Friday, August 31, 2018

Mike's Place


With so many irons in the fire and books on the computer, I'm running behind. It so happens that my computer is so jam packed with goodness that I have to have ANOTHER extra hard drive to handle it  all. I has slowed down to a snail's pace. 

I've been looking through my layouts  to find something interesting we've done recently.  I  found something, however the page was just started. It needs some work that I'm not up to doing tonight. So, I'm letting you see my rough draft so to speak.

A couple of weeks ago, we joined two other couples for dinner at a crazy fun place in Kent called, Mike's Place. The food was fine, but  the place itself  is quite entertaining. It has a diverse following, which can be seen in some of the many pictures  I took that evening.  The owner is quite a guy. Funny and captivating in his style and comments which can be seen in the collection of out of the ordinary and historical items he has cluttered around the place everywhere...on the walls, ceilings, outside...everywhere. He's made use of every inch of space. It is a place which you have to SEE. Order, get up and look around! The wait staff will  pleasantly dodge you as you do.  

I have more pictures that I will share at another time. Tonight I just have a picture of my husband, Ron out front. There are some of my notes to go along with it, but very difficult to read at this point in the design.

Tonight we attended a funeral of a fellow who was almost young enough to be our son. I would say it was sad,  but  really it was more of a celebration...a graduation. He worked a long day doing what he does best and enjoying it. He went home, had dinner and went to bed. In the morning he was found dead. Sad in many ways, but he died in his sleep. That is the way I would like to go when the Lord is ready for me.  And he has gone to be with our Father in heaven.  He ran  the race and finished the course. His life on earth is no more. No more sickness, tears or sorrows. All is glorious up there.

The older we get, the more frequently we attend funerals. It is always easier to go to one where we know the person has been accepted into the arms of God. 

Live in a way that will make it easy for your loved ones to feel confident that you have really gone HOME.   It will be better than any gift you could ever  give them.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Biggin's Big Dip



It's much more fun to take the boat to get ice cream, but this year and possibly next we have to drive because  of the new dam project on East Reservoir. It is very interesting to watch the work in progress, but it is very disruptive around the lakes as well. 

This day, we took the family over to Portage Lakes Drive and hit Biggin's Big Dip. The little park like area they have set up provided a perfect picture taking opportunity. I would say it is a shame we had ice cream all over our faces, but it does add something to the theme of the page.  

It was interesting to observe the kid's reactions to the little boy and girl statue. I love these pictures even better that the ice cream and that is saying a lot. They have the best black cherry ice cream going.

It is a shame we can't do this once a  week. Actually Ron and I could.  However, a few weeks ago, my doctor informed me that my cholesterol is up; so rather than take medicine,  I have cut out ice cream (and I was addicted to it) cheese, cream cheese and yogurt which I had been eating every day.  I cut down my milk as well. I've always been careful about fatty meats.

It is a pain to be old...at least I think that is the problem. I had to change my diet because of the diverticulosis, then those  foods caused the cholesterol problem. I'm hoping something else doesn't pop up now like blood sugar. I'd just have to quit eating all together. Of course I would probably be much better off if a I did that for a short time.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

County Fair



I have a lot on my mind tonight and am thankful for those in the medical profession.

I did manage  to do a layout  today of our little granddaughter, Julia, who was attending the Larimer
County Fair in Colorado with her family. The pictures are good and hopefully I'll be doing more layouts of this outing soon.  

Right now, I'm praying things settle down and I have a rested mind capable of doing my creative work (play) faster.

I have my mind focused on an older grandchild who is now in the hospital after having an emergency appendectomy yesterday  and suffering complications from a serious  infection and a couple of clots that got into the tubing.

I would appreciate prayer for him, his family and the medical crew.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

51st Anniversary


Our 51st anniversary was  two days ago. It was a very busy Sunday. We had church in the morning. We went home and I can't even remember what we ate, since  I had to buy fruit for a fruit  salad in the evening.  Our fruit market had been closed all day on Saturday due to the death or the owner's daughter. 

It so happens the church had scheduled a cook off on our anniversary. So that is what we did.

