Fall Weather

The soccer season started and the boys are both playing on the JV team. They missed the opener last weekend when we were in OH but Tuesday evening was the first home game. Our team won both matches (varsity and JV). They are having a good time and getting exercise so I can't complain.

This week has felt like fall. I'm trying to come to grips with summer being over and enjoying the fall. It rained Wednesday and Thursday (Gussie made it up here) followed by a perfect cool down. I can count among my blessings, not having to use heat or a/c. Pat is plowing up the lawn again striving for the greens of Augusta, haha. I can hear the groans of frustration. I am going to a small wedding today for a co-worker. She's been married 7 years already, but this one is in the Catholic Church.

Icing on the Cake

We were having a backyard BBQ the day after the wedding in Dublin (Ohio) and realized that Obama was speaking at the Dublin Coffman High School about three miles away at 6:45 p.m. Niece E who is a sophomore at UC Santa Barbara (political science major) was the initiator. Her little sis, Niece C was game, Nephew S (17) and Niece M. This in a sea of conservative Republicans. I was happy to be the chauffeur as I've been dying to see Obama and feel part of the movement. But first, I had to take Pat and the boys back to the hotel and it was already 5:00. I had to drive twenty minutes each way to the hotel, and just got back to Dublin to pick up the gang and we knew parking/walking would be a factor.





As we got near the site, cars were pulled off over the curb and onto the grass in every available spot. We finally found a parking lot which of course had no legal slots, so we pulled off on the edge and started walking. By now it was past 6:00. We followed the crowds and the traffic barriers about 1.5 miles before seeing the school. We could hear speakers already by 6:30 and naturally the stands were full. Very nice high school stadium. It looked like they were still admitting people to stand on the field, so we walked around the football field and waited in line for security. The loud speakers were working fine so we heard the Ohio governor, John Glenn, and Joe Biden. At this point we were on the field trying to get closer to the stage. We were probably only about 20 people back from the stage, but due to being fairly short couldn't get a view. If I bobbed and weaved and stood on tip toe I could get a glimpse of Biden and Obama. The pictures are from Neice12 on top of Nephew17's shoulders! The speeches were pretty short and sweet and it was fun to take the next generation to see history. I do believe Obama will win the election and I think he is just what this country needs.

As it turned out, our timing was perfect. We could have gone 5 hours earlier and not done any better. We got out easy peasy because we parked far enough away. The crowd was orderly and jovial.

Wedding Day

Pretty Cake with Raspberry Filling:




Darby House was the site of Jeef and Jim's wedding at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Really nice wooded setting out in rural Columbus. There were a few one-liners cracked at the ceremony making it truly a Denecke affair. Lots of pictures were taken of Nel-viro and her 10 kids, Jeef being the youngest. She declared after lighting the unity candle, “She's all yours, Jim.”



Dinner was delicious and dancing was frenetic. I must say the younger generation knows how to cut a rug.

Nell and her ten children.



All the Grand Daughters!!





Travel Day

We left for Ohio after work and school Thursday. For me, who took the day off, it was after my pedicure/wax. We got outside of Indy and stopped at a Super 8, upon recommendation of my parents (I found a coupon while Pat was in there checking in, he would not tolerate me bringing that in). Well, this one was pretty bad. The bedsheet had a huge cigarette burn on it if that gives you any idea. The worst shower I've ever seen: set about four feet up the wall, a trickle of water, your choice of scalding or ice water. The Free Continental Breakfast consisted of Fruit Loops or Corn flakes and toast. Whole milk in the refrigerator next to some old hot dogs and a Banquet dinner the night staff had stored in there.

Wed.

Cubs are red hot!

No more beat up Pontiac in the parking lot, dirty little rolled up socks and beverage containers strewn all over the house, no one just rolling out of bed at 3:00 when I get home from work. Do I miss him? Sure.

I missed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics as well as the Closing ceremonies. Oh well. I saw Usain Bolt run the 200m and Michael Phelps win the butterfly. That was pretty good. Our kids will always remember this Olympics because of Michael Phelps like we remember Mark Spitz in '72. It made a big impression even on a 9 year old. By the way, they still have that ribbon twirling event...called rhythmic gymnastics, go figure.

