That Dang Covid Bug

 Three years ago when the pandemic hit I thought at first we were making a mountain out of a mole hill.  I was wrong of course and working in health care it was a scary event that we weren't sure how to handle.  Many deaths and super stressful work conditions changed us in different ways.  I was worried back then for my Mom who was in her 90's and my sister who was battling a host of health issues.  Mom was in a rehab unit because she broke her leg and was the only one who didn't get Covid.  She came home for 2 weeks and passed away from a blood clot.  My sister has stayed Covid free so far and I hope continues to be that way.   Jack and I also managed to stay away from it even with working in healthcare.  That is until 2 weeks ago.  I mentioned that Jack had gotten sick but when he tested it came back negative.  His symptoms were so classic though that I was doubtful that the test was correct.  Then I got sick too and didn't test until this week on Tuesday.  Sure enough I tested positive but was really feeling much better.  Just more fatigued than I liked.  Work called and wanted me to work on Wednesday but when I told them I had Covid since last Saturday I was told to get better soon and I would need to wait a couple of more days to be allowed back in the hospital.  Ok with me since I'm enjoying the nicer weather and occasional naps! I'm getting ready for Easter gathering here on Sunday.  Jack and I will both be over the waiting period and our symptoms are fading.  Most of my family members have had the virus more than once, even with being vaxxed and boosted as we are.  So I'm looking forward to this weekend where our weather is calling for sunshine and temps in the upper 60s'.  Let the celebrations begin.  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

The kitchen mantle is bunny infested! I have many decorations that I enjoy this time of year.

I love this little Easter scene made out of wood and all white except for the tomb and stone. I love it because it depicts the real reason for this season.  Our Savior's sacrifice for us.

After Church on Sunday the kids and Grandkiddos are coming for lunch and then the traditional egg hunts.  Since we have more older ones than youngsters we have adopted a few new traditions and we ended up with 3 different hunts...littles, teens, adults.  It's all in good fun and you know I'll have pics later.  In the mean time it takes preparation for it all to come off and the eggs are being filled and the food is being prepared and in the freezer until Saturday.  

I found this big old wooden bunny at a resale shop in Chicago last year.  He's getting ready to help with the egg hunt.

We have continued with the mild weather with just a few chilly days thrown in.  The thunderstorms yesterday didn't do damage like they did in other parts of the country.  It was really nice most of the day with temps in the mid 70's! A true gift.  All doors and windows could be open to let in the fresh Spring air and blow out all the winter blahs!   So until Sunday, I hope all of you are healthy and enjoying Spring break or maybe a long weekend.   

An April Fools Joke And A Birthday

 I can't believe it's April already and April Fools was yesterday.  I was never big on pranking anyone on that day but the Gods of illness decided I needed a little joke.  Last Sunday Jack got super sick and it knocked the wind out of him for the week.  He actually missed 2 days of work! I was so hoping not to fall to the same thing but yesterday that same truck headed my way.  I felt like crap all day but did manage to get a few chores done like grocery shopping, banking and sending tax forms to the accountant. Every Saturday Jack and I always do our weekly shopping and we did a rush job yesterday just to get it done. I slept most of the rest of the day.  Thankfully this morning I did feel better.  Maybe the truck wasn't as big as the one that hit Jack?  This weekend we watched our church's General Conference that's broadcast from Salt Lake City.  Lots of good, uplifting and inspirational talks and music.  It was nice to just sit and enjoy it. (Except yesterday when I confess I slept through a lot of it) Today is also our youngest son, Jordan's birthday.  He's living with us until he can find a house in the area to buy.  Feeling better had me making some steaks, baked potatoes, and salad for lunch and then a chocolate cake.

A few T-bones never hurt.

A little Cesar Salad and 

Baked potatoes to round it all out.  And don't forget the cake...

Thankfully the weather was beautiful today with sunshine and 50de temps.

This morning Annabelle found her perfect spot in the sun for a little nap.  We did take a couple of short walks.

Some Spring flowers were blooming.  I was super mad to see something...rabbits or deer.. have taken a liking to my daylilies and my just immerging Irises.  Chomped to ground! RRRRR!!! 

