Sunday, December 25, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Your're Gonna Want To
Mike and I both knew that this day would come.
The Doctors warned us.
"When You start feeling better, you are going to want to do more! Don't Do It!"
Mike has been struggling with this.
Our old snowblower wouldn't start for him, and that was BS (before surgery). It was old. We bought it used for $100. I told him don't worry about it I can shovel. I enjoy doing it. We both do. The last couple years we didn't get enough snow that I couldn't handle the shoveling.
So this year it decides to SNOW.
I am not complaining - I still love snow... I still love to shovel snow - just not this much.
Mike clearly can't do anything, so his idea of helping me this year is to go out and buy a new snowblower.
I am loving this thing. I am zipping up and down this driveway. It has a electric start and it's self propelled. All I have to do is stir the thing. Oh, and make sure I direct the snow with the wind. A few faces full of snow I learned that one.
Yeah, neighbors, That's me your hearing. Singing Christmas carols blowing snow.
🎵Snow.. Snow.. Snow.. Snow.. 🎵
COME ON SNOW!!!!! I AM READY FOR YOU.
The Doctors warned us.
"When You start feeling better, you are going to want to do more! Don't Do It!"
Mike has been struggling with this.
Our old snowblower wouldn't start for him, and that was BS (before surgery). It was old. We bought it used for $100. I told him don't worry about it I can shovel. I enjoy doing it. We both do. The last couple years we didn't get enough snow that I couldn't handle the shoveling.
So this year it decides to SNOW.
I am not complaining - I still love snow... I still love to shovel snow - just not this much.
Mike clearly can't do anything, so his idea of helping me this year is to go out and buy a new snowblower.
I am loving this thing. I am zipping up and down this driveway. It has a electric start and it's self propelled. All I have to do is stir the thing. Oh, and make sure I direct the snow with the wind. A few faces full of snow I learned that one.
Yeah, neighbors, That's me your hearing. Singing Christmas carols blowing snow.
🎵Snow.. Snow.. Snow.. Snow.. 🎵
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| Me and my new toy |
Thursday, December 8, 2016
I Can Do That!
When I was a little girl my Mom or older sister would take us to LeeWards Craft store, To me that place was magic. Sharen and I would wander around the store pretty sure than we could make everything there. We wanted to do it all.
If we were really lucky Mom would buy us a project. Oh, how we loved our projects. Christmas was my favorite time of year to go and ornaments was my favorite thing to do. We made them out of beads, sequins, lace and wooden ones you hand painted. I am still lucky enough to have some we made.
We didn't have Pinterest everything back then was in our imagination.
After all these years...
We still wander through Hobby Lobby or Joannes checking out stuff, only difference now is, we know that we can duplicate most everything there for cheaper.
When I saw a small Christmas tree made out of yarn I had to show Sharen. She really has enough yarn to cover a 6 foot tree, but these small ones were really cute.
She purchased 3 cones and we were off on a project.
Funny how the yarn tree turned into something else. After digging out her scrap box (everyone who sews has a scrap box) she found rope and fringed trim. She didn't have enough white beads to cover the tall tree, but I had some gold ones. I rotated the gold with the white and boom tall cone covered.
It was so much fun working on a project together - throwing ideas back and forth and laughing at each other.
She needs to add some quilt batting for some snow and dress them up a little bit more, but she has a pretty good looking start to her center piece for her dining table.
All at a cost for 3 cones at 50% off.
If we were really lucky Mom would buy us a project. Oh, how we loved our projects. Christmas was my favorite time of year to go and ornaments was my favorite thing to do. We made them out of beads, sequins, lace and wooden ones you hand painted. I am still lucky enough to have some we made.
We didn't have Pinterest everything back then was in our imagination.
After all these years...
We still wander through Hobby Lobby or Joannes checking out stuff, only difference now is, we know that we can duplicate most everything there for cheaper.
When I saw a small Christmas tree made out of yarn I had to show Sharen. She really has enough yarn to cover a 6 foot tree, but these small ones were really cute.
She purchased 3 cones and we were off on a project.
Funny how the yarn tree turned into something else. After digging out her scrap box (everyone who sews has a scrap box) she found rope and fringed trim. She didn't have enough white beads to cover the tall tree, but I had some gold ones. I rotated the gold with the white and boom tall cone covered.
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| Sharen working on her cone |
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| trees are done |
All at a cost for 3 cones at 50% off.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Call 9*1*1
I have been talking about getting our air ducks clean for some time now. We have lived here 12 plus years and have not have them cleaned. With Mike stuck at home for awhile I thought it was time.
I called Sears and they came out the next day.
Everything was going smooth until our CO detector went off. I noticed that their truck was parked right up next to our garage. It is a short 15 ft. to the basement stairs. They closed the garage door. I opened all the windows and turned on the ceiling fans.
They left (which pissed me off. Don't they care about the CO) and Mike and I decided to take a ride and let the house clear out.
When we came back the CO detector was still beeping.
"I'm calling the Fire Department"
Mike wasn't too keen on the idea, thinking the neighbors would assume it was for him. Too bad - I really don't care what they think and I am getting scared that the Sears techs. messed with the furnace and something was seriously wrong..
I called 9*1*1 and the Elgin Fire Department came out. We are in the South Elgin Fire protection district, but they were all busy.
2 guys went around the house and tested every room. Lt. Smith headed down stairs to the basement. The reading down there was 80. They hauled huge fans in - opened all the basement windows (which I think is the first time they have been open) and turned off the furnace.
The upstairs reading dropped immediately. The nice boys assured me that I did everything right. I had fresh batteries in the detector and it wasn't expired. Ok I didn't know those things expire.
They got everything back to normal and recommended that we have the furnace looked at before turning it back on, just in case.
Now mind you Mike is home from the hospital for just 3 days at the time and we have no heat and no CO detector.
Sharen shows up with a new digital read out detector for us. I think she caught the panic in my voice when we talked. I called a friend, who's son plays football, basketball and baseball with our grandson in Genoa, and fixes furnaces for a living. Vince showed up in a couple hours and looked over the furnace.
After giving me a huge hug, assuring me that he won't leave until he is certain it isn't the furnace, He checked out everything and furnace was OK.
Must have been the exhaust from the truck and the vacuum in the Sears truck.
Now I'm pissed. After filling out the customer service survey online - I called Sears.
