tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79536938235491551332024-03-13T12:02:35.377-04:00Questions...thoughts...stuffNever before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so fewvickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-3835590680184957332014-05-11T15:24:00.000-04:002014-05-11T15:24:16.630-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsONk6G2gG75RaGWO6L7ispUZlzfxaievVaoTfG2Z3WOSv1-4cDHo_5cJfIIcZw1zgR8QG7iw_RpoM0EIZFdBsjorB5Xm0Iwn1KTzLxyf7IBsIvjn1rjfj8bBQOTDgLBC90rb9qQYT_qe/s1600/2014-05-11+12.06.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsONk6G2gG75RaGWO6L7ispUZlzfxaievVaoTfG2Z3WOSv1-4cDHo_5cJfIIcZw1zgR8QG7iw_RpoM0EIZFdBsjorB5Xm0Iwn1KTzLxyf7IBsIvjn1rjfj8bBQOTDgLBC90rb9qQYT_qe/s320/2014-05-11+12.06.04.jpg" /></a></div>This is dad now<p>
There are bright colorful flowers on his headstone. MK is still taking care of him. She did such a good job with him for over 25 years of their marriage.<p>
I have been coming to Emerald Isle every year since grandma moved here, which was in the early 90’s. After Ed and I were married (15 years this year), we continued to come down every year, most years it was twice a year. He fell in love with Emerald Isle. <p>
This is the first trip here where I won’t be seeing dad. I am surprised at how emotional this has been for me. We stopped for lunch, after seeing his grave, and just thinking about the fact that I won’t see him this time just kept bringing tears to my eyes. Some dear sweet stranger came to me and spoke words of comfort to me. I thought that was a very brave gesture. I wonder if I would have the nerve to do that to someone I had never seen before.<p>
It is a strange feeling knowing that I will not see dad on this trip. It is a hard to describe feeling. I didn’t know there was such a big hole here now. The ocean is beautiful and we love just being away, especially in a place where that we are very familiar with. I was not aware of how much I looked forward to seeing dad when I came here. It is funny how you just take these things for granted.<p>
One thing I have learned through this whole experience is that hospice knows what they are talking about. I know there are a few exceptions to the rule, but if they ever give me a time frame on a loved one again...I am going to believe them and take advantage of any time I can. Since this is the first real close blood relative death I have experienced, I was believing the positive talk I was hearing, and not the reality talk. Lesson learned there. <p>
This will be a rather strange week for me, but I know that it is all part of God’s plan, and part of my healing.
vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-18396802486302397702014-03-10T09:36:00.002-04:002014-03-10T09:36:49.176-04:00I’m so angry with you, dad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13tGBXEfKCDTmI7RvUYtTlsVxSLkEpYdOFwCT9uWc7AH3tQ0gTyj1wMAsC4ou4f3W8PcM6TOKj9-e2PrQT10m7MeMv2EbWRHw_QTfc_KSu3v1q7UKNf3hogN63JHAqU6Sa-EqedyncYcu/s1600/Angry_Red_Dragon_Wallpaper__yvt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13tGBXEfKCDTmI7RvUYtTlsVxSLkEpYdOFwCT9uWc7AH3tQ0gTyj1wMAsC4ou4f3W8PcM6TOKj9-e2PrQT10m7MeMv2EbWRHw_QTfc_KSu3v1q7UKNf3hogN63JHAqU6Sa-EqedyncYcu/s320/Angry_Red_Dragon_Wallpaper__yvt2.jpg" /></a></div>
This was not the way you supposed to do this dying thing. We were going to talk about it, we were going to make a plan, we were going to go through this together. You ruined it all, who else will understand it with me? Your mom was over 100 years old when she died, and you were only 85, I thought we had more time together.<p>
I thought once it was over, it would be over. There would be nothing else and I would just have my memories. But that is not the case, I still think about it.<p>
It has been said that everyone does the “I wish we had…” when someone dies. It appears that I am no different. I gave you a chance…came right out with the subject…but you said you were ok to keep on fighting the fight.<p>
Maybe I am angry with me because I didn’t pursue the subject, maybe I am angry with me because I didn’t spend more time with you after your stroke, maybe I should have taken a leave from work to be with you more, maybe more time together would have made the conversation happen. Maybe by writing all of this I can finally let go of you, or maybe not.<p>
You are gone, you have been for almost a year…so why do I still cry? You have lived a good life, a long life, a full life, why am I so selfish…because we had more to talk about, that’s why!!<p>
I know this is all heart talking, my mind knows a whole different story. My mind knows that God is good and I will see you again, I actually have seen you a few times since your physical body left this earth. I wonder if that will continue, or if it will fade away. <p>
Either way, you are my one and only earthly dad, I couldn’t have had a better one. You are still in my heart, I love you and always will.
vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-14818355774930454322014-01-01T18:46:00.001-05:002014-01-01T18:46:53.125-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hrvn3a4GFRzsUAr5BggPhrJqr7CDTgzeAKYWsHRzzFNbj1YzrUPh2HNIaAmT_F3D3XX92-YhHoVRYGgIOJ8j0Rty6IYMMJKnPS2FO4veyItXv1aOpaC9m9r_0lFGcnrjKHXg1FdbFteP/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hrvn3a4GFRzsUAr5BggPhrJqr7CDTgzeAKYWsHRzzFNbj1YzrUPh2HNIaAmT_F3D3XX92-YhHoVRYGgIOJ8j0Rty6IYMMJKnPS2FO4veyItXv1aOpaC9m9r_0lFGcnrjKHXg1FdbFteP/s320/13.jpg" /></a></div>Goodbye 2013<p>
This has been one of the busiest years I can recall. Every month brought a new adventure, some good ones, and some very bad ones. Here is a very quick recap so I never forget this year.<p>
<u>January<p></u>
The year started with my mom falling and hitting her head on her dining room table legs, and getting a concussion. The hospital let her go, and three days later she blacked out while driving and hit a tree (or a pole, I never did figure out exactly what happened). She was smart enough to willingly give up her keys, but she no longer had a car to drive anyway.<p>
<u>February<p></u>
Dad had a stroke. Angie and I drove the 12 hour one-way drive to NC to find out he was worse than we had expected. His entire right side was affected.<p>
<u>March<p></u>
Mom moved into a retirement community where there is a flurry of activities going on. God blessed us with a little known grant that is helping pay for her apartment. She is a social person, and felt this was a good move for her.<p>
Meanwhile, I worked hard on cleaning and getting this house on the market. <p>
Bob and I drove to NC again to see dad.<p>
<u>April<p></u>
We moved into our ‘forever’ home, while trying to get things ready in our Southview home for sale. God truly blessed us with this new house, and thanks to some wonderful people we work with, this home that we thought was out of our reach came into our reach. Yet another God story.<p>
I drove once again to NC to see dad with Bob and Angie.<p>
<u>May<p></u>
Ed and I went to NC to see dad, and rented a house near the beach. It was kind of a good/bad vacation. It appeared dad was not getting better.<p>
<u>June<p></u>
On Father’s Day, we are all making the long drive to attend dad’s funeral. The funeral was on my 14th wedding anniversary, but that was another blog or two.<p>
<u>July<p></u>
We had a housewarming party in our new home and had many people come and bless our house with us.<p>
<u>August<p></u>
The house in Southview finally sold. We had been pouring money into it every month. However the house on Walter is not moving, and we are sinking money into it in the hope of generating some interest.<p>
<u>September<p></u>
Mark and Amanda and the kids were able to come and visit us in our new home, and we all had a fun time together.<p>
<u>October<p></u>
We spent two days on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ended our trip in Charleston, SC. It was fun to see Mark and his family’s new home, and connect with my nephews and their familes.
