The World According To...

The 1998 Honda Accord

2012-01-26T23:44:00.003-05:00

2011 brought something new: a second licensed driver to the household.

Ian passed his test and wound up with a license a little sooner than I expected. Do all parents think that? That little stop of the heart when you picture a tiny minnow in a sea of whales??

And so it was time for me to pass the keys to my dear Honda Accord. This had been such a good car to me. I bought it when I started my job at Longaberger, and I loved driving it. As Ian got older, I moved on to our new family car and alternating driving them to keep them both operating optimally. And now it was time for me to share it with Ian.

So, although there was a portion of me that was fearful (still is), I was relieved that he would be able to get himself to school activities, help with Megan's sports, and of course get back and forth to work.

Work.

Yes, work.

A job? Something where you perform a task and you get a paycheck? That pays for insurance and gas?

Hmmm, somewhere we missed that chapter...

And the Accord continues being put to very good use. I'll leave it at that.

2011 Chapter: Megan & Gymnastics

2012-01-22T17:01:00.003-05:00

As many of you followed over the years, my daughter Megan was quite the gymnast in the YMCA competitive gymnastics program. She began to compete with the program in 2007 after completing several of the "regular" programs and showing a tremendous upper and lower body strength.

It was a fun time for mother & daughter, having a network of friends doing the same thing on the weekends. We traveled to various cities in Ohio as Megan progressed through the levels - 4, 5, 6, & & 7. It was thrilling to watch her do things I could only ever have dreamed of! Flips and twirls, splits, bar routines and lots of ribbons and trophies.

We were also fortunate that she qualified to compete in Nationals every year. We visited Sheboygan, Wisconsin (home of Johnsonville brats!), Pennsylvania, Toledo, and even San Diego! Those were awesome experiences for both of us. As a level 5 gymnast, we got the thrill of a lifetime as Megan took 1st place All Around in her age/level group. So much fun that we took a trip to NYC afterward to celebrate!

Unfortunately, in February 2011 her gymnastics came to a screeching halt. At a meet in Cambridge, I had just watched two of her teammates injure themselves during their routines, one badly breaking her arm. As Megan began a beautiful floor routine, she fell on a landing and rolled her ankle.

This unfortunate accident took us screaming to the urgent care. It was a sprain and torn tendon. While she didn't want this to stop her, she took a break from it all until Nationals in June. She was able to compete and did well, but did not place. Track, softball, and volleyball took over for the rest of the year. I am happy to report that although she took a long break, she is interested again and has gone back for a practice to see how it goes.

We'll see what 2012 brings! Stay tuned!

2011 in review...

2012-01-20T22:54:00.003-05:00

I guess you could say I got a little behind.

I know some of you faithful followers keep checking back, wondering if I will ever come back up for air.

The last few years have been a whirlwind. It's no excuse...but admittedly, Facebook COMPLETELY took over all of my spare time. Work smarter, not harder, right? So much easier to put thoughts in a couple of sentences and tell the world.

While I'm not over the ease of Facebook, I am over getting sucked in by the vast number of things that can occupy your time. Where DOES the time go??

So I started reflecting on 2011. What happened last year? Were things better, worse? What was new? As I look back over my life posts since 2006, I did a good job of capturing things and keeping track of the memories...up until 2008...so that when the day comes for me to be the star in the Notebook (and that day sometimes feels like it is fast approaching with my forgetfulness!), someone can sit and hold my hand and read to me my life story and I can believe it to be wonderful novel.

It's a thought, anyway.

I will say, I am more into posting brief updates. So I will start my reflections of 2011, but after this post so you don't get bored. And THEN we'll move into what happens next in these chapters of life!

Check back soon so you can keep on reading!

March update

2010-03-06T21:34:00.002-05:00

Whattttt?? It's MARCH!!!! Finally, we are making progress through this very long winter.

As I sit here, I am feeling a bit trapped in my own home. I don't know what I was thinking when I told Ian he could have the guys over tonight. I have a feeling that my normal quiet house is not really ever going to be that way tonight! They have already been outside, throwing snowballs at the house. Additionally, I heard something in the kitchen break and I also know the window was open to let the smoke out - supposedly from putting the candle out.

This reminds me of when I babysat once. I was a seasoned sitter and thought I could handle anything that came along. How would I know what little Nick was capable of???? Eventually, things got so bad I had to lock him out of the house and call my sister! I had the baby inside, as Nick was throwing everything at us and kicking me. He ran outside and got his friends and they started throwing things at the house. That's when I locked the door and called in the troops!!! Yikes!!!!!!!!

I am also waiting for Megan to get home. She went to the skating rink tonight with her friends. The same one I went to when I was in 6th grade. Yep, I remember what that was like. Seeing my friends from school and from 4-H Band, hanging out for the evening and having a little freedom. It was funny, Megan said "thanks" as I dropped her off - and said, "Mom, I know this is hard for you - your little girl is growing up." When did this happen?????????

And so it goes. I have become the parent of two teenagers. At least I am not laying on the couch, watching Dallas or Love Boat as my mom did. I'm doing something productive - blogging, Facebooking, looking for specific things on the internet, cleaning off my desk...hoping I don't hear any more crashes downstairs!!!!

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T18:33:00.002-05:00

This Christmas has been interesting and different!

The kids were off to Chile on the 18th. I didn't know what to do with all of that time!

So I came to The Villages in northern Florida with my sister and her family. It has been a very enjoyable time, and a chance to see a retirement community in full force. Check it out, www.thevillages.com.

I can't post any pictures yet as my computer (which has the photos downloaded) is not able to find an internet signal, so I am just borrowing some time on the resident PC. We have had fun running around in golf carts, shopping, eating, pool time, tennis and pickle ball. Yes, pickle ball!

I'll catch up later with the pics. Tomorrow I am off to Austin to see Cathy, Greg, and baby Collin...who is no longer a baby, since he turns 2 on Sunday! So hard to believe!

And so begins a new year of Christmas gifts. This year it was Susan's turn, and she chose to do random acts of kindness for the upcoming year. We will be blogging about it as we go, so check it out here: www.randomactsofkindness2010.blogspot.com. The entire family will be involved!

This Florida bit has been good for me. I am not feeling the winter blues, or feeling oppressed by laundry, responsibilities and other tiresome things. It is good to get away!

Back soon!

Those moments of pride

2009-12-10T22:40:00.002-05:00

Tonight was one of those moments of pride, when your heart wells up for one of your own flesh and blood.

Setting: Evening, high school auditorium, stomach growling, stressed from the tough day, rushed from trying to avoid being late and hearing about this at the last minute. 18 degrees and the wind is blowing.

Occasion: Season end for Heath Bulldogs high school football, having made it to round 2 of the playoffs, with a final historical win at home.

Here comes the moment of pride...

The teams were introduced by their respective coaches, one by one. Each focused on the positivie contributions of each team member. Then there were the funny and awesome awards, mostly for the seniors. Ian won the "Ironman", which meant he missed no lifting practices all summer long!

Of this, I am very proud. He was dedicated and he and I worked as a team to get him there and back, having friends and babysitters helping us out (thank you!). If he couldn't get a ride, he found a way. His dedication and passion deserved recognition!

But in addition to that, in addition to that moment of parental pride, I was looking ahead to the next few years. Years that will pass by so quickly, that he will soon be up there as a senior, with life staring at him in the face. I am excited for his future, for the possibilities that remain, for how his purpose will be fulfilled on this earth! So much between now and then, but in the wisdom I have gained as a mother, I know this time will pass oh so quickly.

Not to mention, there would be someone else in the room with a heart full of pride. I am quite sure that somewhere, Coach Cox caught a glimpse of his grandson being part of a football team, and a darn good one at that. That would have made him proud, proud to know he had passed his legacy forward in spite of having all girls as his own children. We are proud of you, Ian! Keep it up and with each year, each season, each game, may you learn the important stuff and get better each time!

This weekend's adventure

2009-12-02T22:31:00.003-05:00

Look out, the girls are getting ready to head out for the weekend!!!!

We will be celebrating Jenny's birthday - with who better than...Mickey! So back to Disney I go. Awww, I know you feel really sorry for me at this point.

Disney is offering a special celebration. This year you get in for free on your birthday! So we decided earlier this year that we would have her experience the Magic Kingdom, since she has never been.

This photo was taken last spring...for MY birthday. We celebrated at Easton. Had I known then about the Disney deal, I would have gone there!! Haha. Okay, so for all you December birthdays, you have a few more weeks to cash in! Make your plans now!!!

Disney Tip #1 - TRANSPORTATION

2009-12-01T20:26:00.003-05:00

One of the things I love about traveling is to find an easier, cheaper, less crowded way. As I planned my quick trip to Disney World, I was frustrated by the cost of transporation from the airport to our hotel.