The manager called me right back. Said all the right things, except we will not charge you for the visit.
The guys did a good job on the air duct cleaning I actually think it sounds better.
But damn, it still bothers me that such a stupid mistake was made that could of been deadly.
I called Sears and they came out the next day.
Everything was going smooth until our CO detector went off. I noticed that their truck was parked right up next to our garage. It is a short 15 ft. to the basement stairs. They closed the garage door. I opened all the windows and turned on the ceiling fans.
They left (which pissed me off. Don't they care about the CO) and Mike and I decided to take a ride and let the house clear out.
When we came back the CO detector was still beeping.
"I'm calling the Fire Department"
Mike wasn't too keen on the idea, thinking the neighbors would assume it was for him. Too bad - I really don't care what they think and I am getting scared that the Sears techs. messed with the furnace and something was seriously wrong..
I called 9*1*1 and the Elgin Fire Department came out. We are in the South Elgin Fire protection district, but they were all busy.
2 guys went around the house and tested every room. Lt. Smith headed down stairs to the basement. The reading down there was 80. They hauled huge fans in - opened all the basement windows (which I think is the first time they have been open) and turned off the furnace.
The upstairs reading dropped immediately. The nice boys assured me that I did everything right. I had fresh batteries in the detector and it wasn't expired. Ok I didn't know those things expire.
They got everything back to normal and recommended that we have the furnace looked at before turning it back on, just in case.
Now mind you Mike is home from the hospital for just 3 days at the time and we have no heat and no CO detector.
Sharen shows up with a new digital read out detector for us. I think she caught the panic in my voice when we talked. I called a friend, who's son plays football, basketball and baseball with our grandson in Genoa, and fixes furnaces for a living. Vince showed up in a couple hours and looked over the furnace.
After giving me a huge hug, assuring me that he won't leave until he is certain it isn't the furnace, He checked out everything and furnace was OK.
Must have been the exhaust from the truck and the vacuum in the Sears truck.
Now I'm pissed. After filling out the customer service survey online - I called Sears.
The manager called me right back. Said all the right things, except we will not charge you for the visit.
The guys did a good job on the air duct cleaning I actually think it sounds better.
But damn, it still bothers me that such a stupid mistake was made that could of been deadly.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Grateful He's OK!
I am grateful for the men and women who decide medicine as a profession. You have to give your love one up to them and know that they are going to fix it.
I never felt helpless. They all reassured me that they had this and were there to help him. I knew I couldn't do anything about it, so I put my trust in their hands. God Bless them ALL.
From the doctor who gets excited to work on a healthy heart. He actually was looking forward to operating on Mike, cause his heart was a "good one".
To the surgeons assistant - Who had all the answers for whichever Dr. from the practice looked in on Mike. Rhonda ruled...
To the male nurse who packed him in ice when his fever spiked and gave me a blanket cause he turned down the temp. in his room. He spent 38 minutes ( I had to focus on something besides the beeping of the heart monitor, so yes I counted the minutes) untangling Mike's IV and heart wires so it was easier for Mike to get a walk in.
The 2 best nurses, both named Heather. They smiled and answered every stupid question I had. They made him comfortable. Again, I wanted to be the one that could help him, but I knew they were better at it than I could ever be. I didn't mind leaving him to clear my head knowing that Heather was his nurse for the day or night.
To the Physical Therapists that let Mike walk as fast and as much as he could. I warned her not to challenge him. He surprised them both.
To the nurse assistants. Taking vitals and fetching water and ice chips with a smile.
I am grateful to all the support I got from our family and friends.
Sharen was my rock. She sat with me during his surgery. She made me laugh. She held me when I cried. She brought me homemade pumpkin bread for breakfast.
Again with the twin thing. I wore blue because it's Mike's favorite color. She wore blue cause she felt like it.
The nurses teased me because I had both mine and Mike's phones beeping. "He must have a lot of people who care about him." Then it dawned on me Yes! Yes he does. I didn't mind responding after that.
They send you home with a heart shaped pillow for coughing and sneezing. This is the only thing that he will be hugging anytime soon which is too bad because Mike is a great hugger.
I had the kids and grand kids sign his pillow so he still can hug them.
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| His heart pillow |
I am so grateful to have him home. He has been home for 9 days now. He is behaving and getting stronger. His weight is way down, but his spirits are good. He's not too happy with all the meds he has to take or that he has to sleep on his back. (the recliner is his new best buddy), but he know that these are all small prices to pay for a healthy future.
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| 2 thumbs up |
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Cub Fans
Back in the day the Cubs were the only team to watch on TV during the day - Nation Wide! All the games were shown on WGN. My Dad, who is a full blown White Sox fan, sometimes watched the Cubs too. He loved to watch baseball and the Cubs were the only game on. So I get the wide appeal for the Cubs.
Mike has been a Cub fan his whole life. Watching the games on WGN summer afternoons with his Father and brothers. Enjoying a game with them at Wrigley Field. True Blue Cub Fan.Yup, married him anyway.
I am not watching the games. I am certainly not a Cub basher either. I don't know their players, though I am slowly learning their names from the jerseys I see around and watching sports on the news.
I don't suddenly love the Cubs because thy are winning.
BUT I do love these guys.
Saturday night Mike got to watch a Cubs playoff game with his son and grandson. Not to many people can say that.
Logan asked if he could come over. He wanted to watch a playoff game with his Papa. He wanted to share another Cub experience. Mike took him to his first game at Wrigley.
Brian has always been a Cub fan.
I hope the Cubs win. Being a Cubs fan as long as Mike has, he knows what losing feels like. I want him to know what it feels like to back a winner. I want him to feel like I did in 2005 when my White Sox won it.
Yeah, I want this for him....
Mike has been a Cub fan his whole life. Watching the games on WGN summer afternoons with his Father and brothers. Enjoying a game with them at Wrigley Field. True Blue Cub Fan.Yup, married him anyway.
I am not watching the games. I am certainly not a Cub basher either. I don't know their players, though I am slowly learning their names from the jerseys I see around and watching sports on the news.
I don't suddenly love the Cubs because thy are winning.
BUT I do love these guys.
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| I bought them all Locker room souvenir hats |
Saturday night Mike got to watch a Cubs playoff game with his son and grandson. Not to many people can say that.
