You Learn to Love it...Football

Happy 36th Anniversary to my Husband Gary! Yes, our Anniversary is on Monday, September 27th. One of my FaceBook Friends, Lauren Anderson offered up a suggestion for this blog...Husbands, Wives, and Football. This ones for you Lauren! First, I will have to give all of you a little background information about my relationship with football. My husband Gary and I met at a High School dance after a home football game. He then asked me to be his date for the Homecoming Dance coming up. Back then, they held the Homecoming Parade on Friday afternoon, before the Homecoming Game that night. He was to ride on a float with the Football Team and we had planned to meet back at the High School afterwards, where I had to catch my bus ride home. I didn't see him on the float, but there were a ton of boys on it, so I didn't think much of it, at the time. When he stood me up at the school later, I was more than a little mad. Just who does he think he is, standing me up? That night I was at the Homecoming Game sitting on the bleachers, when a schoolmate asked me who I was going to the Homecoming Dance with. Now, this was a big deal for me, because I, a lowly Froshman had been asked by an Upperclassman. I turned to her and replied, "Gary McCullough". Suddenly, behind me came a voice that said, "oh, no your not". I looked at this girl, who looked to be a couple of years younger, perhaps a Junior High student, and said, "Just who are you, and how do you know I'm not going to Homecoming?" She got a smile on her face and told me, "I am his sister, Tammy and he's in the hospital". You could have knocked me over with a feather. What a little snippet! And, so began my love/hate relationship with Football. Later, I found out that he had received a blow in football practice that had bruised his kidney. So, no Homecoming Dance for me. That next day I was feeling pretty sorry for myself when I got the bright idea of getting dolled up in my Homecoming Dress and making a visit to see him at the hospital, that evening. I will never forget the look of surprise and delight on his face when I walked into that hospital room. His Mother was there and I was introduced to my future Mother-in-Law, Janece McCullough, who promptly left the room to let us talk. We had a very nice time and it was actually the first time that we had spent much time together. We both were painfully shy. I was fourteen and he was sixteen. I decided right then and there that he was worthy of a second chance from me. Four years later, we were married on a Friday night, yes, it was the evening of the Homecoming game. Five years later, we had our son Frank on a Friday, and his Dad had a football game to broadcast that evening too. We were living in Hoopeston at the time, where Gary was working at the local Radio Station.
Lauren asked me to talk about being a "Football Widow". I will have to admit, when I was much younger, I felt that way, sometimes. As I have gotten older, not so much, anymore. I always loved the "Football atmosphere" of home games. When our kids were younger, our home was the "go to" house, you know, the house where all the kids "go to", after school. I always had a "big pot" of something cooking in the kitchen to feed the hungry hoards. I miss those days, but am looking forward to the Grandkids doing the same, someday.
Now, as for "The Bears" and Sunday football games.... I have always regarded those days as "sacred" and I don't bug the men. I never have understood wives that give their husbands "honey do" lists and actually expect them to get the jobs done. Give your husbands a break Wives. Unless you have a toilet overflowing or a busted water pipe flooding your home, leave them alone. On Sundays the guys head out to the Gazebo where they enjoy the peace and quiet. At half-time they usually head out to Subway or for a beer run. I usually have the game on in the house while I am cooking, doing laundry, or cleaning. Yes, I can watch the game and do other things at the same time. I am after all, a woman, a multi-tasker. Men are not multi-taskers and unless you want something really messed up, leave them alone. They are not capable of watching the big game and watching a small child. Especially if you want that said child to be alive in a few hours. That is a simple fact. Life is Football..it is the end all and the be all. The sooner you realize this, the better off you will be. Now, this Monday night is the big game, yes, it is "The Bears" and the packers. (You noticed I did not capitalize their name, it is a dirty word in our house.) I will not expect any sort of "Anniversary" special event. I have learned my place in thirty six years and it is not in front of the television. So, Happy Anniversary to me. I just hope "The Bears" win or it will be a sad day on Tuesday..
Now, in honor of our Wedding Anniversary, I would like to make a special announcement..we are going to be Grandparents again in March. Daughter Ashley and her husband Jimmy are going to be giving us another Grandchild. Jack Andrew will be a big brother. And, I can assure you that this child, along with the rest will NEVER and I mean NEVER be seen in any packer clothing. Someone made that comment to my husband a few years back and I recall him muttering something to the tune of..."when hell freezes over." Go Bears!

Especially in August when the days are warm then the world seems turned to gold. Sunshine can transform green stalks of corn to yellow, grass is gold

