Blondie how precious!. Snuggling mommy. That is such a loving picture. I see reddish hair !!!!!!
You have fun and sorry you just to realize that you ARE the Reincarnation of the Energizer Bunny. OR some one who makes those batteries saw you and created that Energizer Bunny! I think the latter more. Good luck. And gentle hugs.
Hey - Miss check in! You too Maggs. Any pictures to share?
And hey all - we missed wishing Kim a Happy Birthday. So happy belated birthday. hugs
Wish all a great week. Sorry the Laundry Fairy is visiting and I am swamped! hugs
I am happy to say - had a good weekend. The event at the club went well. Weather was perfect and it felt like an Autumn day. So teh shooting competitions went well. Now only shooting competition ( blackpwoder) - but sling shot - cross bow - Toma hawk throw. Plus someone brought his homemade bow - recreated from a people of Maine with home made bows. Also fire starting. then teh evening topped off with a pot luck. Good time - fun things to do - talking and good food! ALL home made. OH the time period of the activities is the 1700 - 1800. And my hubby took first place in teh competition. So proud of him. ANd I had so much fun shooting with that bow - plus my hawk throwing and now learning to throw a knife! If I can get the pictures on - I will - having some trouble with my fingers . Well actually I cannot remember how to do it! Camera to fb. I guess I need to reboot my brain.
Finally great weather here too. It feels like Autumn and today found some sumac in full Autumn colors. Felt good.
Well - need to split - Wish all a great week. hugs
And Miss - Kim - Maggs and others. Get on here Check in. My gossip tank is low. hugs all Oh Maggs - share some of your pictures of birds please.
T-Lynn, sounds like LOADS of fun (pun intended) LOL glad to hear I'm not the only one who forgets how to do things. Pictures always Appreciated.
They all arrived safely, 2 by air (I picked them up) and the other drove with 2 big dogs. Tahlia's a BIG Nana 's girl, only Nana can help her.. We got to stop in and see Little Joseph for a bit. Tahlia was a bit jealous. Mommy couldn't meet or hold him, after about 10 mins. Nana could pick him up. Tahlia got off my lap and sat on Mommies. I had Joseph a whole 3 mins. and Tahlia demanded, give him to Papa and crawled back in my lap. LOL Mommy, Daddy and Tahlia all drove down (1 1/2 hours) this morning to visit, can't wait to hear what she thought today. Dave, Amanda & Joseph is coming for the long weekend so hoping she gets use to him. My house is crowded and noisy and I'm LOVING every min. of it.
Hello - I just wanted to thank everyone again for the advice on our trip to Japan. I think we are about as ready as we will be and will just "wing" the last bits.
We had our house on the market (wanting to downsize and planning on moving out of state). Well, wouldn't you know we get an offer and the buyers insist that the closing date needs to be right after we get back from Japan. While not ideal, it is workable. But then we decide to stay in MN and are now putting out household into storage and looking for temporary housing. Just a bit of stress and house moving activities have kept us from finishing our trip planning.
The good news to all of this is that I will be really happy to sit in a plane seat for 13 hours! I will try to post a couple of pictures from the trip when we get back. It might be early October though due to house moving priorities.
Good morning, Ladies! I have started posting several times and always get interrupted. Things are good in the South for the moment. It was 60 degrees this morning and very low humidity. It felt like a cool fall morning. But I am afraid it will be short lived. The heat is coming back, and bring the humidity with it. My Mom is doing good right now. Her BP is finally making its way back to normal (for her). That is a good thing. Hubs and I showed her house yesterday, to a couple for the 2nd time. So hopefully that is a good sign. I will be so happy to get it sold. Hubby said he thinks they really want it , they are renting, so will be first time homeowners and this is all new for them. They brought Mom and Step-Dad with them to get their opinions. They both liked it and Step-Dad knows us and told us they will talk to the lender and see what they can do. Hopefully they will be the one! Mom is happy that we have someone interested. I have her by myself this week. My sister and brother that live here in town have both are on an Alaskan Cruise this week. The other 3 siblings live at least 45 min. - hour away. One sister did come Tuesday and spent the afternoon with her and that helped me. I intend to pay sister and brother back. LOL! It has really been hard to work and visit her as much as she wants since they are gone. I can only do what I can. The first couple of days were okay, but she has started calling me for every little thing. I just call the front and ask one of the girls to go check on her. Sometimes I just can't leave work to run over there and make sure that the girls picked up her laundry basket. I go before work and after work and I try to stay as long as I can.
We have not made any big plans for the holiday weekend. Will stay very close, so if Mom needs anything I can go. I do need to get some work done at home. It seems that I just farther, and farther behind every day. I do hope to get to watch some college football this weekend.
CindyN, can't wait to see your pictures and hear about your trip! I am excited for you. Girl, you did have a "bit of stress"! Bless your heart, but I am happy you have continued on.
Blondie, I know your heart is full with your house "crowded and noisy"! I would be too. I am at my best when all of my kiddos are at my house.
T-Lynn, you had a busy weekend and lots of fun! What are you going to do this weekend? Whatever it is it will be fun, I'm sure.
I everyone is good and I hope you all have wonderful long weekend, and and a blessed time with your families.
Yippie three of you got on her with gossip. Thank you !!!!!
Blondie - when is home your home not full of hugs - kisses - good food and family! sounds like a wonderful time. Enjoy every minute. You have a Miss Jealous and I know have a Mr. Jealous. I know it will all work out. Just promise me - you will get some Me Time.
Cindy !!! OMG. Are your hands full of "Getting Ready..." . Getting Ready for a trip - then getting your personal stuff into storage - then selling your home - then finding a home - then 13 hours! All I can say - BREATH and enjoy every second of your trip. So looking forward to pictures. But mostly hearing how many times you collected hugs and kisses from your sailor and storing those memories in your heart. Have a fun trip.