We stayed at the Hilton at Downtown Disney (great hotel, by the way!). This became a very convenient spot for many reasons, but the most beneficial in the way of cost savings was that we were able to take the public bus! For Mears transportation or other local shuttles, I was quoted at least $20 per person. A taxi was $55 plus gratuity. That's crazy! Those are NYC prices!

For just $2/adult, and $1/child, we took the bus from the airport directly to Downtown Disney, and the Hilton is on the corner. We returned to the airport for the same fare, and from the DoubleTree, just down the street. Additionally, the bus stops at places like Florida Mall and Sea World. You can get a full day pass for just $4.50.

Enjoy the savings, and spend it on those Mickey Ears!!!

WOW!

2009-11-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

I really don't like it when people don't practice what they preach.

You know the type.

They find it easy to tell others what to do, how to do it or not do it, even give them heck for not doing it the way they say.

Then, they go off and do EXACTLY the opposite of what they said to do or not to do!

That is the long explanation.

The short explanation is this:

My son has started a new blog about Ohio State. Check it out, www.insidetheshoe.com

I told him not to even THINK about having a blog unless he would update it every day!

That's right! Every day! Keeps you coming back for more!

Right?

Right???

Ummmmm...right?

Well, yes, if you have KEPT UP WITH YOUR OWN BLOG!!!!

Which I haven't done.

Facebook has eaten all of my time.

Shamefully.

Okay...as I look back over my posts, this has made a great memory book for me (since there is no time or organization skills in the world that could conquer scrapbooking!).

So I must keep it up.

Do check back.

I will practice what I preach.

At least try.

You get the picture.

Opening Ceremonies at Nationals 2009 in Downingtown, PA

2009-07-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

Well, we had come a long way. Literally.

I finally made it into Philly at 9am on Wednesday, June 24th from Vegas. I had flown all night and didn't sleep a wink.
Megan, fortunately, was with the team coach Jane, and I was able to meet them and pick Megan up.
We stopped to have lunch and then headed over to the hotel.
I was hoping for a hot shower and a nap before heading over to opening ceremonies!

Well, the hot shower I was able to get.
A nap...I was not.
Soon it was time to head over, so Megan got her team t-shirt on and we headed over for what was supposed to be a 15 minute drive.

A few miles from the exit we were to take, we were stopped dead in traffic.
Uh-oh, I hadn't taken THAT into consideration!
She was due at the field at 3:30. It was 3:23 and we weren't anywhere close!!!!

Some other parents called to commiserate. One of them had the banner that the girls were going to carry during the ceremony.
I let her in front of my car, and another set squeezed in behind me. At least we were late as a team...

We got there just in time for the girls to grab the banner and line up!
What a beautiful job they did on the banner.
They didn't place (it was a contest) but hands down, we believe they had the best one!

Megan and her teammates line up, in gear and excited!

Isn't that awesome!!! The red "stripes" are the girl's handprints with their names.
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Gymnastics!

The theme was "A revolution is coming", so Jane led the way on her "horse"!

Go Licking County!

Anticipation for the fun of opening ceremonies...

2009-07-05T16:54:00.000-04:00

Part of the fun of attending opening ceremonies is that you not only get to hang out with your team, but you also get to have a little fun!
There were more than 4,500 attending the opening ceremonies, and they were busy trying to prepare dinner for everyone.
In honor of it being held near Philadelphia, the menu consisted of real Philly Cheesteak sanwiches, Bavarian-style pretzels, and lots of salads, fruit, cookies and drinks.
It was a hot day but beautiful for this type of crowd!

The "before" picture while everyone was still attending the ceremony!

Dinner for 4,500 guests

Time for Megan and Lajeyda to have a little fun!
There were bounce houses and games, but mostly they were doing what gymnasts love - tumbling, flipping, and laughing!

Lajeyda's parents were part of the caravan from Licking County.
We were all so excited to be a part of it!

YMCA Gymnastics Nationals in Downingtown, PA

2009-07-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

The official day of the competition was here!!
Megan and I had a lazy morning at the hotel. We slept in, had a lavish breakfast and took our time getting ready.
I wanted her to be relaxed for the competition but also enjoy her day.

We took a quick trip to the King of Prussia mall, about 7 miles from our hotel.
What could be better than shopping to calm the nerves?

After finding a cute couple of items for the rest of the trip, Megan and I had lunch and we were on our way to the Sports Center.

Megan in front of King of Prussia Mall - Bloomingdales

The Level 5 competition is ready to begin at 5 PM!!!

Megan's second event was the Bars. As you can see, she had a GREAT score. It earned her $25!

The Nationals team takes a break in the hot gym!

First place it is!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

I know it's hard to see! I was soooo excited I couldn't keep the camera still!
Here is Megan, taking 1st place All Around for level 5 Junior, with a total score of 35.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The successful team takes home 14 medals just in level 5!

Gymnasts Megan, Kristina, Elizabeth, Ashlyn, Riley, Lajayeda, and Ellie
Coach Jane in the red shirt

Megan with Elizabeth and Lajayeda

And so ends the night of the competition...

2009-06-29T20:29:00.000-04:00

We had a little fun with some flexibility...

Taking home the gold...

Up close and personal!

Exhilaration is the word!

BREAKING NEWS!!!

2009-06-26T11:22:00.002-04:00

Wow, I am so overwhelmed writing this post!

I apologize that I can't upload pictures or video at this point. My internet connection at the hotel is just not holding up. Right now I am in the business center and of course can't access any of my personal stuff!

But YES, amidst other breaking news of Michael Jackson's death, Farah Fawcett's departure, and other sad news...we have breaking news of our own!!!!

This week we attended the YMCA gymnastics Nationals competition in Downingtown, PA. Wednesday was opening ceremonies, with Shannon Miller as a guest speaker, and then Megan competed on Thursday with her teammates. In all, 14 gymnasts from our county Y attended!!

For level 5, Junior level - Megan took the gold!!! She placed 1st all around with a high score of 35.05, her highest personal best EVER!!!!! She placed 2nd in Beam and Bars, but because of her consistently high scores, was able to take home the big one!

So happy to share our breaking news. Join me while we float on cloud 9!

Pictures and video to come next week. Until then - we are Liberty Bell, Princeton, and NYC bound!!!! See you all soon.

A quick 24 hours in Vegas

2009-06-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

I had to make a quick trip to Vegas on business.
Since it had been a few years since I was there 4 times a year, I decided to stop in my fav spots for some photos.
Even though our plane was delayed, we went out for dinner and then headed to the Bellagio after.
Why you ask?

Not for gambling. Not for shopping.

For the amazing bakery, World's Largest Chocolate fountain and the most amazing indoor gardens!!!
of COURSE!

The pic of the fountain just doesn't do it justice...

I didn't know it had made the Guiness Book!

Here are the details! Put it on your Bucket list to see!

A view of the Eiffel tower - we aren't in Ohio anymore????

Chihuly and the Gardens

2009-06-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

One of my fav stops is at the Bellagio to enjoy the Chihuly glass flowers in the lobby,
and the ever-changing gardens.
The gardens are more beautiful and fascinating each time I am here.
Unfortunately, it was dark by the time we reached the Bellagio (10:30 pm), so you are getting the evening version. :)

Chihuly flowers on the lobby ceiling

Gorgeous!

The snail's body is made of fresh, live roses

The watering cans served 2 purposes - amazing decor and function as the keep the plants and flowers hydrated!

The gardens at the Bellagio

2009-06-25T11:18:00.000-04:00

The scenery just amazes me - it changes every few months.

This time they had a gazing ball, a ferris wheel, and just an amazing fresh array of flowers and botanicals.
So wonderful to share!

The fountain at the Bellagio

2009-06-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

One of the stops you can't miss in Vegas is the fountain show at the Bellagio.
Set to music, the fountain spouts water 50 feet in the air.
It's pretty amazing to see it shoot up that high!
This was a quick show as the evening wrapped up.

Las Vegas view from Treasure Island

2009-06-25T11:10:00.000-04:00

This was at 4 am Ohio time!

A happy birthday surprise!

2009-06-02T22:27:00.000-04:00

May 16th brought a very busy day in the middle of May!
It was Susan's birthday, and she was in for a treat!

Ian spent the day in King's Island with the 8th grade band.
Megan and I had our Race for the Cure gear on. That is as far as we got in our quest for a 5k.

That's okay. It was time to celebrate. Even though we knew the birthday girl herself was knee-deep in graduation preparations.
Painting, building the deck, cleaning, perfecting every knook and cranny of their home.
We knew she needed a break, even though she didn't know it herself!

So, we showed up in Blacklick.
Maria, Cassie, Abby, Megan and I.
Knocked on the door and whisked her away!~

Susan, surprised, not sure what is coming next!

