fund raiser (that we missed) that the kids thought was a worthwhile tribute to honor us.  They were right!  We were touched.

Thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You kiddos are the BESTEST ever.  We love y’all soooo much!!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Just a fishin’!

Kenai River fishing

And more importantly – catching!  Friends Dan and Joan have both been salmon fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska…and sending home salmon already.  I can envision a big fish dinner in the future! 

She said that sometimes there are so many fisherfolk on the river that they are almost shoulder to shoulder.  I know they are enjoying the cool temps, along with the catching.

Thanks for the blog fodder, Joanie!  Wish we were there!!!  It will be 89 in paradise today.  But…

Life is good, y’all!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wednesday smiles

Let’s face it…

Maxine WTF

After Monday and Tuesday,
even the calendar says…

W T F!

Life is good in paradise.  Happy Wednesday, y’all!

   

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

My iPad2 arrived!

Woohoo!!!  I wasn't expecting this to arrive until today, but it came yesterday afternoon.  Needless to say, beading plans went out the window!

It got charged, updated...then info synced with the laptop.  I couldn't get it to find our hidden home network, so I still have a bit of work to do to get online with it.  Ah, the learning curve!

This is the 32 gig + wifi + 3G model, just in case you were wondering.  I decided to go ahead and get the 3G capability so that I wouldn't regret it later on.  There may be times I need to purchase a connection plan for a month or so, but I will try to just use the free wifi for now.  I still have lots to learn about it...

Does anyone have any spare patience???

Monday, July 18, 2011

Monday funday

bead pile

So Bee asked about my latest crystal bead order.  The dark green, red, and white opal AB crystals (those don’t show up in the photo, well, because they are white!) will be used to make Christmas tree earrings.  Cubes will be the base, and the graduated flowerets will be the tree.  At least that is the plan.

The pastel ones shown will become “Easter” earrings.  Planning ahead, right?  Well, the supplier was out of one particular size and color that I needed when I placed the order, but did I write that info down?  No.  Of course not.  That would have made too much sense.  Now I have to go back and figure out what I am missing and get it ordered next time.  Sheesh.

And Barb asked the other day what made the stones semi-precious. Well, a lot of it has to do with price. Precious = diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds = $$$$.  Semi-precious are cheaper ones—meaning everything else: onyx, adventurine, jasper, turquoise, hematite, garnet, etc. There are varying degrees of value in each of those categories as well.  The stones I showed the other day are not large, therefore, they are not heavy.  Nor expensive.  It is fun playing and creating with a variety of materials.

MM and I took a jet ski ride yesterday afternoon, but with the dark clouds looming on the horizon, we didn’t venture out too far.   Which meant that the rain didn’t happen, of course, but it did let us later on enjoy a pizza on a nearby lake with friends.

All in all, it was a very nice weekend.  Life is GOOD, y’all!  Hope you have a mah-velous Monday!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday smiles

How dry is it in Texas?

A buddy out of Longview said he'd killed a mosquito that was carrying a canteen.texas

A man in Dime Box said the chicken farmers were giving the chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.

In Lake Palestine, they caught a 20 lb catfish that had ticks on it!

But just this week, in Bryan, a fire hydrant was seen bribing a dog.

It's so dry in Texas that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks, and the Episcopalians are praying for the wine to turn back into water.

Now THAT's Dry!

It is dry here in paradise, too.  Happy Sunday, y’all!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Redneck Sunshade Installation 101

One reason why we have not had a outside sunshade is that they require getting on a ladder to snap the top in place.  Ladder = danger of falling!  The $55 bargain was the snap-top variety, but MM had a better idea.  Of course he did!
sunscreen sideBy gluing two wooden strips in each end of the shade…adding a tab to anchor it in place on the side…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

…and making a tab that goes over a screw added to the middle of the roof at the top of the windshield, he is now able to put the whole sunshade on without using a ladder.
sunscreen tab
sunscreen
Redneck Sunshade Installation 101 explained.  And my very own redneck gets to remain safely on the ground…so that we can travel some more.  The end.

Life is good, y'all!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Friday...again

P1020056So here is another beading project I completed earlier this week.  These are all semi-precious stones.  I love working with them.  It sure felt good playing again.

But now that we are home, play time is over for awhile anyway as all the *stuff* gets moved back into the house and put away.

Boy is it hot here, and it isn't even August yet when we normally get the higher temps.  Sheesh.

Does anyone have exciting weekend plans?  Ours involve some wee boys and the lake.

Come join us for a swim and a pontoon boat ride if you are in the nawth Georgia area!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Redneck vacation and other stuff

Daughter #2 and her family left the week before the NH wedding so that they could vacation en route north.

Well, they didn’t get far before having to call Dad for HELP!  So, Maytag Man made a road trip to VirginiaRedneck vacation at 9p to help the kids get the Freightliner truck running. 

Six hours into a two-week trip, the truck just stopped running as the kids turned off the interstate.  After trouble shooting over the phone, MM and Jason decided it needed a new fuel transfer pump (oh boy, we just happened to have one on the wrecked bus, featured on yesterday’s blog!).  By 6AM the next morning, the “new” pump was on the truck and it was running, so MM headed on back home…after fueling up on a good breakfast, complete with Nana Joyce’s homemade biscuits.

