2Homes*2Lives

One Moment That Will Last Forever

2012-01-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

Daughter Beth is now in her 30's. She was born with brain damage and at the age of two we had her tiny little Jenny Linde bed next to ours to monitor her as she was on meds. for seizures. I leaned over to check her in the morning and returned to my place in bed. To my surprise, she crawled up on our bed and planted a kiss on my cheek. That has never happened since, but I can tell you it has lived in my mind over and over like a long playing movie. Any parent with a child who displays autistic tendencies and lives in their own world knows what I am talking about. Bonding is such an issue. I hug her, stroke her hair, and bond as much as she will allow. I know she loves me, but have learned to accept she cannot physically respond in kind. Our world is blessed to have her, just the way she is, as we have learned to treasure each and every simple thing life has to offer. God Bless the miracles in our lives!

Invited to "Tea Party"...

2011-05-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Son RC called the night before asking if I wanted to attend a "Tea Party" for Evan's kindergarten at his school. I arrived and sat in the overly hot gymnasium. The woman next to me had a huge lense on her camera that intimidated me and the mother in front of me had her video camera. I came with a small digital camera with a bad battery, so had to keep turning it off and on to get enough charge for photos.
In came the kindergarten classes. What was not to Love? Little girls in their Easter Dresses and ribbons in the hair. And the boys were waving like crazy at their parents and or grandparents. Evan was in the last class. He searched the crowd and finally spotted his GaGa, greeting me with a sly smile. That's all it took for me to feel that inner glow that grandparents get when they spot that little guy who means the world to them.

I had not realized that this was their graduation and they were given certificates and pencils by the principal individually.

Afterward we had lemonade and cookies and he asked me to take him to the sitters so he wouldn't have to ride the bus. We stopped to get him some strawberry lemonade, french fries, and a bag of jr.roast beef sandwiches at Arby's for the other kids at the sitters.Some moments in time only happen once in your life and this one was a keeper...

Two Easter Cuties

2011-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Quinn in San Francisco

Paxton In Cincinnati

Nothing is more precious than a baby and these are two cuties.

Quinn is the grandson of Sue, a high school and longtime friend.

Paxton is the grandson of friend Judy. We taught together at the jr. high and have been friends for years.

Nothing stops me cold more than seeing a beautiful baby.

Enjoy!

She was Quite the Dame

2011-03-23T16:12:00.001-07:00

2011-03-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

Visit Tonychow.net to see his gorgeous photos of Hong Kong and Australia.

Beautiful

2011-03-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

http://acreativemint.typepad.com/

I'm Back Again...Thanks, Holly

2011-03-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

After a year off from this blog, I have decided to come back. Life was slow and I was in a fog since losing sister Martha on my birthday in 2008, but now I am starting to want to live again.

Thanks to Holly on Decor 8 for inspiring me tonight to reopen this blog.

http://www.decor8blog.com/

She has been a lifesaver to me at times when I felt disconnected from the beauty in this world.

Will be posting from time to time again....

Hope you will check back in with me.

Love, Marilyn

Time to tend to my gardens...

2009-11-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

(Perennial garden at home)

("Garden Susie" from my cottage garden)

For two years I have vented and posted photos and thoughts on this blog.

It began with my frustration of two homes and two distinctly different lifestyles.
Then it was my solace as illness and loss set in this last year.

Now retired, my days and my efforts need to go to other endeavors. I want to cut back on my computer time, and closing down this blog is a way for me to begin.

Thanks to anyone who may have read my blog.
Time to tend to my gardens in life.

God Bless,
Marilyn

Next Up in the Winter Olympic Trials...

2009-11-25T17:30:00.001-08:00

Let us all stand by our sleds and sing the praises of snow in Colorado!!!

John John and Eric, the Hill Champs!!!

No fear when it comes to taking the slopes. You rock, John John!!!

Love, Aunt Marilyn

IS IT A BIRD, OR A PLANE?

2009-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

No, It's SUPER ZIE!!!!! Photo taken by her Dad, my nephew Eric, from Broomfield, Colorado. Great shot, Eric!

Zie is a gutsy, wonderful, talented little girl. One day she will be famous!!!

Love, Aunt Marilyn

November 23

2009-11-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

Martha and Me, 1970

Today was the first anniversary of the death of my sister and coincidentally (?) also my 62nd birthday. I went out to dinner with school friends Ginny N., Ginny K., Trina, Sonnie, and Betsy.

We ate at Buffalo Jack's and talked nonstop for two hours...great time.

Both my brothers, John (and Thister Swede) and Bob called to wish me Happy Birthday. I am totally blessed.

I feel Martha with me everyday, but especially on that day....I'll always miss and love you, Sis.

Marilyn

It's November...

2009-11-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

I was opening a big trunk in our bedroom to unpack the Christmas items I have saved through the years for the holidays. There are two that I will never part with from Linda (who passed away suddenly May '09). You know how you open each tissue wrapped item and get that "Oh, I'd forgotten I had these"...well, that's what I was thinking as I opened these precious bundles...

One was an angel Linda found...she repainted the blonde hair to black and gave it to Beth. The other she was bursting at the seams with excitement to give to me (and Bob), was a Christmas Tree Farm Scene...

.

They are both reminders of how much love Linda put into everything she did. It wasn't money, but downright thoughtfulness that set her apart from others.

This is a very trying month for me as my sister Martha died a year ago next Monday, on my birthday. I have decided that for me to sit around or sleep due to depression is wasting the life Martha and Linda so desperately wanted to live. So now I am willing myself to be positive, clean out the weeds in my life, and stop procrastinating. Life can be short and fleeting.

Happy Thanksgiving. Hold your family and friends close.

And, Mr. President, Bring Our Troops Home.
Thank you to our Military for their service.
God Bless America!

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

The grandsons were off school for the day so took them to the movies. They said viewing would be in number 13, but we saw the movie title on number 15 so went in. We had taken so long buying our by then $40.00 worth of tickets and refreshments (pop, popcorn and candy were only $6.50 ea. in a kids pack) , so the movie had already started. A half hour later it ended and we realized we only saw the end of the movie. It wouldn't start again for a half hour, so we went to number 13 and saw the middle of it. We decided to hit the video games room and buy the dvd one day to see the beginning and then view it to the end.

Max was cute, but rather vapid as a character...didn't seem very connected to the story emotionally. LOVED the creatures...they were drop dead adorable. Could see the movie over and over just to gaze at their walking the sands and beaches of Australia! The music was magical. And their wood constructions were amazing!! Wonderful interpretation of the storybook by Maurice Sendak... A must see for everyone!

The Devil Made Me Do It...

2009-10-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

My wish is to...
Be the kind of woman that
when your feet hit the floor each morning
the devil says~~"Oh Crap, She's up!"

Lacking direction

2009-09-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

There were days when there were not enough hours and now there are days where nothing is being done. How to motivate myself has never been a problem, as I am a curious and driven person, but now with free time to waste, I am blowing it. I've prayed to God for direction, but I don't want something like my sister's cancer to wake me from my paralysis. I think I will bore myself soon and get up to speed.
This year seems like the first year of retirement, after losing Mom and Martha last year and best friend Linda this year.
Wish me luck!
Marilyn

Photos from blogs

2009-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

http://maxattenborough.co.uk/

Photos from http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/

If friends were flowers, I'd pick you !

2009-06-06T05:53:00.002-07:00

Left to right: Matilda Wren, Malissa, Malissa's husband Jeff, Linda,
Michael, Mackenzie, Mitchell, Grandma Besse, (family friend)
Monica, George Oliver.

(Friend Linda used to write reminders on her hand, so the tattoo artist who did her image included a message on her hand...this is so Linda. Linda died due to a tumor or cancer in the brain...we have not been told what happened.)

How do I say good-bye to my friend Linda? For 13 yrs. we shared our highs and lows. And in that time her five kids Malissa, Michael, Monica, Mitchell and Mackenzie, her 90 yr. old Hungarian mother Besse, her son in law Jeff and two grandchildren Matilda Wren and George Oliver were family to me.

Linda had been divorced since her children had been toddlers. She had raised them all by herself in a Bohemian household filled with love and artistic creativeness. All of her kids had been on Homecoming Courts, all beautiful and each a part of Linda. Malissa had her mothering skills and was nurturing to the grandchildren, as well as a loving wife - so beautiful; Michael her funny side- with acting talent and a chef's instinct on cooking, sported a tattoo saying "MOM" and a cross on his arm for years; Monica her independent single graphic artist- sweet as the day is long and living life in total communion with everyone and everything in NYC; Mitchell in education and sports - independent, travelled and very dependable (marrying soon); and Mackenzie her photographer - feisty and complex, with fairy soft beauty - a flower child. Then there was Grandma Besse who loves Betty Boop, playing bingo, cooking and driving her car around town like a bat out of hell!! No one is sweeter than Besse. What a legacy Linda left behind in all of them.

Although I admit I wanted to gouge out the eyes of her ex-husband through the years, I have been told he is very nice and to his credit was with the kids, holding Linda's hand to the very end. Linda never stopped loving him and had never found anyone to replace him.

The local funeral director, Jim, and his daughter Maggie (Mackenzie's friend) took over on the funeral, holding it at a rental party barn they owned. It was two hours of visitation, the Memorial ceremony, and a picnic with food donated by the community organized by Maggie and Jim took over the grilling of hamburgers and hot dogs with friends. He even did a swing dance with Monica at the end of the night. It was magical.

The kids set up an altar of Linda's favorite things from her porch and met with the lines ofpeople on a rainy day. Some came and went but at least half stayed on as hundreds showed up to pay their respect to Linda from our tiny little village. All the seats were filled and the large hall lined three deep as one after another spoke of Linda's ability to connect to others. She never had a lot of money, but tons of love and concern for people and animals. She loved to garden (put in my perennial garden) and do weddings as a sideline (I went to her last one she was supposed to do, the day after she died).

Linda's kids were all dressed up in their own unique style (always inventive) and Micheal in his motorcycle gear, headband and hoodie even got up to speak and say that his mother and he looked to Jesus and God for direction in life and that his mother would want all of us to be loving, which brought cheers from the crowd. "Imagine" and a couple other Beatles tunes were played beautifully on a portable organ by Linda's musical guy friend Mr. Williams from the high school. A niece read writings from her brother Ron. A young girl spoke about Linda with such calm. Just before the end of the ceremony, another of Linda's three brothers, Dickie, got up to tell everyone about his last visit with Linda...not a dry eye in the house. Linda's sister sat with her Mom and her kids embraced all who talked or performed.

Linda was a class act. She showed everyone that you can leave life with dignity if you give more than you take. You can make yourself a friend to many and it doesn't take money to do it. You can raise five beautiful kids and leave a part of you to this world. You can care for your mother, brothers and sister.

And you can be a friend to someone who loved you ...more than she will ever know.

You were my gypsy friend and I will be lost without you. I will email your kids and be in touch with your mother daily. All I can do is try to be a friend to others and a remote Mom to your kids, the way you taught me.

I lost my mother and sister last year and now you. My first instinct was to forget friends and being hurt with loss...but then I decided my life is better for having known you, so I cannot give up friends.

I Love You Linda. We are together in dreams.

Forever...

Marilyn

Husband Bob, Gotta Love Him!

2009-02-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Bob is definitely one of those "they broke the mold when he was born".

He's obcessed by cars and food, and weird things in this world.
Always on the go, hyper diaper as they come.

The other night he went to bed early and I asked him, "Big day tomorrow?"
Half asleep he replied, "Yup, I have 10 lap dances to do in my bunny suit".
He actually does have a big white bunny suit he bought at a garage sale for $5.

It's like living with a little kid as he is show and tell every day about things he buys
or things going on with him. His mother always told me not to ever take the kid out
of him...His humor does get me through many a dull day. LOVE YOU, Bob.

***I showed this to Husband Bob and he said I should be careful what I say about him, in case he wants to run for public office one day!

Beauty of the Highlands...

2009-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

(Photo is from a Scottish Site)

How Precious...

2009-02-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know whose baby this is, but I could stare at this picture for hours.