brocade. The elm trees leafy branches grow tired of making shade....Helen Virden.
August is almost over and school will start here next week. The Gibson City Swimming Pool will be closing up for the season. Parents were busy registering their children for school last week. Now the hunt for new school clothing, shoes, and supplies will be on the agenda from here on until the big day. High School Football practice has begun and I hear the familiar whistles blowing in the early morning and late afternoon. The slow, lazy days of summer are slowly drawing to an end. From the posts from Friends on Facebook and in conversations here and there with people, I have heard the same thing over and over. Pretty much everyone is tired of the heat, humidity, and lack of rainfall this summer has brought us. I would have to agree with them. I would have to give this summer a three or four out of a possible ten. I really don't like seeing the yards and flowers all dried up and crispy. I have been looking at the fields when traveling here and there and it looks to me like it is going to be an early harvest this year, nothing like last years late harvest. I have heard some conflicting reports about what the yield is going to actually bring, depending where your farm is located. Here in Gibson City, we have been passed over many times by Mother Nature in the form of rain. Right now I am only looking forward to September and October for some cooler weather and some much needed rainfall.
This summer weather has been a tough one for the Radio Station too. Our studios were hit by lightening in June and our tower and transmitter were hit sometime in early August. Mother Nature has not been kind to us this summer. We have been experiencing a reduction in our power now for several weeks and it finally was determined that we took a hard hit out at the tower. We have spent the better part of the summer trying to get everything repaired. It has been frustrating for us and for you, the listeners. We have heard from listeners all over the USA who have been wondering what's going on with their favorite Radio Station. We are also trying to do everything possible to keep our studios and transmitter from taking future hits, but it's probably not going to be a guarantee. Mother Nature loves those high towers, they just beg to be hit. We appreciate all of the e-mails, phone calls that let us know that you are indeed listening and want your station back up to one hundred percent. I want to assure you that we are working hard to make that happen.
Our Family managed to take a couple of day trips this summer. One was to Indiana Beach for the day with Ashley, Jimmy, and Jack. We had a great time with Jack and the weather cooperated. It was a nice, cool day when we were there. Jack is still talking about it. We also ventured to Peoria for a Chiefs game. That was a little warmer evening, but we still enjoyed it. That is it for us this summer. It has been a busy one indeed and it has been hard for us to find time to get away.
Grandchildren Demi and Jack will soon be having one of their "firsts". That is, they will both be going to their first babysitter next week and I have to admit, it's making Grandma just a bit nervous. Mom Casey will start teaching soon and we all got together and thought it would be a good idea if Jack and Demi went together to the Sitters. Everyone needs a bit of a break from the schedules we have been trying to keep the last few months with the little ones. It's sort of like the first day of Kindergarten, First Grade, Junior High, High School. I call them "the firsts". It seems like yesterday that I was going through that with my children. You find yourself watching the clock all day, wondering what your children are doing and if they are getting along alright. Finally, they arrive home and with excitement, tell you about their day. Then you realize and breathe a huge sigh of relief, "yes, they are going to be o.k.". I am sure there will be more than a few parents going through this next week. Just breathe everyone and relax, your little ones will be fine. I keep telling myself that, but come next Tuesday I will be watching the clock till I pick them both up at noon.
Speaking of Sports will start again this Saturday and next Friday will be the first Falcon Football Game. WGCY has already began to broadcast "Da Bears" pre-season games. We are gearing up for the start of another School year, so now someone needs to tell Mother Nature to take it easy on us and give us some much needed cooler weather and to keep her lightening strikes to herself.

Summer is winding down

July is half over and the County Fairs are done. I have started seeing "Back to School" ads on television and in the stores. This summer has been filled with lots of warm, hot, humid, sunny days. The kids should have had their fill of the swimming pool by now. This is just about the time of summer that they start getting bored with all of the summer activities. Little League is done, Youth Football will start soon. The High School Football Field will start being a busy place with lots of activity, soon. We live a hop, skip, and a jump from the High School weight room, football, softball, and track fields. It's been busy over there all summer with the kids at the weight room and the area citizens using the track. I head over there around 5:15 am and it is a steady stream of people using the track. That all-weather track is wonderful to walk or jog on, so much easier on your joints, and I have old joints that don't care for concrete streets or sidewalks, anymore. I have noticed that the spiders are really busy out in my backyard spinning their webs all over the place. That is something that usually happens in late August and in early September. Do they know something that I don't? I am assuming that means an early fall with cooler weather coming soon. It seems we have been about a month ahead on just about everything this year. April felt like May, May like June, July like August. If it follows suit, then August should be cooler. I am not wishing for cold weather, just cooler temperatures, so I can turn off the air conditioning. I am tired of having the house closed up and equally tired of giving all of my money to the Electric Company. I am not complaining mind you, I would not give up my air conditioning for all the tea in China. I am getting bored with my summer attire. Capri pants and t-shirts just don't excite me much. One of Son Frank's good friends is getting married in mid August and I had to go shopping to purchase a much needed dress for the occasion. If you remember my previous blog on shopping you know just how much I detest shopping. I went with my daughter, Ashley and she provided a much needed opinion about what did and didn't look good on me. She also picked out a couple of choices for me, which went right back to the rack. I finally found something that looks appropriate for someone my age, but is going to need a little help with the neckline. It is going to have to have some attention to close it up a bit. I am not "into" showing all of my "parts". I am very conservative with my clothing. I figure if I don't want to look at that, then others don't want to either! Trying to find clothing that covers these days is quite an adventure. Its either cut too low, or the hemline is too short, or looks like it should have been put on my Great Grandmother! Something in between dressing like a teenager or an elderly person would be nice! Now, if my kids are reading this right now, I just know what they are saying to themselves, "But, you are old, Mom!" Ok you two, just cut it out. I am "older", but not "old". Big difference! Frank and Casey are both in this wedding and it will be held in Springfield. We are working out the babysitting schedule for Demi. We will have her on Friday night and Granny Hornstein will be keeping her on Saturday night. I have had her a couple of times all night. She is so cute, but if you plan on getting much sleep while keeping her, forget it! At least during the nighttime hours. During the day and evening, she sleeps like crazy, then around the time you are ready for bed, little Demi comes alive! I call her "the vampire baby". Or, that she is practicing for her teenage years, already! She doesn't scream, she just doesn't sleep, much. She loves to sleep laying on me, much better than in her bed, that's for sure. We call her Demi the Diva! When Jack is over too, and I am holding Demi he says, "Grandma, done." Meaning, "Put her down, Grandma, cause I want to sit in your lap, and not with her up there too!" He only tried to sit on top of her once and threw a blanket over her head another time. Needless to say, Jack is not left in a room, unsupervised with his little cousin. I am pretty sure he would like to send her back where she came from! And, he really gets mad when his Mother is holding her. Just watch out then! I had them both all night a couple of weeks ago. That was an interesting night to say the least. I put Jack to bed and slept downstairs with Demi and tried to keep her quiet as to not disturb her cousin sleeping. It didn't take me long to figure out the sofa isn't the best place to sleep. When we finally did get to sleep, around 3:30am to 6:00 am, one of my husbands friends "phoned" the house and woke both of us, with some silly question about something, or other. I told him if he ever phoned my home that early on a Sunday morning again, he might just disappear like a certain mafia figure, that has yet to be discovered. Don't mess with a tired Grandma that early in the morning when she has only had three hours of sleep. Needless to say, it took me four days to catch up from that night. How did I do it when my kids were newborns? I sure don't remember being up that much, but as I have said before, a person's memory seems to "block out" all of that! I just know that I fared much better at missing sleep when I was younger, a lot younger in fact. Age does matter!
On a sad note, for those of you who don't know, our family was hit with a blow on July 5th. My husband's Sister, Tammy lost her dear husband, Mark Craig. Mark was a really great guy who knew everyone and had a big smile on his face all of the time. I used to ask my Sister-in-Law, Tammy, "Does he get up that way in the morning?" She told me that he was like that every day of his life. Mark ran the Sunoco Station here in Gibson City for many years and helped a lot of people out with their vehicles. He was a great mechanic. I know he worked on keeping our old heaps running for many years. He was especially a "big hit" with the elderly women here in town. He would go to their homes and pick up their vehicles, bring them back to his shop, fix them or service them and take them back home. That kind of dedication and service is really hard to find these days. Mark was the happiest person I ever knew. I never remember him saying a bad word about anyone and he had more friends than any person I ever knew. He lived his life the way he wanted. He loved to Golf and spend time with his family and friends. The town of Gibson City will miss him and so will our family. Mark had one daughter, Stacy Johnson of Paxton, her husband Chad, and grandchildren Hunter and Valeree. The world will be a much quieter place without Mark, he had a laugh you could hear a mile away and he laughed a lot and loud. We all could take a lesson from Mark. Enjoy life, do what you enjoy, have lots of friends, work hard, and just laugh loud and long.