Rut roh.  Thirty minutes and one phone call later, it was turn around and go back time, as the truck did not even make it out of the parking lot.  An hour later after trying all possible solutions, a bright idea came on in MM’s head---he checked the driver's side fuel tank.  Yes, it was empty, as the vent on the other tank was plugged (danged dirt dauber!), and it would not let fuel out of the tank that had the fuel gauge on it. Twelve hours later, the truck was still running fine, and the kids were in NJ, finally vacationing.

Amy figured out this was the fifth time MM had come to their rescue with fuel (twice), a tow home, and even once flying four tires to them for the travel trailer when they were stranded with a flat.  Dad is great!!!…most of the time.

Now the ‘rest of the story’ on the church bus (it only had 37K miles on it) is that it was totaled by the insurance company, so MM was able to buy it at a very reasonable price to “part out” stuff on it to use for our own Freightliner.  He and the kids (plural) were very thankful for the ugly bus parts…Brian drove the rig/camper back home from NH.  And he and Faith and young Haley were still speaking after their own camping vacation. 

Speaking of Faith, happy birthday, honey!P1010849

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Home, sweet home and other stuff

No, this isn’t home, but it is the church bus that Lois mentioned.  And laughed about…quite a lot. 
Dick got a big *thumbs up* from a certain ethnic group on his way home after picking this lovely up in Atlanta:
A tree fell on the roof, so MM bought it from a salvage company for parts…
church bus
church bus2
But it was still drivable…and we think somebody (else) wants to buy the engine already:
church bus4
You just have to duck a bit if you want to walk to the back of the busSmile
Anybody wanna buy some nice seats at a good price???  These are Bluebird seats.  We’ll make you a deal!
It is sooo good to be home.  We drove up to unlock the back gate, and Missy immediately jumped up on the dashboard, sensing that HOME was nearby.  She literally stays under a chair the whole time we are driving, but indeed does know when we are near home.  It is a kitty 6th sense.  Parker always did the same thing.  All three of us are happy to be back in Mayberry…even though it is hawt!
But now comes the UNfun part of unloading and cleaning.  It is worth it!
Happy hump day.  Life is as good as you make it, y’all!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tuesday rolling

Plans change quickly with the Griswolds, so we were lucky the Grebowskis were flexible and could meet us for dinner last night instead of tonight as planned.

We had a fab time talking and laughing while enjoying dinner at a new steakhouse. And the cameras...stayed unused:(. Bad bloggers! I had intended to post an old photo o us, but we couldn't connect at the cg this morning, so we just hit the road.

We are now in KY, listening to the Tour, with Sevierville TN our destination. We like the overcast weather.

More miles and smiles. Hugs to Lois and Hank. Life is good when it is filled with good family and good friends. We are blessed!

Sent from my iPhone

Monday, July 11, 2011

Monday’s move

P1020063

So today is refrigerator day.  Now how exciting is that?  We drive up to the fix-it place this morning, turn off and unload the fridge and freezer so that the repairman can safely replace the coolant thingy.  This particular brand of refrigerators has had problems catching on fire (not a good worry to have) because of whatever coolant thingy it is that comes installed in the unit.  MM is big on safety, so it was either replace the fridge or replace the problem, the latter being an easier solution.  Safety first!

Hopefully it will only take a few hours and we can be southbound by afternoon.  At least that is the plan.  We have a dinner date Tuesday night in Ohio that we want to make.  More on that later.

I had a “good time” at Michael’s yesterday.  Don’t tell MM!!!  This looks like a perfect summer necklace that I made for someone, don’t you think?  This little number needs to go on a cruise.  And so do I!  It is hard not to think about cruising when the temps hit 92!  Yikes…that is just too, too hot.

So goodbye horses and 4-H kids.  Today begins a new adventure, hopefully involving miles…and not sitting and waiting for fixing.

Happy Monday, y’all!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Moho deals and other stuff

MM hit the jackpot yesterday at the RV salvage place.  He had been pricing sunscreens for our HUGE windshield…about $450…ouch!  He found one for $55 that fits our coach and…AND…it also included covers for three windows, too!  Brand spanking new.  sunscreenHe, of course, had to try out the sunscreen…note the NO hat.  He knows better!

It needs to be properly installed, but he needs more tools for that…back home at the shop.  At least it is up temporarily, as it sure makes a huge temperature difference inside.

His other bargain was a ‘new’ doordoor gone to replace the one that flew off, also found at the same place.

A stop by the local big box store for paint; a little trying this and trying that, brought these results…….oops, photo taken in late afternoon light, but you get the idea.  It is still a door replacementwork in progress, but at least the door isn’t the glaring white that it originally was. 

MM is quite the fix-it guy.  He needed to run back to the big box store, so I went along and did a little looking at Michael’s and learned that today is dollar day, so I’ll be heading back there…alone!

So I did get one beading project completed yesterday while MM was out in the hot sun working.  Hmm, didn’t take a photo of it, but I’ll get around to doing that.

