Summer is almost Gone

How can it be the end of August already?  How is that even possible? 

This month totally flew by, of course I did spend a week doing some census stuff.  It was the last (possibly) round and we had to contact people five times, unless you could tell it was vacant then you could find a neighbor.  I was like a legal stalker, we only had six days to make six contacts, every day I was at the houses that seemed occupied to leave a notice of visit.  I was fortunate the first day I was able to get a third of the cases finished and another third the next but after that it was slow going.  I mean when the animals and children in an area recognize you from your daily visits it is pretty sad.  It was also during the heat and humidity, I came home daily soaked in sweat.

We are going to the truck and tractor pulls tonight.  What a country girl thing to do, but my husband is excited.  I will hopefully have video to share.  I think my nephews would get a kick out of them.  The younger ones wouldn't want to sit through the whole thing, heck the teenagers would probably get antsy to but it is pretty cool to watch the tractor coming down the line, smoke pouring out the stack.  It is just so time consuming when they have to prepare the track for the next pull.  Okay I get a little antsy and Todd last time, I thought I would need a muzzle.  Yet we are going again.  What a nice wife I am.  ;-)

I am excited because my brother is almost finished getting his new home in shape to allow them to move into the house.  He managed to stop by this week for a short visit when he was making deliveries.  He is one pooped pup.  He works full time, then works on the house, and gets any repairs or apartments ready in the complex where they live.  Talk about burning the candles at both ends.  He won't know how to act with only one job and a finished home.  Well, he will still have a few projects to do but maybe he can take a little time to enjoy his family as well.

Todd's brother and his family are moving back from Arizona.  They will be renting next to his sister.  They are going to have a time keeping those teenage boys of theirs in line with them living next door to one another. 

Well, I have things to do and places to go. 
Have a Great Day Y'All.

Dog Days of Summer

Well, it certainly seems to be the dog days of summer.  The heat and humidity are great for the tomatoes and peppers in our garden but not so great at energizing the rest of us.  The dogs and I have spent the last couple of days in front of the air conditioner instead of out in the yard or on the front porch. 

When Georgie, our porch hound, doesn't want to hang on the porch it must be hot!  Now, we are thankful that we are not in Texas where my brother and his family live with their triple digit heat, but someone turn down the humidity.  I am grateful for the warm weather as last summer was kind of chilly and did not allow for wearing shorts very often.  If it means a few humid days so be it, I just wish Todd were home so we could go play at the beach.  It just isn't the same alone and my friends are working so......Gosh I miss having kids in my life (who live nearby).

I hope that this weekend is sunny, warm, and not so humid as TJ and his wife Tiffany are home (he is in the Navy stationed in Florida) and there is going to be a party at Joahan's.  Yes, the child who back in May of 1996 invited me to his VIP day at school is now married and with a ready made family as his wife has a three year old boy, Kyle.  I have not had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany yet and am looking forward to the event.  So say a little prayer for us that there is no rain as this is an outside event.  Joahan lives on a lake so if it is too hot we can always take a little dip in the water.  :-)

Hope you are enjoying your summer.  Again if you need some relaxation by the lake give us a jingle and set up a time to come by and we will have beach time and a picnic.

Lots of Love
Penny

ps: I was so tempted to spell porch pourch, it is an inside joke and I know not all would have gotten it.  Just a little Thumb humor.

Beaching It!

Well, let me tell you this is the year to go to the beach.  The water is almost like bath water.  Todd and I spent a couple of hours in the waves yesterday.  What fun!  A little sand in the bathing suit is the only price paid. 

It reminded me of being a kid and playing in the water all day.  I did not want to come out, even though my fingers and toes had pruned.  The sky was deep blue, the water churned to a greenish blue with light brown from all the sand.  The waves rolling in breaking in small white  caps and the seagulls crying out there song.  What a perfect time to play.

We frolicked and played in the water like a couple of oversized children; Laughing, splashing, and riding the waves.  I had forgotten how to keep from getting the water up the nose, what a burn.  I snorted a lot of water.  I also forgot how much exercise you can get from horsing around in the water.  Ahhhh,  I felt all loose muscled and good from the workout and I slept like a baby last night. 

Why do we not do this more often?  Do we take it for granted?  I guess we have but I hope to not do that for the rest of the summer.  More beach time is definitely on the agenda, especially when it has so many benefits - exercise, fun, and relaxation all in one! 