Someone sent it in an email with baby poses.

My weakness is babies. They are so innocent and beautiful.

Think About It...

2009-02-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

(Photo by grandson Jake)

Lose a mother, lose a sister, go on with life. You have no choice. You live for seeing them again in heaven, but concentrate on today.

God Bless America

2009-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

(Picture above was by a 7th grade student I'll always remember..Beth Barger.)

Tatum and Barron Married at Last!

2008-12-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

"Hey Bob..."

Congratulations Tatum and Barron....Beautiful wedding, Pat and Bob! Cheers!!

YUMMY !

2008-12-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

Husband Bob hates wallpaper. I would LOVE to have a
yummy room like this one with wallpaper by
Anna French of the UK in her Wild Flora collection.
Saw it highlighted in a post by Holly of
Decor 8 (see links).
Reminds me of pastel butter mint creams.

Boy Oh Boy

2008-12-16T17:50:00.001-08:00

My boys...Evan age 3
Jake age 8...

When they are good
they are very very good.

And when they are bad,
they are, well you know...

Proud Grandma Gaga

IF YOU WANT TO SING OUT, SING OUT

2008-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSzuAx3BE94&feature=related

My sister Martha loved the music of Cat Stevens.
Her life was celebrated with a slide show of 70 of her hundreds of photos, the song above,
comments from some of the approx. 100 people at her funeral.
Afterward we had a luncheon at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
The day flowed and gave all closure.
Now life moves on, one day at a time, but always with Martha in us.
Love you, Murt!

Martha My Dear...

2008-12-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

My sister Martha's 1969 HS Grad pic.

Martha and Me

(In Spiro T. Agnew shirt!) in

1970's

"Martha, My Dear, You have been my inspiration through the years..." (Paul McCartney).

My younger sister Martha went in to a hospital with back pain in October 2007. She was diagnosed with stage 4, metasticized breast cancer. By October 2008, after going through chemo and radiation, the cancer spread to her brain and it was all over.

She was in Rose Arbor hospice facility for about a month. The staff there was amazing and I will cherish them forever. I was with Martha the night she died, on my birthday, 11-23-2008. I feel honored to have been her sister. She is inside of me now. I want to drink a little, get back to golf in the spring after so many years of not playing, and just enjoy life the way she so wanted to do herself.

Her funeral is Dec. 6th in our hometown. There will be a visitation with some of her many photos on cd, a Memorial Service with comments about her life, and a luncheon on her behalf given by my brothers and me. We are sending her off with a Scottish theme Bonnie Lassie Martha Mae.

I have a big reason to make it to heaven one day and see her smiling face again.

I love and miss you Martha..."More than you will ever know".

Prayer

2008-09-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I prayed for a miracle for my sister Martha and asked for an angel to be over her as she slept. This morning an email arrived from Gerry who does my hair up north at the cottage. She had no idea what I prayed and when I opened it my mouth fell open in response to the words and picture she sent (below) ...do you wonder why I believe in GOD?

God has seen you struggling, God says it's over.
A blessing is coming your way

Cheers for Errin and Sister "Murt"

2008-08-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

Martha is climbing one more mountain in her fight to beat metastic breast cancer.

Daughter Errin and Martha could use prayers from all of you.

I believe in the power of prayer and that life is to be spent in happiness.

Love you, Martha!

Family Reunion, Aug.5, 2008 at the cottage....

2008-08-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

The four Ironside kids...

Younger brother Bob, Me, Older brother John and Younger sister Martha. Forever friends.

We grew up just a couple years apart and have always known that there was someone there with our best interests in life.

Family is the most precious gift in life.

No one else knows you better than a sib.

The grandkids...

Jake, Grace, Carly, Davis, Isaac, Evan and Hayden. Missing from picture that day...cousins Mackenzie and little John John.

I think the youngest is 2 (JohnJohn) and the oldest is 13 (Hayden)? Can only hope they will remain friends throughout their lives and carry on the family traditions.

24 of 32 from the Ironside Clan.

And there are more cousins from
Mom's side of the family.... Hello to
all the Storkan family!

Husband Bob's side has only his one brother Mick, presently living on his sailboat in Hawaii...Hello Mick!

Retired at Last!!!!!!!!

2008-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

I retired from teaching in June 2008 and it was the best freedom I have felt since my childhood. No more mornings of getting up at 5 a.m. -- No more late days after work where I tried to finish up the day, get ready for the next day, or was just too tired to get out of my chair to go home. No more missing shows or being tired the next day if something came on TV the night before. And, no more short weekends where Sunday night felt like it was closing in on me with the work week ahead, or during the summer break when I started counting down the weeks left as early as the middle of July.

I know the public feels teachers are pampered and don't need those summers off, but they would be ready to "kill" if they were in an enclosed room with 30 teenagers, five days a week, for nine months, with only a half hour lunch and minutes between groups. Some kids were a joy as were their families. Others it was obvious were only at school because their parents could not trust them at home...and believe me, they seldom missed a day!

I love to hear parents at the grocery in August talking about how happy they are to have their kids back in school. This year I overheard some ladies in the Kroger bakery saying that and I chimmed in with, "Oh, you can't be happier than I am, retiring after teaching kids for 30 yrs!" which they greeted with laughter.

Although I had wanted to slip out quietly and even told thea rest of the staff, "Just don't block the door when I leave" they surprised me. On the last week of school they hosted a surprise party for me at a local restaurant and a large gift that I turned in toward a laptop computer...my first ever....it was all organized by a former librarian from our school, Ginny, who has more energy than anyone I know. She was also helping with her son's wedding, so it was a shock that she threw this in at the last minute. My friend Judy, who is my constant email friend (she's so witty! She's the emost self-efacing and honest person I think I know...has a very kind heart and the best memory for names and families in the area!) had to kidnap me at the end of the day as I had cancelled a coffee date with her, feeling I was too busy that last week of school.-----The seond was an ice cream party a teacher friend I called "my son" set up for our last day with students. I met Lee as a church usher for a wedding I attended. We taught next door to each other for five years, I saw him through dating to his eventual marriage and birth of his kids...a very nice young man. -----Then, the last one, was an all staff cookout the last teacher work day, where my old Santa lookalike friend Wil cooked over a hot grill and the rest was carried in...great food and teacher's kids were also a highlight. Afterward, I literally spilled the beans. I pulled a table back from the wall and watched in horror as my crock pot, still full of baked beans slid to the floor breaking into pieces and pouring out on the wall and floor.

But none were so perfect a sendoof than a gift given to me by my good friend Ginny, our school secretary. I had long kidded her about my favorite chorduroy dress she wore, so she cut up her dress and made me a travel pillow for the car. That was the only time I cried...she did too. I will miss Ginny so very much and be in touch with her forever. Talk about the shirt off your back! I think Ginny is the hardest working, sensitive, honest woman...she deserves Mother of the Year for the way she has helped her daughters...Amazing and kind...a true unsung hero.

There are a lot of people who felt I could not leave the job behind, and I admit I still will want to know the goings on at the jr. high, but I am so ready for this time in my life.

Dance, Dance, Dance

2008-05-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

Remember when your mother took you to dance classes and it ended with a dance recital on stage? I danced as a fairy around a big fat ferry Godmother...I can still see that heavenly body sitting plop in the center of that stage, and all of us girls on our tippee toes encircling her. My glittered star fell off my dowel stick so my mother put gum on it to hold it on for the performance. The picture of me shows a girl feeling so pretty. I loved the silver of the sequins and the trim. It was only afterwards that we realized I had the costume on backwards!

Fast forward to today when I received an email with the attachment of Mackenzie, daughter of Eric and Kelly, my nephew and his wife . Her smile is contagious and in living color she appears to be walking the red carpet as compared to my old dance photo. She has real star quality.

But it did bring back memories of what it is like to be a little girl in this great big world of ours. Thank goodness parents let girls be girls.

Bye Bye Birdie

2008-02-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

2-14-08

I used to call Mom birdie because she ate so little when she was done making sure everyone else had what they needed and finally sat down to dinner with the family.

She was laid to rest on Valentine's Day. It was a simple funeral that centered on what a wonderful mother she was, though she would have been the last to let others know.

The funeral was at Girrbach funeral home on the corner, a half block from our old family home. Those who were a part of our past filtered in and we mingled. Rev. Kathy Brown from the Methodist Church conducted a gentle service about love, and especially love of family and how Mom showed it in everything. My husband isn't a fan of women ministers, but even he was impressed!

To say Mom looked lovely in the casket sounds silly, but even she would have been pleased.

We requested donations to the hospital fund, in honor of Mom's having worked there, but there were a few flowers and a cast stone angel that my sweet daughter in law's family sent and told me to take home to my garden.

My friends Peg, Denny and Ray were there and even our first babysitter Linda. A few of Mom's friends showed up and some other friends of the family, but it was a really scattered background of people, which was comforting. Two of our cousins even spoke for the first time in awhile, which Mom would have loved. We heard wonderful personal stories concerning Mom's deeds that we were never aware of and stories of others who could not come but wanted to be remembered.

Afterward, we drove to the cemetery for a graveside service and older brother John read a page he wrote the night before that mentioned how fortunate the four of us felt to be her children and the "kindness" and positive attitude she taught us. We limited that part of the plans because the roads in the cemetery were barely plowed enough for the few cars to make it up the hill.

We drove to the Methodist Church, the church we grew up in, to sit with those who attended and talk over a luncheon proved by the women of the church. A trip up to the sanctuary brought back so many fond memories of our youth.

It was such a surreal experience that we knew we would have to face one day. Mom was a class act and someone to guide us the rest of our lives. I think she was smiling with pride all the way to heaven for a life well spent. Many of us think that we have to achieve things in our careers or make a name for ourselves, but the love of family is by far the highest compliment in my opinion.

The meek shall inherit the earth.

Bye Bye, Birdie...you are in our hearts forever.

With Love from your children,

John, Marilyn, Bob and Martha

Written by older brother John...

2008-02-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

A gracious lady has walked among us and left an imprint that will long be remembered. As the second daughter born to Artie and Glen Densmore on January 29, 1919, in the Coats Grove area of Barry County, Audra grew up on the family farm during the prosperity of the 1920's and depression of the 1930's. Farm life taught her a persistent work ethic and a caring for those around her. She attended the Woodland Public Schools and had a keen interest in writing and music. Her writing skills were recognized as a finalist in a State essay competition. Along with her mother on piano, her older sister, Margaret on violin, and Audra on the traps, the Densmore Orchestra regularly provided entertainment at local venues. The family moved to Hastings when Audra was entering her junior year in high school. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1937. Audra was accepted to Oberlin College where she studied music and became an accomplished musician on the piano and organ. After college, she returned to Hastings and was employed as an operator for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. On December 31 of 1942, Audra married Wellesley A. Ironside at the First Methodist Church in Hastings. To this union, four children were born and Audra was a homemaker during their informative years. Once all of the children were off to school, Audra was employed by Pennock Hospital as the manager of the business office. As a mother, she was able to balance work with raising four children in a nurturing household. After retirement, Audra and Wellesley lived in Florida for a number of years until Wellesley passed away in 1994. Audra then returned to Michigan to be near her family and friends, including a number of quality final years living with her daughter, Martha Ironside. Audra had the unique ability to enrich everyone around her and always give of herself. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family and friends. There was a reason Audra was put on this earth and everyone that met her knows why. Audra passed quietly away on February 8, 2008. She is survived by her children, John (Susan) Ironside of Atlanta, GA, Marilyn (Robert) Kraft of West Milton, OH, Robert (Patricia) Ironside of Grand Rapids, MI, and Martha Ironside of Plainwell, MI, as well as six nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of the Laurels of Sandy Creek in Wayland, Michigan, for being so kind and giving Audra loving care during her last few years. In lieu of flowers, Audra would wish that you send any donations to the Pennock Hospital Foundation. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Rev. Kathy Brown officiating and burial will be at Hastings Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).

2-08-2008

2008-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our mother Audra passed on 2-08-08.

I arrived in Michigan late Friday.

