August 1st, 2012 - My late husbands birthday. He would be 71 today. He celebrated his 37th birthday in Heaven with Angels singing! I celebrated it alone.........I think I am the only one left who remembers when his birthday is. Oh, I could have called the kids and reminded them but they have their own life's and are busy, busy, busy!
I often wonder how my life would have turned out if he had lived instead of dying at the young age of 34. How would his children be affected if he had lived? Don't get me wrong, I totally love my husband and I have spent more years with him than Dave and I had, and wondering isn't discrediting our marriage any....it's been a good one! Just wondering how different things would be now and how different things might have been while the kids were growing up......it's really hard to imagine! I suppose the kids would have had the benefit of being raised by two parents instead of one and I'm sure that would have made a difference. I didn't remarry until the kids were pretty much grown up. The youngest was 16, the next one was 17 1/2 and the oldest 19. At that age the die is pretty well cast and I'm sure my husband didn't have that much of an effect on my kids. They like him. It wasn't always like that....for many years some of them resented him. It's only in the last few years that they all have come to appreciate everything he has done for them in the past and even now.
So as I put an end to Dave's 71st Birthday I guess I will go on wondering when ever I think about his birthday......every year on Aug. 1st and other days that were special to us through out the year.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
The end of the month is almost here and nothing has changed much at all. Tom is still laid off and it doesn't look good for him to be called back any time soon, if at all. He will have to go job hunting beginning in June. I don't envy him! At his age it is hard enough to get up and go to work every day when you do have a job and it's even harder to get up in the morning knowing you have to go job hunting. There aren't really any jobs out there for him. At least not ones that will pay what he needs to make just to keep us afloat! I'm glad I'm retired! Although if I could still work I know the money that I would bring in would be a small amount it would still help some!
Memorial Day came and went. We went to the cemetery earlier last week and did Dave's grave. Rita has this year to do Mom and Dad's and Grandma and Grandpa's and Aunt Minnie and Uncle Walter's graves this year. She has the even years and we have the odd ones. She said she did it that way because we are odd and that's the way she would be able to remember! She's so silly!
We also planted flowers in our yard. Well, not exactly in our yard..........more like in pots and placed them around the house and deck, porch and patio where we can enjoy them when we sit outside. Even some near the kitchen window over the sink so I have something to look at besides weeks when I'm doing dishes! I do love the bright colors. Seems to put me a better mood.
Memorial Day came and went. We went to the cemetery earlier last week and did Dave's grave. Rita has this year to do Mom and Dad's and Grandma and Grandpa's and Aunt Minnie and Uncle Walter's graves this year. She has the even years and we have the odd ones. She said she did it that way because we are odd and that's the way she would be able to remember! She's so silly!
We also planted flowers in our yard. Well, not exactly in our yard..........more like in pots and placed them around the house and deck, porch and patio where we can enjoy them when we sit outside. Even some near the kitchen window over the sink so I have something to look at besides weeks when I'm doing dishes! I do love the bright colors. Seems to put me a better mood.
Monday, April 02, 2012
April weather
is a bit on the chilly side. The temp today made it all the way up into the low 50's. It is still 42º outside and feels a bit damp. I hope tomorrow will be nicer with plenty of sunshine. The schools here are on Spring Break and that means Amber has come for a visit. She will also visit her Dad for a few days while she is here......and that is good. She needs her daddy and he needs to spend time with her too. He and his bride moved into a new place with her kids and his kids and their one together. Amber has not seen it yet and he is anxious for her to see it. I know she will like it.
Tom is still laid off and I'm not so sure anymore that he will ever be called back to work there. He really wants to go back but it is looking more and more like he will have to find a new job. And that will be one with less pay and less benefits........I'm not sure we will survive financially if that happens. But there is no point in worrying about it.....what happens, happens. There is nothing we can do about it. If only the economy wasn't so screwed up we could at least sell our home and rent if need be or purchase a smaller one. I don't want to have to do that...I really like our house. But I guess it all depends on if he gets called back anytime soon.
In anticipation of the nicer Spring weather, Tom and I did some spring cleaning last week so if the weather should become warmer and sunny we can be outside with the grandkids that will be coming and going during Spring Break. We had Drew on Thursday night and most of the day Fri. Also had Zaidyn Fri. We picked Amber up Sunday and I know for sure that Trenten and Ty will be coming over on Thursday evening to spend the night and stay until we take them to their aunt mid-morning Fri. Amber will most likely go to her dad's for part of this week but should return before Easter in order to eat with us and get home on time. School resumes the day after Easter. I'm not sure who else might be coming to stay during Spring Break and I guess it's just a good thing that we live in a big house!
