Happy Birthday Cam-Man!

 August is moving right along and so are some birthday wishes.  Yesterday our Grandson  Cameron turned 17.  Wow, wasn't he just a little guy?  We joined with his Mom and sister and his other Grandparents, along with our son Jack (his Dad!) to watch him blow out those candles in one fell swoop!

He's a great kiddo who's quiet like his Dad and also super smart.  They just found out he's the top of  his class!  He also works at a local Dairy Queen and loves his video games.  Typical teen! Love  you Cam! Happy Birthday!   Here's some of the other players in this celebration:

His Mom, Stephanie. Even though she and my son are divorced, everyone gets along and we celebrate these times together.  I'm grateful for that with no drama!

His sister Summer.  Notice the artwork on the walls? Many of those are Summer's! She's very talented and this party room is a great place to display her work!

Summer and her Dad along with her constant companion, Happy!

Cameron opening his presents next to his Grandpa Jerry on one side and PawPaw (Jack) on the other. We gave the gift that keeps on giving...you know, money!  It was a nice evening after the storms that rolled through our area.  Cleveland really got hit hard with rain and wind and lots of outages and damages.  We got the much  needed rain but no problems, thankfully.  Not much else really happening around these parts but watching the garden start to produce.

Green beans are coming in and soon the canner will be humming along.  We've enjoyed the fresh off the vine tomatoes.  I dream of these all winter!  I know it means work with picking, making sauce, canning and such but they make me smile in the winter seeing them all lined up on the shelf in those glass jars!

Not sure if you can see the rain in this pic but we're very grateful the storms that have passed through and given us and the farmers some relief.  It's been a hot summer and the humid days are not my favorites but cooler temps are heading this way over the weekend and I'll enjoy that!  However,

I know it's still 46 days away...not that I'm counting...but the stores are already gearing up for that season of candy, pumpkins, and ghouls!

Witches hats and jack-o-lanterns are lining the shelves.

Ghoul blend and pumpkin pie M&M's...Yes Please!!!  I read a meme that said, "I like sweater weather more than sweaty weather"! I have to agree but I'm really going to try and enjoy this last month of Summer.  We have a few activities that include a barbeque and a trip to Lake Erie in the next few weeks along with a visit from our kiddos in Oregon at the end of this month to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  Hopefully that will be a blog worthy post to end August! Until then I'll be on the lookout for something to write home about!  Sweaty hugs from Ohio!

Bye Bye July!

This is a first for  me.  Only 2 posts in July.  One is a hello and one a goodbye.  What have I been up to? We've been trying to finish projects this summer that needed done around the Pines.  A bathroom update is finally in the books.

A new tub 

We kept the same  vanity as it was built in and very good wood.  Just had it repainted and a new vanity top and faucet, lights, and a mirror I found at a thrift shop.

My sister spotted this little picture at the resale shop in Chicago we love to go for treasures.  The ceiling was redone and painted and I painted the walls.  Time well spent I think. Glad it's over!  Then I had decided to change a planting area that had been near our front walkway after we changed the sidewalk from wood to cement. I pulled out all the hostas and flowers and replanted them elsewhere to make space for a fence.  

My sister was visiting last week and left yesterday but on Monday we put the fence in! 

I told Jack that we proved what two old broads with a sledge hammer can do! Ha!  There's just a small part that needs to be finished and that will hopefully be done this weekend.  New plantings and grass will go in but our weather has been hot, humid, and also very dry.  You'd think with the humidity we'd get rain but only a few sprinkles here and there.  Not great weather to plant grass!  We'll do our best to get it done before the end of the next month.  As I mentioned, Midge was visiting since last Thursday until yesterday.  We packed as much as we could in those days.  My niece Amy, along with her hubby Eric and Midge's grandkiddos were heading to Cedar Point so I met them at the turnpike, grabbed Midge and headed here while her family enjoyed 3 days at the amusement park.  Then the kids came here on Sunday and gathered with us for lunch until they headed to Mohican area and spent 2 days at a cabin owned by a friend of ours.

It's a pretty location and cabin sleeps 10 and has all the comforts of home along with a nice hot tub. They hoped to go canoeing on Monday but the area got lots of rain which made me mad since we only got a tiny bit.  But they managed to find other fun things to do.

Amy and Midge checking out the yard area

There's a nice pavilion and a huge fire pit.

Before they headed down to the cabin they joined us for a nice lunch at the Pines.

Amy and  my great niece, Ella.

Jack ready for chow!

Jordan, Jackie and my niece's hubby, Eric.  I didn't get pics of the other kids there.  They were busy running around outside and checking out the neighbor's animals.  We had a good time and my sister and I enjoyed being together and laughing all the time and probably driving Jack a little crazy! He's a good egg to go along with us on some of our adventures and then just let us hang out and enjoy our time.  It sure went fast just like this month.  I hopefully will get back on the blog wagon and post more for my own journal and memories as well as checking my blog buddies out to see how they're all doing.  It's almost August so I'd better get going.  Night all!

Hello July!

