Through Tam's Eye

A Truly Amazing Event!

2012-01-22T21:28:00.006-05:00

This weekend, I had the pleasure not only of enjoying the Florida sunshine, but meeting up with others from the Parents of a Son or Daughter in the Military group that was founded on Facebook by Valerie Ostrom.

I found this group when my son first enlisted in the Army and although I haven't been as involved as I would like to be, Val does an outstanding job organizing events just like this.

There were 50 very special care packages prepared in memory of two fallen soldiers, SRA Jimmy Hansen (Air Force) and Sgt. Kim Agar (Army). People from all over the country came together to provide items and offer their support as our soldiers fight the good fight.

2009-12-31

2011-08-02T19:36:00.001-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

New Year

2009-12-30T08:11:00.004-05:00

To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours is wisdom. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

With the impending new year, it gives us time to pause and reflect on the last year of our life and ponder what the new year might hold. Do not live with regrets, regrets just eat away at your very soul and make you long for something that never was and never will be. There's a reason for that. We may not know what that reason is, but it doesn't matter, there is a greater plan and we just have to go with it. It's when we try to control what's going on in our sometimes out of control lives that things get bad and the stress levels go up. The only thing to do is ride the ride and enjoy the moments that you can.

Happy New Year!!!

Where a dog can be a dog

2009-11-16T23:06:00.007-05:00

I love my dogs, that's no secret. But the secret lies in the fact that sometimes I feel like a bad mom. Don't get me wrong, they are well fed, always in the house, they sleep on the couch (we've banished them from the bed) and they go places with us. We like to hike and we love to take the boys with us. They love to climb on the rocks and jump over fallen trees. But during the week, there's really no time to run. They won't stay in the yard and we can't just let them out for fear that they will get hit by a car and having been through that once, we can't deal with that ever again!

So yesterday we were trying to figure out where to go for our usual Sunday hike. I really wanted to take the boys someplace they could run. Off the leash!

We headed for "blue bridge" because the shale walls are so high and so steep, they're not going anywhere. There's water for Stetson since he's evidently part fish and just plenty of room for us to take them and let them exercise the freedom to run and play and be dogs!

As tired as they were when we headed for home, I think the trip was a success!

The Big Barn

2009-11-11T20:07:00.004-05:00

It doesn't have to be red. It can be any color really. But I especially like those big old barns. The prairie barns that have that big sweeping roof they call the Gambrel roof. I see them and I can only imagine the house that you could make out of that barn!

It would be glorious! Open from floor to ceiling with loft bedrooms and a stone fireplace reaching all the way to the top! Staircases on both sides with big arched windows and those big wood planks for flooring.

Yep! When someone asks if I was born in a barn I can just say, nope, but I'd like to live there.

Mr. (& Mrs.) Runion's Wild Ride

2009-11-10T20:13:00.011-05:00

We are the epitome of homebodies. Usually content to just come home and sit near each other for an evening of small talk, dinner, TV and computer time. Then off to bed.

Somewhere, I got it into my brain that we should do something. Not just one night, but two nights in a row...LATE NIGHTS. With work thrown in between. Now, we're not exactly old, but we do have our needs and one of them is sleep!

On the Friday before Halloween, we took Blaine and a few of his friends to see "Rocky Horror Picture Show." They had never been. He'd never even heard of it! Just the idea that I had done something that my kid had not was almost incomprehensible. These kids do everything, see everything, go everywhere. But I digress.

Thrown rice, flying toast and toilet paper and lots of guys in drag. What were my parents thinking? I could see it in his face. But they had fun! And they want to go back with more props and more friends!

On Halloween night, we visited Highball Halloween in the Short North Arts District in Columbus. We went unprepared. There were 15,000 people crammed into a few blocks, amazing costumes, but we didn't get to see it all! We waited by the stage for nearly two hours while they got ready for the costume contest. There were some very elaborate costumes! We stopped by Marcella's (great little Italian cafe' on High Street), picked up some salads and headed back to our hotel room. At 1:00 am!!! Yes, that's right. We ate dinner at 1:00 am! Of course we had a little wine with it!

Sunday morning, we packed up and headed for Hocking Hills to do some hiking. Did I mention that we took the dogs with us? And by the way, if you are traveling with your pets, this is the best website for finding those pet-friendly hotels!

OK, just to recap...Friday night Rocky Horror Picture Show and home around 2:15 am, worked Saturday morning (both of us) and up until 2 am on Saturday night, now on to do some hiking...Thank goodness for the time-change!

We visited Hocking Hills this past spring and absolutely fell in love with it. But from what we saw this time around, there is no bad time of year to visit this place. It is absolutely amazing!

Back to work on Monday! But wait! There's more!

On Wednesday night, we drove 2 hours away to see Daughtry and Theory of a Dead Man perform at the Cavelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio.

Needless to say, by this past weekend we were exhausted! Sunday afternoon was nap time and we took full advantage of it!

Hmmmm...let's see what we can get into this weekend!

1,000 Words

2009-10-30T18:06:00.004-04:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...but what if you take a black and white picture? Wouldn't it take the words to give you the full effect of the photo? I've been doing a lot of reading lately, spending a lot of time looking at photos done by the masters of photography. Take someone like Ansel Adams, for example. There was no digital. There was, at first, no color photography. He shot solely in black and white. Look at some of the other famous photos and photographers. Do you notice that they mostly shoot in black and white? I know that for many, it was due to the fact that it was their only medium. But does it add impact? I mean really, what's so great about black and white photography?

As an experiment, I decided to take a walk today and shoot solely in black and white. But maybe everything wasn't meant to be shot in black and white. I don't know the answer and I know that my photos certainly don't carry much impact, but the funny thing is, even when I look at the photos in black and white, my mind still sees the colors. I know the reds, the yellows, the blues, the greens. So maybe the color doesn't matter. Maybe that's what we get from black and white photography. It's the photographers way of handing us a page from the coloring book. We just don't have to stay in the lines.

Addy do! Addy do!

2009-10-21T23:13:00.013-04:00

Addy is about to turn two years old. I don't know where the time has gone.

Addy is really starting to develop her own personality! Her vocabulary is growing every day but she still isn't much bigger than a minute!

"Addy, I love you" I say to her. She responds "Addy love ma-ma," and she must also remind me that "Addy love papa." Like I ever doubted that!

The one phrase that she has developed very well is "Addy do!" As I'm sure you've figured out, any time she wants to do something herself, she lets you know by saying "Addy do!" Well, the last time she stayed with us, she felt she could brush her teeth by herself! So, I let "Addy do!"

She always gives me a reason to laugh and this last time she was over was no exception.

When we get to the bottom of the peanut butter jar, we always give the jar to the dogs. They are able to lick the bottom and sides of the jar and get any remnants that John may have left behind. I thought to myself, what better time to give them the jar than when Addy is here? I figured that way they'll leave her alone. Good idea!

A little while after I had given the boys the peanut butter jar, I was in the kitchen and heard Addy making a sound like she was licking the peanut butter out of the jar. I thought she was just making the noise, copying the dogs. Well imagine my surprise when she walked around the corner with the peanut butter jar in her hand! And yep, she really was licking the jar. GROSS!!! But it was pretty funny! I guess she figured if it was good enough for the boys, it was good enough for her, or maybe she just wanted to see what they were enjoying so much. Either way, she survived. A little dog slobber never hurt anybody, right? HA!