Welcome to the world thats shiny and new. Welcome to a lifetime of dreams come true. Welcome to the joy of living each day. Love is all around you and

here to stay. So goes the song we play here on WGCY Radio Station, by the late Nicolette Larson. It was a CD that she recorded for her then, newborn daughter. I thought it appropriate to start my blog with it. It is one of my favorite songs on this CD and always brings a tear to my eye, every time I hear it. There is another cut off the CD that is titled, "On the Day you were Born". That one really gets me, it talks about a new mother kissing her newborn child for the first time and welcoming her to the world. It goes something like this, "The moment I saw you, I wanted to hold you. The moment I saw you, I wanted to kiss you. To welcome you here on the day you were born". I dare any mother, no matter how old you are, to listen to that song and not cry as you remember the day your child or children were born. We play that here on the Radio Station, too. I actually have two copies of this CD floating around somewhere. I purposely did not put those songs on my Ipod, as I don't want people to see a grown woman, walking and crying. They would send me to the loony bin for sure. On that note, talking about newborns, I'm thinking you may be able to guess where this blog is headed. Yes, We have a new addition to our family. Little Demi Elaine McCullough made her entrance into this world on June 1, 2010 at 10:44am. Of course, she had to wait until Monday evening of Memorial Day to get us all up to the hospital, and then promptly made us wait until the next morning to make her arrival. Son Frank, new Daddy, stood there at the door with his new baby girl, proudly showing her off, while a couple of us stood there blubbering like babies ourselves. She was looking right at us, then at her dad, and of course, crying and letting us know in no uncertain terms that she liked it much better where she had been. Gary and I were so excited to be Grandparents again, while Casey's Mother is a first-timer. Demi weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz and was 20 inches long, with a head full of dark hair and a perfect little head, nose, eyes,and mouth. She is truly a beautiful baby. And, I am not exaggerating one bit here. I have seen a lot of babies in my time, some really cute, some not so. And, for a newborn, her color was perfect. Yes, she is just perfect in every single way. And, I will let you know right now that she is being a perfect newborn at home too. Yes, she is sleeping a lot. Of course her favorite time to sleep is all day, and when the sun goes down, Demi Elaine is ready to par-tay (that is a word the younger set use now for party. I thought it appropriate to use it here, because, you don't get any younger than dear little Demi.} Her parents are exhausted, as you can well imagine and things have changed in their house quite a bit. At least when they are up at three a.m now, it is with their daughter and not coming home from a fun night out. Frank and Casey have adjusted pretty well and are really good sports about this. I am not so sure about their cat, Wrigley, and lab, Coco. They both tried to make a run for it the other day when I stopped by. They both had their toys, food, and beds by the back door and were trying to hitch a ride when I left. They looked pitiful at the door when I told them, "Just tough it out, you two, she'll be a fun playmate for you, one of these days". But, all kidding aside, everyone is thrilled and happy that she is here, healthy and happy. Our family used to be four, and now in about six years, our numbers have risen to eight. Welcome to the world that's shiny and new, welcome to a lifetime of dreams come true. Welcome to the joy of living each day. Love is all around you and here to stay. Yes, welcome to the world little Demi. You will be loved well in this life, and that's all any of us can really ask for, isn't it?