<p>On the 30th (exactly two months from closing), the house on Southview had a horrible house fire. Again, God was faithful in so many ways.<p>
<u>November<p></u>
Angie, mom and I took a trip to Michigan. Not only did we visit with mom’s brother and his three girls, but we reconnected with another cousin we had not been in contact with for 45-50 years. It was an awesome trip.<p>
Our small group got together and we bought all the things needed for a Thanksgiving dinner and took to the people who were burned out of our house on Southview.<p>
This is the first time in the 14 years we have been married that we stayed home for Thanksgiving. Ed and I were able to spend two whole days together (no work), something that is very rare for us.<p>
<u>December<p></u>
We actually put up a tree this year, the first time in about 13 years for us. Of course we had to do it three times before we tied it up to the curtain rod! There are even Christmas lights in our bushes outside! A first for us for sure.<p>
Then mom has to go and have a mild heart attack to end the year.<p>
<u>Conclusion<p></u>
All in all, God has shown himself to us in so many ways. He is forever good and faithful.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-7851884882015072932013-11-07T20:21:00.000-05:002013-11-07T20:21:10.637-05:00So sad...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0bVqb7-FrdKapTTSGHjIwTAstSNaJJ6QHqCmFGjNHmt5B4nAhyphenhyphenCH_pTJ_FMVfe9SUfXztKyrZceeoC8EECh072-koMs-Mh3aEWr1_D92FXTIGHLnX7cNBqURLVyAlsyx8fqMrn_Vrxhw/s1600/2013-04-20+15.31.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0bVqb7-FrdKapTTSGHjIwTAstSNaJJ6QHqCmFGjNHmt5B4nAhyphenhyphenCH_pTJ_FMVfe9SUfXztKyrZceeoC8EECh072-koMs-Mh3aEWr1_D92FXTIGHLnX7cNBqURLVyAlsyx8fqMrn_Vrxhw/s320/2013-04-20+15.31.32.jpg" /></a></div>
Our house in August, when we closed on it.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLed_edXAK4ljI5tZ_v4e3_rQIff30aALDZcUoOBXQhHx1pP3MOmFVW-ZoHj3r5JqmN2Frpv7iEuBTpDvrWVOW8q8BRrLeAIXjYdbLn1JOlASZHmjiOC5xDypCS8mR7JtVWv9dYasUWXY/s1600/Resampled_2013-10-31_16-48-30_157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLed_edXAK4ljI5tZ_v4e3_rQIff30aALDZcUoOBXQhHx1pP3MOmFVW-ZoHj3r5JqmN2Frpv7iEuBTpDvrWVOW8q8BRrLeAIXjYdbLn1JOlASZHmjiOC5xDypCS8mR7JtVWv9dYasUWXY/s320/Resampled_2013-10-31_16-48-30_157.jpg" /></a></div>
Exactly two months later (almost to the day).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a /></a></div>
<p>
The good side: the whole family that lived here did make it out alive. They are a Christian family and had many kids, both adopted and natural. It was a big family. I could not believe that many people could live in that house! Sadly though, their two dogs did not survive, but died of smoke inhalation.
<p>On my selfish side: I spent 18 years of my life here. I was longer in this house than any house I have ever lived in. That is saying a lot, because I am old! Continuing on my selfish side, a lot (I mean a lot) of money was spent making it the best house. It was almost perfect for us, everything was the way we wanted it.
<p>But God redeems, and the family will eventually have a whole new home. It will serve them for many years (probably more than 18 years!) They will also have new cars, clothes, appliances, furnace, wiring, and maybe actual bedrooms for the kids and dry walls instead of plaster! Life will be good, because God is good.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-53042373058468290952013-06-22T21:44:00.000-04:002013-06-22T21:44:12.121-04:00Is a body in a casket really "creepy"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoxLaV6HCG9asEHWtJbKx2GMt8LRO-4eYc_EhJiJxf4B-v-VPfknnYqY1WDEAkhyphenhyphenjQDX9PlVNb7qZjGFfhIBcfF1opIifqGprGU9XPKpudUlDEKjEAEDE7oo0Ap5MqxIAdXKD_aG5XkxT/s1600/casket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoxLaV6HCG9asEHWtJbKx2GMt8LRO-4eYc_EhJiJxf4B-v-VPfknnYqY1WDEAkhyphenhyphenjQDX9PlVNb7qZjGFfhIBcfF1opIifqGprGU9XPKpudUlDEKjEAEDE7oo0Ap5MqxIAdXKD_aG5XkxT/s320/casket.jpg" /></a></div>I have to confess, it is a bit strange. I have always been a bit behind the times, but have never had the nerve to touch a body in a casket. I'd like to think it is because I have not had many opportunities. Either I was not close enough to the person or family, or there was no body. It seems like cremation is the way a lot of people are doing things these days. There is nothing wrong with cremation; in fact that is what I want.
<p>
I see this body/death thing as two parts. Part one is the viewing, part two is the internment.
<p>
Starting with part one - while the word “creepy” is used when viewing a body, it does give closure. I think it would have been more strange to not see my dad, then to see him. Did I have to be sure he was gone? Did I want to critique his looks? I don’t really know why, but I am glad I did.
<p>
I was fortunate enough to be able to see his body without anyone around (except for my very patient and supportive husband), and I am convinced it was a good thing for me. However, I think I just stared for the longest time at him. It was like I was in a trance. I stared so long; I could have sworn that I saw his chest move. The logical side of my brain tells me I didn’t, and dad taught me to listen to that side, so I did.
Since there was no one around, I even got up my nerve and touched him. I was struck by how cold and hard he felt. I am not sure why…what the heck did I expect? (See there is the logical side again! Thanks, dad.) His hair was still soft, and he still had his bushy eyebrows.
<p>
On to part two - I totally get the cremation part. When I think all the land that is used for cemeteries. These are places that in a few years no one visits again, it seems sad and wasteful. You can walk in woods and run across a cemetery that no one visits possibly because no one knows it is there. That is until you try to do something with that land.
<p>
A lot of today’s cemeteries’ are beautiful places to visit. They go as far as to call themselves arboretums. And it can be very pleasant to be there, but really, do you go for the beauty or for the body? The person isn’t there. And I surely do not get (feel free to explain it to me) why a sealed, cement box, buried six feet underground. Are we trying to save the body for something? Are we protecing the earth? I just don’t get it why we do this.