Logan asked if he could come over. He wanted to watch a playoff game with his Papa. He wanted to share another Cub experience. Mike took him to his first game at Wrigley.
Brian has always been a Cub fan.
I hope the Cubs win. Being a Cubs fan as long as Mike has, he knows what losing feels like. I want him to know what it feels like to back a winner. I want him to feel like I did in 2005 when my White Sox won it.
Yeah, I want this for him....
Thursday, October 27, 2016
SO Grateful
So my sewing machine is slowing (literally) dying. I bought the thing on Overstock for $100. Totally got my moneys worth.
I told Mike for my birthday this year I wanted a new one.
I have been shopping at a new quilting shop in Geneva that I found that is a Baby Lock distributor. Yay... No more mean people in Bensenville.
My big long arm machine is a Baby Lock and you can not buy online from this company you have to go through a distributor. While I was in there ordering new tracks for my long arm I checked out their machines. I found one. I sat down, tried it out, checked out the price and thought Yup this will do. I grabbed a brochure and brought it home to Mike.
He wanted me to go with him to get it. Fine...
We enter the store and my eyes go to a new model. Sales lady said they just came in 2 days ago.
This baby is the Cadillac of sewing machines. I sit down at it and Mike can tell I wanted it. Really Bad...
He told me to get it.
I showed him the price and he said so what? He Said SO WHAT....I am worth it!
I am now sewing on a new "Presto" Baby Lock sewing machine. This thing has it all, including a on/off switch for continuous stitching. No foot pedal.
I tell Mike how much I love it every time I sit down at it. Sometimes he;s around to hear me sometimes not, but I am going to say it every time I sit down to sew.
Just like I tell Mom how my big long arm makes me think of her and how happy I get every time I use it.
And just like I tell Sharen (she MAY be tired of my texts) Thank You every time I use my design wall she got me 4 years ago.
And just like I thank Bryan and Mary for supplying me with new Pantographs.
This stuff makes me happy and grateful and sure makes my quilting life more easier and enjoyable.
My family reassures me that my quilts will be cherished and not sold at garage sales, so I will keep on quilting and enjoying my treasures.
I told Mike for my birthday this year I wanted a new one.
I have been shopping at a new quilting shop in Geneva that I found that is a Baby Lock distributor. Yay... No more mean people in Bensenville.
My big long arm machine is a Baby Lock and you can not buy online from this company you have to go through a distributor. While I was in there ordering new tracks for my long arm I checked out their machines. I found one. I sat down, tried it out, checked out the price and thought Yup this will do. I grabbed a brochure and brought it home to Mike.
He wanted me to go with him to get it. Fine...
We enter the store and my eyes go to a new model. Sales lady said they just came in 2 days ago.
This baby is the Cadillac of sewing machines. I sit down at it and Mike can tell I wanted it. Really Bad...
He told me to get it.
I showed him the price and he said so what? He Said SO WHAT....I am worth it!
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| My new Baby Lock |
I tell Mike how much I love it every time I sit down at it. Sometimes he;s around to hear me sometimes not, but I am going to say it every time I sit down to sew.
Just like I tell Mom how my big long arm makes me think of her and how happy I get every time I use it.
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| latest project |
And just like I thank Bryan and Mary for supplying me with new Pantographs.
This stuff makes me happy and grateful and sure makes my quilting life more easier and enjoyable.
My family reassures me that my quilts will be cherished and not sold at garage sales, so I will keep on quilting and enjoying my treasures.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Everything Pumpkin
That time of year again when Pumpkin flavors are everywhere.
I always tell the grandkids to try it first before you tell me you don't like something. So that is what I am doing this year. Trying new pumpkin products I see.
As much as I love pumpkin there are some things that do not need to be pumpkin. Potato chips really - No.
I have had my fill of pumpkin beer and wine too. Oh yeah and pumpkin salsa. Gonna pass on them this year.
I can stand pumpkin air freshener for about 2 days - then I put it away. I have about 5 pumpkin candles (Gifts from people) that I still burn.
I thought everything pumpkin doesn't have to be sweets, right? Changed my mind when I tried pumpkin Ravioli and pumpkin soup. Yuck... Though they may be better homemade. Not eating it.
Breakfast is where I get my main pumpkin fix.
Bread, English muffins, bagels along with pumpkin cream cheese and waffles, are all stocked up in the freezer. And it goes without saying that I love me some pumpkin coffee.
This year I found cereal, so I of course I had to try them. Thumbs up on the mini-wheats, Our basement looks like a episode of extreme couponing I bought me some extra. I was disappointed on the Special K and Life. I'll have to use the rest of these to make crusts for my pumpkin cheesecake.
Pumpkin Oatmeal - people, just put some pumpkin puree in your oatmeal and save the money on the flavored ready made stuff. Taste better too.
Bryan found some Pumpkin butter for me that is super good on toast.
I do like a pumpkin donut once in awhile, but I am not sorry to see them go at the end of the season.
I pass right by the pumpkin cakes. My sister Vicki has the best recipe anywhere. I make my own pumpkin cookies and muffin and cheesecake. I do have to stock up on canned pumpkin.
I do prefer store bought pumpkin pie though.
I also tried a few new ice creams. Pumpkin Pie ice cream is better than just pumpkin flavor (I didn't finish the carton). And I don't usually eat ice cream. Ha.
I do eat pumpkin yogurt and pudding - add a little pecans and some whip cream Yummy...
So I will continue to try new pumpkin flavored products when I find them.
I always tell the grandkids to try it first before you tell me you don't like something. So that is what I am doing this year. Trying new pumpkin products I see.
As much as I love pumpkin there are some things that do not need to be pumpkin. Potato chips really - No.
I have had my fill of pumpkin beer and wine too. Oh yeah and pumpkin salsa. Gonna pass on them this year.
I can stand pumpkin air freshener for about 2 days - then I put it away. I have about 5 pumpkin candles (Gifts from people) that I still burn.
I thought everything pumpkin doesn't have to be sweets, right? Changed my mind when I tried pumpkin Ravioli and pumpkin soup. Yuck... Though they may be better homemade. Not eating it.
Breakfast is where I get my main pumpkin fix.
Bread, English muffins, bagels along with pumpkin cream cheese and waffles, are all stocked up in the freezer. And it goes without saying that I love me some pumpkin coffee.