I Know It's Spring...the sky's so blue, The earth's high ceiling is practically new,

The iris is up...when the wind is blowing, I smell wet sod where the grass is growing. And now and again my heart turns over at the scent of lilacs or sweet white clover. I know it's spring...the rain's so light as it sings in the trees through half the night. And once in a while the air's a-tremble with colored wings as the the birds assemble. The world is grayer, and walking from the new-plowed fields I have heard bees hum. I know it's spring..for an old, old book, where farmers and gardeners and townsmen look for comfort and wisdom and joy and peace, says that the seasons never will cease as long as the earth remaineth..so..since winter is gone, it's spring, I know...by Helen Welshimer.
That beautiful poem says it all and it has been a lovely spring so far. April was the warmest April on record. It was a very busy month for everyone too. Taxes and yard work mainly kept everyone on their toes. Grandson Jack and I had a fun picnic at the park with another Grandmother friend and her grandson. We had a fun day and I published lots of cute pictures for all of my facebook friends. Jack and I have made many walks to the park and spent lots of time there in April. He has managed to learn how to maneuver around most all of the playground equipment now, without needing much help from Grandma. We don't do the biggest slide though, I am convinced Jack is not ready for that, yet. We have made a fun game of "follow the leader" up and down the ramp and steps that lead to the ladies restroom. Jack runs and Grandma follows, then we get to the steps and Jack always stops and watches Grandma to make sure she jumps on the stairs. I have definitely gotten my exercise these days at the park. I forgot how much fun the pavilion and stage can be for little ones too. I sit on a picnic table and Jack runs back and forth across the stage while we both sing, "toot toot chugga chugga, big red car", from "The Wiggles".
Two year old's can keep them selves busy doing the most mundane things, things that as an adult I had forgotten about. That is the joy of being with a grandchild, just spending time doing the most routine things, and having so much fun doing them. We laugh until Grandma has to go sit down to rest. Jack has taken a shine to Grandpa's gazebo too. We have spent lots of afternoons out there. Jack really loves Grandpa's little refrigerator out there that just happens to have his favorite drinks. He is growing up so fast and talking up a storm. He has a favorite book that belonged to his Uncle Frank when he was just about Jack's age. It is a book about trains and we look at it every day. I told Jack that Grandma and Grandpa are going to take him to Indiana Beach to ride the little train there. Now, every time we get the book out he wants to know about riding the train with Grandma and Grandpa. We are looking forward to our trip with him this summer. I think we might plan a picnic for Bloomington to the zoo one day. Short trips seem good for a two year old. Grandpa and I are talking about taking him to Chicago on the train for a visit, when he is older. We have traveled several times that way and it is very pleasant, much better than driving. Driving doesn't hold much interest for me anymore. I'd rather sit on a train and read or look out the window. It seems you have to start making your plans now for all you want to cram into the next few months or it just doesn't seem to get done.
May is truly one of my favorite months. All of the trees look their best, before the beetles and other ailments start attacking them. Everyone is busy getting their bedding plants and pots filled for their porches and decks. Prom is next week-end here and Mother's Day is next Sunday. My hubby's annual camping trip with his buddies is coming up too. Then there is all of the graduations and parties and Memorial Day cook-outs too. There is a lot to cram in to one month, that's for sure. I do miss getting somebody ready to go to prom. What I don't miss is spending all the money and missing out on sleep that night. For those of you who are in the middle of all of that, have fun and enjoy it, because you will miss it when your kids are grown. I have a confession to make, I usually go out in my car and drive around town that afternoon late to witness lots of pictures being taken in front yards all over town to see the kids all dressed up in their finest. I have heard of some towns having a "walk around" in their high schools where all of the kids come in to the gym and just walk around so that the whole town can come to see all of the pretty dresses and suits and flowers. I think that is a fine idea. I don't know if the kids would like it, but I'd be the first one over there to see them, even if I didn't know one kid there. Anyway, I hope all of our students and parents have a grand and safe time at their prom this Saturday night.
We had a baby shower for our daughter-in-law Casey this past Sunday, out at Railside Golf Course. This little girl will be so well-dressed. I do believe they have almost everything they will need for her. Lots of friends and relatives attended from near and far. Casey looked radiant and beautiful. We had the cutest little cupcakes with roses made in lemon and chocolate along with little sandwiches and the usual nuts and mints. We decorated the tables with Casey's favorite flower, the Gerber Daisy and we made a cute little wall hanging with "Demi" on it, that hung over all of her presents. We are only about five weeks away from the arrival of our new little granddaughter, Demi Elaine and everyone is getting very excited. Aunt Ashley is getting very excited to meet her new little niece, along with Jack who came into the shower looking for her. He thought she was going to be there and kept looking around and saying, "baby Demi". You have to wonder what a two year old thinks of all of this. We have been talking about her for so long, I'm thinking he's going to be surprised when there actually is a baby to hold. When you ask him what baby Demi will be doing when she gets here, he says, "cry". Well, he got that part right. Guess he's smarter than the rest of us in that regard.
We finally got all of the painting done a week ago. Demi's room is "cotton candy pink" and her playroom/sleeping room for an adult is light gray. Frank and Casey have very steep stairs and thought it would be a good idea to put "mommy's" old futon up there, just in case. Sounds like a great idea to me. I do believe the crib is there and the changing table too. New carpet is going down this week, so things are almost done for her room. Most of her "loot" from the shower is at my house waiting for the carpet to be laid. I think her room is going to be so cute. Aunt Ashley had a special picture made of her letters and it will be hung up there also. Getting ready for a new little one is so much fun. And, especially getting little girl things is so much fun. I cannot believe all of the adorable little baby girl stuff that's in the stores. It is all so cute, it's hard to decide what to buy. She has gotten so many "Cubs" things from her daddy too. She can wear a different Cubs outfit everyday for a week, I think.
Daddy Frank looks to me to be getting a little antsy. Gary and I have been laughing about what a fussbudget he is going to be with this baby. Like father, like son. I can still see Gary leaning over Franks bassinet with his ear down over him to see if he was breathing. I'm sure Frank will be the same way with his little Demi.
April was the month for break-downs around here. We had to finally get a new lawn-mower, a new refrigerator, and a new coffeepot, all in the same week. Things always break in threes, you know. We still have a ceiling fan that needs replacing, but we will get to it one of these days. We are good to go, for the moment anyway. My kids have started using those terms, "it's always something around here" that needs fixing. Yup, welcome to adulthood and home ownership. Something is always broke and needs fixing or oftentimes, replacing. A lot of things just aren't made to be fixed these days. It's cheaper to just buy a new one than pay somebody $85 an hour in labor to fix it, if you can get the parts. Some things yes, some things no. Anyway, I hope we are done for awhile. I have painted way too much the last couple of months and as much as I desperately need to get more done around here, I am done for the moment. I am going to try to take some much needed time "off". Well, not completely "off", but how about, not busy 14 hours out of the day? Just the usual work around the house and at the Radio Station. Things will be quieter around there for awhile, too. At least until the Ford County Fair, then it will be time to start thinking about High School Football and school getting started again. I am going to try to relax and enjoy the summer with my family and especially my two grandchildren. I did say that, didn't I? I am going to be a Grandmother for a second time. I want to sit outside and relax with a drink and a good book. That sounds like heaven to me. Yes, I know that's not very exciting, but exciting isn't what I am looking for, just a little time to breathe and enjoy the great outdoors. Yes, I also know I need to start going over to the track to start walking again. That, I definitely need to do.
Please, get outdoors and enjoy this lovely cool spring weather. For soon it will be summer and the heat will be here. Is there anything better than having your window open at night and feeling that cool air coming in the window? It is great sleeping weather, and I plan on doing a little more of that too! Enjoy the weather. Happy Spring to everyone!