Every day I spend with her is a day full of discovery. A day full of laughter. A day filled with love. Her tiny hugs and sweet little kisses. And her favorite question..."papa?"

I can't wait to see her again!

On the way home

2009-10-07T19:39:00.005-04:00

I guess that I am one of the fortunate ones. Even though I have a small commute to and from work, I don't have to drive in traffic jams and I'm not choked by the exhaust fumes being belched out by buses and automobiles. I get to drive through the country. Farms, fields and forests. Animals, corn and barns.

Today, I put my camera in the car with me when I left for work. Daylight is starting to leave us so much earlier these days. I hoped to be able to get some photos that were painted by the last light of day, what they call the "golden hour." "Typically, lighting is softer and warmer in hue, and shadows are longer. When the Sun is near the horizon, sunlight travels through more of the atmosphere, reducing its intensity, so that more of the illumination comes from the sky. More blue light is scattered, so that light from the Sun appears more reddish. And the Sun's small angle with the horizon produces longer shadows." Taken from Wikipedia

My definition: God puts his handiwork on display with the sun setting low in the sky, touching the fields and the trees and adding that perfect light.

I really am fortunate to get to experience this, I just need to remember to slow down and take it in every one in a while.

Falling Fast

2009-09-30T11:47:00.002-04:00

Last week I was driving through the usual farm country on my way to and from work, noticing how yellow the soybean fields had turned and thinking to myself that I should probably take some pictures of this beautiful yellow field against the green of the surrounding trees and the blue of the sky...Little did I know that my delay in doing so has led to fields filled with drying foliage and the green trees are turning to the shades of fall; the bright yellow, orange and shades in between.

This means that fall is here. It's not just headed this way, it's full-on here. I guess if I hadn't been so busy I would have noticed that we are now in the last day of September. Tomorrow is October 1st. Granted, I've been thinking about Halloween and thinking about pulling out my decorations and John has been bouncing around the house like a school kid with the start of hunting season. All of these indicators of the season upon us. But I was too busy to notice.

Soon, those fields will be bare. Picked clean of the corn and beans that have painted the fields as I fly by from work to home and back. I do love fall with the weather beginning to cool, the orange pumpkins, the changing leaves, farmers busy in their fields. Yet, once again, I'm not ready. I didn't get done the things I needed to get done when the air was warm and the leaves were green. Once again, I'm behind the 8-ball, playing catch-up.

But for now, I will enjoy the colors of the season and try to get caught up...just in time for Winter!

Sunflowers and Sunsets

2009-08-11T21:07:00.001-04:00

I can't seem to think of two things that could be more opposite than sunflowers and sunsets.

With sunflowers, you get that big smiling "Hey, look at me" kind of thing. Their bright yellow faces standing tall in the summer sun, beckoning you to look at them and daring you to do so without breaking into a smile. You feel almost giddy as you approach the edge of the field, looking out at all those smiling faces and realizing that you are standing there with a smile as broad as any you've seen in a long time. You're suddenly energized and you can see yourself running through the field, arms outstretched as if you are a child again!

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the sunset. A thing of beauty warning of the end of this day but bringing to mind the possibilities of what tomorrow will hold. You look upon the sunset with awe as you realize the colors that God has painted across the sky. It almost takes your breath away but yet you are left with a sense of peace. Calm, quiet and reflective, you think back on the things that happened today. I hope that you had a good day.

Remember to thank God for the sunflowers and the sunsets!

Hiking - On Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:11:00.000-04:00

Sunday, we continued our hiking adventures by visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Yep, right here in Ohio, we have a national park. Although, when I picture national parks, Yosemite and Yellowstone come to mind and his was somewhat mild in comparison.

Evidently, and according to a sign near the Overlook, they saved this land back in the 60's and made it a national park because someone was going to dam the river and turn it into a lake.

The park was beautiful, but paled in comparison to our visit to Hocking Hills last week. This was more like a leisurely stroll through the woods than hiking. Again, we set off early with camera in hand and were surprised to find so many people "hiking" in flip-flops...but we found that most all of the trails were very mild. There were some steep places, but of the 3 trails we visited, only one of them was what we would call adventuresome.

We have been reading about different hiking trails here in Ohio and found that if you chose to go beyond Blue Hen falls that you would be rewarded with another water fall. We did and we were. It was a lot of fun just getting there, but of course, my husband likes to live on the edge, quite literally! There is a group of shots that he took while he was perched on a rock at the top of the waterfall, looking over and then again as he crouched near the bottom of the waterfall, he took a shot up the waterfall! Not me, I have enough trouble on dry land!

I was also amazed at the number of people who had brought with them their children, most of whom appeared to have just been released from the zoo or maybe captured in the wild after having been raised by wolves. Obviously it was the first of those two because, had they been raised in the wild, they might actually have more respect for it. Climbing all over everything, throwing rocks, screaming and hollering. All while their parents couldn't put down the cell phone long enough to ask them to stop! Don't we visit places like this to get some peace and quiet?

It was a beautiful Mother's Day. The dogs were able to get worn out again and I enjoyed another day in my husband's company. Next weekend, we won't be going hiking, it's my Coppy's 85th birthday party on Sunday and Blaine has prom on Saturday, but we'll do some reading (www.naturalbornhikers.com) and pick a place for the following weekend!!!

Our New Addiction...

2009-05-04T08:08:00.000-04:00

OK, so yesterday morning, I wake up at 5:30 - and yes, it was on my own. By 7:15, we had packed the dogs and our gear and were headed to Hocking Hills for a day of hiking and photography. It was sprinkling a little, but we didn't let that stop us. Besides, there were only about 6 cars in the parking area of the entrance to the trails.

We started with the trail leading to Old Man's Cave which takes you immediately by the first of many waterfalls along the way. This place is beautiful. Old Man's Cave sits back under the most unbelievable outcropping. The photo I took makes the people look like minatures! The trail is one they label as "strenuous." I walk a lot, however, parts of this trail kicked my butt but it is so worth the effort! Oh, and remember I said we had the dogs with us...including Mr. Scaredy Dog (a.k.a. Laredo) who is afraid of his own shadow and as it turns out, stairs. Especially open stairs that lead straight up out of the gorge, approximately 80 feet straight up. And yes, poor John carried him! On the other hand, Stetson is trying his hand at being a mountain goat! There were several stops during the day that had me wondering what I would do if he fell (or leaped) over the edge.

They have done such an amazing job trying to camouflage the bridges and walkways so that they blend right into the surroundings. The a-frame bridge over the gorge was a little scary, though, as each time you took a step the boards gave way a litle and parts of the railing and overhead are rotted out. We didn't linger there!

We hiked about 4 hours taking in the scenic beauty and quiet of our surroundings. After a couple of hours, the sun started to come out and everything took on a new look, but still breathtaking. We hiked out of the gorge, took time for a picnic lunch and proceeded down the road to a place called Rock House. We didn't know what it was and had no clue what we were about to stumble into.

We proceeded down another steep hill, around the corner and into the most amazing thing, cave, tunnel that you have ever seen. It sat about 150 high off the forrest floor and was at least as long as a football field. There were several openings in the rocks where you could peer out over the sheer drop-off. Local lore has it that Rock House was a hide-out for criminals and there are many inscriptions in the rocks, some with dates in the 1800's.

We planned to stop at Cantwell Cliffs next. And we did stop, but I was just too exhausted for another hike. We'll save that for another day.