Stopped by younger sister Martha's on the way to have her go with me, but she was still in her pj's and had just woken up..she said she would go on Saturday instead, as she had been with Mom the night before and she was stable then.

Mom had last rights earlier Friday (priest, minister?) before I got there.

Younger brother Bob was waiting at the door when I arrived at the rest home and said Mom had taken a turn for the worst.

I held Mom's face in my hands, stroked her hair, put cream on her one exposed arm. She was on her side and you could hear the water in her throat as she was unable to swallow. I thought how cruel it was that she was drowning in fluids, but they had tried to drain it and she bit down so hard that they were afraid she would break the plastic. They had put patches behind her ears to dry the fluids. The oxygen had been removed. She was only at 80% and should have been at 90%. After about a half hour of that, Mom seemed to go into a sleep and emitted a quiet groan on each exhale. A hospice nurse stepped in with a stethoscope saying she was only taking one breath every 30 sec.and that the end was very close. Then there were no breaths and Mom was gone. Mom's face still had not a wrinkle on it and her dark eyebrows framed her beautiful eyes.

I don't know what I expected, but I had heard from a family friend that there was a cloud of vapor that came out of someone they had been with at death. Maybe I thought I would see or sense something resembling the soul leaving.
My sister in law Pat was with me while my younger brother Bob went to get younger sister Martha...they arrived just before Mom's last breaths. Pat is a Catholic...she opened the window slightly for the soul to leave the room and she said a rosary at the end of the bed.

I talked to Mom telling her it was ok to let go as she was fighting it so hard. I told her that all of her kids would be ok and that Dad had missed her and wants to be with her again...that she would see her sister and others. I kissed her and told her we all loved her and what a wonderful servant of God she had been on this earth. I rocked her as she struggled to calm her and after she seemed to be asleep, the song Silent Night for some reason started to come out of my mouth through tears.

Older brother John has called from his home in the south and Martha is pretty much staying home and resting...she has chemo on Monday.

Younger brother Bob and I went to the funeral home to make the final arrangements. We took a light mint colored wool dress. The funeral director asked if we had undergarments and we laughed as it had not occurred to us that they would send her from the home naked...they had bathed her and sent her in simple nightgown .
Brother Bob and I went to Walmart and bought her underclothing of a white and lace camisole, half slip and panties. At the checkout some woman behind me said that it was such a lovely set...I would have shocked her if I told her where they were going.
The funeral is on Valentine's Day, at Girrbach funeral home, a half a block from our family home at 1 p.m. My younger brother Bob and his wife Pat are having an after funeral gathering of friends and family at his home afterward.

I haven't cried much since Mom passed, but I don't know if it has really hit me and am sure it will over and over through the years.
We have so many beautiful memories of a Mom who treated us all as only children. She will give me strength the rest of my life. She was the true definition of the word Mom.

I have thanked God over and over for the wonderful parents we were given.

Marilyn

Retirement Looming

2008-01-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

Now that teaching is drawing to a close...June is but a few months away...I find myself thinking of the words to the song, "Is that all there is, is that all there is, then lets keep dancing, bring on the beer, and have a ball...if that's all, there is." I think Peggie Lee sang it. ---- It's like closing off a part of myself that has been me for the last 30 years and entering a new life in retirement.

Marilyn

Above painting done by a California artist by the name of Hessam...saw his work at a beautiful gallery in Petoskey, Michigan.

It's About Martha

2007-11-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

Summer was a dream at best.

Now, several chapters later, I am home to take on the responsibility of finishing out my last year of teaching. I have a student teacher waiting in the wings to take over my job. March seems more likely an exit than June.

Right now it's all about Martha. Nothing else seems so important. She's my younger sister. I remember when she told me once that life had not been what she thought. That the knight in shining armor had never come by her way. Now she's been diagnosed with stage four metastic breast cancer. I want to be that sister she can count on, but we live a state away and leaving my family to help her is not easy...I doubt it ever would be. I had trouble believing she had cancer and still probably do. Nothing is clear. I only know that I will do what I can. I trust in God, but I don't think she does. How do I tell her it is all in God's plan when she is afraid that this may not be something she can survive. Still, I trust.

Please pray for my sister Martha.

At the Cottage

2007-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

First two weeks at the cottage in June we spent with grandson Jake along. Amazing how a 7 yr. old can change your days and was wonderful to see the place through his eyes. However, when he was good, he was very very good and when he was bad, he was horrid is oh so true with him. He asked if he could stay the whole summer, but we told him his family would miss him too much...truthfully, we haven't the energy to keep up!

We were remarried on June 20th (It was our 30th anniversary and we wanted a date easier to remember so we "reset" it) by husband and wife Methodist ministers who live on the point on our deck at sunset and topped it off with wine and pizza. The next day I came home to find the above message ("Honeymoon Palace") on an empty pizza box by the door...gotta love that Bob!

We took Jake home and spent a couple of days getting car titles, meds., mail, etc. then back up to the cottage. Since being back have finished a logo for a window decal to sell at the association meeting on July 7th with proceeds going to the marina development, if they come in ontime. Also worked with Cliff on a website and Sue on mulch and flowers for the gate committee...they are retired prison guards and always willing to pitch in to help on the point. There are about 100 cottages and homes on the point and various backgrounds of the owners.

Put purple and white flowers in the garden by the beginning of our driveway and some potted red begonia flowers in the white boxes by the stairs to the lake for our daughter and my mother who always liked them that way.

The kids come as a family the week after the holiday and then we are following them below to fit in a dr.'s appt. for our daughter and more errands. Want to see Mom at the resthome on the way back up.

Having been home I was amazed this time at how easy it is to pick up where I left off at each place, like the other place just didn't exist. Still there are so many differences in our lifestyles at each place.The cottage is all about summer and relaxing while the house is about working and family. Not sure if we can keep both in retirement or will even want to.

Did redeem some of an annuity and since we aren't in the retirement bracket yet, was disgusting to give the government and state 30% of what I took out up front...what did they do to deserve the interest off my investment? --Put the rest into an IRA hoping to use it at a lower tax base and possibly without taxes (?). Need to listen to Clark Howard's radio show more or go to his site.

I already lost $100 at the casino. I take a day off from Bob to go anywhere I want to cure my need for freedom each week. Bob loves going to auctions selling antiques to make odd change.

We are eating healthier meals and watching more of Satelite Dish TV as we don't have that at home...mostly old TV series (Leave it to Beaver, Andy Griffith, and I Love Lucy) and HGTV type decorating shows.

Am loving life at the moment as it feels like we can leave the world behind up here.

Hope anyone reading this can do the same.

Happy Summer!

It's Finally Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

The yearbook was submitted today!!!!!
As yearbook editor I work with a staff of 20 junior high students who take almost all of the pictures for the book. It's 64 pgs., all color. They use a Sony Mavica camera with floppy disks, so the pictures are not as sharp as I would like, but it's easy for the kids to take and view on the computer right away.
Shown are two facing pages from this year's book arriving late May. Am already plotting an easier way to do the book next year and things that could be different. Have the staff all year, first thing in the morning, so the kids are like family. Really enjoy doing the book with them...
We have the books published by Walsworth Yearbooks. My rep Shelley is just the best ever...patient, helpful, professional, down to earth...just a terrific gal! I have a nasty habit of turning the book in late...procrastination is my strong card, so she has a lot to put up with, but takes it in stride. Thanks Shelley!

Holding On...

2007-03-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mom was dehydrated last weekend, sending her to ER. My sister called upset that she would not last. My younger brother suggested we should have a plan in place for her funeral. I agreed because I don't want to have to make decisions when the time comes, but am hoping against hope we don't have to give her up yet.
Went to see her yesterday. Took our grandson Jake also. As I approached Mom to wheel her out of her room she looked up with her sweet eyes saying, "Marilyn" and my heart melted. Just being near her is comforting and it was sad seeing her struggling to answer anything we asked her as if she could not access information in her brain. Jake played cards with my sister and me and my younger brother, we call "the funny one", injected his humor. Still, the time seems fleeting when with her.
Putting my all into this week as the school yearbook is due and one art show and then it is free sailing just about to the end of the school year.
I so wish I lived closer to Mom in her decline. A friend said his Mom lived two years after she stopped knowing who they were...Selfishly, I would like her here on earth with us.
God blessed us with the most wonderful Mother...I don't know how to thank her enough.

Snow Day for the Boys!!

2007-02-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

RC and sons Jake (6) and Evan (2) came over...Sweet Evan stayed in the house and RC and Bob (Buzz Light Yr. Bob!) took Jake for a ride...Jake lost a tooth around Christmas and hasn't a new one yet.
May go out for Valentine's Day with daughter in law Lindsay to shop at Hobby Lobby...great place. Just to get out and shop is a treat anymore.
Usually I just love being home. This is our second day home due to snow and Bob is enjoying being able to "play" outside like a kid. He has a plow on his car and is helping neighbors and friends clear their driveways, so he's also out doing something nice for others. Beth and I are watching TV, sleeping and picking up clutter in the house...Heaven.

Audie Turned 88

2007-01-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Our mother Audra is a trooper and the older I get the more wisdom I find she has passed on to her children. It's not always that woman out fighting for career rights and heading up every committee that has the most lasting impact on their children.
I have learned from Audie that you can put others before yourself, be cooperative, get through anything in life that comes your way, and always, always be there for your kids. She was a steadfast anchor in our lives and remains that to this day. Everytime we are near her we are reminded that her only wish in life was to be a good wife to her husband and a loving and supportive mother to her children. Her biggest legacy will be in the way we parent our children and face life's challenges with dignity and the will to Just Do It, as the ads tell us.
We only hope for more time to show the respect, love and devotion we all have for her.
Happy 88th Birthday, Mom !

Time for a new camera, don't you think? Sorry for the blurry pictures.

Photos above: Sister Martha and Mom (Thanks John for Photo and Bob for Plates!);Great-grand-daughter Carly and Mom ; Brother Bob, grand-daughter Carly, and Sister in law Pat; Brother John, Sister in law Susan, and Mom; Mom and her four kids, Martha, John, Marilyn and Bob ;

Let It Snow!!!!

2007-01-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

If you think students look forward to snow days off school, you should be a schoolteacher!
In Ohio, where we live, the snow can be an inch and they freak!
We got our first stay on the ground snow fall last night, I think of the season. More predicted midweek. Husband Bob and son RC are looking forward to trying out two bright purple snowmobiles Bob bought off a neighbor at the cottage up north.

Bobby

2007-01-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I married husband Bob 29 yrs. ago was
because he always knew how to make me smile.
He was on the computer today when I wanted to use it and
when he turned it over to me, he handed me this, that he cut
from green computer paper...

Goodbye, Mr. President 12-26-06

2007-01-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

Top 4 photos were taken by my younger brother Bob, who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Pres. Ford was laid to rest. The two on the bottom are from the National News service online: - Mrs. Ford being escorted down the center aisle of the National Cathedral by Pres. Bush at the funeral and - in April 2006 when Pres. and Mrs. Ford visited with Pres. Bush.

Gerald R. Ford left this earth with the dignity and grace in which he lived his life.

Christmas Weekend

2006-12-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Grandson Jake came over on Saturday to give his parents some calm before the gift explosion..
Bob, Beth, Jake and I shopped, then came home to wrap gifts and work on his first ever wolven pot holders...he slipped one of the loops on his head for the photo...I took him outside to show him the old lifesize manger scene...he asked who each person was...I told him Joseph, the 3 Wisemen, Mary, and the lamb..." Oh" he said. "Mary Had a Little Lamb!" - " No, a baby Jesus" I replied and we both laughed as we walked back up the stairs to the house. I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.

Judy sent this Ashland Link...Normally I don't like the click cards, but the music and the add ons are very calming to watch, so please try it out...http://ecard.ashland.edu:80/2004admission/index.html

Enjoy Christmas Eve...will probably post again tomorrow with thoughts of the day.
Merry Christmas !

A Great Holiday Joke!

