25 Years

 I'm sure today many are remembering the events of September 11th, 2001.  I know I'll watch memorials on TV and the internet.  The stories of lives lost, lives changed forever, heroes made.  Sadness for such a senseless act.  Yet at that moment in history our country was united in a way we haven't seen since. Certainly not seeing it today in our political craziness.  Can we again take a moment to remember and maybe do something good or kind or just take a moment for quiet reflection and even for prayer?  Yes, prayer was a big part of that day.  Some prayers were answered, some were sent up with no intent for an answer but maybe for a hope for the future.  There's a generation now that wasn't born then but have the visuals and words to let them know all about it.  Jack and I describe it like it was for our parents who lived through the Pearl Harbor attack and WWII.  We weren't born then but sure know about it today.  25 years ago I wasn't a blogger.  But the time frame has been burned into my brain like a super blog post. September 8th, 2001, had us moving into our home here at Whispering Pines.  We were 48 yrs old with just one of our boys still at home.  Jordan was a junior in high school.  That Tuesday morning of 9/ll was the most beautiful day.  The temps had been really hot over the weekend we moved in, but that Tuesday was a lovely, cool, crystal clear blue sky morning.  I was sitting in my kitchen with a friend and got a phone call about what was happening in New York.  We did have a TV hooked up in our family room and my friend and I watched in horror as all of this unfolded. After the shock of seeing the planes and sadness for the people in them and the buildings, my second thoughts were about the first responders.  I watched them run to the scene, jump on the firetrucks, be in the police cruisers, and I knew they would put their lives in danger for the ones that were hurt or needed them.  I also knew the outcome for them would not be good.  A lot has happened in these past 25yrs.  We've grown older, maybe just a bit wiser, but I'm still amazed at how fast this time has gone.  I started blogging in 2008.  So my photos today are just a glimpse at how things have changed in our lives: They are kind of wonky since I just clicked the pics from my computer screen!

This little squirt, Addy Rae, will graduate in May.

Cameron in now a freshman at Kent State University.

Lexi works at the hospital as a PCA.

Anthony is now 24yrs old

This little cheerleader, Driana, just had our first great grandson, Roman, in April.

Her little sister, Summer, just had our second great grandson, Gabriel, in August. Just a few examples of how time has flown but our memories are precious and on this day of remembrance I hope everyone can  never forget what happened this day that changed, not only children growing up, but how much our country, our modes of travel, our security, our every day lives, and so many other things over these past 25 years.  

What We Collect

 First, welcome to the beginning of the "BER" months!  If you love the summer you may be bummed out because in a few weeks the official start of fall will be here.  But I love fall and I'm slowly going to be doing the fall decorating.  We're having our family reunion in October so I'll be a little ahead of when I normally get into the pumpkin spice, fall wreaths, and such as I get ready to host 50 or more here at the Pines.  So in that vein, I've been cleaning out "stuff" and realized I have collected too much paperwork, photos, nick nacks, and general things that I was sure I would use one day.  Two big garbage bags later, I'm getting it down to a manageable pile. I'm really a neat, like a clean house person but I sure can put something in a drawer for "later".  You know, the "later" than never comes!  I did reread some cards that my kids gave me and Jack, some sweet messages from my late mother, some poetry from dad, some photos of people I don't even remember their names even though they are relatives! Sh

Here's the engagement announcement from our local paper when Jack and I got engaged.  Monday was our anniversary.  52yrs and counting! So it's amazing this little piece of history is still around although not in very good shape....sort of like me! Ha!

A photo of my mom and dad under the apple tree on the side of the house I grew up in.  Yes, mom and dad are both in heaven and even the tree is gone. I always enjoyed it's blossoms every spring. Miss my folks and even the silly tree.

This hand print was from #2 son when he was in first grade. Look at how huge his hands were at that age. This really made me laugh!  He's was tall for his age and hits around 6'3 now and we would joke about his arm span with those long arms.  I just never thought about his hands. Not so little! I'm glad I'm almost over going through "stuff" for now.  All the dust has my allergies kicking in.  Here's someone who really is little:

My great grandson, Gabriel, who's one month old today.  I babysat for a bit while his momma was at the dentist. He's a cutie!  Here's a little thing we did last week on Friday.  The Greek Orthodox church had it's annual Greek festival in Mansfield.  Some of Jack's classmates were meeting there for lunch so we went over and had some really yummy Greek delights.

Gyros anyone? How about some dolmades and spanakopita?  There was lamb, Greek chicken, green beans the way my Greek momma used to make them and of course all the pastries.  It was a fun afternoon and since I'd never been there before we took a quick tour of the church.

Very beautiful.  The stain glass windows were amazing and I just wish my Mom could have been able to come here for church when she visited us.  We were always busy doing other things together but I know she would have enjoyed the festival and seeing this beautiful church.  So now my focus will be finishing up projects to get the house company ready..to my standards anyway!  Today the heat and humidity have us hunkering down inside and I'm looking forward to the cool front that will eventually head this way.  Labor Day is this weekend and the Ashland county fair will be this month too.  When the fair is over I really feel summer is too.  The other night I was walking Annabelle and the sun was going down and hitting the pine trees in a way that made it look very fallish!

