Grandma Poppi's Posts

LIFE CHANGES

2011-11-21T13:38:00.009-05:00

After 5 years and 1 month of widowhood, I met a very nice man. It came about in a strange way, but I guess things that are meant to happen do happen that way. My very best friend since 3rd grade(that is 66 years ago) called me last winter from TX. She and her hubby,(my classmate also) winter down there every year. She said, Patti, I have met a man down here, a very nice widower and guess what, he lives in Michigan 10 miles from you house. She said that when they came home in the spring they would come see me and they would invite this man to go out to lunch with us.

I had not dated since my husband died and pretty much thought I would remain a widow and I was OK with that. My many friends, family, home, travel and garden keep me busy. That does not mean there were not many lonely times, but you do adjust in a fashion and kinda except things for what they are.

I had nearly forgotten about the fella, until my friend called and said they were coming to stay with me for the 4th of July weekend. Another couple of friends were coming also. So we all went out for lunch and Mr P met us. After lunch we all came back to my place where we played cards and ate pie. Mr P seemed like a nice enough fella.

The next morning my friends and I were lounging around in our jammies and having breakfast. The doorbell rang and there was Mr P again even tho none of us really remembered inviting him for breakfast.

From that time on I do believe Mr P was at my house most every day. The rest of the summer was filled with movies, dinners out and dinners in, long rides, games, cards, ice cream. Mr P met my family and friends and I met his family and friends. A much different life than what I had become accustom to.

We talked of marriage. I was not as sure as Mr P was, but a friend said to me, what are you waiting for. I had to admit that it was kinda silly to wait, as we were not spring chickens anymore and time at this age can be short. Both of us losing our spouses had taught us that.

So on October 22, 2011, we were married with around 70 of our family and best friends cheering us on. It was a wonderful simple, fun , but very meaningful wedding and really meant a lot to both Mr P and me.

Our now 10 children gave us a wonderful wedding night at a darling little inn in Frankfort. We had a wedding suite with champagne, dozen red roses and chocolate covered strawberries. We even had a jacuzzi and sauna. They also included a gift certificate for dinner at one of my favorite places. It was a wonderful gift to us.

So now we are ready to move forward with our new lives and enjoy each other and travel to wonderful and exciting places. I hope to chronicle our life and travels here as we travel thru our new lives.together.

SUMMER

2011-11-20T13:11:00.006-05:00

Am so behind in blogging. Oh well it has been busy and much has happened. First of all it was a wonderful summer. Most of my family were here, but this summer mostly one family at a time. I love that, even tho I love for all the families to be together, it is nice to have the smaller groups. Just get to spend more time with each one. More one on one. I have never seen so much fishing going on. They all like it because you can throw in a line and almost immediately catch a little fish. Lots of fun.

Even got to Iowa a couple of times over the summer. I love going out there and seeing some of the grandchildren in their sports. Everyone always makes a great effort to all get together while there. It is just great.

Have surprise news in my next post!

June is almost history already.

2011-06-27T20:53:00.005-04:00

My daughters Elie and Elin came for a couple of days on the Memorial Day weekend. I then rode back to Iowa with them so I could attend my granddaughter, Katy's graduation party.

Was a great party. She had the party with her friend, Jackelyn and they had a great turn out of friends and family.

I am so proud of Katy. Not only is she beautiful, but she graduated at the top of her class with a 4.3 grade point. She received many awards, was on the cross country team and soccer teams and was in many plays. I love it that she is always at all our family gatherings and she just loves all her cousins. She has done a lot of babysitting for her younger cousins for many years. She will be attending the University of Iowa next year. Next year will have 5 grandchildren in college. Going to be so much fun to see where their educations will lead them in the coming years.

This summer I have my grandson Ian in China and my granddaughter, Jenny just returned from studying fashion design in Florence, Italy for a semester. I'm thinking they are going to know a lot more about the world than I did at their age.

We are so ready!

2011-05-26T14:01:00.003-04:00

The city has the beach ready, the petunias planted and the city streets cleaned. The beds are made, the laundry is done, the house is cleaned, the flowers and the garden are planted. Only need to make some cookies and finish the soup. So bring on summer, the tourists and friends and family. Am so ready and anxious to see everyone!!

Never thought I would see the day!

2011-05-19T20:06:00.003-04:00

It seems like I have spent my life trying to save my teeth. I would really like to know the amount of money that has been spent in that pursuit.

I had really cute baby teeth. Only thing is, they did not fall out like most kids. My Mom became quite concerned when at 8 years old, I had not lost a tooth. So she carted me off to a dentist and a doctor, who gave me gas and pulled all my front top and bottom teeth.

When they gave me the gas and I was out, I all at once sat straight up and started screaming my lungs out. My Mom started screaming, Oh my you are hurting my darling daughter, and they had to escort her out of the room. I actually was not hurting, I believe it was just a reaction to the gas.

When we left the doctors office, my Mom and Grandma stopped and bought me some scissors and paper dolls. When we got home they were in the kitchen talking and I went into the living room and slid behind a chair. Instead of cutting out the paper dolls, I proceeded to take those scissors and cut off all my eyebrows and eyelashes. When my Mom came to check on me, she started screaming again. Here I sat with no teeth, no expression with no eyebrows or eyelashes. Must have been a pretty sight. Horrid thing was that I had just started at a new school and had to go to school looking like that.

Eventually I got my 2nd teeth only to have them come in all crooked. So then I wore braces for 5 years.

As years went by I lost a few teeth, had gum problems, got bridges, had root canals, crowns etc. Sometimes we had insurance and sometimes we didn't. My hubby was having dental problems along with me. Of course there were 7 children who needed dental care also. Not complaining that was just the way it was.

What I am getting at here is, what happened to me yesterday. I got up and had some swollen gums. Since I am planning to take a little trip next week, I thought I had best call my dentist and see what was going on. When I called them they said, Oh doctor is out of town till next week for his daughters wedding. But they said why don't you come in and we can take an xray and if you have an infection we can get you some drugs. When I got to the office, I was surprised to see my former dentist, who has retired standing there. I said what are you doing here and he said I thought I would see what is going on with you. Now this dentist is just the nicest man I know and also very good looking. Sometimes I am sad he is happily married to his lovely wife of many years(just kidding). Even tho I like the new dentist, I was very sad when this one retired.

So they take an xray, he checks my problem and we have some nice chats to catch up on our lives. He says I do not have an infection that will be helped by drugs or a tooth problem. More like a viral infection or irritation. Kinda like a canker sore on the gum. He gave me some stuff to rub on my gums and said it would go away in a few days. So I get up to leave and he follows me out to reception desk and we are chatting the whole time. At last I say, well I guess you had better give me the bill and they say, oh there is not charge! WHAT!!!!! In all these years that is the first time I have not had a bill at a dentist office...I still can not believe it. I knew I liked that man. Kinda made my day!! Guess there are some advantages to being a Sweet (debatable)Little(debatable) Old (not debatable) Lady after all.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:06:00.017-04:00

My Mom has been gone now for 8 years next month. Oh how I miss her. Don't know why but the longer it is the more I seem to miss her.

Her name was Zelma Opal and she never liked her name. I always thought it was cool, cause I have never ever heard of anyone else having that name. One of my uncles used to call her Old Pal, which I liked too.

