THIS IS MY BLOG! It will contain whatever *I* want to say. Remember, you are a GUEST. If you have some mental problem with my topics, words or personality, I suggest you click off my site and find something better to do on the Web.
Play nicely, or I will advertise your logged IP here for spammers to catch, along with banning it.
Gimmicks
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Lulu and Sunshine meeting, Part Deux Since I posted the pics first, I thought I'd let Lulu write the first account of The Meeting Of The Families.
NOTE: No children were injured in the making of this meeting.
We agreed to meet at Boston Market in Dearborn. Since there would be 9 of us, I was hesitant to go to a "serving" restaurant for several reasons. Here, restaurants are not keen on letting one party take up TWO separated tables. Plus, many feel the need to automatically "add on the 20% gratuity" for more than 6 people.
Of course, we brought along Neeko and while waiting for Lulu and co. to arrive, I took him for a short walk. Three people leaving the restaurant came up to us ("How beautiful!" and "What kind of dog is he?") and Neeko was loving the attention! Nobody believed we had just gotten him the day before!
We left our smilin' sam in the Excursion while we went inside to eat with plastic cutlery. teehee Neeko was able to watch us through the glass windows and to our amusement, he took turns sitting in the front seats.
After we got through our dinner (or DINNERS, for my hubby), we drove back to the hotel room, so the kids could go swimming. Yep, we stayed upstairs and chatted. And chatted. I think us adults all got along OK. teehee (PEM is now able to personally confirm that I'm a complete moron, lolol!) Actually, PEM is quite a nice guy, a pleasure to meet and ranks high since this is Lulu's first non-obligatory visit to Michigan since leaving in 1997. Sure, she's been back since, but for our wedding and a funeral.
I was thrilled that Lulu placed US so high on her To-Do list!
Anyway, as lulu stated, when we got down to the pool, the kids were NOT thrilled To Be Watched.
Our kids got along GREAT! Even my stepson joined in (with a little "prodding" from my husband at Boston Market) and when we finally went upstairs, the kids had ice cream cones to end the evening. We were busy snapping pics, the kids were exchanging e-mails and I was trying to delay the end. Sure, it was 10 p.m. and hubby had to be up for work at 4 a.m., but *I* could drive home and he could sleep, right?
Well, hugs and kisses were given 'round, then we left.
And I sniffled as we hit Ford Road. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/31/2004 12:04:00 PM
A bit more about our trip When we left, we kept passing convoys of Airstream trailers heading east on I-69. I just read that there WAS an Airstream convention held in Lansing June 25 thru July 4.
As we came into Fort Wayne, I made hubby show my SS where they used to live and where hubby used to work. We even stopped at a Meijer there and ate lunch in the camper.
Funniest part of the first day? While planning our trip, we didn't realize we would be traversing thru Illinois, THEN Missouri.
"Did that sign say, 'Welcome to Illinois?'"
"Yep, I think we must have taken a wrong turn." Looked at map. "Nope, duh. Woohoo! Add another state to the list!"
"Well, how far is this going to put us out of the way?"
"It's NOT. This IS the way."
Of course, I had to show my husband the map.
Right then, Day 1, I should have learned The Lesson, as I was The Navigator. My husband, who doesn't plan his routes or watch the Interstate signs well, positively sucks at believing The Navigator.
When I drove, as I did PLENTY, hubby watched movies in the back seat with SS and Munchkin rode up front with me. She was my Navigator. She will admit that I never got lost, took a wrong turn or became cross.
And she learned The Power of Holding The Map. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/31/2004 10:55:00 AM
Friday, July 30, 2004
Friday Frou Frou In honor of our laziness: 1. What is your favorite way to laze away the day? Putering, of course!
2. What is your usual lazy meal? I'm big on salsa rice. Make 1 cup Minute Rice, then add in lots of salsa and sharp cheddar cheese. YUM!
We are lazy and crazy: 1. What habit of another person drives you crazy? Being late.
2. What is the craziest experience you have tried that you are glad you did? haha...I just got home from a 29-day vacation with my kids and hubby. 'Enuf said.
Somewhat hazy: 1. Do hazy days make you blue? Nope, we had one yesterday and today and I find them quite productive! No excuses necessary to stay inside.
2. When you're tired (other than sleep) what do you do to get you out of the haze? Vacuum. It's almost an addiction. Freaky, eh? I actually missed it on vacation! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/30/2004 12:53:00 PM
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Projects I have been diligently working on my vacation photos...crop, PhotoShop, upload and code. With nearly 100 pics per day, it's taking much longer than expected. Beautiful Mesa Verde, aka Day 5: June 28, seems to be easier since there is less cropping, mostly resizing.
That and I have been busy with transporting the kids (Munchkin went to my parents on Tuesday, then SS went with his mom today), putting together my postcard album (chronological order) and walking my dog.