I tell you this is a summer to come and visit us.  You are invited, come make some good memories!! Bring your swimsuits and beach towels and spend some time in the sun!! Relax, get exercise, get sun, eat some Barbecue, and have fun, fun, fun. 

Well, the ball is in your court...the beach ball that is...give us a call and set aside some time for a visit and some fun.  We would love to have you!!!
See ya Soon,

Penny & Todd

Larry , one of God's warriors

July 2nd we said goodbye to Larry, Todd's step dad. He passed away June 28th and as heaven rejoiced, we wept.  He fought quite a battle in the hospital to stay here with us after serious surgery he unfortunately got an infection.  He may have lost the battle but he had already won the war. 

It was a great loss to those who knew him as he was such a great man.  He was a rock, one of the few people I know that had control over his tongue.  He was someone who did not let the small stuff bother him, and most stuff is small.  He was even keeled (except in euchre games), with a warm smile, and a word when you needed one.  He was someone you knew you could always count on .....no matter what the situation. 

His funeral was a testimony to the man of God he had become.  He did show Jesus to others in his concern, in his presence, in his speech, and in his willingness to always go the extra mile without complaint or thought of self.  He impacted greatly many peoples' lives as attested by the number attending his funeral.  Those who spoke gave examples of what a friend he was and how he had positively affected their lives.  Todd, Steve, and Marna made their mom proud, in sharing stories of their step dad and how much he had meant to them.   Michael, his grandson, made a moving speech on how Larry made him realize he should not let what others see as handicaps or differences affect how he saw himself.  That he should not let that hold him back from giving his best shot at any endeavor.  He did not want Michael to think lesser of himself but to realize God knew what he was doing when he created him.

It made me think of a poem about the dates on our headstone of birth and death. That they are not as significant as what we do with our dash (the time God gives us here).  Well, Larry truly was a man who lived life the way we have been instructed in the new testament.  The fruit of the Spirit was evident in Larry's character (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).  He loved God, he loved his neighbor as himself, and he helped others.  He was not selfish with his time or his affection.

I know how blessed our family feels to have had him in our lives.  I know Carol was blessed to have such a fine husband, when she went to PWP (parents without partners) she truly got the cream of the crop.  The time he spent with those of us who loved him are cherished memories and examples of the way we should all strive to live. 

And until we meet again in heaven we should remember to

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

1 Thess 5:16-18

Pitter Patter- We love you and miss you so much

Pitter Patter has passed away.  I can hardly type it, it hurts so much to say she is not here.  This photo is of Pitter at around 6 years of age.  It is one of the best photos I have ever taken.  It really shows her and how very beautiful, regal and alive she was.  She fought the good fight.  She had a few mini strokes that diminished her capacity to get around.  The last one unfortunately left her unable to stand on her front legs.  Her personality was still there in full force and that made it difficult to help her into the heavenly realms.  She still talked to us, ate and drank.  She still watched what was going on around her but was not able to go explore. 

Pitter did not want to leave me.  We were together for almost 19 years and I think she knew how much I depended on her to be there to help me through the good and bad times.  I spent almost half my life with Pitter and she was there when the worst events of my life occurred.  She would greet me at the door when I got home from work..  She would tell me when she needed food, water, or a little extra attention.  She would tuck me into bed curling up next to me for 10 minutes while I prayed and settled in for the night.  Then she would be off to do her nocturnal thing.  In the morning she always could sense when my eyes opened and she would meow her good morning. 

The last few years the Pitter had gotten to where she said "Now", "I Love You", "Mama", and "Hello".  I wish we had taped all of them but most times as soon as you popped your head into the hallway and she saw you she would stop, figuring you got the hint and were coming to take care of her.

There is so much more I want to say about this fantastic cat but my heart hurts too much this morning to get it out.  I have cried a bucket of tears and just when I think there could be no more to cry, here come more.  My heart feels broken but of course it is not.  Pitter will always be part of me and she will always be in my heart, right now that part of my heart cannot take the physical separation so it feels like it is broken.  Right now I can see her in my minds eye in the firebird next to me, her face is up to the vent, which is pumping out cold air and her hair is blowing back, her blue eyes are alive and full of mischief. 

God please have my best friend waiting for me when I get to heaven.  For how could it possibly be heaven if my guardian angel from earth were not there to greet me. 