2006-12-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

Subject: Christmas Party

Three men were about to enter a private Christmas Party when they were met at the door by a large menacing figure of a man. "In honor of the season," said the man, "you must each show me something that symbolizes Christmas before I can allow you to pass." The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. "It represents a candle," he said. "You may pass." replied the stranger. The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells." He was also allowed to pass. The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties. The grim figure looked at him with a raised eyebrow and snarled, "just what do those symbolize?" The man replied, "These are Carols." And So The Holiday Season Begins....

Here Comes Santa Claus

2006-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/v/qgLgcKcWETA

(Click on Link below picture to see/hear video)

Everytime I hear this ad on TV, I get up and
Dance! Enjoy!!!!!

Craftland

2006-12-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

This year Craftland will open its doors at 70 Eddy St., Providence RI on Friday December 1, 2006, and will be open until December 23.
CRAFTLAND is open five days a week, Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm, and Thursdays 11 - 8pm December 1st - 23rd!

My Best Friends Are Flakes!

2006-12-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

Scrubbed Beth in the tub and we hopped into the Volvo and headed to Reenie and Mike's house.

We picked up fries and a coke for Beth then traveled mostly the Interstate before going the country roads. The sun was out and I felt like we could have done a Thelma and Louise all day as it was so gorgeous.

Turning north we went by a small lake and saw blood smeared all over the road...just ahead I stopped at a hunting store to buy Beth some chocolate milk and there were tire tracks with blood all over the pavement and guys in orange everywhere...it's like the manly thing, though I hate to see a delicate and gracefully moving deer shot for the sport of it.

Ellen arrived on time and ran over one of their cats...glad I am always late! Luckily, the cat seemed to be on it's last legs and there were more around to take it's place. It's hard to know when a cat's nine lives are up!

We sat at their kitchen counter looking over Ellen's photos (she's a WONDERFUL photographer) and munched on chocolate chip cookies. Reenie ordered a BLT pizza and sent Mike out to first pick up daughter Jamie and their grandson from the farm house across the street.

Mike returned afterward with the pizza...Mike has had brain aneurysm and is retired from being an FBI agent. After several surgeries, he has lost some ability to remember things (haven't we all?) so sometimes he can get confused...he made it back this time just fine!

Beth enjoyed herself just picking at her clothes, which is part of the "tick" from her medication. We sat together at the dining table that had been owned by Reenie's parents. Ellen and I drank Exotic Berry premixed drinks and we talked about everything from school to retirement to carpet cleaners and how we hold things together with duct tape...Reenie hauled out her parents' vacuum that is taped together with duct tape...she hopes the kids will replace it for her one day.

We went for a tour of the farmhouse...all three of us live in old farmhouses that we have made over the best we can...Ellen and Reenie have both added new family rooms, but we haven't since our extra money has gone to the cottage. Reenie's new room was a soft green and so soothing, until you saw a modern abstract above the couch which was done by a sister in law with a difficult emotional life as inspiration. Being brutally honest, I told her it was the one thing that did not fit, so am now planning on a replacement painting for them...more later when it is done.

The baby slept in their bedroom which is painted a strong purple...reminds me of the passion that Reenie and Mike still have for each other. We talked about Christmas and their decorations. Jamie went home to gather leaves. The baby woke and we left.

In January we will host Reenie & Mike and Ellen & Ron for dinner at our house. I'm excited. We usually meet with just the gals once every other month and then with the guys the inbetween months. Their friendship is very important to me, because they were my roommates when I was 20 and life was young. I seem more drawn to people from those years now. We lost site of each other, Ellen, Reenie and me, for about 30 yrs. , and I don't want that to happen again.

Merry Christmas Ellen and Reenie, Mike and Ron...see you all in the New Year!

* Both Reenie and I were given signs like the one above by Ellen...I hope she bought one for herself as well...perfect!

NOVEMBER 23RD, 2006

2006-11-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today was my 59th birthday....Wonderful Day!
Woke around 9, showered and put my hair up in rollers. Ran into town, where they don't care what I look like, to buy lemon juice for the Waldorf Salad, gas in the car, coffee etc. Bob was perfecting the two hams for his dinner entries. We arrived at RC and Lindsay's before noon. Beth was stubborn and didn't want to leave the car, but we finally coaxed her inside. The kitchen was filled with smoke...the turkeys weren't done, despite their being cooked by directions. Dinner wasn't for another hour (did they tell me the wrong time to make me show up in time?). RC gave me cards from them and said Jake originally picked one with a sexy guy on it for me. They gave me a beautiful pair of white gold earrings that RC mentioned were worth far more than they paid, so I should be careful not to lose them. I feel so loved by them all the year through.
Dinner was great...everything you could ever want. Tables were set up in the living room for the 40 some guests. I had done the motherly thing and brought several sizes of Ziploc bags and containers for their leftovers, but stayed out of the kitchen as it was mostly Lindsay's family and I never know what they really want me to do...feel more in the way.
It was beautiful weather, but instead of enjoying it, went home to clean the kitchen and rested on the bed next to Beth while Bob went outside to put up decorations. He said last year I accused him of being old because he didn't put any decorations up, so he was hedging his bets.
Danced to my favorite TV ad of the season..."Here Comes Santa Claus" by JCPenney...what a great ad that is!!!!!!!!!!!Shows vintage Christmas day and today opening gifts.
Tomorrow the treefarm opens, but this year only about 100 trees from the field are worth selling. I may for the very first time get up to join the early morning crowd for a couple of hours at Walmart and Kohl's. This is one of the first years we haven't been in my homestate for the day.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO ALL!!! AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT...

Wine and Dine...

2006-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Husband Bill and Annette - Great Couple!

Jeanne, Annette, Betsy, Carol, Me, Peg and Karen

I'm already thinking this is too long of a story to tell, but will attempt to shorten things.
High School and forever friend Annette invited us all to dinner at her house. I had driven halfway and called to ask when Happy Hour started and she told me "wrong weekend!"

The next weekend I drove up, I stopped at the same place and bought some eye makeup at a department store...only to discover after returning from the weekend that I left my Master Card with the clerk...a mere 8 hrs. roundtrip...They insisted I had to show up in person to pick it up....took me forever to convince them to mail it back to me!

Anyway, back to the story....Arrived for the first time in Annette's town on that second (correct) weekend. Had forgotten her directions, other than she said she lived at the end of a street, but had a map from Mapquest. I went to the house that was so bright with lights and a man answered saying, "We gave at the office." --- "I'm looking for Annette and Bill?" I said. I had seen Bill only in photos, so I thought the guy at the door might be Bill joking with me. "And their last name would be?" he said. -- "I don't know" I replied, feeling like a total loser. The man's wife came to the door and upon hearing the names walked to the sidewalk with me and pointed a block away to Annette and Bill's house. I asked if they wanted to come over for Happy Hour, but they said they were expecting company for dinner...the reason their house was so lit up.

Annette and another girlfriend Carol, who had traveled from Minnesota to be with us, were there putting on music and drinking wine. I entered through the side door to a totally bright red kitchen with a great counter and tons of carved birds and other interesting things to look at.

Annette's dog was named Betty, after her mother who died sadly at the early age of 45 due to cancer when we were growing up. So, hearing her call out her own mother's name to the dog seemed strange but fun.

Roaming through the house there were eclectic mixes of furniture, scattered rugs and family photos everywhere. In the dining room the table was set with a quilt, pumpkin/gourds and candles, gold chargers and plates, glass goblets. Above the table was a magnificent chandelier Annette had found locally with wine colored small lampshades and gorgeous glass teardrops. A sideboard buffet was set. We had a mixed salad with poppyseed dressing, baked chicken with asparagus. For dessert, good strong coffee with Hot Gingerbread coated with hot butter cream sauce and whipped cream. A wonderful blend of food and companionship. We said a prayer for Julie, whom we lost to cancer a few years back and for those who could not be with us for dinner...

I had brought bottles of wine with funky names. We drank Royal Bitch and Big Ass...decided both were as good as the labels! I drank before and during dinner but stopped to be sober for the drive to my sister's afterward.

Talk was nonstop from the beginning of the night to the end. The only time we were serious was when talking about politics and then it was funny how we all reacted...some in silence, some asking questions or making accusations of politicians. I don't think any of us would truly be angry over the other's views anymore as we value the time together so much more.

Others with us that night were Jeanne who is heading out to Arizona and then to a new condo with her retired auctioneer hubby. Peg is a surgery nurse in the hometown and married to a science teacher. Betsy works in the offices of a local food chain and is married to her high school sweetheart. Karen is not married, is a working artist and cleans homes, when not reading or just enjoying life in the hometown.

I can't wait for the next time. We were plotting out our 50th high school reunion...9 yrs. from now...Gets harder to get people to come so we figure we'd better put some thought into how to attract those not attending to come again. They always liked the old Country Club due to it's history in our lives. Carol said recreate the Note, a favorite old dance hangout. Will take some time to figure out what motivates people to return. Maybe in the meantime our small hometown will build a motel to house the out of towners. Should give Comfort Inn or Marriott a call.

It's great getting together with people who knew you growing up...a common thread in life.

Knowing them when young and seeing the basic personality shining through the years is like a chance to see life full circle. I will always want to stay connected to these women. They have truly not just gotten older, but better through the years. As Peg said, "It's nice to be this age and be able to get rid of the hangups and just LIVE."

Thank you Annette (and Bill who tried to be invisible) for a wonderful time with you!

Baby's Back

2006-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

TheBattering Ram-Odot Truck

Damaged side and back window totally smashed. Frame was bent also...I felt nothing, just heard the crash! Now it's beautiful again!

Got my "baby" back after being in repair all summer...the guy is a genius who did it as he had to put the backend of another Volvo onto her. She was hit by an Odot Truck four times or more her size and I got the ticket because I was sitting at the median, though the truck driver had been no where in sight when I pulled out from the stop sign and the sun was in his eyes.
Driving her is a thrill after the Tracker I've been driving to work to save on gas. I own one single stock in Volvo, but plan to buy more. I think they are the best car on the market (we've had several).
This one I bought from an Arab who disappeared after 9/11 and his money backer found the cars from his lot scattered at different airports...so I reported him to the FBI. ---At least I got a beautiful car before he fled!

Crazy

2006-10-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

From the time I wake there is a conversation going in my head.
I want to cry, but keep telling myself that God says to buckle up and get a grip.

How many years until death...people we know are dying and they aren't all that old. Can I ever stop the treadmill?

Bob's voice is so hyper. We talk, but not really sometimes...
Beth is so beautiful...how to connect.
Grandsons need time.
Dog needs time.
Bob keeps wanting me to do more.
Here I go again...climbing another hill on the roller coaster. I'm exhausted from worry and trying to cover all the bases. Not doing a good job of anything. Don't want to waste time, but I can't say I ever really accomplish much. In a cloud more than ever. Hanging by a thread on the fabric of life. Not happy go lucky...the clown persona is cracking.

Turn off the noise...calm and soothing...I can feel myself moving to do things but there is a numbness to life. I just want to exist, but life keeps getting in the way.

Enjoy Yourself, It's Later Than You Think!

2006-09-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

My maternal grandmother used to play a song on her grand piano called, "Enjoy Yourself, It's Later Than You Think"....enjoy, yourself, while your still in the pink...the years go by, as quickly as a wink, enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think. I remember sitting next to her on the piano bench and belting out the tune, as she accompanied me.
Retirement looms in the near future and I think of how I want to spend the time. You get to a point in life when you realize you have maybe 15 to 20 yrs. to go where you may have decent health and then it's the roll being called up yonder.
Bob, Beth and I were driving through a small town south of us where they happen to have a small "head" shop with a pool table that sells posters, shirts and God knows what else. I bought my Janis Joplin shirt there . Saw her perform in the Grande Ballroom in Detroit above a bar and she was stunning. I told Bob when I retire I want to dress in hippie dresses and just enjoy life. He said he wanted to dress like a pimp and drive a big pink caddie...he's been teaching in the city schools too long! We laughed at how disgusted our son and daughter in law would be at our appearance and lifestyle. -- Bob recalled picking up his parents at the airport when they returned from Europe when retired and how they both exited the plane wearing French tams and embarassed him...but hey, they were originals too.
My mother in law was in Mensa. I bought some books they sell in the teachers lounge the other day. One group was Mensa publications of puzzles, etc. that are supposed to work your mind. I also bought a book on anatomy with lotsa pictures. I never studied much in science classes growing up and want to brush up on the human body to know what's going on inside of me. Husband Bob says people rush off to doctors more than they need to...that most of it is just logic if you think about it. Aching back...what did you just lift. Headache...what did you just eat. Etc.