So we've decided...weather and schedule permitting, we're going to pick someplace new each week and hike it. There are so many places close to home that we haven't explored and why not do it while we still can! I wish we'd done this when our kids were younger. I just hope that they will continue to love nature the way we do and we plan to pass that love onto our grandchild too.

Enjoy what God has given us and treat it with respect.

To My Friends...old friends, new friends, friends I haven' yet met

2009-04-27T18:55:00.000-04:00

I believe they call it the "Butterfly Effect." Where a small change like a butterfly flapping it's wings in one part of the world sets off a tidal wave half way around the globe.

I think that's how our lives work. Maybe not on a scale that grand, but one event always effects something bigger, something God already had in mind.

I've been doing a lot of feeling sorry for myself since I lost my job, but things could be SO much worse.

Things get put into perspective when you find out what other people are going through. The ailing health of a child. The end of a marriage. A foreclosure on your home. My "problems" pale in comparison. But maybe I was meant to lose my job so that I could spend more time being there for my friends. Or maybe it was so I could make new friends that needed something or someone in their life at that very moment.

I have always believed that God puts people into our lives for a reason. It never ceases to amaze me that you can meet someone on-line and become fast friends, even though you've never met face-to-face. How when you spend a little time chatting with someone you find out how many things that you have in common.

I don't know what God has planned for me, but I'm happy to go along for the ride. Learning along the way, taking time to "smell the flowers." And I'm always happy to be there for my friends...my old friends, my new friends and the friends I haven't yet met.

Altered Images

2009-04-22T21:49:00.001-04:00

I've tried something new. Taking my photos and playing around with the effects of my photo editing software. My daughter doesn't like them, she said "it's not your picture anymore mom!"

I think I really like them. We'll see what kind of response I get with these...

Changes

2009-04-21T12:11:00.000-04:00

Oh boy is she growing up. She has changed so much just over the last few weeks. I've never seen a child shine so bright. Her smile is contagious, her laughter is soft and sweet. She loves her books! I think we've read "Where the Wild Things Are" at least 15 times in the last two days! She loves to see her reflection in the big mirror, she squeals with delight when the dogs lick her hands or face. She listens so well, but I really see her mom in her when she puts on that pouty face. You know the one I mean? That "but grandma, you're being unreasonable" face!

She loves "Bob." You don't know Bob? I thought everybody knew Bob!

And she's started mocking us. Maybe not mocking us, but copying our actions. She thinks you're not paying attention, you scratch our head - she scratches her head. I scratch my nose - she scratches her nose. When she sees you looking, she stops! Very funny!

She's busy, but occupies herself. She plays so well, but loves to sit in your lap and read a story. I'll take these moments as long as I possibly can! I know they won't last forever, but I'll take what I can get!!!

Job interviews and the scenic route!

2009-04-20T11:34:00.001-04:00

...if you're interested, be here at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. Welcome words to someone looking for a job. However, when those words come from a place that is 2 hours away, 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning is NOT up there with my favorites! But I did it, correction, we did it! My sweet husband dragged himself out of bed with me at 5:00 a.m. and drove me to this, and I use this term loosely, "interview." 90 minutes later, my head spinning and still not having a real grasp of what this company wanted from me or was offering, we left.

We took the scenic route home. How else would we travel? We don't get out that much and a trip through downtown Cleveland on a beautiful, sunny spring morning was just the thing!!!

The architecture is amazing! There must be hundreds of old churches in Cleveland, all with this eloquent structure, huge spires, stone walls and stained glass. I could fill an entire day taking photos of these works of art!! It's really hard to get a good image of something like that with the modern conveniences of wiring, street lights, billboards, etc., etc.

We did stop near Case Western Reserve and take a few shots, we went into University Circle, which is fabulous! On our way out of town, we went through The Flats and decided to take Route 6 along Lake Erie's shores. We passed through one quaint little town after another, stopping in Lorain and Vermillion for some more photos.

It took longer to get home, but it was the same number of miles. We were exhausted by the time we got back, but it was a truly wonderful way to waste the better part of a day!

In search of more eagles...

2009-04-19T22:12:00.001-04:00

We got so excited about the eagle that we saw on Thursday, that John got on line, did a little research and found a couple of places where eagles are supposed to be found. I say supposed to be found, because try as we might, the only thing that even resembled the presence of an eagle was a very large nest in a very tall tree a very long way away from where we were! But we got to take in some pretty scenery anyway!

I got up close to the little barn swallows that swoop around our yard on any given summer evening. I never knew they were such a brilliant shade of blue! I got close to a heron, both a white one and a gray one. I saw a beaver, that was new. And walked my behind off!!! (Oh if only it were that easy!)

We visited Old Woman Creek Nature Preserve and Sheldon Marsh, both in Huron, Ohio. Another trip close to home, with remarkable results.

I even took a picture of a snake! My telephoto lens gets me closer to any snake than I care to ever be! During our walk at Old Woman Creek, we came across some old farm equipment left to rust, neat picture of what looks like an iron dragon!

I guess that just goes to show you, you never know what you're going to find.

A true day off

2009-04-17T10:58:00.000-04:00

John's been on layoff for almost 12 weeks now and I've been unemployed for just over a week. Thursday we decided to take advantage of the absolutely gorgeous day and visit a local wildlife area.

We had no plan, no agenda, just took a stroll along the Huron River, taking in the beautiful sky and the beautiful things around us. I even got my first glimpse of a bald eagle in flight. I've seen them in the zoo, but never like this. I wasn't really sure what it was at first, then I saw the flip of that white tail and I knew! Too late, he was already gone!

We found an oddly round rock that I find hard to believe was weathered as perfectly round as it was and some disturbing decapitated dolls, but all-in-all, it was a beautiful stroll.

It's nice to know we have such wonders so close to home. Sometimes we just have to take the time to look for them.

My first trip to the tattoo parlor

2009-04-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

Well, actually, it wasn't my first trip. My first trip was the day I stopped in to pay for my husband's tattoo. It was his Christmas present in 2007! No, I'm not just really slow at getting things posted, it did actually take him over a year to use it! He kept talking about it, but he never actually made the appointment. Blaine decided that he wanted a tattoo and he also thought that would be a good birthday present, so here we are. He and John decided on a date and the rest, they say, is history!

Since the smoking laws went into effect, it's been a long time since I've hung out anywhere that I come home reeking of smoke. Enter the tattoo place. I guess when you're in business for yourself, you can do whatever you want. One chair, one guy - who has been a tattoo artist for 30 years, even before 12 year olds started getting tattoos - one smokey joint.

We walked in with a picture and 2 1/2 hours later, my husband walked out with a tattoo. Of our dog. Not his wife, not a child, his dog! It isn't that we didn't love this dog, but he always talked about it and after we lost that dog, it was a given that it would be the image he wears forever on his left shoulder.

He didn't wince. I sat and watched, took pictures and was amazed. The black ink was first, no big deal. But when he started the white ink...I'm not all that into blood! That's all I'm going to say!

AWESOME TATTOO!!!

We took a break for lunch and then went back a couple hours later for Blaine's tattoo. Something a little more subtle, a cross with a banner and his last name. Neat design, the kids getting ready to leave for the Army. He's been working out like a machine. Now he bears this cross forever on his right shoulder.

I think John's pain tolerance was just a little more than Blaine's. He was a little more "animated" for lack of a better word.

