Daffodils in Snow?

It sure looks like it from the weather forecasts given last night. My daffodils are ready to bloom too.

After visiting my grandson's, Nathan and Benjamin, for their birthdays in Florida, I was more than ready to come home to some warm weather. Let me clarify that...warm weather that stays. The temperatures were always in the 80's and was a welcome respite from the cold weather in Indiana.

We had a great time going to the ocean and using a boogey board for the first time. I wiped out, unfortunately. A storm system was coming in and the waves would get as high as 6 ft. By the time they got to us, they were maybe 4-5 ft. high. We got a sunburn to remember Florida by. During the weekend the boys got to go golfing with grandpa to try out the new junior golf sets we gave them. It was a wonderful trip! We actually got to watch Nathan play in a soccer game for the first time! Naturally, I took pictures.

Sad news...

Our middle child, Rene, had a miscarriage. Devastating.

Going, going, gone...

Well, I ran for a position on the Kosciusko County Central Committee and lost. The lack of integrity was the most disappointing part of the process. Lots of duplicity. I am now weighing how much to be involved in politics as a whole. I want to put my time and efforts into what will be worthwhile. A part of me just wants to "throw in the towel" and say, "good riddance! While another part of me wants to stay involved. A conondrum.

Baby makes 4!

Exciting News!

My youngest daughter, Rene, called last Friday and announced she is pregnant. This is her second child. She already has a son, our grandson Tommy, a real cutie. The baby is due sometime in October. A part of me would like a granddaughter. I have 3 grandsons already. Those pink, ruffled outfits are just so cute! At the same time, I have saved tons of money. Well....sometimes sacrifices just have to be made. Right? Either way, we will love our newest addition and can hardly wait.

Farewell to Alva May...

A few weeks ago, January, 2009, a beloved family member passed away, Alva May Iliff. Alva was more than a cousin. For years, she watched my siblings and I while my mother, a single parent, worked to support us. She was a pillar of support, a person to talk to, nearly an older sister. When she got old enough, she got hired at Hart Shaffner and Marx and worked alongside my mother. She lived with us for a number of years, only moving out when she got married. Eventually, she moved out of state to Alabama and out of daily touch.

We kept in contact with telephone conversations and a few visits through the years. During those times, we talked about "the old times" at our house and at our grandparents. Time just seemed to go so quickly with promises to visit more, talk more, etc.

Unfortunately, last year she was diagnosed with cancer. She bravely held on for about 8 months. Our last visit was during her last hospital stay. A shadow of herself, she still wanted to visit and we talked out our relationship with God. What a precious time, despite the surroundings.

About a week later, she passed away. I will never forget her. She was quite a disciplinarian with us kids, but always there for us. Like I said, she was more like an older sister than a cousin. She will be missed. Until we meet again, May.

P.S. A memorial is planned for her in Indiana in the summer. Please forward any memories you have of her. It would be wonderful to share them with one another.

Christmas in sunny Florida...

We had a great time in Florida. The weather was usually sunny and in the high 70's or low 80's. The only time we had any bad weather was when we went to New Smyrna Beach on Christmas Day. Our son-in-law wanted to do something different this year. At the time, it sure sounded like an interesting departure from the regular routine. So...we had a breakfast brunch after opening gifts, packed up and went to the beach.

The forecast was an 18% chance of rain. Not bad. Naturally, it drizzled off and on while driving there. But hey, we were an hour away so it still looked like a good idea. We arrived at our destination, gray skies overhead and a drizzle. A drizzle that never left. Bravely, Mike and the boys went into the water. Whew! It was cold!

After a while, the boys (meaning Mike, son-in-law Kevin, and the two grandsons Nathan and Benjamin) began building a sandcastle. Kevin decided to bring shovels this time to dig. I mean BIG shovels. The kind you use at home for digging big holes! He obviously meant business!

So grandpa Mike and daddy Kevin had the task of digging. This was not going to be an ordinary sandcastle by any means. They had grandiose plans. Unfortunately, after several hours in the cold drizzle, Brooke and I (shivering in our regular clothes) suggested calling it a day. Disappointing weather but we still had fun spending time together.

All in all, we did do something different than past Christmases and we DEFINITELY make a memory that will linger in our minds for years.

A Perfect 10 at last!

Remember that old movie, "10"? And let's not forget the symbolism of 10 on surveys or polls or even the scale used when describing how "hot" a person is. 10 meaning perfection. After years of perms, haircuts, following fashion, attending numerous makeup parties and such, I have finally achieved that distinction. Of course, my husband, being the jewel that he is thinks I have been a "10" from the day he met me. (I love you, honey!")

Yes, I have now reached the ranks of Bo Derek, the original "10". How did I receive this high honor, this badge of distinction? I owe it all to Clairol. Yep, the long-guarded secret has been revealed. I discovered their new line, "Perfect 10" a few months ago. 10 minutes for the perfect 10 color! Just what this continually-in-motion grandmother needed. (Yikes! Did I actually write "grandmother"?) I mean, just what this active, savvy, career woman needed. (Hmmm...much better.)

My advice to other women striving for so many years to be that "perfect 10"? Hey, make it easy on yourself and just purchase Clairol's product and make your life a whole lot easier. Have fun trying out the different hair colors and enjoy the ride! It's a blast, believe me!