April showers bring May flowers...

April is finally here and April usually brings lots of rainy, cool days. We have been very blessed with a lot of warm, sunny days lately. The Willobys got all moved into their new home in March and Jack is loving his new room and playroom. All in all the move went very well. We have been enjoying lots of walks in the stroller and trips to the park.
Frank and Casey have chosen a name for their baby girl, that will arrive in early June. Her name will be Demi Elaine McCullough, she will share her middle name with both of her Grandmothers, as we both have Elaine for our middle name. Frank and Casey have been getting ready with some re-decorating for their daughter. Like spring, Casey is blooming, too.
I have been doing some painting and re-decorating, also. I painted my family room a soothing teal green color and added some new chocolate drapes. The room looks very inviting and relaxing, too.
Our refrigerator and lawn mower both needed replacing this past week, along with my old coffeemaker, that decided to start leaking all over. My hubby and I made a trip to pick out a new refrigerator and we decided on an old-fashioned, normal refrigerator with no water and ice thing on the front. I am tired of cleaning up after the old one. I also picked one in black so I don't have to wipe off dirty fingerprints all of the time.
The gazebo in the backyard got a much needed spring cleaning and it is up and running for the summer, with the tv, fridge stocked, and the satellite and comfty chairs ready. We use the screened in gazebo a lot in the summer. Some much needed raking and burning of leaves was done the other day, too. The patio furniture came out of the shed and the hot tub got worked on and after all the painting I have been doing, it has felt mighty good these evenings.
I have managed to get out of doors for a few walks, but need to get a little more motivated to do it every morning. Last summer, I walked at least two miles every day on the all weather track at the high school. It has been a long winter and I have gained a few pounds back and need to get it off. So, it has been a busy month for all of us. I am ready to get these tasks done so I can enjoy the nice days when we get them.
We are also getting ready for a baby shower for daughter in law, Casey. The shower is scheduled for early May. Frank and Casey are keeping busy getting prepared for their little one coming. Frank has been busy on the internet watching videos of births and parenting tips. I told him, don't worry about it, you two are going to do fine. They are both pretty relaxed, so I think they will be fine parents. After all, you just can only prepare yourself so much until the baby actually gets here.
The Radio Station has been very busy and finally we are finished with basketball. The guys didn't have any down time this year in between football and basketball. With GCMS in the football playoffs and basketball starting the very next Monday, it's been a very busy year. I think the guys are all ready for some rest and relaxation, until football season starts again.
Get out and enjoy these warm, sunny, spring days. They won't last long and soon the heat of summer will be upon us. I think we are due for a really nice spring, after the winter we had. Last spring wasn't very nice and I think mother nature "owes us", that's for sure. I won't even mind mowing the yard again, as long as the mower runs. By the way, we haven't mowed our yard yet. I think my husband feels that he puts it off as long as he can, because once you start, it's an every week thing. I actually am looking forward to getting out and doing some mowing, believe it or not. I can't wait to get out and plant some flowers too, but that will have to wait a little while longer, as the last frost date is May 15, and we can certainly get frost up until that date. Yes, April showers bring May flowers, and trees budding out, and hay fever, and all the rest that goes with it.