When I was very little she was very strict with me and spent a lot of time teaching me manners and how to behave. Every once in a while I would rebel and my punishment was to stand in a corner. I would be very upset and to get back at her I would pick my nose and wipe my boogers on the wall. Oh my, it was very hard for her to understand how her sweet child could act so horrid. As you can see, I definitely needed to be taught those manners. Poor Mom. I did eventually learn all she taught me and am so thankful for her patience and love.

I always knew she loved me, but she sometimes had a little problem. She was not always the most brave person. One time when we were up to a lake visiting some relatives, she and I went for a walk. I think I was about 7 or 8 years old. Suddenly out of no where a billy goat had gotten loose and started chasing us. Well so much for a Mother protecting her child.. We started to run toward the house. We were running as fast as we could and suddenly she ran right past me and into the house way before me. Leaving me to fend for myself. Luckily I did outrun the silly goat, but I never let her forget the fact that she was supposed to protect me. We laughed about that for years.

She was a wonderful cook and baker of the best cakes, pies and cookies. She loved to garden and had the most beauiful flowers around. Some called her the "flower lady". She and I just loved to go shopping together. She adored her grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. She was my very best friend and all my girl friend loved her too. She liked nothing better than to sit and gab with all us girls.

So I am missing my beautiful, wonderful Mom today, but I really miss her everyday. I shall always love her.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You are still loved and missed by so many.

Some of the pretty flowers I rec'd from my thoughtful children. They all treat their old Mama very well. Thank you all and I just love you all to pieces!

MY HOW THINGS CHANGE

2011-04-28T17:49:00.001-04:00

Today as I was going through some drawers full of lots of old pictures and such I found something kinda interesting. It was interesting to me because in my last post I wrote about my birthday. So what I found was the hospital bill for my birth 74 year ago. There seems to be quite a difference from the hospital bills of today. The bill was for $50.00 and my Mom spent 10 days in the hospital. To be fair, I guess I should say that I think my Dad was making $15.00 a week delivering coal and my Mom was not working. When my folks first got married, my Dad had a paper route which paid him $2.00 a week and my Mom earned $2.00 a week working for some rich folks. She cleaned, cooked, did laundry and ironed. She managed to save enough money out of those earnings to buy my Dad his first ever top coat. Amazing.

Some day I will post a picture of my Dad in his that new top coat. He really looked quite dapper.

Birthday

2011-04-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

Celebrated my 74th birthday yesterday. Yikes, how did I get that old. Was a good birthday because I rec'd many phone calls and Facebook greetings from all my family and many friends all over the world. What was strange, was when it dawned on me that this was the first time in 74 years that I have ever spent my birthday alone. Bothered me for a while until I went to the store and got myself a cake and ice cream. Didn't quite take the place of having folks around to celebrate with me, but it helped quite a bit. On the other hand, being able to celebrate all those years with family and friends is a true blessing which has given me a wealth of wonderful memories. One of my favorite was the surprise party my hubby sprung on me for my 45th birthday. It was really a big surprise to me and so many people came. It was great fun. Best gift I rec'd was from my dear departed friend, Betsy Powell. She made me a pillow that said, "I would rather be 45 than pregnant". After having been pregnant with 7 children for 13 years it seemed quite appropriate. So now it is on to 75, the good Lord willing. Besides I do not feel a day over 45. I do need to get rid of all my mirrors tho.

A Wonderful Winter Break

2011-03-31T20:00:00.019-04:00

I returned a couple of weeks ago from a most wonderful month in Florida. This is the first time I have gotten to stay that long. Amazing how fast that month passed by. The weather was great with most days in the 80's, but the nights cooled off, so it was good sleeping weather. I stay with my old friend, Joann. She has been my friend for over 40 years. Used to be 4 couples of us were in Florida together every year, but as the years have passed, our group has gotten smaller and smaller and now only the 2 of us get down there. Sad!

Jeanne and Richard took us out on their boat one day. We went to Cabbage Key to have a cheeseburger in paradise. I love going there. The day we went was a beautiful day.

Deedee, Mary Lou, Joann and I also went out on a gambling boat, the Big M and that was another beautiful day. And I won. Course I only play nickles, but hey, who cares if ya can win!! We eat out at the Shrimp Shack every Thursday night. Got to Captain Con's a couple of times, a German place, the Lazy Flamingo, the Island Cow and a new pizza place we all liked. We went shopping, spent time at the library, ate lots of key lime pie, ate a bit of ice cream, read 5 books and think we went to pool every day but two days. Met lots of new people. Had a car the whole time, which is really nice. Think we went someplace everyday. The day I returned it was in the 60's in GR and felt pretty good. when I arrived home, was delighted to see most of the snow had melted. Sadly spring did not last and a storm came last night and today. I could not even get my doors open. Sounds like it is going to be a cold week also. Guess I came home to soon!! But it is nice to be home. Now I am thinking about spring cleaning, yard and garden work. May have to take another road trip once the snow gets gone again.

So proud of my son and another adventure

2011-03-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

At the end of January I took a trip, via Amtrak out to Iowa for my son, Evan's induction into his high school Hall of Fame for his swimming achievements. Of my 7 children, Evan is the only one to be in a Hall of Fame. It was a very special and wonderful occasion and honor.

He gave a wonderful acceptance speech. He included his whole family,, friends and coaches in his speech and told how each had inspired him and helped him attain his swimming goals. He still holds 4 records after all this time. He attend high school from 1991-1994.

All his siblings were able to attend except one. In fact about 30 friends and family attended in his honor.

Evan, his wife Traci and daughters, Tori and Tessa traveled all the way from Arkansas for the induction. It was a very quick and long trip for them especially with the new baby. It was also the first time for most of the family to meet Tessa.

I am so glad I was able to attend. My only regret was that Evan's dad wasn't still around to be there. He would have been so proud of his "Big Evan" as he affectionately called his 6'5" son. Evan paid great tribute to his Dad during his speech. Always makes me cry!

Returning home from Iowa turned out to be a new adventure. First of all I was delayed for two days because of blizzard that hit Chicago really hard. I took for the first time the Mega Bus from Des Moines to Chicago and then the train from Chicago to Michigan. Mega Bus pretty good, especially because it only cost me 50 cents. When I got to Chicago, Union Station was so busy I could not believe it. People were stacked up everywhere and all the trains were late. I got into Michigan 2 hours late. Luckily my dear brother had stopped in Holland and shoveled my car out for me. Would have taken me forever. As it was I did not get home until almost midnight. I was one tired gal.

It was all well worth it tho. Anytime I can spend time with all my family is a great time and I will do it every chance I get!

My Dad

2011-02-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

My Dad passed away 1 year ago today. How is that possible that a year has passed so quickly? Here I am living in his place, a place he and my Mom loved so much. Memories of them surround me everyday. Thank you Dad for taking such good care of me for 73 years. I love you,and miss you so much, always will.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-13T22:50:00.000-05:00

There is an old saying that goes. The faster I go, the hinder I get. Well in November and December I just got hinder and hinder with my blogging! So this will be an attempt to catch up a little bit.

The week before Thanksgiving I took the train to AR to meet my new granddaughter, Tessa. Oh how I enjoyed that week. I got to hug and squeeze that sweet baby for a whole week. I was in heaven. She is just such a little butterball and so much fun to cuddle with.

Sweet Tessa

Got to spend some quality time with Tori also. Was able to see her swim in a swim meet, went to her school, went to her favorite yogurt place and we danced and danced. Dancing bout did me in but sure did enjoy it at the time Tori is a great swimmer and for a 6 year old, she has the most beautiful strokes. Probably doesn't hurt that her Dad is a swim coach!!

