Open house prep, rose bush, peppers saloon trip

Lots of phone calls, emails back and forth with Brandi and trips to the stores, but I think every things ready for Anissa's Open House tomorrow. Now if the weather would cooperate. They were calling for high's in the 90's but that has been changed to the low 80's. But the bad news is the chance of rain has increased, but hopefully it will be over by party time. If not we are under the pavilion so that will help. More comments and pictures next week on the big day.

So what pictures do I have to share with you this week. Oh, I've got to show you the rose bush that friends Lon & Pat brought us last year for a house warming gift. When we left for Texas I wasn't sure if it would survive the winter but look at it now.
Looks like I need to get to the garden center and get a trellis.

Wednesday will be our weekly Darrius day's. Brandi dropped him off Tuesday evening so he could spend the night and all the next day. Darrius and Pepper had a great time racing from one end of the yard to the other, playing with the hose and when grandpa and Darrius played soft ball Pepper made a great retriever.

Unfortunately, one was ready to quit and watch TV and the other wasn't.

One day Larry and I walked down to the local library and got our card. They have a nice eBook collection that Larry can use on his Kindle. But what I was excited about is they now have access to the website Ancestry.com. Some of you know that I've been interested in our family history and use to belong to this website. But it was really getting expensive for the time that I would use it so dropped it several years ago. Soooo once this weekend is over I told Larry I'd be making the two block walk to the library and spending lots of time there.

The only other picture to share is of Pepper. We took her over to a groomer in town here for a trim. Ah I don't think the groomer and I were on the same definition of "trim". When I walked in Pepper was barking her head off (which is not like her) and one look at her and I knew she was probably giving the woman Hell.

It's taken a few days to get use to the new Pepper and I'm sure she will be cooler with the shorter hair cut but I miss my puppy face little girl.



So that's about it for this week. Till next time.....................

Yard Sale - Birthday Party

Well Larry had his 2 week check up on his eye and everything was fine. Back in a month than Dr said they would do a six month check up. Ah that would be in February and we sure won't be here at that time of year. Guess we'll have to talk about that one.

The only other thing we've been doing this week was getting ready for a yard sale on Friday. I can't figure out how we could possible have anything to sell when we haven't had a house in over six years. But we did fine things and with Nadene (DS), Bob & Diane (DB & SIL) and Stint (SIL) we had lots of fun.
We were lucky to have perfect weather and having this tent cover really made it comfortable to sit under. We closed up shop around 4PM, boxed what was left and that all went to the Hospice House's store.

The nieces stopped with their kids and I was able to snap a couple of pictures of them.

Here's our little Lucie. It looks like Pepper is trying to convince her to play ball.

Adrienne was enjoying her doughnut. Course when there's food around the crumb picker upper isn't far away.
None of us made a killing on the sale but we all had a good time.

This afternoon we went over to our great great nieces (yes it was hard typing gr-great, even harder to admit it) birthday party. Little Delilah Michelle turned 1 year old. What a cutie.
Here's one of our gr-gr nephew Cooper and Delilah. Coppers about a month younger but probably 10 lbs heavier.

So that's it for this week. The next few days will be busy with last minute to do things for Anissa's open house next Sunday. So far weather is showing 80's and sunny, perfect for a Park Party.

Till next time........................

Graduation Day for Anissa

Well our beautiful Grand-daughter Anissa reached one of many milestones in her life. Last night she became a 2012 Graduate of Waverly High School. The commencement was held at the Wharton Center Performing Arts on the MSU Campus. It was an exciting evening of watching our little girl go across the stage to except her diploma.

Unfortunately even tho this place has wonderfully comfortable seats, they kept the lights down as if there was a concert and all the pictures came out dark and hard to see. Plus each student was only allowed eight tickets which was a bummer that other family members weren't able to attend. As most of you know we have a rather large support group when it comes to family accomplishments (not to mention very vocal) so it was a shame they couldn't be there for Anissa. And because things were very hectic in the hours before (lets just say our girl earned her "Most Dramatic Award) and after the event some how everyone missed getting a picture of Anissa by herself in her cap and gown.