Enjoy Spring Break!!
Tom is still laid off and I'm not so sure anymore that he will ever be called back to work there. He really wants to go back but it is looking more and more like he will have to find a new job. And that will be one with less pay and less benefits........I'm not sure we will survive financially if that happens. But there is no point in worrying about it.....what happens, happens. There is nothing we can do about it. If only the economy wasn't so screwed up we could at least sell our home and rent if need be or purchase a smaller one. I don't want to have to do that...I really like our house. But I guess it all depends on if he gets called back anytime soon.
In anticipation of the nicer Spring weather, Tom and I did some spring cleaning last week so if the weather should become warmer and sunny we can be outside with the grandkids that will be coming and going during Spring Break. We had Drew on Thursday night and most of the day Fri. Also had Zaidyn Fri. We picked Amber up Sunday and I know for sure that Trenten and Ty will be coming over on Thursday evening to spend the night and stay until we take them to their aunt mid-morning Fri. Amber will most likely go to her dad's for part of this week but should return before Easter in order to eat with us and get home on time. School resumes the day after Easter. I'm not sure who else might be coming to stay during Spring Break and I guess it's just a good thing that we live in a big house!
Enjoy Spring Break!!
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Jan. 4, 2012
Seems strange to write the year as 2012, but that's what it is now. We have finished another year and have a brand new book so to speak with brand new pages to write on and fill. To me it feels like getting a brand new big box of crayons all shiny and bright!
Christmas was as wonderful as could be expected with our youngest son being separated from his wife and children. Although, he and his children were here for our traditional Christmas Day buffet and gift exchange. We did miss his wife, but I guess people change and so do situations and we don't have any control over that. Also, our youngest daughter and her family didn't make it up from Kentucky for the celebration either. They are in the process of building a new home and the added expense of a trip to Michigan just wasn't in their budget. They have missed two Christmases in a row now. And I'm sure that traveling with 4 children isn't as easy as traveling with 3.
The day after Christmas I was having some trouble being short of breath and some pain in my neck, so we headed to the hospital just to be safe. I was admitted and stayed until evening of the 28th to get released and head home. Was not how I planned my week between Christmas and New Year but once again, some things we have no control over. I have a blockage but they are just going to treat it with medication for now. Going in for a heart cath with the contrast dye they must use is too risky for my kidneys at this time. Maybe in the future, but not now. I will just have to live with it the best I can and resume my normal activities as tolerated and rest when I get tired. Not my idea of the way I like to do things, but it is what it is and I will have to learn to cope with it!
Hoping you all have a wonderful year ahead of you filled with loved ones close and health abundant.
Christmas was as wonderful as could be expected with our youngest son being separated from his wife and children. Although, he and his children were here for our traditional Christmas Day buffet and gift exchange. We did miss his wife, but I guess people change and so do situations and we don't have any control over that. Also, our youngest daughter and her family didn't make it up from Kentucky for the celebration either. They are in the process of building a new home and the added expense of a trip to Michigan just wasn't in their budget. They have missed two Christmases in a row now. And I'm sure that traveling with 4 children isn't as easy as traveling with 3.
The day after Christmas I was having some trouble being short of breath and some pain in my neck, so we headed to the hospital just to be safe. I was admitted and stayed until evening of the 28th to get released and head home. Was not how I planned my week between Christmas and New Year but once again, some things we have no control over. I have a blockage but they are just going to treat it with medication for now. Going in for a heart cath with the contrast dye they must use is too risky for my kidneys at this time. Maybe in the future, but not now. I will just have to live with it the best I can and resume my normal activities as tolerated and rest when I get tired. Not my idea of the way I like to do things, but it is what it is and I will have to learn to cope with it!
Hoping you all have a wonderful year ahead of you filled with loved ones close and health abundant.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
November 17, 2011
Okay, it is the middle of November. The 15th, opening day of gun deer season has begun in Michigan. It was also the day that my first husband, Dave, passed away at the age of 34 from cancer, leaving me with 3 small children to raise. Fast forward 36 years later and I have remarried a wonderful man, have 5 children between us and a few adopted ones to boot, 20 - some grand kids and enough love for more if need be!