Miss - as usual - it appears you are starting to copy Blondie. So now I have to figure out a new name for you. there is only one Energizer Bunny here, so I'm working on it. Fingers crossed the sell of the house goes smoothly and FAST ! Then there has to be a cook out to celebrate. You are a dear person to be so good to your mom. And can't wait to hear what cruise you will taking. Yes- do share the details of payback.
thank you - we had a great weekend. ANd even though hubby and I did so many different activities - and how sore my muscles I never knew I had -that day was stress free and fun. this weekend? Making that Native American Dance Shawl. I have all the materials I need and it has been waiting for me for 3 years. It is time to get it done. And then present it to the person at the end of September. Promise to share picture of it when finished. Just have to get the other ones up too. I am hoping my son can help me this weekend.
My sailor is doing fine. H was able to have leave and bring his family to his new station in Virginia. Naturally pulling in as that hurricane is visiting too. Hope that storms turns out to be lazy and leaves everyone alone. I can hope.
Well, that's about it here. Wish all a great Labor Day weekend. hugs
Haven’t posted in a while, my so seems to be adjusting to life in Japan ok. He is still very homesick and missing everyone. He plans on trying to come hone in the spring but I have been encouraging him to stay and experience life there. Would love to visit but not sure I will as I would most likely be traveling alone so it’s still up in the air. Trying to keep busy and my mind focused on the positive as I miss him terribly. He is currently on base for so we can FaceTime fir now. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!
Busy Bee. Gentle hugs. Remember and know that feeling.
My sailor is back in the states now and sailor is not close to home. To make me feel better - I would send him small packages to him in Japan and now too. It would contain - newspaper articles, one time the entire newspaper! Favorite movie candy ( Dots) - pictures, a hat he left home, Coffee from a local company or even potato chips made only in your town, a large coffee mug and recipes for cake in a cup! I found now - they have those things ready made. Or make your own cake in cup recipe and send them in plastic jars, with instructions how to! Others here even sent home made cookies and placed them in Pringle Chip containers. It works! And one time - the pet turtle sent him a package and a letter. It will be a comfort to him and you.
Hope you like the idea. As I said several of us here have done that. And it made a difference. A piece of home arrive.
But I would not advice mailing a real pumpkin. NOT even a small one. And yes I did. Put it in a zip lock bag - put it in the box with all the other Halloween and Birthday items. ( His birthday is close to Halloween. Usually, the package would arrive in 7 days. NOT this time! Three months! So when he got that package and I warned him what was in it - he shared that the package looked like it had been a war. Holes - water damage - dented on one side. BUT - nothing was damaged inside. And the pumpkin - well - it was all liquid and seeds and a stem. But that zip lock bag held!!!! No my sailor did not take a picture. But he had two others mates who saw it.
So have some fun - create a piece of home package for him
Miss, sounds promising, hope they take the house! Prayers going up. You're doing the best you can, that's all anyone can ask. I'm sure the days are long and drag on for your Mama but You still have to take care of You.
CindyN, ENJOY your trip, we had such a Blast when we went. Waiting to hear your opinion....and Yes, Pictures PLEASE
T-Lynn, how's the Dance Shawl coming? Son got settled ok?
BusyBee, Hugs to you and Prayers for him. T-Lynn is right, send little pieces of home, newspaper clippings, pictures... my daughter use to call and say tell me about home! she couldn't really talk about what she was doin so ....sometimes she'd fall asleep listening to my voice. but she made friends and got involved with the outreach program, helping the local hospital and schools....traveling seeing the sites....
I survived the Holiday weekend with all my Grandkids in the house, only missed my eldest son and DIL (They have no children and worked so other workers with children could have it off.) took pictures of 4 generations with Joseph and then us and grandkids, then kids with their kids...I took Advantage! Might be the only time they're all here at the same time. Lots going on as usual, Starting with Connor who will be turning 8 in 2 weeks! Where does the time go? He may be moving back in with us, which will be a JOY but a lot of responsibilities with school and sports.... Sailors and Tahlia will be leaving this weekend I'm gonna MISS them BUNCHES! Tahlia did not want me to come to work today, broke my heart to tell her I had to go and say good-bye. She finally waved both hands. As I was going down the sidewalk, she ran out onto the porch, threw me a kiss and said, "Love Nana" then she shook her little finger at me and said "come back soon" Awww, I melted, I blew her a kiss and said see ya at lunch time. Nephew told me 14 weekends till Chritmas!!! I answered 14 weekends till Virginia Beach! My husband laughed and said and the countdown has begun. It's gonna be hard not being with our "wholefamilies" for Christmas, first time Ever. but Daughter and Tahlia NEEDS us, don't want Sailor to be alone for another Holiday. Uggg life is Hard. Joseph is growing SO Fast, His Mama goes back to work this next Monday, so when I drop other 2 at airport I'm going there to stay the weekend. Hubby fears I'll stay for Monday but I KNOW in my heart he has to get use to babysitter so....I'm gonna try my best to smile and kiss them good-bye as late as possible Sunday night. :)
That's my life in a nut shell without writing a book. Hugs to all.
Well I am back in the US, sitting in Atlanta waiting for a connecting flight. We had a great time. But after this long trek home from Sasebo, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed (for a few days before the movers take it to storage anyway). We spent 4 days in Tokyo, 2 Kyoto, 1 Osaka, 2 Hiroshima, 5 days in Sasebo (with a day trip to Nagasaki) and then one night in Fukuoka (due to an early morning flight). If we were to do it again, we would have spent less time in Tokyo and more in Kyoto. With 5 of us traveling around the country it required 3 hotel rooms and quite often 2 cabs. We quite often squeezed the 5 of us in a small booth for dinner. But that added to the charm of the trip. We loved traveling by train. Beautiful country and very nice, helpful people. It was great seeing our son and his girlfriend, who was visiting from NY. The highlight of the trip was being there for our son's promotion ceremony. Also love touring his ship and meeting shipmates. I will attempt to attach a couple of pictures. I haven't done that before so we will see how it goes!
Traveling to Japan and Okinawa in November. Suggestions from others? Should I use a travel agency or book on my own? Feeling overwhelmed by possibilities.