Dancing!

Diving in!

Mimi, Tori, Tessa and me.

We fit an awful lot into that week. Got to go out to eat at some fun places and meet a lot of Evan, Traci and Tori's friends. Even got to spend some time will Mimi, the other grandma. I really loved my whole time in AR and being with my family.

Then my son, Evan drove me to just south of Kansas City and my son Eddy came from Iowa and met us and he took be up to Iowa. Then I got to spend a week in Iowa and got to see a lot more of my family. Ended up having 3 Thanksgiving dinners. I first stayed with Eddy, Karen and Owen and had wonderful Thanksgiving Day dinner with them and Karen's brother and his wife. That evening we went over to Ethan and Maya's house, where we had delicious appetizers and soups. A lot of my family came to that. Then on Saturday a big gang of us went up to Elin and Terry's for another terrific Thanksgiving Day dinner, It was another great week. Everyone made great efforts for us all to get together several times and I loved being with my kids and grandkids..

Some of my tough girl, granddaughters. Carrie, Katy, Anna and Jenny.

Erin and John.

Anna and Ian.

Elin and Terry who hosted one of the great Thanksgiving dinners.

Eddy and Karen feeling mighty full.

Jonathan and Owen chilling!

I got back around December 1st and it dawned on me that Christmas was not far off, so I got busy shopping, mailing cards and packages and baking up a storm. My daughters, Elie and Erin came all the way from Iowa to be with me for Christmas. On Christmas Day we had Elie, Erin, Jeff, Dawn and Bob and Sue here for most of the day. It was a fun day.

Bob and Sue enjoying their Christmas.

Christmas Eve dinner with Dawn, Jeff, Erin, Elie and me.

My "Kiss My Face" lotion. It is just peachy!''

Elie at State Park with her new cross country ski's

So I got thru the holidays pretty good. I still had my times of sadness when I started missing, my Mom, Dad and John. They all loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays so much. Must be thankful for all the wonderful holidays we did have together, but it is very hard sometimes. It is always amazing to me, when you can be in a whole roomful of people and suddenly waves of sadness hit you, cause you know someone is missing and you know how much they would have loved being there. I believe I will always have these moments for as long as I live.

After the girls left for home, I had another downer time for a while, until I decided I had to make some things happen. I guess I have to have things to look forward to or I don't do so well. So I got busy and made plans for "The Sisterhood with the Views" to come spend a weekend here on 15th. Then I go via train to Iowa for my son Evan's induction into the Swimming Hall of Fame at end of month. I will come home from that and a couple weeks after that will leave for FL for a month. By the time I get home spring won't be far off and there is always lots to do at that time of year. Then summer with family visiting, garden, flowers, golf and beach - I should be good for a while again- but who knows!! Besides by the time I get back, I should have lots to blog about!!

MY BEAUTIFUL 15TH GRANDCHILD!!

2010-11-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

On September 17, 2010 my 15th grandchild, Tessa Ann Johnston was born. Tessa is the 2nd daughter of my son. Evan and his wife, Traci. They had trouble having babies until they had invitro and their first daughter, Tori was born about 6 years ago. A truly beautiful miracle baby.They were able to save some embryos for another time. When the time came to have another child, they used their saved embryos to no avail, so they went thru the whole grueling invitro procedure again. But again it did not work. After so many disappointments they decided it was not to be and were thankful they at least had Tori. But lo and behold, God worked another miracle and they became pregnant the old fashion way and beautiful Tessa joined their family . We welcome you, Tessa into our family and we are so glad you are here!!

FALL

2010-11-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

A sure sign of fall. Soon frost will be on the pumpkins!

My friend Joann, came to stay with me for two weeks in July. Despite her memory and hearing problems we had a great time. She would have been happy just sitting on my front porch everyday, but I took her many places and we had a good time. I took the ferry with her to WI where her daughter met us. We had lunch and I returned home on the ferry. Got my ferry trip in for the year. I do love to ride the ferry. Brings back lots of happy memories for me.

Where did the summer go?

2010-11-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Seems we celebrated Labor Day and summer ended even tho it does not officially end until late September. Lots of wind and cooler temps have arrived and like always I am not ready to give up summer.

It was a beautful summer. So much better than last summer. Was to hot in many areas of the country, but here by the lake it was marvelous. Never turned on the air conditioner.

The summer started with my Dad's memorial service. It was simple and heartfelt and I think Dad would have been pleased both with the service and the many friends and relatives that came to honor him. Always so sad to say goodby to those we love. In the last 7 years we have had to say goodbye to way to many family members and friends. Life does go on, but never is quite the same.

It was a bittersweet time. Tough to say goodbye to Dad, but wonderful to have so much of my family together. All were here, except one granddaughter. While here, my twin girls turned 50 years old. Man oh man did those years fly by.

My brother and sister in law invited the whole gang to their place for a big party, where we actually celebrated five June birthdays. Erin, Elin, Campbell, Katy and Julie. Was a great party. After everyone left, my son Ethan and his family stayed on for a while and so enjoyed getting to spend that extra time with all of them.

The rest of the summer was filled with friends and family visiting. Lots of trips to beach and State Park. Must say I really enjoyed my first summer here by the lake. It is truly a beautiful spot. I would love to be sharing it with John, but that was not meant to be I guess. There are times I seem to feel his presence so perhaps he is still coming around to be with me. I hope so.

Had some fun filled days up at Susan's with the girls, The Sisterhood with the View.

In July I attended my 55th high school reunion. We all had a wonderful time. We are all alarmed tho that our next reunion in 5 years we will all be mighty close to 80 years old. Yikes!! Those years have certainly flown by quickly.

Mt Pleasant High School Class of 1955

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T07:04:00.002-04:00

This is the first Father's Day in 73 years that I have not had my Dad to celebrate. He passed away on February 7, 2010. I miss you Dad, you were the best of the best. The father of my 7 children has been gone for four Father's Days now. I miss both of these men everyday, but these special days are especially hard. Loved you both with all my heart.

My four sons are all Dads now and have given me 8 of my 14 grandkids, with another on the way in the fall. My son-in-laws gave me the other 6 grandkids. They are all wonderful
Dads. I am blessed to still have these 6 fabulous men in my life.

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dads!! I love you all.

The Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever

2010-05-21T16:50:00.004-04:00

I first saw this recipe in a Christmas catalog several years ago. It said something like - you hear carolers coming down the street- quick make these cookies and they will be done and ready to serve before the carolers reach your door. Not sure about that, but they are pretty easy and pretty darn quick. Also they taste really peanut buttery.

So I made them for my husband and he loved them. We took some out to my folks and my Dad loved them also. I said, Mom you should make these cookies sometime. Dad loves them and they are so easy and you won't have to stand for hours on your swollen legs. Do you know what she said? She said, they are not cookies. I said why do you say that? She said because they do not have flour in them and if they don't have flour they are not cookies. So I said, well they look like a cookie, they taste like a cookie, so I think they must be a cookie. She said, no they are not and that was that and she never did make them.

Know what's funny? My husband used to say and now my kids are always saying, Oh Mom you are getting just like Grandma! Guess we just can not help ourselves!!!

But you know what, my gluten free friends love these peanut butter cookies or whatever!!

Here is the stuff you need:

Peanut butter, egg, sugar and vanilla.

