Jack and I enjoyed a great weekend! On Friday, we finished up the shingling on the porch roof that we've been building for Diane. This involved my being UP on the roof, cutting, placing, and nailing shingles onto the roof. The weather was beautiful for doing this, remaining cool (low 80's) till Saturday.
We took advantage of Saturday's heat (high 80's) to drive over to the Edmore Potato Festival. The drive was beautiful, across the countryside with its lovely old barns, fields of yellowing soybeans, and trees tinged with the early autumn golds.
This is a festival which we were told USED to be vast, but has dwindled to only a shadow of its former self. The only potatoes we saw were the ones that the Baptist Church were selling. We were expecting chips, french fries, maybe chocolate covered tater tots... LOL I do wonder now how good those would be...
Sunday was church. Jack and I were greeters, and I was asked to help with the collection plates, so that was good. Afterwards, we went to Meijer to get a few supplies for our party.
Sunday evening we hosted the PITS group (People In Transitional Stages). Jack cooked a whole beef tenderloin on the grill, and he did it perfectly. We were surprised by how many cashews people ate, and how many margaritas were drunk. Hey... cashews and margaritas.. how can that be bad? It was a fun party!
Today we were back at Dianne's where Jack worked on electricity for the fan/light on the porch. Then he fixed dinner for us which was delicious beef tenderloin, corn on the cob, and potatoes and green beans. Yummy! We finished the evening off with a walk to DQ for a Blizzard!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Another fine week!
Another good week! Jack came home from his Hawaii trip and things are even better than "normal" for us. We have gotten ourselves a few projects underway and have enjoyed some fun pursuits!
Jack's niece Violaine and her boyfriend Loic from Switzerland came to visit for a few days. They were on a 2-week Michigan tour. We all stayed at Jack's house, and that worked well. We did fun things! On Tuesday,l we took a great kayak trip down the river. It was relaxing and a great way to talk and get to know the young folks.
Wednesday, we took a drive with them over to Ludington and Pentwater, on the Lake. We had a good picnic at the park, took a walk out to the Ludington lighthouse, and then walked around, investigating some shops. Next, we drove down to Pentwater, poking around some shops there. In one gallery, I found a great lamp with a handmade paper shade and a base made of twigs. While this doesn't sound so cool, it is!
They left on Thursday morning, leaving Jack and me looking at each other and saying, "What a lovely young couple they are!" Jack had met Violaine when she was a little girl, but had not seen her since, and she's in her late 20's now.
Yesterday we went and ordered wood for Diane's porch roof. We'll start working on that tomorrow.
And today I bit the bullet and bought myself a new laptop from Best Buy in Grand Rapids! I got a Toshiba. I'll let you know how well I like it, once I get it out of the box. It sometimes takes me awhile to integrate new things into my life.
While we were in Grand Rapids, we hit the Rivertown Crossings Mall and got a few things. Younkers was having a Clinique Bonus Day, and I'm always a sucker for that. And Jack bought luggage, so that he'll be well-outfitted for his next trip (which I hope is OUR next trip) ;). And I found a little purse.
Jack's niece Violaine and her boyfriend Loic from Switzerland came to visit for a few days. They were on a 2-week Michigan tour. We all stayed at Jack's house, and that worked well. We did fun things! On Tuesday,l we took a great kayak trip down the river. It was relaxing and a great way to talk and get to know the young folks.
Wednesday, we took a drive with them over to Ludington and Pentwater, on the Lake. We had a good picnic at the park, took a walk out to the Ludington lighthouse, and then walked around, investigating some shops. Next, we drove down to Pentwater, poking around some shops there. In one gallery, I found a great lamp with a handmade paper shade and a base made of twigs. While this doesn't sound so cool, it is!
They left on Thursday morning, leaving Jack and me looking at each other and saying, "What a lovely young couple they are!" Jack had met Violaine when she was a little girl, but had not seen her since, and she's in her late 20's now.
Yesterday we went and ordered wood for Diane's porch roof. We'll start working on that tomorrow.
And today I bit the bullet and bought myself a new laptop from Best Buy in Grand Rapids! I got a Toshiba. I'll let you know how well I like it, once I get it out of the box. It sometimes takes me awhile to integrate new things into my life.
