connie

2011 Photo Album pages

2012-01-14T23:54:00.001-05:00

January thru April 2011

Recipe 2 from the Grandma Tabor files

2012-01-13T20:12:00.003-05:00

Fish Balls

O.K. (Fish Balls,) cod, boiled potatoes, cayenne pepper, egg, butter. mashed together and formed into balls and fried. Kind of bland but yet addicting, next time will use citrus and or cocktail sauce, onions garlic and pepper. Jane and Mark

Okay, Jane. I could do without the cayenne pepper and citrus. But add all of the rest of that stuff and send over! - C

Day 11/365

2012-01-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

Me!

Day 10/365

2012-01-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Bell Gardner

Day 9/365

2012-01-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

Laura Duke Blackburn Gardner

Day 8/365

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

Walter Daigle.

Day 7/365

2012-01-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

Thomas L Daigle

Now I know my ABCs

2012-01-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

JEFFRY: Max, let's show grandma how you can sing your ABCs.

JEFFRY: A B C D E F

MAX: G

JEFFRY: H I J K L M N O

MAX: Poop

(pee - poop. tomato - toe mah toe.)

Day 6/365

2012-01-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

Paul Daigle.

Day 5/365

2012-01-05T02:18:00.002-05:00

Mary Daigle.

Day 4/365

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

James Benjamin Daigle - My great grandfather (Grandma Tabor's father).

Busy Day of Maxwell

2012-01-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

First, a little resting time after lunch!

Then we got the planters ready for planting.

After a short chat with Nicholas, we headed out for new adventures.

Rock climbing! A little rock climbing challenge before heading back to Grandma's and taking a bath!

Days 2 and 3 / 365

2012-01-03T14:24:00.001-05:00

George Thomas Daigle
Hazel Laura Daigle

365 Day Challenge

2012-01-02T01:50:00.001-05:00

For my 2012 challenge, I will post a bit of my family history which will be contained on this blog on the sidebar under "pages" Much of my family information is incomplete, and any corrections and additions are certainly welcome.

Day 1/365 posting is Miss Blackburn.

A couple of Months Ago

2012-01-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

I was still unpacking from all of the bins now moved from the storage company to our garage/carport. I came across a very old cloth/cardboard little file box filled to the brim with recipes used by Grandma Tabor. My sweet sister-in-law, Jane, was attending culinary school at the time (she has since graduated) and I thought she would enjoy rummaging through this vintage treasure. I mailed it to her and she was tickled. For 2012, she decided that each week, she would pull a random recipe card and no matter what the recipe, she would cook it for dinner. Here was her first result:

O.K. the first random recipe out of Grandmas box, scalloped oysters, tasted good followed, exactly, except for margarine instead of butter on account of heart attacks, we had a hard time picturing Grandma eating these...........next time will add some kind of citrus............

Jane and Mark

Oh, THIS is going to be fun! They are way more adventurous eaters than me. Ewwwww - oysters! Have fun Mark and Jane!

Upward and Onward

2011-12-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

I have decided to take life a bit easier for 2012. I am closing my ETSY shoppe, combining my Family Tree with my Blog and any other thing I have going on will go on my blog. I will keep my Zazzle site as I love to design cards and post my blog entries on FB. It will take a bit of time to transfer the postings but stay tuned for the new and improved blog of everything you ever wanted to know about what I keep in my mind - but were afraid to ask! 2012. Bring it on!

Christmas Past

2011-12-28T23:26:00.002-05:00

The Christmas lights are down. Wreaths are wrapped and stored. Ornaments fill an entire storage tub and all 98 glass icicles which adorned the petite four and a half foot tree (yes, with about 50 ornaments as well - and you could still see just a smidgen of green) have been carefully wrapped and placed in the bin. I love my icicles, which is testament to the fact that I have only lost 2 in the past 8 years! All of Christmas is stored in identical clear containers with red lids, save for the computer generated labels. My holiday style purse has been put in storage and exchanged for another favorite from the Leesburg Charming Charlies!

On to my next projects: finish painting the facade of the condo and organizing all of the garage in color coded bins!

That's right. I am going to replace bins so that if I am looking for my winter clothes or my crafts, search for the pink bins, and voila! Some say OCD.

I say organized!

a girl can dream ...

Eyes Closed: Mind Open; Heart Ready

2011-12-28T15:45:00.002-05:00

I am jumping on the 365 day challenge bandwagon. I have yet to decide on the exact topic, to be determined by January 1, 2012. And beginning on that date - rain or shine; busy or not; happy or sad; healthy or ill - I will blog something on my chosen topic. Will it be 365 days of what makes me happy? What inspires me? Or random thoughts on people or places or things? What about 365 things to make up my bucket list? Not sure. If you had to pick a topic to blog about for 365 days - what would it be?

Stay tuned...

Christmas Weekend

2011-12-27T01:52:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve was spent at Jeffry & Kerri's house so we could be with Max as he opened his Christmas Eve package. (I started the tradition when Tristan was just 2 years old - every grandchild gets Christmas Eve pajamas and a book to read. I thought it would be a way for the little ones to open a little gift on Christmas Eve and a book to read and relax and hot cocoa for the older grand kids.) His little pj's looked like elf pants - SO adorable.

Max made quite the Christmas morning haul!

Max, Grandma M, Grandma G, Jeffry, Kerri, Grandpa G.

The Mundle home hosted the Christmas Day festivities. Complete with friend Vince, Uncles Matt and Dave, Aunt Monica, Maggie and Jeffry and Kerri, ham dinner and tamales and lots o' fixin's!! The food was great and the company supreme! When we arrived home, we were treated to a Skype visit with Virginia family Ricky, Katia, Mateo and Marluce. An entire live transmission getting a show & tell of new Christmas gifts and explanations of how they work. So much fun to watch the little ones interact with each other, Makes my heart smile!

Hopng all of you out there in blog land had a sweet Christmas holiday of your own. Best wishes for an upcoming wonderfully happy and healthy New Year.

So this is Christmas

2011-12-25T04:03:00.001-05:00

So this is Christmas

And what have you done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

Only 3 days until Christmas. I feel like this holiday season has passed me by quickly. With the hubs in the hospital for a week and then recovery, the days are a blur. Packages have all been mailed and should have been received to kids and grandkids in Virginia and mother in law in Colorado and my brother (my sibling recipient this year). Max has his own baby tree at our house with the Hallmark singing and motion ornaments so he can play the music and dance and turn in circles to make us laugh. He is coming over tomorrow for a movie date. Maxwell is not allowed to sit and watch television. It is a special treat when he is allowed so he does not even ask for it anymore. So, tomorrow we have a special treat date to watch a Charlie Brown Christmas and I cannot wait. I have the popcorn and the movie and we are ready!

Max is driving!