<p>
Facts are facts, he is gone, I saw him gone, and whatever happens to his body now is irrelevant. That is how I feel about my passing too. I will be with my maker, and my physical body is totally useless. To me, that is a pleasant thought.
vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-4580432275004652872013-06-19T10:10:00.001-04:002013-06-19T10:10:39.790-04:00Today is the day of interment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vVRsnN0WKKslaNV0XsoCixzO49inBXv69rf0Qx5paGhaihj0eCg62coI5JOVLQOAsvJ-UhEMijbaFsRyrkho9Inf4wvbFffUdjvT44lJ4d-c0C3ba3rMyVx4kGscXxGK_TNd9lsL7uAL/s1600/dad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vVRsnN0WKKslaNV0XsoCixzO49inBXv69rf0Qx5paGhaihj0eCg62coI5JOVLQOAsvJ-UhEMijbaFsRyrkho9Inf4wvbFffUdjvT44lJ4d-c0C3ba3rMyVx4kGscXxGK_TNd9lsL7uAL/s320/dad2.jpg" /></a></div>Dad always had his emotions under control. Yesterday's funeral was a test of that lesson he gave me. Sad to say, I didn't pass the test.
<p>
It is very hard to say good bye to a man who has had more influence on my life than I even realize. I know others have gone through this, and mine is really no different in the grand scheme of things. In some ways, my loss is easier than some. My dad had 84 years on this earth. A lot of people can't say that.
<p>
One another note. Two years ago we had a five generation straight blood line. Within two years, two of those generations are gone. Not sure where that thought came from.
<p>
Funerals are strange. The thought of looking at a body just seems so odd. But it certainly does give closure. Three days of this seemed excessive at first. On the other hand, I can be here for the whole process, and somehow that brings comfort to me. I know what happened to his body, I know where it will be now.
<p>
I do believe that Jesus met him last Friday morning, and dad said 'yes' and went with Him. I believe that he has been re-united with his mom, and dad. I believe that he is at a place of peace. I believe that he is happy now.
<p>
Peace is the one word that I think happens when you die. At least I hope it is.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-11214447710369530612013-06-18T09:16:00.002-04:002013-06-18T09:16:44.539-04:00Today is my dad’s funeral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAWasQwu-BkYZqlDLXLnc_tTFRFp4c-jtQ1nCfiVIokywq1DXoQUqWA6iDLoFbdINddMdOgRJvPHWUtbCJeSKPypiNGvHssbZvk-_grVcliZAfLWIamEDrHiG9WN_klRlkjLS_kizkPxh/s1600/dadnme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAWasQwu-BkYZqlDLXLnc_tTFRFp4c-jtQ1nCfiVIokywq1DXoQUqWA6iDLoFbdINddMdOgRJvPHWUtbCJeSKPypiNGvHssbZvk-_grVcliZAfLWIamEDrHiG9WN_klRlkjLS_kizkPxh/s320/dadnme.jpg" /></a></div>This is a strange day; it is my 14th wedding anniversary, and my dad’s funeral. Of course that makes me think about when he walked my down the aisle to the most wonderful man who waiting for me. Waiting for me!! It is still unbelievable, but that is another story. Dad was always my rock, and now this wonderful man would take over that role for me.
<p>
When I think about my dad, I don’t know where to begin. What do you say about someone who has given you life, been in your life for over 61 years and taught me the wisdom of life. There are really no words, but I try anyway. I guess it is just my way. I saw a quote that says “A dad is a boy’s first hero, and a girl’s first love.” I don’t know about the boy’s part, but it is true for this girl.
<p>
Today I am scared, sad, and relieved. He was always a healthy guy, and said he would live to be 500 years old. He said if they could back in the bible days, then with the technology progressing as fast as it does, it should be able to happen today. Sadly, he missed the mark on that one. I am relieved because he was not healthy. His biggest fear was losing control, and lately he no control over anything. That had to be a nightmare for him.
<p>
It is strange to think that my siblings and I are about to be the oldest generation in our family. To be without parents just seems strange, and unnatural. I know it isn’t, it is part of life. My wonderful husband has been without parents for nine years now. He was the youngest of four, and I am the oldest of four. I wonder if that makes a difference.
<p>
Today I prepare for the final good bye to the man who literally shaped my entire life, maybe tomorrow I write more.
vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-14852336889387230632013-06-14T18:09:00.002-04:002013-06-14T18:09:50.199-04:00Dad died today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTOKyLeCeP9AbKJQbyarvoEP7hpj1dQa2t489UYXbn5BR1Yj7AAvx7o17lRnBhE-DgaWiXPj-TDQlmaJ5dD8xWmp720AfBMhli8PItb8htuDzR7nrCdxb8hYdgExQn5zC6ccrnpxzWT0q/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTOKyLeCeP9AbKJQbyarvoEP7hpj1dQa2t489UYXbn5BR1Yj7AAvx7o17lRnBhE-DgaWiXPj-TDQlmaJ5dD8xWmp720AfBMhli8PItb8htuDzR7nrCdxb8hYdgExQn5zC6ccrnpxzWT0q/s320/dad.jpg" /></a></div>Why is it still a shock? I knew it was coming. I almost wanted it to come because he wasn't getting better, and I knew he would hate living like this. The night before I was told he was not eating, not even his favorite, chocolate Glucerma! I think he was living on that stuff for the past month. He is also not getting out of bed, sleeping a lot, and his mind was starting to show steps backward. But it is still a shock. What a strange feeling.
<p>
What is it like to not have a dad? To know that I soon will be the oldest member of our family, is another strange feeling. I am still thinking of the days in Detroit, playing in the lot next door. I always had parents, a mom and dad, the way it is supposed to be. I know I was fortunate in that way. How do you get along without a dad?
<p>
But this was the guy who was going to break the mold and live forever. He was always either healthy, or in denial of any health concerns. However, he was confident he would outlive everyone, because he always thought he was different than everyone.
<p>
My life seems to be in slow motion today. Still at work, I do better keeping busy. Besides, what can I do today? He is 12 hours away, and no final plans have been made. My desk is usually a flurry of emails, calls, people stopping asking questions. Today it is quiet, but then again it is Friday.
<p>
Lots of phone calls between my siblings and mom. Seems like we have been saying "I love you" to each other more than we probably ever have. Another strange feeling. Not saying it, just hearing it so much, Does death draw you closer to each other? How long does that closeness last?
<p>
Anyone I do see has to give me a hug. What is up with that? Why a hug? Because they don't know what else to do to show their compassion? I guess I would be doing the same thing, roles reversed. Afterall, it is socially accepted at times like these. And somehow, from certain people, it does invoke a sense of comfort, strange as that seems. The strange part is that is from people I would not have expected to feel comfort from, because I am not that close to them. Is this because they are an actual conduit of God? Am I feeling this comfort because it is coming directly from Him in these cases?
<p>
You sure learn a lot about yourself when someone close to you dies. I mean, heck, look at this, I am journaling! I hardly ever do this!
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It is also interesting to hear comments that people say. Sometimes someone says something that just makes a head tilt. I was reminded that I probably gave him one of his best days since his stroke, the day Ed, MK and I actually got him out of the house and car shopping. It was a difficult task, and something in me actually enjoyed doing it. Another strange revelation. It was also brought to my attention that he died 4 month, to the day, after his stroke, now why does that matter?