To make my little illness just a bit better I had just gotten a tooth pulled and a bone graft put in to prepare for an implant some time this summer.  I think my jaw looks a bit swollen.  Or perhaps it's just my natural chimpmunk cheeks!  Which ever it is, it was pretty sore.  Still is just a bit.  Oh well, enough whining and complaining.  There are so many folks out in the world suffering with real problems.  Night all and Happy Birthday Jordan!

Jordan on the right with his cousin Bill who's birthday is also in April and for just a few weeks they are both the same age. Bill will turn 40.   Enjoy the last year of your thirties Jord!

Thank You Vietnam Veterans

 March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.   I want to thank all those who served in that war and give them the honor and recognition they so deserve and didn't receive back in the day when coming home from that conflict.  My brother Greg served in the Marines and went to Vietnam.  My older brother Phil also served at that time and was in the Army and stationed in Thailand.  They both served faithfully and honorably and came home safely.  It was a difficult time for my parents. My Dad served in WWII and knew what they would be going through.  My Mom worried again for her children as she did for her brothers and my Dad when they went to war.  I was a freshman in high school.  Although absorbed in my early teen life I still held my breath also those 2 years until they returned.  Many prayers went up for them.   Last weekend Jack and I were privileged to attend a Vietnam Era Veterans reunion.  We attended one last year where an Army nurse who served in Vietnam was the keynote speaker.  This year it was Colonel Robert Springer who grew up in Ashland and was a fighter pilot in the Marines and went on to become a NASA  Astronaut.  His talk was about his service and duties performed in Vietnam.  So inspiring, so moving and so much a hero in everyone's eyes. He was a Bird Dog and Huey Pilot and flew 250 missions. 

Also mentioned in the program were Veterans who have passed away.  I was touched to see my brother Greg's name on there thanks to our good friend Greg Gorrell who was one of the program's organizers. Jack and I felt funny attending since we hadn't served in the military but Greg assured us it was OK as we were representing my brother who passed away 2 years ago this June.  I know my brother would have loved to attend something like this and feel the warmth and welcome the Vets who were there were feeling.  It was a touching evening and I'm so glad we could be there.   Also featured was a painting by a local artist, Robert Kent Halladay.  Mr. Halladay was a Marine Combat artist who painted this work of art for those heroes who lost their lives.  It's called: "Going Home"

It depicts 2 angels carrying a soldier "home" as all his war gear is shown leaving him as he's taken. Such a wonderful work of art and very moving to all the Veterans who saw it.  Everyone was given a small picture to take home.  I know it's a little late now to say thanks on this day but I think any day is a good day to shake the hand of a veteran and say thank you.  Don't hesitate to do so.  

Happy Birthday Midge!

 I left home on Saturday morning heading to Chicago to help my sister with a St. Joseph's Day bake sale and breakfast that is held every year and she heads it all up.  It's also her birthday today and it was a bit crazy with all the food that needed to be priced, wrapped up, prepared and set out for folks to stop in after mass. We did this on Saturday too but not the breakfast part, just the bake sale.  The funds will go to help the new parking lot reno.  So here's a few pics of  the room set up.

Lots of goodies were donated for the sale. 

This area was set up as a sampler table where everyone could have a variety of things to taste and it was free but lots of people did leave donations.  All in all it was a very successful event.  It was lot of work too and I was glad I was able to be there to lend a hand.

This is Midge in red with one of the lovely lady helpers. This sweet lady is 80yrs old!  I was shocked and also surprised that she also works at the local McDonalds! Maybe that's the secret to her young looks.  So frankly, I'll have what she's having!  After the event we met Midge's daughters and their families for a delish lunch at a local Greek restaurant.  It was very good but way too much food. Lots of take home boxes left with us!  Something didn't agree with me and I've been spending the evening in the loo more than I'd like!  Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be back to normal because we have a few plans to do some shopping.  Here's some pics of my sister's girls and some of the grandkids.

This is Katie, Midge and Amy.