Yep, Neeko is already MY dog. Probably has something to do with me feeding him, walking him, playing with him and letting him out to potty. He is sleeping next to me right now, along with Tux and Schnotz the kitties.
All of my furry fans laid next to me today while I trimmed down the postcards for my album. Just FYI: many postcards will slide easily into a 4x6 album, those that are too big usually just need a little shaved off to fit into the slot. It's such a great way to keep them organized!
My next diversion will be making jewelry out of the pieces of turquoise I bought on our stop in Cody, Wy. Should be an adventure! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/29/2004 05:36:00 PM
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Bad day Yesterday morning, I ran Neeko to our vet for a general lookover and "get-to-know-you" meeting.
Well, I can honestly say that my vet needs to retire because he has a lousy view on dogs, especially rescued/adopted dogs, who he referred to as "defective."
That's such a great attitude for a vet!
When Neeko snapped at him for trying to look in his mouth, he told me to "get rid of him or put him down."
Of course, describing the entire incident will shed more light on the visit. Neeko got weighed by the vet asst, then we were put into a room with an open door. As we were walking in there, a guy with a little dog came out of the room next to us and said to the vet asst, "No, I won't be coming back here." And just kept walking.
Rather strange, but no big deal.
Our 6'5", burly vet grabbed our file from the door and said, "What's this?" I explained we wanted to adopt Neeko from a rescue and thought it was a good idea if Doc took a look, first. "Oh, a rescue?" he set the file on the counter.
Then, without any warning, Doc quickly reached over the top of the "sitting pretty" Neeko and grabbed his snout with both hands (I think to pry it open.) Neeko was startled and yelped, then snapped at him. And he yelped again.
"GET RID OF THIS DOG!" he hollered at me. "You see how he just tried to bite me? These dogs are supposed to have the perfect disposition...there's something wrong with him! I don't want to see him back in my office!"
I was taken aback BIG TIME and tried to explain, "We just got him from the Rescue on Saturday and he has been FINE with everyone. I can even take food from his mouth!" I reached down and felt Neeko's snout, then started to open it gently. Neeko was fine.
"That dog is going to be nothing but trouble for you. You don't know why it was in the Rescue, but I bet it has to do with him snapping! Those dogs in Rescues are defective, that's why they are there! I don't want to see this dog again!"
Doc gave our file to the passing asst and barked, "There is nothing on this dog."
My entire ride home, I was bummed out, but started thinking, "If that was a CHILD who went to the dentist and was treated that way, the dentist probably would have been bit by the kid and slapped or punched by the parent."
I called the Rescue and found out that Neeko was an owner surrender and we will have his complete vet records this week. I also spoke to another vet, who was shocked that Doc didn't try to make nice to Neeko, to build up some relationship. "First time visits are very important!"
I am hoping my vet was just having a VERY bad day. He had two unhappy clients leave his office in less than 5 minutes and he didn't seem fazed.
Maybe he is trying to ditch his clients so he can retire? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/27/2004 10:04:00 AM
Monday, July 26, 2004
Lulu, Sunshine and The Hubbies
(Lulu and her hubby are in front of the closed door.)
Seeing Lulu and tidbits from The Vacation We are leaving in a few minutes to head down to have dinner with Lulu and her family. I can't believe it has been more than 2 years since we last saw each other!
Couple of interesting notes about The Vacation:
1. I used 76 postcard stamps.
2. We have 28 shotglasses, but I think there are a few hidden in the camper.
3. While in Vegas, we walked from the Circus Circus KOA to the M&M Store. I looked it up on Mapquest and it is 3.08 miles each way. We walked from the KOA to the Bellagio (twice for Munchkin and me, just once for hubby and SS), which is 2.27 miles. Not bad exercise!
4. I called my mother from Mall of America and she said she had called her mother and brother to let them know that I was coming to town and might be paying them a visit. Not only did we NOT see them, but I never even called them! We did take the time to see both of hubby's cousins while in Minnesota.
5. During my call to my mother, I found out that BOTH of my grandfathers are buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. FSNC is kiddie-corner from Mall of America and HUGE, so the next morning, I got up early and drove over to take pictures of their graves. My mother pointed out that I would be the first child in my family to ever visit the graves. How sad, since my paternal grandfather died in 1963.
Day 19, July 12 -- Went to Antelope Island at The Great Salt Lake, then took a carriage ride through downtown SLC.
Day 20, July 13 -- Drove up to The Grand Tetons, passing through Idaho on the way.
Day 21, July 14 -- Toured Jackson (Hole), drove around the Grand Tetons and went up into Yellowstone Nat'l Park to see Old Faithful. (my pics of moose, elk and gorgeous rainbow coming soon!)
Day 22, July 15 -- Left Grand Tetons, drove into Yellowstone to see more of the park and headed east to Cody, Wy. (my pics of bear and bison coming soon!)