His didn't take as long, but it was beautiful, none-the-less.

No tattoos for mom though. I'm a self-proclaimed wienie! No blood! No pain! No tattoo!

But my guys sure look cool with their new ink!

Thanks Easter Bunny!

2009-04-13T20:31:00.000-04:00

I could not wait for the arrival of little Addy on Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, her mom had to work and then had another engagement to attend before they could come over. Mandy called on her way over and I sent grandpa outside to hide the eggs. He put them in places that would be easy enough to find, but far enough apart to make the whole hunt last for more than 2 minutes.

The sheer joy on her face when she found that first egg...it was worth a million! We "helped" her find the first and the second, and then she was off. We had a momentary standoff to keep her from chucking eggs into the pond, but she overcame the urge and pressed on. We just gave her a push in the right direction.

That child never broke a single egg, she didn't dump them, she just carried her little basket around until we were done.

We had a little dinner and she modeled her new dress.

She's an amazing ray of sunshine the moment she walks into the room. Her smile just captivates you, she flashes that little smile and then takes your hand. Oh, if I could just keep her this little and away from the world...

First Day in the Garden

2009-04-10T08:14:00.000-04:00

I love living in Ohio, but by the time Spring rolls around, I'm ready for the snow to be gone! I'm always so anxious to get out into the garden and last year, we got bit a little by frost because we put some plants into the ground too early.

I don't see us putting any tomatoes or anything else in until after the May 15 date, but we did get the opportunity to work up the ground and plant a few things that can go in REALLY early!

I got in my garlic (first time for this). Hope that works out well. We got the red onions planted along with some spinach, a sweet and a spicy mesculin and assorted leaf lettuce. It reminds me of being a kid when my Mummum would send me to the garden with a bowl and a pair of scissors and tell me to bring back a salad. You'd cut some lettuce, pull a green onion or two and a couple of radishes. She'd clean it all and make a delicious salad!

Addy may be a bit too small for that now, but grandma will get in some practice before she's ready! I did fix her up with a small set of garden tools just for her. We'll see if we can't find a small patch and plant a little something, maybe a giant sunflower!

We were entertained by a very large toad who seemed to be very content with us in his garden.

We uncovered the strawberries and are seeing blossoms...here's hoping for a good haul of berries!!!

The rhubarb is coming along nicely and the blackberry bushes are showing the first signs of green leaves.

Enjoy the gifts that God has given us.

The Many Moods of Addy

2009-02-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe how quickly a child's mood can change. One second, she's somber and cool. The next, laughing so hard she can hardly catch her breath! I just want to remember what it's like to laugh like that. It's been a long time...

Real, Live Christmas Tree

2009-02-03T22:54:00.000-05:00

This year, I got to get a real tree! Not one of those go to the lot and pick one that's been on a truck, wrapped in plastic, shipped a thousand miles real trees, we went to the tree farm, picked our tree, cut it down and dragged it home.

I wanted a white pine, not those sharp little short needles, but the long flowing needles that are so soft and smell so good!!! Yes, my wonderful husband walked up and down the hills until his wife found just the right tree. Then he climbed under the tree on the snow-covered ground and cut that tree down for me.

It was perfect. I really mean it, it was perfect! No holes, no broken branches, no flat side, this thing was perfectly designed, so symmetrical and absolutely gorgeous!

Decorating the thing was quite a task, those pretty long needles aren't great for hanging heavy ornaments, but when it was finished, it was spectacular!

Little Princess

2009-02-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

There it was, all pink and frilly, just beckoning me to pick it up. Outstretched wings, sparkling with glitter and hanging ribbons all curled into a lovely pink confection. What little girl wouldn't want that? Then I saw the tutu. Again, pink and frilly with tiny little Tinkerbells hanging from each tip. Throw in the wand! Let's make it a set.

Perfect adornment for our little Princess.

Through the Snow Drifts

2009-01-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

Today we took a detour on our way home from the grocery store. I've been dying to get out and take some pictures of this white stuff that has become such a large part of our every day lives...

We took a nice, drifted back road and found some rather untouched fields of snow. I know, we're all really sick of looking at it, but I did find some pretty handsome horses standing out in the cold.

Oh, and the photo that appears to be a simple swirl of snow, there's a game to it...it's called Find the Snow Plow. Oh, he's there, you just wouldn't believe it!

Here's to warmer days!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-01-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

The weather has been such a bear lately that I haven't been out taking many new photographs so I'm having to resort to a few that I've taken in the recent past, but just haven't shared.

Next to Christmas, the holiday I love best is Halloween. I don't know why. I love it more as an adult than I did when I was a kid. I spend a good amount of time planning my costume and decorating everything in spider webs, black candles, sculls, pumpkins...you get the picture. So you can only imagine how excited I was when I found out my first grandchild was due right around Halloween. My daughter threatened to force that child to stay in if she went into labor on Halloween but I was still keeping my fingers crossed.

Well, we both got our wish, sort of. Addy was born October 25. Her mom was happy it wasn't on Halloween, but it was close enough for grandma. My mind immediately went to the spectacular costume birthday parties we could throw, but since her mom is in charge, she just wasn't going to go for it. I'll bet you, though, when she's older, the two of us can gang up on her mom and get a really great Halloween/Birthday/Costume blow-out!!!

This year we settled for a neighborhood Halloween party and we got to see her trick-or-treat for the first time!

I'm sure the party is still a few years off, but I've got lots of time to plan....

Zoolights!

2009-01-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

As I was sitting here trying to find a topic for today, I started flipping through some of my pictures...Oh, I forgot about that!

I guess that's why we take photos, to remind us of those things that our mind forgets. There was a reason that you took that photo, something beautiful, something different, something you didn't want to forget.

Anyone who knows me knows what a Christmas freak I am! I love the whole idea of Christmas but I especially love the lights and sounds. I drive my family nuts with the Christmas music but you need it to completely set the mood.

I love my tree. I love the presents under the tree. I love watching my family's faces as they open their gifts. But mostly, I just love the atmosphere that Christmas brings.

Another thing that I love is the zoo. Now, who would ever put together the zoo and Christmas?! But they do!

Well, thanks to a few photos, I won't forget the Columbus Zoo all decked out for Christmas. Lights set to music around the little lake, ice skating, the carousel. There weren't many animals, but the whole thing was just magical.

Ready for Spring

2009-01-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today the ground is frozen, covered with snow and ice and the forecast for tomorrow is more of the same....4"-6" of snow I believe is what they said. I'm longing to look out of the french doors in the my kitchen and see that lovely green blanket interspersed with blooms in red and pink and purple.

I'm ready to smell the honeysuckle and lilacs wafting through the windows and watch the lavender bloom. I want to dig in the dirt and fill pots with flowers that will spill over the sides giving us color and fragrance for months.

I want to hear the water cascade down the waterfall and watch my friend the frog dive into the little pond as I walk by on my way to the garden to gather tomatoes or strawberries or peppers.

I was so excited to see the Burpee seed catalog arrive. It means that this scene is not all that far away. I want one of everything!

One of the advantages of working at a place like Lowes is that you know when the seasons are changing just by what's arriving on the trucks. Grills have started coming, outdoor furniture can't be far behind but I'm really looking forward to seeing those first shipments of plants!!!

For now, I'll play along. Shovel the snow, build a snowman and dream of Spring.

Mom, I'm joining the Army.