I do have one picture as she was standing to move to the stage.

She's hard to see but she is the last one in line.

Anissa with mom Brandi
And one of the family

Congratulations Anissa, your one beautiful special young woman and Grandpa and I are so proud of you.

So as for the rest of the week. We had a very warm (I won't call it hot) Memorial Day here. Temp's in the 90's and a sunny day. Two days later we were back in sweat shirts and the heat turned on. It got down in the 30's one night and a cold rainy day followed.

I was suppose to have a yard sale here last Friday but with a high of 50 we canceled it and hopefully this Friday will be better. One of the nice things about advertising on Craigslist is being able to post the last minute.

Other than that the week was pretty calm and basically staying inside to keep warm. I did get upstairs and started going thru all the tubs that have been in storage for the last six years. We need to get things sorted and moved into a walk in storage room up there (sounds better than it is, just a room off the bedroom that was added over the kitchen) so I can start working on painting the two bedrooms up there. One we'll finish as a grandkids/guest room and the other will be set up as a train room. Larry still has his Lionel Train set and he has always wanted to set the track up with villages etc. This will be a good project for him and Darrius over the next few years.

Now that Graduation is over we're on to finish the final plans for the Open House in two weeks. Hope for good weather because it's being held at a city park.

Puppy note: Renee' and Brian came up from Ohio for the graduation and they brought along their dog Devon. Pepper was so excited to have another puppy to play with but alas Devon is a bit finicky and doesn't do the "play" thing. We took them out in the back yard and was able to get a picture of them.

Pepper tried to play keep away but Devon just wasn't having anything to do with it.
Not sure what they were looking at but it entertained them both

That's it for this week. Till next time...............................

A little this A little that

First, I want to let you know that if you have made a comment on our blog you probably won't be seeing it. A couple of weeks ago I thought I was deleting the Flat Darrius Blog but instead I deleted my email as a Admin. Thanks to my special friend Jutta and some frustrating times of trying lots of different things I was able to get that fixed. But I received a email for a comment on a blog from another special friend Kathy D. and realized I'm not able to give the OK to have it show up. That's another fix but right now it's at the bottom of my "to do" list.

So another week has passed. Sometimes I wonder if I should continue doing the blog. At times I feel like I'm just rambling on about everyday things that probably aren't of interest to most people. I know my family likes it while we're down south as it keeps a connection open between us and like another friend said on their blog it's mostly for ourselves to have a history of what we have been doing. Which is true, many times I've gone back to look up a blog on when we did or went someplace. So with that thought I guess I'll just keep on rambling.

A pretty uneventful week of doing some yard work, planting some flowers, taking walks and of course a stop at the local Corner Cone Ice shop. Have to be careful as this could be (the cone shop) a bad habit as we walk pass it almost daily. I enjoy the walks more on Thurs and Fridays, that's when the garage sales are on and I can usually find something at one of them.

One night Tina and Mitch (niece/nephew) stopped with their kids Lucie & Cooper. We had a nice time sitting outside watching Pepper play keep away with little Lucie. And Lucie trying to keep her shorts from falling down around her ankles when she's running. Picture the TV advertisement of the little girl and puppy advertising copper tone, that was our little Lucy.

Friday Larry had his eye check up from the laser surgery two weeks ago. It turned out that the Dr. didn't get all of one of the tears so he had to go thru it again. He was not a happy camper on that one. I told Larry we shouldn't be charged for a "do over" surgery but he didn't think the Dr. would go for that.

One of our friends Sue M. down in Retama posted a picture of the sun set one night there. It sure is pretty so thought I'd share that photo with you.