It has been a super busy week. In fact, I should ride to the bank right now (I love my bike).

Milestone

Boy20 went away to school after two years at community college and living at home. It was time, but bittersweet just the same. It was nice that he asked to have a last supper at Grandma's house and she cooked up everyone's favorite, corned beef. Lots of veggies, which was good for me as I am trying to eat healthy again, and ice cream for dessert. That was Friday night.

This morning we left around 9 to make the 1.5 hour drive. Just so happens Barack Obama was going to the same place. I sort of half expected to run into some traffic or something, even though we were on the edge of town and he was downtown. There wasn't any sign of congestion, lucky for us since we were barely making our check-in time. Needn't have worried. There was one girl checking in (and rudely blocking the one parking space in front of the housing office). We were off to the apartment area (on campus housing)and plenty of parking there. Mike, the RA led us to the four plex. Only the rude girl was there to check in. It was weird! There was nobody around. Mike "thought" maybe two of the guys in the apartment had checked in but was vague on that. Seems like he didn't have much to do and could at least keep track of the handful of students he was responsible for. I was starting to feel like the real bitchy parent who isn't getting the treatment to which they are entitled.

The place is really nice. See below. Rob, one of the guys left a note on the fridge for Boy20 to help himself to a beer or a Coke. There is lots of beer in there. Note: Boy is 20. I notice a rather fancy martini shaker on top the refrigerator. Oh boy, serenity now...







I'll try to skip the minutiea, and the things that didn't go right and suffice it to say we found the main dining area and we all had an Asian chicken with two sides for $4.25. Pretty reasonable, if overcooked. The one guy who was helpful was the food service manager who went out of his way to explain things and show us where to go and what to do.

I wasn't able to finish helping the boy fix up his room and put stuff away when both he and Pat wanted me out of there. When we come back, everything will be as is, the furniture still messed up, the phone on the chair unplugged, but with a deep layer of dirty clothes, Gatorade bottles and change on the floor and the accompanying stench...I'm sorry, I wasn't supposed to get negative. Maybe his roommates will provide a positive peer influence on his personal habits. I insisted on tacking up his posters and making the bed and then it was time to say good-bye. I consoled myself with a Grande Caramel Light Frappucino from Starbucks and it helped, somewhat.

Per Request

These are pages (the second one was done tonight)I made of the former family Talent Show we had back in July. My parents asked that it not be a competitive point scoring winner-take-all situation. So it was renamed Family Program and while there was a separate score sheet, the results mysteriously ended up in a four way tie amongst the kids. Believe me, they suspected foul play there.

I was inspired by Madz' cool pages, but this is not even close. I bought the paper today at the Dollar Tree (six sheets for $1). Remember you can click on it to enlarge.

A n t i c i p a t i o n

I am trying to enjoy the anticipation of sleeping in a new bed tonight. We freshened up the room with paint and cleaning supplies (it's been a long time, dustbunny). The matress is one of those memory foam types. We tried the pillow top and it got worn out in about 10 years. "They" say you should sleep on a good bed...

I love Michael Phelps. He's just phenomenal. Where is his dad? I love Shawn Johnson. She's an Iowa girl and that's close to my heart. I spent my college years in Des Moines. Love that small city. When did trampoline become an Olympic event? Do the women beach volleyballers in the white tighties get Depo shots or what??

Helen stopped by with her adorable kids today. Hence, I broke out the camera I'd nearly forgotten about. Helen and I were discussing my highlights and lowlights and Madyson asked, "Is your hair pink?" Well, yeah, pink or maroon depending on the lighting.

Looking forward to scrapbooking Friday night (I have lots of packets made up to crop into something) and the first of the weddings next week. Tomorrow I am going to start a broomstick afghan (a client is going to show me how) with off white wool that my grandmother had before she died around 1969. It's in remarkably good shape, my mother takes great care with such things. Finally, class starts next Monday (I seriously didn't think it was that soon) so the blogging may hit the skids again.