A few of the kiddos who joined us today.  Very fun, very loud too!  So that's it for now.  I left sweet Annabelle at home on this trip.  I knew I'd be gone much longer than she's used to being left alone and that she would be happier at her own home.  This is the first time she's been without me for this long. Jack says she's doing good so I'll keep my fingers crossed that it continues until I get home on Wednesday.   Happy birthday Midge!  You're the best sister anyone could want and we all love you!

March Madness

 I know March madness is usually about basketball playoffs...at least I think that's what it means! Anyway as this month "marches" on I feel a bit out of step.  In the beginning of the month I didn't work for almost 2 weeks because one of the endoscopy docs was on vacation.  I worked just one day last week on Friday and it was a long 10hr day. I survived but paid the price over the weekend trying to recoup.  Then I agreed to work 3 days this week. Then I also agreed to work an extra morning because a friend of ours was having surgery and wanted me there if possible. OK,  so now it's 4 days of work.  No biggie but I also decided to take a trip to Chicago this weekend to help my sister with a church fund raiser (a bake sale) and also help her celebrate her birthday.  I really wasn't planning on doing this but just felt I should and I know I will be glad after I go.  Also I baked a lot of stuff for the sale.  The house has smelled delish every night as I finish baking around 10pm.  However, after working all day it's been a struggle to stay motivated! To top it off I brought dinner in tonight to the friend who had the surgery. It was a simple, not hard to make meal but I ended up cutting the tip of my thumb with a knife.  So dumb!  Tomorrow at work should be interesting with a big bandage on it!  Hmmm....March madness? Or YaYa madness for biting off more than I can chew?  I'll let you know when  I get back next week if the phrase "No good deed goes unpunished" is a reality!  Miss Annabelle is staying home with Jack and Jordan. She's pretty attached to me so this should be interesting! Hopefully she will behave and all will be well.  So I'm taking a deep breath tonight and I'll finish this whiny post with some pics from the week and a very Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone tomorrow!  Our town creek is getting dyed green as usual and if the weather cooperates I guess there will be a parade.  Now don't have too much corned beef and cabbage! (or green beer!)

A little snow this week.   We've had a pretty mild winter here unlike many across the country. We got about an inch the other day but it's all gone now.

A little frosting on me too~

Annabelle doesn't mind the weather as long as the wind is mild and doesn't scare her! She loves her walks!

Here's one of my baking results.  Drop scones...orange, raison, with mini chocolate chips. They aren't for the bake sale..in fact they're all gone! Ha!  Don't worry, I have plenty other goodies heading out to Chi town on Saturday! Gee, when I get back it will officially be Spring!  I'm ready!

March Came Strolling In

  March came strolling in with mild temps and many sunny days.  Compared to the rest of the country we've been very lucky so far this Winter.  (I'm knocking on wood now!)   In other news, I've been 70 for a week and  so far so good!  It was a good birthday even though I spent part of it with my Dentist and I'll be getting an implant in the near future. Midge sent me a super cute package filled with lots of goodies like new Easter towels, a Spring table runner, a box of chocolates, cute pens and note paper, plus a bunch of scratch off  Illinois lottery tickets.  After finding out I would need a tooth implant I was hoping for a big win!  Well, $28 isn't bad but Dentistry demands a bigger win! I got some lovely gifts from my hubby.  A gift card to my favorite little place, The Parsley Pot, and something worth more than gold these days:

A dozen eggs! Green ones! Now lest you think he's not a good gift giver, I received a cool gift from him a few days later.  It's a portable CD player!  I know, I know, that's a thing not used too much now,  However, I have lots of CD's and no CD player in my newish car.  Plus I can use it at the gym or my walks instead of my phone. 

It's so cute!  I'm looking forward to using it and also dusting off my CD's!  Another gift I got was from my son and daughter-in-law in Oregon.

Beautiful flowers! 

A week later and they still look fresh and pretty.  Another gift my son sent was a throw blanket with all the things that made up 1953.  Prices of stuff, movies, who the President was, etc,  So fun to read and realize how times have changed.  A new house was about $6,000 while a dozen eggs was .70 cents.  That did surprise me a bit because sometimes eggs have been less than that here.  Along with cards, gift cards, and lots of birthday greetings I felt very blessed.  I need to give a quick update that I forgot from last month.  Remember the chili cookoff I entered?  Well, I didn't win first place but I did win "Hottest chili"...I was surprised because I don't ever make super hot chili and this wasn't that hot.  All the others must have been more mild I guess.