We are enjoying watching the kids and horses here at the 4-H fairground (in addition to watching the Tour).  There aren’t any events going on, but it is still a fairly busy place.  And hot, hOT, HOT!  We are very happy to have 50 amps to run the A/C, with us sitting out here in the sun.  And we are happy to have Internet again!  Woohoo!!!

Just another great day in Indiana.  What’s happening in your corner of the world?

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Saturday stuff in a new state

P1010905
This is a real “gold” person (dog is a statue…bike is real) that we saw standing on the street in Mackinaw City.  That’s gotta be pretty boring, just standing there, trying not to move.  Wonder what he does when his nose itches?

Yesterday we pulled out of the campground, fully intending to find a place on the coast (near water, of course), and stay a day or two.  After about an hour of driving, Traveling Man looked at me and said that he had had enough of Michigan, and did I want to just keep on heading south?  There are a couple of RV parts places in Goshen, Indiana, that he wanted to see before meeting our fix-it guy on Monday morning, so I told him to just keep on rolling.  We can stay put for three nights in one place, and I like the sound of that…complete with horses to look at this time, instead of sheep and a llama.  And Internet!!!  Yaaayyy!

The outside door that covers the back of the fridge fell off the other day, somewhere during our travels on a Michigan highway, so Dick will be looking for a replacement for that.  No telling what kind of trouble that guy can get into around here today.  Life is never dull with him, that is for sure.  He can go to the salvage store, and I’ll stay here and watch the Tour.  Deal.  There is some beading in my future!

Make today a golden one and share a smile today.  Life is good!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Lazy day

Watching today's stage. No hurry, no worry. Nowhere to go. Well, we will move on...of course. After the finish.

Yesterday we parked and took off in the toad and drove along the NW coastline, although it didn't give us a lot of good views of the water. We wound up driving around Crystal Lake, where MM's dad and his family camped many, many years ago. And enjoyed ice cream.

We are just carrying on the family tradition...in just a tad more comfort.

Happy anniversary to Haley and Logan! We love y'all bunches. Life is very good!!!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

A brief pause

Here at a rest area on Lake Michigan at Petoskey. We wanted to watch, not just listen to, the final 10 miles of today's stage of the Tour. Allez, allez guys!

Beautiful area here.

Moving on

We had a fab day yesterday, sightseeing in the U.P. What's not to love, driving next to any coastline? It is hard to wrap my head around all that water being fresh and not part of an ocean.

Thanks for all the anniversary wishes. We are making good memories for old age.

This morning we leave these good neighbors and head over near Traverse City. Missy will miss her entertainment. Come along!

Miles (not very many) and smiles, y'all!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Happy Anniversary to us!


Still going strong after 43 years.  Not too bad, huh?

I think we are good for quite a few more years of togetherness.

Life is good!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Mackinac Island harbor

Horses and more horses! No cars allowed on the island, so it is walk, ride a bike, or do the horse and carriage thing. And smell the horse droppings everywhere! But it is absolutely beautiful here on this small island.

We got a package ferry tour that also included the historical carriage tour as well as a stop at the fort. While at the fort we were all treated to costumes and music appropriate for the 4th. Very nice.

Today we plan to drive up to the UP--upper peninsular--by car.

Smiles and miles, y'all!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th!

We shall continue seeing this great country of ours, always remembering that freedom did not come free.
Give thanks and enjoy. Life is good, y'all!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Sunday miles and smiles

Here are the junior and senior Griswolds, all spiffied up for the wedding last weekend, minus a couple of wee fellas who stayed with Nana:

Sr., Jr. Griswolds

We clean up pretty good!  But we mostly enjoy being casual, watching the cousins play…

P1010866

Farkle, anyone?  Faith had lots of patience…

P1010876

So today we are rolling again.  It is time to move on so that we can see more of Michigan.

Yesterday we did our part for the local BBQ fund raiser, and enjoyed the fireworks over the water last night.  Good, friendly folks around here.  Nice.

What are y’all doing to celebrate the 4th?

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Oui Oui…Le Tour de France begins!

letour2
Running from Saturday, July 2, to Sunday, July 24, 2011, the 98th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,430.5 kilometres.  That’s a lotta riding!
Stage 1 begins today at a western most point in France at Passage du Gois  and ends at Mont des Alouettes - 191.5 km.
We shall be watching and enjoying each and every stage along the way, all the way to Paris!
That’s a big oui, oui, y’all!

And if you are interested in a refurbished, inexpensive camera, check out http://www.woot.com/.  This camera takes good photos and will fit in a shirt pocket.  It also includes a $10 memory card:


Panasonic Lumix 14.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom & 2GB SD Card

$89.99

  • + $5.00 shipping

Friday, July 1, 2011

Tawas Point Lighthouse

A replacement LH built in 1876 due to the ever shifting sands. A fourth order fresnel lens is still in use, powered now by electricity.

Hello Lake Huron. It is nice seeing you. Next up is lunch while we enjoy your beauty. Sunny and 73. Perfect.

Life is good, y'all!