Two of the older boys went deer hunting near the Gun Lake area where we live. They both were successful and came away with bucks. Small bucks, but still bucks! Hubby, who goes all the way up north the Michigan's Upper Peninsula called and he has seen nothing! Should have stayed home and hunted nearer to where you live, silly!
It is cold out tonight. In fact it is the coldest night since March 26th I think they said on the news. It is 32º right now outside. It is supposed to get even colder. No snow yet though. Oh, we had some snow already this fall, but it didn't last long....the kind I like!
I will need to begin Christmas shopping soon. With so many people to purchase gifts for, I must begin fairly early and shop only for sale items. Hopefully the things we want to give will be on sale! We have been lucky in the past, so I'm confident that it will work out this year also.
We do have some bad news this season. Our youngest son and his wife are no longer together. It saddens me, but there is nothing I can do about it. We will remain close with our daughter-in-law and our two grandsons. They are welcome in our home anytime. I'm not sure how Christmas or Thanksgiving will be handled this year as our son has a girlfriend who also has children. Which adds more expense to our Christmas giving. And at the present time, our sons cell phone is turned off, he has no job, no car and we have no way of contacting him. I don't even know when the last time was that he spoke with his sons or has seen them. Very sad situation indeed. He was always such a good father....I just don't understand what is going on. This is not like him at all.
But, on an up note, our 2nd youngest son who married a year ago this past Sept. is still extremely happy and he and his wife and family are doing remarkably well. I've waited a good long time for this to happen and I can say that I am very pleased with the results and the fine job they are doing of blending families together!
Our oldest son and his family are fine also. He has injured his knee and has a doctor appointment tomorrow to have that checked out. I keep telling him he's not as young as he once was. He will be 40 on Nov. 21st. He has a lovely family and his kids are growing like weeds as kids do. His wife is doing well and she is very dear to us too.
Our youngest daughter in Kentucky now has 4 children and is in the process of building their new home. We are so happy for them. The only drawback is that due to the cost of building a home, they won't be able to afford to come home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. But the desperately need a new, bigger home to house them all, and we are very grateful that they have been able to accomplish this. I am hoping they might be able to actually be in their new home by Christmas.....boy what a blessing that would be for them.
Our oldest daughter and her husband have just the one child left at home now. The older two have moved out and are working and attending college. They are actually old enough to be married and starting families of their own, but have chosen to wait. I'm glad.....they need to enjoy themselves before they settle down with a family. But whatever they choose to do is okay with me as long as they remain happy and a part of our lives too.
Well, that's about it. I just felt the need to bring this blog up to date with my children and grandchildren and I think I've done just that.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone....may you have a safe and wonderful holiday!
Two of the older boys went deer hunting near the Gun Lake area where we live. They both were successful and came away with bucks. Small bucks, but still bucks! Hubby, who goes all the way up north the Michigan's Upper Peninsula called and he has seen nothing! Should have stayed home and hunted nearer to where you live, silly!
It is cold out tonight. In fact it is the coldest night since March 26th I think they said on the news. It is 32º right now outside. It is supposed to get even colder. No snow yet though. Oh, we had some snow already this fall, but it didn't last long....the kind I like!
I will need to begin Christmas shopping soon. With so many people to purchase gifts for, I must begin fairly early and shop only for sale items. Hopefully the things we want to give will be on sale! We have been lucky in the past, so I'm confident that it will work out this year also.
We do have some bad news this season. Our youngest son and his wife are no longer together. It saddens me, but there is nothing I can do about it. We will remain close with our daughter-in-law and our two grandsons. They are welcome in our home anytime. I'm not sure how Christmas or Thanksgiving will be handled this year as our son has a girlfriend who also has children. Which adds more expense to our Christmas giving. And at the present time, our sons cell phone is turned off, he has no job, no car and we have no way of contacting him. I don't even know when the last time was that he spoke with his sons or has seen them. Very sad situation indeed. He was always such a good father....I just don't understand what is going on. This is not like him at all.
But, on an up note, our 2nd youngest son who married a year ago this past Sept. is still extremely happy and he and his wife and family are doing remarkably well. I've waited a good long time for this to happen and I can say that I am very pleased with the results and the fine job they are doing of blending families together!