2011-12-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

Oh - these kids grow up so fast these days!

where did the Time go?

2011-12-20T03:51:00.003-05:00

A few short months ago, I was happily walking through cherry blossoms on a beautiful Washington DC spring day and the next thing I know, I am in Tucson just a week away from Christmas. The way time tore through my life this year is staggering. My oldest granddaughter turned in to a young lady of 19. Mateo turned from Grandma’s baby into Grandma’s boy as he began 2nd grade in Virginia. Marluce went from a sassy bouncing spray of curls to a curious little kindergartener. And Max…well, what can I say about Max. He has taken over our hearts and lives with his funny faces and charm. Every day is a new adventure. 2012 is upon us and with that being said, here is my wish -

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end,

This is my grown up christmas list

2012 – Bring it on. I am ready!

Sleepover with a Toddler: 101

2011-11-07T01:10:00.000-05:00

Jeffry & Kerri had a hockey game date in Phoenix, so Maxwell was a guest at Grandma & Grandpa's B&B Saturday night. After dinner, Grandpa dropped Max and Grandma off at Target while he made the trek to Safeway to pick up some groceries. Throughout the store, Max greeted everyone who passed us with a resounding "HI" making sure to reiterate several times until the person responded with the appropriate "hi".

LESSON 1: Do not allow the strangers in the store to ignore the greetings from the toddler child. Even if they pretend not to notice the very loud salutations, follow the stranger/shopper at a respectable pace allowing the toddler to continue yelling "HI HI HI!" until the stranger/shopper finally gives up and properly responds.

Toward the end of our shopping trip, Max stated "HOME"! and "night-night!" That was a bit of a surprise as it was only 6:15 pm. His normal bedtime is 7:30, but maybe the shopping trip and yelling at customers just wore him out. He asked to depart the cart while still in the store, to which I replied "no". He abruptly and ever so tenderly brought his open mouth down on my arm allowing me just a bit of the pressure of his perfect little baby teeth, while his crystal blue eyes glanced upward.

LESSON 2: When the little teeth are threatening to break skin, do NOT ask the toddler if he/she really intends on biting his/her grandma. This only baits the toddler into tightening the jaw with a little extra bite!

As soon as we walked through our door, he started in again with the night nights. However, thoughts were that if we went to sleep at 6:30pm, he would arise between 4 and 5 AM. So, we read books and relaxed and talked - each activity being pelted with interruptions of "night night?" Finally made it to 7:30 and he was excitedly dancing his Happy Feet dance as I pulled out his favorite night blanket. He began climbing up the sides of the play yard while I was picking him up! Never saw anything like it. After I stood him in the bed, he looked over at his sound machine with the instructions "ON, ON". Just as I hit the button for his ocean sounds, he dropped to his belly, tucked his arms in, butt up in the air and gave us one more "night night". Covered him up and never heard another peep out of him.

Until 2:09 a.m.

LESSON 3: Do not assume the time is later in the morning than it is, just because the toddler is ready to play This only amps up the energy level and makes you realize just how tired you really are.

I awoke to gentle "hi hi" peppered with little bouts of fussiness. I thought it must be 6 a.m., so up I got and changed his diaper (good thing). Max climbs up into our bed while I disposed of the aforementioned diaper and washed up. In the bathroom, I glance over at the clock (yes - I keep a clock in the bathroom!) and see 2:09 a.m. Back to the bedroom where I see Max faking snoring away in the middle of the bed. I cover him up and lie down next to him. After about 5 minutes I hear soft singing from the supposedly sleeping babe. Singing gets louder and he is keeping time by kicking my arm ... tap tap tap.

LESSON 4: Do not ask a toddler if he is sleeping. He/she will lie and say "yes".

I ask him "do you want to go night night back in your bed" and am answered with an affirmative shake of the head. Back to his bed where he curls up in a little lump, is covered up with the favorite night time blanket, and off to sleepy land he goes.

Grandpa says he awoke some time later with perhaps, a bad dream. He was softly sobbing and was comforted in the arms of Grandpa while patting Grandpa's back as Grandpa patted his. Back to his bed and off to sleep until a bit after 6 a.m.

I was drifting in and out of sleep when I hear a crunchy sound. Crunch Crunch Crunch. Still in and out of sleep, I catch some dream like designs on the ceiling and walls which I also think is part of my dream. The sweet little jabbering only adds to the dreamlike state.

LESSON 5: Make certain the toddler bed is nowhere near a plastic container of baby wipes, which, when squeezed with little hands, make a CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH sound. Also, do not allow the toddler bed with reach of the noise machine which goes from oceans to rains to heartbeats (sometimes rapidly) and, when just the right button is pushed, can rotate a light show that when pointed directly at you across the room, can sear your retinas. Last, do not place the toddler bed in front of a large mirror which allows the toddler to delight in seeing a friend in the mirror, and then carrying on a conversation with that new friend for thirty minutes.

After a diaper change and some hugs, Max was ready to eat! I know this because he kept saying "EAT EAT EAT!" While I dutifully scrambled eggs and sliced bananas, he was busy standing up in his little school desk to visit with his mirror friend in the mixing bowl.

Mommy soon came to gather the little guy and his belongings. A very successful first sleepover!

Busy Busy Busy

2011-11-04T02:14:00.003-04:00

Between Max visits and accounting and all of Bob's medical appointments, our normally quiet life seems a little busier than usual. Not complaining! Just busy and have not had time to blog.

Old friends from high school set up a special FaceBook page for us to catch up and gossip and share laughs over old hairdos, boyfriends, and clothes we once thought were fairly cool. It has been so much fun reminiscing and strolling down memory lane. We all have kids and grand kids and stories to share. A little melancholy, but entertaining all the same. Makes me have little butterflies of nostalgia. We discuss everything from deaths in our families to Dancing with the Stars!

Bob is getting closer to the transplant. Maybe even around the 3rd week in November. Exciting and scary.

Missing my grand babies in northern Virginia, but having lots of fun with Max. Visited his school classroom on Halloween and got to join in the parade to show off their costumes. There was a bee and a mermaid and a lion and Little Red Riding Hood and Maxwell the Monkey!

I normally enjoy hand-making my holiday cards and annual letter. However, this year I decided to give myself a break and have been ordering handmade Christmas and Hanukkah cards from various artists on Etsy! Everyone of the 50 or so on my Christmas list will be getting different cards this year. So much fun to find these charming treasures! There is such an abundance of talent out there to explore!

Looks like the Virginia Gardners made their annual trek to a pumpkin patch! A great family photo!

Hopefully will update my blog a bit more often. Until next time ...

Another Week gone by...

2011-09-18T12:41:00.003-04:00

A busy week of medical appointments for Bob, days with Max, and accounting for me. In between all of these activities, I managed to find a steal deal on a vintage school desk that we are refinishing for Max. As soon as he saw it in the garage, he ran right over and climbed in. It will be perfect for meals and artwork! Only $25 and it is from the 50's. Could have been my desk in first grade! Before and after pictures will soon follow.