Even though we leaked some secrets, yeahhhh we still surprised her!
(Rachael, Megan, Kara)

But now the Kool Krew was headed out for a girl's day at Easton!

We had a pedicure and headed off to lunch at McCormick's. What a great day!
(and glad Susan was the recipient of a random act of kindness...the manager at McCormick's bought her king crablegs lunch!!!)

An afternoon of fun!

2009-06-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

Maria, Susan and Jen off to an afternoon at Easton

Emerging with beautiful toes and pampered feet from our first stop!

And finishing with a refreshing toast at McCormick's

Ian's last band concert

2009-06-01T22:58:00.000-04:00

And so, my heart breaks just a little...
Ian's last band concert.
He has decided to move on to new activities - football!
Of course, my heart is breaking...
because I just bought his trombone last year....

hahahahahahaha

Here is the 8th grade band, under the direction of Traci Brandt:

Ian had an awesome solo!

Final performance!

A very MEMORABLE Mother's Day!

2009-05-21T19:38:00.000-04:00

As is typical, Ian and Megan were with their dad for Mother's Day weekend.
It falls like that every year, and I am used to it.
But my BFF Melissa insisted that I not be alone!
She was having a dinner for her mom and grandma and mother-in-law, and very graciously invited me along.
Wouldn't you know that my kids came home early that day!

So a huge THANK YOU to Melissa for having us all over!
The dinner was delicious and it was a beautiful day to be out enjoying company and the day.

Below is how Megan spent the time at the Anderson's...

Playing Airplane with Baby Theo!

Holding Baby Theo!

Loving on Baby Theo!

And just having some fun with the little Big Guy...

How Ian spent Mother's Day...

2009-05-21T19:32:00.000-04:00

Laughing while Millie enjoyed the swingset...

Eating until satisfied...

Smiling at the camera....

And THIS picture...is a CLASSIC.
Here is the story:

Ian really does have a fascination with squirrels.
All of his life, it's been cute to watch him chase them around, take pictures of them, and have a little fun with them.
This time though...over the top!

Ian caught a squirrel out of the corner of his eye while at the table and decided to give chase.
The squirrel ran a crazy path around the yard, Ian trailing not far behind, and the squirrel finally made it to the tree.
This smart squirrel circled the tree and tried to throw Ian off.
It ran up the tree and back down, the whole time Ian hot on his trail.
Finally, the squirrel just stopped, right about the time Ian said - "Hey, where did he go????"

And I, the oh-so-not-professional-photographer-but-caught-in-the-perfect-moment...
snapped this classic photo for your enjoyment for years to come.

I know it makes me laugh every time I look at it!

The rest of Mother's Day was meant for photos!

2009-05-21T19:24:00.000-04:00

Ian, now too big for the swing-set pictured...

And Megan, just having some fun...

The Andersons - Rod, Melissa, Alan, Millie, and Baby Theo!

What a fun way to spend the day!

A memorable Arbor Day!

2009-05-19T22:27:00.000-04:00

Yes, as I get caught up, I will be posting things that might seem a little outdated.
But, nonetheless, important!!!

So, one April 25th my good friends Bill and Pat called.
Seems they wanted to take a stroll out to one of my favorite places (and theirs!) to Dawes Arboretum.
I kind of laugh when I think about how much I love New York City. Dawes couldn't be much more polar opposite!

The green buds on the trees, the gentle breezes, the quiet beauty that Dawes brings to the senses.
The acres of preserved land, grass and creatures.
Awwwww! A breath of fresh air!

Well, we pulled into the Arboretum, only to find...wow, hundreds of people!
It was Arbor Day!!!!

Bill quickly maneuvered us out of the crowds, down the 3 mile trail to the lake.
There, we indulged in a picnic brunch.

Here is Bill, focused on an important duck in the pond...

I loved the beauty of this picture.

Here is Bill, photographing his favorite landscape spot!

Bill and Pat, the lovely couple with the lovely setting behind them.

Thanks for spending the day with me!

The next step...

2009-05-19T22:14:00.000-04:00

is to smother the dumb things...
here we go!!!!

The battle has just begun!

2009-05-12T23:01:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh, the freshness of spring!
Leaves on the trees, grass growing, flowers budding!
Such a breath of fresh air after a long winter...

And...the battle begins.

1. The grass grows.
2. The neighbors mow before I can even unbury the mower in the garage under the bikes, snow shovel, and yard sal stuff I am "saving". 3. The mower doesn't start when I finally unbury it.
4. Another week passes. The neighbors have mowed 3 times. The grass is tall enough to hide bunnies, kittens, and other forms of life.
5. I get the mower started.
6. I discover dog poop, dead birds, wasp nests, and hoses that were left out all winter.
7. I must clean up all dog poop, dead birds, wasp nests, and hoses that were left out all winter.
8. I must deal with conflict and face the neighbors and their dog poop, or complain about it all summer.
9. I abandon all attempts to mow the grass and depart the premises.

And then....there are THISTLES!

These nasty buggers come up every year. Actually, they don't even die in the winter. Ever.
So, once they are 2 feet tall, I begin the thistle battle.
This has gone on since I lived here!
I have tried EVERYTHING. Trust me.
But I am open to advice on whether I can douse them with gasoline, set them on fire, and live to tell about it.
???????

The one most awesome story I must tell is how my neighbor Cody, in the 4th grade, came to see if Megan could play.
Jokingly, I told him she wasn't available, but I could sure use a hand weeding!
He went home, got his gloves and tools, and proceeded to tell me all about plants, weeds, and animals.
He is going to be a vet some day!
He stuck with it for a solid 1/2 hour, until he was called by his mom for baseball practice.
She should be proud!
I sent him home with some flowers to plant and an orange popsicle.

I forgot to take a "before" picture.
Below is the result of HOURS of back breaking work! For one little area!

After I pulled all the thistles and dandelions...

This is what came from that ONE small area!

Looks easy from here...but it was NOT!!!

More to follow!

Our trip begins with a new airline experience

2009-03-29T23:25:00.002-04:00

So...admittedly I wasn't sure.

I was expecting a Skybus-type experience, or something like Southwest.

I have been very pleasantly surprised with our AirTran experience. I might actually be a new fan!

We did get to the airport early, something I am not used to doing...but I wanted to get on the direct flight. We checked in, asked about going standby, and BOOM we had seats on the direct flight! No standby required!

That was awesome, because next thing we knew, our other flight had been delayed.

We also got a beverage, free refill and pretzel snacks. I wasn't expecting that either.
Now - we brought only carry-on luggage, and didn't pay for reserving seats. That turned out just fine as well. They didn't even try to sell us anything on the plane!

A far cry from Ryan Air, who I flew in Europe - and is now installing credit card machines on the restrooms....jeepers.

Anyway, so our trip began very positively. Not to mention we got to fly with our longtime friends (Kelli, my hairdresser and her family) since they were going to Fort Lauderdale to leave on a cruise.

All in all a great flight (minus some turbulence over Savannah). Plane was clean, people were nice, I had an aisle seat. Great combination!!!! On to Florida we went!

Finally....FLORIDA!!!!

2009-03-29T23:23:00.000-04:00

The long wait for some time off has finally ended!
Ian and Megan found out last Saturday we were going to Florida, but that was about all that they knew.
I was concerned I would not be well enough to fly, since I have been sick all week.
I did fine until we started our descent, at which time my ears decided to clog over and hurt...but it could have been much worse.

I sat next to a couple of people on the plane that were from Newark. What a small world! Turns out we knew some people in common so we had a lot to talk about on the 2 3/4 hour ride.

We were blessed with the direct flight and landed just after 7pm Saturday night.

View from our hotel room

Ian wanted to try out my new camera~

Turns out, everyone and their sister and brother stayed at the same hotel, or so it seemed!
Here was a very long wait for the elevator!
We finally took the stairs down 6 flights with our luggage...

Getting ready to explore Ft Lauderdale

2009-03-29T23:17:00.000-04:00

Gotta gear up with some breakfast at the Embassy Suites

We had about 30 minutes left before checkout. I couldn't get these monkeys motivated!!!

We were able to meet up with my sister and her family at the hotel and hang out for the evening.
On Sunday, they headed for their vacation destination - a cruise to the islands, leaving from Miami.

We decided to follow Maria's lead and spend our day riding the water taxi around Ft. Lauderdale.
It was cloudy and not a great day for the beach, but a great day to enjoy the intercoastal and all of the views of mansions and slightly expensive yachts. We were able to get on and off the water taxi all day as we pleased, so we took in quite a bit of scenery!

