Wednesday, June 30, 2010

We had visitors!

Yes, we had some very cute visitors. Last evening it was one. This morning it was Mom and her 3 little ones. We had fun watching them. They soon bid adu and went on their way........ 









            
Mom kept an eyeball on us the whole time!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

New glasses and sneakers



Ellen got her glasses today. She really likes them.


(pardon the messy hair)




Now to the new sneakers......
As some of you know, Ellen's feet are two different sizes.
Last week we went to the Sketcher outlet to get her a new pair of sneakers because her old pair was ripping on the sides.
Her left foot is an 8 and the right a 6 1/2.
 (it's really a 6 but because of the shape of her foot she needs it to be a bit larger)
I went through the rows of sneakers to find some to try that had a pair in those sizes.
She tried several different ones but they all just weren't quite right.
I realized that what she needed was a shoe that tied up closer to her ankle. Ah, we found just the one she needed...
in a size 8 but not a 6 1/2. The kind sales gal went to the stock room to look for that size. No, they didn't have it =(
But, the manager said they could order it from another store
and mail it to us with free shipping. I never did that before
but we needed the shoes.
We ordered them, I got a copy of the paper work
and we were on our way.
They arrived yesterday. Wonderful!
Later that evening I looked in the box and thought...
that's not the shoe we ordered!
(Does this look like a problem to you?)
The one that was shipped is on your right
I checked the box with the wrong shoes and sure enough it was 1 number off. I called the store, they were very sorry.
So today we made another trip to the outlets to return them.
The correct pair should be on its way.

The crazy thing is, Greta, Ellen and I were shopping at the outlets yesterday too. Greta had the day off and needed some clothes for work. Three times in a week, unheard of!

And another crazy thing. The manager at the Sketcher store that I talked to on the phone yesterday was working today. She said she went to school with a Fahnestock and wondered if I have a son. I said yes, and she said Corey? Yep, she went to Doe Run and Middle School. I don't know if she graduated form MC or not. She said he was always so fun! Of course I had to let her know that he is now married and a Daddy to two little ones. She was happy to hear that but said something about making her feel old!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Taz the cat


One day a long time ago, Gina heard a pitiful sound outside. She went to investigate where it was coming from and what it may be. There on a pile of wood logs near the small shed attached to the barn, she found a very small kitten. She took great pity on this poor ragged animal with a crocked tail. She held this kitten and I'm sure she told "it" that all would be well. She told me about her find when I got home from work. Of course she and Ellen and Greta wanted to keep it. I knew their Dad would not be so inclined. He wasn't. I asked them to go to the neighbors to see if it belonged to one of them. They did that, although I wasn't here to be sure they did ; ) It was not a lost pet to anyone that we knew of. We (that would be the kids and I) were concerned for this little kitten's well being. Have you ever heard a hungry kitten beg? It's heart rendering.....we started with a saucer of milk and water. The children held it and grew more in love with it with each passing moment. Oh, no!

Milk didn't seem like enough for a starving kitten so I bought some kitten food at the store, I did! We put it in a small dish on the porch. It didn't take but a day for all the neighborhood cats to find it. They ate it all, not saving even a little bit for the poor starving kitten. That got me a bit perturbed. I was not going to feed the neighborhood. AND, if our children were going to befriend this animal, I didn't want them to see their pet dead on the road as I saw many of our cats when I was young. After all, this is the same house, along the same road with a lot more cars and trucks, as I grew up in. I made an executive decision. I went to Weis to purchase a litter box, some litter and a proper dish for food and water. We officially welcomed this little kitten, yet to be named, into our home.

 I remember how as I read the newspaper in the morning he would climb up to lay on my shoulder and tuck his head under my chin. At first we were not sure of the gender so we named it Tessie. Opps, it soon became apparent this was a male cat.....name change!! We thought it would be nice to think of a name that was close to Tessie. Kim suggested the name Taz. It fit this growing kitten to the T. He would race from one end of the house to the other countless times a day! We all fell in love with this new pet....even the male members of the household. Taz especially liked Dale! This rambunctious kitten grew into a stout (a nicer term for fat!), lazy cat. He would sleep all day. Once in a great while you might have seen him play with a shoe string. We could get him interested in a circle refection from the sun shining on a watch. He would lay very quietly with his tail twitching and then jump to catch it....except it would move. Fun!