Note to Betsy: I think I've found the key to a good picture. Have it taken from ABOVE.

For the benefit of ??

Since I can't figure out where the first and second picture divide, enjoy these photos taken July 4th at the lovely and delicious Pier restaurant, to once again celebrate my parents 50th. First is the Golden couple, looking quite stunning, I think. There was a little fuss over the wine selection, but they have since forgotten about that (but are now reminded once again). We are left with only the good memories.


All the kids minus Boy20 and Neice18 outside the restaurant.


A Very Nice picture of Betsy and Chris. Good color coordination, too. Triple by-pass does one good, Chris!



Please ignore the "Susan Lucci" neck. Megan and me on the pier.

Wind Speak

Okay, Boy15 and his band heard about an open mike night at a local coffee shop. He took it upon himself to call the cafe and find out the details. The owner said, "It's mostly older people, but sure you can come and play." So Wind Speak and 10 groupies showed up on Friday night with their electric guitars, etc.

The Blue Hair crowd was indeed there, Pat and I being the only slightly younger customers. An older gent was entertaining the crowd with "Blowin' in the Wind", "Time in a Bottle", that sort of thing while Boy15's group patiently waited in a room off the main dining area entertaining themselves. The singer obviously had the show to himself in the past, as he gave no signs of letting up after 45 minutes. Finally the owner approached and he made way for "Wind Speak", the current band name. The gent with the guitar was very helpful in hooking the boys up to the amps, moving microphones, sound check, etc.

They opened with "Don't Fear the Reaper"- way to make the old folks feel better and get their attention! Polite clapping when finished. Next Boy15 sang an original mumbo jumble of words, I think it was about "trees." At that point my mother walked in to pick me up for a theater performance and got mad at me for not telling her her grandson was PERFORMING. Well, I didn't think this really counted for anything, but since I told her to pick me up there, I should have expected as much. We had to leave before the band finished so as to be in our seats 30 minutes before curtain.

I heard later they finished with "Wish You Were Here" , "Jungle Fever" (original) and "Stairway" and the crowd was most appreciative. All in all, a good experience. The band has not been able to get enough practices in to go at it again, but if they do, I will be sure to tell let you all know!

Wednesday's Wondering

I wish I was poetic. I wish I was prophetic. I wish I was a good philosopher, philanthropist or

I suppose I have some other talents like awkwardly peddling down the street with a metal lock banging against my shin. I got that cut off my bike yesterday after convincing the locksmith I didn't steal the bike; my friend whom I bought it from simply couldn't find the key. After all, if I stole it, it would have been most likely hooked to something necessitating me cutting it off myself. Why do I feel compelled to defend myself even when I'm not accused of anything? That is something I would really like to change- thinking everyone thinks I am guilty of some far-fetched delusion I created in my own head.

At this yard sale I have coming up I am going to sell my old but so lovable Olympus film camera. I never, ever thought I would give up film for digital. As much as I hate computers the day has finally come that I don't see ever using that camera again. I still have the box, owner's manual, etc. I have some 'antique' Shiny-Brite Christmas ornaments I bought as an investment (impulse) several years ago. I am hoping to break even at $5 a box. No one will pay that at a yard sale, huh?

Go

Cubbies. Tonight some hottie Neal Cotts almost blew the game. Cubs were up 2 to 5 and Cotts allowed a homerun on a full count to tie it in the 8th. Fortunately, some other hottie Reed Johnson hit a 2 run dinger followed by a Soriano homer and won it for the home team.

At dinner with my parents I could barely eat, I had so stuffed myself this afternoon with Zuccini Bread I baked. So I went for a bike ride tonight, a kind of new habit. So far, so good. I toodle all over town and out on some thin country roads. I don't wear a helmet, but carry a cell phone in case I am still conscious enough to call an ambulance, as needed. I enjoy riding brakeless down hills, though I do have a bit of restimulation to a bad accident I had as a child on my bike. I hit some rocks at the bottom of a hill going rather fast when I was about 10 and got pretty scratched up on my left side. Anyway, the worst I've had at 45 is being hit in the cheek with a rock thrown from a careless guy using a weed eater. It's nice to smell the barbeques of other's food and hear the lawn mowers, now that I am hunkered down inside with the air conditioner on like the rest of world most of the summer. It's about 87 degrees according to a bank sign, and though while humid doesn't feel bad at all.