Our oldest son and his family are fine also. He has injured his knee and has a doctor appointment tomorrow to have that checked out. I keep telling him he's not as young as he once was. He will be 40 on Nov. 21st. He has a lovely family and his kids are growing like weeds as kids do. His wife is doing well and she is very dear to us too.
Our youngest daughter in Kentucky now has 4 children and is in the process of building their new home. We are so happy for them. The only drawback is that due to the cost of building a home, they won't be able to afford to come home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. But the desperately need a new, bigger home to house them all, and we are very grateful that they have been able to accomplish this. I am hoping they might be able to actually be in their new home by Christmas.....boy what a blessing that would be for them.
Our oldest daughter and her husband have just the one child left at home now. The older two have moved out and are working and attending college. They are actually old enough to be married and starting families of their own, but have chosen to wait. I'm glad.....they need to enjoy themselves before they settle down with a family. But whatever they choose to do is okay with me as long as they remain happy and a part of our lives too.
Well, that's about it. I just felt the need to bring this blog up to date with my children and grandchildren and I think I've done just that.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone....may you have a safe and wonderful holiday!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Blustery days!
Now it is Oct. 18th, my oldest daughters 43 birthday! Happy Birthday Michelle! And tomorrow, the 19th is the birthday of two of my granddaughters, Hannah and Harley! Happy Birthday girls! On the 26th, my grandson Drew, will turn 7. Doesn't seem possible that he is going to be that old already. As I get older the time seems to slip by much faster. I wish it would slow down and give me a chance to enjoy each age my grand children are before rushing ahead like a fast moving brook!
My mind wanders, back to the color tour. We had a very pleasant day and I am glad hubby is laid off right now or we probably would have missed it this year. As of today, with all the wind we have been having, the trees are almost void of leaves except for the mighty oak whose leaves turn brown but seem to hang there forever as a stark reminder of the beautiful green and the shade they once provided in the summer.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 23rd....almost the last hurray of summer 2011!
At least that's the way it seems to me. Tom has been working second shift most if not all of this summer. Usually 6 days a week. Doesn't leave much time to spend together doing fun things. On his only day off, Sunday, we use to go on adventure rides as I call them. Now we spend them catching up on yard work, weather permitting.
We did have a nice 5 day get away this summer, but it seemed to end to quickly for my liking. Wish it could have lasted longer. Maybe it's because I'm retired ~ well, mostly anyway. Sometimes they paper calls me in to fill in for someone who is on vacation or has called in sick or has a sick child. In fact I worked yesterday because the gal I was filling in for had no sitter and knew she wouldn't, so this was set up quite some time ago. A little extra spending money is always nice. But with Tom working 2nd shift and me working days, I only see him if I wait up for him to come home. That's what I'm doing tonight...he should be here around 1:30AM....overtime!
A storm blew in earlier tonight with lots of heavy rain, thunder and lightening. I love thunder storms but am not allowed to enjoy them as in the past. I have these 2 four-legged fur kids who do NOT like thunder and lightening. As a matter of fact they are now smart enough that when it begins to rain they predict thunder and lightening by following me around where ever I go, including into the bathroom! I comfort them as best I can and reassure them that everything will be fine and I am here and won't let anything happen to them. I hope they're around long enough to return the favor to me when I get too old to walk around safely!
We did have a nice 5 day get away this summer, but it seemed to end to quickly for my liking. Wish it could have lasted longer. Maybe it's because I'm retired ~ well, mostly anyway. Sometimes they paper calls me in to fill in for someone who is on vacation or has called in sick or has a sick child. In fact I worked yesterday because the gal I was filling in for had no sitter and knew she wouldn't, so this was set up quite some time ago. A little extra spending money is always nice. But with Tom working 2nd shift and me working days, I only see him if I wait up for him to come home. That's what I'm doing tonight...he should be here around 1:30AM....overtime!
A storm blew in earlier tonight with lots of heavy rain, thunder and lightening. I love thunder storms but am not allowed to enjoy them as in the past. I have these 2 four-legged fur kids who do NOT like thunder and lightening. As a matter of fact they are now smart enough that when it begins to rain they predict thunder and lightening by following me around where ever I go, including into the bathroom! I comfort them as best I can and reassure them that everything will be fine and I am here and won't let anything happen to them. I hope they're around long enough to return the favor to me when I get too old to walk around safely!
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