Where Did That Week Go?

                                                                     Our ball player!

                           I wish I knew where the days went and how they go by so, so fast! Whew! It has been a week since I last posted and I have, as usual, been an awful visitor. I am always truly grateful that so many of yo stop by and say hello even when I seem lax at making my blog rounds! Bless yor hearts, I love you all!

       So, where did that last week go? It flew by in a cloud of softball games, a concert, a funbdraiser,   2 celebrations, every day errands and housework and, well, life! I know you all understand how that goes!

 

One evening our family took a little drive to enjoy the sunshine and sweet Spring temperatures. We ended up near Cincinnati and the Brazenhead Pub so we stopped in for dinner. I love this place...so much like a *real* English or Irish pub. Well, at least it is similar to some of the ones I was in!

                                                And yes, my brother does make silly faces...a lot!

This was so good! Grilled chicken and ratatouille! Yes! Ratatouille! A delicious French peasant dish, also a movie...an animated Pixar movie featuring the voice of one Brian Dennehy as Django the rat...but I digress. Ahem...

And we celebrated Bill's birthday! Uh huh,my handsome husband turned 54!

His party request? All the family over for chili, cornbread, salad and cake!

He got lots of gifts...

...and lots of cake

Yes, Kipper IS thinking, "Drop it...drop it...drop it pleeeeaaase!"

Oh, and uh huh. Kip IS sporting a banana sticker on his head. As soon as I come in from the grocery with a new bunch we KNOW Danny will be putting the stickers on Kip! It is THEIR little game...: )

On Mother's Day morning our knock out roses began blooming! What a pretty sight!

We enjoyed church and a nice drive then headed downtown to the Oregon District in Dayton.

                                               We enjoyed a fantastic seafood brunch at Jay's.

Parmesan encrusted Haddock...can you say Mmmmmm?

The 2 reasons I am such a proud mom, Dan and Grace.

They are posing here with their Grandma, my lovely mom, Miriam.

The kids and the moms...that's me on the right. The chubby blonde with the wild hair!

And then...well, I don't want to bore you more than I already have so I will stop for now!

I will work at hoppin' 'round to see all of you during the next few days.

Enjoy the rest of your week...

Love to you all!

                                                                                
  

Out And About , Dan Fogelberg And Santa Says Howdy!

Hello dear blog friends! I have been just awful at blogging and visiting of late haven't I? Hey...OKAY! That *YES MA'AM* was a little LOUD don'tcha think? But I DID like the Ma'am part...Um...okay. So I will try to be better but I do have a good excuse. Um...um...okay, so I don't really but it IS The Christmas Season and it is a busy time and I have been out and about. And about and out and in and there and here and waaaaay over yonder. I know you all are staying busy too right? I hope you are also staying well and being good to yourselves. As Moms and wives and employees we are always giving and giving and doing and doing and our health often takes a back seat. Take some time just for you...YOU deserve it. We have been on the go of late. Bill's company Christmas party was last Friday and it was a great one. Now, you must understand I am used to military shindigs so this was quite the celebration! Good food and drink, wonderful door prizes and beautiful decorations! We had a fun table of folks and new friends and also were able to sit near our dear friends M & C. C also works for the company and has for a long time. Being with them is always a treat! We have been able to take time for dinners and lunches with so many special friends...T & J, T & R, T, PB...neighbors and family. It is warm times like this that makes a heart sing! Okay, so mine sings out of tune but it does sing! And while we are speaking about singing, let's talk about great singers. I am so sad that we have lost Dan Fogelberg. That man had such a warm butterscotch voice and the most exceptionally poetic lyrics. Pure magic...Longer is still one of the most romantic songs ever written. He was a superb musician, although a true balladeer, he was also a man who could rock with the best of them. Sail free Dan...prayers go out to his wife Jean. Dan died from advanced prostate cancer and it was announced that another of our favorites, Stephen Stills, is now fighting this disease as well. Please hound those men of your ladies...get your exams and blood work! We love you and need you here for a long time!

~One of Grace's recent art pieces~

Grace recently had one of her art pieces chosen to be displayed at our town's High School. The works were to depict the artist's plea for peace in our world. We are all heading out to see the exhibit tonight. Last evening was Santa time! We all headed over to The Greene to visit the jolly guy. And just like Mickey Dolenez and The Monkees, Grace IS a believer. Of course, *I* am one as well so we really enjoyed our time with big man. The Greene is a fun place during the holiday season....carriage rides, strolling carollers, a live Nativity, a beautiful tree and Santa himself. We did a little shopping at our favorite book store, Books and Co., had a peppermint cappuccino and some hot chocolate, sugar cookies and a talk with the man in the red suit. We did get the photos they took (which were wonderful by the way) but they also encouraged me to snap my own. I told Santa he would be up on ye olde blog today and he said to tell all of you "Howdy!" It is warmer today, sunny and mild. Grace had her school party at school today...nothing is more fun than 24 3rd graders hopped up on sugar cookies, excitement and candy canes unless it is 20 Kindergartners! Now THEY were a fun group! Whoa... I am making my way around the blog world, visiting each of you when I can. I really enjoyed seeing so many brightly decorated homes during Boomama's Holiday House Tour. I hope you were all able to visit a few! Do take care of yourselves and enjoy this season...blessing to all of you.

Love and Hugs, Susie Q