Boy14 and 15 are playing soccer in the backyard through the peach tree while I blog on the deck nearby.

Four Weddings and I hope not a Funeral

Jen is getting hitched Oct. 11 to her partner Becky. Luckily it doesn't conflict with the three other weddings I'm invited to this fall. The first is my youngest sister-in-law August 29 in Columbus, OH. She is the youngest of 10 and luckily her mom (age 75) will see her married. I think she has been worried about this. She and Jim have been hooked up for several years and this will be the first time Pat's family has been all together since his father passed away in 2000. Pat says I am moving up in in-law 'seniority.' 3 spouses have divorced out of the family since 2000.

The second wedding I have been asked to 'stand up' with my friend Terri Sept. 20 when she weds Jeff in a nearby town. We have been through a lot together so this will be fun. This is second marriage for both so it should be low-key. The reception will be outside near a lake, and I think there is going to be fresh smoked meat (not sure what kind).

Yesterday a co-worker announced her plan to renew her wedding vows in the Catholic Church and her intent to invite everyone from work. I can't remember the date, but it wasn't one of the above.

Well, I don't think I've been to a wedding in years. It's about the time where I will more likely to be invited as part of the parents-of-the-bride/groom guests. That's kind of weird, to be one of the old-timers.

As you might can tell, I'm a tad excited for it all!!

A very good read

I've spent most of the day voraciously reading. This is definitely my kind of book. World War II historic novel. I've had to force myself out of the house to take a walk, a bike ride, visit my parents, a short weight lifting session not only to move my bones and avoid becoming a mole that can't see outside in the sunlight, but so that I won't finish the book too soon. Do you know the feeling? You want to slow down and savor it, but you keeping racing on to the end. I went out for a sugar-free vanilla iced coffee from McD's and have sorted through a couple closets for potential yard sale items. The boys are all away at a hockey game so it is sweet surrender to the book now.

Last Supper

Our last event together was dinner at Logan's. This is our usual stop, where you can eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor (and at each other). They have wonderful rolls that are buttery and free. Unfortunately, they wrecked the ribs, forgot to bring two sides, and the place was quite filthy. But who's complaining? We had fun.

Journey

On Sunday after the Ali Museum, we chilled a little bit then went to the 4:00 showing of Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D. What can I say? Brendan Fraser, action flick, cheap plot, cool effects. Really, the spit and measuring sticks and birds and fish were truly jumping out at us. Suspension of disbelief - just a little, kid's cell phone rings in the center of the earth, it's his mom. There was a cool scene in a mine shaft that was like a wild roller coaster ride. Overall, worth the reduced admission price (matinee) with contraband candy. I enjoy a fun movie in the summer, don't you?

I only felt bad that I didn't insist the theater recycle my glasses. Later I learned you can use them at home when you rent or buy the DVD! Yeah, like I'm going to watch that again...so here we are all in our sick 3D glasses.

Float Like A Butterfly

Some images from the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY. We visited on Sunday. It was quite informational but I think the kids liked the long escalator the best.



I'm sorry for the blurriness. There was no flash allowed in the museum.

come on Marmol...

Weird Things

My kids find the weirdest things at Aunt Betsy's house. Then they put it on my camera! How to describe this? Have you ever driven or ridden in a camper? In the back window there is usually a weird magnifying panel. Betsy seemed to have one of these in her house, why? Because Chuck likes yard sales?

Anyway, to acheive this effect, hold weird magnifying mirror in front of face, take picture of it, and have a Fat Bastard type image.