Cindy sounds like a Wonderful trip. Glad you got to do this, enjoyed yourselves and got home safely! Great pictures. How Wonderful that you got to be there for his Promotion!!! Congrats to him. :)
Kim, We went in 2010 (been awhile) We booked our own. bought train tickets on line before we left.(cheaper) take as long as you can and take your time, experience the Culture. We Loved everything! LOL There's a discussion above or maybe Cindy can help when she catches her breath or others who have been there recently.
Kim - I agree. I am happy to have someone else plan my trips. When my son went to Vietnam while in college, we used a travel agent due to needing to use multiple airlines. There was still a mix up on the way home. It worked out, just added to his stress level when checking in in Hanoi and he thought he didn't have a flight from Korea to the US.
On our trip to Japan, we booked ourselves. Initially we booked our flights to/from Narita and Tokyo hotels. I ordered the Rail Passes before we left and a "Pocket Wifi" which we all used as our internet/wifi calling while in Japan. Just before we left, we then booked a flight from Fukuoka to Narita to get us to our flight home. Nothing else was booked until we got there. We have always book directly on airline and hotel websites but in Japan, for hotels at least, that isn't the easiest. My sailors girlfriend uses Expedia for all of her travel. She has an Expedia Rewards account (Free to get account, don't know how much it helped, if at all) She said she has always been able to find good places/prices using it. We were a bit nervous that we would end up in a bad hotel but we booked hotels (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) thru Expedia and found the hotels to be nice and just what we expected. The one in Fukuoka was more of an Airbnb. While that wasn't completely clear when booking, it was just fine. My husband and son's GF were the ones doing the searches so I can't tell you much about that but they were able to find quickly hotels in good areas within easy walking distance of a train station for really good prices (<$100/night). Granted that wasn't in Toyko! Searching and understanding hotel info was easy using the Expedia website. Looking directly at the hotel websites wasn't always easy so my husband just book thru Expedia and we got what we expected. I have never "booked as we go" when traveling overseas but it worked out, and worked well. Booking as we went allowed us to take the planning in small bites and gave us flexibility (since we were mainly using the train within Japan).
Let me know if you have questions. Good luck with your planning!
Blondie - your life in a nut shell. that nut shell must be the size of an Elephant! YOur life is always moving - loving and large! thanks for always sharing your joys. Eight years old!!!! Oh my , I remember sweet baby Conor. How exciting. He will do great with you. Glad you are going to Virgina Beach - Enjoy!
Cindy - what a wonderful trip you had. And congratulations on your sailor's promotion. So happy everything went well. Hope you will share more pictures.
YIPPE Kim - going ot Japan!!!! And November isn't that far away. Please share how you plan and some ideas where you are going. Will your grandson and dil be going too? So good to see you here.
Sorry this is choppy. I have pink eye. And computer screen is bothering my eye. didn't get it from my grand babies - got it from Cub Scouts!
OH Blondie, yes heard from sailor in Virginia Beach. His family is settled in.(new home - furniture arriving - new schools and their first hurricane) Even teh two dogs. Now sailor wants Autumn to get here. He wants to take his family - who have only known CA weather - to get to enjoy the colors, smells, FOODS, of Autumn. And naturally Halloween. these year he will have a BIG Jack-o-lantern.
T-Lynn, glad they are settled in. Yes the changing of the seasons are my favorite! Oh no Pink Eye! Liquid silver in eye twice a day heals it right up. Hope you're doing better I see that was a week ago.
Had to come to brag. Got Connor in soccer, can't stand couch potatoes! He's making new friends and having a blast. His first game, HE scored the first point!!! They won. Last night was his 2nd game and it ended in a tie. But they all had fun and really didn't care if they won or not. (the dads maybe cared LOL) So this is how I spend my Tue. and Thur. evenings and spare time. Yeah right spare time! I will miss Thur. game this week, I have a doctors appointment. But I told my Husband he has to learn like our kids did, the world does not revolve around him. His Mom, Dad, step-Dad and Other Grandparents need to step up! I now have his 2 half-brothers (his mom's) calling me Nana and vying for my attention. (kids flock to me) I told my Husband NO, I am not taking anymore in, I'm too old and have other interests. Retiring and grandkids! Enjoy the pictures, sorry I'm not the best with a camera, besides, I'm head cheerleader for the team. Coaches asked if I wanted to assist coaching, I told them no, my years are past. The kids just need encouragement!
The first thing I saw were the pictures - and I saw Conor. I recognized him !!!! Congrats to him - first one to score!!!!!
Right - you not helping out. Ok, you said it - now we all here will wait to see IF you keep your word to yourself and not do extra helping. I am not picking on you - just know your heart. As you said - Kids flock to You. Hey - I am in the same boat.
Pink eye is gone !!! It was rough though. and I still am watching my grand kids to make sure they do not get it.
sorry this is short - I have 725 pieces of dance shawl fringe to cut! Each are 26 inches long. Yes, as soon as it is all done - I will get pictures to share. the last one made was over 7 years ago. And I worried it would not get done - it kept changing ideas on how it wanted to be decorated. Even teh bag to carry it - changed three times!
Soccer season is winding down (until indoor/winter soccer starts LOL). But I have to tell you a story. Connor before last Tue. game came up and said, I'll make you a deal if we win tonight I don't have to go to school tomorrow. (what?!) I don't know where he gets this stuff! So I said, if you loss you loss all your electronics for 3 days and all you can do is read or study. His reply, NO way! So all was forgotten, we ate supper and went to his game. They lost, after team meeting and collecting his snack and drink he comes walking across the field head down and slow baby steps, the closer he gets we realize he's crying! So Hubby says, it's only a game, did you have fun? did you learn anything? etc...??? he's bawling now, I asked what's wrong Con-man? and he sniffled, I don't want to loss my electronics! So we had to explain, we never made the deal, he wasn't losing anything well, except the game (we all laughed) That we were just trying to show him how ridiculous the idea was that he wouldn't have to go to school, 1 has nothing to do with the other. Well mommy.....stop right there we don't care , we have our rules ….sometimes adults break rules or make wrong decisions…. But Wow!
This weekend we're in Columbus area again, (Dublin/Hillard) haunted hayride and parade (working it, my SIL's parents are in charge). and then Sunday Baptism!!! So should be a little Fun and a lot of work. But I'm smiling!!
