sometimes we might not realize it but we might be doing something that got passed down to us from a family member

for me, I realized something a while back that I was doing something just like my "Busia"
it took a lifetime of doing this before I became aware what Busia and I had in common

I had inherited two things from Busia. One was an Ironite (the old mangle ironing machines) and a little two-drawer wooden sewing table.

In the side panels of the Ironite, was storage space and Busia had all kinds of things stuffed in the panels on both sides. I don't remember what those things were now, as this was a long time ago, but things like string, etc. found a hiding place in there. I remember wondering back then why Busia stuffed silly things in those panels. The same thing with the sewing table. Both drawers had "stuff" stored there. Nothing special, just stuff.

And then one day not too long ago, it occurred to me that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I have been doing the same thing. I would find something here and there, a tack, a screw, piece of plastic - no rhyme nor reason, it didn't matter - I would place it in a drawer, a Hall pitcher (I collect them), a little dish with a lid, a little decorative storage box, and that was where it would remain. I can never just throw things out. It had to be useful for something - how could I throw it away? It might be important someday.

And there it was - that profound moment when I realized I was doing it, too. I don't think my mother was guilty of this - but maybe she was. But I have a bad case of it. I have so many little hiding places around the house that there are found items resting in them. I just can't bring myself to get rid of these little nothings.

So this is a confession. I collect silly little (useless?) things that mostly likely will never have a purpose again, but they can't seem to find their way to the garbage can because..........what if?

sometimes life is pretty good, while other times life is more difficult

difficult is the word for today - and yesterday - and tomorrow

the bad economy continues to play havoc with people's lives in the Detroit area - and it is hitting where I work - again

since last Thursday - and through today, people are getting their notices
some people I know, others I don't - which matters not at all
what matters is - many people are without jobs and adding to the unemployment in Michigan
hope of finding another job? close to nil

my heart is heavy with sadness for these (former) employees

prayers are needed that our economy gets a jump start
it will be a long time - if ever - when any bit of normalcy will return to so many
but if we can put people back to work, food on the table for families, roofs over their heads
and most especially - may families hold together - because isn't it said that there is more power in numbers?

God bless all of us and show us the way to live better lives - to appreciate what we have, to cut waste, overindulgence, be a whole lot less selfish and help others

Brad Paisley - the man and his music

I use to be rock n' roll - and then to the surprise to all that know my taste in music - I went country. "Live Like You Are Dying" by Tim McGraw was the turning point.

And I am quite fluent with country music and many of its performers. I like Toby Keith, Reba, Brooks and Dunn to name but a few. But I would like to mention Brad Paisley.

As I listen to the Top 20 playing on CMT today, I took time out to watch the video of "Welcome to the Future".

I am in awe of Brad (can I call him by his first name? :-) )

He is such a remarkable artist. The songs, the words. and how he creates each video....just take hold of me.

I don't know him personally, of course, but his music and tidbits of what I hear of him - he is the kind of person I would want for a friend. His love for his wife - and how they started out together - his boys - his friends - his humor. Totally has me in awe. I love the depth to his being. His words touch my heart and inspire me. And simply make me feel good.

I look forward to be inspired by him for many years to come. Thank you, Mr. Paisley, for your talent. And your specialness. You're the best!

Brad and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. May they always love each other.

Weekends

We look forward to them all week. As for me, I love Friday nights. That is my time to wind down from the week and just hang out doing whatever I feel - even nothing. And going to bed with a good book and not setting the alarm is pure delight.

Last night I ran some errands, had dinner, watched a little tv before grabbing my book, my dog, my cat and going to bed. It was a cool night and loved curling up in my big bed.

And today I have things to do around home, errands to run, pack up the car with lots of stuff - and my dog - and heading to Wyandotte. Tomorrow is Keegan's Christening and there is lots to do. I am anxious to see Baby K - it has been over two weeks since I last saw him. I can't wait to kiss and hug him and watch his happy little face with all the cute little faces he makes.

Being a Nana is just the best.

I'm going to try to be happier than a bird who has found bread crumbs.

On being a grandmother........

It hasn't even been 6 months since Keegan was born, but my life is already so different. I love this little guy so much. He is like a breath of fresh air. Watching his movements and how he is learning is amazing. I often wonder about the thoughts he is having at this time in his life. How things must look to him.

Laughing with him is totally breathtaking. He giggles so cutely. Watching him being introduced to new foods if another favorite thing. To see the happiness in his eyes puts me in the clouds. Enjoying these moments are wonderful and the anticipation of the days ahead is nothing short of exciting.

May 15, 1992 - September 16, 2009

Loving your pet means knowing when its time to let go.

And that is what happened today. Today we said goodbye to Chloe.

She has filled our lives with a special love. She had lots of spunk - and as one of my girls said many years ago - Chloe has lots of personality. And that she did. She was a little ball of fur that did so many cute things - uniquely to her. Despite being the smallest creature in our home, she ruled.

She never stopped doing us the favor of bringing clothes up from the laundry room. She would do this any time of day or night (mostly during the night). She would drag an item of her choice (often socks) from the basement as far as the second floor. She carried things in her mouth, whining like a mother does of her kittens. In spite of being completely blind for many, many years, you barely could tell she had a handicap.

She has slowly been declining. I dreaded today. My eyes are filled with tears and my heart aches. I know each day will get better, but I will never stop missing her. She was my little buddy. She loved the girls, but I have to admit I was her favorite. We had our own very special relationship. I love her so much.

I am so thankful for the past 17+ years. Chloe has reunited with Dumplin, Andrew and Daisy. And I know she has her eyesight again. Her time here was done and she has gone home. ♥

If given the chance to go back in time, who would you like to meet?

Labor Day @ Cousin Nancy and Tom's

Wanted to share pics of their pool area. Sadly, the pool will be no longer. They have decided the pool will be taken out soon so this was the last hurrah in it. We have enjoyed our times in the water, sipping our marguerita's or other drink of choice, laughing and having fun, and ending with a cookout.

It has been so wonderful to be included in the fun and I really will miss floating around relaxing and enjoying summer. Even though I can't swim, I love being in the water. This has been an especially nice treat for me.

So, ode to summer, ode to the pool.

a good day in court

ok, I got a speeding ticket back in May (about a half mile from my home) - someone who viewed my driving record encouraged me to request a court date which I did - yesterday was the date - 1:30 p.m. - and after waiting a while they called my name, along with others - and we went in - and the judge said that Officer so-and-so didn't show and those names that he was about to call were dismissed. And I was one of them. Yeah! It never occurred to me for one moment the officer wouldn't show. Ecstatic, that's what I am. And as for the lead foot that I have suffered with since the onset of my driving experience - it is on a 2-step program - either I slow down and live peacefully (step 1), or I continue down the lead-foot path and suffer the consequences (step 2). I'm opting for step 1. I have to cut my angels some slack here because I know they have worked overtime with me.

thank you, Officer so-and-so, for not showing yesterday

hope you had a nice day - I did :-)~