Cranium Game and Pirates Hat

Weekend in Louisville Part I

We arrived in C’ville Friday around 5:00 Eastern. We relaxed a bit before heading downtown for our favorite Mediterranean (Middle Eastern) cuisine at Safier. Since two of the boys would prefer pizza and the Cold Stone Creamery was located in the Fourth Street Food Court, we took our falafel and Greek salad over there. Security was blocking our entrance and music was blaring so I couldn’t hear Betsy’s conversation. I thought maybe the area was unsafe or something, but it turned out the whole area would be an open beer garden and they wanted to make sure the kids didn’t get any alcohol??!! Okay, onto the food court. Nephew9 didn’t care for his ice cream selection (sweet cream and Twix, so Betsy had to give up her most delicious Cake Batter and Cookie Dough combo.

Afterwards, we walked along the Ohio River fossil beds, one of Boy15’s favorite places on earth. A brief stop at home and we were off to Best Buy to purchase a camera. See new photos here. I have to say I am so pleased I was able to operate the camera, software, memory card, cords, etc. all on my own. I do like the little Fuji with a big zoom. I felt like the Paparazzi stalking my own sister at Kentucky Kingdom today.

Yes, today was Kentucky Kingdom, and I was miserable the whole time. I thought my metabolism was set for a big day after working out at the Y but the heat and waiting around (I was to chicken to ride anything but the Baby Coaster) not to mention the packed water park, was too much for me. I melted and whined and frowned until we got home to the air conditioning, dinner and a nap. Click on picture to enlarge and see the fam.




I almost forgot to mention, Boy14’s up close and personal view of Freedom Hall and his beloved U of L Cardinals. Incidentally, American Idol registration began here today for Monday’s audition day. Note to all: stay away from this area.



Tonight we played a game of Cranium and it was pretty fun. The boys went shopping and Boy14 got a flat bill Pirates hat. Boy15 got an old school Mello Yellow hat that looked like a Goodwill special. I’m exhausted now. Will try some reading and relaxing in the privacy of my own room.

Sunday

When the highlight of the day was cleaning out the kitchen sink with Comet, it gives one pause. Was it really that bad a day? Have you a case of the blahs? Or was your sink so disgustingly filthy that anyone would find joy in its cleaning?

In 11.25 hours I will be off the beeper. In four moons I will have turned in my main paper for summer class (I finished ahead of schedule). In five days I will be visiting with my sister in Indiana. Those are the things I'm really looking forward to.

Is there anything strange about going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show with your 72 year old mother (not to mention my nubile age of 45)? Well, it is the stage version. And we're not going to the midnight showing. So, it should be interesting anyway. My mom says to me, "Do you think I should wear a raincoat?" Me: "It's been so bloody long ago I saw that movie, and I was undoubtedly drunk, I have no clue what to expect." We have a couple weeks to prepare.

The weather was a perfect 81 degrees today. I took two short walks, lifted my wimpy weights, did gobs of laundry including the sheets, read the newspaper, wrote to my Danish friend. It was a real relaxing day, quite wonderful, actually.

The weekend

I am furiously working on a short paper for school this weekend. I waited too long and now I can't get all the research I was hoping for, durn it.

I was thinking about getting my camera fixed, but after consulting the camera store who no doubt want to sell me a new camera, seems not worth it. It was a freebie and lasted two good years. I absolutely hate spending money. But once I decide I will just do it impulsively. I am not at that point yet. Perhaps, perhaps I will go to Best Buy or one of those big cheap places we don't have in my town, when I visit my sister next week near Louisville.

Does it ever feel like there is so much to do you will never get it all done? I have major and minor projects awaiting completion, and even waiting to be started. I have to keep reminding myself, things will work out, things will happen when they are meant to happen. Today, it just all feels overwhelming. Ginnie, don't tell, it's MERCURY RETROGRADE. haha

Weather

Weather, what an interesting topic! It has taken a turn towards the tropical at 92 Degrees and 47% humidity. Feels like a steambath out there. I am thankful for air conditioning today. It would be a good day to indulge in a hot weather favorite Tropical Sno. Also known as Italian Ice, Shaved Ice, snow cones, etc. It is a little trailer set up seasonally which has mini-franchises around our area. The artificially flavored ones give me a good internal clean-out so if you are going in for colonoscopy it might be an alternative to that nasty stuff you have to drink.