The Water Taxi on the Intracoastal

2009-03-29T23:12:00.000-04:00

The rain finally quit and we were able to head back outside. As you can see, the sand was already dry!
We had to wait for the water taxi, and for the right one to come along.
We felt a few more drops but thankfully, stayed dry at that point.
For $13 per person, the water taxi was a great deal!!

All they wanted was to go to the beach. I suggested they enjoy this patch of sand while waiting for the taxi!

I can only say, my toes are much happier in htis environment...

Ian finally got his yacht. And only had to use his good looks and charm to get it, instead of a cool $40 million.

Ahhhh finally home.
You didn't really think that my dissatisfaction with Ohio weather was unfounded, did you???

The meaning of MERGE!

2009-03-17T22:15:00.002-04:00

Yes, that's right. Today we are going to experience a day in the life of my commute.

I am not sure where things went wrong. I mean, we all go through it. We turn 16, eager to get our license, shoved back down by our caring and over-protective parents, forced to go to driving school, forced to drive in one of those cars with brakes on both sides (do they still do that????) and generally motivated to get through the most boring class...driver's ed.

I, for one, was forced into it for what seemed like longer than most. My father was not about to let me get anyway near the paved paradise of American on anything but my 10 speed bike when I turned 16. We practiced. I went to driver's ed. I backed in and out of our driveway. I practiced maneuverability in the Heath High School parking lot (I still don't remember why we did it there) until my dad LITERALLY got carsick. I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about, and I was getting anxious and irritated. I mean, come on! Just because the driving instructor had to use that little brake on their side multiple times didn't mean I wasn't ready! Just because I got C's on the driving practice (those were the only C's I got in my life, except for gym class!) didn't mean I couldn't handle the new privilege of driving!!

Well now, some years later, I am very grateful for all of that extra practice. All that time spent pouring over the books about the road signs and the "what to do in case of"...the actual rite of passage - driving through downtown Newark around the square without coming dangerously close to hurting someone...those were all important experiences that have led me to where I am today - an experienced, aware, defensive driver who has learned over the years that it really is a privilege and should be treated that way.

The unfortunate side of that is that I am keenly aware of those that are not cut of the same cloth. In reality, it seems the vast majority of commuters are only in it for themselves. They don't think about consequences until there is glass in shards across the road, lanes shut down for miles because of their mistake, mini-vans crushed with kid's carseats hanging out the back.

Lately I have noticed that the traffic has been lighter, which has been a blessing for me but I know it spells bad news when discussing economy and unemployment. However, I have found that the ones left on the road STILL have much to learn...

You see, that thing called MERGE is rather important. It involves understanding what the other person is thinking, which is not in the skillset of the general public. I will not go into gender classification at this point, since I see that the disease is now rampant amongst both the males and females.

Merge does NOT mean "hurry up and get on the highway before that car gets near". Nope, you should slow down and wait for an appropriate opening, even if that means stopping. They do it in big cities - they even use those little red and green lights to tell you if it's okay to enter! Oh, by the way, if you don't use a turn signal, now would be a good time to start. I can't read your mind!

By the same token, if I am in the regular lane and see someone trying to merge (and can reasonably get over) it does NOT mean "ooooo let's torture that soul and see if I can mess with them, trying to get on the highway! I am going to make them wait!" It also does NOT mean turn up the radio louder so you can't "see" what is going on, and it does NOT mean talk on the cell phone so you are just in general a hazard, swerving all over the road.

And, by the same token, if you are in the passing lane - PASS!!!!!! and get over! Do not cruise the passing lane and think "well, I am going fast enough. the guy behind me does not need to go faster!~" This is not healthy thinking. Just get over and deal with it.

The big irritation is on my drive home. Going from Easton Way to 270 North should not present major challenges, but it does. Why you would ever place 2 turn lanes at a traffic light that merge into one during rush hour is someone's idea of a sick joke. Do you really believe any of us ever got past kindergarten?? You mean we have to SHARE??? Seriously...people get in one lane or the other and figure that they own that part. I for one have a personal vendetta with people on the left side not putting their turn signal on. They just assume I know they want in. AAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!

Here is another good one. Coming up 270 from the South, you see one of these:

What in the world? Whose fancy idea was that? Cars going 85-90 miles an hour in 2 lanes separated by a median are supposed to become one??? For real? Maybe if we could learn to do that, marriages would start staying together. Who knows. What I do know is even though I try to avoid that lane, I inevitably end up in it because the chicken farm truck is in the regular lane and the "I gotta have my smoke, coffee and talk with my g-friend on the phone" is in the next lane, so I am forced to do the passing.

I am sure at this point you are not sure whether to laugh or cry. I know I'm not sure. However, I have vented for the evening...now it's time for bed.

Next post will be the happiness surrounding Valentine's Day. I told you I would get around to it eventually. :)

Hmmmm....

2009-03-01T17:43:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I have been a little out of touch lately.

Partly, it has been a wee bit of travel mixed with a sad fate for a business I used to know.

Partly, it has been Facebook (it's so much faster to give a quick status update! But not as fun as photo story telling!)

Partly, it has been business demands.

Partly, it has been Saturdays busy with gymnastics, band, and other activities like cleaning.

Partly, it has been the dregs of winter and a desperate need for spring!!!!

Either way...I have some posts to make up for, I realize. Stay tuned, this is on my to-do list! Since it has finally made it there, at least it WILL BE DONE!!!

See you soon!

19 days into 2009...

2009-01-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

I am finally catching up to my pictures.
We spent New Year's Eve at my sister Maria's house.
As my Christmas gift to her (this year we decided to do service projects for each other), I helped prepare and host.
Here are just a few shots of her guests.

Friends Cami and Troy Packham

The Bunco game continued well into the evening

A great shot of Ian, getting ready to celebrate

And the Megan Nicole with her noisemaker, bringing in the New Year in style!

Happy New Year continued!

2009-01-19T20:08:00.000-05:00

Abby says the new year is great!

Uncle Mark weighs in on 2009

Uncle Dave is glad everyone is celebrating

Cassie is just joy...pure joy!

Melissa and Theo

2009-01-19T20:06:00.000-05:00

I have been busy taking random shots of friends and family.

I came across this one of Melissa and Baby Theo. You might remember my posts from last June, when we had her baby shower here at the house and I think 25 people came???

Anyway, Melissa is a dear friend and I love her and her special family. She will probably not see this since she doesn't have time to check the blog...she is trying to raise 2 under 3!!!! I took this one on New Year's Eve as I stopped by to say hello.

Theo is now sitting up on his own. It's fun to watch babies in their stages, after you have already raised your own through that age. He has the biggest grin and smile and he is so cuddly!!!

The harsh realities

2009-01-17T14:46:00.000-05:00

Yes...well, this is the worst you are going to see.
Only the clean laundry...not the dirty!

Time goes by so fast with activities, schedules, the everyday and nonstop circus. But every now and then, socks must be matched. Clothes need to be washed and folded. Bathrooms disinfected, dishes washed, beds made. Life needs to be cleaned up and arranged! That is what I am trying to work on this weekend. My family room actually looked like a college dorm. What you see in the picture is the cleaned up version, believe it or not!

But it is life as we know it, sometimes a harsh reality.
But...nothing like others have been experiencing...

The last few days have been the coldest that Ohio has seen in quite some time. Not just with the weather, with 15 below 0 registering as the air temperature, but also with things going on in the world.

30 people lost their jobs this week in our company. Although I have seen much of that happen in my career, it never makes it easy to see the those you consider "work friends" having to be sent home, and unexpectedly so. During this "winter" of our economy, it is a harsh reality that is happening more and more.

Circuit City and Goody's are closing down all of their stores, and all of their employees are out of a job. Another harsh reality of retail. Of the greed that took over the industry in general, led by those pressuring retail to grow, grow, grow despite the obvious drop in demand over the last few years.

The unemployment office in the state of Ohio ran OUT of funding this week. What??? Yes, it's true. They are borrowing from the federal government to support those who are out of work. My question is...didn't the budget for the new year just reset? If so how could they be out of money? Wow. Harsh reality of budgets not meeting expenses.

Then there are the harsh realities of life itself when things don't go well. One thing that is constantly on my mind whenever we experience bad weather is the homeless. Imagine for one moment stepping outside this morning (when it was still 12 below 0) and staying out there for any length of time, even bundled up with a down coat, gloves, scarf, earmuffs and hat. I don't know about you, but I went to the mailbox and back, and my face was frozen, my hands were tingling and I felt cold all the way to my bones. That was being outside for one minute! On Thursday they showed video footage of folks living down by the Scioto River in tents. I cannot begin to imagine...there are shelters but even so, these people did not want to leave the only home that they know.

The good news is...our weather is going to warm up a bit (if you consider 28 degrees warm, which at this point, I do.:)
The good news is...that US Air pilot landed in the HUDSON RIVER and saved 151 people this week in New York.
The good news is...there is somewhere better than here...if you let faith lead you there.