Speaking of do-overs we had to re-order Anissa's open house invitations. The first batch came back really blurry. Luckily this place is a fast turn over on getting them back to you. So now the new batch looks good. But than like Brandi said, it is what it is and they are not being re-done again.
I'm not able to copy the whole invitation but here are the two pictures we used.

Hard to believe this little girl has grown
into this beautiful young woman so fast

Of course we had to attend Darrius basketball game. I really enjoy these games more than the soccer or baseball ones but it so nerve racking at times watching them try to make the baskets. Keep in mind these are 1st and 2nd graders but some of them are really good at getting the ball in. Darrius was extra excited because he big brother was there to watch him.

Darrius with big brother Dar-Relle and his Dad before his game! And to think there is only 10 years difference in age between brothers.

Oh and just in case your not sure Darrius is the shorty (at least for a few more years)

Today (Saturday) Larry and Stint (brother & SIL) came over and we walked down to the Memorial Day Parade. Even tho it was a short one it was nice and did bring back memories when the marching band (our daughter Renee' was in the band) went pass.

So that's it for another week. Till next time.................................

Planting flowers and installing fence

Well, we got the fence up last week. Or at least most of it. We still have to decide what to put along the driveway between the house and garage. Pepper is really enjoying being able to run around chasing after birds and squirrels. I put a picture on her Facebook page so I guess I'll share one with you.
It took us a afternoon to install and stretch the fence and finished up a small section the next day. It helped that all but two posts were already there.

One day I went to the garden center at Meijers and picked up some flowers. I wanted to fill the little red wagon I purchased last summer at a garage sale and put it out front. Here's a picture as it looks now and when the flowers are all filled in I'll take another one.

Plus I bought a pretty fern and more flowers for the front porch.

I think we only made two (maybe three) trips to Menards this week. That's pretty good for us. One of the things we needed to get was a wheel barrel. It drives me crazy to have to buy so many of the things we sold cheap or gave away when we went full timing. Oh well, at least it's all new items, unless I can find it at a garage sale.

We went to Darrius's basketball game one night. He and his dad Darrel went out and did a little practicing before Fridays game. Even tho his team lost Darrius was the one who made the baskets for his team.

Here's dad and son doing what they both like doing

Oh a update on our good friend Gary O who had surgery. He is home now and doing well.

Guess that's it for now. Till next time.............................

A new baby - Basketball Game - Laser Surgery

Another week already. Well not a full week since I'm actually getting this done early. Why you ask, simple, we're having a good old Michigan Thunderstorm and the best thing to do when it's raining this hard is stay put and enjoy the sounds. For those of you that live in your RV have you noticed when the black skies are heading your way your perception of the upcoming storm is totally different than when your in a sticks and bricks. At least it is for me. When we're down south in the 5th wheel and I see dark mean looking clouds I start to get a little nervous. Should we put the slides in, in-case the wind comes up.  I don't mind the rain or thunder but sure don't like the wind, it can really shake the trailer when it hits. Now in the house it doesn't bother me at all, maybe because the house doesn't rock and roll like the trailer and if it really gets bad there's this huge siren about two blocks from us that gets your attention real fast, plus there's a nice big basement to go to.

So now for the week. The beginning was pretty uneventful. Worked in the yard, mowing, trimming and pulling weeds from the flower beds. Larry cleaned out the gutters, which after this storm was a good thing or we probably would of had water in the basement. Larry also finished taking the tools etc out of the truck and we picked up a tool chest to help store things,  also some shelves for storage. 

One day we went to Menards and started picking some things up to put a fence around the back yard. We are putting a chain link one up, neither of us care for them but the posts and a portion of the fence is already there from the previous owners.  Seems the owners decided they wanted some of it so before they moved they took part of the fence down.  It will work for keeping the dog in and in a few years we can replace it if  we want. Besides if I plant enough shrubs I won't even see it. We have to borrow the brothers truck to get the rest. Weather looks good all next week so we should get it done.