He never liked the vacuum. It scared him terribly. He would know when it was Saturday, I'm guessing because everybody was home. Even before I would start cleaning, Taz would sit at the stair door, begging to pleeeeze be allowed to go hide upstairs. There were times he would hide under a sofa or behind a toilet. I didn't know that was where he was until a fur ball from down under would fly past me as I vacuumed near that spot! Crazy cat! He also hated thunderstorms. Last Thursday when I was reading a story to Aidan before his nap, it thundered a few times. He came slinking into the living room to hide in a corner but I didn't want him in there while Aidan slept. Ellen had to carry him out several times till the door was shut. Only then did he choose a different safe spot.

There are many cat stories I could tell. Some are funny, some are sweet, some would make any housekeeper cringe. There were many times I needed to brush myself off after sitting on my own furniture because a very hairy cat preceded me to that location.Ugg! When he was naughty I would tell him how lucky he was that we took pity on him and gave him a home. I guess he got it...... he always seemed to assume he was king of this house. He had to try out each new chair, blanket or pillow. He always thought that if you got up out of the place you were seated, that meant he could now claim it. And claim it, he did. If you were covered in a snugglie blanket, that meant that he was welcome to snuggle in it too.....make room, here he comes!

What a cat. We will deeply miss him. RIP, Taz!

Another fun Sunday....with a sad event

Yesterday was a full, fun day. Gina and Joe came to spend it with us. Ellen had her last baseball game at 3. It was a very hot afternoon so they played 2 innings rather than 3. Thank God for the big trees that provided shade for the spectators! After the game, her coach handed out awards. Ellen got the Spirit Award. Someone brought a tub of  Rita's Ice....yummy!! What a wonderful treat for a hot afternoon. We all came back to the house to enjoy the air conditioning, eat again, talk, laugh and play a game. Scott is always prepared with games! Gina and Joe left before 7 to head back to Montouresville. Before they left, Joe got a call from Wendy's to see if he would come in early to open on Monday morning. He said no.....he is to start later in the morning. That's why they were able to come yesterday. It's hard to take a trip 2 plus hours from home when you work till 1a before you go. We really appreciate your sacrifice, Joe, to come and spend time with us! He said he always gets calls on his days off. They are really working short with managers. Everyone left soon after 9 and PopPop and Nana crashed! I was so tired. I don't know why.....I got a decent nights sleep on Saturday night.

It was a very good day but with a sad event. When we came home from church we realized that Taz, our cat, was most likely seeing his last day. He had been sick several weeks ago and recovered. But the last 2 days he didn't eat. He was drinking. Saturday evening before I went to bed, he was laying on the living room sofa. I usually make him leave the room and close the door but decided to let him enjoy the wonderful sofa. I'm so glad I left him sleep on it one last time. He found a favorite spot in a cornor of the living room to spend his last hours. It was out of the way of the fuss but we could check on him and let him know we cared. I'm glad he didn't suffer too long.....it was killing me and Ellen. Dale gave him a final resting spot somewhere behind the barn without having the little ones take notice. Ellen and I are ok. She realized he was old and wasn't going to recover. She said at least he didn't have cancer........ We will miss him. Greta asked if we can now get a dog =) No! No! No! Dogs are too much work. A cat basically takes care of themselves.  No more pets! I know, I said that after Alex died too. But this time I mean it ; )

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A Good Day

This morning I spent almost 2 hours with former co-worker Elsie Mast. The day I interviewed her for an assistant position about 2 years ago, I knew we were kindred spirits. I often told her that it was a happy day when she accepted the job offer. Elsie has lived in many places, done many different jobs and raised a wonderful family.

She contacted me by email a few weeks ago and we set up a time to meet. I went to her home. What a lovely home! It's located near Rt.501 but you would never know it in her development. It was so quiet! Not something we experience around here!! She said her house was in great disrepair when they bought it (1992, I think), had not been occupied for several months and was filled with stuff left by the previous owners. They have done a wonderful job making it into a welcoming residence.

We chatted, shared about where we are in our journey we call life and encouraged each other. At least I was encouraged! Elsie is one special lady!

From there I went to Park City to pick up my two sweet little ones so their Mommy could work. Zoe is sleeping now but not very soundly. She really fights it. Today she also seems really hungry. I hope I don't run out of bottles! Aidan is taking a nap. He is a good sleeper. He asked to take a nap.....what child does that?!!

I got a meatloaf and baked potatoes ready for the oven while Ellen entertained Zoe. I wasn't sure how I was going to get that done since Zoe seems to be happiest when held. I was very thankful for her help. Corey called and decided that he wouldn't come for supper. He will go home to get some things done before worship practice at church. He will come for the children after that.

Well the meatloaf smells wonderful, Dale just got home, Aidan is now up from his nap (I changed stinky diaper #2 for him ) and Zoe is crying to be held.........