Come, take a walk with me!

2009-01-07T23:02:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, the weather had cleared a bit and I was busy catching up.
I thought I would go take a walk to warm up back to my jogging schedule.
Where better to go than the favorite Dawes Arboretum?

My only problem was that I procrastinated.
I keep forgetting, or trying to forget, that it gets dark so early.

I hopped in the car about 4:00 and drove over anyway. The sign said "Gate closes at SUNSET".

Nahhhh, I should be able to walk the 3.2 miles way before then!
Right?

I guess you will have to check the rest of the story...
but there are pictures to guide you.

Take a walk with me!!

I wasn't sure if I would make it -

2009-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

It was a gorgeous start to the walk.
The balmy (sort of) air and the sunlight were a refreshing change after rain and grey days.
This is the beginning of the path I have come to know so well!

At this point, there are 3 miles to go!

This is the first "round the bend". I like the contrast of the berries.
But no time to stop...had to keep moving!

Uh-oh...this doesn't look promising, 5 minutes into the walk...

2009-01-07T22:52:00.000-05:00

I came around the bend and saw the first glimpse of the lake. Nice and peaceful...pretty.
But since I know this path so well, I also know that going around the lake takes a little time - and there is a really big incline once you are all the way around it.
That's great when it's Saturday mid-day.
Not when it's Saturday sunset and you aren't sure you can make it out alive before the owls and deer take over!

So I did what any normal person would do...right?
I took a shortcut!

Well...*sigh*...maybe not such a great idea.
As I round off to the left to find a shorter path, I sort of kind of ran into a BIG GROUP of GEESE.
Hundreds, maybe thousands?
I tried to tread quietly - it would have required doubling back at that point.
I thought I could sneek around them and not bother them...

Well, I THOUGHT WRONG!!!

This is a very MINOR image of them not only running and screaming for their lives, but flying over me, around me, jumping in the lake, and making a terrific noise that could probably be heard all the way in town.

So much for being sneeky and smart. That set me back a bit, and I wanted to HIDE because I knew other people must have been thinking...who is terrorizing the geese???

Interesting shot

2009-01-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

This picture has a lot going on.
First of all - I thought I was facing East. I am still quite sure that I was. Which means - the sunlight you see is actually a reflection on the lake but appears to be in the sky.
Secondly - Do you see all the geese? Well...this is where they landed after I scared them (and myself!). Though the picture appears calm and peaceful - I have never heard so much noise from a bunch of birds! They would NOT pipe down. I was trying to hide so that others would not accuse me of messing with nature...but there was nowhere to hide!

One last incline!

2009-01-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

The last few views from my walk...

2009-01-07T22:39:00.001-05:00

This, the final hill before the turn to the...

Deep woods! I don't know why, this just cracks me up.
As if one needs to be told...they are in the deep woods...

My last glimpse of the day as I returned to the car. Beautiful!

I made it...just barely

2009-01-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

This is the gate at Dawes. You probably can't see the sign - that it closes at sunset...but IT DOES!
A beautiful way to end the day.

To those of you who didn't receive a Christmas Card...

2009-01-06T21:52:00.000-05:00

This was the picture that was included on our Christmas card this year. It just makes me smile so in case we missed you somehow - here it is!

Of course there is a story as to why you may not have received a card. I did procrastinate and waited somewhat until the last minute. However, the reason, besides being extraordinarily busy, was that I had seen on the instant machines in the stores that you could get cards in an hour. Naturally, you give a person an inch, and they take a mile!

So, I thought it wouldn't be a problem when I sauntered up to the machine, all confident and happy that I could get my cards right away...

and there was a sign. An orange sign. Handwritten. This couldn't be good...

They were OUT of Christmas card paper! WHAAATTTT???

Good grief. Okay, I thought, I can handle this...I'll use the one hour machine instead of the 1 day machine.

Well, the one hour machine didn't offer Christmas cards. But it did offer prints.
$30 later, I had a few prints to share with the relatives. I do mean a FEW.

I turned to the counter to try to see if I could get a rush on the "send out" option, which was also inexpensive.

Well, "due to the snowstorm in Albany, NY, our Christmas Card service has been suspended for the holidays".

Wow.

I went to the next store, flash drive in hand.

The machine wouldn't take my flash drive.

I went home, made a CD, went back to the same store, found a design I loved, got it created...and they were ready in an hour (in which I managed to spend $85 while wandering through the store!).

I took everything home and collapsed. The next day, I was ready (more than) to get these cards sent out! As I recall, it was the 20th of December...

I opened the box and could not believe what was in it.

It was our picture, for sure. But it was TINY. So tiny, and I couldn't figure out why...then I realized somehow I had gotten GIFT TAGS with our photo on them instead of CARDS!! I called the store and the same lady answered the phone that had developed them and said "I thought it was weird but I figured you knew what you were doing..." Oh my.

By the time I went back, tried to return the gift tags that I would never use, found a new design...wow, it was December 21st, and there was no mail pickup on Sunday.

Long story short - those of you who received a card from us...congratulations. You must feel now like you won the lottery!

2009...here we go!

2009-01-03T15:32:00.005-05:00

A beautiful view of the lake in Central Park - what a perfect December morning for a true "Saturday in the Park"!

Sandy was amazed at the treasure that I took her to see in Times Square's Toys R Us...

So, I cannot believe it has been a month now since I blogged. Where DOES the time go??

Actually...I can tell you...

After attending SNL on December 6th (that ROCKED, though I had not slept in 36 hours!) and spending the next day traipsing all over the city with Sandy...it's just been one thing after the other!

Not quite sure how to get caught up but I can tell you that Santa was very busy preparing for his arrival here in Heath. So busy baking, shopping, wrapping, sending cards, updating Facebook, using as many $.39 coupons at Walgreens as possible....that much got lost in the process.

There was Megan's play, a work outing, our small group Christmas, Ian's band concert, roller skating, gymnastics, an ice-filled evening, the Newark Naz concert, a girl's gathering, a new year's party, family...WOW we have been busy.

Not an excuse, but a reality.

BUT...all is not lost...I have pictures and memories and events to share.

In the meantime, I need to stay on top of 2009. That will be fun.

Enjoy a few pics from our adventure to NYC....

SNL Bound!!!

2008-12-04T20:10:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's right! I am headed to my fav spot in the world again - but this time, to see SNL in NYC!!!!! How cool is this going to be! Sandy got the e-mail confirmation that she won the ticket lottery and so to the Big Apple we will go!

The show is to be hosted by John Malkovich and the musical guest is TI.

Should be fun! More to follow - I will be giving Sandy the nickel tour since she has never been before...

A girl's day out shopping!

2008-11-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

Instead of a party this year, Megan and I decided it would be fun to go shopping to celebrate her birthday.
She was allowed to bring along one friend for our venture to Easton.
She was also okay with sharing the time with her cousins, one of which is having a birthday, an 18th! on Nov 24.

Megan had received some gift cards to spend, so off we went.
We started at Macy's...

Her friend Brooklyn found matching jammies and was the first one to purchase something.

Megan waited patiently to pay for her jammies, lip gloss, and shirt while Kara used the time to text.

They all took a quick break in the bedding department.
By the way, Macy's at Easton does not sell kid's shoes!

After Macy's we headed to American Eagle, Harry and David for samples and chocolate pretzels (pic above), Planet Smoothie, and then ended our day at Gameworks.
Megan thought it was a pretty cool birthday!

Reflections on Rachael!

2008-11-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

This is my niece, Rachael.
All of my nephews and nieces are special, but it's not often I get to capture them in pictures.
I was there when Rachael was born, 6 months after Ian. She will be 14 in May.
She also joined in our girl's shopping day out, but didn't have much cash to spend.
So, in this pic we were trying to convince her mom to buy this coat for her!
We had a little mis-information about the actual price (AMERICAN EAGLE!), but in the end she got to take it home.

Our Wednesday evenings...

2008-11-19T23:04:00.000-05:00

Ian and I decided it was time to try something new.
It seemed the cold weather had arrived, and wasn't leaving anytime soon.
Megan has gymnastics on Wednesday and we weren't sure how to spend this time!
Sometimes we would clean up, cook dinner, work on homework, etc...
But we wanted something more.

We found FAMILY NIGHT at the roller rink!!

Oh my gosh, what a riot!
This is the same roller rink that I learned to skate in, and was the big hangout when I was 14.
Needless to say, I took my time adjusting to being on skates...
By the end of the evening, I was actually going pretty fast!
2 major blisters later...

We went again tonight and had a great time!

Do you recognize this carpet???

There goes Ian! He is a regular speedy skater!

We had a lot to laugh about!

Bring back any 80's memories?????

Megan is 11!