The Party's Over

The last of our company is departing this morning after breakfast at the Sunshinie Cafe. The celebrating of my parents 50th anniversary is nearly complete. I think it was a good time for them. What they said from the beginning was all they wanted was to have the family together and we accomplished that except for Laura, age 17, who stayed in New Hampshire. I'm disappointed my camera gave out, but others filled in for the photography and we will hopefully get those pictures later.

On Friday night Betsy and Nephew9 arrived. She went to a 25 year class reunion and had a good enough time to return to the 'main' event the next evening. Chris, Donna, Neice11 and Nephew10 arrived Saturday in their RV. Don't ask how much the gas cost to drive it to Illinois from New Hampshire.

Boy14 had a traveling baseball tournament out of town Saturday-Sunday and some of us went to that on Sunday. The most interesting thing happened. They won the tournament! I don't think they were expected to win any tournaments this year, so it was a BIG thrill. We celebrated with Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream afterwards. I recommend it! They hand paddle your selection of add-ins into hard ice cream, form it back in a ball and you eat. Cake batter ice cream with cookie dough chunks is what you want to try. My mom and dad cooked a pork roast for dinner and the baseball crew arrived while the food was still warm.

Monday (Boy14's birthday) and Tuesday there were league baseball games in the evening, and we went to a waterpark and amusement center all day Tuesday. On Wednesday the kids hung out at the Lake near the camper and in the evening Pat cooked on the grill followed by the Talent Show. This year, we still voted for best act, but didn't give out prizes. There was a three way tie, that involved all the boys. Neice11 did a cooking show with grandma and while delicious, did not garner the votes of the Martial Arts demonstration by Nephews9 and 10 or Comedy with Boy14 or Trumpet Solo by Boy15.

Thursday at noon was the official 'anniversary party' consisting of about 10 of my parents oldest and bestest friends. They had a good time reminiscing but I had to excuse myself when the conversation turned to bowel surgery, etc. Chris' friend Tony and wife Laura (from Rhode Island) were visiting his dad in a nearby town, and were able to join us. Our friends Grace and Toru completed the cozy group. Chuck made it in from Indiana in time the night before so that was great. That evening I had a midterm and everyone relaxed at the Lake with a campfire (and pesky racoons, that's when I had to leave).

July 4 was a special family dinner at 5:00 at The Pier restaurant. We had made the reservation weeks before, but flooding on the Mississippi was threatening our plan. We found out on Monday that the water had reached the main floor of the restauarant though it was built on stilts (?) but would reopen Friday. This was about an hour's drive away, and when we got there we could see the water line on the trees, it had gone way up shore covering the waterfront park area. But luckily it did recede, they did open on time and we had a wonderful meal. It was relaxed, a beautiful view of the river, not crowded in the restaurant and the food was fantastic. Betsy asked if it trumped the Red Lobster dinner we had a decade ago. I didn't quite remember what she was talking about but I said yes, definitely. It was one of those things where everything is just right.

Later we watched fireworks in our town, but I was distracted taking pictures with my camera phone. Don't ask why. I just thought mine would be cooler than the stock ones they have on the camera (they were not).

Last night after the NH Vicks departed, the rest of us played a game of Pop Culture. It's one of those Cranium games where you sculpt, draw, act, hum, etc. It ended in a tie which was good.

In Memoria, Junior (2004-2008)

I was going to post a dignified picture of Junior but this is the first I found and it's more indictative of his life, particularly with Boy15 who played with and photographed him more than anyone.

I will finish this sad story later when I have more time.

Okay, here it is. Junior was out the other night and sounded like he got in a cat fight but there weren't any marks, etc. but he started acting funny after that. He would screech on occasion, especially while standing in the litter box. He wasn't eating or drinking or pooping and was shaking periodically. I got him into the vet today and he had some kind of bladder obstruction that was very painful and she said his bladder was likely full of blood. There were some procedures I'd rather not describe in detail that could be done, but his kidneys and heart may already be damaged and recovery was maybe a 50/50 shot.