During dinner we sat at a picnic table with a very impressive camera there on the table near us. I was pretty sure who it belonged to and I was right. Not long before we had decided to leave for home, our friend Rob came to get his camera. We were talking about it when I thought, Here's a camera and a  photographer, what is keeping us from having a good picture made on our anniversary? Of course we were not dressed for it, but I couldn't fight it, I just burst out with a request.  "Rob, It is our 51st anniversary today. Could you take our picture? "  And he graciously did. He looked around and found the  perfect spot about 50 yards away and he snapped this wonderful photo of us. It is very sharp, so much better than the pics we've been making with our iPhones.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Maggie Shares



It took some time for Maggie to accept that there were others in her house who got our attention. She had taken on the 'only child' attitude. It was hard for her at first to share the lime light, but she finally  realized she could get some attention from them as well. 

Here she is sharing 'her' swing with Julia. 

Sunday, August 26, 2018

S'more Fun







It's been a while since these pictures were taken this summer, but it is still a good time for S'mores.

And it is always time to share pictures of little ones enjoying them...especially when we enjoy these little ones no matter what they are doing. 
And look at those faces!

Just got back to this blog. The ones in these pictures called me on FaceTime and we had a little visit. As good as it is to have pictures, it is much better to have FaceTime where  I can see them moving about and hear their sweet voices. Sounds like Caleb's first week at school went well and now Oliver and Julia are looking forward to Farm School this week. 




Saturday, August 25, 2018

Sun Baking


You've heard of sun bathing, well these kids were sun baking, shedding all the water they whipped up on the water slide. Caleb, Oliver and Julia had their fill of  splashing that day and rested in the sun. 

I'm not sure Julia enjoyed it quite as much as the boys did.  But I imagine next year she will be begging for it along with them.



Friday, August 24, 2018

Patiently Waiting



My mouse needs charged verrrry soon,  so I have published this layout already in case the mouse dies. What can  I do with a dead mouse?  Nothing!  I'm cutting this short  tonight for that  reason.  I don't like dead mice!!!

Sweetness just pours  out of these  two, at least most of the time. They were being very good while they waited for the water slide to be assembled and blown up for their play.  



Thursday, August 23, 2018

His Own Persona


We have triplet grandchildren. But although they are siblings the same age, they have their own talents and personalities. Aussie definitely has his own persona. Here he is at a family reunion of sorts practicing for a Rubik's Cube competition. In case you haven't seen it here before, he does quite well and even hosts his own event in Nashville, TN. The mask is really impressive, as he works it completely blindfolded. Of  course he looks at it first, then without making any moves, dons that blindfold. He also races to see how fast he can do it. Impressive!

When I tried to do a Rubik Cube, which my dad did when I was much younger, I just got a headache. Not just once, but other times over the years as well. However Chelle, Aussie's mother, can work one and so can her younger brother and his son, who is 8. My mind just doesn't work like that. Of course at my age, sometimes it doesn't seem to work at all.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Water Slide




We bought a blow up water slide last summer and happily it still blows up...that's what looks like happened when Caleb flew across the yard and jumped on the slide. When he hit the bottom...well see for yourself. Big Time Flash Zone. So glad it was captured  and sent to the the cloud. Actually I can't remember who took the  picture. It may not be flying around in space somewhere.

What do you all think of your pictures out on their own without your  supervision? It kind of gives me the creeps. If anyone would have told me this would happen 50 years ago, I wouldn't even understand what they were saying. In reality, I don't really understand now. I just  know that they are out there on their own as far as I am concerned. Even the ones  when I accidentally snap the floor of a restaurant while I'm eating. One can delete pictures like that from their photos...but they are still in the cloud. It is shear craziness.

And now we have new G5 technology that I do not understand completely even though it was explained to me.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

"The Eye"


We really don't get to see the kids often enough, but when we do, we generally take lots of pictures.  They help me to stay happy while the children are not here,  first while making layouts and then when looking at the books over and over again.

I find that every little one who comes is curious about this magnifying glass. Oh  and it isn't just 'this' magnifying glass. I've replaced it at least twice. It makes great photo opportunity...even though we do get better pictures without it in front of their faces.

This is Ava in her ballerina dress, giving us 'the eye'.



Monday, August 20, 2018

Back to School.


Caleb is entertained by these silly four year olds, his little brother  Oliver and his cousin Ava. Caleb does enjoy his  siblings and he will miss playing with them when he goes back to school tomorrow. But school is calling his name and football practice starts Wednesday. He will be a busy boy.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Pretty Little One




As far as  I am concerned this little girl is so very cute. And she really looks pretty in this light blue.  It is also amazing what a hair bow can do for a girl. 