Maxwell made his very first Target run and Home Depot run with Grandma - a tradition steeped in history from Mateo and Marluce. He was very good and sat nicely and waved at people like he was in a parade. He spilled his water on his shirt and does NOT like being wet, so off the shirt came and we found a nice new one to slip over his head. Good thing we were in Target! Had to leave the tag on until we got to the check stand and I tell Max "arms up" and high in the sky go both arms while the clerk scans the tag dangling from his sleeve. Off to Home Depot where we purchased a ginormous planter, soil, a hibiscus, and moss rose for fill in. I have not gardened for 2 years, so was anxious to get started again.

A Look Back at my Week

2011-09-09T22:55:00.003-04:00

I spent morning hours of each day this week in the garage, combing through bins and boxes and sorting keepsakes from yard sale treasures. My back feels every single book I picked up and every single bin I filled. Glad that is done. Bonus: I got reacquainted with some old friends ... Hello my little pink mixer!

Also managed to begin the metamorphosis of the kitchen into a 50's retro diner.

Long way to go, but it is a start.

Time in Colorado, Arizona, & Virginia!

Maxwell discovered a pink bowl exactly the right size for his bottom end!

and found that he can hold his own glass of milk - the same little glass that Mark and Larry held in their little hands over 50 years ago at Grandma Tabor's home!

GOT MILK?

All in all, not a bad week. Bob had doctor appointments almost every day as well as appointments with his Dialysis Nurses. Had a nice visit with an old friend, Mac. Reconnected with an old friend, Peggy, via Face book. Got photos of all 6 grand kids up. Ready for Bob to have his yard sale next month and clear out a lot of room in the garage. Looking forward to beginning our super secret Christmas holiday project!

Sent my sister in law, Jane, Grandma Tabor's old recipe box filled to the brim with yellowed 3x5 cards with hand written recipes. Jane has vowed to make each and every recipe in the box, just like the movie, Julie and Julia. I hope to get progress reports from her on a regular basis! Max got a hold of my cell phone and not only called the storage company where we recently had a storage unit, but he managed to find the button to call Aunt Lori. He is always very animated when he pretends to talk on the phone, but this time it was different - I could hear someone on the other end talking back! Auntie Lori was carrying on a real conversation with this tiny mite while he jabbered away.

On to the weekend!

a Journey into Awesomeness!

2011-08-20T11:43:00.001-04:00

What is it about this crazy stuff all over the place store, that can make me spy a metal 3x6 garden bridge from a corner afar; and hear the words actually forced from my mouth "I want a bridge". I mean, who needs a bridge? Everywhere you go, things jump out at you in red and aqua and yellow and lime. And they are not all nicely arranged in specific categories. I walk through the kitchen area and see gigantic knives, forks and spoons 3 feet in length ("I want a gigantic three foot long fork" - oops, did I say that out loud?) and mixed in with that is a white hotel style shower curtain - just like the one I have been looking for. I bought it. Across the aisle is a life size silver metal bicycle and my mind begins to thumb through that little flip book of ideas I keep in my brain. I didn't buy that. I lose myself in this store - this place that blurs one's senses in a midst of color and odd items and things you now MUST have and never even knew you needed. You are an evil one, Home Goods.

See ya next week.

Stumped for words

2011-08-11T00:28:00.000-04:00

MAX

How is it that this blond little tyke can look at you with those crystal blue eyes and you lose the ability to form the words that describe your feelings. This little guy goes strong all day long. As soon as I got out of the car on the first day back in Tucson, a smile just filled my heart and two little hands reached out to me. He toddles after whoever is walking to a place that is different from the place in which he was standing! He has a gentle little voice and so many adorable little moments of quirkiness.

Me: Max, do you want some more avocado?

Max shakes his head no.

Me: Do you want some banana?

Max: nods his head and whispers "'kay"

He calls for his Grandpa(s) almost continuously. "Grmpa...Grmpa". And if Grandma says no to something, he makes a beeline for his Grandpa!

This is going to be fun!

Home again.

2011-08-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

Albuquerque, while home to the beautiful Sandia Mountains, is not much to enjoy leaving the city toward Tucson. Mostly sagebrush and little hills that look like a mini-Mount Garfield and the Bookcliffs of Colorado. Except they are not. They just do not have the majesty of Mt Garfield. However, I am content knowing we will see Jeffry and Kerri and our little Maxwell (I always catch myself smiling when I type the name Maxwell – the name fits him so well!) this evening. I sit here writing of the journey we have taken, listening to my BeeGees and Beatles and Ray Charles – all of the music my hubs made into cd’s for me, all the while announcing that if he had to listen to my music the entire trip, he would stick a fork in his eyeball. So far so good. We have traveled over 2300 miles and not a forked eyeball to be had!

I notice as we get closer to Tucson, the hubs foot gets a bit heavier on the gas pedal. After about 6 hours of driving, we arrive at Jeffry and Kerri's house and are greeted by a grinning Maxwell, arms opened wide, waiting for Grandma to hold him. What a welcome sight and totally worth 6 days in a car!

Tonight, relaxing with the kids and grandbaby Max. Pure heaven.

2011-08-06T23:43:00.000-04:00

A loud siren wails in the air as we are packing the car and getting ready to leave Oklahoma. Bob immediately inquires of the desk clerk and is reassured that the siren is the noon testing of the tornado warning. Good to know. I think there should be a little note or something in your hotel room stating just that, since we are not Oklahoma City citizens. Needless to say, that gave a bit of a jump start to the day! A bit later on the highway, the hubs calmly asks, “You know what this area is called, right”.

Me: “no”

Hubs: “This is called tornado alley!”

Then he goes on to explain what the cloud formations look like and how he wishes I could see one in person. All the while, my mouth is gaping open while I swear I can see five or six tornados right in front of me. He reassures me that I do not. Thanks honey.

The farmlands that we pass out of Oklahoma are all dried out. Farm equipment sits abandoned – useless. Silos and barns empty and forgotten. Is it water shortage or the economy? I don’t know. It’s just so sad to see farms of healthy homegrown food sitting alone and it causes me to wonder about the farming families themselves. What are they doing? How are they living? More to the point, how are they emotionally handling the situation?

Are all of these lands, once beautiful and green and abundant with food for our table – destined to sit, turning to brown and eventually just to dust? Remains to be seen, I guess.

Albuquerque is a welcome sight after driving over 8 hours. Only time to unpack the necessities, set up the dialysis, shower, and fall into bed. Tomorrow, we return to our home of 25 years after a 2 year sabbatical. Tucson.

Oklahoma City 113 degrees and counting!