Joe left last Thur. was on continent late Sunday and in country Tue. A lot of Stress, Tears and Prayers. We're all trying to find our balance yet. I talk to daughter every day for about 3 hours. LOL Yesterday was reading books to Tahlia! I'd tell her what book to go get and when to turn the pages. She'd say Yep, or I did it all by myself, Nana you sit right here, etc... after daughter got supper on, and used the restroom she went in to check on Tahlia she had the phone propped up and speaker on so she could use both hands to hold the book and turn pages, Daughter cracked up laughing she said she was holding the book up to the phone she thought I was reading "Her" book, nope I have my own copies at home here. I wondered why she'd say see the bird or apples, count the apples.... This long distance relationship, I learn something new all the time!
T-Lynn how's the shawl coming?
Cindy, got any pictures to share yet?
Kim, how's the trip planning coming, So Excited for ya!
Blondie - Just reading your posts wears me out! You sure have a busy but full life.
Kim - I hope you are all set for your trip and you have a wonderful time. It is beautiful.
Here are a few more pictures from Japan. The first with my sons was in Tokyo, then Kyoto (green pond), Hiroshima, a couple of Sasebo (on the left side of the panorama is the Navy base), Photo from a boat cruise around Kujukushima (Ninety-Nine Islands), and then Megane or Spectacles Bridge - the oldest bridge in Japan built in 1634 in Nagasaki.
Great Pictures!!! I recognized all but the green pond, will have to show Hubby and see if he can jog my memory. Looks like a Happy Fun Family.
Weekend was indeed long and tiring. Even Joseph got cranky a couple of times. I'll try to load pictures this afternoon. They're on my phone so might take a bit for me to remember how. LOL I'm at work now, lots to do, Yesterday was a Disaster! Printer ran out of ink, I told her to get new one set up before this happened....But....There we were, So had our Preceptor do it, he'll have to set all his up by January! Took all day, of course we have 7 computers that use the printer but we have WIFI it should be easy...Ahh no! Then had to learn how to print envelopes of different sizes from it. Envelopes that had to go out. Uggg found out printer can only print on certain size envelopes and to custom it still can only go so little...Dr. M's letterhead paper is too heavy won't work at all.........At least Kyle knows to look at these things when he goes to buy his equipment. But try running a busy office with 3 practitioners working on a Monday with extra people behind the desk and always down 1 computer! We made it through and no one was hurt except for a bent back, broken nail and a couple paper cuts! I'm calling it a win!
Hope all is WELL with all of you and your Families. Have a Great day, HUGS
Blondie - You should save your brain cycles. That green pond is a Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while. The castle is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The vivid green landscape was something we saw everywhere in southern Japan so I included it in my picture collection as it really could be many places!
Blondie - as always your life is a whirlwind of love and fun. My heart just felt for Conor too. So glad all worked out for him. Reading stories is a must of Grandmothers. And you do it over the phone!!!!
Cindy - thank you for sharing. Your trip looked like so much fun.. I know you must have collected tons of hugs to keep in your heart.
Kim - hows the trip plan coming? WE all here can't wait to see pictures.
Talking about pictures - as soon as I get another password for fb ( this will be the 6th time too) and I get my pictures off teh phone - I can get them here. the only thing I have to do is make ME Time and some help from the daughter in law.
I am hopeful for tomorrow after a trip to the Cave of Mounds in Wisconsin - I will get this done. Tomorrow is a family trip for trick or treating in a cave as you have a tour. With a few more fun Halloween activities.
Right its raining. So fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow. Need to get - Laundry Fairy is visiting.
Thanks Cindy! I need all the brain cells I have left. LOL
good for you T-Lynn for making ME time!!! I need to follow your example. So hard when everyone claims they Need me. How was the trick or treating? In a Cave no less! Sounds exciting and Fun. Pictures of the shawl Please. Our weather is YUCKY also. Rain and cold, Windy.... No snow yet but they're telling us by the end of the Month. Yickes!!
Welcome aboard Arien's Mom. As we say here - Jump in the water !! That means share about you and your sailor. And get ready to ride an Emotional Roller Coaster Ride. But please remember one thing - we all here are on that ride too. And we hang on to each other.
The USS Pioneer was the ship my sailor was on while station at Sasebo that was about 7 or 8 months ago. It will take your sailor a bit to get use the life style but I promise that will change. And he will have fun and new friends/mates soon. To help - you can start sending packages with fun things from home. Pictures - snacks - games - etc. He will send you his address and you can get the boxes you need at the post office. Couple of questions : does he have his long johns, it can get cold. And does he have a civilian passport. If not - help him get it. It will come in handy at times.
Blondie - oh the pictures!!!! So sweet and she makes coffee for mom too. what an angel. Blessings for the baby too.
Pictures from me - still cannot get them off teh phone to here! I WILL!!!! i also had to change my password with fb again for the 100 time!
I have to work tomorrow, so I will attempt again with the pictures on Sunday
hey Arien's Mom - this is for you. And this will happen to you. It has to all of us here. You will just hear that ring and KNOW. And go ahead - knock anyone out of your way - Navy Moms first. That includes - hugs when they arrive for a visit.
Blondie
well it let me add one. hmm now what?!
Aug 9, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
Blondie how precious!. Snuggling mommy. That is such a loving picture. I see reddish hair !!!!!!
You have fun and sorry you just to realize that you ARE the Reincarnation of the Energizer Bunny. OR some one who makes those batteries saw you and created that Energizer Bunny! I think the latter more. Good luck. And gentle hugs.
Hey - Miss check in! You too Maggs. Any pictures to share?
And hey all - we missed wishing Kim a Happy Birthday. So happy belated birthday. hugs
Wish all a great week. Sorry the Laundry Fairy is visiting and I am swamped! hugs
Aug 18, 2019
Blondie
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, TOMORROW!!!!! I'm gonna Hug them and squeeze them and call them George, no not George, call them LOVED.
Aug 23, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
Yippee Blondie - have a great time!!!!
