Springfield Dejavu

I was looking for a different clip from Mr. Crosby and Nash but ended up with this one. I shared a concert with my two older boys last night in Springfield IL on the campus where Boy20 attends. About a 2000 seat beautiful auditorium. Boy15 and I got home about midnight, he helped me drive which was great. I noticed a couple of bouncers near the stage and Boy15 commented, "Do they think they are going to storm the stage, they're a bunch of old people?"

Always the social commentators, I do love this song, and they did play it last night with the full band they assembled. Very good musicians. And this clip shows them as they look now, older and very gray. Nash performed barefoot on a couple of oriental rugs. The two guys sounded good, but I did miss that third voice harmonizing.

I told the boys how my dad decided in the late 60's he would try to like rock music. He asked friends for some recommendations and he bought CSN&Y Dejavu and some Black Sabbath album. He pretty much hated them both, but they ended up in my brother's and my hands a few years later. That was my intro to this music. Interesting tidbit: Crosby claimed 17% of girls who lost their virginity between 1968 and 1972, did so to "Our House."

Missouri

My mom and I went on a little trip this last week to Missouri. My idea was to visit the last home of Laura Ingalls Wilder,one of my favorite childhood authors. On the way to Mansfield, MO we stopped in Columbia where I was born. We saw the hospital but Mom didn't remember it too well, and said it was a much larger complex than in 1963 and 1965 when my sister was born there. Then we went onto the campus of University of Missouri where we lived on campus. Those temporary housing units are gone now, and the VA hospital placed on there.



Here is Laura and Almanzo's home at Rocky Ridge. We were here sometime in the 1970's but nothing was at all familiar,except the Red Chief tablets Laura hand wrote her books on. Those are in a case in the museum area. Now there is a bookstore, too.



Next we have Mom exiting the farmhouse with our tour guide in the background. They had 4-5 employees working on this October day, which is kind of surprising for a small operation in the off-season.



Finally, the big surprise. Laura's daughter Rose built a house for her parents in 1928 aptly named "The Rock House" that they lived in for 8 years down the road from the farmhouse. The LIW association acquired the house in 1990 and had it restored and ready for tours in 1997. It really was beautiful and had all the modern conveniences, however as soon as Rose left the area in 1936, they moved back to their beloved farmhouse that Almanzo had built. Poor Rose.




There's something about this pioneer girl/woman that still fascinates me...
After my big vacation (a week off) I'm more tired than if I worked all week. Does anyone else feel like this?

Here Comes the Bride

And the other Bride:



This was the most traditional of the weddings this fall, since my sister in law. It was a wonderful ceremony peformed by Becky's boss, actually, and assisted by their minister. I was weeping uncontrollably. And no kleenex, of course. I think what got me was Jen's parents being "not present" but her brother was standing up with her, and it must have meant the world to her. Becky's parents are deceased, but her sister stood up with her and sang a song for them in leiu of the traditional toast monologue later in the evening.



I was trying out my new flip video and if a miracle happens I will post a clip of the "first dance." It was hysterical. It started with a slow dance to "Lady" and suddenly the music cracked and one those hip hop humping songs came on (my child tells me it's called "Soldier Boy" and it's like two years ago). Jen and Becky looked really pissed, and then broke into a coordinated dance with sunglasses. Back to Lady, another switch, dirty look and dance team effect.

And no, I did not wear "the dress" again. I picked a out a nice 12 year job with huge shoulderpads I didn't have time to cut out of the sleeves.

Wedding Number Three

That is wedding number three this fall for me, not Terri's wedding number three. Only #2 for her and for Jeff. They are pictured below. And yes, that is the same dress, again. I do get a lot of mileage out of a purchase, well actually a gift from my mom. She likes to shop, I don't. Better tell her I need another dress. I did not get any ceremony shots, because of course I was the best woman in it. The reception was very informal at lake with smoked meats and salads, German Chocolate cake, among others. I'm pretty much a cake connessuir now, and this was good. Okay, I don't know how to spell, but neither does spell check.



Okay, I had to add the picture below of a table decoration at Terri's bachelorette. It was a wild time!

Wedding & Balloon Fest

This is the bride in wedding #2 and my bosses wife in the background. It was a church wedding, seven years after the couple was married in a less traditional ceremony. It was really nice and it meant a lot to her. I'm sorry I didn't get any photos of the bride and groom together.



Not 10 minutes ago I heard a familiar whooshing sound outside and took this picture from my porch. It's the annual balloon rally in our small town. I'm not sure all the technicalities but I think there are some contests and prizes for the balloonists, like landing closest to a target. The thing it is known for around here is called the Balloon Glow and all the balloons park in a large field and inflate their balloons after dark making different patterns. There is live music and concessions and a festive atmosphere. It so happens the university football team is playing across the parking lot, so it makes for a big traffic jam afterwards, as much as we can experience around here.

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...