Day 23, July 16 -- Left Spearfish, S.D. and went thru Deadwood and got a beautiful site at the Mt. Rushmore KOA. We watched Mt. Rushmore being lit up at dusk.
Day 24, July 17 -- Stayed another night at Mt. Rushmore KOA, so we toured Custer State Park, Keystone and did Bear Country.
Day 25, July 18 -- Left Mt. Rushmore, went thru the Badlands, stopped at Wall Drug and decided to get as close to Minneapolis as possible. We stopped just north of Mankato, Minn. about 11:30 p.m.
Day 26, July 19 -- Drove up to Minneapolis, found a campground nearby and spent the afternoon at Mall of America, then Cousin Barb and her daughter came by for a few hours.
Day 27, July 20 -- Left Minneapolis and went up to Moose Lake to stay at Cousin Betty's house, with a jaunt to Duluth in the late afternoon.
Day 28, July 21 -- Left Moose Lake and drove into Michigan, arriving at my inlaws at 11:15 p.m.
Day 29, July 22 -- Visited with Mom and Dad and some of the kids.
Day 30, July 23 -- Got home about 12:30 p.m. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/25/2004 02:21:00 PM
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Welcome to the family! We adopted this beautiful big boy today, while out buying SS a bday present. As you can see, Schnotz The Kitty loves him already!
Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/24/2004 06:23:00 PM
Friday, July 23, 2004
We're baaack! We arrived home about 12:30 this afternoon, after staying with my inlaws yesterday. I am unloading the camper and doing laundry, but needed a break!
The trip went GREAT and the worst thing that happened during the month was finding out that my husband's youngest brother and his wife are headed toward divorce court.
The kitties are great and back to normal. I've been forgiven. They missed me, but they were in very good hands with the neighbor girl caring for them on a daily basis.
More updates in the next few days. Looks like Lulu is coming to town, so we are going to head down to see her and her new family this weekend!
A bit more about our trip Day 11, July 4: Visited Tucson
Day 12, July 5: Visited Tombstone
Day 13, July 6: Left Benson and headed to Lake Havasu to see the London Bridge, stayed in a park there on the beach.
Day 14, July 7: Left LH and headed to Needles, Calif., then up to Vegas to stay at the KOA on The Strip. We walked The Strip in the evening. WOW! I just love the Bellagio water show!
Day 15, July 8: We walked The Strip in the day, ate cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory in Ceasar's Palace. That evening there was a brown-out, so we took the trolley down the strip.
Day 16, July 9: Munchkin and I got up at 5:30 a.m. to walk The Strip early. We then headed out to Utah's Zion Nat'l Park and Bryce Nat'l Park. They are BEAUTIFUL! We caught the sunset at Bryce and stayed just outside the park.
Day 17, July 10: Got up and went back to Bryce to take more photos. Then we drove up to Salt Lake City, where we will be until Monday.
Day 18, July 11: Getting ready to tour Salt Lake City! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/11/2004 02:26:00 PM
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Day 17 UPDATE We arrived in Salt Lake City a few hours ago and will be staying a few days, probably til Monday.
We didn't win BIG in Vegas, but we had a GREAT time walking the strip. Munchkin and I did it again early yesterday morning before we left. Thursday night, the KOA at Circus Circus had a "brown-out," so we toured the town via trolley.
Gusto, watch Ocean's Eleven. I have TONS of great pics of the water fountain displays. And I got you an ink pen from there, too. lolol
Lulu, we might go to the IMAX 3D here tomorrow: NASCAR. Narrated by my boy, Keifer Sutherland. woohoo!
Still having fun! Miss ya all! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/10/2004 10:27:00 PM
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Update -- It's Day 10! Hi! We are in Benson, Az. for a few nights and they have internet access for me!
Things are going great. Even got my stepson his allergy shot, woohoo!
Lulu & Gusto, I hope you have been getting my postcards so far. I posted comments a few days ago on your blogs when I had a chance to use the Flagstaff library puter for some research.
Day 1, June 24: Made it to St. Louis
Day 2, June 25:. Made it just inside Texas. On our way, we stopped at the Oklahoma City Memorial. That was emotional.
Day 3, June 26: Made it to Albequerque, N.M.
Day 4, June 27: Made it to Durango, Co. Stayed for two nights.
Day 5, June 28: Went to Mesa Verde and The 4 Corners.
Day 6, June 29: Went to Flagstaff for 2 nights
Day 7, June 30: Went to Sunset Crater Volcano National Park
Day 8, July 1: Went to the Grand Canyon
Day 9, July 2: Went to Apache Junction and saw LOTS of forest fire smoke
Day 10, July 3: Made it to Benson. We are heading into town in a few minutes to watch the fireworks. Tomorrow and Monday, we are going to Tucson or Tombstone.
I am TRYING to keep my journal, but it is SO busy that I think my 1000+ pics will probably be the best diary.
Luv ya all and watch your blogs for my comments! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
7/03/2004 08:45:00 PM