Enumeration

Enumerating can be exhausting.  In and out of the vehicle all day, trudging to neighbors to find out if the home is a summer home only, and filling out form after form.  My neck aches, across the middle of my back is sore, and my shoulders, I can't even express the fatigue/pain.  If my vehicle did not need major engine assistance and I could drive it rather than the truck (which requires a little extra umph to get in), I don't think I would be half as sore, at least through the shoulders.   Having to pull myself up and into the truck just adds to the muscle strain.  Anyone know a good masseuse??

Well, I am going to go put my feet up (they don't actually hurt) and relax.  I hope y'all are having a great day!!  We had sun, rain, and sun again today.  Happy Spring!

Ramblings

My life is made more interesting by sharing it with my dogs and cat, well yeah, my husband too.

The other day I hear Todd just laughing in the kitchen. When I entered the kitchen to see what the fuss was about Boo was looking at Todd and sending side glances to the kitchen counter. Now you know that a dog looks with a side glance when it does not want to convey a message of challenge, what might the dog be looking at that he was concerned about a challenge you may wonder? The wheaties box with Albert Pujols(baseball champion) was facing him. He was trying to figure out whether the face looking at him was a threat or not. I am certain he could not figure out why there was not an unfamiliar human smell in the room. It just tickled the heck out of Todd.

He is a smart and funny dog, our Boo. He will watch airplanes fly overhead. He notices a fly or spider on the wall or ceiling. Most dogs don't really look up all the often, but our Boo he looks at the whole picture. Truly it is a gift to share life with such an interesting creature.


I read a book this week that I think is a blessing. Rooms by James L Rubart. Thought provoking, yes, spiritually challenging, yes, a little mind boggling, yes. It is an interesting take on Matthew 16: 25-26. I would highly recommend reading it or seeing if it is available in audio book if you are not much into reading.

Good Friday

Well, my good Friday started with Boo levitating off the bed. A driver had the audacity to honk their horn. I got up let the barking wriggling dog out on the front porch to see no one was around and the sun was barely peeking above the horizon. He promptly went back to bed. I on the other hand was up for the day.

I did the normal morning routine. Watched Joyce Meyer, had toast and juice, and prepared the dogs breakfast. It is really a beautiful day. It was already 61 when I fed the dogs and has gotten steadily warmer. I was able to open the sliding door so the dogs could come and go through the dog door in the screen by mid morning.

When Todd got up all the dogs rejoiced. Happy barks and yips could be heard throughout the house. Dolly let go of a piercing cry, poor Todd's right ear may never be the same. They all act like the second coming has occurred, when I get up they just want their food. They have what we call the begging bark and that is what I hear, come on mom feed us. I am chopped liver as compared to daddy who is prime rib. I will confess that when I came around the corner after daddy got up they did come thank me. They each came up to get a pat on the head, tails a wagging and an occasional bark in thanks. They all give me kudos for their daddy being up. How I get credited with that honor I do not know but you have to take the love where you can.

I am looking forward to Sunday dinner. I am bringing desert but wouldn't tell my mom what. She tried to get it out of me. She even stooped to asking if it was Amy and Hayden friendly. I know it is Amy friendly and am sure part if not all is Hayden friendly. Sometimes you just got to leave them wondering. Yeah I know, if you know me I leave you wondering a lot. :-)

Have a wonderful day. I tell you I wish we could start planting flowers, but this is northeast Michigan so that is not an option, yet. Enjoy your holiday weekend. Love your family and be appreciative of all you have, even when those kids are on the sugar high or even worse the resulting crash. They won't be little for long. Well, yeah sometimes the big "kids" are as bad as the little ones so love them too.

God Bless You!

Wednesday

Hayden

Luke

Presley

Jack

Just look at their smiling faces and it makes the day a little brighter.

These are my nieces and nephews from the Dreffs side of the family. I don't have good recent photos of my other nephews on my computer but have three on Todd's side. I can't figure out how to scan their photos into HP and then share them with the blog. I really need to get more with it but I sometimes lack a little patience with computer programs.

Anyway, it has been nice here in Northeast Michigan. The temps have been in the 50's or right at 50 and we have had a lot of sun. The dogs have been sunbathing each morning. Today we had sun in the morning but a chance of rain this afternoon. It sure has clouded up. Todd is out cutting wood while it is still nice.

I am currently trying to ignore the hot fudge cake that is calling my name from the kitchen. Is it not amazing how foods like that can just call out your name....?