Recipe

1 cup creamy Peanut Butter

1 cup sugar ( I use 1/2 cup brown and 1/2 cup white)

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In medium bowl mix all the ingredients. Roll into small balls, place on cookie sheet and flatten with fork in crisscross pattern. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool before serving or storing.

At long last....

2010-05-18T16:49:00.006-04:00

At long last got myself a new little notebook computer. I love it. The Red Cross had their annual "angel auction" the other night and for the first time in my life I actually got into a bidding contest with someone for this computer. I hung in there and at long last outbid them. It is a cute little thing and even a pretty rose color. Don't have a clue if I paid to much, but it was for a good cause and I really don't think I did. Now I have computer, can travel. How fun is that?

Here are a couple of pictures:

Isn't it just the cutest thing? I'm as happy as a box of birds!!

May Day

2010-05-01T13:44:00.003-04:00

I remember a interesting May Day many years ago when we were living in Ohio. It was late afternoon and time for all my kids to be home from school. Suddenly my front door bell rang, which hardly ever happened. I opened the door to find 3 beautiful May baskets hanging on my door knob. The baskets were filled with the most beautiful tulips. Of course I was so thrilled and then I heard my three young daughters giggling around the corner of the house and knew where the baskets had come from.

Suddenly my phone rang and it was my next door neighbor and she was not happy. Seems everyone of her beautiful tulips had disappeared from her yard. This was not so good, but I sure do remember it and always will. So a belated thanks for the tulips and the memories girls. Just don't do it again, OK!!

My Dad

2010-03-21T11:52:00.006-04:00

On February 7, 2010 I lost my 96 year old Dad, Robert Allison Archey. He had been my Dad for almost 73 years. He was wonderful man and I am missing him so very much. I was lucky to have him for so long I know. After my Mom and husband died, it was just kinda my Dad and I taking care of each other. Tho we did not live together, we saw each other almost everyday. I never walked into his house without him giving me a great big smile and a laugh. It is so sad to lose those you love, but I think he stuck around just to see if I was going to be OK and when he thought I was, he was ready to go. He had been really missing my Mom, Zelma for almost 7 years. He quite often called me Zelma. They were both wonderful and I shall miss them more than anyone will ever know.

I am hoping Dad is up there in heaven dancing with my Mom and that my husband is playing the trumpet for for them. Love you all. Always will.

Lump Update

2010-01-26T09:26:00.006-05:00

I am one lucky person. Also a very thankful person. I do not have cancer after all!!! Oh how I wish more people could get this news.

No squamous cell cancer!!! They now believe my lump was something called Branchial Cleft Cyst and that my friends is not cancer!! Something that may have formed when I was a embryo. In Greek, Branchial means "gill". (Is probably why all my kids were such good swimmers!!) Some kind of infection most likely caused lump to grow, because after taking antibiotics, the lump did shrink somewhat. Not sure I understand entirely yet, but am working on it.

If they had been able to determine this earlier, I would not have had to have 5 hours of surgery or removal of lump, muscle, veins, lymph nodes & who knows what else. Guess you can live with them. One good thing is that I guess this will cause the medical profession to maybe take larger biopsies in the future, not just fine needle biopsies. My doctor actually apologized!

So now I am working on recovering for 4-6 weeks. Am feeling pretty good considering and really feeling good about not having to go thru radiation or chemo. Am sure once numbness and swelling go away, I will be almost good as new. Thank you, thank you dear family and friends, I know your prayers made this happen. Love you all.

Long time no blog!!

2009-12-27T12:29:00.017-05:00

My, my it has been a very long time since I have blogged. Ashamed of myself! Guess life just tore me away for a while. Life can do that sometimes.

Where do I start? With summer I guess. It was a very, very busy summer with lots of family and friends visiting.

In June, my Dad had a stroke and we had to put him into a nursing home. That just about killed us all. He is 96 years old and still sharp as a tack, but his old body is failing him at a rapid rate. Luckily he is only a couple miles from me and I see him almost everyday. My brother fills in if I'm away, plus friends and family, when here, spend a lot of time with him. He is trying to make the best of it. He is a pretty remarkable man. Dad's moving into the nursing home, left me with two places to keep up. My house had been on the market for over a year and lo and behold in July I got a offer, but it was contingent on her selling her house. I thought well that is never going to happen in this economy, but guess what? She sold hers and wanted to be in mine in early September. I have never worked so hard or so fast in all my life. Family helped me move all in one day. We moved stuff from my place to Dad's and stuff from Dad's to mine and stuff from a storage shed to both places. That was on a Monday. Then on Thursday, three old school chums came and we washed and polished and arranged stuff for 4 days. Then the next weekend(Labor Day weekend) we had a 3 day estate sale. On Monday I had a guy come take everything that was left. Had the carpets cleaned the next day and moved out to my Dad's place the next day.

Needless to say we were all exhausted. I could never have done it without the help of my wonderful friends and family.

These are my wonderful school friends who came to my rescue. Could not have done it without them. Nancy, Sandy, Peg, Jim and Dick.

Dad's place needed some much needed repairs, cause he had a scooter and was not a very good driver!! So Dad's place was torn up again while they replaced carpet, kitchen and bathroom flooring and some new appliances. Finally got done just before Christmas.

On October 14th I discovered a lump on my neck. Waited a few days for it to go away - it didn't, so then started the medical merry go round these kinds of things cause. They think it is squamous cell carcinoma. Something I had never heard of before - let alone being able to pronounce it!! They are now on a hunt to find the source and so far have had no luck. Last week had surgery to remove my tonsils and to have more biopsies. Go back to U of M first week of January to see what they have found, if anything. Then we will move on from there I guess.

For Thanksgiving I flew to Atlanta to be with two of my sons and their families and got to stay for 8 days. That was wonderful. Also got to have lunch with my dear old friends, Virginia and Betty. Had not seen them for nearly 5 years. That was great fun, thanks to Sarah (daughter-in-law), who drove me up to Gainesville.

Sorry this is so dark. Hard to see us all the the dinner table!

This is Sarah cooking up a storm on Thanksgiving day. She made a great dinner which included her famous rutabagas and bread pudding with it wonderful sauce.

Here we have Camp, Tori and Cricket. Got to see Camp play in 3 basketball games. He is fun to watch and is getting to be very good. So tall for 13 years old. Beautiful Cricket graduated from high school in June and is now a student at GCSU in GA. Studying journalism and broadcasting.

Julie is quite elusive, but we did get one picture of she and her Dad. Julie is a very tall, beautiful girl. I so enjoyed being with all the grandkids and their friends. They are just so much fun. I need to be around all my grandkids more often tho, as I believe they keep us young!

Here are Traci and Tori out on Eric's porch.

My oldest grandson, Ian also graduated from high school this year. He is now a student at ISU. He is learning to speak Chinese and is in a new program called Global Resource Systems. He will travel to China this spring for 3 weeks. He plans to go to law school when he finishes he undergraduate studies.

Ian and his Mom, Elin.

Two of my daughters, Elie and Erin and my grandson, Jonathan came to help me out after my surgery and we enjoyed an early Christmas together. Which was super.

I spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my brother and some of his family. My great niece Grace, who is 2 year old, made it a fun Christmas . Nothing like little ones at Christmas.

Christmas morning.

Sweet little Grace and her Dad, Ryan.

So now I am adjusting to my new home. Enjoying the same ever changing views that my Mom and Dad loved for over 30 years. I often wish my husband could be here with me. He would have loved it so much. But maybe he is.