While we were in Grand Rapids, we hit the Rivertown Crossings Mall and got a few things. Younkers was having a Clinique Bonus Day, and I'm always a sucker for that. And Jack bought luggage, so that he'll be well-outfitted for his next trip (which I hope is OUR next trip) ;). And I found a little purse.
Friday, August 13, 2010
44.5...
... miles per gallon! That's what I got in my Honda Fit on my Indiana trip. :) I left on Monday, driving to Avon for dinner with Annette and Steve. I left there and drove on down to Bloomington, to Suzanne and Mary Elizabeth's house. Tuesday morning, Suzanne and I went to the Indiana State Fair.
Although it was the hottest day of my life, it was still a fun time. I bought a sheepskin to go on my piano bench, and it's beautiful. We had the usual delicious fair food, including a corndog, King Taters ribbon chips, and ice cream. We enjoyed the Home Arts Building's exhibits of needlework, photography, and other art.
Wednesday, I did some errands, checking on my Bloomington money and getting some things at the mall. Then I went out to Lennie's for pizza with Carla and Roy. It was great to see them and to get all caught up.
Thursday, I met Ann and we went out to lunch. Again, it was wonderful to see her and to see her feeling so good. She's had some bigtime back surgery and is doing much better!
After our lunch, I went on up to Avon, to spend a bit more time with Annette and her family. They are all staying together at Lisa's, while Lisa's and Annette's new houses are being built. It's ... hectic... there, with three small children and, when I was there, 5 adults! But we had a great dinner and it was fun to be with the kids.
Jack's been having a wonderful time in Hawaii with his family and I miss him fiercely. I just talked with him on the phone and he's at the Maui Airport, waiting for his flight to Chicago, which leaves soon. I can't wait to see him!
Although it was the hottest day of my life, it was still a fun time. I bought a sheepskin to go on my piano bench, and it's beautiful. We had the usual delicious fair food, including a corndog, King Taters ribbon chips, and ice cream. We enjoyed the Home Arts Building's exhibits of needlework, photography, and other art.
Wednesday, I did some errands, checking on my Bloomington money and getting some things at the mall. Then I went out to Lennie's for pizza with Carla and Roy. It was great to see them and to get all caught up.
Thursday, I met Ann and we went out to lunch. Again, it was wonderful to see her and to see her feeling so good. She's had some bigtime back surgery and is doing much better!
After our lunch, I went on up to Avon, to spend a bit more time with Annette and her family. They are all staying together at Lisa's, while Lisa's and Annette's new houses are being built. It's ... hectic... there, with three small children and, when I was there, 5 adults! But we had a great dinner and it was fun to be with the kids.
Jack's been having a wonderful time in Hawaii with his family and I miss him fiercely. I just talked with him on the phone and he's at the Maui Airport, waiting for his flight to Chicago, which leaves soon. I can't wait to see him!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
VBS was fun last night. It was the last night for this summer. The apple-carrot-pecan-cheesecake cake was great! I had just a bit left, which I polished off today. I made it without the rich icing, but with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Today I didn't do much of anything. I did have a nice workout on the Wii. Today I did Shape Boxing and Wii Fit yoga. I'm trying not to do the same thing two days in a row.
Jack called late in the day. He'd been hiking in a volcanic crater with son in-law Jack and grandson Matthew. He said that he wished I were there, and I believed him. :)
Today I didn't do much of anything. I did have a nice workout on the Wii. Today I did Shape Boxing and Wii Fit yoga. I'm trying not to do the same thing two days in a row.
Jack called late in the day. He'd been hiking in a volcanic crater with son in-law Jack and grandson Matthew. He said that he wished I were there, and I believed him. :)
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Busy day!
Well, for me, anyway! I did my Wii workout, spending 15 minutes on Fitness Coach and then 20 on DDR. I got Full Combos on 2 songs, and one was a first-time -- Keep on Movin' -- one that's dogged me till today! I'm feeling really strong, with lots of sore muscles. I always feel better about my workouts when I have sore muscles. Not sure that I'm supposed to revel in sore muscles, but... there we are!
Next I decided to swallow the toad and get my dishes done. I always do them by hand, since it's just me and I don't wash my sterling in the DW anyway. I usually do them daily, but had loafed for a couple of days.
Then it was cake-baking time. I did an apple-pecan-carrot cake with a cream cheese ribbon. I'll let you know how it is, after the VBS supper tonight. :) It surely looks good, though! This was another one of those nearly-every-bowl-in-the-house projects, though not as involved as the lemon-pecan torte that I'd done for the MI party.