Call me a pragmatist at best, a non-animal lover at worst, but I wasn't going to go through all that. Junior was rescued from a stray cat litter, the mother kept having litter after litter. I think we gave him a good life for his time here. We gave him his shots, neutered him, fed him, and even showed him some affection from time to time. So, I was shocked at how emotionally overcome I was at the decision to put him to sleep.

Apparently, my crying prompted the receptionist to come in offer to 'donate' her money to do the medical care but I declined this offer. Of course, this added greatly to my guilt. Boy15 was there throughout and later offered his insight that people in the old days who had to bury a lot of relatives at young ages must have had it pretty hard if this is how we feel over a cat.

So, whatever you think of me, that's the honest ugly truth. Now, Pearl is another matter entirely.



This is our Danish friend Toke with Junior. Here is something Toke's mom wrote to us after his visit:

Toke tells us about your cats and how wise they are: hiding in his bedroom to get to know him as he sleeps, trying to keep the power until other is proved.. and so on.

Warming Up

This game I missed two weekends ago. I stayed home with Boy15 since everyone was spending the night at the tournament. I heard (from unbiased reports) he held his own in pitching. That's a good deal, since he is one of the smaller, younger guys.

Coming up Friday/Saturday my siblings are arriving to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. There will be camping, water parks, baseball games, picnics, a party, the debut of a new video my sis made, and a Talent Show.

Hulkie

Last night we went to see "The Incredible Hulk" for Father's Day. I'm a little embarrassed to say I insisted on it. Boy13 who is the only one home, was game. Pat was not excited. It was one of those "I told you so" situations. Wow. I hate to say, it was pretty bad. My memories of the old TV show were not realized. They did pay homage to Bill Bixby who was shown on an old TV show "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." Lou Ferrigno had a cameo as a security guard. Ed Norton was "okay" but when he turned into the Hulk it looked so ridiculous. I couldn't get into it. At least Lou Ferrigno was a real guy. This stupid-looking monster they created was laughable. I also can't stand those drawn out fighting scenes. So what was I thinking when I wanted to see this movie so badly?

Best of West Central IL

Ice Cream: lemon flavor cone with Krunch Kote, Feldo's, Colchester

Walking Path: Lakeland Park, Canton

Sports Apparel: Steve and Barry's, Peoria. I love this store, everything is $8.98. Famous for Stephon Marbury's Starbury line, Venus Williams, Laird Hamilton and Sarah Jessica Parker, can you believe it!

Scenic View: Spoon River, Bernadotte

Concession Stand: Little League field, Beardstown. The best rib-eye and pork t's, popcorn, and lemonade. Don't forget the nachos.

Okay, I've run completely out of categories, ideas and etc. If you have ever been to this part of the country and would like to add your two cents, please do so. If you haven't, please visit us soon. We'd love for you to discover some sweet spots in our quaint little area.

June 11

Today is a special day, Boy20 turns 20. I remember about this time of evening (8-something p.m.) he finally arrived. It was pretty harrrowing. I don't think the nurse midwife knew what she was doing. The doctor wasn't available and things were getting dicey. All I remember was being pumped full of pitocin and her yelling at me. I know she wanted to go home and go running or something (she was wearing shorts). Nonetheless, it was really exciting and joyous. He was truly a perfect baby. I was a nervous wreck.

I am no longer mother of three teenagers.

Thought for the Day

ON the occasion

Of my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary (actually tomorrow, June 2). Here we are at a restaurant about 30 minutes from home, one they really like. Everything was very nice and good. This is the kind of place you order a martini, "dry and dirty." At least my dad does.



I look cranky, but I'm not really, the sun was just in my eyes.

Chicks, man

One of my projects for the day was to go down to my neighbor Kathy's and get some pictures and some transplants (see pot above). This is a ground cover plant I've seen before and have been really intrigued with. These are actually kind of large for this particular plant. It reminds me of cabbages or artichokes. The leaves are very thick. You'll never guess the name. This is the really weird, cool part. It's called "Hens and Chicks." I'm guessing because as it grows, the little chicks sprout out around the mother hen.

On my way home with my little foil packages of hens and chicks I saw the lovely garden box on top. What a great way to display ones hens and chicks.