I clicked this pic and thought the pine trees didn't even look like pines.  A few minutes later, after the sun set some more, they were back to green. Hope you have a good first week of the "BER" months!

Moving Right Along

 This month is more than half over and I feel the beat of our October family reunion pounding in my head. I know, I know, it's about 8 weeks away but I keep going over what I need to do to be ready inside, outside, food side, fun side.  Ahhhhh!!! My ADHD brain is bursting but I'm trying to be calm on the outside!  Anyway, we've had some crazy weather this summer.  Hot, cool, very wet, stormy.  The storm on Sunday knocked out power from 1:30pm to midnight.  With 3 lines down I was sure we were in for a long few days but thankfully the electric company came and did some magic and we had our power back.  First thing I did was wash my lunch dishes at midnight! Ha! I don't like to wake up to dirty anything so a quick clean up was done.   But then we realized our internet was also down.  So the cable company came after the OK from the electric company and by the afternoon on Monday we were hooked back up. Phew!  You realize how dependent you are on technology when this happens.  Oh well, I'm glad I live in this day and age with electricity, water from a faucet, A/C, and TV.  Sorry, not sorry!  Oh, I need a big shout out to our son, Phil, and his girlfriend, Kim, for surprising us with some food and fun chit chat around the kitchen table by lantern light Sunday night! Thanks for that!  We are blessed with sweet kids who care about us!   With all the rain this summer I will say the yard looks as green as it did in Spring. 

Much different from last summer when we were in a drought. I'll take the wet over dry! We seem to be heading in for some cooler, less humid weather.  The temps haven't been bad but that humidity makes it not as nice.  Since we did have a nice cool day with rain I made some pumpkin bread:

I like this recipe since it makes 2 loaves.  We ate one and I froze the other for another day or to give away!  On Saturday we went to the farmer's market.  I got some green beans and I also bought a cute sign that's made by some disabled folks.

Jordan will be moving into his new home in a few weeks and I might just sneak this over and put it on his porch.  He actually sold the house he bought last year but that's another story for another day.  We wish him well on this new chapter as he, thankfully, has recovered from the scary illness this spring that put him in the hospital for a few weeks.  This house is closer to where he works and has less land to take care of.  I'm betting he gets a dog too.  Good luck Jord!  I also bought a beautiful mum plant from the market.

The Mennonite lady that sold it said it was a second and soon she'd have her better ones out. It was only $5!  If this is a "second", I'll be interested in seeing her #1 mums!  Yesterday Jack and I stopped at my new favorite cute shop to check out what they had for fall.  It's also a nursery and has tons of plants, trees, a lovely greenhouse that is fun to walk around in and feel the peace of fresh plants!  So this is what I spied, or I should say bought:

Silly ghost and a pumpkin picture.  Turn over the ghost to see his back and this is what's there:

Yes, I'm thinking Halloween already and truthfully, I need nothing more in decor for that!  But a quick stop at the dollar store and then this fell into my cart:

A big hanging ghost....enough already! Like I said, I'm getting ready for our fall family reunion and decorating outside and in for it caused me to grab this guy.  I'm such a sucker!  To end this blah, blah, blah, I was outside working in my garden of weedin' when I heard a noise that had me looking up:

It was a great night for a flight!  Hot air balloons are so fun to see but I would never want to be in one.

However, I have no trouble clicking a pic and waving bye bye!  That's what I call "Moving Right Along"!

It's August (As If You Didn't Know)

 Look at me posting so close to my last one.  I'm determined to not let this month go with only minimal posts.  Time has a way of flying as you all know!  Our weather has been pretty good with some cool temps.  It was in the 50s last night so this morning the house was a chilly 63de.  I have on a sweatshirt until it warms up later.  Jack had a patient this morning but thankfully he's a sweet Amish friend that is dressed warmer that us English.  I'm hoping his horse didn't poop in my new driveway! Cleaning up that is a lot different than pooper scooping Annabelle's!  I've had many mornings now that I'm not working as much to enjoy a beautiful day like today.  I can hear the birds singing and the neighbor's rooster crowing. Somehow that's soothing!  I had a phone visit with a healthcare worker and I sat out on the deck in the morning and while she was talking the rooster next door was crowing his heart out.  She thought that was pretty funny!  So for this first post of August I have to announce that we have another great grandson!  Our granddaughter, Summer, had her baby on Sunday. Her due date was suppose to be August 25th but Gabriel had other plans!  He came in at a whopping 5lbs, 8oz of cuteness.  About 3lbs lighter than his cousin, Roman, who was born in April to Summer's sister, Driana.  The pitter patter of little feet will grace the pines once again!

Congrats to Summer and hello little Gabriel!  I know he and Roman will be best buddies!

Speaking of Roman....he's growing like a weed!  Almost 4 months now. As I've said, time goes quickly!