This year I found cereal, so I of course I had to try them. Thumbs up on the mini-wheats, Our basement looks like a episode of extreme couponing I bought me some extra. I was disappointed on the Special K and Life. I'll have to use the rest of these to make crusts for my pumpkin cheesecake.
Pumpkin Oatmeal - people, just put some pumpkin puree in your oatmeal and save the money on the flavored ready made stuff. Taste better too.
Bryan found some Pumpkin butter for me that is super good on toast.
I do like a pumpkin donut once in awhile, but I am not sorry to see them go at the end of the season.
I pass right by the pumpkin cakes. My sister Vicki has the best recipe anywhere. I make my own pumpkin cookies and muffin and cheesecake. I do have to stock up on canned pumpkin.
I do prefer store bought pumpkin pie though.
I also tried a few new ice creams. Pumpkin Pie ice cream is better than just pumpkin flavor (I didn't finish the carton). And I don't usually eat ice cream. Ha.
I do eat pumpkin yogurt and pudding - add a little pecans and some whip cream Yummy...
So I will continue to try new pumpkin flavored products when I find them.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Grandparents Day
Mike and I went to visit with Roger and his class for Grandparents Day.
It started with breakfast and a ceremony put on by the 8th grade class. Then we headed to the church for a "Guardian Angel" mass.
Each kindergartner is assigned to an 8th grader through the school year to help guide them through the mass. Roger got a cute 8th grade girl. After mass the 8th graders pinned an angel to the shirt of their assigned student and then walked them back to their classroom.
There are only 17 students in Roger's class. Here is his teacher Mrs. Brewster. Roger is assigned to #5 (for everything) - His seat on the rug is right smack dap in the corner, by the door. Check out the uniform. No arguing in the morning about what to where to school.
He then showed us his desk and the things he was learning.
We couldn't leave without a tour of the classroom (which is small). There is learning tools and student artwork everywhere around the room, including hanging from the ceiling.
Again his backpack and coat and all things personal are stored in #5 cubbyhole.
Roger was so excited to see us and show us around. Mike and I were more excited to be there.
It started with breakfast and a ceremony put on by the 8th grade class. Then we headed to the church for a "Guardian Angel" mass.
Each kindergartner is assigned to an 8th grader through the school year to help guide them through the mass. Roger got a cute 8th grade girl. After mass the 8th graders pinned an angel to the shirt of their assigned student and then walked them back to their classroom.
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| Doing the calendar for the day |
Again his backpack and coat and all things personal are stored in #5 cubbyhole.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Pumpkin Farms
I love all the changing seasons.
In the fall I love the colors, the crisp air, the falling leaves, football games, and pumpkin farms.
We got to spend a Saturday night with the older grandkids traveling through a corn maze. Mike was the keeper of the map and even though it took us an hour - we made it thru the whole thing.
That really is us coming out of the last trail. There was 2 and we did them both We are not just posing for this picture at the exit.
There was a young boy who had gotten separated from his family and so he joined our group. Turns out he saw Mike's USMC t-shirt. He told Mike that his sister is in the Marines now. She is stationed at Cherry Point. Mike walked out and met his Mother and Aunt and told them he was at Cherry Point too.
Then we got to spend a Sunday with the younger grandkids at Goebberts. This place just keeps getting bigger . It;s been a few years since we have visited.
First stop had to be the pumpkin eating dinosaur. Last time we were here Luke was just a baby and Roger was timid. Not this time... Not sure if they wanted to get closer or just climb the fence.
Mike can not pass up a roasted ear of corn. Ever!
Owen wanted a taste and then another and then another. Pretty sure he just wanted the butter. He loves his butter.
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| Sharing with Owen |
After lunch we head on over to where all the action is.
They have so much for kids to do here and so many kids running around. Crazy!!
We didn't have to worry about spending more money on camel rides or horse rides. The boys were happy just running around from playground to climbing haystack to hay tunnels.
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| Owen running to Daddy |
2 great Autumn days spent with the grandkids.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Tim...Ber
There has been a tree in our backyard dying a slow death.
A branch fell off of it a couple of summers ago and I have been scared another will follow. Dreaming about it squashing someone underneath.
Time to get this thing down.
They show up Thurs. morning. It rained all day on Wednesday.
The ground is soft.
They said no problem.
Mike and I thought they knew what they were talking about - They do do this for living.
Turns out they don't. It took them 3 hours to get this heavy truck unstuck.
Mike specifically told them the location of our septic field and told them to not drive on it.
They either didn't listen or didn't care because after day 1 our yard was wrecked.
This is how they left it Thursday night telling me they would be back on Friday. I wanted to say - You would be done if you didn't spend 3 hours on freeing the damn truck. But believe it or not I bit my tongue and said OK.
Then they brought in the front loader to haul all this lumber away. Mike and I have enough logs for 6 years and this tree is enormous. 10.5 feet circumference.
I again told them about the septic field. The front loader is not that heavy, they said. Once again I had no idea and trusted them to know what they were doing.
After 15 minutes I could see they didn't care. I went out to talk with them again and ended up in the house crying. I gave up.
It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn.
Mine is ruined. Everywhere.There is not one place in our backyard that they didn't run something over and make ruts. They laid logs down for the truck to fall on and those even got stuck.
Their stump grinder wouldn't start so they will be back to finish.
I went out Saturday morning to look more closely at the holes them made.They filled them in with sawdust and mulch. Mike and I spent the next 3 hours digging them out. I want dirt not filler.
They said they will take care of the holes when they come back to do the stump. I am going to have to trust them - again.
Next time I will wait till the ground is frozen. This time I have to "Let it go" Get it? Frozen - Let it go.
I know what you are thinking.
Where did you find these guys?
Well, they did Sharen's tree last year and they did an awesome job.
I haven't paid them yet and they haven't asked for any money.
I certainly have my work cut out for me to get my lawn back to where I like it.
I enjoy having a beautiful lawn (something I learn from my Father). I enjoy keeping a beautiful lawn. Damn it!
It;s only a lawn. It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn.
A branch fell off of it a couple of summers ago and I have been scared another will follow. Dreaming about it squashing someone underneath.
Time to get this thing down.
They show up Thurs. morning. It rained all day on Wednesday.
The ground is soft.
They said no problem.