2009-01-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

Wow! Never thought I'd hear one of my kids tell me that. What do you do? You bite your lip, fake a smile and tell them how proud you are while your stomach is churning and you just want to scream, NO! You know it's something to be proud of but you just can't imagine the thought of your little boy, because that's what he is, dressed in that uniform holding a gun putting his life on the line to protect our country.

Then you kind of chuckle. It's a nervous chuckle...wait a minute...my kid wants to protect this country? This is the same kid that leaves his underwear on the bathroom floor. The wet towel on the bed. The same kid that can't manage to get the candy wrapper, banana peel or dinner plate from his room to the kitchen and we're going to be counting on him to protect our country?! Oh yeah, the kid that has a come-back for everything, the kid that can quote a movie line at just the right moment from something he saw five years ago! Maybe I should stop feeling sorry for myself and start worrying about the Army!

This isn't what has my child gotten himself into, this is what has the Army gotten itself into!

But then, that mom thing takes over and you just want to cry. He's never been away from home for that long! But he says he's not worried about it. He says "I wasn't even nervous." Is that supposed to make me feel better? Then he tries to make me laugh. "Just think mom, 5 years of free haircuts." You laugh, then it hits you...did he just say FIVE YEARS?! He tells you don't worry, he'll write. Remember trying to get him to do thank you notes?! Yeah, he'll write. He may not, but I will.

Some days are good, some days aren't...He's still that little boy with the flat-top haircut and muscle man pose. Maybe that haircut was a glimpse at things to come. He's going to graduate and leave me. I'm selfish. I don't want him to go...

Addy's First Birthday

2009-01-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

My how things have changed. When my kids were little, we had grandma and grandpa over for dinner and some cake and ice cream. They opened a few gifts and that was that. Addy's first birthday was October 25 and it was more like a gala event. Grand parents, great grandparents, great-great grandparents, uncles, cousins, aunts, friends...I was impressed.

The party had a ducky theme. Mandy found napkins and she did all those little party things with balloons and streamers, she even made a ducky cake after we found the cutest Wilton cake pan! There were ducky favors and of course food! At least my daughter learned something while catering with her momma all those years.

Addy was at the top of her cute game! Dressed in her little pink dress and white tights, she was a doll. She even sported a button that said "1st Birthday."

Where did this tradition of the "smash" cake come from? I mean, sure, we gave them their cake with their one candle and took lots of pictures of them blowing out the candle and hoping they would take a hand to the cake, but an entire cake to just cover themselves in frosting?! But not my granddaughter. No, she's much more of a lady than that and she wouldn't have anything to do with that whole cake smashing thing. Not until mommy cut her a slice, then she wore it!!!

After a quick bath, it was on to the presents.

Now once again, this child is not one of those rip into the gifts, grab another kind of kids. She likes to take her time. She wants to see what she got, play with it. But we'd have been there for three days if we'd done it at her speed, so her mommy helped things along.

It's so hard to believe that she's already a year old....

Niagara Falls

2009-01-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

John and I got to take a little trip the end of October last year. Niagara Falls is a nice drive from here. Not that 15 hours in the car that we usually do. We got to drive through some beautiful country and I was amazed to see the number of vineyards between here and Niagara.

We stayed in downtown Niagara Falls, just a few blocks from the falls. We had a lovely room at the Courtyard complete with jacuzzi and even a fireplace (thanks to an upgrade)! Everything was within walking distance.

Weather reports said temperatures in the 40's however, they were way off! We took clothing for 40 degree weather but were met with snow and ice the first night there!!! For that, we were not prepared.

We layered on the clothes and took a walk. A longgggggggggg walk. If you go, don't get caught up in all the touristy things, follow the paths beyond the falls. The Niagara River is beautiful with all

the rolling water crashing over rocks and churning into froth all before it crashes over the falls.

Take a drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake. We stopped by a number of wineries and tasted some wine, purchased some wine and toured Peller Estates. What a beautiful winery! It was all a lot of fun. You MUST try the Ice Wine. Small quantities, but a sample is a definite must.

We also tried out the Hard Rock Cafe ( with their $15 hamburgers); ate the best French Onion Soup I've ever had in my life and we ate AWESOME pizza baked in a brick oven. Guilt free after all the walking we did!

Another must see if the lighting of the falls. It's just beautiful. And don't forget to check out the duty free shops! Great bargains on perfume!!!

Ice on the Coldest Day of the Year!

2009-01-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to visit the Mohican Winterfest for quite some time, however, I didn't really plan to visit on the coldest day I can remember!!! Air temperature was about 12 with wind chills in the single digits. Great for ice, bad for visitors.

In preparation, we outfitted ourselves to the hilt with layer upon layer of clothing. A couple pair of socks (wool of course), thermals, under armor, turtle necks, sweatshirts, scarves, hats, gloves, coats, coveralls...conjures up images of Ralphie's little brother in the movie A Christmas Story doesn't it?

On top of all this, I had my camera. I just don't leave home without my camera.

It's hard to capture ice with snow in the background but hopefully you'll like what I found.

The Olympics...

2008-08-15T07:45:00.001-04:00

Glittery texts by bigoo.ws

No photos to post today...I haven't had time to take any for the last few days, I have been glued to my television set for these Olympics.

I cannot imagine being the parent of one of these kids. I know how it feels when you're watching your own children and they're doing well at their events, you feel like your heart is going to explode with pride and you know that their hard work and natural talents have all come together. But these Olympic athletes are just amazing to me!!!

Go Team USA! America loves you!

Happy Birthday Mummum!

2008-08-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

My wonderful grandmother is 85 years old! Take a look at this woman...can you believe it?! She doesn't look a day over 65!!! After all she's been through this year, she looks amazing. You see, a few months ago, my grandmother had a tumor the size of a tennis ball removed from her brain. She spent three (yes, that's right, three) days in the hospital and came home to recuperate. She's been talking up a storm ever since!

This family loves an opportunity to get together and eat (eat homemade ice cream). My son-in-law had never had homemade ice cream before yesterday...now he's hooked too! The boys boiled some fresh corn and my husband grilled. The guys all took a turn at cranking the ice cream, but only Coppy could make the call as to whether it was ready to serve or not. He's had the most experience with this you see. He loved telling us the story of how his family and their neighbors used to make ice cream every night.

We laughed about things that happened when we were kids and Mummum shared a few stories that made us laugh, some of them made us laugh at ourselves.

I'm so glad she's here!

Happy birthday Mummum!!! We love you!

If I'd know how much fun grandchildren were, I'd have had them first...

2008-08-07T23:39:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...so cliche but I just can't help myself. I haven't posted any photos of her for a while and I thought it was due time. I can't believe how much this child has grown. My daughter called tonight to tell me that she's crawling! She's got a mouth full of teeth and she's copying everything you do!

She's still the happiest baby I have ever seen. She smiles all the time and now her thing is to wave. She waves to everybody, and I do mean everybody! We were at the fairgrounds dropping off entries and all these people kept waving at us. Well, I thought it was us, but it was her! This baby was waving at everybody as they walked by.

Nothing really matched the scream she let out in the grocery store the other day though. I think the windows in the frozen foods section rattled!

A Boy and His Horses

2008-08-06T08:47:00.001-04:00

With gas prices through the roof, there haven't been a lot of trips to horse shows this year. But when he goes, he sure does make it count! I can't believe that this is the same child whose feet used to be held in the stirrups with a rubber band. John teases him that he's going to have to start riding a clydesdale or his feet are going to be dragging the ground.