I don't want to waste these years and find that there are many things in life not worth the energy anymore. I never was into clubs, so those won't waste my time. Red hats...not for me. Bob likes his MG car club. I like being around sort of bohemian and artsy people but am also fascinated with the minds of people much smarter than I am...I like to hear things from their perspective, so may want to read more and just plain talk to people. I love nature so want to get out in it more. Stess has been too much of a weight through the years...I want to get rid of stressful things like bills, time constraints, excessive junk and personal habits.

Just wishing I had been in this frame of mind a little sooner. Life gives you insights when you can barely use them and you waste so many years running after empty dreams, or so it sometimes seems. People talk about their purpose in life. Maybe it was just to exist and complete the cycle of things, you know. God is there in everything.

As my friend Judy says...I don't like to be too deep...would rather think on the surface of things. Sometimes I feel that way and sometimes just the opposite. I find states of mind interesting. Like how do we shut out the world and lay "in state" when we sleep. How do we zone out while driving a car and just thinking about things so we are not totally in an aware state of mind. How is it that we are capable of altering the states of mind? Some of you are smart and may know that already? Tell me if you do.

Life is still one big change after another. I thought things would be simple when I got older, but evidently that was a false assumption on my part.
Well blah, blah, blah....time to hit the hay.

Night-Marilyn

House Bitch

2006-09-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Husband Bob is taking care of our daughter Beth trying to get her back to health. She was bone thin and not eating, fighting taking seizure meds., not getting exercise or outside enough. She is making small progress and it warms my heart to see it.
Today Bob proudly renamed himself. Instead of Manny, he's House Bitch. It s with his favorite name for me...Witch Face.
When I came home from work today the house was picked up and scented candles were lit everywhere. I told him how romantic of him. "Not really" he replied, " I had Beth out in the car with me all day and we weren't home...when I returned, I lit some candles because the house smelled funky." So much for that!

Chinese Wisdom!!!

2006-09-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Years ago a librarian friend gave me a book by Pearl S. Buck about her experience in the early 1900's putting her handicapped daughter in an institution. I don't recall the a name of the book, but I do remember being surprised that our thoughts as mothers, despite the span of years between us, were very close. (Anyone know the name of that book? I'm looking for another copy).
So when I found another book by Ms. Buck called "Pavilion of Women" I had bought many years ago I thought I would read it and pass it on to my sister in law who is travelling with my older brother to China next month. By the 15th page I was so engrossed in the book, I could hardly put it down. I carry it in my purse to read any free moment I have. The main character, Madame Wu reaches her 40th birthday and decides to acquire a concubine to satisfy her husband's needs so she can move to the other side of the court the family occupies and "have her body to herself once more." Ms. Buck lived in China many years and the descriptions of the characters. subplots and small details, transport me into the world she created with words back in the 1940's.

Husband Bob asked me today what a blog was? I wondered if he had finally discovered and read this blog...If you recall, I have never told him I was writing in one. SO I fessed-up and also told him I read other people's blogs. He wanted to know the title of my blog and what I talk about. Then he said he was going to do a blog of his own called, " Bob and his Six Concubines" - Always the joker! I tried to read some of Pearl's passages to him, but he hadn't seemed interested at the time. Guess he was listening more than I thought.

Sweet Baby Evan

2006-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Evan is the second of our grandsons (Jake's little brother). He is just finding his footing and is so sweet and innocent. He's not huggy unless his teeth are bothering him or he just woke up. And he is independent and adventuresome. Something tells me he may be the one to have the artist ability passed on in him. A little charmer.

Gently into the Night

2006-08-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

We visited my mother who is 86 and living in a care facility in our homestate this last weekend. Took the grandsons up to see her. Most of the time there she didn't seem to know us as she didn't really bond in her usual manner. When I hugged and kissed her good-bye she did not respond as she has before with some comments. It's hard seeing her fading mentally. She looks good physically, eats well and they take good care of her, but I wonder if it is fair to her that she lives that way. Of course, I want her with us as long as we can have her selfishly because I won't want that day to come when we must part. But it's still hard saying goodbye to her mind and the essence of who she was to all of us. I am glad that we've had a chance to show her how much we love her and to understand what aging is like at the end and how much dignity she gives to even that.

What becomes of the Broken-Hearted?

2006-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

A niece is enduring heartbreak and having gone through it in my youth I know that it literally feels like a hole in your heart. How to trust those you confided in and trusted. Once you have been so open with another human being and they turn their back on you, it's a door slammed in your face. A new road has to be taken and it redirects your life. I've learned that the new roads are the ones you should be on, to lead your life another direction (because I believe God has a plan for each of us), but it does not make the pain any less intense. I admire my niece for facing it headon and making steps to move beyond it. Say a prayer for her, will you? When more than one comes together in prayer, as the saying goes, miracles happen.

The Girls

2006-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Four of my high school girlfriends came to the cottage the last weekend there. Two who could not come sent regrets...Peg and Carol (she sent the most beautiful spray of flowers!).
They went to Mackinac Island, but otherwise hung out at the cottage and a couple of towns nearby.
There is something about being with females you have grown up with as they know you inside and out. Or so it seems. I realized when we got together how many years we had been apart and for some strange reason shared some scary incidents in my life that just kind of came out of my mouth without intending to...

Jake, Beth and Bob were there...I had thought I would be able to spend all the time with the girls on the weekend, maybe next time we are together. We named it the second annual Julie's Weekend because she hosted the first one in our hometown and has since died from cancer. We felt her presence with us, as well as those of other girlfriends though.

We were a fairly cohesive group of about a dozen gals back in the 60's when parents stayed married and dinner was on the table most evenings. It was truly a blessing to have grown up in those days and I will always cherish the friendships that arose from those years.

Pictured are Jeanne, Marilyn, Annette, Karen and Moi.

Jeanne was a cheerleader and married her high school sweetheart. She was an American Airlines stewardess for many years and then they raised a family of three boys and one girl, who are now all married.Her husband was an auctioneer and is now retired. The two of them also found time to be missionaries in Russia. Now they are anticipating moving to a new condo after selling the home where they raised their family and moving into a new phase of their lives. The two of them still look just like they did years ago with only minor hair color changes. They are Christians and it shows in how genuinely they communicate with others. I so admire Jeanne...she was and still is one of the sweetest girls I know!
Marilyn and I were born 5 days apart and our Mom's were in the same hospital room. I did not know until this weekend together that my mother named me the name Marilyn's mom had intended (guess it was a popular name then), so her Mom named her Marylin. Later Marilyn changed her name to be exactly what her Mom first intended as she herself preferred it! Whenever Marilyn was called in a group, both of us used to answer!! ---Marilyn was our gorgeous Homecoming Queen. After college she went into social work and now lives out west where she works in a small school teaching 20 students. She is into spiritual guidance, the environment, and nutrition. I had not remembered seeing Marilyn since college but she swears I visited her once in Detroit and I have no memory of it! She's sending me a photo she says she has of me there to prove it. Strangest thing not to remember that. Marilyn has a soulmate of six years and is foster raising a young boy of 11. She also by a previous marriage had a beautiful daughter and now has a son in law, grandson and granddaughter.
Annette is full of energy and a lot of fun. Her father was superintendent of our school and she came from a large family. She is an English teacher and her husband a school principal in a small town near our hometown. They raised four girls, three of which were triplets. Annette says it was all about organization raising them! Now all the girls are married and they have one gorgeous porcelain faced granddaughter and another child on the way. This year they all went to Mexico together and next summer they plan to get together at a cabin near a lake. Annette was checking rentals online and when I checked them also, I was amazed at the rents they could command.---Anyway, Annette drove and also brought the wine. Her phone rang over and over and she truly was the life of the gathering! I am amazed at her energy and her youthful good looks after all these years. It would not have been a gathering without her and I hope she never misses a one through the years!
Karen was, and is still, Marilyn's best friend. They lived a block from each other growing up and you seldom saw one without the other. Karen went into Eastern Airlines and when it folded she remained living out east. Now she lives in our hometown where she owns her own home and is developing her art by selling it in galleries. She does amazing collages and her color sense is wonderful. She is so practical that she could write a book on simplifying. No computer or TV and a refrigerator where you can actually see the shelves! Her home is minimalist, which I find fascinating. She reads a lot so is interested in everything.

A part of me will always be with these girls as an extended family that I will love forever. I hope we keep the traditon of the weekend slumber parties going through the years.

Cottage in Retrospect

2006-08-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Somehow I had the mistaken thought that I would have more time to post onto this blog at the cottage, but the truth is I have less time all around now.
We replaced two country couches Bob bought at auction a couple of years ago for a paltry $25 . Now we have a leather couch and love seat with 4 recliners in them...makes it like a movie theatre. The couches blend with our hated mustard and brown carpet from the previous owners. Next summer, after 15 yrs. of living with it, we hope to replace it and all the walls with pine.
Then Bob found a neighbor willing to sell almost new snowmobiles, so that shot the furniture buying! We did, however, find a great antique dealer eager to sell and for under $500 bought an entire bedroom set for our daughter. It's shown here in a back bedroom where we also installed two new windows. The old windows were nothing more than single panes of glass framed in...that's the way they did things in the old cottages.
Bob also put in a new stove top (we are still looking for a new oven) and replaced the screens on the sliding doors facing the lake. I put more flowers, soil and mulch in the garden at the entrance to our drive and gave away all the loft bedding, replacing them with quilts and new sheets.
That's pretty good for a month at the cottage!
Next summer we hope to redo the inside, do the roof on the back part of the cottage and switch around some bedrooms if we also get the back bathroom finished. The more we accomplish before retiring the better off we will be on a limited income. After 15 yrs. of owning the cottage we are eager to have all the basic things done to it, so we can just handle repairs and spend time outdoors.

More Jake!

2006-07-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Bob bought Jake a tool kit and he's busy at work this
morning!!

The Rascal!!

2006-07-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

We have our grandson Jake with us this week until we leave for our home below.
He's been a challenge to keep up with most days.
Most of the time he runs with Grandpa Bob...he just calls him Bob for some reason.
Today he was screaming "GaGa" (me) at the top of his lungs and when I saw what he had, pulled out my camera. Need to take a lot more before we leave next week and post....

View from the Deck

2006-07-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Life at the Cottage

2006-07-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

With only 4 weeks at the cottage this year we are all about being productive...at least that is my husband's frame of mind. I'm avoiding the computer at night to be able to get up mornings, as Bob is an early riser and can't stand anyone else sleeping if he is awake...typical hyper diaper. If he thinks he can't get me to leave bed he's great at serving me breakfast in bed, so it's worth it to wait him out!!! This morning it was coffee, fruit and toast. Some mornings it's actually bacon and eggs. I adore the luxury...though the kitchen is usually left a mess.
In fact, he just brought me a premixed strawberry daiquiri at the computer in a cute pink plastic martini glass....funky and cute. Guess he's hoping it will make me tired of being online.
I take one day a week off from Bob and give him the other six to roam while here. It drives him nuts to be grounded for just one day with our daughter Beth. Beth turns 28 yr. this month, but is mentally less than 5...braindamage from birth. She is entertained by watching cable tv most of the time, but needs 24 hr. supervision, so unless he takes her for a ride in the mule, a cute red cart we use on the point, he's totally cottage bound.
The first time I took "my day" here Bob took 4 showers, he was so bored. I had a great day at little antique shops and even won at the casino. The second day off was not as good. I lost a debit card with quite a bit of cash wrapped around it and a receipt that showed I had more than usual in my checking. The debit card was turned into the police, but the cash was gone. I cancelled the card in case they kept the numbers to use online or to order on the phone. But mostly it shows how people are hungry for money. I could not take a debit card or cash as I would feel God was testing my honesty, but I realize not all people operate that way. --- I told myself money is not life and went on to enjoy the day traveling area resorts, shops, etc. But this time I skipped the casino! This next week I may try and get more quality into the day, other than shopping...and visit the casino again...Ha!
Thusfar we have replaced two ugly couches with new leather furniture and bought a cottage set of furniture for Beth all antique and charming. Am still looking for some bedroom furniture for our bedroom as I sent my parents set to auction...it brought less than $20...so disappointing but then they got more than 60 yrs. use out of it.
Today Bob installed a new stove top but we are still looking for a new oven to go with it. The old ones that came with the cottage were turquoise and very retro...I loved them but they stopped working. I worked on the garden at the end of the drive and two neighbors yards. A gorgeous day outside.
We are trying to replace and work on the place so we don't have to do it all in retirement. Still have to redo two bathrooms, recarpet or refloor and redo the wood both inside and out. And of course, Bob wants a new garage to replace the big old quonset hut that is now here as a garage.

