Sharen Retires

Being a twin is special
All twins, identical or not have a connection, a kinship, an understanding, an unexplained bond.
But it's much more than that. I like to think it's more like having a life that's blended.

We grew up doing everything together. We got measles, mumps, our ears pierced, drivers licenses, our first real full time jobs at the same place, together. Don't ask me which one did it first. Doesn't matter, and the stories change; one day it's Sharen and the next time it's me. It all blends together.

We ended up at the doctor at the same time once . One of us stepped on a rusty nail and the other had a display of paint fall on top of her. Really, I do not know which one happen to me, but I do remember it happening.

Some things can only happen to one person, but that didn't stop us from being there for each other.
She was right with me when I won the middle schools free throw shooting contest and I watch her win the Female Bowler of the Year for the city of Elgin.

There are so many stories, but my point is - Twins Forever!

Sharen retired yesterday.
I was there for her.
The guys made breakfast for her and she jokingly told them that she was glad they had breakfast together, because they would probably get a call when her party starts and no one would be there. Now red shift hasn't had a fire in a year. Party starts at 2pm. A call for a garage fire came in at 1:48. Party started anyway.

 A beautiful quilt, made by Brita, her replacement. She found 40 different firefighter materials. A great keepsake for Sharen. On the table sits her teddy bear I made her out of one of her old work shirts and flowers sent from the grandkids.

Sharen trying to strike a pose like our Dad did.

 The Engines were finally back and the grandkids watch them back the big rig in with Grandma.

 Her firefighters gave her this awesome golf bag. She was overwhelmed to say the least. This gift could not have been more perfect, hers is really old. Harvey took charge and even got the colors right - matching her Ohio state head covers.

Sharen and some of her boys. When she started there were only 9 full time firefighters. Now, 22 years later, there are 30 full timers and 14 POCs  (paid on call).



 

After lots of hugs her last day ended. The party continued over at Mary's Corner Tap.
What better way to cap off her work life but with a ride on the engine over to the bar. She offered me a ride along, but I said no "This was her day."
When she asked me a second time I agreed to join her. I almost forgot that we share things, that's what we do, and she wanted to share this with me.
We made arrangements for someone to drive Carrie's car over to the bar so she could ride with us too. I am So glad I went with her. A ride I will never forget.
Sharen rode in the front and Carrie and I took the back seats.

Now the guys get to meet the fun Sharen. The relaxed Sharen who drinks beer, teases them, and laughs at their stories. I heard some pretty nice things about my twin from people who knew her, but don't know me. They really liked her. They will really miss her. I heard from a couple wives who were there (one was there while her husband was at work) who are going to miss her too. I certainly was feeling the love for my twin and I couldn't have been more proud.

 

I am so glad that Justin grabbed my camera for a picture of the 2 of us.

 

Now the fun times begin. When she's not playing in the park with her grandkids or off playing golf with her husband I am pretty sure she will be getting in just a little bit of trouble with me.

You Tube Sensation

My Nephew, Jon is staring in a You Tube commercial.


Check him out!
He is the male  golfer with the sweet swing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4jjdm5HW54&app=desktop

Aaaaaaaa.......

I signed up to join a free quilting group online that was just starting a Mystery Quilt. I LOVED doing the ones with Brita's sewing group.

Your membership has to be approved, so I waited. I think they wanted to see how much you spend on their website. It's my go to website for specialty materials so I'm thinking my chances are good.
I got the email that said I was IN.
OMG - I am so (sew) excited.

Of course, like everything else online they want you to fill out a "About Yourself" form and post a picture. I filled out the basic info - Karen from Elgin, IL. and then I posted this picture for my profile.

Opps - I suddenly get an emails asking if I am a long arm quilter?! aaaaaa.......

What am I supposed to say - NO? Look at the picture you just posted stupid.
I thought about lying and saying I was just borrowing this one, but I hate liars, so I told her I just bought it and needed more practice before I felt comfortable with someone Else's work.

The website gives you 5 different color pallets for material. Pretty sure they want you to purchase  their fabric for your quilt. I didn't like any of them.

I hurry and downloaded the material requirements and called Sharen for a trip to JoAnne's. Turns out the coupons I had are not good until this weekend so I'm gonna wait to get my material. Not happy about it though.

Well, Part 1 of the mystery quilt came online yesterday with directions for cutting and sewing the first 2 blocks. Excitement is building.
I am torn -To be honest I am having a hard time waiting, just to use a 25% off coupon. Then again, 25% is 25% and the mystery quilt is a month long project so do I really need to get started right now.

Unless JoAnnes has changed their fabric selections since last week I pretty much know what is available there, so I am going to take a trip to Walmart and Hobby Lobby and see what they have to offer. Their material selections are considerably smaller and changing all the time, and it is cheaper. Maybe I will find something, maybe not, maybe I will find the color pallet I want to use  or just maybe wandering through the fabrics will be just the calming effect I need to wait till this weekend.

Parade

I have never been to a St. Patty's Day parade in Chicago.
To me it just seems like a reason to sit in traffic to go and drink too much. Apparently that is not the case for the "Northside" parade. I read in the paper that 23% of Bryan's neighborhood is Irish. The parade went on forever and we didn't stay for the whole thing. It was cold out.

It is in Bryan and Mary's neighborhood. Actually 4 blocks from their house - so Mike and I drive in on Sunday early.
One
To get a parking spot out front of the Flory house.
Two
To hug and kiss and play with the grandkids.

 Three
To see a Chicago parade.
Roger wanted to sit in the front, but he clearly did NOT fit. We got him convinced that the back was better. whew!

 Just a few short blocks down Newburg and we had a prime spot to see the parade, granted it was cold and some people stayed home.

 Luke snuggled down and slept the whole time. He had a rough night and was tired.

 Roger's first parade. Daddy held him for awhile, but he was getting cold so he went back to the stroller.

 Otis Wilson. Now, I was excited to see him. Mary had no idea who he was. Huh? OK, She was born and raised in St. Louis.

 Roger sat in the stroller - trying to keep warm while Papa scooped up his candy and goodies. He was lovin' the suckers - so was his Mama - he could keep his gloves on. Did I mention it was cold out!

Four,
Roger has something to show us. He is now in a "big Boy" bed. His Grandpa Flory built him a "car" bed with real tires.
He let me climb into the bed with him to read a story before nap.

Nate & Marina's Wedding

Mike and I took a brief trip down to SC to see my Nephew Nate get married.
We got a break from the cold and snow for a few days and got to witness the wedding and spend a few moments with the family down there.

The wedding was on the lake front. This is the view from the dock. The weather was perfect. The ground was muddy from the rain they had the days before it didn't ruin the wedding or the party just a few pair of shoes and pants.

 Nate and Marina headed out to the end of the dock for pictures

Same dock was the sight of the drunk pyramid, made by the crew from Illinois - minus the adults. This was the result of talking about Joey's cheer leading days.

 

#Besttableever (whatever that means) # talk was confusing me.

Linda was the only one not in picture - she sat at the adults table.

Andy and Cheryl testing to see how cold the water is. Joey and Andy ended up in their boxers for a dive off the end of the dock after a few more beers. Surprisingly, Bryan and I sat that one out.

 

BIRTHDAY COUSINS

A bond that they've shared since 1981.

 
You don't have to tell them, they know they share something special.  There's a bond there that they will have forever. They have been told to stand together for a picture almost every time they are with each other and not once have they ever said no. I have a whole lot to prove it.

Andy, Nate and Bryan

 

Congratulations to Nate and Marina Mansfield!