When awards time came around, he cleaned up with two saddles, a new set of stirrups and a couple of tote bags! Way to go Colt!!!

The Fair

2008-08-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

I always wanted to go to the fair when I was a kid but my parents were never really crazy about it. It usually rained or was the hottest week of the year. Now that I'm an "adult" we go every year.

Colt is so involved in the fair and his mom picks up the slack of that. I just get to follow everybody around with my camera and take pictures. The bummer is, you know when the fair comes around that you're looking at the end of summer. The kids go back to school in a few weeks and you know that soon enough, those 80 degree days will give way to 60's, 40's and...I don't even want to think about it. But you know what?

I still love the fair!

Speaking of Fast Cars...

2008-08-04T07:47:00.000-04:00

We've actually been to the drag races three (me twice) times this year! Of course, being the wonderful wife that I am, I got my husband two tickets to "Pinks All Out" for our anniversary and he chose to take me. Isn't he sweet?! Two days of great racing, but when they're racing to film a TV program...something gets lost in translation. All that chit chat and banter is just down on the track, we couldn't hear any of it!

Then, we worked (and I'll use that term loosely for myself) at the NHRA Nationals. I drove a golf cart around for about 8 hours and my hubby got to get all dressed up in a tux for four days! Did I tell you it was about 80 each of those four days! However, his consolation prize was meeting Ashley Force and getting her, and her father's, autograph. That's a real treat for a guy like him. I think he would have been even happier had he gotten the autograph of Mr. Force's mechanic. I'd never heard of the guy, but he was very impressed with this man.

Hubby got to work the "Night Under Fire" race too! Guess what...more John and Ashley Force and more autographs. He's living the dream this year!!! Colt worked with him and both of the boys donned tuxes for this event. I was doing a little babysitting so I can't take credit for all these photos, but wanted to share them, just the same

Good Guys Car Show - Columbus, Ohio

2008-08-03T10:05:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure where my appreciation of old cars came from. Maybe it was my grandfather's old Bel Air that I first learned to drive. Maybe it was the muscle cars with the rumbling engines and sleek lines. I've always liked fast cars and a lot of these cars look fast when they're just sitting still. I'm glad that this is something my husband and I can enjoy together. I pick out the "pretty ones" and he can tell me about the engines. I love looking at the lines and fenders and grills and chrome...not like the aerodynamic pods that they're producing these days. I like the cars from the days of .25 gas! The cars with substance and style.

I've also got a new fascination with the rat rods. The guys that build these cars have some real imagination. They're like rolling pieces of art. Yes, there are some beautifully restored automobiles out there, but these are real pieces of work. I'm still trying to talk John into building one of these!

But my favorite...my favorite is by far the 1959 Cadillac convertible -- complete with bullet lights and fins. The biggest car I have ever seen in my life. I think this car just exudes class and status and fun. You could pile 8 of your friends in this car and still have room for a cooler!

The old mustangs are nice too (the new ones aren't bad either). My husband can spot a rusted out mustang buried to the windows in a cornfield while driving down the highway at 65 mph! Just one more reason to love him!

Maybe one of these days...a girl can dream, can't she?

Long time coming...

2008-08-02T21:53:00.001-04:00

March, April, May...August - I guess time has kind of gotten away from me! We spent so much time getting ready for Mandy's wedding that we've kind of taken time recovering from Mandy's wedding!

Thank you to all who visit! I'll try to get better about getting things on here!

Winter

2008-03-10T18:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around much lately! Things have been so busy around here. But I did have time to take some photos of the beautiful winter weather that God has bestowed upon our part of the state! It sure is pretty, but it's a bear to drive in this stuff!!!

Looking forward to Spring and all it has to offer!

Meet Laredo!

2008-02-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

Meet Laredo...the newest addition to our four legged children. Any dog lovers out there might want to check out Dogster

It's a fun way to share photos and stories of your pets.

It's Over That Fast

2008-01-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas was like a train wreck around here this year. I normally have my tree and decorations up at least a month before Christmas. This year, it was about a week. It took me three days to get the tree decorated and I just wasn't interested! Normally, there is a tree in every room of the house, each with it's own theme to match the room's decor. We decorate outside, we hang Christmas pictures, etc., etc. This year, it was all I could do to get the gifts done! The last few years, John and I have taken off for an entire day - left the house about 7:30 in the morning for a marathon shopping day - leaving with the agreement that we would stop part way through the day for an adult beverage, and we usually end up home around 10:30 that night, 99% of the shopping done and having enjoyed a day of each other's company.

Oh, no! Not this year. John got a new job with his company. I love the fact that he's doing something he wants to do, but for the first time in 10 years, he's working 3rd shift. This wouldn't be so bad if his wife had any type of normal schedule, but I work retail...morning, noon and nights! The baby was sick and in the hospital for nearly a week. We lost our dog about a month ago. And there was just no way to get my head around this holiday! The worst part, I had lost my shopping partner (part of me thinks he did this on purpose!!!) I did have to laugh, however. I did the marathon shopping spree the Tuesday before Christmas (by myself, with no adult beverage and no special dinner). I wrapped everything. I made candy this year (no cookies - broken oven; pretty pathetic when you sell appliances for a living if you ask me). And the Saturday before Christmas, my husband takes the boys shopping for mom. The only person they have to buy for. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PHONE CALLS THOSE BOYS MADE TO MOM BEFORE THEY GOT BACK?!?

Oh well, it's done and over. We got to spend the day with our families. Christmas at my mom's was pretty special this year. We have 5 generations of women in this family! My beautiful grandmother who is 84, my mother who is still beautiful at 61, myself, my daughter and my 2-month old granddaughter. Not everyone can say that and this was something truly special.

I am so lucky to come from a family of good, strong women with good genes! Enjoy this new year and all the craziness it will bring. It's these days of insanity that will create the most memories. Remember to tell your family members that you love them! It's the only thing that will last when everything else is gone.

Now, it's time to put all this crap away! Hopefully I'll have it done by June!

The Tree

2008-01-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

I live in a rural area, my 23 mile commute to work consists of passing a number of Mennonite farms as well as various other planting fields. Right now, I miss those perfectly lined rows of corn and the fields of beans. You see, during the winter when all that remains are the remnants of corn stalks and plowed fields, the snow tends to blow and drift where those empty fields are.

Empty fields...not all the fields are empty. I mean, there are no crops left right now and in their own way, each season of the field is beautiful. Some of you may think I'm weird, but I love smelling the freshly plowed earth in the spring. That smell brings so many things to look forward to! And in the summer, perfectly planted rows of corn that's "knee high by the 4th of July!" I have no idea who started that saying, but it's something that we all know around here. Watching those corn stalks turn brown lets you know that fall is on it's way and soon enough, the combines are in the fields along with the grain wagons and trucks to haul it all away. Then the animals come. I think that they're there all along, but now they are visible to us and we've left them a bounty to feed on to help get them through the winter. So I guess the fields are never really empty.