I am happy to say - had a good weekend. The event at the club went well. Weather was perfect and it felt like an Autumn day. So teh shooting competitions went well. Now only shooting competition ( blackpwoder) - but sling shot - cross bow - Toma hawk throw. Plus someone brought his homemade bow - recreated from a people of Maine with home made bows. Also fire starting. then teh evening topped off with a pot luck. Good time - fun things to do - talking and good food! ALL home made. OH the time period of the activities is the 1700 - 1800. And my hubby took first place in teh competition. So proud of him. ANd I had so much fun shooting with that bow - plus my hawk throwing and now learning to throw a knife! If I can get the pictures on - I will - having some trouble with my fingers . Well actually I cannot remember how to do it! Camera to fb. I guess I need to reboot my brain.
Finally great weather here too. It feels like Autumn and today found some sumac in full Autumn colors. Felt good.
Well - need to split - Wish all a great week. hugs
And Miss - Kim - Maggs and others. Get on here Check in. My gossip tank is low. hugs all Oh Maggs - share some of your pictures of birds please.
Aug 25, 2019
Blondie
T-Lynn, sounds like LOADS of fun (pun intended) LOL glad to hear I'm not the only one who forgets how to do things. Pictures always Appreciated.
They all arrived safely, 2 by air (I picked them up) and the other drove with 2 big dogs. Tahlia's a BIG Nana 's girl, only Nana can help her.. We got to stop in and see Little Joseph for a bit. Tahlia was a bit jealous. Mommy couldn't meet or hold him, after about 10 mins. Nana could pick him up. Tahlia got off my lap and sat on Mommies. I had Joseph a whole 3 mins. and Tahlia demanded, give him to Papa and crawled back in my lap. LOL Mommy, Daddy and Tahlia all drove down (1 1/2 hours) this morning to visit, can't wait to hear what she thought today. Dave, Amanda & Joseph is coming for the long weekend so hoping she gets use to him. My house is crowded and noisy and I'm LOVING every min. of it.
Aug 27, 2019
CindyN
Hello - I just wanted to thank everyone again for the advice on our trip to Japan. I think we are about as ready as we will be and will just "wing" the last bits.
We had our house on the market (wanting to downsize and planning on moving out of state). Well, wouldn't you know we get an offer and the buyers insist that the closing date needs to be right after we get back from Japan. While not ideal, it is workable. But then we decide to stay in MN and are now putting out household into storage and looking for temporary housing. Just a bit of stress and house moving activities have kept us from finishing our trip planning.
The good news to all of this is that I will be really happy to sit in a plane seat for 13 hours! I will try to post a couple of pictures from the trip when we get back. It might be early October though due to house moving priorities.
Aug 27, 2019
Mississippi Mom
Good morning, Ladies! I have started posting several times and always get interrupted. Things are good in the South for the moment. It was 60 degrees this morning and very low humidity. It felt like a cool fall morning. But I am afraid it will be short lived. The heat is coming back, and bring the humidity with it. My Mom is doing good right now. Her BP is finally making its way back to normal (for her). That is a good thing. Hubs and I showed her house yesterday, to a couple for the 2nd time. So hopefully that is a good sign. I will be so happy to get it sold. Hubby said he thinks they really want it , they are renting, so will be first time homeowners and this is all new for them. They brought Mom and Step-Dad with them to get their opinions. They both liked it and Step-Dad knows us and told us they will talk to the lender and see what they can do. Hopefully they will be the one! Mom is happy that we have someone interested. I have her by myself this week. My sister and brother that live here in town have both are on an Alaskan Cruise this week. The other 3 siblings live at least 45 min. - hour away. One sister did come Tuesday and spent the afternoon with her and that helped me. I intend to pay sister and brother back. LOL! It has really been hard to work and visit her as much as she wants since they are gone. I can only do what I can. The first couple of days were okay, but she has started calling me for every little thing. I just call the front and ask one of the girls to go check on her. Sometimes I just can't leave work to run over there and make sure that the girls picked up her laundry basket. I go before work and after work and I try to stay as long as I can.
We have not made any big plans for the holiday weekend. Will stay very close, so if Mom needs anything I can go. I do need to get some work done at home. It seems that I just farther, and farther behind every day. I do hope to get to watch some college football this weekend.
CindyN, can't wait to see your pictures and hear about your trip! I am excited for you. Girl, you did have a "bit of stress"! Bless your heart, but I am happy you have continued on.
Blondie, I know your heart is full with your house "crowded and noisy"! I would be too. I am at my best when all of my kiddos are at my house.
T-Lynn, you had a busy weekend and lots of fun! What are you going to do this weekend? Whatever it is it will be fun, I'm sure.
I everyone is good and I hope you all have wonderful long weekend, and and a blessed time with your families.
Aug 29, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
Yippie three of you got on her with gossip. Thank you !!!!!
Blondie - when is home your home not full of hugs - kisses - good food and family! sounds like a wonderful time. Enjoy every minute. You have a Miss Jealous and I know have a Mr. Jealous. I know it will all work out. Just promise me - you will get some Me Time.
Cindy !!! OMG. Are your hands full of "Getting Ready..." . Getting Ready for a trip - then getting your personal stuff into storage - then selling your home - then finding a home - then 13 hours! All I can say - BREATH and enjoy every second of your trip. So looking forward to pictures. But mostly hearing how many times you collected hugs and kisses from your sailor and storing those memories in your heart. Have a fun trip.
Miss - as usual - it appears you are starting to copy Blondie. So now I have to figure out a new name for you. there is only one Energizer Bunny here, so I'm working on it. Fingers crossed the sell of the house goes smoothly and FAST ! Then there has to be a cook out to celebrate. You are a dear person to be so good to your mom. And can't wait to hear what cruise you will taking. Yes- do share the details of payback.
thank you - we had a great weekend. ANd even though hubby and I did so many different activities - and how sore my muscles I never knew I had -that day was stress free and fun. this weekend? Making that Native American Dance Shawl. I have all the materials I need and it has been waiting for me for 3 years. It is time to get it done. And then present it to the person at the end of September. Promise to share picture of it when finished. Just have to get the other ones up too. I am hoping my son can help me this weekend.