Mike and I thought they knew what they were talking about - They do do this for living.
Turns out they don't. It took them 3 hours to get this heavy truck unstuck.
They either didn't listen or didn't care because after day 1 our yard was wrecked.
This is how they left it Thursday night telling me they would be back on Friday. I wanted to say - You would be done if you didn't spend 3 hours on freeing the damn truck. But believe it or not I bit my tongue and said OK.
Then they brought in the front loader to haul all this lumber away. Mike and I have enough logs for 6 years and this tree is enormous. 10.5 feet circumference.
I again told them about the septic field. The front loader is not that heavy, they said. Once again I had no idea and trusted them to know what they were doing.
After 15 minutes I could see they didn't care. I went out to talk with them again and ended up in the house crying. I gave up.
It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn.
Mine is ruined. Everywhere.There is not one place in our backyard that they didn't run something over and make ruts. They laid logs down for the truck to fall on and those even got stuck.
Their stump grinder wouldn't start so they will be back to finish.
I went out Saturday morning to look more closely at the holes them made.They filled them in with sawdust and mulch. Mike and I spent the next 3 hours digging them out. I want dirt not filler.
They said they will take care of the holes when they come back to do the stump. I am going to have to trust them - again.
Next time I will wait till the ground is frozen. This time I have to "Let it go" Get it? Frozen - Let it go.
I know what you are thinking.
Where did you find these guys?
Well, they did Sharen's tree last year and they did an awesome job.
I haven't paid them yet and they haven't asked for any money.
I certainly have my work cut out for me to get my lawn back to where I like it.
I enjoy having a beautiful lawn (something I learn from my Father). I enjoy keeping a beautiful lawn. Damn it!
It;s only a lawn. It's only a lawn. It's only a lawn.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Elgin Masters
It's been 22 years ago since Mike was asked to start a new softball league in Elgin.
They had a over 50's softball league and thought maybe there would be some interest in a over 40's league. Mike was playing in 3 leagues then and was turning forty that fall.
He agreed to get it a shot.
The games were played out at the softball complex, but were completely independent from the city program.
An article appeared in the Courier News about the new league along with our home phone number and the 40's masters was born.
Mike was excited when our phone started ringing. Me not so much...
Men would call and ask about joining - some had 5 or 6 guys that wanted to play together and Mike filled the rest in with singles.
That first year he had 4 teams and the league was born.
There were no sponsors. Each player paid to play. The city ordered t-shirts in different colors.
Of course Mike had his own group of guys for his own team. The Navy Team!
The league has been holding steady with 8 teams for quite a few years now, but Mike was ready to give the paper work and all the hassles to someone else.
Men wouldn't pay. Managers wouldn't turn in rosters. Rain outs were time consuming. Time for someone else to run the league.
All of a sudden Monday nights were fun again.
His team is good. They have won the league 6 years in a row now - Undefeated.
Teams complain that he stacks his team. Anybody who know Mike know that's is so not him. It's just guys brings their softball friends along. Rules were made to make it harder for the "Navy" team. Home runs were outs 1 yr. Doubles the next yr. then singles. It didn't matter. Navy Ruled!
Mike spends the majority of the time just coaching now. I can tell when he comes home if he does play though, his knees give him away.
He has a wide range of ages 40 to 60.
None of the original team is still with him, but Eric's (the youngest on the team who turned 40 this year) father and uncle played with Mike the first few years.
They had a over 50's softball league and thought maybe there would be some interest in a over 40's league. Mike was playing in 3 leagues then and was turning forty that fall.
He agreed to get it a shot.
The games were played out at the softball complex, but were completely independent from the city program.
An article appeared in the Courier News about the new league along with our home phone number and the 40's masters was born.
Mike was excited when our phone started ringing. Me not so much...
Men would call and ask about joining - some had 5 or 6 guys that wanted to play together and Mike filled the rest in with singles.
That first year he had 4 teams and the league was born.
There were no sponsors. Each player paid to play. The city ordered t-shirts in different colors.
Of course Mike had his own group of guys for his own team. The Navy Team!
The league has been holding steady with 8 teams for quite a few years now, but Mike was ready to give the paper work and all the hassles to someone else.
Men wouldn't pay. Managers wouldn't turn in rosters. Rain outs were time consuming. Time for someone else to run the league.
All of a sudden Monday nights were fun again.
His team is good. They have won the league 6 years in a row now - Undefeated.
Teams complain that he stacks his team. Anybody who know Mike know that's is so not him. It's just guys brings their softball friends along. Rules were made to make it harder for the "Navy" team. Home runs were outs 1 yr. Doubles the next yr. then singles. It didn't matter. Navy Ruled!
Mike spends the majority of the time just coaching now. I can tell when he comes home if he does play though, his knees give him away.
 |
| 2016 Team Navy |
None of the original team is still with him, but Eric's (the youngest on the team who turned 40 this year) father and uncle played with Mike the first few years.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Reflection
Mike gets up early each morning, around 5:15.
He is usually quite and I can sleep through him getting ready for work.
This morning I heard him and for some reason I could not get back to sleep so I decided to not fight it and got up.
I grabbed my coffee and sneaked out on the back deck to enjoy the crisp morning. I say sneaked because we have a motion sensor on our back porch light and it was dark enough to set it off. I did! but it soon turned off.
I sit there thinking about a conversation I had with my son. Bryan is looking for a new job. A big decision for a man with a mortgage, a wife and 3 kids to consider.
He told me his next week at work is going to be hectic and wished he could be like us.
NO, you can't wish your life away - you have so many memories to make and things to do and explore with your kids. Your job is the means to get where we are.
I told him he can only make the decision that is right for them right now.
I think back on the all the decisions I've made.
Did I make some wrong ones? Wrong - I don't know. I can't admit to that, though some were pretty questionable, but those are the ones that shaped me into who I am.
Would I want to go back and change things? No point in thinking about that - not go happen. I made some tough decisions with my life and I can honestly say that I made the right ones at that time. Though painting our bedroom a bright, bright purple was pretty bad.
I am sorry for some things I've done and said but, who isn't? Nobody is perfect. Hopefully I have been forgiven.
I decided that "What ifs" are not for me...
Then the sun came peeking over our house and shined his spotlight right on the flag that Stacy painted for me.
I'm thinking that today is going to be a great day.