At home son RC and a buddy installed a tile backsplash in my kitchen and our bathroom, due to be gutted and redone by a local contractor has yet to be done, though we will be home in two weeks!

Will post photos of the place and surrounding area next.
Hope you are all enjoying your summer...I feel as though I am in heaven here.

Marilyn

Weekend Visit

2006-07-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

My sister Martha (on right), her dog Nikko, and daughter Errin visited one weekend. The photo was taken on the boat to Mackinac Island...

Too Busy To Blog

2006-07-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

"Garden Susie" sits at the end of our drive...

We arrived at the cottage June 20th. Will only be here until the end of July :( ----

The phone was not working and a call to the company initiated a service call. Seems they moved the wires underground and had no record of our having had a phone since 2002 so did not give us a line! They will be putting one in and gave us a temp. A week later none of the phones on the point worked, but no reason given as to why.

Then the computer didn't work because the local provider had equipment problems.

My sister Martha and her daughter Errin came for the weekend and we had a great time. They went to Mackinac Island one day and we hit a casino at night...Errin was a virgin gambler and won over $100...she left happy:).

A cap on a tooth came loose from eating an olive burger at one of our favorite local joints, Clyde's, by the Mackinac Bridge. -- Went in to a local dentist and he charged $233.00 upfront to xray the tooth root and glue it back on...took him 10 min. tops.

Had a Celebration of Life in honor of beloved neighbor Floyd, who passed away in April at age 85 with his kids. About 70 people from various backgrounds came to share stories, both funny and serious . The day started out warm, but then the wind kicked up a chill and the chocolate on my new choc. fountain hardened and the motor burnt out. Still, it was a beautiful day. We grilled burgers and dogs, had salads, crock pots, and desserts...a really great cake with a golf bag in honor of Floyd's passion for golf. His son David and wife Donna were emotional most of the day...was nice to see their love for him. It felt like Floyd was amoung us by connecting with those there who came out of love for him.

Tomorrow is my day off...I take one a week from Bob and he hates being tied down all day. I head off at dawn and don't come back until after dark.

Post again soon and will take some photos to share.
I'm in LOVE with this place...like heaven!

ANAHATA - AN AMAZING ARTIST!!!

2006-06-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.anahataart.com/page/page/3416007.htm

Copy and paste the above into your browser if the link does not work...seeing Anahata's site is like an artist candy store...It's absolutely one of the most inspiring sites out there! Color and images that pour out of her into collages that are simply gorgeous...She's Star Quality!

Father's Day 2006

2006-06-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

My father Wellesley Alexander was the best father a girl could ever have. He was raised by John and Elizabeth, two parents with stately confidence. John was an artist who started a cemetery monument business with his art ability and Elizabeth did well in the stock market, taking the boys back to their roots in Scotland... trips Dad never forgot. Dad had one brother Ian. I never heard either brother say anything unkind about the other. Dad worked in the family business most of his life. His health declined in his early 70's...heart problems, depression, and many other problems that my mother tried to cope with, using up her health. He spent his last years in three different resthomes. It will always haunt me how sad his last years were on this earth. In his bitterness, he lashed out at my brothers and sister, but never at me...I guess I wasn't there as often, living out of state.
He was human and made mistakes. He opened an Edsel dealership which was to be the downfall of his financial earnings and his greatest source of worry. Then he spent lavishly when he inherited money later in life. But he was always there with Mom...always faithful and someone I was proud to introduce as my Dad.

Before he died he bought himself some Father's Day cards. He told Mom he didn't think his kids would send him any as he had been so nasty to them. I slipped one into the lining of his casket the day of his funeral, with photos of my kids and professing my undying love.
I learned to have a heart from my father and to care about people...he sat and talked with so many people with losses in their lives and was a good listener. I learned that family and being proud of one's heritage was important...he cared so much for his honor and the family name and we felt we should live up to his ideals. He taught me to do the small things that let people know someone cares that they exist, hang the expense...Mom was horrified once that he brought home two dresses and two pair of shoes for me from an expensive department store because he felt sorry for me that I didn't have a date for the homecoming dance. Dad made us all laugh...once he made up a card game as we went along, which was much funnier than being told all the rules in the beginning. He wore an entirely matched golfing outfit down to breakfast Christmas mornings. He took us on family vacations and out to restaurants with linen table cloths. He drove beautiful cars and washed them more often than anyone I know. He smoked the best smelling cigars...the smell of a cigar reminds me of him still today. He loved sports and would often have a baseball game on the radio and another on the TV. He danced a dance he called the Gull Lake Hop. He called to tell me he loved my kids, after one Christmas and cried on the phone. He was always immaculate in the way he dressed and the care he took in his personal care. I can still feel the smoothness of his freshly shaved cheek against mine and the roundness of his body when I hugged him.

When I go to his graveside to talk I take him cigars, which I am sure the groundskeeper enjoys more than flowers.
I thank God for him and hope one day to see him once again.

I love you Dad and I always will.
Marilyn

Fighting Farewells

2006-06-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today I felt alive again. Pitching and actually working on paper piles...have been stacking things too long.

Found a list of people on our jury for the malpractice suit 16 yrs. ago for our daughter...intended to thank them right after the the case settled our direction, but I guess I could still try... May be hard telling them thanks for their time after so many years.

Also found a business card an old boyfriend gave to my sister to give to me. She said he was now a lawyer but had a bad muscular disease and I wonder now if he is still living...he wrote his home number on the back, but I'd never call his house as he married and had kids.

And a note from the daughter of a friend who died a couple of years ago...Martha was a librarian/artist who grew up in New Orleans and had the best sense of humor. Should contact her daughter Perry. Martha is buried in a vault in a mausoleum across the street from Erma Bombeck's grave. We went there once to visit Martha's husband's vault and she gave me a tour of the place. I need to stop in and talk with her.

Piles of memories. No wonder I let them sit. I'm trying to let go, but I invested part of my life in all of them.

Thanks, Little Man...

2006-06-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Lacking motivation and sleeping too much.It's time to get in the race and kick butt...time to get out of my comfy blue robe. I have one comic relief...Good old Cartman from South Park....Makes me LOL every time!!

Bob's Treasure Trove

2006-06-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

This handmade female bunny outfit was one of husband Bob's finds at a garage sale..only $5. It's adorable, but one of only 10 things brought home yesterday. Usually he buys antiques that can be resold for more money at auctions or Ebay, but storing them all has become a problem. The bunny will probably stay as it will amuse our daughter and grandchildren, like the Santa suit in the closet that Bob wears every year. The bunny suit will no doubt end up being my claim to fame. Bob is forever into fun. I enjoy that about him but it also makes it hard as I struggle to simplify life.

Just desserts

2006-06-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

To move to the summer cottage is like making a meal and having to clean up the kitchen (house) eat the meal (pack) and then have dessert (arrive at the cottage).

I have done this for 13 yrs. and you would think that it would get easier. But we have accumulated more here and at the cottage and it is hard to remember what is in the other place, depending on where you are!

I want to get to the dessert but it takes time. I guess in a way it's my just dessert for living a life so recklessly. Organized Chaos.

The Art Spirit

2006-06-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

My students are having a fit that I am forcing art history down their young throats, but one day they will thank me for teaching them that art is the outgrowth of the lives people live, from earliest cavemen forward.I hope that they will also carry with them my attitude toward art, which can be summed up in the following by the famous art instructor and painter, Robert Henri, from the book The Art Spirit...

When the artist is alive in any person... he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature. He becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and he opens ways for better understanding. Where those before him have closed the book, he opens the book and discovers more pages possible.

With just three days to go with students and two more years to retirement, I am finding that the impression I make on these young minds is more important to me.

Art, like life, is an attitude. If you just do what you must, life can be oh so boring. But put before yourself challenges of your own making and it becomes an adventure worth living. I admit though that the choices run through my head and I now ask myself which ones I think God would want for me...part of the wisdom that comes with age and the feeling that there are fewer years ahead to screw up!

Have a great weekend. Chat at the end of next week when I move from one lifestyle to the other.

Marilyn

The Other Life

2006-05-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

I took this photo of Beth on the beach...it's calm moments like this that make summers so great.
Memorial Weekend is upon us. Am cleaning and sorting while watching our grandsons. Still a couple of weeks left of school before we can head north to the cottage.
Have a great weekend.
Marilyn

He Had Me From THe Start!!!

2006-05-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's not about the best voice as there are tons of those out there...it's what you do with a song and how you make those of us listening feel about the performance. When Kat came on I thought she was a gorgeous girl with a beautiful voice. Taylor on the other hand made me want to clap, sing and dance along with him. Obvious choice for me! Congratulations Taylor. You won it fair and square.

My vote for most improved? Voice and appearance goes to Clay Acon. What a transformation! Did not recognize him at first.

Prince was SO GOOD...but he was out of place in what has become a Miss America variety show of music about promoting singers.

I was sorry that Mandessa didn't do a duet with Ruben Stoddard. Two great voices and a well matched couple (she has the hots for him already, according to tv hype).

Simon is riding this show and others to an early retirement with lotsa money for bling.

Am afraid by glorifying the odd ball acts with trophies it will encourage more to come out of the cracks next year and the show will lose the serious competition value.

Country music award shows are starting to impress me more...they put on a great show.

The Oscars are in the dumps and need to be reincarnated.

Life is good outside of the box (TV or flat screen).

Enjoy today.

Marilyn

True Golfing Story

2006-05-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Husband Bob calls this one, "as good as it gets", though to hear him tell it is what really makes it funny.

Years ago one of the city schools in the predominantly poorest part of town wanted Bob to be their golf coach. His team consisted of one guy who always showed up in a suit, one girl, a guy with a glass eye, and a gay guy who liked to tee off with a putter (he later killed a guy friend and is in jail for life). None of them had clubs of their own so he had to beg and borrow used ones...he asked me for my bag of clubs and I turned him down after I heard a kid wrapped a club around a desk practicing his swing in his classroom.

One day he and another coach were sitting in the pro shop waiting on the kids when someone told him his kids were beating up other kids on the course with their clubs. He said he reluctantly went out to stop them feeling totally embarrassed.

Bob said he got tired of being the lowest in the ratings every year at the city meets, as he had to bring the donuts five years in a row. He said he never wore his school shirts as he didn't want them to know where he coached!

Just another of Bob's school stories...he could and should write a book.

Marilyn

Norman Rockwell Golfing Print

Saturday Morning

2006-05-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Grandson Jake and husband Bob leave for an MG car meet this morning...building memories.

Dead Ends...

2006-05-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

I left school so angry yesterday I wanted to throw things and cry, all at the same time. I have been in the trenches for 28 years now and thought I had seen it all but the apathy is more than I can handle for now.
We were watching an excellent film on artist Alexander "Sandie" Calder (1898-1976) and the kids were either sleeping or being reminded that the tv was in fact behind them, if they would just turn around to look at it.

I told them that their last project of the year was a mobile that was to be abstract, using only shapes and balance. Calder treated art as playtime and I thought they would be into that as it's been a struggle to get them to work on anything. These are 8th graders I am talking about. The counselor told me the computer was to blame for the three classes of lowest performing students in the school, but even I know that if you schedule students willing to learn into foreign languages, study hall, or band/choir there is nothing left but the apathetic students we are seeing more of every year. Notice I am not saying special ed. students who are also about 25% of my classes, as they actually come in wanting to learn.

