May 4, 1929

Yes, that is the day Bob was born--80 years ago. We were fortunate to have met at a very young age and spent over 50 years together raising our family of four. Bob was one in a million and I was the lucky one to marry him. We did have a great life together even though there were ups and downs. We did weather them, fortunately, and came to be able to spend some of our "golden years" doing some of the things we had planned earlier in life. We were able to travel often to visit our children and grandchildren. I can remember his 77th birthday so well. Ruth Anne and I had shopped for groceries in Myrtle Beach. She wanted to get something for his birthday, so she selected a chocolate cake with chocolate icing (his favorite) and picked up two candles, both with the number 7 on them. She said she would be able to use them one day when the girls got that old. When Ruth Anne and David went out for the evening, I took a picture of Bob with his cake (more than half eaten, so I turned it around to look "new") lit the two 7's and got down low enough as to not show the cake so well eaten. Of course, there was chocolate ice cream to go with the cake, so Bob was in his glory. We had been on the beach that day and I took some pictures of him. How he loved the ocean. I walked the beach again last week and thought many thoughts of the man in my life. How I miss him!! He was a good man, wonderful husband and devoted father. Rest is peace, my love.

Surprise!!!

Seems so long ago that I wrote a blog!! I just had to write about this, however. In February I was invited to a surprise 75th birthday party for my sister in the Phila. area. It took only a few days for me to decide that I MUST go. It has been almost two years since I saw any of my siblings and their families. The party was to be at the Concordville Inn, a place of historic interest in the area. I made my plans--called brother to see if I could stay with his family for a couple nights. Of course, he said they would be pleased to have a visitor. Made plane arrangements and things were set in motion. The party-giver requested that when we replied, we should select one of three entrees on the menu. That was the easy part. My niece sent me an e-mail saying that WOW, would Mom be very, very surprised!!. Indeed, she was.
The night of the party, she was brought to the Inn by her son, and only when they did not get seated in the main dining room, did she think something was awry. She was ushered into a private dining room where we (about 50 of us) were waiting to yell "Surprise!" She was floored, needless to say. She meandered around the room and bumped into me. She asked who I was. (Her vision is poor temporarily due to recent cataract surgery.) When I said that I was her sister, she really was surprised. She had no idea about any of this and my coming from so far away made that very special for her.

Among the guests were eight of her former co-workers, including her boss, a brother, two sisters, three children, two grandchildren, several nieces with their spouses, her daughter's in-laws, some close neighbors, a sister-in-law and her husband and daughter and some other close friends of her son.

All in all it was such a nice party from beginning to end. The food was excellent and everything was elegant. Lots of pictures were taken with the disposable cameras on each table, plus those who brought their own.

I am certain it will be a long time before my sister forgets her 75th birthday.

Back to the cold

It has been quite a while since I have written anything in my blog. Lots has happened since the last entry.
Christmas was just wonderful. Peggy and I attended Mass, then we came home and she made breakfast. A delicous omelet!!! Off to the movies to catch the early show. Saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" which was very good. Came back home to get dinner ready while Peggy took care of her animals. Steak dinner was super.
Day after Christmas, Mary, Scott, Stef, Jake, and Stef's friend Tom joined Peggy and I for a turkey dinner and gift opening. Aterwards, we played cards until time to retire. (The thing I like best about a turkey dinner is the leftovers!!!)
Lots of football games to watch during the ensuing weeks then I got ready for my trip to California to visit Paul, Nicki and Kate. That was great!! Kate has grown up so much in the last six months. She speaks much more clearly and has learned how to play a few games. Her "fishing rod" game helps her learn her lower case letter and she could even say the words they spelled!!!!. Her "Memory" game showed us both a thing or two about paying attention. Reminded me of the TV show "Concentration" Make a match and take the pair off the board. We played with 36 cards, and she amazed me with her powers of memory. Almost skunked me twice by the time I came home.
When we went to the airport, Kate said she did not want me to go home. "Stay, Grandma" is all she said. I told her that I would be back sometime later. I do hope that placated her.
Now I am back in the cold weather of Wisconsin. Fortunately I did not return to two feet of snow in my driveway. It had only snowed once or twice, in small amounts, while I was away. Weather is supposed to be more mild this weekend, so I am hoping to get my new car washed. I need to remove the salt stains.
Back to work tomorrow. Mary is certainly glad I came back. Let's see how much I can accomplish in a day at the office.
More later.