2011-08-05T23:18:00.001-04:00

Celebrated Bob's 59th birthday with email wishes from friends and family, phone call from Jeffry and Mom Anne, and a surprise phone call from his cousin Teri Lynn. He enjoyed them all! Oklahoma City is hot and muggy. The hotel ice machines are broken - thank goodness for little gas stations with crushed ice! Kind of an early evening which was nice so Bob could get started on his daily dialysis at the right time instead of starting at 11 o'clock at night. On to Albuquerque NM tomorrow.

Grandbabies have taken possession of our Apartment Pool

2011-08-05T12:49:00.000-04:00

from Fairview Heights IL to Oklahoma

2011-08-04T23:12:00.000-04:00

Passing through St Louis Missouri, I spotted this distinguished old gentleman of a boarded up building and immediately my mind was envisioning the re-emergence of this office and warehouse building into a grand loft apartment building. Makes me sick to see such beauty covered with boards and left to the elements and the taggers. There should be a law.

I thought the arch to St Louis actually DID something - like maybe introduced a bridge entrance or something grand. It just sits there. A big old arch of steel. It's pretty, but I mean it just sits there!

Now we end our day's journey in Afton, Oklahoma (Grand Lake on Monkey Island). I checked. No monkeys. But a beautiful resort and staying in a small condo is way nicer than a hotel. Thanks, Chris Mundle! Even had a washer and dryer and we did a bit of laundry, ate dinner and then zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Did I mention the toll roads in Oklahoma? $5.50, $5.75, and EVEN $9.75 tolls!!

Perusing the Periodicals

2011-08-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

Marluce and Mateo are carefully selecting their purchases using the $20 they earned helping us pack!

Passing through Louisville, Kentucky

2011-08-03T21:09:00.002-04:00

Louisville today is best known as the location of the Kentucky Derby, the first of three annual thoroughbred horse races making up the Triple Crown.

It has been raining on and off in Kentucky this morning and early afternoon, losing some of the mugginess (is that a word?) and the heat that has been so intense since we began our journey. Very pleasant outdoors now. Have I mentioned the green out here? The hundreds of shades of green from the yellow green all the way up to such a dark green, you would swear that it is almost black.

Seriously, did you think that I would be in Louisville Kentucky and NOT see Churchill Downs? I am a Kentucky Derby enthusiast - some might say fanatic. The television goes on at 8a.m. on Derby Day. Commercials are filled with housework and the rest of the time I am listening to interviews, scanning the fancy hats and picking my horse to win and go forth to dominate the Triple Crown. I do not know all of the history of the horses, but am familiar with a lot of the players in this short story every May known as the Kentucky Derby. I sing the theme song with them - loudly. I revel in the victory of the jockey and the horse. And, as quickly as the gates are opened, the race is over. As they say, the most exciting 2 minutes of sports. And I was there. Sort of.

On our way to Afton, Oklahoma!

heigh ho heigh ho it's to Georgetown, Kentucky we go!

2011-08-02T23:16:00.000-04:00

Yeah - I have never heard of it either! But, I thought it sounded cute, so that is where I booked our 3rd night of travel. Green and greener that you would not believe. Absolutely gorgeous! The entire drive between Salem Virginia, through a bit of West Virginia and the Appalachians and into Kentucky was one beautiful site after another. Nothing very eventful - just a nice pretty drive. Bob has been very good about putting up with my "driving tips" this entire time. Through our 40 years of marriage, we have experienced a lot of trials and tribulations. But I am really putting him through the test now! Let's see how the old guy holds up, shall we?

Winchester to Salem, Virginia

2011-08-01T22:25:00.002-04:00

Nothing but beautiful lush green farm land in between. And, as odd as this may sound - the best rest stop EVER on I-81. Sure, it has the typical restroom area (exceptionally clean and natural materials like rock, etc). In back, there are several little paths to cool shaded picnic areas complete with a little stream, wooden bridge, and sounds of nature blocking out the highway noise from just yards away. I swear, it is though I was up on the Grand Mesa. Absolutely gorgeous. Our camera was so buried in the car, there was no way to retrieve it without unpacking for 30 minutes, so you will just have to take my word. A little accounting, a little dinner, hot shower and we are down for the count!

good-bye Leesburg. I am going to miss you!!

2011-07-31T23:50:00.006-04:00

After a very long day and into the evening packing boxes and bins and furniture and clothing and everything else we could stuff into that 6x12 foor trailer, ( with massive amounts of assistance from Katia and Ricky) we just had time to shower before meeting Kyle and Megan for dinner at Uncle Julio's in Reston. I am going to miss Uncle Julio's carne asada, too! Muey bien. Special thanks to Megan and Kyle who patiently awaited our very late arrival I so enjoy spending time with them. We were joined by the Ashburn Gardners of 4. It was a wonderful evening of laughing and talking and sharing Perfect way to help me forget the exhaustion of the day. Did I mention even Mateo and Marluce helped? They earned a hefty $20 to buy books they wanted.

I had a teary 7 year old clinging to me most of Saturday evening (they spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's) and all day and night Sunday. Mateo would be fine for awhile and then his gorgeous eyes would get watery and tears would come down his face. He tried to not let me see the tears and would bury his face into my shirt or my neck. Broke my heart. At one point, Katia asked him if he thought it would be fair that I spend time with Max now for awhile. He tearfully shook his head "no". He is a 2nd grader, but still Grandma's little boy. Marluce is not quite as sentimental. She gave me lots of hugs and kisses, but that is the norm for her. When she asked how long we would be gone and I said probably at least 3 years, she replied "oh. that's just terrible!"and happily went off to boss her grandpa around. Hugs and kisses after the dinner and we were on our way back to the apartment to touch up the cleaning (Katia had already vacuumed and touched up the paint in all of the rooms) and then on the road to Winchester, Virginia to kick start the long trip. With the U-Haul behind and the Santa Fe packed up like the Beverly Hillbillies, we arrived at our hotel at 3 am and brushed our teeth and collapsed into bed. Next stop - Salem, Virginia, just outside of Roanoke.

visit from a Granddaughter

2011-07-28T11:00:00.003-04:00

Always a treat to see our first Granddaughter, but especially meaningful that Tristan (19 next month!!) drove 3 hours and 40 minutes, to be exact, to visit us before we head back to Arizona. She is such a beautiful and thoughtful young lady.Grandma does like to spoil, so I simply had to take her to Charming Charlies where we found the perfect headwear and accessory! I have been buying her outfits since she bounced into our lives at the age of 2, so why change now? I think I get that from my Grandma Tabor who bought me an outfit every time she came to Grand Junction, or we visited her in Denver. It's in the genes!Gramps and I miss her and love her very much. She recently passed her state boards as a CNA and is working on getting into a university to become an RN. She can do it.Until next time, my Tristan Lee Sassy Marie! XOXO

Mixed Blessings

2011-07-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes and with some complications. I guess that is why they are generally spoken of as mixed Blessings! When we moved to Virginia almost two years ago, we had no idea of some of the challenges that were coming our way. Nor did we ever expect the miracle that was offered.