The funny thing were all the folks coming up and asking me what number was my chili. Then when it was time to leave  I went to get my crock pot and mine was the only one totally empty of chili!  That's a win win in my book!  I've noticed that whether I'm working or not, my days are filled to the brim and I'm always busy.  These past 2 weeks I haven't worked because of Docs being on vacation.  This week I'm only working Friday.  This has given me time to use my gift certificates from Christmas to get a few massages.  A sweet gift from my hubby!  Also to take extra walks with Annabelle and to get a project done that I've put off for way too long.  Cleaning out closets.  I've been working on the one in our spare room.  It's a pretty good size closet and was the place I put things until I had time to find a better place.  It turns out the better place is mostly the trash!  I found more comforters than anyone needs.  Some shoes I didn't know I had...bad me!  Many papers from church or just ones that I didn't take time to look through until now. Yep, garbage or the fire pit!  I did find a few old photos:

This was taken the year we were in a parade and had made a banner with my BFF Donna.  We had a float for Starkey Chiropractic and we combined it with Donna's husband's business, Starkey Glass. This was probably 20 or so years ago.  Fun times!  One of the other things I found was fountain! Yes, a fountain!

It's small and fits on a table top.  I wondered why it was hiding in a closet.  When I put it all together I remembered why.  It looks good, works good, but when it's running you don't hear the soothing sound of the water cascading over the rocks!  Hmmm...not sure where this will end up but it's not going back to the closet!  I'm sure I'll find more things that will surprise me but the best surprise will be a clean, organized closet!  It's the little things in life that make me smile!  Hopefully March will stroll out as calmly as it did coming in.  I'm looking forward to seeing my daffodils in full bloom soon! 

What Rhymes With 70?

 So if 67 is heaven, and 68 is great, and 69 is fine, what the heck rhymes with 70?  How about heavenly? What ever!   Today I turned 70.  I know some of my blog buddies, other friends, and family hit that milestone and have gone on quite nicely.  I hope to be the same because I also know many who did not.  I remember hating hitting 30 back in the day but then after that I really didn't care about the other milestones.  I think70 takes my breath away because I feel it starts the real winter of my life.   I want to try to live the best years yet to come with happiness, grace, faith, family, and friends as my companions.  I hope to continue to enjoy birthdays, holidays, kiddos, and grandkiddos as I've done all my life.   I'm still in the workforce and hope to continue for a little longer if all goes well.  I try to take that day to day and I think I'll know when it's time to hang up my surgical gown and gloves for real.  This morning I was brushing my teeth and a tooth broke! Oh boy I thought, this can't be a great beginning of the next decade! Well, it's going to get fixed and all will be well.  I still have many projects ahead I want to accomplish with my loving hubby and best friend.  Thanks Jack for putting up with me all these years!  Last night I looked at all my birthday posts from the last 14yrs. This post makes it 15.  I found out I posted pics of me at different stages in my life.  Looking back at them reminded me of John Denver's song, "Poems and Prayers, and Promises".   The lines that go:

I have to say it's been a good life all in all...it's really fine to have a chance to hang around.                          And talk of poems and prayers and promises and things that we believe in                                                    How sweet it is to love someone, how right it is to care.                                                                                How long it's been since yesterday, And what about tomorrow                                                                       And what about our dreams and all the memories we share.

So I will end this post with my traditional photo of a life that has been good all in all.

Looks like June of 1959 was just fine

I think every kid back in the day had a pony photo like this.  I remember when the man came around with the pony and took this shot. I'm sure every kiddo in the neighborhood got one...outfit and all!

I could say '72 was pretty cool..at least that's what I thought of my very first car I saved for and bought. A 1972  Chevy Malibu.  Loved that car!

'98 was great as I worked in the operating room full time.  I'm grateful for a career that lasted and still goes on all these years.

We danced on the floor in '74.  Let's keep moving to the music Jack!  