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This is all a dream, right? Not for real, right?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-11232309685324027602012-12-17T12:29:00.000-05:002012-12-17T12:32:15.277-05:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRbFIAv9fIXtt1yw1zJoH5bdt9q5K5Gex5dPPjZIR0Di8yhF5dadGaLJx24bq9cRYlr3PdTxLg-5XVvGuFb8vkkdIsvjwJ1h8m8LGnt8ENNGIFyeMb6ntxR3dR7CguC9x3O86304fv9QI/s1600/DSC_0002+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRbFIAv9fIXtt1yw1zJoH5bdt9q5K5Gex5dPPjZIR0Di8yhF5dadGaLJx24bq9cRYlr3PdTxLg-5XVvGuFb8vkkdIsvjwJ1h8m8LGnt8ENNGIFyeMb6ntxR3dR7CguC9x3O86304fv9QI/s320/DSC_0002+(2).JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
A company worth knowing about: Jeld-Wen
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Included in our massive updates on our house was a new front door (see my blog post of January 2011). Jeld-Wen won our hearts with, what we perceived as, the nicest looking entry door, for the money. It had a beveled glass insert, and the matching glass sidelight. We ordered it painted brown, and had it installed. It was, and still is, gorgeous!
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Then sadness entered. It seemed like the glass insert was slipping down exposing the original flat white color of the door. We thought we had just missed seeing it and touched it up with a bit of paint. But it continued to slip. I took a few pictures, and contacted Jeld-Wen to see if anything could be done.
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This is where the story gets good. They sent a guy (Mark Hammond) out who actually lives north of Dayton, probably a good hour drive to our house. He surveyed the damage, and found the same problem was happening with the sidelight (we didn’t even notice that, as we usually come in through our garage). The company determined that all the glass inserts were to be replaced. They proceeded to do that; sending the same guy, an hour away, to take care of the problem.
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While he was replacing the sidelight, he accidentally damaged our newly installed siding on the house (did I mention massive updates to our house?). I was instructed to get it fixed and send them the bill. Once the siding was fixed, I waited and waited for the bill. Meanwhile, Jeld-Wen (Creighton Roethler) contacted me via email and phone calls asking for this bill to reimburse me. He must have contacted me no less than 10 times.
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Now, just to recap; they fixed my door and sidelight - over a year and half after it was installed! Then they hounded me for a repair bill they insisted on paying!
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I do not usually write glowing reviews about a company (usually because not many companies glow), but this one is certainly exceptional! I feel the world needs to know (ah, if only the world read my blog!) that there are still companies out there with integrity, and Jeld-Wen is right up there. Needless to say, I highly recommend them if you are looking to replace a door anytime soon.
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Thank you Jeld-Wen for being an awesome company!
vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-39351566813828255762012-07-04T19:17:00.000-04:002012-07-04T19:17:37.302-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUuL2YSm9udFXgCGxmpRJxuAP0muhAAxeslj1jrXDdyccKiF3Vu04tqWLF6cA6rMHdWNdW0L4j6Xiu5OAWe7Ogq8VRhesjAsM6BTKFEePh2pIwiMsPXmTTcbSxG9_itcU7iPa8kQMY4nn/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUuL2YSm9udFXgCGxmpRJxuAP0muhAAxeslj1jrXDdyccKiF3Vu04tqWLF6cA6rMHdWNdW0L4j6Xiu5OAWe7Ogq8VRhesjAsM6BTKFEePh2pIwiMsPXmTTcbSxG9_itcU7iPa8kQMY4nn/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yep, new car. Yep, all ours! Yep, we get to smell that “new car smell” as much as we want.<br />
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Someone could make a fortune making that “new car” scent and putting it on a Christmas tree to hang from your rear view mirror. Maybe it could look like a car instead of a Christmas tree though. But I digress….sorry.
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Buying a car is a pretty daunting experience, and we already knew we wanted another Camry! But there is the LE, and a XLE, and a SE, and that isn’t even considering the Camry hybrid!<br />
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This is the lucky number 7, yes the 7th Toyota for me! They weren’t all Camry’s though. I had an incredible MR2 (a story in itself), three Celica’s and two other Camry’s. My first Toyota was a 1979. Yea I know, showing my age now.<br />
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Back to today’s Camry story. We ruled out the XLE, didn’t need all those bells and whistles and higher price. And didn’t consider the SE, as it is a sports edition and was a bit pricier too. So that left the LE model. This was fine with us after all it is a Camry. We got to thinking about the hybrid (trying to do our part for being ‘green’), and actually drove one. But were not as impressed as all the reviews said we would be.<br />
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Then we looked again at the SE. It is so pretty, especially in Barcelona Red! We got it at the price of an LE, so we were sold. It has some pretty neat bells and whistles that I won’t bore you with here.<br />
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But here is the best part, I saved it for last!! Working our Dave Ramsey program (everyone should go through this program!) we were able to pay cash for this 2012 Camry!!! I still can’t believe it, even though I know it is true.<br />
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Isn’t it gorgeous? Isn’t God good?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-4073288463109689032012-05-11T18:36:00.000-04:002012-05-11T18:36:55.854-04:00Who's place is this anyway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaYFLQMvlRg2kj0g3Qmt500mk7Md4uRtnL_uv578UBxVy2tutnVCpncCS_5O7EKEfhBBK-MkYmFE-nbXH7Mpky1Mx2zqq4pCsu6XfmeMuMhwdSdofi5OAuA7RLk493iGczwdTLSAfqkGY/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaYFLQMvlRg2kj0g3Qmt500mk7Md4uRtnL_uv578UBxVy2tutnVCpncCS_5O7EKEfhBBK-MkYmFE-nbXH7Mpky1Mx2zqq4pCsu6XfmeMuMhwdSdofi5OAuA7RLk493iGczwdTLSAfqkGY/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Before<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DvfMXmKg_rPkqHJBqfo8YlQ-j95CaeoHDJSQy7ZP3pByb6sY4mpLQVRzQFlsmS8iaAX6FfcicFFRcp5mRyDXm4QpZFGzNAfrM12xM8Rm1NbFvE-hE7Wz5TzDHSmnCVmMoMUw_fGT0oTy/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DvfMXmKg_rPkqHJBqfo8YlQ-j95CaeoHDJSQy7ZP3pByb6sY4mpLQVRzQFlsmS8iaAX6FfcicFFRcp5mRyDXm4QpZFGzNAfrM12xM8Rm1NbFvE-hE7Wz5TzDHSmnCVmMoMUw_fGT0oTy/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After<br />
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Did we have a dated house or what? What do you expect from something that is 61 years old? (Hey wait….) Awning, aluminum siding, fake stone, and the white…yuck. We made so many improvements on the inside, including replacing all the windows, this just had to be done.<br />
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It was an amazing journey (thank you Estee Lauder). The original siding was a wooden type siding. not sure how many times it had been painted. Then the aluminum, and fake stone, went over that. We had taken a window out on the side of the house, and a removed the original front door….see it just had to be done.<br />