We knew that Bob would need a kidney transplant sometime in the future - maybe 5-10 years down the road. Needless to say, that future came quickly and at full force when a year ago Bob was in full end stage renal failure and was put on daily dialysis and disability. Through the surgeries for the dialysis implant (2 of them) and trips to the ER (one resulting in an 8 day stay for peritonitis), Bob has remained in good spirits and hopeful for a transplant while I, true to my nature, have whined about the unfairness of it all and wah wah wah.

We have been able to spend some time with the gentle grandson, Mateo and the ever entertaining Marluce, and Ricky and Katia. Not to say that Mateo is not also entertaining! (Mateo was reading the label on a spray cleaner he noticed in our bathroom. He relayed to his parents and us that what a good idea that was since the bottle said kills flu germs and thought that would be a good idea to spray on people so they wouldn't get sick!) We had holidays with Megan and Kyle and birthday parties and just plain fun, and even TWO visits from the Tucson Mundles! We went to a horse show and wandered up and down streets in Leesburg and Alexandria and Georgetown snapping photos of doors. I love doors.

I sat on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and wrote. Bob bicycled around the trail on the edge of the Potomac. We got a lot in, but still have so much more to see. But that is for another time.

I received a text message from Jeffry one morning stating that one of Bob's Tucson customers said that he wanted to donate a kidney to Bob. He was chatting with Jeffry and the subject came up and Jeffry made some comment about his dad's blood type being an O+ to which the customer replied that he was an O blood type and he would be happy to donate a kidney. We were all flabbergasted that someone who really is an acquaintance from a former time, would casually state that he would donate a kidney. I mean, this should have been a Lifetime movie of the week or Touched by an Angel or something!

In any event, we will be moving back to Tucson where, hopefully, all systems will be go for a transplant in September. Such a truly selfless act deserves a little consideration for the donor, such as not forcing him to travel back and forth to Virginia at great expense and not having his family and friends near during recovery. And, let's face it, moving back to Tucson is not a great sacrifice when you consider the time we will spend with Maxwell and his family and the Mundles and lots of good friends of many years. Looking forward to re-establishing our relationship with our church that I have so missed.

Leaving Mateo and Marluce will be difficult. I so enjoy having them around. But, look out Max! Here comes the other Grandma!! Cannot wait to cuddle with that little blond bundle on a daily basis.

Mixed Blessings. Gracious giving. Life is good.

Watch for our travel blog entries!

Maxwell travels to Virginia

2011-06-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

This is the day I had been awaiting! Baby Maxwell was coming to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Virginia. The booster seat was set up and ready for his dining enjoyment. The fish shaped pool was inflated and filled with almost 300 soft plastic balls of all colors. Fresh fruit filled the refrigerator and a couple of brand new toys were ready to entertain. Maxwell was greeted with a couple of the colorful balls tossed here and there in the hallway en route to our apartment and I could hear the toddler cry of “BALL!” in the air. By the time he reached our doorway, he wasn’t really sure about coming in … until he saw the pool filled with plastic balls. He was thrilled with that and it took no time at all for the entire floor to become a display of red, blue, green,orange and yellow bubbles.

After a bit of visiting and lunching, the three Mundles left with the Gardner Daughter in Law for the Leesburg Outlet Stores. Maxwell stayed behind to get reacquainted with the Gardner Grandparents. We read a story and we played and we took walks. He pushed every button in the arcade at King Pinz.

He is such a little charmer and absolutely easy to look after. When I walked, he toddled right behind. Made me teary as I recalled my own little guys tagging along through the house so many years ago. If Grandpa went somewhere, he wanted to follow. When he saw Grandpa peel a banana, he ran to the booster seat and knocked furiously until I picked him up and settled him in.

After a quick dip in the fish pool out on the balcony, the little guy was so exhausted, he fell asleep on the sofa between Grandma and Grandpa. Didn’t wake up until it was time for him to make the drive back to Arlington.

The house was very still after Maxwell’s departure. This joyful little blond package with a smile on his face and crystal blue eyes, made our quiet apartment come to life for the hours he was here. He cuddles. He squeals in delight. I wanted to hide him and keep him forever. How lucky Jeffry and Kerri must feel every morning when they awake to that toddler’s precious face.

PS He had the owie before he got here!!

i HEART georgetown

2011-06-14T18:27:00.001-04:00

I fell in love with Georgetown the first time Ricky and Katia took me there. We stepped out of the car to walk the sidewalks and I marveled as the buildings turned from 4 story down to 1 story and a modern Pottery Barn to quaint little mom and pop shops with our final destination - Ben & Jerry's! Quaint is fun, but no sense in suffering.

Anyway, I digress. The hubs and I had a Sunday afternoon date in Georgetown. Spending around 3 hours walking around the town photographing doors (me) and architecture, people and plants with an additional hour for a lunch break at Uno's.

As usual, hundreds of people lined up to buy a cupcake from the DC Cupcake Girls.

The main reason for the walk down N Street was so I could see the house where Senator John Kennedy & Jackie lived up until President Kennedy was elected and moved into the White House.

Started getting a bit rainy, so it was time to pack up the camera and head home. Not before getting a couple of photos of the Georgetown home where Jackie Kennedy and her children lived for about a year after the assassination of President John Kennedy.

Did I mention that I LOVE Georgetown.

Lucy, you got some 'splaining to do!

2011-06-09T01:57:00.000-04:00

I have been quite remiss on journals on my blog and updating events. Well, that's about to change as I catch up January through May!

January is always a little too quiet for me after the Christmas Season (which begins for me on Thanksgiving). I have heavy accounting in January and not much time for anything else. Bob took a few bike rides and photographed flowers and old barns. Look for a new poster on my Zazzle sight of the barns he has captured to date. I think he finds these so interesting for the same reason I like to photograph Churches. There is that curiosity about what is going on behind those walls. Little stories swirl around our minds as we picture the horses in the barn or the families in the church. Imagination is a wonderful thing and you get to bring your imagination to life when you are lucky enough to have a hubby who envisions life through a lens.

February brought me way too close to 60 (okay, next year - but that comes quickly). We celebrated Jeffry and my birthdays via Skype. For those of you who are not informed as to our family dynamic - Jeffry was born on my 32nd birthday. Best present EVER! 100 Peruvian lilies from my brother, Mark & sister in law, Jane.

We celebrated Mateo's 7th (yes, SEVENTH!) birthday at our place with family and friends. Bowling and video games at King Pinz, just down the street. and the walk back to the apartment is never complete without a peek in the windows of Tiny Toes Ballet Studio! Mommy stacked a sky high cake (delicious) pizza and sub sandwiches were served (also delicious) and just being with family made for a day of complete perfection.