March opened wide the golden doors and Spring tripped gently through....Ann Thompson Jester

March entered simply, quietly, without much fanfare. It's like that most years. March comes in with a cold, cloudy day, usually. Nothing much to write home about. We all have a lot of expectations for March. I really feel sorry for her, because no matter what she brings to us, she never quite meets our expectations. After several months of cold, snowy, blustery, cloudy days, we are so happy to see her arrive, but, when she doesn't bring us the warm, sunny days that we want, we get mad at her. Yes, I feel sorry for March and I really think we need to have more appreciation for her, more realistic expectations for her. After all, she tries to bring us as many sunny days as she can, and, by the end of March, the days are longer. We have a time change waiting for us, soon. She gives us the gift of longer days. Most of the snow is gone in March. Yes, I know, sometimes she likes to play a little trick on us, by leaving us more snow, but she's just having a little fun, she's just teasing us. She also likes to have fun with us by blowing us around, alot. March definately has a sense of humor. You have to give her credit for that. And, sometimes she brings us Easter, but not this year. There are a lot of you who like to take off for the warmer states and leave her high and dry, for your Spring vacations. I really don't think she likes being left high and dry, for somewhere warm, where you are enjoying a beach, or a pool, or a Family theme park. In fact, I'm sure she just gets down-right angry at that. Maybe, that's why when you get home from your trip, she likes to throw you a one-two punch of really bad, cold, rainy, and windy weather. That way, you will be more respectful of her, and not take off next year. The one really good gift that she always gives us, is St. Patrick's Day. It's always tucked right inside of her, every year. It's the same date, every single year, no floating Holiday for it. And, I can tell you that I have had some of the best times on that date. The best St Patrick's Day I ever had was in Chicago with some dear friends. It was a week-end to remember. The Chicago River was turned green, and if you have never seen that, it is well worth the trip to view it. The Pubs and Restaurants are just thick with people, and everybody is every ones best friend. People are dancing and happy, and just having the time of their life, as we did too. That, was quite a few years ago, when I was much, much younger, and could get over a week-end like that relatively quickly, not so much, today. I don't think that I would live through a week-end like that now, at age fifty-four. But, I can look back and laugh at what fun we had! Everyone should experience St Patrick's Day in Chicago, just once in their life.
We are getting busy with some family things coming up. The big move for Daughter Ashley and Son-in-law, Jimmy and little Grandson Jack will be right after St. Patrick's Day, so no fun for me, because I am going to be busy helping right after it. I am looking forward to their getting into their new home, the move itself, not so much. I have been preaching to my Daughter about getting started with her packing, to no avail. She does everything on her own schedule, in her own fashion. There has never been any action on her part, ever, after I have prodded her. She keeps informing me that she has plenty of time, and that it won't take that long to get packed up. That is the sound of my laughter you are hearing, please turn down your computer, as I laugh even harder now. Now, this is the same Daughter who, when coming over to move her out of her apartment, took five big vans and trucks to get all of her belongings home. Yes, you heard that right. Five vehicles full. And, we didn't have more than a few pieces of actual furniture. The apartment was furnished. That is the sound of my not laughing, as I also remember that her apartment was on the third floor of that same building. What you are hearing is the sound of my joints, still groaning, after that move. My body will never be the same, and has not yet recovered , after five years. Now, you may add one small, two year old, who owns more toys, clothes, and books than any small child, plus one husband, who is some-what of a clothes horse, and refuses to throw anything away, and one female, who, has an affinity for purses, shoes, jewelry, clothing, and enough home decor to decorate the entire first floor of Macy's Department Store in Chicago, for every season of the year, and I think you pretty much get the picture. Now, in their defense, there was some cleaning out of the basement, last fall, as I recall. I think you probably can walk through it, now. So, when she says that it isn't going to take that long, you can see why I am laughing. She has never moved after having a family. This will be her first, and I can't wait. She doesn't think they have much stuff to move. Yes, I am still laughing. I have been given the best, and most important job for the day of the move. I get to drive Grandson Jack to Bloomington to meet "Nona" to "hand him off" for the week-end. He will be in Pekin, at the other Grandparents for the big move. That, is my big contribution. (If I take my time, and drive very carefully, don't you think I can at least make that job last, say, four hours?) I am going to do the very best I can to do so. Maybe by the time I get back, they will have everything moved, so I won't have to do anything. Yeah, that's a really good plan! Now, all kidding aside, I do plan on helping move a few things. There is that one small box full of dried flowers that will need my undivided attention, so that none of those flowers get broken off! That is part of the all-important "home decor".
Son Frank and Daughter-in-law Casey are doing some "home" projects of their own. They are getting ready to paint the new little one's bedroom, and adjoining bedroom and lay the carpet. I have made a mad dash to Strictly Kids, and bought up every cute little baby girl, frilly, pink, and cute thing I could find. I also bought them the cutest baby bassinette you ever did see. Little baby girl McCullough is going to look just precious in all of the clothes and her new little bed. Casey also just got her bedding set for her crib. They still will have to get the crib and changing table later, after her room is all ready. I have dug through some more stuff at my house and found a beautiful picture for her room, that was in her Aunt Ashley's bedroom, when she was a baby. It is a picture of a little girl hugging a little white lamb. They still have not chosen a name for her, so Rhonda (Casey's mother) and I have been having a little fun. We've been calling her "Summer June". I have put her name on facebook with my friends several times and I had to let people know that, "Summer June" isn't her "real" name, but her play name. I am hoping soon for her real name. We are anxiously awaiting Mom and Dad's announcement. We have also gotten the baby shower invitations printed, and they are almost ready to send out. Casey and Frank have registered for all of the "much needed" baby paraphanlia. They can't believe how much stuff a baby needs. I also have readied Frank's old bedroom, and Michael Jordan and the rest of the gang have left the premises. The room has been freshly painted, and new pictures and shelves adjorn the walls, along with new drapes. Jack will be getting a new bed soon, and I received his new blue and white plaid bedding too. The crib also will have a new bedding set that arrived the other day, little princesss bedding, with crowns and castles on it, all pink and purple, fit for a princess.
So, now March needs to be especially cooperative, and get Spring here, and soon! Our family is in "busy mode" and we need the weather to cooperate, to get us through all of our tasks. If we all talk really nice to her, maybe she will bless us all with warm, sunny days, and no more snow. Wouldn't that be really great? Let's give March all of the respect and appreciation she deserves, as, she has quite a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, and I hope she is happy and "goes out like a lamb", that would be really nice!