OK 70, let's hit the road on this new decade.  I'll check back in 10yrs for the final evaluation!

Happy birthday to me!

 

Time Travel

 I was reading an article on YAHOO the other day about a man who claims to have been a time traveler. Now take in the fact that it's a YAHOO read and most of the time those stories are bunk.  However, it got me thinking about how I would feel about being able to travel back in time.  Not sure I would want to go forward because then I would find out things that could be sad or disturbing in some way. (Unless I had the winning lottery numbers! Ha! just kidding..sort of!)  Would you change anything in your past if you had the opportunity to do so?  I can't think of too many major things I would change except for a few health changes or maybe taking more time to sit with my kiddos when they were little. Hug my family members more.  Things like that.  Time seems to fly by so fast that it's amazing to me to realize my older kids are getting close to 50 and have gray hair and starting with some health issues that happen as we age. Aging, if you're lucky, is inevitable.  I just mentioned to my sister that I don't mind growing older I just don't like the aches and pains that accompany that or not being able to do the same things I could just a few years ago.  Oh well, I guess it's time to stop whining about things like that and just be glad to be here today and have the possibility of tomorrow to continue to learn new things and grow as person.  Something that does bring the time flying issue up front is celebrating my Grandkids birthdays.  This past week Anthony turned 21.  Holy cow, I think he was just a tiny squirt last week, not this well over 6 foot man in college and living on his own!

Young Anthony

Older Anthony with Cameron.  Happy birthday Anthony! He's such a great kid. He goes Akron University full time and also works.  His job takes me back in time because it's at a movie theater.  That was my very first real job when I turned 16 and I loved it. However Anthony would not want to go back in time to my paycheck. I made 1.25 an hour which was good pay for a movie theater back then.  He says he makes 18.00 an hour today.  How times have changed.  Of course you could see a movie and have snacks in my day without having to get a loan! Ha!   I had another "Back To The Future" moment yesterday.  It has to do with a coat my Mom had given me when I was pregnant with Jordan. He's 38 so that was a long time ago.  It happened to be a coat my Mom had when I was little!  It's a fur coat that I can remember snuggling up to Mom when she wore it in the Winter.  I was probably 5 or 6 so you know that coat is now 65 or so years old.  I had a conversation with Mom a few years ago and told her I still had that coat hanging in my closet. Her reaction made me laugh. She said "GET RID OF IT!"  Well, I never did but was going to last year as a white elephant gift at our family Christmas. Midge told me to give it to Amy, my niece, instead because she would love it.  So I did and she does love it. She had it cleaned and a few repairs to the sleeves done to the tune of over $200!  Here's the result. Amy wore it to a formal Fireman's fundraising gala yesterday.

I think she looks stunning in it! It's been saved and loved again.  I'm so glad I kept it for her! It's full of good memories for me and now will have more memories made again.  So perhaps we can go back in time when we see old photos or reminisce with family and friends about those "good old days" of yore. Would I want to really relive anything?  Nah, I'll just be happy going on as God planned.  Day by day and leave time travel to people on YAHOO!    

How's Loveuary Going?

 This month is more than half over and Tuesday we celebrated Valentine's Day.  Some have mixed feelings about this Hallmark day.  I know the card, flower, and candy businesses enjoys it!  I don't mind a day that makes you remember someone special with a simple card or treat.  I always gave our kids heart shaped boxes with candy and now I give that to my Grandkiddos.   Although the ones out west get cards with a little yaya moola!   I got a nice arrangement from Jack:

I love it because the flowers can be replanted so no waste and more enjoyment in the future.  Plus it's darn cute!

I made lasagna for our dinner and then made extra to give my oldest son and his family.  A salad and garlic bread completed that feast...and then the gooey brownies topped it off:

They were a bit messy but putting them in a heart shaped dish helped make them more presentable.  They were all eaten anyway!

When you're cooking all that it must be done with a red apron and notice the red checked curtains! A complete Valentine's day party!  It was a nice day but we also had a nice weekend before that.  We went to see our Grandson, Cameron, play basketball.  We hadn't been able to make his games this year so I was happy we were able to get there on Saturday.

He's number 5.  