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Now it looks 100% better, just a little bare. Oh what to do landscaping and/or porch wise. We are always open to thoughts (hint…hint).vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-64481231044869863942012-04-20T19:12:00.000-04:002012-07-04T18:20:59.420-04:00What did “i” do with my husband?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-kD2UnR-lXsqKODpxJqX0GI7_nzps9bL670huFIQn3H5wBOoLLcTGf204P2gt-GFBSUYl-1gHE8XnUroRT58BcIP-qjjb9ev0faIYoicqlwJGeeMnQ8rGzM3Rlnz4PzVM9883YGXglzn/s1600/th+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-kD2UnR-lXsqKODpxJqX0GI7_nzps9bL670huFIQn3H5wBOoLLcTGf204P2gt-GFBSUYl-1gHE8XnUroRT58BcIP-qjjb9ev0faIYoicqlwJGeeMnQ8rGzM3Rlnz4PzVM9883YGXglzn/s320/th+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>It started out innocently enough….an iPod for music. I mean after all, he is a sound guy with a musician’s heart. I am guilty of this one. Who knew what it would lead to?<br />
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Then it progressed to a Mac from work. To stay compatible with his team, he says.<br />
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Next came the iPad. What can I say, a graduation gift. Yep, me again!<br />
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Oh, and I can’t leave out the audio book of Steve Jobs biography, on 20 CD’s. Yea, on sale at Costco. It was actually a good story to hear. <br />
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The latest came this week...the iPhone. We had to, it was time to upgrade!<br />
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What else is out there? <br />
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I love my husband dearly, but he has been drinking too much of the Kool-Aid. What can I say, we are a house divided. Michigan and Ohio. Reds and Tigers. Red Wings and Cyclones? This list goes on.<br />
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I still love ya honey with all I got!!!vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-79409664667662439422012-03-13T14:12:00.000-04:002012-03-13T14:12:18.257-04:00How and why I spent my birthday money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsMiAcyYRKxKfHCXGfCXwUwrfo-dZQD8Z4U0XhQO6YuWQjuYBbi_EYu63aWjmwTlqKcrPhwzNBFeNIkJMuUoWtNSJCWxOX5_Gx0JMgjbPG_TzLBdsUOm1rt3Ws4Ji634enjgfnAFUxM3l/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsMiAcyYRKxKfHCXGfCXwUwrfo-dZQD8Z4U0XhQO6YuWQjuYBbi_EYu63aWjmwTlqKcrPhwzNBFeNIkJMuUoWtNSJCWxOX5_Gx0JMgjbPG_TzLBdsUOm1rt3Ws4Ji634enjgfnAFUxM3l/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because of my generous husband's birthday gift to me, and my lack of "neediness" for gadgets and toys, I had a hard time spending the huge gift certificate he gave me. I waited for the "new" iPad to be released and started shopping for a tablet. The iPad had nothing compelling to me to justify the cost.<br />
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So I started my comparison between the Toshiba Thrive and the iPad2, especially since the price of those two units were comparable, since the new release of the iPad. Here were the pros and cons as they applied to me, and why I made the decision I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Pros</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>SD card port (I take pictures and like this easy download option, not available on iPad2. I don’t have to plug in my camera and run that battery down too while downloading. I can pop out my SD card and plug it into the Thrive.)</li>
<li>USB port (none available on iPad2)</li>
<li>Bigger screen (10.1 vs 9.7)</li>
<li>More RAM (1G vs 512MB)</li>
<li>Flash (not available on iPad2)</li>
<li>Google Navigation (not available on iPad2..free)</li>
<li>My familiarity with Android OS (I've been using a Droid X phone for 2 years)</li>
<li>Widgets, I love my widgets (no such thing on an iPad)</li>
<li>My lack of convention (because everyone else has an iPad..sorry, not drinking to Kool Aid)</li>
<li>HDMI and mini SD ports (not available on iPad2)</li>
</ul><u>Cons</u><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Bulk (.62 pounds vs .34 pounds)</li>
</ul>I played with one at Best Buy, and I like the feel of the back of the Thrive. It does not have a smooth back, and just feels like it would not slip out of your hands. The response time of the execution of the apps were virtually the same on both units.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">So there ya have it....why I bought a Toshiba Thrive. Now I can't wait for it to get here....2 more days!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you my most wonderful husband!</div>vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-68425348300910850012012-02-26T10:02:00.000-05:002012-02-26T10:02:35.929-05:00Happy 60th to me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORqOlUqc1WqP_S12FsUb5dTH255NRa07e4pho2w7TkDsGkcci52qsrSdNC3pN9bt7auBTq3yobP4El0wNxaDY3fqnTciU3rnLvNPVtoXps-t5rZBDwm7-cNfjFAAynn6wbEtc3X5bwWy/s1600/2012-02-21_18-52-11_164+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORqOlUqc1WqP_S12FsUb5dTH255NRa07e4pho2w7TkDsGkcci52qsrSdNC3pN9bt7auBTq3yobP4El0wNxaDY3fqnTciU3rnLvNPVtoXps-t5rZBDwm7-cNfjFAAynn6wbEtc3X5bwWy/s320/2012-02-21_18-52-11_164+%25282%2529.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>Birthdays are all about attitude. I didn’t realize mine would be so good (pat on back now). I truly see this one as entering the decade of ‘RETIREMENT’…and yea, yay for that!!! Just the thought of that makes me happy.<br />
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I do have to say that the ‘celebration’ this time was much more that I have experienced, probably since childhood. It was like a birthday week. I really do not like attention, and my preference is to treat it as just another day. And I am so blessed to have a husband that views birthdays in much the same way. However, this year my husband was replaced by someone who broke all our ‘spoken’ birthday celebration rules. (Who is this guy, and where is my Ed?)<br />
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This year was marked with an onslaught of birthday cards, and Facebook wishes, the likes that I have never received before (thank you little seestor), a half dozen balloons, a cookie bouquet, a pot of tulips, bouquet of roses, bouquet of cut flowers, two family sized bags of Twizzlers, an entire pan of homemade Rice Krispy treats, a 760 piece bag of Tootsie Rolls, a t-shirt, feather boa, and tricked out cubeland space. There were energy drinks, Starbucks bucks, my very own homemade pan of brownies (that were all edges and corners), lunch with my team from work, and a super night out with my small group.<br />
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Remember the ‘broke the birthday rules’ man I mentioned above? He outdid himself with a gift that was a way too much dollar amount gift certificate to B&H. (If you don’t know what B&H is, that makes me feel more geeky…it is a electronics/photography online store) So I still have birthday gifts coming, once I decide what to buy.<br />
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All that to say, that I feel truly blessed and loved by everyone. I am the luckiest woman on the planet, I have the best God, family and friends with me always and forever. Thank you everyone.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-46755511982922006362011-11-07T21:31:00.000-05:002011-11-07T21:31:15.492-05:00Acting goofy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7P3MOPoB_X9_q3b9enhbTSNYqYPkpLozmguG0gl0zcea5BxsnnHbKTajQJehyF5uw1ylAoo4r7Oe6MsV6I72DDJqsns5IXxEuyex0ckCfRoJD45FjLzrrrX65Tt_bTeOm3PSWsWvAYZL/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7P3MOPoB_X9_q3b9enhbTSNYqYPkpLozmguG0gl0zcea5BxsnnHbKTajQJehyF5uw1ylAoo4r7Oe6MsV6I72DDJqsns5IXxEuyex0ckCfRoJD45FjLzrrrX65Tt_bTeOm3PSWsWvAYZL/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I need to spend more time with my family; they are the only ones I get this lifetime. My ‘seestor’ and I just spent a weekend in Gatlinburg, TN. It was great fun (would have been more fun if I didn’t have to have been fighting a cold). We walked (to quote Angie) “the hardest half mile in my life” (and she was right), didn’t eat dinner all weekend (another story), built a tent in our room, shot a bear (with the camera), went swimming, enjoyed a hot spa, walked and shopped a lot, and more.<br />