My friends are little lamps to me, their radiance warms and cheers my way, and all my pathway, dark and lone, is brightened by their rays.

Well, we made it through January, didn't we? It certainly went fast, as all the months seem to do these days, at least for me. The weather made it a little tougher to get through this year. I've heard some say they didn't think the weather was so bad, and others, like me, thought it was pretty cold and the snow has stayed on for a long, long, time. I've heard tales of lots of ice mishaps with broken arms and sprained body parts. Thankfully, that doesn't include my falling down, as I have mastered the "ice shuffle" walk pretty well. Now the latest weather forecast is predicting more snow in our area. Thankfully, February is a short month and seems to go even faster than January. It seems at this time of the year we are all just trying to pass the time to get to the "eternal spring" that will soon be here. My parents mail is full of "gardening" magazines along with seed catalogs and soon the "plant" catalogs will be arriving. I want to touch on something coming up in a few days, February 6th, to be exact. My parents fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. It just seems like yesterday our whole family had an open house for them at Railside Golf Course to celebrate their 50th. I mentioned to them the other day, when I was visiting about their impending anniversary and my dad said, "so what? It's our 55th, no biggie." Well, I beg to differ, Dear Father, it is a "biggie". My husband and I plan to take them out to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate this milestone. I personally think every year after the 50th anniversary should be celebrated, because these days alot of couples just don't make it that far. That is a long time to be married. I think my parents deserve to celebrate the event and should be very proud of their accomplishment. Now my folks are just like everybody else's. They are both retired and don't get out of the house much in the winter. I try to stop up with Jack at least once a week to "liven" things up a bit and he definitely does that. They added a little miniature greyhound dog to their family a few years back named "Belle" and she flits around like a little flea when we come in. This dog has tons of energy and loves to lick and love on Jack. I think she's been good for them, although she does not like to go outside when it's cold, at all. This dog is so tiny and thin, she must freeze when they take her outside. They got her a sweater to wear outside, but when you ask her to put it on, she runs and hides, guess the sweater isn't going over too well. Dogs and clothes just don't seem to go along too well. Mikko has gotten a little more used to the cold and we haven't had to don the booties and coat as of late. Another interesting thing I have come to enjoy as a pastime to get through this winter is the Facebook program on my computer. Now if you don't know what Facebook is, well, you must be living under a rock. Some of my friends from High School talked me into getting on Facebook this past summer. My daughter has been on it for quite some time, but I didn't really understand what it was, so I took the plunge and I am enjoying it, alot. Yes, I spend some time on the computer with Facebook everyday and I have read that "they" were concerned about people spending time on Facebook instead of spending time with people and that it actually disconnects people. I disagree, I have re-connected with High School buddies that I hadn't spoken to in years and I get to keep up with important events in their lives, births of babies, weddings, engagements, deaths, illnesses, important milestones in peoples lives. Some say it's being nosey, but I disagree. A person can put what information they want out there and there are applications where you can talk "privately" to someone that isn't on the "open" page of Facebook. Personally I think it is marvelous. Can some use it the wrong way? Yes, they can. I don't like to talk about "controversial" subjects, like politics, but some like to, that is their prerogative to do so. Can you give away too much of your personal information? Yes, I think you can. But, there are steps you can take to insure your privacy and the privacy of your family, you just have to take the time to get those "personal settings" done correctly. There is alot to learn about Facebook and how it operates. But, for those who like to stay updated and connected with friends and family, it is quite the tool for that. I would suggest to parents who have children on Facebook that they monitor what they are putting "out" there for others to see and I personally don't think I would let a child under the age of 12 on there at all and if they are over 12, then you need to have access to what they are writing and putting on there. Anyway, this fifty-four year old is having fun with it and it makes the days of winter go faster, indeed. I had to share some fun news on Facebook, so I guess I will also share it along on my blog, too. A few weeks ago, our son Frank and Daughter-in-law, Casey found out that they are going to have a little Daughter in early June. So, Grandma is thinking " pink and frilly", that's exactly what I put on Facebook, to see if anybody was paying attention, some got it right off. Now we are thinking baby girl clothes and I recently dug into the old "cedar" chest and got out all the baby girl things I had saved from when Ashley was a baby. I did some "soaking" and washing of things and was amazed at what good condition everything was in. Some of the items are hand-made, crocheted and knitted baby blankets, sweaters, booties, and caps that my Grandma Greenlee had made and my Mother had made several items too. These things are so precious to me and I am thrilled that another generation of my family will be wearing them, soon. We are planning a Baby Shower in early May for Casey and we will be getting busy with that, soon. We also have another big event coming our way, and soon. Our daughter Ashley and son-in-law Jimmy, recently sold their house and will be moving soon into a much larger and spacious home. They outgrew their cute little bungalow very quickly after little Jack arrived and little Jack is getting bigger and bigger, every day. He has hit the stage where he is repeating everything he hears you say, so we all "watch" what we say, very carefully, these days. My little grandson will be getting a toddler, "big boy" bed, as Grandma calls it, when they move into their new home. Grandma went shopping and got him a new bedspread set and a couple of cute pictures to match recently. Of course, it has pictures of trucks and cars on it. We are so into trucks and cars these days. While cleaning out a closet the other day, I came upon a case full of old Matchbox and Hot Wheel cars that belonged to Frank when he was little, that had been passed down from my brothers. We went through the case and most are dated on the bottom. Some go back to the late 60's and early 70's. I believe their might be some "antiques" in the box. Anyway, Jack has been having so much fun playing with these, everyday we go through them and he finds a new car or truck to delight him. Another hand-me-down that another generation will be using. And the new little granddaughter will find lots of treasures awaiting her too, as I saved all of "Aunt Ashley's" barbie doll paraphernalia, too. Someday, little one, someday... so I look forward to the spring and to new events coming soon to our family, yes spring will soon be here!