2008-11-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

My baby girl is 11 today!
I wanted to share with you a photo history of her as well.

Here is the Megan as we know and love her today!

Her incredibly flexible ways...

Her many talents...

And just her general cheeriness are what come to mind...

A few of Megan's favorite things!

2008-11-11T22:56:00.000-05:00

Chocolate!
Chocolate donuts!
Did I mention chocolate!!!!!

Getting dressed up, going shopping, hanging out with me?

Sleeping. ahhhh.

Just being beautiful Megan. And feeling great!!

A taste for travel and the finer things

2008-11-11T22:52:00.000-05:00

At age 7, she got an inside tour of Yankee Stadium!

Developed her taste for finer things

Wasn't afraid to investigate further

But always had time for a laugh!!

More of Megan

2008-11-11T22:49:00.000-05:00

Her toothless smile, age 6

Cards with Grandma

Yum Yum licking the batter

Already getting those biceps!

There was the short hair and dance phase...

2008-11-11T22:45:00.000-05:00

I am a big proponent of kids trying many things so they learn their likes and strengths.
This time it was dance.
So, Megan had to start out with Jazz at Patti's dance studio.
Here she is a few years ago on performance day.

A dance move.

All together now! (or maybe not??)
At Midland Theatre

Big brother presents the dancer with flowers!

Friends, a smile, and determination

2008-11-11T22:38:00.000-05:00

are what defines Megan Nicole!

Here, friends get together to sell lemonade.

Enjoying a nice warm May day!

Best friend Makayla graduates at Flying Colors next to Megan!

Someone is proud! And already likes to wear fancy dresses!!!

Spring when Megan was 5

2008-11-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

Hard to imagine Megan anything close to shy, right?
Here she is Easter of 2003.

Her first t-ball team.

A budding athlete?

Determination was clear from the start!

Off to the circus!

2008-11-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

I believe these may be the oldest digital pictures I have of Megan.
We went to the circus one night with our neighbors. It was spur of the moment and the beginning of my life becoming spontaneous. :)
We had a great time!
I came home from work, grabbed the kids, grabbed the neighbors, and off we went in my minivan at the time.

Here is Megan, age 5, enjoying a frosty with Savannah.

She REALLY wanted to ride the ponies!

And who could miss the elephant!!

It's off to CAMP OHIO!!!

2008-11-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

Every year, the 5th grade has a trip to Camp Ohio. For 4 days!
They have a chance to get close to nature...in November!
Megan is very fortunate that this year, we are blessed with a week of very nice weather.
Ian wasn't so lucky...it was rainy and cold when they went.

Megan was anxious to be able to spend some time with her good friend, Brooklyn, since they aren't in the same class this year.
But just in general, it was something she has been waiting for "all her life". :)

She had her bags packed and was ready to go!

A host of volunteers and high schoolers helped get everything packed and organized.

Megan headed into school with a classmate, both excited to be on their way!

It's almost time to go!

2008-11-05T22:20:00.000-05:00

Megan waits patiently at her desk in her camp sweatshirt (thanks for the rescue, Bill!)

Everyone kept saying we look so much alike. We just laughed because we don't see it! One of her classmates took this picture.

The back of Megan's sweatshirt, hand decorated herself!

Megan's entire 5th grade class!

68 years

2008-11-01T22:12:00.002-04:00

I would be remiss if I didn't share the good with the bad.

This was a long week. Although there was pumpkin carving and trick-or-treat, there was an underlying piece for me that I didn't share. I was grieving the loss of Tom Halm.

Who is Tom Halm, you might ask.

Well, I learned more about Tom today than I expected. During his funeral.

You see, Tom and his wife Peg, and their kids Doug and Marti, joined our small group late last spring. It was a refreshing time of new faces and perspectives, and when those opportunities come along, you just know there is a good reason.

Tom and Peg had a special place in my heart from the moment I met them. There was something about him that rang the familiar. Maybe it was the conversion from the Catholic church to our Newark Naz home. Maybe it was the interest he showed in getting to know each of us. Maybe it was knowing he was facing a great ailment and not sure of when, or how, it would be cured.

Either way, he has been another lesson for me to not let time slip by without taking that step with people in my life. Of reaching for joy and expressing that faith, hope, and love each and every day. Of keeping my family absolute priority even when it feels like they aren't giving back. Of continuing my current mission of living every day to the fullest.

Tom seemed to have touch a very large number of people in his 68 years on this earth. I hope to accomplish the same. His son summed it up perfectly at the eulogy today. "Tom has left this earth to go to a better place. However, Tom left this world a better place." May that be my mission too. And best wishes for Tom, in his next chapter!

Obituary: Thomas L. Halm
March 8, 1940-Oct. 27, 2008
October 29, 2008
A funeral service for Thomas L. Halm, 68, of Newark, formerly of Sylvania, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Newark Church of the Nazarene, 200 S. Williams St., Newark, with Wes Humble officiating. Burial will be in Newark Memorial Gardens.

Tom passed away Monday at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born March 8, 1940, in Fremont. He was a 1958 graduate of Toledo Central Catholic High School where he was the sports editor of the school newspaper. In 1963, he graduated from the University of Toledo, earning a BBA. Following graduation from college, he joined the U.S. Army. He was discharged in 1965 as a first lieutenant. Tom worked as an accountant; he retired in 1997 from Brown Motor Sales where he worked as treasurer and controller. Tom was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Newark Church of the Nazarene. He was active in youth hockey, managing several hockey teams in Toledo and Sylvania. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, bowling, working outside and was an avid sports fan.He is survived by his mother, Janet (Halbeisen) Halm-Durnwald, of Fremont; his wife of 46 years, Margaret “Peg” (Machinski) Halm, whom he married June 30, 1962; a daughter, Deborah (Daniel) Skarda, of Boulder, Colo.; a son, Douglas (Marlisa) Halm, of Newark; grandsons, Zachary and Nathan Halm; sisters, Judith Horvath, of Toledo, Pamela (Dale) Lister, of Jefferson, Ga., and Mary Lynn (Patrick) Hart, of Northborough, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.Tom was preceded in death by his father, Richard Halm.

Gutting the pumpkins!

2008-10-30T20:14:00.000-04:00

It was time for us to get those squashy things ready for Halloween!
Davelyn stopped by to observe and play photographer (thanks Dav!) while we dug right in.
Literally!
For many years, I refused to to this sort of thing. The kids were little, it was a hassle...and that's all I could remember from my youth.
I think it was a few years ago that a friend stopped by and brought me a carving knive.
I let him do all the work - I was scared to use such a tool!
The next year my girl friends came over and we had a "pumpkin re-enactment". The other adults did the cutting.
Last year, I think we were even pumpkin-less!

I am proud to say that this year, I finally did it! I cut and carved in ways I didn't think I knew how.

The kids had the gutting job...and had a great time with it!

This post is not for those who don't like the gorey details!

2008-10-30T20:06:00.000-04:00

Ian and Megan decided to dig in the messy bowl...

Ian found "treasure"!

Um, yum?

Hard to believe, but these were then cleaned, roasted, and salted and enjoyed by many!
Happy Halloween!

Though crafty we are not -

2008-10-30T20:02:00.000-04:00

By nature, our family is not very good with arts and crafts.
Glue, crayons, paint and scissors are just not our friends.
Too many catastrophes!
But this year, our pumpkins survived going "under the knife" and made up a special "choir" on the front porch!

My specialty (I took the deformed pumpkin with glee - it had sunken cheeks!)

Ian liked the one single tooth

and Megan's goal was to have more than one tooth - so hers had - two!

As Trick or Treat wound down..

2008-10-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

The "Pumpkin Choir" was still hanging in there!

It was a perfect evening for costumes and little ones.

And so ended a scary eve...

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-04:00

Can anyone guess who (or what!) this is?

The result of my carving...

Megan's carving...

What the front porch looked like after dark!

A 50th wedding anniversary!

2008-10-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

I was privileged to attend a special gathering - a celebration of 50 years together!
Carol and Carey Justice, my brother-in-law's parents, celebrated their golden anniversary!
Congratulations!!!
They chose to renew their vows, and we were their to help celebrate.

Here they are gathered...

The big moment, 50 years latere!

So very sweet and special!
Congratulations!

Our family enjoyed it!

2008-10-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

Susan, Kara, and Rachael enjoy the moment

Dave, Cassie and Abby also enjoy

Cassie is thrilled to be here!

As is Kara...

And the first dance!

2008-10-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

Immediately after renewing their vows, they danced to "their song" which I am hard pressed to remember at this point!

Of course, then there are always those who cut in!

Susan did a fantastic job of putting the party together!

The happy couple!

A Golden Anniversary cake

2008-10-23T22:56:00.000-04:00

Complete with a topper from exactly 50 years ago!
Yes, that would be 1958!
Sheeessh!