He's a hustler!  Unfortunately they lost..51-53....a close one the whole way! They start tournament games now so good luck Cameron!  One last item to complete my week.  I went to one of those paint and sip classes.  Now remember, I'm not a drinker and we actually had the class at our church women's meeting last night.  Also full of non-drinkers!  It was a hot chocolate or cider or water sip with yummy treats to have while doing a painting of Jesus.  I didn't take pics of the decor but it was super cute with a snowman theme.  Who knew that here in Ohio yesterday would be a sunny, 70de day!  But fun was had by all and here's my finished product:

It was done with watercolors and I left the face blank because we all have our image of  what the Savior looks like and so if you look you can fill in the blanks to fit your image.  Well, it's almost the weekend and I'm off today so Jack's taking his lunch hour from the office and we're going to a little Irish Pub called O'Bryan's for lunch with a bunch of his high school classmates.  They meet once a month and sometimes there's about 30 that show up! We're a few of the "still working" group but I'm glad we do get to attend most the time.  I enjoy this group even though I didn't go to high school in Ashland they have made me feel very welcome.  Enjoy the rest of this Loveuary week!

Letters In A Box

 In past blog posts I've shown letters that my Dad wrote my Mom when he was in WWII overseas.  Well, a few days ago I came across a few letters of my own.  I hadn't looked at them in years and I dusted off the boxes and gazed inside. These weren't letters from Dad, but a few cards to me from my Grandma and my Aunt Gwen.  Both have left this world years ago and re-reading these notes brought them back for a little visit just for me. Also in the box was an old fashioned hand held fan and some hankies...one that was tatted from my Grandma.  Tatting is an old skill not done too often today.  I also found the box with letters Mom wrote to me in December of 2008.  She took a week and wrote some things for me about when I was born, and other memories of growing up in our neighborhood back in the day.  She didn't mail these to me but put them in a box and secretly left the box in the guest room when visiting.  I found it after she had left and re-reading them today brought tears to my eyes.  I miss her every day but knowing she and Dad and all other family members...my Grandma and Aunt Gwen too...are all together, makes me smile. 

I like to think my blog is like a letter to my kids of what I was doing these past 15yrs since starting it in February, 2008.   However, maybe a written letter that is personal just to them would be something to do and give them one day.  I know how much these letters to me have meant and will lovingly store them back in their boxes to be enjoyed on another day when I just need a little visit from family.  Many people will get Valentine's Day cards tomorrow.  These were mine today. 

Hello Dear February

 Hallmark calls this month...Loveuary..Ha! Anyway, I had a lot of love that was delivered to me today from a dear blog friend, Cathy.  Thanks so much for these sweet gifts!

Cathy (from Acorn Hollow) is a hooker...rug hooker! Anyway, she did these super cute hot pads that will get tons of use from me who cooks and always needs them...plus they say Easter to  me and it's a very favorite holiday! That lovely towel says Whispering Pines by the pine tree in the pic but also New England with that moose there! I do hope to be able to visit her area one day as it is so beautiful.  However, right now they are in bitter, bitter cold and snow so I'm saying prayers that our warmer weather that's coming this week will reach her soon! Thanks again Cathy! Bloggers are the best! 

Speaking of blogging...I got my blog book a few weeks ago so all of 2022 is in the history books! At least the Whispering Pines history book. That makes 14 books so far.  Hopefully I can continue as the years go on. It's fun to look back and see how the year went and how we survived it! Ha!  So February is here and the ground hog saw it's shadow.  I would be upset by the thought of 6 more weeks of Winter but let's be honest...there's going to be 6 more weeks no matter what! Plus it was blue skies and sunshine here which always makes me smile even if the temps are in the 20's or like yesterday, the teens!  I was admiring the blue sky the other day when I saw something in the sky that made me grab my camera.

Can you see it?

How about now?

How about now?! Even though it was daylight out the moon could be seen almost all day.  I'm sure there's some scientific name for it but I just thought it was cool!  The days are staying lighter longer now and I'll sign off with this shot from the other night that was still light at 5:45!

The sun was setting fast!  I'll be more excited when it's still light out at 8:30 and I'm outside still mowing the lawn!