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Angie knows how to have fun, guess that comes with having kids, you get to “play” with them. One reason I wanted to do this weekend with her was to have an excuse to just act goofy (yea, as if I needed an excuse, uh?). There is something about acting goofy with your family and I just wouldn’t do otherwise. I have been trying hard to figure out exactly why that is. I know that I could do this with any of my siblings, and I also know I would not do it in front of their spouses. Why, oh why is that? It really puzzles me, is “blood really thicker”?<br />
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This “hardest half mile” was straight up a mountain side. (Well, ok maybe not straight up, but it sure felt like it.) We walked up to the observation tower of Clingman’s Dome, the highest elevation in the Smokies National Park. My brave and fearless sister continued up the observation tower, where she left her chicken sister (yes, that would be me) behind. But did she belittle me for being said chicken? No…that is the love of a sister.<br />
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What the heck is it about heights and age? The older I get the worse I am about heights…I don’t get it. This is from a person who has skied from 10,000 feet! Does everyone get wimpy when they get old, or is it just me?<br />
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All weekend the joke was that Angie wanted to see a bear. Now I have been to Gatlinburg at least three times, and have never seen a bear (except in captivity). But Angie’s wish came true. We saw a bear in the National Park. She was so excited she bolted out of the car (see the youth and instinctive “play” she has?) with camera in tow complete with telephoto lens. Even with all that, the bear was pretty far away, and pictures were a bit disappointing.<br />
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Back down on earth, in our room, we made a tent of our bed sheets and drank a Bartles and James Pina Colada, just basically acting goofy. I could see me doing that same thing with any of my other siblings, but no one else.<br />
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So what have I learned from this experience? I am afraid of heights? Nope, already knew that one. I can help build a tent? Yep, check that one (who knew?). Angie gets her wishes? (ummm) <br />
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Vacations with Ed are totally awesome, and I would rather do that than anything, but I am learning that I can love and appreciate my family too. I think that is what God wants me to know for today. Thanks God.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-53827915927533168432011-10-05T21:48:00.000-04:002011-10-05T21:48:12.051-04:00RIP - my emotions....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUepK0VzY7r1eakqOxR8E4KsrakuIeoaMOwPwZa_EJNYPRVtHcbK8XexATA9lx-fEULGio5A6bTNpVjdi7EqzLFTTZnm9w9Ma8SfTDX_Fe2i7bq4_mH0zJz1gieSt-fv-ID0UUyeOFJSgm/s1600/Gravestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUepK0VzY7r1eakqOxR8E4KsrakuIeoaMOwPwZa_EJNYPRVtHcbK8XexATA9lx-fEULGio5A6bTNpVjdi7EqzLFTTZnm9w9Ma8SfTDX_Fe2i7bq4_mH0zJz1gieSt-fv-ID0UUyeOFJSgm/s320/Gravestone.jpg" /></a></div>I must be a really cold-hearted person. Somehow crying over the death of someone I don’t even know, someone who just happens to be famous, someone who may have touched a ton of people’s lives in the world, even mine, still just does not compute with me. It is almost embarrassing to mention and actually put out there for everyone (actually the one) to read on my blog. But I wanted this to be an honest account of my thoughts.<br />
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How can someone have that kind of intense emotional reaction to someone they have never met, or talked to, or even seen in real life? Their works might be great, and their legacy stellar, but to get so emotional? Did you think that death would never happen? Did you think about preparing to accept it, knowing it was close at hand when you had the chance?<br />
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I have been exceptionally fortune not to have lost anyone in my immediate family yet, so maybe I just don’t know what I am talking about. But I have lost close friends, people who should still be on this earth continuing to do God’s work, like they were doing when they were here. Those people I could and would cry over, and even be angry that they are gone. But that is because it is personal at that point. And my emotional grieving is personal. What is so personal about a big name celebrity?<br />
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I get the sadness, I get the respect part, but this overboard show of emotions and public displays of grief, is it for real? Do I need my heart softened more? Am I in for a major lesson in grief? Am I in denial? What the heck is wrong with me?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-80072563597357412542011-10-03T10:57:00.000-04:002011-10-03T10:57:27.107-04:00Days off Rock!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDyavVl70KB7S84A3doHp6bwD2ed25_zKlbc26E7ujjzkAPvxKnxe4mpVcr9X3EYJMte-AruoKayIxe3Apku6TlSpQYC991suxILHft9Estse_d0xvebbl0kBjOdZmW-9i1dhxwPzIIWB/s1600/kitty.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDyavVl70KB7S84A3doHp6bwD2ed25_zKlbc26E7ujjzkAPvxKnxe4mpVcr9X3EYJMte-AruoKayIxe3Apku6TlSpQYC991suxILHft9Estse_d0xvebbl0kBjOdZmW-9i1dhxwPzIIWB/s1600/kitty.gif" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div>Most people take this for granted, but two days – in a row – off from work and volunteer obligations is a rare thing to happen to me. And I am very excited about it!! The last time I had two days in a row off, not counting vacation time, just two days in a row off, was….well I’m not sure I really remember.<br />
<p>But it is here now yesterday and today, count ‘em two days, back to back!!<p><p>My life usually consists of Monday off only. On that Monday any appointments that have to be made are made on this day, then there is laundry, groceries, bill paying, and if time and my energy (remember I am getting pretty old now) permit maybe some cooking and cleaning. But now here I am on day two, laundry done, groceries bought, bills caught up, and sleeping until I wanna get up!<br />
<p>Now what? What to do with all this time! Blog, I guess. What do you do with two days off in a row? Whatever you do, cherish it.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-91058831265766978422011-07-22T21:44:00.000-04:002011-07-22T21:44:57.242-04:00Gotta love vacations!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSOj4vwoEHNA6VrJuatPyG-hFAn-h7EXx14JuHH9x5Zvfca-QwvwD_guOKq3JaR3uTYifxTYPBbeVLWqiqBdOJw4HkfWGqSdy9eVtte6a3d0nb8YmPezSdbBFnxbMx3UFeXR696_IQ2jv/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSOj4vwoEHNA6VrJuatPyG-hFAn-h7EXx14JuHH9x5Zvfca-QwvwD_guOKq3JaR3uTYifxTYPBbeVLWqiqBdOJw4HkfWGqSdy9eVtte6a3d0nb8YmPezSdbBFnxbMx3UFeXR696_IQ2jv/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This year's vacation was very different for us. Every year since we’ve been married we have gone to Emerald Isle once and usually twice, a year. It is hard to beat a free place to stay that is a block from the ocean.<br />