How sweet!

We were encouraging smashing, to no avail

It was a lovely way to do this twice in your life!

Ian is 14!

2008-10-13T22:19:00.000-04:00

Ian had his 14th birthday on Saturday.
It is so hard to believe.
Even in the midst of things, you know it's happening, you feel it, but
BAM!
Your kids grow up.
Right in front of your eyes!

So, I did a little memory jog into my digital picture library.

Just for reference, this is what you see today:

Who is that creeping out from behind?
That is IAN!

Happy birthday son!

Enjoy the rest of the picture history of Ian, at least in the last 5 years...

Ian was the karate kid...

2008-10-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

As much time as Megan spends in the gym, Ian did just as much - with karate.
He began his trek in 1st grade, under the direction of Gary Steinen.
This is one of the earliest pictures of Ian I have, digitally.
He made it all the way to brown belt...
But then he decided he was done. :(

And THAT was Ian, a mere 5 years ago!!!

Thanksgiving at Grandma's

2008-10-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

You can just hear the drama and the antics as we went to visit Grandma in Arizona!

As I recall, it was non-stop noise!

But, some time to rest even with an impish grin

and pause for a photo with Grandma!

October 2005

2008-10-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

Here was Ian, harassing Megan for her "farmer girl" costume - she wasn't allowed to dress up for Halloween,
but she could have an "Autumn Celebration" outfit.

Hard to believe the changes!

December 2004

2008-10-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

Here is a pic of Ian at our Yankee's stadium tour as part of his first visit to NYC. This was December 2004, when he was 10.

And this one...

2008-10-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

Though I know this wasn't taken in 2002...it is a gentle reminder of how quickly they grow!
This actually would have been Easter of 2003, if my memory serves. Only 5 years ago? How is that possible??

Sunday...

2008-10-08T18:08:00.000-04:00

As busy as the weekends are, I don't usually have time to take pictures or blog.
But this past Sunday was unique and had some fun elements I wanted to share.

First, Shawn in a plaid-like shirt.
Second, Shawn holding Baby Theo.
Third, A Fall party involving people, chili, a chill in the air, and getting lost on back roads.

Shawn is one incredibly talented artist in our band. He plays guitar and sings, but also plays percussion. I could listen to him sing all day, he is amazing and has the greatest voice!
He started Sunday off with our rendition of "Sweet Home Alabama", lovingly changed to "Sweet Hoedown's a Comin'".
It really was pretty fun. On Sundays we meet as a team and here he is, holding Baby Theo, who had just awoken.
We had a short break in the afternoon before the Sweet Hoedown.
See below for pics from that event.

Let's get this party started!

2008-10-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

When we arrived at the party, there were a LOT of people.
There was a chili cook-off, with over 40 entries.
There was a fire for cooking hot dogs and s'mores.
A hayride.
Football.
And a band getting ready to play some tunes good for any crowd.

I kid you not, we arrived and I hadn't even taken the chairs out of the car, and my kids were gone.
Didn't see them the rest of the night.
Until I found my 10-going-on-twenty daughter all ready to learn some dancin'.
She and I did go in pig-tails (no, I don't have a pic!) but she actually looked the part in her hat (thanks MELISSA!), hoodie and boots.

Picking partners.

There was some initial confusion.

She was anxious to begin!

And there was square dancin' goin' on

2008-10-08T17:53:00.000-04:00

There were those that taught...

And those that learned...

And those that were just too cute!

And a sweet hoedown it was!

2008-10-08T17:48:00.000-04:00

Though I couldn't get her to look at the camera, sweet little 2-year-old Millie seemed to be having the most fun.
She was dressed perfectly for the occasion, and never stopped moving, as you can see!

And to close my travels...

2008-10-08T17:45:00.000-04:00

I thought this shot captured an appropriate end to my travels (for now).
After arriving from Phoenix on Wednesday, I left for NY on Friday morning for a quick trip in and out.
Though the flight there was a bit eventful (they told us they had to land at JFK but then didn't after a 1/2 hour holding pattern!)
the flight home was nothing but pleasant.
As we taxi'd out to the runway, this was the gorgeous picture I had of my city.
*SIGH*
Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Landscape across America

2008-10-07T21:07:00.000-04:00

As I was flying home, it was a rare occasion from Phoenix to Chicago that there was not a cloud in the sky.
As I passed over the obvious landscapes of Phoenix (mountains, rugged desert), I failed to pull out the camera.
After watching a movie though, I looked out the window and discovered (of course) that the landscape had drastically changed.
I vaguely recall having seen this before, but never capturing it in a photo.
Does anyone know where this is? And why there are so many "circles"? What ARE they?
And close by is a city, as seen in photo 2.

Circles across America?

That is a lot of purposeful circles! Note the city in the lower right.

Interesting change of landscape after the circles were over!

Fascinating!

My SWEET Suite - Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Arizona

2008-10-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

I really am a hotel brat.
I have stayed in a LOT of hotels.
Some have been great. Others...well...not so much!
But there have been these times I have graciously received an upgrade.
I have to laugh, because when I got off the elevator and my door was right there, I actually got MAD.
You see, I have my preferences set as "high floor, away from elevator". So this had me miffed.
Until I opened the door...

This was the living area.

The hallway to the bedroom, including bathroom #1 on the left.

My oh-so-lovely place of rest, scenic view into the mountains.

And the beautiful master bath. Lovely!

A quick tour of Roosevelt, AZ

2008-10-06T07:15:00.000-04:00

The schedule in AZ seems so funky to me.
Get up really early, go to bed really early.
It does get dark there earlier than at home, so my mental clock was off, plus the time change.
So I spent Saturday just tooling around, and mom ran me into Globe for a couple of quick errands.
The drive there and back (8 miles, I think) was very scenic.
I thought the best way to share this would be through pictures...
so here you go!

Mom's backyard in the mid-morning

Her side yard, empty lot next door

Heading into Globe

There were storm clouds to the east!

Sorry, I couldn't pick!

2008-10-05T23:56:00.000-04:00

I loved all of these shots for different reasons. Texture, contrast, depth, colorscapes.
Enjoy!

Between Globe and Roosevelt, AZ

2008-10-05T23:52:00.000-04:00

As we were driving, the scenery just continued to be breathtaking. Mountains, storm clouds, flowers, desert landscape.
Beautiful!

One of my fav's

Roosevelt Lake

Around the bend

2008-10-05T23:46:00.000-04:00

Mom drove me around the lake to where the Rainbow bridge was. On the other side was a little inlet and then the dam.
I happened to fall in love with the red rock so she took my pic there.
Final pic below is of the dam itself. She was able to take a tour at one point, but it wasn't open to the public.

Rainbow Bridge at Roosevelt Lake, AZ

2008-10-05T23:37:00.000-04:00

Mom lives just a few miles from Roosevelt Lake, part of the Tonto National Forest.
This is a man-made water reservoir and the bridge was erected in 1987.
The wind and storms kicked up some cool scenery.
Enjoy!

And the landscape carries on...

2008-10-05T23:32:00.000-04:00

A storm continued to brew in the west. But instead of the storm, I noticed the heavenly rays in this pic.

Mom and I in front of the rainbow bridge. The wind was blowing like crazy!

I thought these would blow up into a storm. They did eventually...just not at mom's house.

More of big sky country.

View from my mom's house in Roosevelt, Arizona

2008-10-05T20:57:00.000-04:00

When I said she lives in the mountains...I mean, she REALLY lives in the MOUNTAINS!

This is from her back porch. This was in the morning before it got blazing hot. It was only like 86 degrees.
Love her hummingbird feeder!

Note the Saguaro cactus as her backyard piece. From there it goes straight down into a ravine.

She has plenty of visitors to her hummingbird feeder!

Getting around Phoenix

2008-10-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

Mom and Maynord were kind enough to get me to the rental car place to start my busy work day.
A wind storm had blown in and so it was all we could do to not eat dust!
The rental company didn't have my reservation for some reason, so they gave me a 5-class upgrade (that's what they SAID, anyway)!
I just say it was a vehicle that used a lot of gas!
Here is my mom and I as we parted.

This was one of the new "malls" where I did training. I thought it was a cool place, San Tan Village.

I love the contemporary feel of the place, in the middle of the desert!

October 1st, 14 years ago...

2008-10-02T23:35:00.004-04:00

Wow, whaddya think of this guy??

Since I am not in a melancholy mood, and I have to be on a plane in less than 8 hours...I thought I better address my October 1st, 14 years ago tradition. Right??

Well, sort of. My dear sis Susan reminded me of my annual post.

It's not that I had forgotten. Just that I was on a plane all day on Wednesday, the first. On a plane tomorrow. And a lot sandwiched in between.