I did not get the notice that the jumping on the bed contest was on!

Marluce turned FIVE years old on March 30th. We celebrated a few days later by reserving the entire media room at our complex - huge screen, soundproof, lounge seating and places to eat. I brought some teriyaki meatballs and BBQ meatballs and pizza and Katia brought cake. I set up a concession stand for Mateo, Marluce, Valeria and Estevan. I made them little tickets that they could trade for a treat to eat while we watched Marluce's new video "Tangled". Kyle and Rick and Carlos played pool and foosball in the rec room while Megan cheered them on! Grandpa and I so enjoyed the movie - it was absolutely adorable. And the company was wonderful.

April 5th was our 40th anniversary. The following Sunday we celebrated by touring the Jefferson memorial and people watching in DC. I don't think I could ever get enough of the beautiful area.

Early May we attended the Loudoun County Hunt Club Pony Trials and got to see some dressage and jumping and general training. Horses were gorgeous, grounds were breathtaking, and watching the riders - a joy. It's a whole different world out here and we are trying to experience as much of it as we possibly can.

more Mateo-isms

2011-05-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

(introducing himself to one of Grandpa's dialysis nurses)
I'm Mateo and this is Marluce. I'm the big one.

(meeting 2 year old Jordan)
Whoa. We're going to have to take it easy with this one. He's just a little guy.

(getting ready to feed an apple to Zeba, the pony)
Uh, here Grandma. You do it. No sense in having him think both of our fingers are little carrots.

Oh - and one Ricky-ism:
Ricky: They have alpacas?
Katia just stares at him.
Me: That's a GOAT!

note: Ricky was mostly an indoor type of child.

Forty Years and the Magnolia Tree

2011-04-11T20:01:00.017-04:00

I am sitting on the marble steps on the mezzanine of the Jefferson Memorial. Breezes and sunshine spills over me as I relax and write and listen to the tourists and the children enjoying their day. There are several out of place plastic yellow warning signs on various marble steps warning of slippery conditions. I can only imagine just how slippery the marble steps could get in rain and snow. Marble. Huge beautiful slabs of gray and white marble. Stunning. Except for the yellow plastic signs.

I have the best seat in the house, settling down on the steps with a gigantic pillar as a backrest. I am looking over the Potomac River watching the ripples following one another, perfectly choreographed ballet by Mother Nature herself. Hundreds of buildings of all shapes and heights are muted in the background of massive trees. Trees as far as the eye can see. Reminds me of Colorado, but no mountains. No mountains here to guide me north or south of east or west. I don't understand how people can get their bearings without mountains. No. Not like Colorado with the Grand Mesa marking the East and the majestic lady Mount Garfield marking the North.

Walking around the memorial I pass a mixed clump of trees, deciduous and coniferous, highlighted with ivy creeping up the trunks and trailing up a small hill of carefully manicured soil. And just for a moment, I can see Mom with her fishing pole in one hand and coffee in the other while Dad pokes at the campfire causing the flames to rise and the little foil wrapped packets of God only knows what, to sizzle and pop loudly. For that moment I am back on the Grand Mesa and so many years younger. I catch myself smiling.

I am jostled back to the present by a child's pleas to go and visit the White House. The pleading child seems to think that the White House door will open and the Obama girls will reach out to the pleading child and with a sweet hello, they are off to play Go Fish and build towers of Lego's. My thoughts give way to the disappointment that lies ahead of the young tourist, as the reluctant dad responds with a sigh, "well, let's go then".

We had planned a few years back to have a 40th Anniversary party and Tristan was going to make a cake and I was getting 4 diamond stacking bands - one for each decade, and Bob would finally get his new diamond and black onyx ring. Circumstances changed and as those dreams were put on hold for another time. We decided to quietly celebrate with a trip into DC (only about a 30 minute drive) and I could sight see and write, and Bob could ride his bicycle and take photos. He does take great photos. The hours passed a little too quickly. We walked. We shot photos. We ran into a Nikon lady (she called Bob a Canon man, so I am guessing there is some competition between owners of Canon and Nikon. She took a few shots of us near the pansy's and under the magnolia tree.

It was a beautiful day of sunshine and blossoms, shared memories and rekindled love. And maybe that is what forty years is all about. Maybe it isn't the big party and the cake and the new rings. Maybe it is holding hands under the magnolia tree, and knowing you are destined to be together for the next forty years.

Yipeeeeeeee

2011-02-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

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uh oh. "Mommy, look what Daddy did!"

2011-01-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

The Answer for Tucson, is blowing in the Wind

2011-01-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kerri for sharing this.

Déjà vu

2011-01-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

EXACT same look that Jeffry has given me for the past 26 years.

Words are not necessary. The look is always enough.

I had a dream last night

2010-12-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

that Bob and I moved back to Grand Junction and bought my childhood home. Added a 2 car garage (it would be the only one in the neighborhood for sure) and remodeled everything, leaving enough as a reminder of the original home it was. When I awoke, I was still "day dreaming" about what color I would paint the house and in my mind, I added shutters and left the big living room and kitchen windows intact. It was a fun dream. Maybe someday ...

a glimpse of our Christmas Day

2010-12-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

The day began perfectly with a skype call with the Tucson Gardners & Mundles!

Our guests begin arriving for an early Christmas dinner. Apricot basted ham.

Megan's perfect mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and sliced garlic and butter baguette.

Cookies and magic cookie bars for dessert.

Always nice to have some eye candy around - in color or black and white - stunning beauties.

Mateo snuggles with Grandma before taking time to

train Grandpa in the fine art of Mario Bros.

And the holiday memories are added to the book of our life.
A wonderful Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve in Tucson for the lil' Gardners

2010-12-24T21:14:00.000-05:00

It is my belief that Jeffry showed Maxwell how to tear the paper and then attempted a guilt free look when the deed actually happened. Jeffry's perseverance in mastering the camera's intricate timer, finally paid off.

Finally! A family photo to remember.

'Twas the Night before Christmas

2010-12-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

And all through the house, everyone was

Enjoying special Christmas Evening family time in Ashburn, VA.

Being entertained by Grandchildren while Ricky & Carlos prepare a scrumptious

prime rib and all of the fixings!

Nydia, Carolina, Carlos, Valeria & Estevan - a Christmas Eve family portrait of a truly nice family.

Three generations of Gardner guys.

Valeria quietly puts Christmas in the back of her mind and pays proper attention to one of the new puppies residing at the Ashburn Gardner home.

Merry Christmas to all, and, to all, a Good-Night.

Clydes and a Cupcake

2010-12-23T17:00:00.001-05:00

Filet Mignon was especially good.