My sailor is doing fine. H was able to have leave and bring his family to his new station in Virginia. Naturally pulling in as that hurricane is visiting too. Hope that storms turns out to be lazy and leaves everyone alone. I can hope.
Well, that's about it here. Wish all a great Labor Day weekend. hugs
Aug 29, 2019
T-Lynn
Hey Kim - you out there?
Aug 29, 2019
BusyBee mom
Haven’t posted in a while, my so seems to be adjusting to life in Japan ok. He is still very homesick and missing everyone. He plans on trying to come hone in the spring but I have been encouraging him to stay and experience life there. Would love to visit but not sure I will as I would most likely be traveling alone so it’s still up in the air. Trying to keep busy and my mind focused on the positive as I miss him terribly. He is currently on base for so we can FaceTime fir now. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!
Aug 31, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
Busy Bee. Gentle hugs. Remember and know that feeling.
My sailor is back in the states now and sailor is not close to home. To make me feel better - I would send him small packages to him in Japan and now too. It would contain - newspaper articles, one time the entire newspaper! Favorite movie candy ( Dots) - pictures, a hat he left home, Coffee from a local company or even potato chips made only in your town, a large coffee mug and recipes for cake in a cup! I found now - they have those things ready made. Or make your own cake in cup recipe and send them in plastic jars, with instructions how to! Others here even sent home made cookies and placed them in Pringle Chip containers. It works! And one time - the pet turtle sent him a package and a letter. It will be a comfort to him and you.
Hope you like the idea. As I said several of us here have done that. And it made a difference. A piece of home arrive.
But I would not advice mailing a real pumpkin. NOT even a small one. And yes I did. Put it in a zip lock bag - put it in the box with all the other Halloween and Birthday items. ( His birthday is close to Halloween. Usually, the package would arrive in 7 days. NOT this time! Three months! So when he got that package and I warned him what was in it - he shared that the package looked like it had been a war. Holes - water damage - dented on one side. BUT - nothing was damaged inside. And the pumpkin - well - it was all liquid and seeds and a stem. But that zip lock bag held!!!! No my sailor did not take a picture. But he had two others mates who saw it.
So have some fun - create a piece of home package for him
hugs
Aug 31, 2019
Blondie
Miss, sounds promising, hope they take the house! Prayers going up. You're doing the best you can, that's all anyone can ask. I'm sure the days are long and drag on for your Mama but You still have to take care of You.
CindyN, ENJOY your trip, we had such a Blast when we went. Waiting to hear your opinion....and Yes, Pictures PLEASE
T-Lynn, how's the Dance Shawl coming? Son got settled ok?
BusyBee, Hugs to you and Prayers for him. T-Lynn is right, send little pieces of home, newspaper clippings, pictures... my daughter use to call and say tell me about home! she couldn't really talk about what she was doin so ....sometimes she'd fall asleep listening to my voice. but she made friends and got involved with the outreach program, helping the local hospital and schools....traveling seeing the sites....
I survived the Holiday weekend with all my Grandkids in the house, only missed my eldest son and DIL (They have no children and worked so other workers with children could have it off.) took pictures of 4 generations with Joseph and then us and grandkids, then kids with their kids...I took Advantage! Might be the only time they're all here at the same time. Lots going on as usual, Starting with Connor who will be turning 8 in 2 weeks! Where does the time go? He may be moving back in with us, which will be a JOY but a lot of responsibilities with school and sports.... Sailors and Tahlia will be leaving this weekend I'm gonna MISS them BUNCHES! Tahlia did not want me to come to work today, broke my heart to tell her I had to go and say good-bye. She finally waved both hands. As I was going down the sidewalk, she ran out onto the porch, threw me a kiss and said, "Love Nana" then she shook her little finger at me and said "come back soon" Awww, I melted, I blew her a kiss and said see ya at lunch time. Nephew told me 14 weekends till Chritmas!!! I answered 14 weekends till Virginia Beach! My husband laughed and said and the countdown has begun. It's gonna be hard not being with our "wholefamilies" for Christmas, first time Ever. but Daughter and Tahlia NEEDS us, don't want Sailor to be alone for another Holiday. Uggg life is Hard. Joseph is growing SO Fast, His Mama goes back to work this next Monday, so when I drop other 2 at airport I'm going there to stay the weekend. Hubby fears I'll stay for Monday but I KNOW in my heart he has to get use to babysitter so....I'm gonna try my best to smile and kiss them good-bye as late as possible Sunday night. :)
That's my life in a nut shell without writing a book. Hugs to all.
Sep 11, 2019
CindyN
Well I am back in the US, sitting in Atlanta waiting for a connecting flight. We had a great time. But after this long trek home from Sasebo, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed (for a few days before the movers take it to storage anyway). We spent 4 days in Tokyo, 2 Kyoto, 1 Osaka, 2 Hiroshima, 5 days in Sasebo (with a day trip to Nagasaki) and then one night in Fukuoka (due to an early morning flight). If we were to do it again, we would have spent less time in Tokyo and more in Kyoto. With 5 of us traveling around the country it required 3 hotel rooms and quite often 2 cabs. We quite often squeezed the 5 of us in a small booth for dinner. But that added to the charm of the trip. We loved traveling by train. Beautiful country and very nice, helpful people. It was great seeing our son and his girlfriend, who was visiting from NY. The highlight of the trip was being there for our son's promotion ceremony. Also love touring his ship and meeting shipmates. I will attempt to attach a couple of pictures. I haven't done that before so we will see how it goes!
Sep 14, 2019
Kim
Sep 15, 2019
Blondie
Cindy sounds like a Wonderful trip. Glad you got to do this, enjoyed yourselves and got home safely! Great pictures. How Wonderful that you got to be there for his Promotion!!! Congrats to him. :)
Kim, We went in 2010 (been awhile) We booked our own. bought train tickets on line before we left.(cheaper) take as long as you can and take your time, experience the Culture. We Loved everything! LOL There's a discussion above or maybe Cindy can help when she catches her breath or others who have been there recently.