Which brings me to another thought....did you ever notice how many times you drive by a field and see that one lone tree standing there. Did you ever wonder why it's there? I mean, you have this huge field covering who knows how many acres, sometimes with trees all around and there is just one tree standing smack in the middle of the field. Seems it would be easier to take it out than to plow and plant around it. My mind always goes in odd directions...we can't seem to get enough trees planted on our property and people just keep cutting them down. But here these trees stand. They're not always big trees, some of them are, but not always. Is someone buried there? OK, weird thought I know, but you have to wonder. What else is there? Guess I need to quit stopping by the side of the road to take pictures and just hike on out there to find out why the tree is there. Guess it wouldn't hurt to ask...

Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas is Coming...

2007-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

And I'm not anywhere near being ready. The baby has been sick, my husband started a new job on a new shift and I'm stuck in the middle! All the kids will be home this weekend and I'm not even finished shopping. The tree is not decorated. The gifts that I do have are not wrapped. Oh well, it's the time together, not how your house looks. At least from the outside we appear to have it all together!

SNOW!

2007-12-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

Finally, we have some snow. I don't really like driving in this stuff, but it sure makes this barren winter world look so pretty wearing it's glistening white blanket. You really cannot capture the beauty of the snow, the way it sparkles in the sunlight. The only drawback to that beautiful light is that you know it's going to be cold. The clearer the day, the colder the weather!

Enjoy every moment of this beautiful gift.

Today

2007-11-29T18:54:00.000-05:00

Today is a new day. I don't think I've cried today. I think John has gotten through the day a little better. He's been on vacation and he and Stetson have been doing a little male bonding. The sky has been so beautiful both day and night these past few days. Maybe its a little reminder from God to appreciate what you still have here on earth.

Bye Bye Big Dog

2007-11-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

Pets have come and gone in my life, but none like this one. Hopefully, anyone who has had a dog has been lucky enough to have one like Wrangler. From the very first time I saw this dog, he had me wrapped around his paw. This tiny little black and white dog who didn't whimper, wiggle or squirm. We took him home when he was just 5 weeks old. He was up every hour all night long and my husband was quick to remind me that I was the one that wanted him, so I had to get up with him!

My husband named him Wrangler. He said because he just wrangled his way into our hearts. And that he did. He was so protective, so loyal and no dog behaved better. Yes, he ate a few shoes, but he was quick to learn that this was a big NO!

He would play ball until he couldn't run any more. He would lay down with me and keep me warm. He would always climb into my husband's spot on the bed when he got up to go to work. Nasty breath and all, he had sweet doggie kisses for you, never lapping your face, just softly licking your chin. You couldn't touch his feet! For that, he would bite you. But you could turn him on his head and he wouldn't think anything of it.

When he was about 2, we got a dog from the pound for my dad but he wasn't ready for a dog. We took her home and named her Wrigley. Wrangler was so upset with us that he refused to look at us. She grew on him and they became good friends. Wrigley was just too much for us and we were lucky enough to know someone who had a place for her. She is such a wonderful little dog in her new home.

A year and a half ago, we brought Stetson into our lives. He was a cute, energetic pup who immediately let Wrangler know he wasn't afraid of him! Wrangler would tolerate him for a while and then remind him who was here first. He never hurt him, just put him in his place. Stetson remains...

Last night, someone hit our wonderful Wrangler with their car and he is lost to us forever. We buried him in the back yard but are still reeling from it all. We've been through so much with him. Almost losing him twice, we couldn't imagine our family without him. If you ever need them, the vets at OSU vet hospital are the best and everybody loved him. He really did wrangle his way into your heart.

I hope that no one feels this pain. If you do, you may find some solace in this great bit of information .

I believe that Wrangler is in heaven, waiting for us and I'm sure that God is enjoying his company. I just thank God that he let us borrow him for a while. I would never have known what I was missing without him but I'm sure glad I got to find out.

I love you Big Dog...

New Camera/New Road

2007-11-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

We decided to take a new road. We knew where it came out, but didn't know what was there. Found some great photo ops (you're probably all getting sick of this gushing grandma anyway). Didn't know you could raise longhorn cattle in Ohio!

Today is my day off and I'm getting ready for a visit from Miss Addy. Can't wait! More photos to follow (ha!)

A day with my granddaughter

2007-11-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

I was having baby withdrawl! I hadn't seen her for almost a week and I just couldn't stand it. So my daughter and granddaughter decided to spend the day with me! We of course had a photo session. She just gets cuter every day! Of course, we're starting her off on the right foot - giving her direction in rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes. (Grandma and Grandpa are spying the cutest little OSU Cheerleader uniform). Maybe one day we can send her to OSU!

Time to Visit

2007-11-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a while....been busy with that new grand baby! (and what a GRAND baby she is).

Thanksgiving is coming and we'll soon be traveling to enjoy the holiday with my husband's family. What a great bunch of people. His cousin will be there from South Carolina with her husband and two sons, his aunt and uncle, other cousins and their families and my father-in-law. I really love these people. They're my family too.

But you know, they live in the middle of nowhere. Once you get to the top of the mountain, it's all downhill from there. LOL

They live in a remote part of West Virginia that is just beautiful. They're all wonderful cooks too! We'll visit and eat, the guys will work the cattle (yes, there are a bunch of them) and we'll try to get a year of gossip and chit-chat into about three days. The kids will ride four wheelers and dirt bikes, they'll hike up the hill and talk about everything they've done. We'll compare notes on children (and husbands) and laugh and laugh and laugh.

We'll try to leave, but we'll remember something we forgot to tell. We'll have to run back into the house for "just a minute." By the time we leave, it will be late, my husband will tell me his stories and I'll tell him mine all the way home and we'll look forward to doing it again next year.

It's really too bad that we don't make more time for this trip, it's a beauty!

My girl

2007-10-27T22:07:00.001-04:00

Bear with me because I just can't stop taking photos of this beautiful child. I can't believe how they get hold of your heart. I don't want to be a "baby hog," a term that my wonderful husband came up with, but I want to be with her every second I can! Day two brought some smiles, stretches and yawns. Everything she does is just amazing! I guess when you have your own children you miss some of those things because you're just trying to cope with the overwhelming situation at hand and sleep is about the only thing on your mind.

She really hates those cold wipes! Her mommy couldn't wait to get her home so she could use her wipey warmer!

She finally figured out the thumb sucking thing. This baby definitely loves to eat! And she's like her mommy, she doesn't want to wait!

She's coming over tomorrow and I can't wait! I can't believe how much I miss her today!

The moment we've all been waiting for...

2007-10-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

The arrival of Miss Adrianna Marie! Our first grandchild. Wow! I thought having your own children was an amazing thing, but to watch your own child, your daughter, give birth to your first granddaughter, I can't even put it into words. We got to see her first bath, her first bottle and her first breath. Just about more than I could take. She is pretty amazing (my daughter...and our granddaughter!). See for yourself.

Beautiful Fall

2007-10-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

Seems that we live in one of the most beautiful places to experience fall. I lived in Florida for a while many years ago, but it just wasn't the same. The changing of the seasons just didn't happen there. Here we get to have the changing colors of the leaves and nowhere could you see a tapestry of color like this. Of course, I think this is all Gods way of preparing us for the barren winter ahead but even that white snow against the bluest sky can be a beautiful site. We all wait for the spring to see everything turning green again, the buds on the trees, the first signs of flowers poking their way out of the ground still dotted with snow and then the grand finale, summer hits us with full force when those flowers bloom non-top giving us that ever changing display of color. Maybe it's not all that colorful, maybe its just because of the blank canvas we've been living with for the last few months made us long for anything of hue...I've learned to embrace the seasons in Ohio. I've left and returned and while I was gone, I missed it. I'm glad I live here.