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We knew the day would come when that would not be available to us any longer and my time with grandma was unpredictable, which is why we went there as long as we could. Then it happened, grandma passed away in January of this year. It is funny how many things change when a member of the family passes, especially the ‘matriarch’ of the family, as some people referred to her as (but that is a previous blog). Anyway my dad and his brother inherited the property, and now they have renters. I am very happy for them, as it will help pay for the upkeep of the place and provide a little income also.<br />
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But I digress, back to today. So we went on one of the very few vacations so far in our lives together that did not involve Emerald Isle. As I sit here and write this, we are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (aka the UP). I had forgotten how clear and gorgeous water could be. The Great Lakes are just spectacular! <br />
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We started our trip with a visit to The Henry Ford (as they call it now). Which consists of Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum. I had been to the museum and was so looking forward to seeing it again, for it had been 100 since I was there. But to my surprise, I actually enjoyed the Village more! I found so much so interesting. You really do feel as if you have stepped back in time there, they do a great job of preserving that atmosphere, along with preserving all the buildings. There are actually people who work the land using the implements of days past. It is all beyond very cool!<br />
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Then we drove to St. Ignace, and ended up staying here for four nights (the original plan was two nights!). But we just couldn’t leave! Our hotel room overlooked Mackinac Island, and we watched the sun rise every morning, right outside the balcony. It just poured across the room and across the bed, what a great way to wake up every morning. Mackinac Island, lighthouses, waterfalls, and the most gorgeous cliff formations in the world, it is all there!<br />
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I won’t go into a lot of details here I will let <a href="http://edvickipics.shutterfly.com/">my pictures</a> tell the stories. But I have to say that this has been a wonderfully fantastic vacation. Ed fell in love with the UP, and wants to return some day. I fell back in love with the most gorgeous lakes in the world (I put my hand in three of the five Great Lakes while we were here).<br />
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Grandma being gone is very sad for me, but looking on one bright side, it opens up a world of possibilities of places to visit while I can still do it. I have so many ideas….where should we go next year?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-16665144328495492312011-07-11T15:04:00.000-04:002011-07-11T15:04:16.112-04:00What to blog about today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjrm3WHuc8XdEcsCYiGgKBOEJoKX_GZB23jPzyDj5vLSXxiI5PdTqlpRdnrO6n7LDyFJ11eT6jcHM8_RyfJibiS3uXL_QCxPVqwSXQWbcT5d0r_5ZDbzGHKdc4zWvsjIba0sdG3f9r1uA/s1600/thumbnail.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjrm3WHuc8XdEcsCYiGgKBOEJoKX_GZB23jPzyDj5vLSXxiI5PdTqlpRdnrO6n7LDyFJ11eT6jcHM8_RyfJibiS3uXL_QCxPVqwSXQWbcT5d0r_5ZDbzGHKdc4zWvsjIba0sdG3f9r1uA/s320/thumbnail.aspx.jpg" /></a></div>Seems kind of silly to have a blog page and not blog much. I had such great expectations when I started all this. Now I am trying to recount what they were. <br />
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Was I trying to keep my family (and friends who read it) up to date on what is going on in my life? Maybe I trying to capture all my deepest thoughts in hopes of inspiring someone (yea, as if!)? Was it just to ramble on about nothing to practice my typing skills? How about just complain to the world and get it off my chest so I could feel better (after all it is all about me, right?). I got it! It is to document my life and thoughts in the cloud forever and ever! Um, I very much doubt that one!<br />
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Nope, still haven't figured it out yet. Maybe some day I will figure it out. I do blog better when on vacation, and that is just next week! So who knows, maybe something will happen then. I know you just can't wait, uh?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-19773279311269102512011-06-19T16:01:00.000-04:002011-06-19T16:02:32.509-04:00Dear Ed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E9fCZZvs5tJDm5sMkI82em2mKeKJi5ds9FbZ8ccNXSaVDhRldUaYhHBll6u1hg0zJrpfjgqElgrK1KVrVdkUrBGm868utR6BUvTnCdHi4VZ8sd3sDZPQ9e2_q6e0xeMyjeSrAApgSMk/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E9fCZZvs5tJDm5sMkI82em2mKeKJi5ds9FbZ8ccNXSaVDhRldUaYhHBll6u1hg0zJrpfjgqElgrK1KVrVdkUrBGm868utR6BUvTnCdHi4VZ8sd3sDZPQ9e2_q6e0xeMyjeSrAApgSMk/s200/DSC_0069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595247052579900066" /></a>It is our 12th anniversary! You are the best thing that ever came into my life. I know we don't make big deals of our special days (guess that's the way it is with two introverts), but I wanted to tell the world (well, you don't have to worry about the world hearing, not many people really read this) that I think you are the best.<br /><br />You are the greatest husband, and I am so proud to be married to you. There aren't words to explain how perfect of a fit we are together. I have so much respect and deep love for you. It seems to get better all the time. I love making future plans with you (even if it is only to decide which room to paint next!). We work together and live together so well.<br /><br />This is not one of those milestone anniversaries, so I don't have to feel bad about not writing something a little more profound. Just know that you are so loved, and I am glad to share my life with the best guy ever for me!vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-72679815421240130382011-05-15T12:14:00.003-04:002011-05-15T12:17:57.274-04:00Betty, this one's for you...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tm1zE8sM60oH8Q4C9z-tVHGCRJI0QHN36B3p-iUNOeL5e1q5q7EA6uzlfYroaR4S2bKQZCJiBvNYGfvLqwFro9b6qllkL3X4Gx7h2oCL_l9VazidzwTABTXRdImxPCwqlZ9TZPMA9Ssv/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tm1zE8sM60oH8Q4C9z-tVHGCRJI0QHN36B3p-iUNOeL5e1q5q7EA6uzlfYroaR4S2bKQZCJiBvNYGfvLqwFro9b6qllkL3X4Gx7h2oCL_l9VazidzwTABTXRdImxPCwqlZ9TZPMA9Ssv/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606977716092191698" border="0" /></a>May 14, 2011<br />Summa Cum Laude<br />Cincinnati Christian University<br /><br />God answered your prayers. Thank you Betty, for never giving up.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-23861885982501524282011-05-09T20:59:00.004-04:002011-05-09T21:10:25.832-04:00A Tale of Two Dogs, and God's Lesson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz2lS7owsyVmuDDJ6k7Szx1asuizZV3ajmaaaJl9pKXihhPqOmXpvNVG2K2ON0hXf_KBkAzLNgs4WkLcqNPkoUPt7Kjjw0VYYEtm9wa26ul6usH7GKhq4EuQK9dW3U9DjCCPw76O-1lYH/s1600/DSC_0053+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz2lS7owsyVmuDDJ6k7Szx1asuizZV3ajmaaaJl9pKXihhPqOmXpvNVG2K2ON0hXf_KBkAzLNgs4WkLcqNPkoUPt7Kjjw0VYYEtm9wa26ul6usH7GKhq4EuQK9dW3U9DjCCPw76O-1lYH/s320/DSC_0053+-+Copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604886274102762018" border="0" /></a>Meet Shelby, great dog, the ultimate in obedience. Tell her to “come” and she does…everytime. She does anything I tell her to do. I can go for a walk with her without a leash, and I feel confident that she would “come” when I called her. I have the utmost confidence in her and can depend on her to do as I say.