I did my outburst last weekend. I was at mom's for a couple of days, and she presented me with a gift she had been working on. It was a memory album. She presented it with apologies...she didn't have my baby photos or cards, didn't have it completed, didn't have everything she had hoped. But as I turned the pages, I touched a piece of my past that I thought never mattered. Genetics and ancestry were for everyone else.

Mom had taken the time to note some of our family history, via photos and handwritten memories (THANKS MOM). Though not comprehensive, pretty cool nonetheless, and apparently more to come once I (yes, ME) find my baby photos (um, why would I have them???).

Anyway, as I turned the pages and touched my past, there came several pages of a man most important in my earthly life: my father.

As I looked at the photos of him as a kid and a young, handsome man, I was at first intrigued by this side of him I had never really known. He was a boy! Just like other boys! Full of mischief and fun. You could see it in his eyes. I knew this, but you don't KNOW it like when you see it in a photo.

Of course, as I turned the pages, he grew older. Family pictures of all of us. Good times and not so great times. The fabric of family. It made me totally nostalgic until I burst into tears and felt that hole of missing him so very much.

So I had my cry a little early this year.

And since I am in no mood to cry now, and I don't have a scanner, I didn't have photos I could attach. I did what any sane, logical person would do and I googled him. As if he would come down from heaven and make an appearance! But when I did, I laughed and laughed. The above picture is of Charlie Cox indeed. A young actor that has a zest for life. And also mischievous and just growing out of boyhood. It made me think I would have like to known my dad at such an age. I bet that would have been fun. And, I am quite sure my dad would have liked to been remembered for his warm and generous heart, his endless wit and sense of humor, and the little boy that never totally grew up. To be an adult and balance all of this was, well...my dad.

So, Charlie Cox above, whoever you are, you have big shoes to fill. But have fun doing it. My dad would have, and he would have yelled "WAY TO GO POOH" while doing it, supporting me all the way! I am glad I can remember my dad today and keep striving to live out some of his best qualities.

(PS at this point he would be telling me - "You better sleep fast!")

Which, I better go do. Thanks for the advice DAD!!!

Other Chicago places

2008-10-02T08:07:00.000-04:00

Cool little place on the corner!

The famous Chop House

Just in case you ever get stuck...you CANNOT turn right on Dearborn. You think it runs both ways...but it's only one way!

The Navy Pier ferris wheel at night!

My trip started in Chicago

2008-10-02T07:56:00.000-04:00

Just to get caught up...
I started out the journey last week in Chicago for a press check.

As always, I enjoy a nice hotel.
This one was the Doubletree in Downer's Grove, Chicago.
Nice!

View from my sweet suite!

Of course, I can't be in the suburbs of a big city and not go in to enjoy the sights.
As often as I have been down Michigan Ave, I don't remember seeing this!
Pretty cool sight at night.

I had dinner at the famous Chicago Chop House, and then REALLY laughed at this simple statement!!!

Last sunset in Phoenix

2008-10-01T00:24:00.000-04:00

I have many photos to share with you, but thought this would be a fitting end to the beginning.
I leave tomorrow morning to return to Ohio, just ahead of a cold front.
I thought it rather funny to see the outside temp in the car - so here is my proof of melting status:

Yes, that says 102!!!

A beautiful way to end the day. This is the scene from my amazing suite.

Yum.

Pictures without pictures

2008-09-30T00:52:00.003-04:00

I am working on the hotel computer tonight since this incredibly (not) up to date hotel does NOT have wireless! I spent the weekend at mom's...though this is another story, bottom line is - she not only does not have wireless...she has DIAL-UP!!

So...wow. That is the one thing about Phoenix and hanging out near a lot of (really) retired people at once (Bill and Pat - sorry, you don't count. I mean RETIRED!). It certainly makes me feel like I am from the East coast, and how busy and rushed our lives are. Always good for a perspective check. But still, I feel like a fish in a different sea!

But, the landscape is amazing. My mom lives in the mountains outside of Phoenix. I had only been once before, back when we moved her in.

That day had separate stories of its own, and didn't prompt me to return in any quick manner. Not to mention, at that time I was in a job two stories ago, that somehow brought me out this way more often. This is a rare occasion that I wasn't able to pass up!

So, watching the sun rise and set in a land so flat, yet so full of amazing mountains and landscape is refreshing. It would be more "refreshing" if it weren't for the searing heat. Literally, I could cook a steak on the sidewalk, no problem. I think it was 107 degrees when I landed. Yes, it's a DRY heat...but it's still HOT!! whew. Melting is a good word. I have been here when it was 113 degrees, but I was thinner (makes a big difference!), younger (also makes a big difference!) and it was June (huge difference!). Fortunately, mom and I went to do a little siteseeing at Roosevelt lake near her home, and it kicked up a great wind and some thunderstorms off in the difference. The temp dropped 30-some degrees. That was more like it! But it was temporary, and soon we were back to hOT heat!

A quick weekend and I was back to work early this morning. It's been a full day. I just thought I would stop and say hi - and leave you with this.

Mountains, rising in the near and far...red, brown, sprinked with saguaro cactus and yucca plants. The occasional oasis - man-made or natural - sprinkling the landscape with a refreshing bit of cool. The sky - endless blue - literally - that deep blue we only occasionally experience in Ohio. And the sun. The beautiful star itself - round and great and mighty - in charge of all color and shadows, big, bold and amazing.

There is your picture...of Phoenix and everywhere I have been today! Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe. Tomorrow is another sun-filled adventure.

For now, it has cooled down to 98 degrees. !!!!

I'm baaaaaccckkkkk!!!!

2008-09-23T23:49:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay!
Has life ever been B-U-S-Y!!!

Here is a quick re-cap.

September 11, flew to NYC. Reflected on 9/11 7 years ago while sitting in a 3-hour traffic jam to go 18 miles.
September 12 went to Princeton, NJ, and saw Megan's future college of choice.
September 13, got to experience something new in NYC (thanks Erica!) - a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Both are pictured below! AND, OSU got tromped on by USC. Wahhhh! Watched the game while unpacking.
September 14th, Hurricane Ike blew threw central Ohio (literally), knocking out power to 1 million+ for the better part of a week.
(Thankfully, we only lost it for one night!). Had small group at my house for home-made spahetti sauce and candlelight during.
September 15th, Megan didn't have school (no power) but Ian did. Try solving for THAT one! Took Megan to Susan's and she had a blast. Had to get things back in order that had blown around.
September 16th, Heath is back up and running. I noticed a slight dry patch in my throat as I did dishes and tried to catch up.
September 17th, sick with a full blown sinus infection. Went to the doctor and started an antibiotic. Worked from home.
September 18th, everything is a blur. I was still sick.
September 19th, I went to my first high school football game in many, many years. Ian played the trombone (pictured below) with the high school band. The game was like a reunion. Heath got tromped by Valley and my friend Cathy from Longaberger's son got hurt with a concussion. Bill and Casey and Phil and Margie and Jane and Jen (it was supposed to be my catch-up time with her!) and all of Megan's friends were there too.
September 20th, I spent the entire day getting things ready for the big kid's consignment sale. I worked until after midnight, Ian helping me while Megan spent the night at her friend Brooklyn's.
September 21st, I ran a 5k in honor of Jackie and to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. Afterward, had Sunday brunch (yes, in sweaty clothes! at the Polaris Grill (yum!). Saw Thelma and Louise, aka Joann and owner Mary, in her blue Thunderbird convertbile (pictured below.) After, I worked a 4 hour shift at the consignment sale and dropped off my stuff. In the meantime, Dave fixed the kid's computer, which had 2700 viruses (how DOES that happen!). But as a result, my internet connection is sporadic at best!
September 22nd, I worked late, picked up the girls at gymnastics, and due to their McDonald's request didn't arrive home until almost 10pm.
September 23rd. Wow, that is today, for 20 more minutes. Just finished making chili for the United Way chili cook-off tomorrow, and a raspberry cheesecake.

Okay...THAT was a LOT. Now you know.

September 25th: Going to Chicago.
September 26th: Going to Phoenix.
October 1st: Returning home.
October 3rd: In NY for the day.
October 4th? I think I might try to rest!!!

I promise to keep you POSTED!!!!

A beautiful shot of the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge

Erica, who graciously gave me tour of her part of town!

Ian playing his trombone on the field for a football audience for the first time!

Joann (left) and Mary (right)
Thelma and Louise??
"My Blu T" - how cute.

Millie turns 2!

2008-08-27T07:26:00.000-04:00

Megan attended Millie's birthday party on Sunday.
It looks like she is enjoying her new home with the big yard!

She broke her arm on Friday when she fell out of her booster seat.
It didn't seem to bother her a bit!
Here she is playing with Megan and keeping busy!