A quote from my Grandson, Roger, about his kindergarten.
"I do my best and God will take care of the rest."
He is usually quite and I can sleep through him getting ready for work.
This morning I heard him and for some reason I could not get back to sleep so I decided to not fight it and got up.
I grabbed my coffee and sneaked out on the back deck to enjoy the crisp morning. I say sneaked because we have a motion sensor on our back porch light and it was dark enough to set it off. I did! but it soon turned off.
I sit there thinking about a conversation I had with my son. Bryan is looking for a new job. A big decision for a man with a mortgage, a wife and 3 kids to consider.
He told me his next week at work is going to be hectic and wished he could be like us.
NO, you can't wish your life away - you have so many memories to make and things to do and explore with your kids. Your job is the means to get where we are.
I told him he can only make the decision that is right for them right now.
I think back on the all the decisions I've made.
Did I make some wrong ones? Wrong - I don't know. I can't admit to that, though some were pretty questionable, but those are the ones that shaped me into who I am.
Would I want to go back and change things? No point in thinking about that - not go happen. I made some tough decisions with my life and I can honestly say that I made the right ones at that time. Though painting our bedroom a bright, bright purple was pretty bad.
I am sorry for some things I've done and said but, who isn't? Nobody is perfect. Hopefully I have been forgiven.
I decided that "What ifs" are not for me...
Then the sun came peeking over our house and shined his spotlight right on the flag that Stacy painted for me.
I'm thinking that today is going to be a great day.
A quote from my Grandson, Roger, about his kindergarten.
"I do my best and God will take care of the rest."
Monday, September 12, 2016
Snap Circuit "Happy Birthday"
Roger has had a fascination with electricity since he could crawl to an outlet and pull the plugs.
He got these really cool toy - snap circuit building blocks.
He surprised his Papa for his birthday with a colored spinning wheel and blinking light on one board and a singing "Happy Birthday" on the other board.
These blocks are so cool. They run on batteries so there is not a lot of juice to shock.
"Hurry up Papa and blow out the candle on the pie - we want cake."
Mike loves lemon pie and the boys have their eye on the angel food cake. Mary had both bases covered.
Monday, August 29, 2016
"Wooden Spoon" salad
Back when Bryan was in middle school and even into high school (when he wasn't working), most nights Mike and him shared home made blizzards.
I would fill my grocery cart every week with snickers, butterfingers, milky ways, m&m's and anything else I could think of to make awesome "homemade" blizzards.
This was something that they shared just the two of them. I am not much of an ice cream eater.
Most of the time they made them together, but sometimes Bryan would pick his choice and Mike would be the one in the kitchen making them using my blender and spatula.
Mike comes out one night with a huge M&M blizzard for Bryan. His go to flavor back then. Surprise!!
As Bryan commences to eat it he bites down into something - not an M&M. Mike had used my wooden spoon instead of my spatula and got it chewed up in the blender blades. "I thought I got out all the pieces." The "wooden spoon" blizzard was born.
A story that we still tell and laugh about today.
Last night I made Chicken Caesar salads for us for dinner.
I needed to jazz them up so I added hard boiled eggs, black olives, and to mine Heart of Palm and mushrooms.
Only thing is I was adding the mushrooms to Mikes, Oh Crap! He does NOT like mushrooms.
I picked out the pieces I could see, added more chicken (it's white too) tossed the rest of the salad all together and gave it to him to eat.
I call it the "Wooden Spoon" salad.
He ate it, He told me it was delicious. And no I did not tell him about the mushrooms.
I would fill my grocery cart every week with snickers, butterfingers, milky ways, m&m's and anything else I could think of to make awesome "homemade" blizzards.
This was something that they shared just the two of them. I am not much of an ice cream eater.
Most of the time they made them together, but sometimes Bryan would pick his choice and Mike would be the one in the kitchen making them using my blender and spatula.
Mike comes out one night with a huge M&M blizzard for Bryan. His go to flavor back then. Surprise!!
As Bryan commences to eat it he bites down into something - not an M&M. Mike had used my wooden spoon instead of my spatula and got it chewed up in the blender blades. "I thought I got out all the pieces." The "wooden spoon" blizzard was born.
A story that we still tell and laugh about today.
Last night I made Chicken Caesar salads for us for dinner.
I needed to jazz them up so I added hard boiled eggs, black olives, and to mine Heart of Palm and mushrooms.
Only thing is I was adding the mushrooms to Mikes, Oh Crap! He does NOT like mushrooms.
I picked out the pieces I could see, added more chicken (it's white too) tossed the rest of the salad all together and gave it to him to eat.
I call it the "Wooden Spoon" salad.
He ate it, He told me it was delicious. And no I did not tell him about the mushrooms.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Golfing Around
Mike and I still enjoy golfing. Together even, if you can believe that.
We took our clubs along on 2 vacations this year and I got to thinking - how many states have we golfed in?
Spanning the 31 years of being together, we have golfed in 14 states together. Adding 3 just this summer. Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York.
We finally took our clubs along to visit Steve last week. There is a Beautiful course 15 minutes from his house. We will definitely return there.
Arizona - With Bobby and Sue. We golfed with Bobby a bunch of times when he lived here, but Sue didn't take up the sport till they moved to AZ
Colorado - With Uncle Al at the Colorado Air Force Base
Florida
Illinois
Iowa - we were memebers of a golf league that had a tournament there
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New York
North Carolina
Ohio - we camped at the Kings Island Amusement park. The kids went to the park and we went golfing.
Pennsylvania - We stopped for the night next to a Golf Course in PA on our way to Steve's last week.
South Carolina - Myrtle Beach, the Golf Capital of the World
Wisconsin - Some of the most beautiful courses we have golfed
We also dragged our clubs along on a cruise and golfed in Antigua and Martinique.
Our first vacation together golfing in Wisconsin.
The golf carts were pretty simple with no roof and nothing to hold on too. Pretty simple to fall out of. :)
We took our clubs along on 2 vacations this year and I got to thinking - how many states have we golfed in?
Spanning the 31 years of being together, we have golfed in 14 states together. Adding 3 just this summer. Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York.
We finally took our clubs along to visit Steve last week. There is a Beautiful course 15 minutes from his house. We will definitely return there.