Winter view on a sunny day.

Blizzard view!

So now year 2009 is about to end. Been quite a year. Am hoping 2010 will be a better year for everyone. Would be nice if folks could get jobs, not have to lose their homes and all the other stuff that goes with not having a job. Would be wonderful if all our soldiers could just come home and there would be no more wars. Would be nice if we could just all love one another.

To all my friends and family I wish you a most wonderful New Year. May you all be safe, happy and healthy. Love ya.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-06T13:04:00.005-04:00

I loved my Mom. She was my very best friend. She passed away on June 7, 2003. Almost 6 years ago now. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She taught me most of everything I know, but most of all she taught me what true love means. I knew she loved me from the day I was born until her last breath - 66 years of unconditional love. Thank you Mom. You were the greatest and I will forever love you.

Happy 9th Birthday

2009-04-28T09:53:00.003-04:00

My sweet, pretty granddaughter, Maddie is 9 years old today. Maddie has the cutest freckles on her nose and has grown a lot since she had this picture taken. Love you, Maddie and hope you have just the best birthday ever.

SPRING IN MICHIGAN

2009-04-22T09:26:00.005-04:00

Spring has sprung at long last.
Elie took these photos in my yard.

This one was taken at the State Park. Still has a winter coat on!

An Easter from long ago

2009-04-12T13:03:00.002-04:00

Today I am having memories of many happy, Easter Bunny mornings with all my children running around with their little baskets fanatically searching for the biggest share of hidden eggs and goodies. Also remember many Easters getting dressed in our best finery and all going to church together. Also remember many wonderful Easter dinners over the years.

There is one Easter tho that stands out among all the others. It was the Easter that my old sweetie brought home 6 darling baby chicks (kids called them peeps). He had gotten one for each of the kids. We had an old chicken coop and he thought that it would be good for us to have a few chickens. for eggs and such. He brought a light to keep them warm and we kept them in a box in the dining room, until that became a very big problem. Then they were moved to the basement, as they were to small for the coop yet. We lost one, but the others grew and thrived and grew some more. Problem was that no one told him that all those peeps were roosters. These guys turned into very, very large roosters and they became meaner than striped snakes. None of us could go into the yard with without a broom or something to defend ourselves. Daily kids were coming screaming into the house because they were being chased by a rooster. There were many stories that sprung up because of those birds.

As I recall the only way we got away from them was to move!! All I can say is, if you are inclined to buy yourself some chickens during these tough times, please make sure you are getting some hens in the mix!!

Happy Easter to all.

MORE SPRING BREAK FUN

2009-04-08T20:41:00.008-04:00

I stole some of the pictures from my son - sorry big E.

While in Arkansas I got Tori some planting tools and then she and I one day planted a big pot of pansies. It was great fun and Tori was a really big help. She has promised to care for them and and think of me when she does.

We got all the dirt and flowers in the pots and then Tori very carefully watered everything and then we cleaned up our mess.

Here is our finished work. We were both very tired after all our hard work, but so proud of how beautiful it turned out. I just could not have done it all without Tori!

Altho we got no work from Katy and Jonathan, they wanted to be in the picture also. So we said OK.

A few more pictures of spring break fun with our family.

The elusive Hayden , not looking real happy!

My sons, Evan and Ethan.

My wonderful daughters in laws, Maya and Traci .

Tori, Lydia and Maddie. Cousins having fun together.

Elie and Jonathan enjoying the pool and warm sunshine.

It was a great time and wonderful to spend time with our family.

Mr Swan

2009-04-07T18:54:00.001-04:00

Elie Jo took this out in front of Grandpa's place. Think it is so cool.

Spring Break Fun 2009

2009-04-03T20:14:00.013-04:00

For Spring Break we drove from Michigan to Iowa one day and picked up my grandson, Jonathan and granddaughter, Katy and drove the next day to Arkansas.

Spring had sprung in Arkansas and it was quite beautiful .

Beautiful Redbud Tree in Arkansas.

Can you see the duck?

Wildflowers in the woods.

While in AR the family climbed Pinnacle mountain one day .

Here are some of the mighty mountain climbers before the climb.

Here are Lydia, Tori and Maddie.

Katy and Maddie.

Here is the view at the top of the mountain. I'm happy to say everyone made it to the top. I did not climb the mountain. I stayed at home by the pool.

I do believe everyone was quite tired after the climb. Altho I do not see any kids that look tired!

On our way back to Iowa we stopped at the Hurricane Cave in Northern AR.

Elie, Jonathan and Katy took the tour. I did not go. I am not fond of bats. I'm more of a sunshine person.

Elie and the kids loved it tho.

All and all it was it was a great vacation. Covered lots of miles, but it was so worth it.

When we got back to Iowa we got to spend time with more family. All the cousins had a great time together.

Here is Owen with Jonathan.

When we got to Michigan we had to put away our shorts and bathing suits and get out our winter coats and boots. We are all pretty sick of winter up here and are really looking forward to seeing some Redbud trees of our own soon.

What a sweet Valentine!

2009-03-11T12:23:00.000-04:00

Isn't this just the sweetest picture
Should have had this for Valentine's Day.

I love you too, Owen!!

2009-02-26T20:09:00.007-05:00

FEBRUARY 27, 2009

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY TO VICTORIA ROSE

HARD TO BELIEVE THAT 5 YEARS HAVE PASSED SO QUICKLY. FIVE YEARS AGO THIS WAS TORI:

AND THIS IS TORI NOW:

SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY PRETTY GRANDDAUGHTER. I LOVE YOU AND SO DID YOUR POPPI.

MICHIGAN IN THE FALL

2009-02-22T12:35:00.007-05:00

Jonathan, Poppi would have called you a tree hugger!

If you click on these pictures your will get a better view!

Lake Michigan & Ludington Lighthouse

2009-02-22T12:29:00.001-05:00

WHAT WILL MATTER?

2009-02-21T16:39:00.002-05:00

Someone sent this to me. So true:

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.There will be no more sunrises, no days, no hours or minutes.All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will all expire.The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.It won't matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived.It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.Your gender, skin color, ethnicity will be irrelevant.

So what will matter?How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built;not what you got, but what you gave.What will matter is not your success, but your significance.What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.What will matter is not how many people you knew,but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.What will matter is not your memories, but the memories of those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.Choose to live a life that matters.
~ by Michael Josephson ~

Poppi's Memorial Video

2009-02-20T20:48:00.007-05:00

LONG LIVE THE KING

2009-02-14T20:27:00.002-05:00

This was taken back in November I believe. Big gang of family all went to Ian's Madrigal. It was wonderful. Everyone did a great job, but of course we all thought the King was fabulous!!

2009-02-14T10:38:00.005-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to All!

Do something nice for your best sweetie.

Love you all.

More Pictures

2009-02-11T10:54:00.005-05:00

So it is a rainy, grey day here in Ludington. Am hoping that this rain will wash away some pretty horrid looking dirty snow. I have a day off and am still sitting here at around 11:00 am in my jammies. Who cares?

Believe I owe Julie an apology. She sent me a bunch of pictures for the calendar. I could not open some and just gave up. Well today I went back and for some reason was able to open them. I'm so sorry Julie, it is heck to get old!! So here are some of the missing pictures:

Pretty Sarah - are you dancing??

All the pretty girls.

And more pretty girls. Actually bathing beauties would be a better description of this one!