Sep 18, 2019
CindyN
Kim - I agree. I am happy to have someone else plan my trips. When my son went to Vietnam while in college, we used a travel agent due to needing to use multiple airlines. There was still a mix up on the way home. It worked out, just added to his stress level when checking in in Hanoi and he thought he didn't have a flight from Korea to the US.
On our trip to Japan, we booked ourselves. Initially we booked our flights to/from Narita and Tokyo hotels. I ordered the Rail Passes before we left and a "Pocket Wifi" which we all used as our internet/wifi calling while in Japan. Just before we left, we then booked a flight from Fukuoka to Narita to get us to our flight home. Nothing else was booked until we got there. We have always book directly on airline and hotel websites but in Japan, for hotels at least, that isn't the easiest. My sailors girlfriend uses Expedia for all of her travel. She has an Expedia Rewards account (Free to get account, don't know how much it helped, if at all) She said she has always been able to find good places/prices using it. We were a bit nervous that we would end up in a bad hotel but we booked hotels (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) thru Expedia and found the hotels to be nice and just what we expected. The one in Fukuoka was more of an Airbnb. While that wasn't completely clear when booking, it was just fine. My husband and son's GF were the ones doing the searches so I can't tell you much about that but they were able to find quickly hotels in good areas within easy walking distance of a train station for really good prices (<$100/night). Granted that wasn't in Toyko! Searching and understanding hotel info was easy using the Expedia website. Looking directly at the hotel websites wasn't always easy so my husband just book thru Expedia and we got what we expected. I have never "booked as we go" when traveling overseas but it worked out, and worked well. Booking as we went allowed us to take the planning in small bites and gave us flexibility (since we were mainly using the train within Japan).
Let me know if you have questions. Good luck with your planning!
Sep 18, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
Blondie - your life in a nut shell. that nut shell must be the size of an Elephant! YOur life is always moving - loving and large! thanks for always sharing your joys. Eight years old!!!! Oh my , I remember sweet baby Conor. How exciting. He will do great with you. Glad you are going to Virgina Beach - Enjoy!
Cindy - what a wonderful trip you had. And congratulations on your sailor's promotion. So happy everything went well. Hope you will share more pictures.
YIPPE Kim - going ot Japan!!!! And November isn't that far away. Please share how you plan and some ideas where you are going. Will your grandson and dil be going too? So good to see you here.
Sorry this is choppy. I have pink eye. And computer screen is bothering my eye. didn't get it from my grand babies - got it from Cub Scouts!
OH Blondie, yes heard from sailor in Virginia Beach. His family is settled in.(new home - furniture arriving - new schools and their first hurricane) Even teh two dogs. Now sailor wants Autumn to get here. He wants to take his family - who have only known CA weather - to get to enjoy the colors, smells, FOODS, of Autumn. And naturally Halloween. these year he will have a BIG Jack-o-lantern.
so I wish all well. Need to get along - hugs
Sep 18, 2019
Blondie
T-Lynn, glad they are settled in. Yes the changing of the seasons are my favorite! Oh no Pink Eye! Liquid silver in eye twice a day heals it right up. Hope you're doing better I see that was a week ago.
Had to come to brag. Got Connor in soccer, can't stand couch potatoes! He's making new friends and having a blast. His first game, HE scored the first point!!! They won. Last night was his 2nd game and it ended in a tie. But they all had fun and really didn't care if they won or not. (the dads maybe cared LOL) So this is how I spend my Tue. and Thur. evenings and spare time. Yeah right spare time! I will miss Thur. game this week, I have a doctors appointment. But I told my Husband he has to learn like our kids did, the world does not revolve around him. His Mom, Dad, step-Dad and Other Grandparents need to step up! I now have his 2 half-brothers (his mom's) calling me Nana and vying for my attention. (kids flock to me) I told my Husband NO, I am not taking anymore in, I'm too old and have other interests. Retiring and grandkids! Enjoy the pictures, sorry I'm not the best with a camera, besides, I'm head cheerleader for the team. Coaches asked if I wanted to assist coaching, I told them no, my years are past. The kids just need encouragement!
Sep 25, 2019
Blondie
Sep 25, 2019
Blondie
Sep 25, 2019
Blondie
Sep 25, 2019
Blondie
Sep 25, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
The first thing I saw were the pictures - and I saw Conor. I recognized him !!!! Congrats to him - first one to score!!!!!
Right - you not helping out. Ok, you said it - now we all here will wait to see IF you keep your word to yourself and not do extra helping. I am not picking on you - just know your heart. As you said - Kids flock to You. Hey - I am in the same boat.
Pink eye is gone !!! It was rough though. and I still am watching my grand kids to make sure they do not get it.
sorry this is short - I have 725 pieces of dance shawl fringe to cut! Each are 26 inches long. Yes, as soon as it is all done - I will get pictures to share. the last one made was over 7 years ago. And I worried it would not get done - it kept changing ideas on how it wanted to be decorated. Even teh bag to carry it - changed three times!
so need to split and cut!
Hugs
Sep 27, 2019
Blondie
Soccer season is winding down (until indoor/winter soccer starts LOL). But I have to tell you a story. Connor before last Tue. game came up and said, I'll make you a deal if we win tonight I don't have to go to school tomorrow. (what?!) I don't know where he gets this stuff! So I said, if you loss you loss all your electronics for 3 days and all you can do is read or study. His reply, NO way! So all was forgotten, we ate supper and went to his game. They lost, after team meeting and collecting his snack and drink he comes walking across the field head down and slow baby steps, the closer he gets we realize he's crying! So Hubby says, it's only a game, did you have fun? did you learn anything? etc...??? he's bawling now, I asked what's wrong Con-man? and he sniffled, I don't want to loss my electronics! So we had to explain, we never made the deal, he wasn't losing anything well, except the game (we all laughed) That we were just trying to show him how ridiculous the idea was that he wouldn't have to go to school, 1 has nothing to do with the other. Well mommy.....stop right there we don't care , we have our rules ….sometimes adults break rules or make wrong decisions…. But Wow!
This weekend we're in Columbus area again, (Dublin/Hillard) haunted hayride and parade (working it, my SIL's parents are in charge). and then Sunday Baptism!!! So should be a little Fun and a lot of work. But I'm smiling!!