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi57LJ3bwhrrnankouvmwCtFYYv5rvvzRaAThA1Ka3bX0lxzWhB5OynVaFO443MEQEKWrZ7S2zonDjsR6xJoUyHuHFbclYO72D6t_E62Fj7xnmSWbcybiustHbptEo8VhxR2FpYzLkbKW/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi57LJ3bwhrrnankouvmwCtFYYv5rvvzRaAThA1Ka3bX0lxzWhB5OynVaFO443MEQEKWrZ7S2zonDjsR6xJoUyHuHFbclYO72D6t_E62Fj7xnmSWbcybiustHbptEo8VhxR2FpYzLkbKW/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604886408979521106" border="0" /></a>Now, meet Gracie, great dog, but the word “come”? Not in her vocabulary…..totally clueless about it. If I had her out without a leash she would just wander away. If I called her, she might look at me, but certainly not obey. I can’t even bribe her to come, cheese, peanut butter, nothing works.<br /><br />We are about the head out on vacation, and it makes me sad to think that Gracie (since there is no fenced in yard where we stay) will never be off a leash outside of the house.<br /><br />Picture this we are walking along the ocean. There are these little birds there with little feet that are just too funny to watch. As you get closer to them their feet move quicker and quicker until they just take flight and leave anyone or anything chasing them totally abandoned.<br /><br />Chasing these little birds is great fun for a dog, especially herder dog. Shelby will stalk them and try to herd them. Then in a flash they are gone, gliding effortlessly over the ocean and landing back on the beach about 100 feet away. It appears that they are taunting her, but she loves it. And she will give chase again and again. By the end of the day, she is totally exhausted but so happy. At times like this, she is living life to the fullest.<br /><br />Then there is Gracie, she may try to chase once or twice and quickly realize she is on a leash. No such freedom or fun for her. I can’t trust her to come back when I call. You can take that scenario and find the potential consequences. (Not to mention a dog off a leash is technically illegal.)<br /><br />If she would only understand that if she obeyed, she would be granted more freedom...if she had more freedom she would have much more fun...if she had more fun she could experience so many new wonders that are out there for her. But no, she will do things her way until….well who knows how long.<br /><br />But I love them both, and would never give up on either of them.<br /><br />I know is sounds like an oxymoron, but it is true. The same thing can be said for our walk with God. The more we seek His heart and His will and obey, the more free we are to experience all of the wonders that are out there, just waiting for us.vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-62406094509772749372011-04-27T19:12:00.007-04:002011-04-27T19:44:13.113-04:00In His Name!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIWDm8xe99-HcKo6aUe5wfskYc79u4ZskRB1QXS7VXEDaBJozVoQG-rlt2DfKwPlaNY1HCH0NxZu5ALWpIliZQ3uVN2tj-WjFnKdfcBDfPLd4UU40OXxz1QXoYYqy67JZGsDqf-TvvOSO/s1600/gods-love.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIWDm8xe99-HcKo6aUe5wfskYc79u4ZskRB1QXS7VXEDaBJozVoQG-rlt2DfKwPlaNY1HCH0NxZu5ALWpIliZQ3uVN2tj-WjFnKdfcBDfPLd4UU40OXxz1QXoYYqy67JZGsDqf-TvvOSO/s320/gods-love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600410666152041602" /></a>Our executive pastor spoke today, and something finally hit home with me. Thanks, Garry.<br /><br />When you are an executor of someone's will, you are expected to do things according to their wishes. That means it is your responsibility to find out what that person has in their will, and then carry it out to the best of your ability. You will be honoring and obeying their request by doing so.<br /><br />They gave you that authority over their will. They did so, not because you attained any kind of status, they just chose you...over everyone else they knew. They trust that you will abide by their desires on their behalf...in their name. (Maybe they just liked you!)<br /><br />I never related that to the ending of a prayer when someone says "in the name of Jesus...."<br /><br />Jesus is giving me authority to execute His will. Me! Not because I work at a church, not because I volunteer a lot of hours, but because He loves me, no other reason. I have been given the authority to execute His will.<br /><br />Wow, all that finally sinks in! (I always said I was a slow learner!)<br /><br />Now comes the hard part....now I have to be still, ask, and listen to what His will really is. No one said this would be easy! The question is, am I up to the challenge?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-31652995870541063592011-04-21T19:38:00.005-04:002011-04-21T20:01:20.043-04:00Those Google Tricksters!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9dKW51pfiQgNPHJBpEITsYb2vC-bfWIZLnCrFttnD7_tgbQkuBSxd0QT7J9-yxwbd-j7DpKo1Loh8m62BwUAtcHaVj0GbJ0j-yskY-Bf9aFVVITMchIL3bDl7tokAYg32zx5XHxDGq0Y/s1600/ps_logo2.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9dKW51pfiQgNPHJBpEITsYb2vC-bfWIZLnCrFttnD7_tgbQkuBSxd0QT7J9-yxwbd-j7DpKo1Loh8m62BwUAtcHaVj0GbJ0j-yskY-Bf9aFVVITMchIL3bDl7tokAYg32zx5XHxDGq0Y/s320/ps_logo2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598191019432055538" /></a><br />Wow, every try to change your email address on Blogger? Geez, it was easier to change it at my bank! Let me back up a bit.<br /><br />We are moving into the age of fiber here in Fairfield (stepping right into the 21st century - no more RoadRunner here!) and I need to change my email address. In other words, we are moving from Tim Warner' coax cable to Cincinnati Bell's fiber optics. My choice for a new email address was a Gmail email address in hopes that I will not have to change it again.<br /><br />It is a strange thing changing your email, especially if you have had the same one for 16 years! Yea, when I think about that it makes me shutter. 16 years!! Who does that?<br /><br />So I come here to Blogger and try to change my email address. And I got the absolute strangest message on my attempt, "You cannot use a gmail address on Blogger" (or something along those line). Ok, let me be sure I understand this, I have Gmail now, and that is part of Google (so far so good). I want to use that Gmail address on my Blogger account - also a part of Google. And I am told that I can't do that. Things that make you go ummmmm.<br /><br />So what do I do about that? I search Google for the answer!! Obvious, right? Sure enough, there I found my answer. So do ya love Google or hate it?vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06411478575200021897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953693823549155133.post-738287938081418242011-04-13T21:20:00.004-04:002011-04-16T08:04:51.009-04:00Happy Birthday Ed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06LW_oKoiJp4XNv_7zTJtZVGKURsQbPB2eYUFZJGm-yXuP7UwAl3tJf2xztfZDKIJkVpweT4dVWSXAjc_uXIQDGvMcWQKeEjMNtwMXePerdoxkPsNaqj_66fXRrVJY9BWVkmZP8K6gLg/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06LW_oKoiJp4XNv_7zTJtZVGKURsQbPB2eYUFZJGm-yXuP7UwAl3tJf2xztfZDKIJkVpweT4dVWSXAjc_uXIQDGvMcWQKeEjMNtwMXePerdoxkPsNaqj_66fXRrVJY9BWVkmZP8K6gLg/s200/DSC_0125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595246500242452146" /></a>Your mama would be so proud of you! I am so glad she had you, she did good! I know she prayed a lot for you, and I am reaping the rewards of those prayers today. <br /><br />She was a very special lady I wish I could have known her longer. But I bet she is watching over you and then turning to Jesus and thanking him for all He has done in your life.<br /><br />I love you and could not imagine my life without you. Thanks Betty, and thank you Jesus for giving me the best blessing I could ever imagine.<br /><br />Happy birthday, honey!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1