Well, I'm off to enjoy this beautiful day.  I hope it's good by you all.  I feel so bad for those out west dealing with the devastating wildfires.  Our #2 son lives in Oregon and hopefully they aren't having too hard a time with fires there.   

Bye July!

 Oh my gosh, I'm embarrassed to be me.  Really.   When you say you're a blogger and your July posts equal 2 and one says Hi July and one says Bye July you know you are being a blog slacker!  Have we not done anything this long month?  Vacation?  Nope.  No vaca here.  Family reunions? Nope again.  Anything really blog worthy?  Maybe but just didn't take pics I guess and maybe just didn't blog.  Anyway, I'm here now and before this last day of July is over I will give it a shot!  I had to look at my photos to see if there was anything worth mentioning. Here goes:

Jack got a really cute shirt from our son in Oregon.  Craig started working with a new company called Pacific Seafood.  He's a human resource director there.  Jack is always kidding him about sending us some good fish, or shrimp. or lobster.  So this shirt with the company name on it and pics of fish was his answer!  It's really a sweet shirt with secret pockets and everything.  No hidden lobsters in those pockets though!  Besides, lobsters aren't the what they sell anyway!  Today we went to a new to me store called Pop Shop.  It had a lot of things that were fall and Halloween related and I'm getting things for our October family reunion so this was right up my alley! Prices are super good too.  Jack took one look around and said, "I'll wait in the car. Take your time."  And I did! This is just a few pics of some of the stuff they had.  I grabbed a few things but will have to make a return trip I'm sure!

I like this sign but didn't buy it.  I bought a little sign for my kitchen though:

This one fit nicely on my pantry door!  Because we're having this reunion here in October we've been busy getting the house "to do things list" done.  One of those things was getting our driveway done.  It's a stone drive but needed to be redone.  We had a sweet gentleman stop by last week and we looked up his company and found them to be the real deal so we signed up for a chip and seal drive. We would have loved to have concrete but that's not in the budget! Here's a before and after:

BEFORE:  Notice the grass median strip?  Over the years we've had stones replaced and I often wonder where in the heck they all go over time.  Is there a huge stone wall buried under the driveway?

AFTER:

Nice and smooth, no grass and hopefully it will last the 10 years they promised.  We most likely won't be here in 10 years to find out but for today I'm happy with it!

After the driveway pic, I shot this one.  See that white dot?

Yep, just silly Annabelle sitting there like she's waiting for a bus.  She's a westie for sure with the "westitude" to go with her!  On a final note, Jack and I went out for lunch after my fun shopping time. I noticed this vehicle in the parking lot of a restaurant we didn't go to.  And frankly, I wouldn't go to any eating establishment with this parked in the lot.

I report, you decide.  Bye Bye Miss July.  It's been a blast! 

Hi July!

 I hope everyone had a good July 4th celebration for this special year. Our town had lots of activities with a big parade, 250yr birthday party for America,  a service to celebrate a new park called FREEDOM. Its dedicated to all departments of the military.  When I  go there I'll take pics to.post.  We watched the dedication on TV. The parade was also on tv so we stayed home and avoided the crowds and the heat wave we were in. The kids all came over on Sunday for a cook out that became a cook in due to rain.  Food still turned out good but someone didn't take any pics! Tomorrow we're going to our grandson's graduation party and I will definitely take photos. For now here's just a few garden shots around the pines.

Peppers are coming along.

Tomatoes promising future BLTS!

Bee balm?

General preeties. 

Red day lilies.

Yellow too!

Hope the birds enjoy bathing with the geraniums.

Herbs need picked.

Some July 4th goodies.

Jack and our friend Derrick wearing matching patriot shirts from boy scout camp days!

My own patriotic shout out!

Happy belated 4th and a shot of a sunset tonight.  Night all!

Busy Summer Days!

 Last week my sister came for a visit. It was great having her here. My niece and her hubby and 3 kids brought her, along with Midge's 2 dogs. Her kids took off to Cedar Point, then on to Cincinnati for a stop at Kings Island and some other adventures.  Midge and I and Jack and the dogs hung out here. We worked on tons of things for the family reunion we're hosting here in October.  My sister is a wonderful event planner and we managed to knock off many items on the to do list.  We also found time for some roaming along Ashland s cute downtown.   Here's a few picks from the visit.

My sister's dogs, Hope and Flynn, got a good grooming and some time at 

daycare one day. We don't have a fenced in back yard so this was strange for them to be constantly walked or put on an outdoor lead. They did good but I'm sure they were happy to get back home to normal! We did get an opportunity to go to the cabin we're renting for the reunion and go inside to see the accommodations.  It will work out perfectly for our event. I know I took pics but they disappeared from my camera! 

We had a few times of resting on the couch. Annabelle had to share her spot with Midge and Flynn. Annabelle and Flynn had a few little "talks", but all in all everyone got along!

The week went fast and we had lots of laughs and even a quick selfie moment outside a new ice-cream parlor with some delish milkshakes! My niece and family got back on Thursday night and Friday morning they all trooped back to Chicago.  Now on to July 4th! Busy summer days!