Mom made a comment in Todd's birthday card and he says it is war. If he is almost a geezer (AARP will be sending mail next year) then what does that make her? Hmmmmmmm.

Dog Update: Georgie is getting better everyday. She is now climbing the steps but still has not been able to jump up on the couch unassisted (we cover our furniture with sheets). Festus is feeling his oats and running around some days like a pup. Dolly is still The Princess and Boo is still the Baby. Pitter is still alive and kicking and letting us know her every need, action, and comfort requirement.

Hope y'all are having a Great Day. Spring is in the air and I look forward to its arrival. Take care and God Bless!!

Happy Birthday Todd!!

Todd is celebrating his birthday today and Boo helped him open his present. I did not get the camera when Todd started to unwrap the gift which was unfortunate as Boo opened the box and pulled out the first gift he came to and gave it to Todd. He just slid his nose across the top and flipped open the box, smart dog. In the video you saw him keep putting his nose on the slippers, he was looking for a squeeky in the slippers. That dog thinks its his birthday again.

When Todd went to get the mail there was a portable dog kennel on the side of the road. We then had a gentleman come up to the door interested in buying the van. Pretty strange how that all happens.

Well, the cat is calling. She says "now" so I guess I had better check on her.

Happy Birthday Honey!

Love Ya

Happy Birthday Boo!!

Today is Boo's 5th birthday. Happy Birthday Boo.

February 7th

Here is our beautiful Superbowl Sunday morning. Can anyone tell me why it is that the pre game show starts four hours prior to the game???? Does this make any sense?

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Georgie Girl is getting around much better now, two months ago she had knee surgery. It has been a little difficult having a dog who needs to be restricted. At first we had to carry her in and out as she was to be limited on her knee to allow it to heal and to protect the bone as it healed. Now she can go out by herself but needs help coming up the stairs most times. She has slept in the house and does not want to be left in the living room alone, nor does she want to sleep on a pillow on the floor of our room, and we don't need another in the bed. We have taken turns sleeping on an air mattress in the living room. Can you believe we did this for our dog????? We did put her out in the kennel the other night and she pawed at the gate so daddy brought her in. Spoiled! She is a sweet dog and she was such a good mama to her pups, it is hard to deny her. We are going to have to come up with a new plan soon. She has come to the two month mark and now we are supposed to exercise her 10 to 15 minutes a day. She has a way to go to be her normal self but she is progressing.

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The cat, the cat stands in the hall and yowls. She actually sometimes sounds like she says hello, mama, I love you, and now. Other times she is just crying a tune and for what reason I don't know. She will have food, water, and a clean box. Sometimes it is just attention but other times it is like she is letting you know she is going to take a nap, or she just got up. It is silly some days and irritating others. I know that the attitude I have affects which it is but my goodness; life with an older cat is just really interesting. One day she wants her blanket and sleeps on it, the next she is offended if you try to put the blanket on the spot she is about to sleep. She is crying right now, just a normal meow ow ow row. Thank the Lord!

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It is amazing how little snow we have when so much snow fell through the mid Atlantic region and even parts of the south have had snow. It has been cold, we had some frigid temps and winds. Although, today is not too bad it is about 30 degrees.

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I hope y'all have a great day. Hope there are good commercials.

Dogs and cats like Christmas

Boo likes the new pillow and the Meerkat Dolly and Georgie are enjoying the new pillow

Georgie exhausted from Christmas celebration on her new pillow

Festus and his chew

The videos did not want to transfer of them opening their gifts. Boo enthusiastically opened his gift, the whole clan stuck their noses on the gift of dog biscuits and Pitter as always was glad to see Christmas gifts.

Christmas

The holidays are behind us but I have been remiss in blogging so here are some photos of Christmas.

Hayden with her Elmo Hands Hayden loves her rocking horse!

Grandpa opening his gifts. Mom (Peg) helps him out.

Mom (Carol) opens her digital photo frame.

Todd, Michael, and Tom hanging out down stairs. Georgie had to come because of her surgery so she is hanging with dad.

Oh Christmas Tree.

Sandy serving snacks, Jack supervises.

Big Grampy looks like he has a lighted hat on his head.

Dad and Sandy had some things stolen from their shed recently. Apparently there was a rash of these thefts. Insurance is taking care of it and we are thankful no one entered their home and they were not harmed.