Believe this is taken outside the Atlanta Falcons stadium.

What do you think? Do you think Eric is beginning to look more and more like Poppi? I do.

So that is about it for now. Time to get dressed and accomplish something today.

Pictures that did not make the calendar.

2009-02-11T09:46:00.012-05:00

Bobby III sent these photos to me in their Christmas card - too late to make calendar. so thought you might all like to see them. Believe they were taken last summer on their way to Michigan.

Bob, Devon, Allison and Avery stopped in Atlanta on way to Michigan and spent some time with Eric and family. Believe they all went to Seven Flags or some place like that.

As I remember they said it was very hot that day. They look hot!

Action Shot!!

Bob III, Jennifer and Ryan with Grandpa Archey at Bob and Sue's house last summer.

SOME PICTURES THAT DID NOT MAKE THE CALENDAR THIS YEAR

2009-02-08T11:54:00.022-05:00

Decided to post a few pictures that I rec'd too late to put into calendar this year or some that I did not have room for. Some from Eric, and some from Bob III, some I rec'd and some from Elie's photos.

Sorry about this one, just couldn't resist!!

Now to the real pictures!

Christmas in Atlanta. Boy oh boy everyone is getting so TALL Just look at Camp. Wow!!

They really do love each other!!

See there they are all happy as a box of birds. Don't the girls look pretty?

Oh and Camp looks pretty dapper also!

Another good looking Johnston family that lives in Iowa.

Now I could add some more family pictures, but you can find some on Traci's and Karen's blogs. I would not want to be redundant!

Well I still have some more, but will add them later. This is all for now. Need to get some cleaning done around here. Love ya all.

SO I BET YOU THOUGHT I WAS DONE WITH BLOGGING

2009-02-06T22:43:00.004-05:00

Surprise, surprise - I am back. Been awhile. Sorry bout that. But just look, I at long last have figured out how to add music. Aren't ya proud of me? Am having a little problem tho. I wanted to add a couple more songs after downloading this thing and now I can't seem to add to them. Bummer.

I wanted to post a really cool picture that Elie took, but she is so busy with new job and all, she has had no time to download her pictures for me. So as of now this post shall remain pictureless.

Some of you know that the Georgia Johnston's gave me a really cool GPS system for Christmas. Do believe I need to travel somewhere besides Gramp's house and the Red Cross to really get the full use of it. Right now all it seems to want to do is recalculate. Someone told me I had to name the woman that speaks on it. I have come up with a couple - let me know what you think.
#1 Sally Forth #2 Miley. Am also open for more suggestions.

Today I decided to drive to Scottville and try to find their post office. Old Sally or Miley did a mighty fine job. Of course you must keep in mind that the downtown of Scottville is only two blocks long!!

We actually had a sunny day today and some of that stuff that builds up around your tires and wheel wells actually fell off. Yeah!! My poor car is a wholly mess. Can't wait to wash it inside and out.

It is getting way past my bedtime so guess I had better close for now. Love ya all.

Long Time No Bloggin!

2008-11-16T08:13:00.002-05:00

So I just opened my drapes in the office and guess what! It is snowing like crazy and it is sticking! Oh woe is me!!

Sorry I have been so lax in keeping this blog up to date. I decided I wanted to go private, so I can post pictures and not have to worry about some stranger stealing them. From what I read there are folks that do that. So... it has taken me a while to figure out how to do that. Hopefully I have figured it out. Have sent a bunch of invites out to a bunch of you, so will see who wants to read my blog and who doesn't, I guess!! Suppose if I invite folks to read it, I will have to have something to read. I will try to do better.

For some reason I have been very busy. The leaves have been calling and getting the stuff put away for the winter has been a task this year. Must be getting old or something. Planning Gramps party took a lot of time (but it was worth it). Getting ready for the Grand Hotel trip also took some planning - hey I had to dress up every night - do you know how long it has been since I have had to do that?? That meant trying on a zillions outfits to see what still fits. Poppie always would help me decide what looked good, but now I have to do it on my own. Probably really looked goofy in some outfits. Oh well, what is a gal to do? All these things take a long time anymore!

Red Cross is keeping me busy and the Senior Center Journey Program should be, but has been kinda sporadic this year so far. Most of you know I am working for a couple gals to bring in a little extra cash - who can't use more cash in these times?? Still do all of Gramps shopping and try to see him everyday.

It was a wonderful summer - even tho it seemed quite short this year. Loved having family & friends here - but missed a few of you.

Nothing is happening with the sale of the house. But notice that not much is moving here. Hopefully things will pick up next summer. Got to put some money into pool, if I am going to open it next spring. Sprung a leak underneath it - bummer.

Have been looking at a bunch of senior living places around here to see what I think of them. So far not too much!! Suppose Gramps place should be my choice - if there is anything left of it!!

Well this is it for now. My friends Sandy and Nancy Jo are coming up to visit this week(deer hunting widows) and am trying to clean up the old place and think of things to eat!! Guess what? It is still snowing!!

Will post some summer pics and party pics soon. Really I will!

Happy Birthday Erin and Elin

2008-06-11T11:11:00.000-04:00

Check below for my message to you. started it on May 30th. Didn't realize it would post at that date - boo hiss! Well I learned something and that is a good thing! Right? Love ya.

More of Jenny

2008-06-05T20:13:00.000-04:00

Jenny sent me some of these pictures. A couple are from her fashion show. Her friends are wearing some of her creations. Good job, Jenny. We will probably all be heading to NY before long to see your beautiful clothes being modeled by high priced models. Maybe you and Cricket can work together!!.

I believe this cute boy's name is Connor.

Another lovely Granddaughter!

2008-06-05T19:46:00.000-04:00

Eric sent me some great pictures of Cricket. Think she had them taken for a modeling job.
Am I a lucky Grandma or what?? Not only are my grandkids beautiful and handsome, they are wonderful.

Happy 48th Birthday, Erin and Elin

2008-05-30T20:16:00.000-04:00

48 years ago today June 11th, Poppi was sitting in the waiting room at the Venice, FL hospital. He was waiting for me to deliver our baby. Dad's were not allowed in delivery room way back then. He had picked up a copy of a Readers Digest and was reading an article titled "How much can one man endure". After a while a nurse came out of the delivery room and said, are you Mr Johnston? Poppi said that he was. The nurse said well Mr Johnston you have a darling little baby girl. Poppi was delighted and got on the phone to start calling friends to let them know the news. About 15 minutes later a different nurse came out and asked again if he was Mr. Johnston and Poppi again said yes. The nurse then said, did someone come out and tell you that you had a little girl. Poppi said yes. She said, well Mr Johnston they made a mistake. Poppi said, how can you people make a mistake like that, don't you know the difference between girls and boys? She said, oh no, Mr Johnston, it is not a boy it is two darling little girls. When he got on the phone again to let friends and family know this exciting news all the lines were busy.

Meanwhile I had been in the delivery room doing the really hard work. Little Erin was born and the doctor and nurses were all busy cleaning her up, when I had this huge pain and groaned. The doctor turned around and said well for heavens sakes and I said am I going to have another one and he said you sure are. So 12 minutes after Erin, Elin was born.

What a glorious day! Those two sweet little babes sure did surprise a lot of folks that day. But think mostly their Mom and Dad. Think their little 19 month brother, Eric was quite surprised also to suddenly have two little sisters. Really don't think his life was ever quite the same!