Arizona - With Bobby and Sue. We golfed with Bobby a bunch of times when he lived here, but Sue didn't take up the sport till they moved to AZ
Colorado - With Uncle Al at the Colorado Air Force Base
Florida
Illinois
Iowa - we were memebers of a golf league that had a tournament there
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New York
North Carolina
Ohio - we camped at the Kings Island Amusement park. The kids went to the park and we went golfing.
Pennsylvania - We stopped for the night next to a Golf Course in PA on our way to Steve's last week.
South Carolina - Myrtle Beach, the Golf Capital of the World
Wisconsin - Some of the most beautiful courses we have golfed
We also dragged our clubs along on a cruise and golfed in Antigua and Martinique.
Our first vacation together golfing in Wisconsin.
The golf carts were pretty simple with no roof and nothing to hold on too. Pretty simple to fall out of. :)
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| 1985 - so young |
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Monroe NY
It was time for our yearly visit to go see our good friend Steve. Who now lives in Monroe, NY not the big city. it's a small town about 50 minutes away.
He did take us into the city to another Broadway play. This year we saw the Lion King. I had no idea it was an animated play. Though that does make sense, since it's an animated movie. Duh...Really enjoyed it. It also gave me an opportunity to replace my I heart NY coffee mug - mine broke.
Steve has lived in Monroe about 3 1/2 years now and commutes everyday by train.
I understand his attachment to his home.
He clearly has put his heart, and a good portion of his pocket book, into this house and it shows. It's a quiet place to come home to after a hectic day. His pets (3 cats, 3 dogs) have a yard to play in and his new addition this summer, His patio, is over the top welcoming.
He had a "come see my new patio" party while we were there, but it was 96 degrees out so Not to many people hung out there. I really enjoyed meeting his NY friends. Love his boss!
This place is like a home away from home. I'm sure if he lived closer He would see more of us.
I do love our yearly visit and just hanging out with him.
Thanks Steve. Thanks for letting me invade your kitchen space, move your furniture around, leave my stuff out on the kitchen table, close the drapes (he likes them all open), hog the frig with my vege's, turn the volume down on the TV , and just laying back and doing nothing.
Thanks for having us.
Love YOU!
He did take us into the city to another Broadway play. This year we saw the Lion King. I had no idea it was an animated play. Though that does make sense, since it's an animated movie. Duh...Really enjoyed it. It also gave me an opportunity to replace my I heart NY coffee mug - mine broke.
Steve has lived in Monroe about 3 1/2 years now and commutes everyday by train.
I understand his attachment to his home.
He clearly has put his heart, and a good portion of his pocket book, into this house and it shows. It's a quiet place to come home to after a hectic day. His pets (3 cats, 3 dogs) have a yard to play in and his new addition this summer, His patio, is over the top welcoming.
He had a "come see my new patio" party while we were there, but it was 96 degrees out so Not to many people hung out there. I really enjoyed meeting his NY friends. Love his boss!
I do love our yearly visit and just hanging out with him.
Thanks Steve. Thanks for letting me invade your kitchen space, move your furniture around, leave my stuff out on the kitchen table, close the drapes (he likes them all open), hog the frig with my vege's, turn the volume down on the TV , and just laying back and doing nothing.
Thanks for having us.
Love YOU!
Monday, August 8, 2016
Fun Filled Weekend
Warning: long post with lots of pictures
Daddy had told them that I used to take him to a park with a BIG rocket ship slide when he was little. We get into the car and that's all they wanted to talk about. Well, except for "Are we getting off the highway now?" and Are we there yet?"
"Can we got to the rocket slide park?"
This is now the rocket slide park. Big disappointment. I kept telling them it got old and was gone, but they had to see it.
Those of you familiar - that's wing park now.
So we took them to the McDonald's with the slide inside and had lunch and they played there.
After seeing and playing with all of Papa's new legos for an hour it was time to go in the forest.
Luke: "The lions are all sleeping now, right?" He's convinced our woods have lions.
They climbed over trees, hiked in the woods, threw rocks and stick in the pond.
I look at my phone and see it's only 1:15 - felt like 4:30.
Then I had a brilliant idea. I went to the basement and dragged out one of Bryan's old toy box. We have 5.
I found the one with a bunch of trucks (including Grandpa Flory's old Tonkas), Rambo's village, and the best things of all his Mask toys. I'm saving the Simpson toys and the GI Joes for when they get a little older.
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| They play so good together |
That kept them busy. Whew...
A little legos before bed and the first day is over.
Saturday we surprised them with the kids workshop at the Home Depot.
The boys LOVED it. They built skate board pencil holders.
Before they even open their projects they were having fun. "We get to sit on buckets!"
 |
| Painting the tops |
Mike guided Luke and to no ones surprise Roger needed no help. He looked at the instructions - I told him it was just like legos only with wood and he put it together all by himself.
He did ask me to put his glue on. "It's glue for grown ups." Ok, couldn't argue with him on that one.
They give them aprons and when they are done they get a certificate and a pin to put on it to show everybody what they made. Couldn't help but think of Mike's old boy scout vest hanging in the basement with his badges all over it.
 |
| getting their reward |
Last night at bedtime it was difficult for the boys to find a book they liked. It appears that we needed fresh books. We head on over to our little library to replenish our supply. In our defense I gave all of Bryan's books to them along with his bookcase.
Boys each picked out 2 books and then headed on over to the toys. Mike and I found about 15 more - That should hold us.
We promised them a park with bigger slides so from the library we head on up to Randall Oaks.
Luke: "Now were talking."
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| Big enough for Mike to join them |
They both picked out hats from Papa's collection to wear.
 |
| Break time |
Mine, when Bryan was little, was him choking on something.
Mary shared with me that hers was them getting hit by a car in a parking lot.
Walking back to the car (the park is down a trail in the woods) of course the boys run ahead of us. We catch up to them and this is what we see. Mary has to be so proud. They just sat down in the shade and waited for us.
 |
We had to stop at the $ store for supplies. We were having a surprise belated birthday party for Bryan when they came to pick the boys up on Sunday afternoon. Imagine a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old in a $ store. Yeah, what was I thinking.
Roger and I made signs for the yard. Luke didn't want to help - He wanted to play with the balloons.
The story goes - Pokemon had invaded our house and stole all of Daddy's presents. He left a note in our mail box of the area of where they were and Daddy had to go find them. That wasn't oo hard - the boys were more than happy to help him. Me and the boys hid them.