Friday, August 17, 2018

Granddaughter Ava


I know what it is like to be separated by  hundreds of miles from our grandchildren. Our son, Tim is experiencing the same thing. He lives in Florida and his granddaughter  Ava is here in Ohio. When he visited this summer for his brother's remembrance, he was able to spend some welcome  time with little Ava. It was a blessing for both of them.  And we got to enjoy seeing them together as well as capturing some great pictures.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Junior Year



The triplets are back in school already.  It seems like summer vacation just started. However that is the prospective of an old lady, whose days go by like a wink and weeks are like our days used to be. However, I remember being in school and seeing the summer months rush by too quickly.

The triplets did have a full summer. They covered the map pretty well  from Tennessee to Ohio, to Illinois and back to Tennessee before a trip to Florida. Aussie transcended that schedule by crowding in a trip to Utah. Yes, they've had a busy summer.

Now it is time to hit the books and I think they will be hitting them hard. It is junior year. Just  two more years to prepare for college. They are ready to tackle those books, make those reports and handle all the projects that come their way.

Your  gramma and grampa in Ohio are cheering you on to victory. Go for the gold!

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Family Bowling


Back in early June before the family got together here in Ohio, John and family went bowling. School was out and it was something they hadn't done for some time. It was definitely a first for two year old Julia. Little things like this are good opportunities to make lasting memories, especially when there are pictures to help that memory.

This is the most photographed people ever and I can't imagine it getting worse...oh yes  I can. When there are active cameras everywhere and Big Brother is watching EVERYTHING. But I hope that does not happens. 

In some ways having so many pictures is good and in others it is a little much. I know as a grandmother living far from the kiddos, it is a wonderful blessing to see lots of pictures.  But some are taking too many, me for example. I accidentally snap pictures now and then...usually of the floor.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Days and Nights Mixed Up


The triplets turned 16 on the 27th of July.  This picture was taken on July 2nd.  Aussie is not here, but he was in bed  sound asleep when I took the shot. I wasn't much help.  The best time  for us to play our favorite tile game, Rummy-O  is around midnight.

About a week and 1/2 ago, school started and hopefully they have gotten back in the habit of getting up in the morning and sleeping at night...at least for the most part.

Of course, I, the Gramma am still on a 'free' schedule... Free of the obligation to arise early and shine through the day. Tonight for example, I will be up until 1:00 AM.  We had guests during the Tucker Carlson show at 8:00, so I missed it. Luckily, his program runs again at midnight; so since it is my favorite show,  I am staying up to see it. I did the same last night.  And yes, that means that this afternoon  I took a nap and I hope  to do the same thing  tomorrow.  No, I'm not a good example.


Monday, August 13, 2018

Slide Fun



Ava and Oliver had a good time on the slide and as you can see, Beth captured some great pictures.

This is a summer to remember. I'm hoping we will be able to get the family together more often now.
I admit it is quite a struggle when we are so scattered and  vacation days are so precious. There are just way too many places and things to see.

I'm praying for God's protection over this family over the days and years to come..

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Rubik's Cube Solve


While the family was here in early July, Caleb's older cousin introduced him and his dad to the Rubik's Cube. John, with a little instruction and some reading learned  to  work the puzzle  recently. 
Caleb joined in the quest and learned himself. Tonight while his grampa and I watched on Face Time, he solved it three times. He's pretty fast at it as well.  

Caleb  has varied abilities. He will start football practice  for this year soon. And if  I remember correctly, he has one more week of vacation, then school will resume.

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Big Brother...the Good Kind


Yesterday's post showed our Julia swinging. Today, Caleb is in the swing beside her. He is her big brother and as such he is there to protect her whenever she may need it. However, she is a strong little girl and for the most part can do very well on her own. 

Knowing  her other brother Oliver is very responsible, I imagine anyone with the intention of bothering Julia would have their hands full of trouble. They are  both exceptionally good brothers.


Friday, August 10, 2018

Swing Sweet Julia


On the day we celebrated the life of our son Mark, we had a family picnic at the boat club  diagonally across the street from us.  It turned out to be a good location.  There is a large pavilion with plenty of tables and a good kitchen. April and Kim headed it up and did a great job.

The little kids had plenty of room to run and play. They enjoyed the swings and the slide and were able to run off their energy.  I love these pictures of Julia, who had not changed from the military funeral service. That skirt is just fun to see on a swing and on a slide.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

50's Vintage


Once in a while a piece of history just falls into our laps. That is the case with the photo above, which
Ron's niece posted on FaceBook today. Her other uncle (Jerry) had found it and sent it to her along with more family members including Ron.  There is some discrepancy about the year it was taken, but it was probably between 1956 and 1958.