Left late afternoon to explore a bit more. Ended up in Georgetown - quaint, busy, little town which is actually kind of a part of DC. Picked up a cupcake from the famous Food Network Channel Georgetown Cupcakes. Yummy. Walked down a few blocks to Clyde's. A wonderful feel of the "boy's club" with rich looking woods and discreet seating areas and statues. Casual elegance is how I would classify the atmosphere. Towards the end of our dining experience, a small group of young adults came in singing Christmas carols. Perfect ending to a beautiful date night.

My photo I ordered of Max and his toes!

2010-12-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

Gardner/Harvey/Mundle Bake-Off - kinda like Pillsbury!

2010-12-21T01:48:00.000-05:00

Sunday, our apartment played host to a family cookie bake for a bit of Holiday celebrating. Kyle & Megan proved to be proficient cookie bakers. Mateo and Marluce joined in later and showed off their own talents. That was, before getting bored (after tasting several samples) and taking to the floor where Mateo crawled and slid around on the floor providing an amusement park like thrill for little sister, Marluce, while hanging on her brother's legs! Then to the 300 plastic ball pit cubby to practice their family softball skills! It was a wonderful evening with cookies and sandwiches and laughter and football. Who could ask for more?

the finished products - well, some of them!

Holiday visit to Georgetown & DC

2010-12-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we took off about 3:30 for a quick trip into Georgetown - my first favorite place JUST a touch ahead of Leesburg! It has so much history and amazing architecture and quirky little businesses. Georgetown definitely has her own atmosphere and personality! Who couldn't love Georgetown?

We enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Match Book in Georgetown, which has - hands down - the best gourmet authentic pizza we have ever had. You have to give it a try. Even the building is scrumptious as it was a 90 year old vending machine warehouse, and encompasses some of the history with the wood slats in the upstairs area of the bistro. I would much rather be entertained at a place with some abstract history than just another pretty restaurant with fancy schmancy decor. Not that it's a bad thing!

Our holiday date night ended with a drive past the awe inspiring Capitol Building. Look how stately she appears. Magnificent!

Still a Fan

2010-12-16T10:04:00.008-05:00

Ever since the Denver Broncos began playing against the Arizona Cardinals, whether pre-season or regular season, the Hubs and one or more of the boys have attended the game. This year it was Jeffry with his Dad - departing Tucson on a party bus for an afternoon of tailgating, Bratwurst, and cheering for the Denver Broncos.

From Cheers to Jeers to Tears. Unfortunately, the shirt says it all.

You need to know the history of the Tabor/Gdovin/Gardner dedication to the Denver Broncos. Sundays would find my mother shouting obscenities at the television when the Broncos would make a poor play or Charley Johnson, Craig Morton, and later - legend John Elway - were somehow wronged, in her eyes. In those days, you did not have to wonder if the Broncos were playing on a certain day. You merely had to roll the car window down as you turned from Orchard Avenue to North 18th Street and listen. And when Grandma Tabor was in town, you could pretty much get the picture around 16th Street. My mother ate, slept and breathed the Denver Broncos. I will admit it was a tad embarrassing to walk in mom's living room and come face to face with a ceramic Denver Bronco helmet clock on the wall. A family rift even developed one year when she (with one or both of my younger sisters as apprentices) draped my older brother's house with orange and blue crepe paper. He was NOT a Denver Bronco fan, and the only person I ever met in our family that wasn't. When the golden touch of #7 joined the team, the enthusiasm only intensified. Still in elementary school, a very young Jeffry joined his father and brothers on the trip to watch the Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals - and was quite disappointed when Elway ran on to the field amidst the cheers of the Gardner family. Although Elway made a sweeping wave to the fans, it appeared he did not even recognize or acknowledge young Jeffry, leaving my youngest to wonder just how that could be? After all, John would certainly be personally aware of a dedicated Broncos family such as this. At least four times a year, discussion ensues on the historical moment known in National Football League lore as The Drive. Although I could probably recite the play verbatim, I have learned long ago, it is best not to insult Bronco fans by pretending I know or understand the game. If you know of The Drive, then relay it to all around. If you do not, then the shame of the Denver Broncos and the Tabor/Gdovin/Gardner houses be upon you.

'nuff said.

Melts Grandma's Heart

2010-12-15T15:52:00.015-05:00

from Katia: Marluce saw something through the side of the bin and decided that she needed to investigate...she opened the bin last night and took out a few things. I came upstairs and this is what I found...today she decided to take out a few more!

When we first moved to Virginia and were staying with the kids in Ashburn, of course I had to buy some Christmas decorations for our bedroom. I had them in this little green bin that the kids took down when they were getting their Christmas stuff out of the attic. How adorable is that?? She has got the heart of an Angel and the eye of a decorator!

Back to Tucson we Go

2010-12-15T10:32:00.008-05:00

Grandma's Sweet Boy

What is this contraption supposed to do, anyway?

Elway (the dog) can run very fast when he sees this coming at him!

Hey - I'm walking!

for another round of MAX. Just writing the name makes me smile. Max is just another name for CUTENESS. He smiles. He laughs at his Daddy's antics. He snuggles. He crawls, pulls himself up and is wanting to walk so badly just at 9 months! He stands fairly stable and will just let go with both hands and not even realize he is standing - just for a few seconds. We had our routine down, following the schedule of meals, bottles, and naps. But we also included (normally) 2 walks a day with the music blaring from my cell phone and Max trying to sing louder than the songs. We added a few decorations here and there. We opened just a couple of his Christmas presents because I just had to see him playing with his new toys! We spent time with Jeffry & Kerri and enjoyed the Mundles as they came and went. Back to Christmas shopping we went since we already let Max open his gifts, he had to have something under the tree from us for Christmas!

And again, we were so rushed it seemed we had no time to reconnect with friends in Tucson - and for that I deeply apologize. Someday, I will become more organized - I think. Until then, know that I love you all and will do my best on the next visit.

Bucket List

2010-12-04T23:38:00.003-05:00

Did I ever mention to you that practically at the top of my bucket list is to have and hold my own crown? I don’t mean one of those cutesy little bridal tiaras with little side combs that you can buy at craft stores. Nor do I want one of those cardboard cut-out things compliments of a 14 year old behind the burger counter.

I want a crown. An honest-to-God, high on the head, Princess Diana genuine sapphire and diamond, armed guard following me around CROWN. Now some people make a statement like this and maybe even get the coveted crown and wear it for a photo or to show the girls, and then carefully place it back in the mahogany velvet lined case and store it in the closet. Or a safe deposit box.