Joe left last Thur. was on continent late Sunday and in country Tue. A lot of Stress, Tears and Prayers. We're all trying to find our balance yet. I talk to daughter every day for about 3 hours. LOL Yesterday was reading books to Tahlia! I'd tell her what book to go get and when to turn the pages. She'd say Yep, or I did it all by myself, Nana you sit right here, etc... after daughter got supper on, and used the restroom she went in to check on Tahlia she had the phone propped up and speaker on so she could use both hands to hold the book and turn pages, Daughter cracked up laughing she said she was holding the book up to the phone she thought I was reading "Her" book, nope I have my own copies at home here. I wondered why she'd say see the bird or apples, count the apples.... This long distance relationship, I learn something new all the time!
T-Lynn how's the shawl coming?
Cindy, got any pictures to share yet?
Kim, how's the trip planning coming, So Excited for ya!
Oct 18, 2019
CindyN
Blondie - Just reading your posts wears me out! You sure have a busy but full life.
Kim - I hope you are all set for your trip and you have a wonderful time. It is beautiful.
Here are a few more pictures from Japan. The first with my sons was in Tokyo, then Kyoto (green pond), Hiroshima, a couple of Sasebo (on the left side of the panorama is the Navy base), Photo from a boat cruise around Kujukushima (Ninety-Nine Islands), and then Megane or Spectacles Bridge - the oldest bridge in Japan built in 1634 in Nagasaki.
Oct 19, 2019
Blondie
Great Pictures!!! I recognized all but the green pond, will have to show Hubby and see if he can jog my memory. Looks like a Happy Fun Family.
Weekend was indeed long and tiring. Even Joseph got cranky a couple of times. I'll try to load pictures this afternoon. They're on my phone so might take a bit for me to remember how. LOL I'm at work now, lots to do, Yesterday was a Disaster! Printer ran out of ink, I told her to get new one set up before this happened....But....There we were, So had our Preceptor do it, he'll have to set all his up by January! Took all day, of course we have 7 computers that use the printer but we have WIFI it should be easy...Ahh no! Then had to learn how to print envelopes of different sizes from it. Envelopes that had to go out. Uggg found out printer can only print on certain size envelopes and to custom it still can only go so little...Dr. M's letterhead paper is too heavy won't work at all.........At least Kyle knows to look at these things when he goes to buy his equipment. But try running a busy office with 3 practitioners working on a Monday with extra people behind the desk and always down 1 computer! We made it through and no one was hurt except for a bent back, broken nail and a couple paper cuts! I'm calling it a win!
Hope all is WELL with all of you and your Families. Have a Great day, HUGS
Oct 22, 2019
CindyN
Blondie - You should save your brain cycles. That green pond is a Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while. The castle is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The vivid green landscape was something we saw everywhere in southern Japan so I included it in my picture collection as it really could be many places!
Oct 22, 2019
T-Lynn
HI
I made some ME Time to get here and gossip.
Blondie - as always your life is a whirlwind of love and fun. My heart just felt for Conor too. So glad all worked out for him. Reading stories is a must of Grandmothers. And you do it over the phone!!!!
Cindy - thank you for sharing. Your trip looked like so much fun.. I know you must have collected tons of hugs to keep in your heart.
Kim - hows the trip plan coming? WE all here can't wait to see pictures.
Talking about pictures - as soon as I get another password for fb ( this will be the 6th time too) and I get my pictures off teh phone - I can get them here. the only thing I have to do is make ME Time and some help from the daughter in law.
I am hopeful for tomorrow after a trip to the Cave of Mounds in Wisconsin - I will get this done. Tomorrow is a family trip for trick or treating in a cave as you have a tour. With a few more fun Halloween activities.
Right its raining. So fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow. Need to get - Laundry Fairy is visiting.
Hugs
PS The shawl is beautiful and done!!!!!
Oct 26, 2019
Blondie
Thanks Cindy! I need all the brain cells I have left. LOL
good for you T-Lynn for making ME time!!! I need to follow your example. So hard when everyone claims they Need me. How was the trick or treating? In a Cave no less! Sounds exciting and Fun. Pictures of the shawl Please. Our weather is YUCKY also. Rain and cold, Windy.... No snow yet but they're telling us by the end of the Month. Yickes!!
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
Blondie
Oct 29, 2019
T-Lynn
Hi
Welcome aboard Arien's Mom. As we say here - Jump in the water !! That means share about you and your sailor. And get ready to ride an Emotional Roller Coaster Ride. But please remember one thing - we all here are on that ride too. And we hang on to each other.
The USS Pioneer was the ship my sailor was on while station at Sasebo that was about 7 or 8 months ago. It will take your sailor a bit to get use the life style but I promise that will change. And he will have fun and new friends/mates soon. To help - you can start sending packages with fun things from home. Pictures - snacks - games - etc. He will send you his address and you can get the boxes you need at the post office. Couple of questions : does he have his long johns, it can get cold. And does he have a civilian passport. If not - help him get it. It will come in handy at times.
Blondie - oh the pictures!!!! So sweet and she makes coffee for mom too. what an angel. Blessings for the baby too.
Pictures from me - still cannot get them off teh phone to here! I WILL!!!! i also had to change my password with fb again for the 100 time!
I have to work tomorrow, so I will attempt again with the pictures on Sunday
Until hold Blondie - I will get the pictures on.
Hugs all
Nov 15, 2019
T-Lynn
Take care
Nov 15, 2019
T-Lynn
Fingers crossed these pictures will post!
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
By the way - the kids won th costume contest!
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
Nov 22, 2019
T-Lynn
If you click on teh photo and make it larger - you can see the beads and shell work.
Hope you liked the pictures I am so glad I got them on
Have a great weekend all
hugs
Nov 22, 2019
Anti M
The cave trip looked like fun!
The shawl is fantastic. I can see you put so much love and care into it. Amazing.
Nov 23, 2019
Blondie
Love the pictures. The shawl is amazing!
Nov 27, 2019
Blondie
Nov 27, 2019