Poppi went on to endure many things in his life, but he was always proud as punch with his "matched pair" as he liked to call Erin and Elin.

All our friends in Englewood had given us a baby shower for the new baby. After the surprise, everyone duplicated their gifts. Ended up with 13 dozen diapers(cloth of course) and I used everyone of them. I also learned very quickly why God had given me two hands!!

So here's to you Erin and Elin. Happy, happy birthday to you both. All seems like only yesterday. Thanks for giving me 48 years of wonderful joy and love. You were one of the best surprises of my life!! All babies are gifts - it was very cool to get two gifts all at once! Love you and so did your Dad.

Another graduation picture.

2008-05-28T10:25:00.000-04:00

The three lovely Stites girls. Sister Katy, Jenny and Mom Erin. A real bevy of beauties! Proud of you all.

The 2008 Graduate - Jenny Stites

2008-05-24T17:28:00.000-04:00

We are all so proud of you Jenny!!

Metamorphosis At Its Best

2008-05-13T08:25:00.000-04:00

Just received a graduation annoncement for my first grandchilds high school graduation. How can that be?? She was just born a few years ago it seems. How on earth does the time go by so fast? Wow!!

Jennifer was not only our first grandchild, she was also our first grandaughter. As all grandparents know, it is something you will never forget - your first grandchild. Don't get me wrong - all my grandchildren are wonderful, but your very first one has a little special place in your heart!

We had the wonderful privilege of taking care of Jenny her whole first year and it was one of the most wonderful years of my life. She was just such a happy, expressive, and good natured darling little girl.

One day, my husband had gone into a room and closed the door. Jenny ran over and started banging on the door and saying, Daddy, Daddy. I said, Jenny can you say, Poppi and in her best little girl voice, she said, Poppi and I said that is Poppi. So he became Poppi from that day on and hence my name, Grandma Poppi. Now her other grandma had a dog, named Dudley and she became Grandma Dudley. Do you see a pattern there?

So in these 18 years Jenny has blossomed into a lovely, intelligent young woman and will be off to college next year pursuing a career in fashion design.

So, Jenny, your Grandma Poppi is so very, very proud of you and your Poppi would have been also. I wish you much success in all you do. But most of all I wish you happiness and a wonderful life. Please know that I love you as much as I did the first time I saw you and I always will.

Take those beautiful wings and fly into a wonderful future.

Happy Mother's Day to all

2008-05-11T17:37:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have written anything on this blog, I see. Spring seems to keep me quite busy doing other stuff I guess.

So today is Mother's Day. A very Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere. I have not had my Mom for five Mother's Days now. I think of her everyday and miss her so, so much. She was a great Mom plus my very best friend and I was lucky to have her for 66 years.

I have had many a job in this life of mine, but my very favorite job has been being a Mom to my seven children and a grandma to my 14 grandkids. Don't think I could ever have done anything I would have enjoyed more. Not always easy, but what is? If I had a chance I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Might want to change a couple things if I could, but that would be about it.

Little Owen had his first haircut on my birthday (so I will always remember that). Know some of you have seen these pictures, but I don't care I am putting them on my blog anyway!!

Just look at how nice he is sitting there!
Check out those new baby teeth!

I think Owen is very happy with his new do!

I also think this handsome boy will be walking before long!! Or maybe running!!

Some Ian news

2008-04-12T20:55:00.000-04:00

My handsome grandson Ian has become a blondie. All because that is what swimmers do sometimes. At least that is what they do in Ames! I think he looks rather fetching as a blonde - definitely more like his Mom's side of the family - as least for a little while.

Ian has also been attending lots of proms with his lovely date, Jill. He is also taking ballroom dancing lessons, so I expect to see him on "Dancing with the Stars" before long.

I don't know what you all think, but I think he has found himself a really good looking date!!

Sure am a lucky Grandma to have such good looking and wonderful grandkids!!

Owen John at 8 months old!

2008-04-12T20:02:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Owen at 8 months.For those of you who have not seen these - here are a few new pictures. Sure is a handsome and happy little guy - don't ya think?

Almost most forgot to put Owen's first picture with the Easter Bunny in here. This was one big Easter Bunny, but Owen was very brave!!

A Wonderful Get Away

2008-03-28T21:27:00.000-04:00

After enduring a winter of all winters, I was at long last able to visit all my family in Iowa. It was wonderful. I went out on the train and flew home.

Stayed most of the time with Eddy, Karen and Owen. Owen is my youngest grandson and he is such a wonderful little guy. I loved every minute with him.

Here are some pictures of him at 6 months. He is 4 months old in the family picture. He will soon be 8 months. So he is now crawling and teething big time. Right now they are able to keep him pretty contained in one area, but can tell that is not going to last long. Eddy and Karen are great parents and Owen is a lucky little guy. He is such a happy little fellow and about only time I heard him cry was when he had to go to bed at night. I think he didn't want to miss anything!

Big gang of us were able to go to Ames to McGees for dinner. Always something the whole family loves to do. Many happy memories assoicated with McGees over the years.

Erin, Katy and two of Katy's girlfriends and I went to Kansas City and spent the night at the Country Club Plaza. So we got in some shopping there and then went to another huge mall there. It was fun, even tho it has been a long time since I had to share a bathroom with 4 gals. We did it tho!!

Ethan, Maya, Maddie, Lydia and Hayden had me over 3 times. Twice for supper and once for a wonderful tea party to celebrate the American Doll, Samantha's birthday. It was quite the affair, with beautiful petits fours and other wonderful treats. All served on beautiful china mini tea sets. It was a hilarious sight to see Hayden, who is two year old, drinking lemonade from those tiny little cups with all the girls. Wish I had a picture of that!

Went out to dinner at The Waterfront Seafood Market with Willie, Jonathan and Willie's folks. It was nice to spend an evening with all of them. Jonathan pretty much entertained us all. I know why Poppi said that Jonathan made him smile.

Here is Jonathan at beach with a frog, last summer.

Then on Saturday night before Easter, Erin took me up to Ames to spend the night with Elin and family. We celebrated Ian's 17th birthday with a wonderful dinner and a yummy cheesecake. Terry always makes the best cheesecakes!! I had Easter Brunch with them. Before going back to DM, Anna, Carrie, Elin and I got in good game of domino's and of course they all killed me.

Had some good eats with Eddy and Karen and went out to eat at Yanni's. Had gnocchi, which was one of Poppi's favorites. It was yummy.

So all an all it was a wonderful trip. Loved getting to spend time with everyone, even tho it never seems long enough. At the end of trip Eddy's family got the flu and were miserable. I was able to get home before I got it. But believe we are all on the mend now.

Now if the weather will just warm up, I am anxious to get the yard cleaned up and flowers planted and get ready for lots of company this summer. I can't wait!!

My thoughts and prayers are with Traci and her family during this time of sadness. Her Grandmother passed away and the funeral is tomorrow. She was a wonderful lady and am so glad that Poppi and I got to spend some time with her.

2008-02-29T13:42:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Just want you all to know that I have started yet another blog!!! I entered a contest and didn't know how to enter with my old one. So this one will just have some recipes once in a while. Wish me luck!!
http://sweetpeasposts.blogspot.com/

Love ya all.

News from Maya

2008-02-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Thought I would sent you all some pictures of Maddie, Lydia and Hayden. Rec'd a nice note from Maya and she kinda caught me up on their lives. They got a new puppy, cause they were all missing Lucy so much. Have a new border collie (she can herd the kids) and Maddie named her Josie.