I don't know if it had that flash of light on your left or if it is just showing time, Someone said it looks like an angel's wing and I agree.

I used vintage 1950's papers to make the layout.

The story is that the brothers, Ron, Jerry and Denny had been taken by their father to the Firestone store earlier in the year to get them new bicycles for Christmas,  so that they could be riding them. They got matching bikes in different colors.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

What is Real?





Everything I have to say is right here on the layout. 

I may have to change my tune...my attitude.
I've always thought that I am not a pessimist, just a realist. This makes me think about what is real and what is merely temporary.  I may ponder it a while, until  I can make a habit of living it.
 Give it a little thought.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Triple Birthday Rerun



I posted these individual photos on July 27th, which was the triplet's birthday. However, I really wanted to show them off once more in the layouts I just finished. 




Monday, August 6, 2018

Jitter Bugs




Because of  these pictures, I googled and have been watching jitterbug videos from the 50's

It is amazing what these two fours year olds playing did. They really gave the appearance of dancing the jitterbug we danced when I was in high school. As far as I know, neither of them have ever seen that; yet they looked quite proficient at it. So cute I just had to share it here.  I hope you can enlarge it enough to see the darling expressions of  glee.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Have Football, Need Team

  

One can tell by the movement of the ball in his hands and the look on his face, that he would really like to find someone to share his love for sports. I'm just guessing that really. But I love the photo. There were so many pictures taken that day in June while we were all together, that I don't even remember who took this one...but it is so much better than most posed shots.

Love you, Caleb.

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Of ORU Importance


I suspect  I need my eyes examined. Lately when I check into this section of the blog where I form my post, it is blurry.  I really don't understand that since it looks all right in my files and on photoshop where  I develop  the  pages.  Of course at my age, I shouldn't be surprised. It could also be a blessing. I really don't like to look at myself at this stage of the game. 

Now, this photo was taken July 20, I believe, I just saw this afternoon that I hadn't scrapbooked it yet. I do have lots of pictures taken before that date that I've done nothing with as yet, but this is ORU.  It takes priority. I  want to keep a running history of ORU. If you knew us, you would understand why that is; otherwise, just try to think about the most important people in our world today...that is us.  Oh, and modest as well. LOL

We try to celebrate our birthdays as a group...we don't get enough 'cake' otherwise.  This time we went to the Cheesecake Factory in Legacy Village.

We have expanded somewhat, in more ways than one. We have a new member. Actually, she was a member at one time and we let her drop out. She is back...just couldn't stay away. Her name is Becky and she is at the end on your left.

We welcomed Becky and celebrated the birthdays of Jane and Paulette. We would have two other birthdays to celebrate, but one is now part of the Texas branch of  ORU. Her name is Kalai. And our wintertime Florida darling fooled us this year and stayed there. As I write this, she, Robin is on her way home to Ohio.  We missed her and she missed our celebration.

Of course now, we have another excuse to eat cake...and we need to schedule a belated party!

Friday, August 3, 2018

Caleb Is Too Far Away

  



I do love this boy. What a great smile he has. 

I started to say, were blessed to have him here twice this year, but that  isn't accurate. His family visited here in December and June, six months apart. It was  truly wonderful to see them and now I'm making layouts and looking forward to seeing them again. I could hope that would be true, but it isn't like they live next door. That would be perfect; but they live 1,333.9 miles from here.


Thursday, August 2, 2018

GREAT granchildren


Here are the three youngest grandchildren Oliver, Caleb, Julia and  our  great granddaughter, Ava They are with Ava's mother, Brittanie, another grandchild. Really, it is hard to distinguish between grandchildren and great grandchildren, since all of them are 'great'.

We certainly are blessed. Thank you Lord for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May we always be good examples for them.


Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Choose To Shine


I  found a freebie at Digital Scrapbooking Studio this morning that used the colors  I needed for this picture. So this ended up being a quick layout. I like the way it looks and I especially liked the admonition, Choose to Shine.  So many try to blend in instead of standing on their own. Ashley seems to do this. She has found a love of anime and she really shines at dressing the parts she portrays.  

Since she lives so far away, I don't have many chances to get our picture taken together. So here we are!