"So, why are you making us watch this stupid movie anyway...it's BORING" said one girl ...I had taken this girl into my yearbook staff advisory and treated her with nothing but respect. I reminded her that it was to give her an example of an artist who made mobiles into an art form...that even his smallest mobiles command more than $100,000 at auction today.

Another kid who reminds me of the character Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) on the 70's Show chimed in with, "Yeah, like we want to be entertained. This is BORING."

Several others who had been punching each other in the arms as they entered the class also added their two cents about how they were being "forced" to watch a dumb movie.

I turned off the TV/VCR. and told them they had already done their last project of the year. Most of them slaughtered an architecture project based on the work of LA architect Frank Gehry, so I was attempting to bring the art back down to their level. I added that they would be reading and writing notes to turn in the last three weeks of class and I would be running it like a study hall...with the exception of a couple kids who give effort and care.

The yearbook gal and her female "lawyer" friend approached my desk to further their case, "But YOU need to give us stuff we want to do ." I supposed they meant like a few other students had asked the same day about doing an edible art project they could eat afterward (With their teacher of course buying the ingredients out of pocket).

In my anger, which I confess I shared with the principal later should he get a phone call, I told them Education has it all wrong. We need to be more European in our outlook. Stop education at 6th grade ,I told them, and send them out into the work force if they did not want any further education.

"And you will need to know how to speak Spanish, as your bosses will." I added. The lawyer friend called me racist and I told them that all they need to do is watch the news to know that they would be filling the jobs previously filled by people coming from Mexico, who would then move up the ladder.

The lawyer student said she wanted to be a tattoo artist. I told her she could apprentice and did not need school for that. She said it would be 6 mo. to a year without pay though. I answered that she would not need the money as she would still be living at home with her parents...she didn't like my response. The yearbook gal shot back..."You would be out of a job then!" I told them I could handle that if it meant the kids who want to be educated were the ones being taught.

Students are becoming increasingly apathetic because they have been given free reign by parents and society. They no longer have respect for adults or institutions as they have no self respect. They shout out obscenities to friends, wear their clothes to flaunt their bodies, sleep, eat, play computer games, talk and text message on cell phones, listen to their ipods, have sex before they are ready for the consequences and consume and destroy materials on a daily basis. Education is not something that is being sought by these students as their parents have never shown them an advantage toward having one.

Many of my students have parents in and out of jail, failed relationships, and finances. One student who has the latest clothes, nail and hair appointments has a mother who changes cell phone numbers and addresses almost weekly. I am shocked when a parent actually answers a phone or calls the school back on their student's behavior...as long as we are taking the kids off their hands (and off the streets) they are happy...gives them time to sleep in, make more babies, and run around.

Schools are asked to pay for these kids as they often do not pay fees, have money for breakfast or lunch, or the materials needed on a daily basis. "I need a pencil" they say instead of "I didn't bring a pencil". One student told me they didn't pay fees because "that's our Partying Money, Man!!" We also break up their fights and sort out their spats with each other. Better not stand in the middle of a hallway or you will be mowed down rather than walked around.

So, the next time you complain about the schools and the lousy job we are doing to educate your kids, remember that it's not the village that should be raising the kids, it's the people who gave birth to them. Wake up and smell the roses people. Stop being kids yourselves and take responsibility for the next generation before they decide to pay you back for the lack of parenting you gave them.

And this, my friends, is why teachers get their summers off...mental health. I know you begrudge us that break, but if we sent all the kids we see everyday to your house, you'd call the police!
Marilyn

Oh No, Yoko, It's time to go!!!!!!!!

2006-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

I asked Bob when he plans to leave for the cottage for the summer. He said it's the beginning of the week following our last week of school in June! It's always too soon for me as I do things to close down this house. He, on the other hand, just packs a few clothes, puts his four wheelers on a trailer and he's ready to go.
I have school things to end...a breakfast, lunch and after school retirement to shop and set up for, a power point presentation of students throughout the year for the last day assembly, photo the rest of the student work and post online. Yearbook awards to get ready. Clean the room and grade the last of the projects.
Bills to sort and get into some sort of system...I am so lame with them. Tons still to toss or organize in the house. Beth's reports to lawyers and doctor appts., etc. to be done, as I am her guardian as well as her Mom. And clean as much as possible, since the dust and dirt settle in while we are gone.
Time to get the lists going in my head again!
Marilyn

Birdie is a Class Act

2006-05-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

I sometimes call my mother Birdie as she eats so little, or Audie, or just plain Mom.
My mother Audra is a survivor and then some. She and Dad raised all four of us as if we were only children...always there for anything important in our lives. Beth and I are driving up to see her today. Mom is 86 and lives in a care residence.
I will never equal my mother, can only aspire to be the best Mom I can be to my kids.
Mom was home with us when we were young and all her life kept an immaculate house, especially her domain, the kitchen. We had a hot meal on the table each night, clean IRONED clothes in our closets and fresh underclothing, clean sheets on our beds each week, no dust bunnies under our beds, etc. She would wake us every Saturday morning with the sound of the vacuum cleaner. The most I ever remember doing was to wash windows, dust or help with dishes.
Dad had a business reversal which one day I will explain, so Mom went back to work as office supervisor at our local hospital. She would come home on her lunch hour to start dinner and was up some nights until 2 cleaning that kitchen, ironing, etc. She worked at the hospital until she had paid for all four of us to finish college, something she and Dad had started but had never been able to complete.
After Dad died she was worn down to nothing. My sister Martha took her in. Mom's one vice throughout life was her smoking. She caught her nightgown on fire at the age of 85 and endured painful skin grafting that we never thought she would make it through. She is now the darling of the resthome as she is so up most of the time and appreciates anything done for her.
I LOVE YOU MOM, MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW (That last part is what she now says to us everytime we see her). I thank God for her and my Dad. Sometimes in life you just luck out!
Marilyn

STELLA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK STELLA...
YOU ROCK!!
MAY 13, 1936--
My Soul Mate!

Dog Dancing

2006-05-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

If you have never seen this woman dancing with her golden retreiver to the music of Grease and you love dogs, this video will make you :) Saw her on TV and my sister Martha sent it to me. Thanks Tha! Loved seeing it again.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2624556534843571648&q=grease+dog

Things Bob Doesn't Know...

2006-05-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

My husband still does not know I write this blog. He assumes I am writing email and never comes in to see what is on the screen.
His idea of being online is checking out the prices of cars or going onto Ebay to see how much an antique he bought at a sale is worth. He's not computer illiterate, but sees no use to be on them too much for anything else.
In fact, after 27 yrs. of marriage, I only this year put him on my personal checking accounts. Actually the bank forced me to do it...they would no longer let me deposit his paychecks to my account if Bob's name was not on the account. He never used to remember who or what he wrote a check to or for, and he left paying the bills to me, so I just never added him. Now that there are carbons for the checks, he does not have to remember. I even bought him a duct tape checkbook cover so it would look "manly".
Bob's first response to things he does not tell me is that I never asked. So, now I have this policy, what he doesn't know he didn't ask!
Hats off to all the women who keep little bits of themselves private, even in marriage.
Marilyn

Willie's pen is mightier than...

2006-05-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

While looking through the bloggs listed on Delightful Bloggs I had the good fortune of seeing a blog I highly recommend you take the time to visit ....Willie Baronet's blog of cartooning and other funny observations. http://williebaronet.blogspot.com/

Ian Summers describes his blog the way I see it...
"Willie's blog gives us a glimpse into how he thinks and feels through an intimate artist's journal. His process gives insight into the creative mind and heart. I encourage you to visit. You will follow Willie through the full range of emotions, witness how he asks insightful questions of himself and others, and see some delightful whimsical artwork."

Ian Summers http://www.heartstorming.com/

AMAZING GINNY

2006-05-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ginny is the principal's secretary at our school and my best friend there. I seldom have but a few minutes a day to keep in touch with her and sometimes we email or talk on the phone.
She is the most organized and caring person you could ever want to know. I admire how she cares about her parents and sibs. She married her jr. high boyfriend Kyle, who is one of the nicest men ever. But most of all I admire Ginny as a Mom. She is devoted to the lives of her two daughters Amy and Molly and now her first grandson, Drew. She's the kind of Mom who will make things, collect things, clean things and help you get the things in life that you want. She's so dependable and an unsung hero in so many ways. No task is too hard for her to handle. She keeps lists to be on track. She totally runs our school and keeps everyone focused. I cannot imagine ever working in the place without her at her desk which is the central control of the school.
The above picture shows her with flowers cut from her own garden. Like the flowers in the vase she is a soft and beautiful person inside and out. I adore her as my confidant and friend.
Hope you are in your jammies , Ginny, just enjoying the weekend.
Marilyn

End of the School Year

2006-05-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Put up a Holocaust art show of 130 super and inspiring submissions. Also installed a student display of self-protraits at our local coffee house (two at left). Am photograhing large amounts of artwork to post on an artsite online, rather than an end of the year student art show...I teach 7th and 8th graders art in a rural city.
Husband Bob teaches in a large city school and says he needs a whole section for the "ankle-bracelet" kids who only come once in awhile and he has to call their probation officers instead of parents.
The two of us could write a book on the difference between city and country schools and education in general. Mostly what we are seeing are high and low end students. Bright kids heavy into technology and slackers who show but don't do the work taking over the class from the rest of the students. The most frustrating thing about teaching is that students want to be spoon fed and seem apathetic toward aquiring an education if it isn't fast-paced and entertaining the way their video games and TV shows are geared. Sex is a topic at a much younger age than we knew it. Clothing is scant or baggy. The kids look more mature at a younger age and are giving birth to babies as if they were stuffed toys to play with and their parents end up raising them. Luckily, there are students who make you see that the world will be a better place with them in charge and those give you hope. I just wish they had more time to be kids in this fast paced world. How do you slow it down for them?
Take time to get outside.
Enjoy your weekend...summer is near and your kids will soon be home.
Marilyn

BLUE

2006-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

I was feeling blue today because I take a med. to soften my nerves (Lexapro) and have not taken it the last few nights...they were in the bedroom and I didn't want to turn on the light to hunt for them and wake my husband.

After 9-11 I was stunned by fear. At night I walked out into the barnyard where we live in the country and prayed to God, while searching the heavens and constellations for a flaw in the patterns that might be ominous.. We live close to an airport and every plane seemed a threat. Then I decided that fear was what the terrorists wanted and it dissipated.
Likewise, not that life wants us to fear, but the devil does. I trust in God to direct my life and know that worry, fear, and depression are not productive for the years I have on earth. I have literally made myself get into life. It's a choice, you know.
God Bless to all those suffering with a similar malady.

Marilyn

My Guys!

2006-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

There are two little boys who mean everything in the world to me.
Jake is my oldest grandson...he is full of energy, bright and funny. I love to watch how his little mind works. He is not always good, but that is because he has such a strong character that he wants to do everything his way. But when he calls me GaGa and curls up in my lap, there is nothing in this world sweeter...reminds me of his Dad when he was a boy...they look so much alike. Jake turns 6 this weekend. Happy Birthday and I hope to be around to see many more.

Our second grandson Evan is still a little bit of a mystery to me. Jake was around us since he was born and because he was difficult at times he really wore all of us out. Then comes beautiful little Evan who steals everyone's hearts and is such an easy baby to take care of...I am so glad he was not the first born as the first one put us through the hoops! Evan is now 1 yr. and starting to walk and talk. He has his Mommy's eyes and dimples and his Daddy's calm about him. Can't wait to know him better as he grows.

Having grandkids means that you open your heart to another generation. The unconditional love you feel for them is easier as you don't see them as often as you did your own kids and you miss them inbetween. How nice it will be to see them both growing into young men to carry on the family name. They are two very different and very wonderful little boys.