 I didn't get a blog out on the 4th of July but I did celebrate with family and a good friend of ours joined the group too.  She's the lady I told you about who lost her husband this year. We try to make sure she's not alone on holidays.  Anyway, guess who didn't take a single pic on that day...yep, me! I just got so busy making sure everyone was eating and enjoying the rainy day I didn't think about picking up the camera or using my phone.  Yes, the rains came but the fireworks still went off as planned. We stayed home but my daughter-in-law and her daughter and granddaughter went.  The only pics I got were:

The carved wooden eagle our son did for Jack a few years ago got a quick holiday outfit on.

I have a star shaped cake mold that makes 6 cakes and I usually whip up a few for this holiday. It's hard to tell what it is from this shot but they had cherry filling and did get eaten! We also did ribs and homemade icecream.  The rain didn't stop us from eating!  We really needed the rain so no complaining about it!  I happened to be off that week since one of the Docs who works 3 days a week at the endoscopy unit was on vacation and that's who I usually work with so I took advantage of the time.  Annabelle and I took a little walk at Freer Field where the Balloon festival had been held.  It was pretty quiet that morning and temps were nice and cool.

I enjoy the trail through the woods.

Coming out of the woods I could spy a couple just sitting on a bench on the hill enjoying the beautiful morning.   Speaking of enjoying a beautiful morning, I took a minute to sit out on the deck one of the mornings and have my tea and toast and just enjoy the pretty day.

So far the bugs haven't been bad but with the warm and humid days we've just been having I'm sure the mosquitoes will arrive and sitting outdoors without screens isn't going to happen much.

On another morning walk we had to stop by and say hi to our alpaca friends...little cute Beano!

Annabelle likes to get up and personal!

This scared me for a minute but this alpaca was just sleeping in the leaves! She soon popped her head up and got up and moved to a new spot.  Well, that's all I've got for now.  I hope the warm weather isn't hurting anyone too badly. We have temps in the 80's with humidity and I'm trying not to complain but enjoy this season.  However, I know soon it will be Fall and then I'll have my happy face on!   

Slacker Blogger!

 It's been a few weeks..again...that I haven't posted. I don't know why I get behind but I was determined to get a quick post in tonight.  It's getting late but if I hurry it will still be Friday.  This weekend is Ashland's annual balloon festival. It started on Thursday.  The weather held up nicely but tomorrow rain is forecasted.  We usually do get rain during Balloon Fest but at least this year there were 2 days of balloon races.  Jack said he saw a bunch of balloons in the air this morning on his way to the office.  He leaves for work at 6:30am and this slacker girl was still asleep until 8:30! Yikes!  I told Jack I didn't know why I was so tired.  He said, "well, you worked 2 days in a row".  Wait, what?  I remember when I would work 14 days in a row and also be called out all night and still be going strong.  Oh yeah, that was a long time ago! I keep forgetting I'm not 35 or younger even if my brain thinks I am.  My body knows the truth!  There were balloon launches in the evening but they didn't fly over the Pines.  I was taking Annabelle for a walk at the cemetery and this was all I saw of the balloons.

Ha! Pathetic!  I don't go to Freer Field where all the action is because that's also where all the thousands of folks who travel here to enjoy the fun are located.  I've been to a few of the balloon festivities and frankly, if you've seen one balloon glow at night, you've seen them all!  I do enjoy watching them in the air  though.  I doubt there will be any tomorrow as strong storms are heading our way but maybe on Sunday morning the weather will cooperate for the final fly over.  Since I haven't posted in a bit I'll just show some pics from Father's Day and other things that I find on my phone. 

My oldest son, Jack, and his oldest, Anthony.

 

Pool time! Our weather was pretty hot for a few weeks.  Very usual for June here.  We had 6 straight days of 90 plus temps and that hasn't happened since the late 1800's.  Not sure it there was global warming in the late 1800's but I'm pretty sure they didn't have above ground pools to cool off in or central air either.  That's why I'm thankful to be born in this day and age.

A little cutie for you! This is Megan, my daughter-in-law Evenlyn's youngest. I remember when I was that thin...back in the "good old days" before I was just in the now old days! Ha! We had a really nice Father's Day cook out at Jack's and I enjoyed seeing the Grandkiddos and just having a nice relaxing day.  I can't believe that next week is July 4th already.  I did get some of my patriotic things up.

Kitchen fireplace decked out.

I found this cute vintage tablecloth when I was in Chicago.  Love it!

My sister gave me the patriotic table runner when I was visiting her.  Looks good in the dining room. Well, it's almost Saturday so to end this slacker blog post I'll finish with these random pics:

My hydrangea decided to bloom this year.  Love this flower.

Annabelle surveying her kingdom near sunset. The trees look almost Fall like in the setting sun.

Saw this little one on our cemetery walk the other evening.  I prefer to see them here than eating my apples off our trees!  

I spied this on my last physical therapy appointment the other day.  I can't believe they still have this stupid stuff from Covid but then it probably is stuck on pretty good after 4yrs!  I do kind of like staying 6ft away from folks in a health care facility!  Finally...

We had a couple of nice rainy days that were very needed after those long hot days.  This is how I spent one afternoon.  On the couch, book in hand, quiet music, the sound of the rain, and the view from the back of my eyelids!  It's what I call my meditation hour!  Well, I went past midnight so I guess I better head to bed for some real meditation time! Night all!