Kayakers just floated past on the river. What a beautiful place this is!
I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, but Jack's in Hawaii with his family. He arrived last night and I guess a good time is being enjoyed by all. I went over and looked in on Eddie and he seems oblivious to the fact that his Daddy's gone for a few days. I'll go and see him again today.
Next I decided to swallow the toad and get my dishes done. I always do them by hand, since it's just me and I don't wash my sterling in the DW anyway. I usually do them daily, but had loafed for a couple of days.
Then it was cake-baking time. I did an apple-pecan-carrot cake with a cream cheese ribbon. I'll let you know how it is, after the VBS supper tonight. :) It surely looks good, though! This was another one of those nearly-every-bowl-in-the-house projects, though not as involved as the lemon-pecan torte that I'd done for the MI party.
Kayakers just floated past on the river. What a beautiful place this is!
I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, but Jack's in Hawaii with his family. He arrived last night and I guess a good time is being enjoyed by all. I went over and looked in on Eddie and he seems oblivious to the fact that his Daddy's gone for a few days. I'll go and see him again today.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
House for Sale
Yes, it's still for sale! The people who came to look today have a house already, thinking of moving, and need to think harder. I got up this morning and worked out with the Wii, doing Shape Boxing. Then I dusted and vacuumed both downstairs and upstairs. I did two loads of laundry, and then readied the house for the showing. I was still taking the trash out when Judy showed up, 10 minutes early. She told me that it would be ok if I stayed, so I did.
Then, after meeting the people and answering a question or two, I drove into town. I checked on Jack's house, moved Eddie's food timer up a bit, checked our mail (none), perused the downtown Farmers' Market (buying some apricots, a tomato, and a tiny zucchini bread), went to the bank for some cash, and then went to Meier for some edibles.
The rest of the afternoon I cooked dinner for myself, ate that, and then, as I watched Hell's Kitchen and Master Chef, I snacked endlessly on fruit that I'd bought today. :)
Then, after meeting the people and answering a question or two, I drove into town. I checked on Jack's house, moved Eddie's food timer up a bit, checked our mail (none), perused the downtown Farmers' Market (buying some apricots, a tomato, and a tiny zucchini bread), went to the bank for some cash, and then went to Meier for some edibles.
The rest of the afternoon I cooked dinner for myself, ate that, and then, as I watched Hell's Kitchen and Master Chef, I snacked endlessly on fruit that I'd bought today. :)
Monday, August 02, 2010
Monday after
Today was the Monday after the play's end. Monday, after the play's end, is always a sort of bummer day for me anyway. I didn't leave the house at all, but spent the day working out, playing on my computer, and watching tube. I didn't even clean the house -- my usual thing to do on Mondays.
Tomorrow I'll clean in the morning, because I have another house showing in the afternoon!
The news guys are on and are talking about how miserably humid it is. LOL I just stuck my head out and thought, with it so cool and nice, I'd open the windows! These folks don't know humidity!
Tomorrow I'll clean in the morning, because I have another house showing in the afternoon!
The news guys are on and are talking about how miserably humid it is. LOL I just stuck my head out and thought, with it so cool and nice, I'd open the windows! These folks don't know humidity!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Too Long!
Argh.. I have been out of the blogging habit for too long! I want to get back into it again!
Much has happened in the couple of weeks since I last posted. The play is underway now, with two performances remaining -- tonight and tomorrow's matinee. It's going very well, the sets look great.
Jack's also in the play, but he has an actual role, albeit small, on stage. I would have loved to be in the play, but I wasn't here for auditions, so .. didn't happen. However, I'm enjoying being the dog's handler. Yes! Linda asked me if I wanted to do that, and so I got to "audition" three different dogs, and help in choosing the one that we are using. He's been great -- very well-behaved, and a really loving and sweet dog. He belongs to a boy who's in the play.
There has been just one nibble on the house; it was shown yesterday, and Judy said that it showed very well. I really do love the house, and I'm doing fine here, so I'm not in any hurry to sell, but, when it does, I'll be ready to go to wherever I end up!
Yesterday I went walking out here on my road. I walked 40 minutes, and saw not one single person. Not one car went past. Not one person was outside their house. One dog did come out to greet me, but that was it. I guess this place is a little too isolated for me!
