Being Tired

 Our weather, like many of you, has been a crazy mix of warm, cold, sunny, rainy, windy, and a few hot days thrown in for some flavor.  Silly Mother Nature!  Some of those changes happen in one day around our neck of  the woods. Makes a soul tired!  Speaking of tires...smooth move into my post today!  On Wednesday my tire pressure notice came up on my dash as I was dashing to work.  I thought it might just have been because we had cold weather and that sometimes affects the pressure.  However, after coming home and looking at the tire I saw a lovely nail imbedded in it.  Dang!  So off to our tire guy...the name of the place is actually "Guy's Tire"!  We waited for the fix only to find out we had to buy 4 tires!  All wheel drive vehicles are suppose to have the same tires....so they said.  And after checking it out I found out they were correct.  So I handed over the wallet and got all  new tires.  I was off work Thursday so they put the tires on and I was good to go.  We had an 80de day on Thursday and no rain so I was also good to go for mowing.  My grass grows with the speed of light!  I hopped on the mower, started it up, and lo and behold it had a flat tire!  No way!  So no mowing as Jack had to take the tire off after work and he took it back to Guys for it to be fixed on Friday.   After work on Friday and before the rain was to start I mowed and when I was done the rains appeared and I praised the good timing.  We have a few projects this Spring and Summer that will put more dents in the old wallet but just have to be done.  Our sidewalk to the front steps was made of wood when we bought this house 22yrs ago.  It really needed to be taken out and this is the year.  Jack has been doing the demo part to save a few bucks and it's almost ready for the cement guy..different from the tire guy...to come and get it done. 

Don't come up the front walk unless you want to leap onto the porch!  After this we will have our fireplaces fixed so we can actually use them this Fall and Winter.  That's another wallet cruncher but necessary.  Yes, all homes need maintenance and sometimes things just have to be done.  I'll have before and after pics of course and will enjoy the final outcomes.   All these things do make a person tired!

The young man doing the sidewalk also had wood he wanted to get rid of and we gladly bought it off of him to get a start on next Winter's cold. This was just the first load! It will need to be stacked and covered so there's another little project that will again make us tired.   Last but not least I have to say that even with all the weird weather ups and downs we have had a pretty Spring.  

The magnolia tree bloomed nicely and even with losing some of it's blossoms it still looks pretty.

The flowering crab is also extremely lovely!  Our dogwood trees are just about ready to be in full bloom and you know I'll get pics of them when they're ready.  Seeing all this beauty is the one thing that doesn't fall into the "tired" category but it's getting late and that does remind me how tired I am tonight!

Night all!

Easter Greetings!

 This is one of my favorite times of the year.  I love Easter and all it stands for.  I love making the food and fun with family also.  Sunday I was so glad Jack and I were good to go as far as the Covid bug was concerned.  We were both feeling better and enjoyed a wonderful Church service and then prepared for the kids and Grandkids to arrive.  We ate lunch around 2:30.  We  had ham and tons of extras to enjoy. We all ate enough that nobody even asked about dessert! I put the pies in the freezer to be enjoyed at another gathering.  The weather was just perfect.  Sunny and in the 60's.  I even mowed the yard on Saturday. The grass had grown so much poor Annabelle had to struggle to get through it to pee! Ha!  I only got a few pics believe it or not.  I really wanted to gather everyone together for a group photo but just didn't get around to it.  Too busy with all the activities going on.   We had 3 different egg hunts.  One for the only 2 littles we have and one for the teens and then one for the adults.  

I found this cutie when I was in Chicago and he looked so cute on the lawn for the egg hunt.

The two littles that hunted first were Hazel who's almost 2 and Aria who's 6.  It was hard to get a good pic of Hazel who never stops moving! They both had a fun time.

The teens were next.  Here's Cameron and that's Mandy in the background.

Rae checking out her winnings! The teens all got some cash to spend during this week's Spring break.

This was the only pic that showed the adults...half shot of Anthony and that's Jordan in the dark clothes! I guess I just ran out of picture taking steam! Ha!  The adult eggs had lottery tickets in them and Anthony scored the most with $25 winnings. There were a few others that got ten or five bucks and a few dollar wins.  All in all I think they enjoyed it. They are good sports about it anyway!

Our Granddaughter, Summer, came by later after going to her other Grandma's.  It was a nice surprise to see her and her pup, Happy.  You can see my other Granddog, Kip behind her.  We had all the dogs and then the neighbor's dog, Cooper joined the group.  Annabelle was worn out by the time everyone took off for home. That's about it for pics.  As you can see we were blessed with wonderful, sunny and kind of warm weather.  It was a perfect day.  

The next day Annabelle just wanted to rest up in any sun she could find.  We're having a sun filled week with temps rising to 80 by Friday.   I worked yesterday and today and I'm bushed after the weekend too!  Hopefully tomorrow I'll be raring to go and work outside in my gardens of "Weedin"!  Happy Easter everyone.  If you missed Easter on Sunday, Orthodox Easter is this coming Sunday.  We were invited to my cousin's Greek Easter celebration out in Chicago but we're not making the drive. So I'll just enjoy a quieter weekend ahead.  

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!