One morning Larry got up and was having some eye problem. He said it looked like things floating around and like looking thru a screen. Friday morning he had a appointment with a Ophthalmologist here in town. They did  a exam and sent him right out to Lansing Ophthalmology Center to have laser surgery. The Dr's there found two tears and a hole in his retina. A short 15 minute surgery and it was taken care of.

Have a couple of pictures to share. We have another new baby in the family this week.

Meet our great-great nephew Brayden David Moore. 

Mom, baby and dad are all doing great and little Brayden has lots of family to meet.

Last night our grandson Darrius had his first basketball game. I've decided I like going to basketball games more than the soccer games. For this being 1st and 2nd graders it's unbelievable how good some of these kids are. 

As with all sports Darrius puts everything he has in too it.

Today was suppose to be soccer but thankfully they canceled it with the storms around. Actually the rain has stopped right now but that's fine, we weren't thrilled about standing in wet grass.

Only one other thing and than I'm done for this week. One of our dearest friends Gary Orthober had surgery yesterday as they found cancer in his lung. Marilynn said they are confident that they got it all and doesn't even look like he will have to have chemo.  I wish I had my scanner here as Marilynn sent me a picture of Gary last week giving me the biggest hug before they left Retama last month. I'd love to share it with you.  So just want to say we love you Gary and hope for a speedy recovery.

Till next time.................................

Soccer Game and Senior Prom

I'm a few days late on this blog. Really don't have an excuse, just lazy I guess  We didn't do a lot last week. Had to go over to the County Offices and get Peppers dog license renewal. A trip to Menards was needed for a part, heaven forbid we go a whole week with going to our summer cottage. I did finally find some lamps for the living room so I could take that little one back in the bedroom. It didn't give off much light so not sure why I even had it in there.

Have several pictures to share so will start right off with Mr Squirrel. He visits our porch quite a bit and drives Pepper crazy. This time Pepper was out in the back yard and I think this little guy would have liked to come inside.

        I think he found a left over from his winter storage.

Friday Larry went up north to Mike and Nadene's cottage to help Mike & some friends put log siding on the new garage. Mike sent progress pictures back.

   This doesn't look like their working as hard as they've been telling us.

                        But the next day Nadene and I received this one.

Four days later and after a few beverages and many Advil, it was done. Sure is nice.

While he was doing that fun stuff with the boys I got to go to the grandson's soccer game. It was a little warmer than the last one but not by much.

           Here's Darrius who takes it very serious when he's the goalie

              And it always helps when their team wins 2-0

 After the game Darrius came home with me until it was time to go back to his house.

You see this was Prom Day, the reason that we came back a month early this year. While we were at the game Anissa was out getting her fingers and toes done and of course that special hair style. I uploaded more pictures on our Webshot site if your interested.

                              But need to share a few here on the blog

     Isn't she the most beautiful young woman you've ever seen. Course I may be just a little bias. 

                And what a handsome couple they made.

                  Of course I had to get a picture of mom and daughter.

                 And one of Darrius and Anissa. Can you just see and feel the love between them.

         Than it was grandma's turn to be with her family.

Kids came over Sunday night and Brandi brought dinner. I needed to finish up Flat Darrius as it had to be turned in the next day. Anissa filled me in on the prom night and it sounds like it was a big success. I asked her if she knew what time it was when they finally crashed and she said no but the birds where singing.  With the Prom over we can now look forward to Graduation Day on the 2nd, than the open house on the 17th.  Once that's done we switch gears to the bridal shower and wedding. Oh did I mention that the kids have found a nice 4 bedroom home to rent and in the middle of all this they will be moving.

The guys thought they would be done with the siding on Sunday but they ended up having to finish it on Monday. Poor little Pepper has been lost with Larry gone. The first two days she stuck to me like glue but than I noticed the last couple of nights she'd pretty much taken over Larry's pillow and his side of the bed.

                    Nothing like cuddle time

             But I think she's just happy having her nap buddy back

That's it for this week.  Till next time...........................