Grandparents Day at the Library

Today was Grandparents Day at the library. Cassidy was, of course, the only child with TWO grandparents present. This was because:

a. You are at least the 10th grandchild, or


b. You are actually the Great-grandparents

There is no other reason to have BOTH Grandparents present, during a weekday, at something as innocuous as Grandparents Day at the local library storytime. Cassidy, however is one lucky child....... as we were both there.

Cassidy is truly MY grandchild. We arrived a few minutes after storytime started. She looked around, saw us, and then acted as if she'd never laid eyes on us before. During an interlude, she went over to her mother, verified that we were, in fact, her grandparents, then went back to storytime.....


Miss Cassidy coloring her card for her grandparents during craft time.



Cassidy is proud to show-off her artwork.




Did I really allow myself to be photographed inside the library in a boat???




Cassidy blowing us a kiss goodbye.

Completion of Home Project #1 - Only A Zillion More To Do

Well, this was a month of accomplishments around here. We were suppose to put our home on the market to sell last Spring. We thought we'd take the month of April to spruce it up some and put it up for sale in May. We couldn't have been more wrong about that.

Not only did we go on a string of vacations, but the list of what actually has to be done around here is quite daunting. We've actually been getting it ready for close to two years by replacing carpets, flooring, appliances and some painting of walls and trim. But those were projects I spearheaded. They don't include projects delegated to "If it wasn't perfect when I started, it will be when I finish" Bill who can take a relatively simple project like staining the deck, and make into a project worthy of stimulus money.

I was fearful at times that he was going to replace the entire deck. Everytime he replaced a board, he would be dissatisfied with the one next to it. Eventually all the handrails, and a few steps were replaced.

Next came the staining. What a job that was. Where are the day laborers when you need them? But seriously, he did a beautiful job.

This was after he pressure washed the deck, but before he stained it. The little stand the plant and cat are on was the weathered color of our deck.



In this pic, the rails are stained but not the floor of the deck. I think Bill would rather get a root canal than stain all those rails again.




Here, all the rails are done, but the floor has not been done.



Here is the same shot, with the deck floor stained.



In this pic you can better see the color of the deck.



This is almost the same pic as the beginning, minus the little wooden stand. Sometimes I can hardly believe that's my deck when I see it. Wonder if someone out there would like to make it their deck????

A Half a Century........

Wow, I turned 50 years old on August 31st. I'm too honest to lie about my age. At least I haven't lied yet. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by because I still feel so young inside my mind. Very juvenile most times. But I have a few observations about turning half a century old......

1. Time on this earth is not forever. Life really is a vapor.

2. Don't waste precious time on relationships that are shallow.

3. If you really want it, and can buy it, do it.

4. Walk as often and as far as possible.

5. Food is your friend. Don't abuse that friendship.

6. Family is the most important relationship you will have, next to God.

7. Own a really good dog... at least once...it will enrich your life.

8. Don't keep a dog that is not a good one. Life is too short.

9. Grandchildren are the reward for surviving parenthood.

10. Take moment each day to thank God for loving you enough to send His Son to
die for you.

Nothing else really matters. Life is so short. You hear that your whole life, but suddenly you realize how short it really is. My father only lived 6 years beyond 50.....my beloved mother-in-law only lived 11 more months. I may only live another hour. It doesn't matter because for all of eternity I know where I'll be. But life is truly a gift not to be wasted. If you learn that early, imagine how wonderful your life will be?

But I can be distracted by wants, and not just needs. I never want to be that person who resents things that are not "a need." Here is what Bill gave me for my birthday. This is a "two-part" ring. The center diamond he gave me for our 30th wedding anniversary.



My daughter Julie made these cake balls for me. There was devil's food and red velvet. If you've never had one, you are missing a real treat.



The sweetest girl who ever lived. She was so excited that it was my birthday. Aren't kids wonderful? They don't care whose party it is, the fact that there is a party is enough for them.



Susan took me out for mexican food and bought me "Mastering the Art of French Cooking.". Melissa, Tommy, and Billy all gave me Bath & Bodyworks gifts. All of my family truly blessed me that day with their presence. I wish I could take that day, put it in a bottle, and open it up from time to time to enjoy it again and again. Come to think of it, I think that's called a memory.....