Happy 2010!

There will be no cute little poem at the beginning of this blog entry as I am not feeling very "poetery". I know that's not a word, but what the heck! It is the rottenest, meanest month of the whole year. Is there anybody out there that can find one good thing to say about the month of January? Unless you are sitting on a warm beach somewhere sippping a tall, cool drink, sitting in your swimsuit, cocked back in a comfortable chair, with that big yellow, warm orb shining down on you from the sky, probably not! At least not here in Illinois! Do you remember the descriptive blog I wrote about the fall? How much I love it, the warm days, cool nights, crunching of leaves? Well, I take it all back because of what comes after..yes, I think I truly do hate winter in Illinois. Yes, the first time it snows I kind of think it's pretty, the first time I have to go out to shovel snow, not so much. I only like snows that do not require shoveling, snow boots or involve my spending ten minutes bundling my dog up in his coat and booties to get him to do his "dogie" business outside and did I mention that always involves at least devoting fifteen minutes to walking around? Now this dog of mine is the biggest sissy dog in the world. He is a Pomeranian with a long, full, thick coat of fur and he isn't one of those little foo-foo, tiny Pomeranian's, he weighs twenty pounds, so I don't understand why he should be bothered by a little rain or snow, but when it rains, oh my, trying to get him out in the yard is like pulling a donkey that doesn't want to move through the yard. He straightens his front legs and digs in like he is a donkey! This dog definitely has a mind of his own. Now, here's the funny part, if it's a fresh snow, he loves to run out and frolic in it, but if it's been there a day or two and has gotten colder, forget it, he wants nothing to do with it. Also, he insists on climbing on top of the highest snow pile he can find to do his business. I love it when cars drive by and here I am standing by a huge snow pile with this dog up on top perched..well, I think I would probably laugh if I was driving by and saw that sight! These booties we have for him have gotten kinda rough looking and worn-out, as we have had them for five years and cannot find any like them, anywhere, they are felt-like and he tolerates them very well. We guard these booties with our lives. I always tell the husband, when you take him out at night in them, take a flashlight with you, because Mikko has been know to throw a bootie off in the yard while your walking him. One time, hubby came back in without one bootie, he was met at the door by me, "where is that other bootie? He said, "I don't know, he must have lost it out in the yard". I handed him a flashlight and said, "Don't come back without it!" "What if I can't find it?" I repeated in my sternest voice, "Don't come back without it!" I think he might have given me that look, you know the look that men give you when they can't quite understand what you are saying? But, out he went without another word with his little flashlight and back inside some fifteen minutes later with the little black bootie! Now this might seem ridiculous to some of you, but when it gets this cold out and a person takes one of these dogs outside and their little paws just aren't toughened up to this cold weather, you have to put these booties on, or the dog just stands out in the yard, lifting their feet up and looking at you like, "Are you nuts?" "Do you expect me to actually do something out here, now, in this cold, with my little paws freezing?" Well, enough of the dog adventures, now for my adventures since the start of this glorious year. On Monday after New Years week-end I went out in the garage to get in my mini-van to go to work. Said mini-van hadn't been out of the garage all week-end and it was very cold that morning, so I didn't think much of it when I started the vehicle up and it seemed very sluggish, when I tried to back out of the garage, but I talked nice to her and said, "come on, you can do it, you'll warm up in a bit". She still moved very slowly getting out of the driveway and then I started down the street and thought, something isn't right, what's going on, why is this thing so bumpy and slow? Then it dawned on me, you got a flat tire, you ninny! So I turned it around, very slowly and drove at inch-worm speed back to my garage, got out to inspect the van and the right-front passengers side tire was actually flat and now, off the rim! Oh, man, this is not good! Now I know all you men are going to say, "doesn't she look at her tires before she takes off?" No, I don't and I really don't think most other people do either. Maybe if I am taking a big trip, I actually look at the tires, but not just on a short trip across town. Well, the van had to take a big ride on the back of a big tow truck and then to the tire shop to get fixed. That was also the day that I had to go to the doctors as I have been a lot under the weather, sick would be the correct word since Wednesday before New Years Eve. I have had the worst ear ache and head full of ... well, use your imagination. My head feels like I went out the night before and had the best time of my life, of course, I have had no fun of that sort at all. I am on my second round of medicine and still cannot hear out of my left ear, I am always saying, "I can't hear you to everybody right now." No, this year isn't getting off to a very good start, but what the heck, I am going to get it all out of the way in January, because as soon as it's over, all the good stuff will start. I keep telling myself that, anyway. I hope the weather does improve somewhat, as this has been kind of bad, so far anyway. Hey, that lawn mower sitting outside in my shed is starting to look pretty good about right now, the darn thing just better start come April, if it knows whats good for it!