*I forgot to say that Elsie is also making do with an outdated kitchen as I am. She said that each time she makes a meal for guests she prays that the old cook top will not go out on her. It is so old there aren't parts for it. Her kitchen may be outdated but it still spoke warmth to me. Warm and welcoming....Elsie and her home!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Diaper Babies

Father's Day was a family day at our house. It was a very hot day.
Corey and Christy had just the toy for some fun
and a way to cool off.
Paityn was a bit hesitant to try it at first
but Aidan jumped right in.
It didn't take Paityn too long to decide she was going to have some fun too!









Saturday, June 19, 2010

Ellen's glasses

Look at Ellen's new glasses! Cute, aren't they?
JUST KIDDING!!!!

She tried a pair like Greta's

She really liked these. She almost chose them....



But this is the pair that won top dibs.
Here she is posing with Greta....I didn't realize there was a glare =(
Her glasses should be in by the end of next week.

Thanks, Greta, for showing me how to get the pics from my phone to the computer!
Thank you, God, for techie kids!



Ellen gets new glasses

Ellen went to see Dr. Klombers this week. That's her eye Dr. He has done surgery on her eyes twice. I can't say enough good about this Dr. He is that wonderful!

Last evening I took Ellen to Park City to Modern Eyes to choose a new pair of glasses. Christy pulled out a lot of frames to try. What fun! I forgot my camera but took pictures with my phone. Now if I could only figure out how to get them from the phone to my computer so you could share in that fun......uggg! I tried but I just can't figure it out. If and when I do, I will be sure to post. The frames she chose are a nice shade of red, a half metal frame. She looks great in them.

Of course I couldn't resist trying on a few too. I LOVE trying on glasses. I found a few that I really liked. Christy said I had tried some of them on when I was choosing the pair I bought. And she said I had liked them then too. She certainly has a better memory than me!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

A Cold Face.....brrrrrr


Yesterday I kept Aidan and Zoe so their Mommy could work. I will do this one day a week. Love this! Anyway, before they left last evening, Corey asked Aidan to show us his 'cold face'. Oh.My.Word! We laughed and laughed! What a ham.






*I haven't a clue why I have lines under the words.....uggg! I continue to learn............

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Philadelphia

On Thursday I spent the day, well part of the day in Philadelphia. My friend Shirley Groff was called for jury duty and wanted someone to go with her. Thursday was the second day, another friend was able to go with her on Wednesday. Since I have been called 4 years in a row but never had to go, I was interested in seeing what it was all about. I'm sure I will be called again and one of these times I will have a number low enough to serve.
Anyway, we left Mt. Joy train station sometime around 6:45. The Mt. Joy station consists of a steep steps to a platform on either side of the tracks. Not at all fancy!! We had to walk from the parking lot to the street, across a bridge, down an ally to the steps!! The parking was free....that's a plus besides it only takes about 15 min. to get there. The train ride was wonderful. It's been a very long time since I rode a train. The funny thing was that Darrel Gochnaurer (a young guy from our church) who has been going to serve on a Grand Jury in Philly every Thursday got on the train in Lancaster and sat right in front of us. Furthermore, his Mom, Ruby, and their Foster daughter Deb were with him. They were going to some touristy stuff while Darrel was at the Court House. How amazing was that?! We didn't know if we would see them or not. After arriving to Philly we parted with our friends and took the Septa to some mall that was a few blocks to where we were headed. We met 2 people from Lancaster who were also serving on jury duty that Shirley met the day before. At the court house the jurors waited and waited and waited....then an announcement to sign in and take a half hour break. Then they waited and waited and waited some more. Several people walked into the room, one of them a judge. They were told that 1 trial was scheduled for the day. It was to be a short trial. But the defendant never showed. The judge said he had to be sure everything was in order before sending them home. By this time it was 11a. They were dismissed and did not need to return the next day. They all had fulfilled their duty. Nice! So, what to do? It was too late to catch the next train home so we walked a block or 2 to see the Liberty Bell. I was there when I was in elementary school. The area has changed a lot since that time. There was much to read about all kinds of things you may want to know about this historic site. We choose not to spend the time. From there we headed back to the train station. The next train home left at 1:35 and we arrived home at 3. Again, the train ride seemed fast and effortless. One thing...as we moved to the front of the car as our stop approached, Shirley whispered to me "that ladies pants match her luggage!" I had noticed it too! Her pants were a black and tan paisley.....and so were her two pieces of luggage! She was busy talking on her phone. Had she been available for a conversation, I may have asked her how one goes about the matchy, matchy!!
Not a good picture, but this is the Court House where we spent time waiting, waiting, waiting...