Lydia is liking school and has become a geography nut, or so says her Mom. Likes making maps and singing "The Continent Song".

Isn't she beautiful in her Princess dress? Seems to me she is looking more and more like Maddie!

Maddie and Lydia with their American Girl Dolls. We are all going to Chicago some day and have lunch at the American Girl store. Maddie is loving reading all the stories about the American Girls.

Hayden is now talking up a storm and says "I wuv you" and gives great hugs and kisses, if they can catch him!! In Maya's words he is a pill. Must be like Maya, cause Ethan was the perfect child!!

Sounds like the whole family has really enjoyed the very snowy, long and cold winter, just like the rest of us. Guess Ethan's busniness has been a little slow, but I bet it will start to pick up soon. I am beginning to get hints of spring among the snowflakes. Lots of birds flitting around and squirrels are chasing each other all over the place. I'm excited, cause they say it could get up into the 40's this weekend before the temps plunge again next week! They are talking about coming up around July 4th. I am so ready for family to come up here!!

Really miss you all.

By the way if you click on the pictures, you can enlarge them!!

Remembering an old friend

2008-02-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Am feeling very sad today. Lost another great old friend. My old friend Sandy Sanback Sommers passed away yesterday February 27, 2008. Sandy has been my friend since 3rd grade at Fancher School in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She had a pony, named Duke that we rode until our legs dragged on the ground. Sandy had a wonderful love of animals and I can remember her always drawing pictures of horses. She became an Art Teacher and a renowned sculptor of animals in bronze. You can find info of her works by googling Sharon Sommers.

We spent many happy hours together and my Mom and Dad loved her as much I did and do.

This is Sandy on the right, me on left and Duke.

Think we were about 12 years old.

Her Christmas card from 2007. It so exemplifies Sandy.

Goodbye old friend - I will never forget you.

A Michigan Poem

2008-02-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

The following poem was in our local newspaper and pretty well sums up my feelings.

It's winter in Michigan

And the gentle breezes blow

Sixty miles an hour

at 42 below.

Oh how I love Michigan

When the snow's up to your butt

You take a breath of winter

and your nose gets frozen shut

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

So I guess I'll hang around

I could never leave Michigan

'Cause I'm frozen to the ground

- Author unkown

I'm back!!

2008-02-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

Oh happy day. Am back on line. Many, many thanks to you Ryan and Bob. I really will try to be good and not crash my computer again!!

As soon as I get everything back up to date I will be writing more news. The one good thing about being off line is that I read 4 books in two weeks and actually got out of the house and went some places.

2008-02-06T14:09:00.000-05:00

Some news from Karen, Eddy and Owen.

2008-02-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

Am sitting here again in a winter wonderland. I do believe the sky has broken!! Just spoke to Evan and they are all safe, thank goodness after such terrible storms rolled across AR. Such very strange weather even for them at this time of year. See the storms are headed toward GA today, so now there is another worry!!

I want to tell you all that one of the best gifts you all ever gave me, was the snow blower. It has really gotten a workout this year and I do not know what I would do without it. I really never thought I would say a snow blower was the best gift, but believe me it is true!!

As some of you know, Elie came over and had dinner with me last Sunday. Was so nice to have someone to eat with.(so much better than eating at the sink with peanut butter on a knife!) She is working hard at starting over. Know it is hard. Sure she could use encouragement from everyone.

Had a long phone call from Elin last night. They are all fine, busy as usual. Ian is getting ready to go to another school dance. Elin, Terry and Anna went skiing last weekend and by the sounds of it, it may be Elin's last time to ski. Sounds like it did not go to well. She has also quit smoking, which is a very good thing!

Both Katy and Jenny have also had their school dances and I understand they both looked beautiful.

Wouldn't it be nice if I could get some pics to show you all? Maybe someone will send me some!
If they do I will post them for all to see!

Last night I rec'd a nice note and pics from Karen that I am going to post. Little Owen is growing up so fast. Will be 6 months old in 2 days. Wow where does the time go. I have got to get to Iowa before long, can hardly stand it. I'm a working on it!!

Have been writing a little business which is very good. When weather gets a little better, I may go out and visit a few customers, maybe Bob can go with me. Love you all and miss you.

Here is note and pics from Karen:

Owen and Mom

Here are some recent photos of little Owen. He is growing like a weed and really has a great personality. He is so much fun. We can't just lay him down on the floor anymore because he just rolls to where ever he wants to go. He is also sitting up pretty well by himself. Owen is an active little guy and really likes his "Johnny Jump Up." He'll jump in that thing for a good 1/2 hour or so! It is hard to believe that Owen will be 6 months old on Friday. Eddy is a wonderful dad and has been doing a great job staying home with Owen part time while my mom is recovering from her radiation treatments. We hope that she can come back and start watching Owen again soon. Right now she is recovering from the flu, so we are also dog sitting Macy. Macy is a great house guest and likes to sit on my lap with Owen for story time. I only have 7 more days at my current employer. I have been with Holmes Murphy for 9 years as a Client Service Executive. It is quite a demanding job with lots of extra hours and stress. I decided that it just wasn't worth it anymore. I will be starting a new job at GuideOne Insurance Company on February 29th as a Product Management Specialist. I will be working in their product development department. The position will be project based and my life will no longer revolve around renewal dates. I am so excited! I would like to thank Traci and Patti for motivating me to keep in better touch with family and friends. I am very impressed by both of their blogs and have enjoyed keeping up to date with them.
Take care, Karen

Check out those eyes - do you see any Johnston there??

And do see him sitting up all by himself? Way to go, Owen!

Love you all. Grandma Poppi

Wondering....

2008-02-05T15:34:00.001-05:00

I was thinking today about the time when we traveled with CB's and everyone had what they called a handle. Poppie was the, Iowa Meat Grinder and I was, Snowhite. I was Snowhite for the obivious reason of having 7 kids (dwarfs).

Someone ask me the other day if I remembered the name of the seven dwarfs and I did not. In this age of instant information I soon found out. Do you remember their names?

They are:
Two S's: Sleepy and Sneezy; two D's: Dopey and Doc; and three emotions: Happy, Bashful, and Grumpy.

I thought it would interesting to match each of the 7 kids with the dwarf names. I have them in my mind, but would be interested to know how you would match them up.

You can tell by this blog that I have way too much time on my hands. Oh well, a girl has to have fun!!

Love ya all.

2008-01-23T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Have another picture. Here is Owen's lastest picture. Sure is getting big and looks like he is trying to sit up. Go Owen go!!

Something good!

2008-01-20T05:27:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Here I am again. Made a good cake the other day, that Grandpa loved. If you have some bananas going bad, you might like to try this instead of bread!! Found at Cooking.com

Frosted Banana Bars
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup(8 oz) sour cream
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t salt
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

Cream butter and sugar. Add egs, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry stuff and gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in bananas.

Spread in a jelly roll pan(15x10x1). Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Cool.

Frosting
1 Pkg (8oz) cream cheese , softened
1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
2 t. vanilla extract
3 3/4 to 4 cups confectioners sugar
Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually beat in enough confectioners' sugar to achieve desired consistency. Frost bars. Store in refrig (I didn't do this) Makes a lot so I froze some and they came out fine. Grampa Archey really loved these.

First Attempt

2008-01-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

So this is my first attempt at blogging. This could turn out to be very interesting. Am looking for a good way to communicate with all my family and friends. More to come , I am sure.