Thanksgiving 2008

Tomorrow is a day set aside by US residents to give thanks to the Almighty for all his graces and blessings. He certainly has given us much for which we must thank Him.
I just returned from the Ecumenical Service at Faith L. C. which consisted of a Vesper Service and many thanks were sung about, rung (bell choir) and read about. Sandy participated in robes as did Fr. Bruce and Pastor Bob. Well attended and we were requested to bring food for the Pantry. I was amazed at the quantity of food that was donated. Money donations were assigned to the Ecumenical Ministry of Columbus and Fall River. All the plates looked full of bills, not just ones.!! It was a real pouring out of gratitude for all we have and can share with those less fortunate.

I plan to be with Mary and family for dinner, after I attend Mass and bake pies and casserole for the dinner. I certainly am looking forward to a wonderful family gathering. Let's hope my pie baking is still in good form.

The "new" car is a pleasure to drive. Today something happened and I don't know what I did, but the alarm went off as I exited the vehicle. I looked at the car, then looked at the keypad and finally locked the doors. That stopped the alarm. All I had to do was hit the panic button again. I'll learn more about this car every day.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, everyone. It is great to be alive.

New car

Today I parted company with the 96 Olds and became the proud owner of an 04 Honda!!!!!
I only drove the Olds for 12 years, but it was a good car and gave us (Dad and I) good service all those years. I just hope the person who bought it has many miles of safe and happy driving. Tomorrow I will work on putting on the vanity plates which I transferred from the old car. Dad would be so happy to see all this happening.

Had a busy week, mostly doing volunteer work. Hospital Volunteers had their annual dinner on Monday night at the Capri. Well attended and a delicious meal. Short meeting, which I did not mind, and installation of new officers.

Tuesday was bowling night. We won 5 of 7 points and moved ahead of our opponents by doing so. One good game and two mediocre ones.

Wednesday was volunteer day at the Care Center. Fr. Bruce was not there to say Mass, so we had Rosary and Communion, which I had the privilege of leading. Fr. had to attend the funeral at O'Connor Center for one of the diocesan priests. RIP

Thursday is usual shopping day. After that my day was spent finishing up the project for Sugar Plum Fair (6 jewelry bags) and shortening 3 pair of trousers for a client of mine. Enjoyed the Graffe String Quartet concert in Watertown Thursday night with Marlo and Lois. (Part of the Community Concert Series--bonus concert in another city which honors our Beaver Dam membership)

Today was non-stop everything. Haircut, volunteer work at Hospital, travel to BD to transfer car ownerships, volunteer work at Care Center, and a dinner at the home of Donna, who took care of Dad when I needed to get out to bowling or bridge or lunch. Donna has been under the weather all summer, and I just learned about it on Monday night. I called to make arrangements, so I picked up fish dinner at Culver's and took it to her home. We had a great gabfest catching up. Usually we meet at the Capri, but since she is weak and uses as walker, I thought taking a meal to her would be best. It was. We both had a good time.

Now I am at it again. No comments on my last posting so I wonder if anyone is reading my posts. If not, I suppose it will just go down as another entry into my diary of life.

TTFN.

Home again - Vacation over for now

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to blogging. Have been away for more than a month just taking things easy and relaxing in NC and SC. Had a great time with the three little redheads in NC. They have grown quite a bit since my visit in the Spring. I know they did not want me to leave, but I told them I would come back sometime soon again.

The weather in WI has been absolutely beautiful the past two weeks, except for a day of rain which we really needed. The trees are showing their beauty. Took a couple pictures today to finish off my roll of film. Also found that Sharrows can now make prints from my digital card. I have a few that I want to copy for friends.

Our Church is having its big money maker in a couple weeks. I have offered to make some jewelry bags (you have one, Ruth Anne) and the chairperson liked that idea since they are planning to have some jewelry there. Today I cut out and got started on three of them. I will get more material in BD on my next visit. These are red satin with white drawstrings. Sharp.

Bowling again, now that I am back from vacation. Did a fair job on Tuesday, my first night since April. Three games 145, 146, 149. Last season I ended up with a 149 average for the year. I guess I still have the knack. Tomorrow I plan to bowl in the Senior Tournament in Oshkosh. Six games--doubles and singles only. Usually a fun day with the "older gals" Must be 50 to enter. I qualify in that regard.

Will not bore you with any more details tonight. Good to get back to this. Will try to be more regular with my blogging.

Ta Ta for now.
ASG

JULY BLOG CONTINUED

What did she do???

Let's try this again -

Phew -

I found that drated "DRAFT."


What has happened to my last two posts? I do not know but I will try again.

Spent a wonderful almost three weeks in CA in June visiting family. The little granddaughter has grown quite a bit since I last saw her in January. More active and verbal. We played catch with a sponge ball and she got a large charge from that. We did "high in the sky."

You can create another "post" and continue this.

Peggy :)