Have a good Sunday.
Marilyn "GaGa"

JAVA

2006-04-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Once a principal of ours wanted to take away our coffee. History teacher and coach, Mark, spoke up at the staff meeting saying, "We don't get many perks (pun?) around here...Don't take away our coffee!!!" -- He won our
battle that day...Thank you Mark!!!!! It is one of the last vestiges of
freedom that we all embrace.

My first cup of coffee for the day is Cafe Francais which tastes like a cup of cocoa. Then I drink two large cups of hot chai tea from my favorite coffee house and that keeps me going all day.
From the time I wake to the last moment before sleep I have lists in my head.

A retired friend Kathy sent me this...
Question: "What is the best way to describe retirement?"
Answer: " A never ending Coffee Break"

Sounds good, but feel I need to get more done in the next
couple of years to be ready.
Have a good weekend...
Marilyn

FAREWELL TO FLOYD

2006-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

When we first bought our cottage 13 yrs. ago it was like our neighbor Floyd had always been in our lives. He ran around with my husband Bob to the casino or in town to eat or run errands. Floyd was up early every morning mowing, working in his toy shop to produce wooden toys, working at the local golf course pro shop, calling square dancing at the local schools, or just visiting with neighbors. I would call him once a week to write down his schedule on our calendar and have him over for dinner the nights he was home. If he had a bad opinion he knew to not burn bridges and kept them to himself. In the winter months he was like the caretake of our place and others on the point. He was a regular at the local restaurant and helped with school sports by doing the links at football games and attending kids graduation parties and other events. All we had to do when we first moved there was to say we lived next door to Floyd and a check would be ok'd or at the very least they knew where we lived...the people on the point and others loved the man.
It will hit us the hardest when we go to the cottage for the summer. There is a Memorial in his hometown with family we will miss, but we will help with a Memorial to celebrate his life during the 4th or whenever the family decides. He is to be cremated and his ashes joined with his wife Ruth's out on the big lake. He went in the hospital one day and died the next at age 85. Isn't that how we all would wish to go?
There will always be a silent guest at our dinner table. Floyd was part of our family.
You lived a good life little man and made a big man impression on everyone. God Bless.
Marilyn

Mack

2006-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Our first dog Wally was bought to be a buddy and responsibility for our son who was about 7 at the time. I contacted the breeders assoc. and they put me in touch with Melanie. I thought I was interviewing her about the pups, but I soon realized that I was the one being interviewed. She made an appointment for us to go down to meet with her and see the pups, but informed me, "I don't sell my dogs to people I don't feel have the right motives for owning a dog." It felt like we were adopting a baby! We adored Melanie and she even found my husband Bob amusing, so we clicked. Wally's official name was Rosebud's Great Wally Bear and he came from a line of showdogs. He had a square back to the skull on his head that made him quite distinctive. His grandfather was sold to a Japanese breeder for mega bucks.
When Wally passed away two years ago I felt as though I had been kicked in the stomach as he was so loyal and asked for so little in life, but to be loved. He's buried on our property and I still visit him just to talk.
Our son had already contacted Melanie about getting a pup for his family about the same time. He picked out their dog Cooper and encouraged me to go see the litter as there was a brother to Cooper that I might want. It was of course love at first site. Golden Retrievers look like teddy bears at first. Mack just jumped up on the fence and wagged his tail, and I was hooked.
Now in his 2nd year with us, Mack has more than filled the gap that Wally left. He has Wally's bloodline. We named him Rosebud's Great Mackinaw Bear. He plays with the grandson and is a constant friend in the house. He barks to let us know that people are near the house. He sleeps on the floor with whomever he feels needs protection at night. It's like having a mini-horse around the house. He's also quite the swimmer in the summer months and loves to chase birds down the beach like Wally used to do.
I adore Mack...isn't he just he handsomest dog you've seen in a long time?
Love you, Mack.
Marilyn

Ahhhhh Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Below are photos from our perennial garden at home. Friend Linda planted it for me several years ago (more on her in a later post).
The only thing I do is run the hand cultivator through it ...I discovered the cultivator sitting outside a local antique shop and leave it in the garden as a bit of sculpture reminiscent of years gone by...
Will post pictures of the cottage garden when up north for the summer months.
Time to get outdoors!!!
Marilyn

Time to QVC, Baby!!!!

2006-04-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Niece Errin (sister Martha's daughter) wrote for permission to use an old photo of me for some of her scrapbooking brochures. She works for a company near Ann Arbor, Michigan working on kits they sell on QVC. I was flattered. The photo was one I had never seen before but taken of me at age 29, the month and year that Bob and I were married (above) Errin just graduated from Western Michigan Univ.in graphic arts. She designs with an oriental flair that I think makes her very current, appealing to nature, the environment, and the senses. Her BF Chris is also an artist, though he is trying to design computer games. It's great to see a young couple trying to work their way up in their careers.

My hope in this generation taking over is that they are not shy about what they do and don't want in life. If they are to survive in this world of ugly international politics, thank God they will be able to hold their own. Our generation was taught to be hard-working and slowly go up the ladder of success. I think these kids and others will knock down barriers and forge ahead in this world without all the fears that we had growing up. They will do well because they aren't afraid to take risks. Let's hear it for the creative spirit in these young adults!

Support Errin on QVC under scrapbooking kits at QVC.com Shopping ...She used to work on the Flavia kits but this one is being introduced by a Lisa Bearnson on April 18th....shown here on her site.... Welcome to LisaBearnson.com!

Happy Shopping!

Marilyn

HEY JUDE!!

2006-04-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Jude and I are the Supreme Goddesses of email venting. No subject is safe from our discussion. I especially like it when Jude has naughty thoughts and adds . Jude's husband loves politics and world news events, but Jude says she prefers to live a shallow existence...she hides her intellect. She is very emotional and loving in regard to her concern for her students and others in need. Her gorgeous daughter Amy is in college and I believe Jude is totally devoted to her happiness in life. The funniest story of Jude and Amy was on the way to school one day, Jude was wearing her cow costume for Halloween and they were having a "difference of opinions". Amy started to laugh and Jude asked why. "Mother," Amy said, "I am arguing with a cow!" - Jude introduced our latest adjective...skank...love it! When we first met as teachers in the same building, I gave Jude a notepad thinking it had her name on it...she still has the pad that has the name "Jean" on it. I have things that remind me of Jude. A purple hair scrunch she gave my daughter. A small bookmark with her name on the back and a picture frame, both gifts at sometime from her. -- We talk about family, friends, school, fashions, tv personalities, emotions, health issues, food, shopping, bills, etc. I know whatever I tell her is off the record. Her emails come at anytime during the day or night...Since they are unpredictable in subject, they are usually the first ones I read. I have chuckled over and over at her jabs and comments...she is so hilarious!
God Bless Jude. Friends Forever as the necklaces say.
Night-Mare
P.S. - Jude, I didn't have a good mugshot of you that I thought you would like, so hope the cow works until you can send me a good shot of you to add to the post.

Peg (aka Meg)

2006-04-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

An email update arrived from friend Peg. She's an adorable teacher friend approx. 20 yrs. younger than me. Peg reminds me of the actress Meg Ryan. Petite and always so cute. She is the wife of Alan, who builds homes and mother to four of my very favorite kids...Isaac, Shelby, Nathan and Mariah. I remember when each of them were born and though Peg works in another school district have managed to stay in touch from time to time.
Peg has gone through two medical scares with her health and is such a survivor. She does not wallow in self-pity but counts her blessings and gets on with life. I like to remind her of the days that she danced on tables in bars (!) when like the rest of us life was all new.
My prayers are always in place for her family and I feel Peg and I will be friends for life.
She's an inspiration to me and I feel we just pick up where we left off any time we email or meet. Every so often, someone special enters your life, and she is definitely one of them.
Marilyn

Swimming Upstream

2006-03-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

This day started out with the gas tank on empty, after hunting all morning for things I could not find. Left the house feeling the day might not go right. Then I drove over a bridge on the river down the road and saw two ducks swimming upstream and thought it was an omen to just get through the day. They were so calming, making ripples fan out in the water, that a slow smile came to my face and I drove on feeling this might be a good day after all, if I just retain the calm that I saw in them.
Have a great weekend.
Marilyn

Day Without End...

2006-03-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Guess I went in to work with too little sleep today...
First a couple of girls showed up from the high school to job shadow. I didn't know they were coming as they left a message on voice mail that I rarely check.
The kids were all loud and required monitoring their talking. Am thinking of grouping achieving with the nonachieving students. Usually you mix them but can tell that those doing their work are irritated by the obnoxious behavior of others. So have decided it makes more sense to put those not achieving at one table (slacker table...talk about a label) and keep track of their progress and behavior to the side of working with those who want to be in the class.
Came home exhausted and decided it's time to answer the call of bills. Geez, it's only been about 20 some years that I have been chasing after them, one by one, with no system other than being at deadline and having to pay them. I am always late, even when the money is in the bank. Two things I seem to procrastinate on the most....house cleaning and bills. My mother was so organized on both. Why didn't I learn?
My new goal is to spend as much as I can on bills to get as far ahead as I can...like a game. Maybe that will spice it up a bit, like a challenge. (Gives me a game board idea!).
Hmm...wonder if that inventors show could be as bad as the first one. May watch.
Would love to get a ton of sleep tonight. The thought of bills and cleaning makes me tired.
Please God, send some ambition my way.
I do at least find myself making purchases on the basis of...will I be able to use this in retirement or will it be another thing to pitch? I put back a lavender Easter basket for our daughter on that basis but bought two inexpensive quilts. You can never have too (two!) many of those.
Into the night.
Enjoy yours.
Marilyn

Is It Tuesday Already?

2006-03-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

In the summer months I live the life of a retired person, forgetting which day of the week it is. Now, during the school year, I am trying to destress evenings. Work harder during the day in the classroom and leave it (though I do carry the students in my head!) behind and come home to relax.
The grandson was here tonight as his parents were buying a car. I told him he could not stay the night as he wouldn't listen to me and I was tired of noise, but grandpa took him with he and buddy Denny running around so he got his way and I get the quiet of the house. Laundry to catch up. pay a couple of bills and then American Idol. I adore Taylor, the gray-haired 29 yr. old from Alabama as he is totally into his music. There are several this season that I think will record whether they win or not. He and Paris are two I am certain will, though Paris seems such a baby in comparison. I don't call to vote but do watch to the end.
Anyway, I smiled tonight when I realized I had to think what night it was as the old me ran so tight that I was constantly aware of fitting everything in day by day to get to the end of the week. I accomplish less but have learned to let some things take a back seat to be done whenever. That's not to say that I don't have ongoing lists in my head with the following...
House: Paint the boys bedroom/den for the 4th time with a taupe #4 paint from Lowe's.
Ready our tax papers.
Catch up bills...I am a huge procrastinator.
Take dog Mack for an overdue grooming.
Make plans for two new bathrooms...here and at the cottage.
Pack things for the cottage and sort our closet and bedroom.
Paint, wallpaper and refloor our tiny laundry room.
Clean our overdue for cleaning deck.
Revive my previously beautiful perennial garden by the stairs to the deck.
Work on the lawn. Clean the barn. Paint the outside and repair windows.
Self: Lose weight by constantly eating better and exercising.
Send out invitations for the weekend in July reunion slumber party at the cottage.
Work on getting old movies from family on dvd's and photos on cd's.
Read books and magazines saved on shelf for years.
Crochet a blanket or two.
School: Sort the room and make it more colorful and attractive for the students.
Ready some town displays of student work.
Line up a yearbook staff for next year and plan their welcome breakfast.
Post best work on the net for the students.
Order more supplies for next year and find some new projects for the kids.
Other: Make my religion more personally fulfilling...be a better servant to the Lord
on a daily basis.
Keep in touch with those I care for in email, notes, phone and invite over for dinner.
Celebrate my Scottish and English heritage.

And that is only what I remember storing up there in my noggin!
I tell myself there will be time if I just concentrate on the day for now. It seems to work if I just pull down a project at a time to deal with and not sit in the middle of all of them trying to make a dent.

Time for American Idol.
Have a great night.
Marilyn

Photo At Top is Not Me, but I often feel like she looks! (received her in email)