Independence Hall


Yeah, the Liberty Bell!
That poor guide had a terrible time trying to impart to the crowd of noisy people his knowledge!


Another view of Independence Hall through the window behind the Liberty Bell

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Nana is in love....

.......with a little boy named Aidan. He came to stay with Nana today so his Mommy and Daddy could prepare his home for a birthday party for Aidan! On Monday he will be 2 years old but we will celebrate on Sunday.

Aidan was such a good little boy.
He chased bubbles that PopPop blew for him......


He waved and said a cheery goodbye to a passing motorcycle....


He wanted to see what PopPop was up to.....



He found some sticks then wanted to 'Boom Boom'!
Can you tell he wants to be a drummer like his Daddy?




Nana says, "You are very good at Boom Boom, Aidan!"



He also played in, over, under and all around the swing set.




Hi, Nana!



He also ran in the back yard when Nana said "Get ready, Get set, Go!"
He would plop down on the ground for a second then said "Again?"
And we would do it all over....again!
He sprayed some water from the hose.
He wanted to do it all by himself but Nana needed to discretely help.
We looked at pictures on Nana's little computer.
He loves to look at Ellen's baseball picture. He says.....Glove, bat, ball...
and Nana says.....what else does she have?
And Aidan says....Hat!
He then runs and slides into an imaginary base!
Yes, Nana is in love!
This little boy causes Nana to remember when her little boy was little.
Nana's little boy is now Aidan's Daddy.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Aidan!





Tuesday, June 1, 2010

A Holiday and some unexpected overnight guests

We weren't sure if any of our kids wanted to come for a meal or not on Memorial Day. We had just been together on Sunday at Dale's Mother and sister Nancy's house. Corey called sometime Monday morning to let me know they could come. He also offered to bring the burgers. Now that was indeed a treat! Christy makes the best burgers ever. Marcy and Scott were going to his parents for a late lunch and weren't sure if they would come or not. Greta was working but said she and Lynn would come after that. Kim was working too and decided she needed to just go home. SOOOO, off to the grocery store I went. I had a meal to get together! Since we had a cookout the day before (actually we had 2 - pool party and cookout at Ellen's coach's house after the game), I didn't want to serve the same foods. I decided on a pasta dish with a tomato sauce and pepperoni instead of mac and cheese. Weis had corn on the cob for a good price, got 12 ears. Also had grapes and cherries for a good price so that was our fruit. I made a chocolate cake with the good cooked vanilla icing, tossed a salad and had left over blueberry cheesecake bars from the day before. As I was preparing the food, it occurred to me that my sister Mary Ellen may not have anyone to celebrate with so I called to invite her. She was busy working at the house she recently moved out of and was delighted to join us. Dale and I cleaned up the deck so we could eat out doors. BUT.....it began to rain. It stormed a little bit too. Marcy and Scott did come. They said the storm was really bad before they left Scott's parents. As it usually is when we are together, there was lots of laughter, baby holding, squabble tending (small children....not the adults!), adult chatter....normal family stuff! Everyone left by 10. I was in bed around 11 when the phone rang. It was Corey. They did not have electricity, weren't sure how long it had been out. He called the electric company and was told it would be out till 4am. He was wondering how long I thought the stuff in the frig would be ok. They had just bought groceries. I thought he should go buy some ice to be sure it would be ok. And I reminded him that we have a sleeper sofa and they would be welcome to come use it. He did say their house was awfully hot. It wasn't long till he called again to ask if they come come to crash at our house.......of course they could! So I got busy preparing the bed and moving some furniture to make room for a pack-n-play or 2. They arrived around midnight with things from their frig and all the things one needs for 2 young children. We got them settled and went to bed. Corey was planning to go to work early in the morning.....he got up and was out of the house around 5:30. Poor guy had a very busy day at work on so little sleep. Oh, and I forgot to say that when Corey went to the basement to get a cooler chest to put ice in....he found about a foot of water on the floor! The sump pump was not working, of course! He said it must have just poured to have that much water.

Christy, the children and I hung out here today. We researched ideas for Aidan's birthday party. Christy was able to make a list of what she needed. She said it felt like a vacation! I served leftovers for supper. I didn't think they needed to be bothered by getting a meal together. They had enough to attend to! Our little family has now gone to their home. I hope they don't face too much mess. Corey wanted to leave work early today but was not able. Thank goodness Christy was able to switch her work schedule from this evening to tomorrow evening. Christy's nephew walked to their house to let the dogs out once today. I hope there's not dog mess to clean up! Christy's sister said the electric came on between 6 and 8 this morning.

Do you think we got that sleeper sofa just in time? I do =)