Luke had chosen to throw his in the little tree out front.
Roger put his on top of Papa's truck.
We hid 2 in the backyard and the last Pokemon was wrapped around the cupcakes in the cupboard in the kitchen. Owen was happy to see that one.
Finally - Roger's numerous questions got answered.
I saved all the parts to all the toys, but had no idea what went with what. "Wait and ask Daddy." was our go to answer.
Daddy showed him how all the toys went together.
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| Who do you think is having more fun? |
Friday, July 22, 2016
Barbershop Singing
What better way to enjoy a hot summer night than to sit in Wing park and hear some barbershop singing. There was a gentle breeze and no bugs.
I dragged Mike along - one, because Sharen is full filling an item on her bucket list and fishing in Canada AND catching the big one. A 2 hander (one she has to show you by using both hands to lift). Yes - I got an email from her and she did get the sucker. So she was out for attending the concert with me.
Reason 2 is because Mike used to sing in a barbershop group. I have proof.
Mike is the little guy on the left. His friend, still to this day, Steve, is standing next to him.
We staked out our seats on the hill middle center.
If this was a band concert we should of been ok, but this was singing, no music, and we could not hear too good. Everyone around us (the crowd did fill in) was yelling to turn up the mics.
You can notice the very small speakers on the sides of the stage. That was it.
Which was a shame because they had groups from Elgin, Rockford, and Schaumburg there. The only time you could really hear was when they were all on the stage. Unless you moved to the front.
Mike sang along to some he remembered. It's funny how you can't remember where you put your keys or cell phone, but play a song from your past and you know all the words, where you were, and who you were with.
I dragged Mike along - one, because Sharen is full filling an item on her bucket list and fishing in Canada AND catching the big one. A 2 hander (one she has to show you by using both hands to lift). Yes - I got an email from her and she did get the sucker. So she was out for attending the concert with me.
Reason 2 is because Mike used to sing in a barbershop group. I have proof.
Mike is the little guy on the left. His friend, still to this day, Steve, is standing next to him.
We staked out our seats on the hill middle center.
Which was a shame because they had groups from Elgin, Rockford, and Schaumburg there. The only time you could really hear was when they were all on the stage. Unless you moved to the front.
Mike sang along to some he remembered. It's funny how you can't remember where you put your keys or cell phone, but play a song from your past and you know all the words, where you were, and who you were with.
Monday, July 18, 2016
The Dome
Roger finished off his t-ball with a special game under the dome in Rosemont.
It is the home of the female professional softball team - The Bandits.
The older kids got to play on the outside field, but this was pretty intimidating for the younger ones. Two of Roger's teammates would not go out on the field
It's pretty sweet. They announced each kids name over the PA system. I hope you can hear it. He is a much better batter than this though.
Luke discovered the air vents. Throw your hat up and it gets caught way up in the netting.
They only played one inning (they usually play 2) - There are 32 teams in his league. It was plenty enough time for the kids. Roger finally figured out that playing first base you don't have to run with everybody to each ball. The ball comes to you.
It is the home of the female professional softball team - The Bandits.
The older kids got to play on the outside field, but this was pretty intimidating for the younger ones. Two of Roger's teammates would not go out on the field
 |
| Roger getting ready for his grounder. |
It's pretty sweet. They announced each kids name over the PA system. I hope you can hear it. He is a much better batter than this though.
 |
| Playing first base. |
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Naked and Afraid
I must confess I have watched this show when there was nothing on. I tell myself to shut the TV off if this is all you can find to watch. Ha.
My goal this summer was to get walking. I want to try some different walking trails close by, Maybe just a short drive. I got online and found some worth trying out. Some I have walked already but I found a couple new ones.
So this morning I talked myself into checking one out - by myself.
Otter Creek Bend Wetlands
It's 4 minutes from our house and it's a gem. The parking lot was empty. I was going this alone.
It's just a 1 mile long loop and the first 1/4 mile is along HUGE houses. Then it goes into seclusion . All that's there are you and the birds, bugs, butterflies and bees.
The temperature on the car said 75 so I left my water bottle in the car. I needed my hands to carry my cell phone for pictures and Yes, I carried a stick to fight off the wild animals. The sun was not out - they were calling for rain.
1/2 way through I was thinking Not a very good idea. I could of used the water - it was so humid out there. I was walking through a wetland for crying out loud. Taking my sweat soaked clothes off and going naked crossed my mind (for a second).
So many wooden walks over water.
I was all alone in a wetland - I could go naked. Then it hit me I am all alone in a wetland.
Here comes the afraid part. I had called Sharen to join me but she was busy, so she knew where I was in case I didn't come home. I had my phone, and a big stick. I should be OK.
Turns out I didn't need to be afraid. All I heard was the birds a few chipmunks and the breeze rustling through the tall cat tails. I left my head phones off too thinking I needed to listen for wild animals. I'm glad I left them at home. The subtle sound of nature was soothing.
This place is a definite "do over".
My goal this summer was to get walking. I want to try some different walking trails close by, Maybe just a short drive. I got online and found some worth trying out. Some I have walked already but I found a couple new ones.
So this morning I talked myself into checking one out - by myself.
Otter Creek Bend Wetlands
It's 4 minutes from our house and it's a gem. The parking lot was empty. I was going this alone.
It's just a 1 mile long loop and the first 1/4 mile is along HUGE houses. Then it goes into seclusion . All that's there are you and the birds, bugs, butterflies and bees.
 |
| Flowers full of butterflies |
 |
| This one for the bees |
1/2 way through I was thinking Not a very good idea. I could of used the water - it was so humid out there. I was walking through a wetland for crying out loud. Taking my sweat soaked clothes off and going naked crossed my mind (for a second).
So many wooden walks over water.
 |
| beautiful bridges |
Here comes the afraid part. I had called Sharen to join me but she was busy, so she knew where I was in case I didn't come home. I had my phone, and a big stick. I should be OK.
 |
| Foliage over my head on both sides |
Turns out I didn't need to be afraid. All I heard was the birds a few chipmunks and the breeze rustling through the tall cat tails. I left my head phones off too thinking I needed to listen for wild animals. I'm glad I left them at home. The subtle sound of nature was soothing.
This place is a definite "do over".
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