2 Weeks On Speed Dial

 I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I posted last but more than that I can't believe how fast May and now June flew by.  Half way through June with the official start of summer this coming week gives me whiplash.  Jack and I have been working on projects in and out of the house.  The gardens are never ending with weeding and tending as well as grass cutting.  Last week I worked and also took a long weekend to go to Chicago and see Midge as well as attend my Great Niece's graduation from high school party.  

My Great Niece, Brooke, who will be attending Iowa St. in the Fall.  

My sister, Midge, Brooke, and her Mom, my Niece Katie.  Brooke is a sweet girl and I know she'll do well in college.  We're all proud of her! Plus, she's a beauty! 

The food was so good and we really enjoyed the afternoon even though it rained.  They have a huge house that's set up perfectly for large crowds. That's where we have our annual Christmas party.  In fact, this was the first time I've seen the house without a giant Christmas tree!  Here's a few pics of the cute decorations that were set up.

Nice job of celebrating a sweet young lady!  Of course the balloon arch in the first pics was a job we all pitched in to do.  I left Chicago on Monday heading for home and more things on my list to accomplish.  I enjoyed the time with Midge and family but felt bad that Midge woke up on Sunday feeling horrible.  She has a bad virus that she's just now getting over.  Thankfully, knock on wood, I haven't gotten it and she's feeling much better.  Once home I had a few days to prepare for our Relief Society (our Church's women's meeting) to be held here at the Pines.  I was worried about the weather but it turned out really nice.  Not even any mosquitoes to bug us! I didn't take any pics but we had a group gathered by the fire pit, lots of conversation and then an ice cream bar and fresh fruit salad.  It was a nice, relaxing time with a great group of women.  So all the mowing, weeding,  mulching, and food prep, mixed with working had me running on speed dial mode.  Thankfully Jack was there to help and I know I couldn't have finished it without him. Thanks Babe!  Oh yes, I also came back from Chicago with a nasty bug bite on my leg.  I've had that happen a couple of times before and I went to the clinic to have it checked out.  The NP thought could be phlebitis and ordered an ultra sound.  So the day of the gathering here I had a physical therapy session in the morning followed by the ultrasound, and then a doctor appointment in the afternoon.  (just a regular 6mo checkup)  The doc was running late and I didn't get home from a 3:20 app. until almost 5!  Then I had to get everything set up for the meeting.  I also worked yesterday.  Anyway, all was well and the ultrasound showed no blood clot.  The tech said, "No clot, looks like a bug bite".  Yep, I knew that all along.  Tomorrow is Father's Day and I know I'll blog about that later. Have a good weekend!

Pomp And Circumstance

 The past 2 weekends have been filled with a graduation party and this past Saturday, graduation day for our Lexi.

Pomp and Circumstance means a ceremony of grandeur or a very formal occasion.  Of course we all know when we hear that music that Pomp and Circumstance is heralding in a graduation ceremony. I remember my Mother-in-Law saying that the song always brought tears to her eyes.  Realizing these kids aren't little anymore and time is marching on with them brings tears to my eyes.

The music plays that iconic song and the kids march as practiced to their assigned seats.  It was a beautiful morning for the ceremony.  I was surprised it was held at 10am on a Saturday as I remember our kids and other Grandkids having theirs in a late afternoon or evening.  At least it wasn't raining!  In fact a little sunburned even happened on poor Jack's arms.  He's delicate where I tan.  

We looked for Lexi in the hope of catching a pic of her walking in.  Thankfully she had on some heels so we could see her better but all I got was the back of her head and that cute shock of purple hair!  After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the National Anthem was sung beautifully by one of the graduates, everyone sat for the speeches.  Of course those speeches are meant to inspire, give hope, give instruction, give praise, give some laughs, and bring on some tears.  The tears coming mostly from the parents and grandparents as the students are just excited to be getting done.  I don't remember a thing said at my graduation but after hearing so many in the years of my kids I know they all ring true.  The first speaker got a little emotional toward the end of his speech and I'm sure it's because he realizes that after this day of pomp and circumstance these kids will move on and some will succeed in various ways and others will struggle in ways that they don't expect.  Life will bring challenges and opportunities and we are praying that Lexi will be able to stand up to whatever lies ahead and know that what ever does go down her life journey there are many who love her and will help in any way possible.  Well, the tassels were changed from one side to the other, the hats were tossed in the air, and cheers were heard from the graduates and the proud crowd of family and friends.  Pictures galore, hugs given, farewell to friends and well wishes from everyone.

Sweet moments from Dad.

I was doing fine until Rae broke down in tears as she hugged Lex.  I think she was overcome with the knowledge that she won't have her big sister in the high school with her in the fall and Lex won't be driving her to school or being there at home.  Lex is planning on going to Bowling Green University this fall.  These two are as close as sisters can be.

Hang in there Rae. In 2 years we'll be doing this with you and the tears will flow again and the well wishes and parties and all the pomp and circumstance in your honor. Good luck Lexi! We love you!