John

2007-10-23T09:24:00.001-04:00

Eat your hearts out ladies! One of the last good guys is right here!

What can I say about my husband. I don't think that there is anything he can't do.

He can make anything from wood or steel, he can fix anything and he makes me happy. Anyone who knows me knows that he should be nominated for a nobel peace price for that little feat!

He's a good dad and an all around good guy. He would help anyone in need and not think twice.

Yeah, yeah...I go on, but for all those people who say nice guys don't exist, I must have gotten the very last one.

I love you honey!

Washington DC

2007-10-22T11:35:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the part in National Lampoon's "European Vacation" when they're at the Louvre? Hurrying through the art work to stay on scheduled. Our trip to DC a couple of years ago felt like that. We had never been there before and we wanted to see everything! HA! Two days is no where near long enough! We got through one museum, 5 minutes in the air & space museum and most of the monuments, etc. Photos cannot begin to describe what you feel when you watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. What you feel as you walk by the list of names on the Vietnam Wall or the somber reflections on the Wall in memory of the Korean War veterans.

If you've never been...it will take your breath away. You will leave with a sense of country like you've never felt before. We really need to go back!

Some words of advice:

*Don't enter an underground parking garage with a pack on top of your SUV

*Write down the names of all of those monuments and statues that you take photos of, you really won't remember what they were

*Take some Kleenex and take your children.

*When they say it's time to leave, it's time to leave. Trust me, if you don't, they'll gently remind you that these places become US Military Installations after closing time!

Oh, and my daughter says...Lincoln is a LOT bigger than he looks on the penny!

Horses

2007-10-17T15:36:00.000-04:00

Horses are such profoundly beautiful animals. I've loved them all my life so it's fun to live vicariously through Colton and enjoy the things he gets to do. I can't be there for everything but go when I can. To see how he's changed over the years, how much better rider he is now, is just amazing. His friends are a lot of fun to watch too. They've made great strides with their horses as well. The next time they're in town, check out your local horse show/barrel race or county fair. These kids work so hard and get so little recognition..

The Zoo

2007-10-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

I just love the zoo. Ever since I was a kid, it was one of my favorite places. I hope that I've passed that love on to my kids. The animals are so beautiful and at a really good zoo, and we're fortunate to have some of the best in the country, the animals just roam like they're free. With a minimum of cages, you feel like you're in there with them! These are shots taken at the Jackson, MS zoo this summer. Take the time to visit your zoo...

Kids' Sports

2007-10-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

We all think it...kids' sports are a pain. Three kids, practice, games, meets, matches. This one on that side of town, that one on this side of town. But what a blast! I'm sure I'm not the only parent out there who just loves watching their kids play sports! We're pretty much down to one who does anything anymore, but it was great while it lasted! Take time to enjoy every minute of the craziness!

Homecoming (Again!)

2007-10-07T07:46:00.000-04:00

When I was going to high school, I thought the days of homecoming and prom were long gone. Little did I know that by the time my kids are all through school, we will have done 12 more homecoming dances and at least 6 proms! It's really funny though, the first 4 homecoming dances were for my daughter, you know...hair, nails, dresses, shoes, etc., etc. The last two have been all about the boys. Shirt, pants, deodorant - see ya! But they sure get more and more handsome as the years go by and I am so glad we haven't missed a thing!

My Favorite Place

2007-10-05T20:37:00.001-04:00

The Outer Banks of North Carolina. So beautiful, so peaceful. This is the one place I would leave home for but my kids would never let me. Guess I'll just have to take them with me. The beaches are beautiful and I love the lighthouses. We've tried parasailing, dolphin watches and lighthouse hopping. I don't, however, recommend a picnic on the beach when the wind is kicking up...too much sand in your sandwich!

Clouds

2007-10-04T23:03:00.000-04:00

I guess some people think I'm weird. I take my lunch hour and sit in the parking lot and snap shots of the clouds. But you know, sometimes they really do look like bunnies!

Cabbage Truck

2007-10-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

Isn't it funny how we react to something without thought. As I was driving down the road, trying to take a photo of this cabbage truck in front of me, I zoomed in on the truck - slamming on the brakes because I was "too close" to the truck. In reality, my mind saw what I was seeing through the lens of my camera and I hit the breaks, thinking I was getting too close to the truck. Will probably think twice before taking photos from behind the wheel of my moving car! But you have to admit, that's some pretty funny stuff!

Sunday Drive

2007-09-30T20:34:00.001-04:00

Today we took a Sunday drive. Don't really do things like that anymore, especially when gas is $2.85 a gallon, but we did today. Sometimes its good to have no destination and no clock to punch.

Blaine

2007-09-25T19:59:00.000-04:00

My son...not much else I can say about him...you will never meet a funnier kid, with a quicker whit who is so sweet underneath it all. Love you buddy.

My Back Yard

2007-09-25T13:02:00.001-04:00

My husband and I have spent the last two years working diligently to turn our backyard into the haven that we have always wanted. It's still a work in progress, but considering that there was no landscaping at all when we started, we've come a long way in two summers!

Baby Shower!!!

2007-09-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about the impending birth of my first grandchild (yes, it's a girl!). I had been preparing my yard all summer for my daughter's baby shower...well, we had a shower alright. Rained all day! Had to move things inside, but it was great anyway!

Not Enough Time in Nashville

2007-09-19T12:35:00.000-04:00

During a recent trip to Jackson, Mississippi, my husband and I decided to take a detour through Nashville. Let me tell you, 2-3 hours in this city is just not enough. From the amazing Bicentennial Park to Music Row, there are more opportunities for great photos and so much to see...We will definitely be making a trip to Nashville without distraction!

You've Never Played with a Cardboard Box?!

2007-09-17T21:42:00.000-04:00

Tyson came to see me...He'd never played with a cardboard box before. It's a real treat to see what they come up with when they have to use their imagination!

The County Fair

2007-09-16T23:02:00.001-04:00

The fair is such a great opportunity to capture some really great new photos...

Dogs...

2007-09-14T23:10:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love dogs?! Some of my favorite people are dogs...Here are just a few

STETSON (Border Collie/German Shepherd)

Daisy (Some of this, little of that...)

Katie (Fox Terrier/Jack Russell)

Jake (all Bloodhound)

Scooby (some of this mixed with a little of that)

Wrangler (German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd)

Bird's Eye View

2007-09-14T09:24:00.001-04:00

This is another one of those shots where you just walk by something and think...hmmm...wonder what that would look like.

My Daughter's Eyes

2007-09-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

My daughter has the most beautiful eyes. Since the day she was born, her eyes always gave her away. Some days, they're like storm clouds, others they're like a crystal clear, deep blue lake. Whatever the mood, they're always beautiful. I decided to take a shot of her eyes, but the camea just didn't see what I wanted. A little editing did the trick...

County Fair

2007-09-13T20:04:00.001-04:00

I entered some of my photos into the county fair just to see how I stood up to the competition. Got a second place with this photo. I'll work at it some more and see what I can get next year! (Good thing he's such a handsome kid!)

Fire!

2007-09-13T17:21:00.001-04:00

There's something amazing about photographing fire, the way it changes and moves...

Cedar Point

2007-09-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I've never taken my camera to Cedar Point. The shapes and colors you find are amazing. The look you can capture on people's faces...Glad I took it along.