Much has happened in the couple of weeks since I last posted. The play is underway now, with two performances remaining -- tonight and tomorrow's matinee. It's going very well, the sets look great.
Jack's also in the play, but he has an actual role, albeit small, on stage. I would have loved to be in the play, but I wasn't here for auditions, so .. didn't happen. However, I'm enjoying being the dog's handler. Yes! Linda asked me if I wanted to do that, and so I got to "audition" three different dogs, and help in choosing the one that we are using. He's been great -- very well-behaved, and a really loving and sweet dog. He belongs to a boy who's in the play.
There has been just one nibble on the house; it was shown yesterday, and Judy said that it showed very well. I really do love the house, and I'm doing fine here, so I'm not in any hurry to sell, but, when it does, I'll be ready to go to wherever I end up!
Yesterday I went walking out here on my road. I walked 40 minutes, and saw not one single person. Not one car went past. Not one person was outside their house. One dog did come out to greet me, but that was it. I guess this place is a little too isolated for me!
Monday, July 19, 2010
I'm watching Big Bang Theory and laughing my head off. I love that show! Leonard's mom is on tonight, and she's hilarious. It's Christine Baranski who is in The Good Wife and was in Mama Mia. I just love her and Sheldon together.
It's started pouring rain again. We have the funniest weather here in Michigan, and it seems that, whatever it does, there are people complaining about it. It can be 78°and sunny, and the folks are complaining that it's too hot, or even that it's GOING to get hot. Of course, I'm not here for the "It's too cold" discussions, if, indeed they do happen.
I had a busy day today. I did my Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii for my workout (one of my favorite things to do!). After cleaning my house's lower level, I went to help move the sets for the play over to the high school, where the play will be held in < 2 weeks. There was lots of holding heavy things, lifting, carrying, loading, and then driving all the stuff -- 3 trips in a car, van, and pickup truck. It's all over there now.
I fixed myself a fabulous dinner with chicken tortellini covered in a sauce I made with diced tomatoes, zucchini, carrot, snow peas, herbs, and then sprinkled (liberally) with shredded parmesan.
It's started pouring rain again. We have the funniest weather here in Michigan, and it seems that, whatever it does, there are people complaining about it. It can be 78°and sunny, and the folks are complaining that it's too hot, or even that it's GOING to get hot. Of course, I'm not here for the "It's too cold" discussions, if, indeed they do happen.
I had a busy day today. I did my Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii for my workout (one of my favorite things to do!). After cleaning my house's lower level, I went to help move the sets for the play over to the high school, where the play will be held in < 2 weeks. There was lots of holding heavy things, lifting, carrying, loading, and then driving all the stuff -- 3 trips in a car, van, and pickup truck. It's all over there now.
I fixed myself a fabulous dinner with chicken tortellini covered in a sauce I made with diced tomatoes, zucchini, carrot, snow peas, herbs, and then sprinkled (liberally) with shredded parmesan.
Monday, July 12, 2010
For Sale
I've decided to sell this wonderful, beautiful house on the Muskegon River in Paris, Michigan, and move back home to Indiana. My realtor Judy (the one who sold me this house just a year ago) is coming tomorrow to discuss things.
I should have probably held off on buying a house here. I should have stayed near my family. I should have waited till I was more mentally settled after my huge loss. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Whatever. The fact is that I've loved this house. I've had a great time, and I'll always remember the wonderful friends that I've made here. I've gotten lots done and learned much about this area.
While I'm sad that I'm leaving here, I am excited about starting a new life back home in Indiana. I've been looking at beautiful houses in the Avon-Plainfield area, and also at some lovely places in Carmel and Greenwood. I think that I'm leaning toward Avon at this point.
I'll keep you posted!
I should have probably held off on buying a house here. I should have stayed near my family. I should have waited till I was more mentally settled after my huge loss. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Whatever. The fact is that I've loved this house. I've had a great time, and I'll always remember the wonderful friends that I've made here. I've gotten lots done and learned much about this area.
While I'm sad that I'm leaving here, I am excited about starting a new life back home in Indiana. I've been looking at beautiful houses in the Avon-Plainfield area, and also at some lovely places in Carmel and Greenwood. I think that I'm leaning toward Avon at this point.
I'll keep you posted!
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