Not me. I will wear my crown like the badge of honor it will be. My crown. Designed just for my “nobody’s seen the trouble I’ve seen, God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, don’t cry over spilt milk” existence, and my “I still get butterflies when the hubs kisses me, that which does not kill me only makes me stronger, and God will not give me more than I can handle” life as I know it. My crown would be my signature to be shared with the world at large.
I will walk to Wegman’s with my shopping cart in tow and my crown atop my head for all to enjoy. I will oh-so-carefully hand it over to the security man at the airport while I clear the beepy machine, with a short instruction on resting the crown in the palm of the hand and “on no, please don’t touch the precious stones with your fingers as body oils could surely taint the brilliance. I will take my place on the gyno’s exam table donning the gown (open in the back, please) with the clarity of perfectly cut diamonds bringing a bit of glamour to an otherwise not so sparkly place to be.

Ah, yes. My crown will be worn for all to enjoy. The children at iHop will ooh and ahh and little girls will wonder if they are in the presence of royalty. The man behind the counter at the post office will quietly wonder if the person standing in front of him might be just a smidge off the mark. Ladies at the florist will smile and cast questioning glances at each other, thinking I cannot see. When they get home from work, they will be talking about the lady wearing the crown today and secretly wanting their own.

Babies are such a nice way to start people.

2010-11-17T11:13:00.003-05:00

Maxwell @ 8 months

A Whole New World

2010-11-13T11:19:00.003-05:00

Bob had surgery on Thursday to implant the access device which will allow him to perform his own peritoneal dialysis during his sleep at home. Dialysis should begin before the end of the year. With it, should come a bit of re-energizing, as the toxins are filtered out of his body. He will remain on disability until the end of the year, at least. Dialysis will most likely be a nightly routine until a kidney is available. As a sobering reminder that everyone with a driver's license should sign up to be a donor. You never know just who you could be helping.

I have never been one to face my own mortality, and have expressed to friends and family, that it is not death that I fear, but the absence of knowing everything that is going on AND being able to voice my opinions on such. Alas, I have been informed by well educated Catholics and Mormons and Methodists and Lutherans and Baptists and more, that will not be the case. I am hoping that perhaps by the time I do face my time to leave this earth, He may grant me special dispensation to stay involved. I am fairly certain He will. And, yes. I am shamelessly kissing up to God. But, even with my fears, I am also excited at the prospect of being a donor when my time comes. If my heart that is overflowing with love for those grand babies and family and friends, can beat in another and love even more babies, that is exciting to me.

We made the move to Virginia with certain expectations. Some of those were realized, and unfortunately, some were not. This whole dialysis situation was never on the list, and has kind of thrown us for a loop (as my mother would have said). But, we are looking at the brighter side of home treatments that do not interfere with any activities. Bob will be able to work and bike and travel and anything else he chooses to do, with the exception of swimsuit modeling due to the abdominal access. Someone will come to our home, no matter where we live, every month and check our supplies and machine, deliver more supplies, rotate the stock, and we do not have to lift a finger. Arrangements will be made for our travel to have supplies shipped to wherever we are staying and a machine delivered for short term use.

All in all, it is a blessing. And that is the way we are looking at it. We have travel plans and fun things we want to do around and in DC. We have only just scratched the surface.

On a side note, Jeffry is bicycling in the Tour de Tucson this year for the American Diabetes Association. Please go to his site make a donation if you are able. Every dollar helps. We are honored that Jeffry has taken up this worthy cause on behalf of his dad and others. He's a good egg, that kid!

It really is a whole new world. And we are ready.

Virginia Grandbebes

2010-11-08T11:38:00.004-05:00

Grandma's Kids!

the Itsy Bitsy Spider

2010-11-01T00:58:00.001-04:00

Dancin' Daddy Makes Baby Laugh!

2010-10-29T11:39:00.002-04:00

Jeffry dances silly in the background to entertain Max while I work on the storage in Tucson.

I'm Whirling!

2010-10-25T12:31:00.010-04:00

What a whirlwind since I have been in Tucson. Over a week now and it only feels like a few days. Max and I normally take about a 40 minute walk in the morning after Mommy and Daddy leave for work. He sits completely still in the stroller except for moving his head back and forth to see everything there is to see. The fresh air is so good for him and he seems to like the walks - even though sometimes Grandma breaks out into song. I have visited with the Mundle family, gone out to dinner, listened sadly to the Bronco game results for 2 Sundays in a row, gone shopping, and spent a lot of time holding Max, and doing accounting late at night. Which he also likes! Yesterday we had a nice breakfast at Coco's and then headed to the pumpkin patch later in the day. Max was quite patient with me as I stuck him on top of pumpkins, in between pumpkins, and beside pumpkins. I think you will agree it was worth the effort. Today, I will be going to a storage unit to unload the U-Haul pods into permanent storage, and commissioning Mr Mundle to sell a LOT of the storage. Hmmmm. Who thought that was the best idea in the first place? Oh yeah - ME! Upward and onward.

YOU get in the bowl!

2010-10-20T16:35:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Megan!

2010-10-18T18:36:00.003-04:00

I am so honored to know you and be a part of your family!

Now, go and make all the sick people well.

What a wonderful Day!

2010-10-16T00:03:00.002-04:00

Visiting with the Mundle family. And dinner at Uncle Julios in the Reston Town Center (carne asada to die for!) Fun conversation; wonderful family/friends, and a brisk autumn evening! It did seem a bit strange not having Jeffry & Kerri there with all of us. But, rest assured, they will have their fill of me for two weeks! No worries there, my friends.

Presenting ......July Photo Album!

2010-10-09T12:31:00.041-04:00

Taking a deep breath & beginning the Journey

2010-10-07T15:07:00.004-04:00

As some of you already know, the hubs is preparing to begin dialysis while he awaits a donor kidney. He has been going to weekly doctor visits and having heart tests (so far so good) and sonograms of the kidneys (not so good) and blood tests, etc. He has some more tests to undergo before the first challenge. (Challenge is the word I shall use instead of "procedures that almost make me poo my pants" and it is not even being performed on me! But when you have been together for over 40 years, when he hurts, I hurt.) A cardiologist and a nephrologist and the primary care physician must all sign off before we take any steps further. That should all be done next week. Bob has already met with the Dialysis Nurse who will train us both in home peritoneal dialysis.

We were required to attend a class yesterday at the Inova Fairfax Hospital and meet with just 2 members of the transplant team. There are many more to meet one on one, but that comes a bit later. The class lasted two hours and walked us a thorough list of step 1, 2, 3 etc. The information was amazing and overwhelming at the same time. There were probably 15 or so other patients some with spouses. You think that you need a kidney and the doctors and nurses just handle everything and in 4-8 years, voila! A new pink healthy kidney! Not so fast, Sir!

Bob will be required to maintain a certain BMI, weekly doctor visits, make calls to the hospital at various times, lots of paperwork (that part don't bother me so much! I LOVE paperwork.) And then there are options for live donors and for domino surgeries. Such as:

Mr 1 needs an A or B or AB kidney. Hubs needs an O kidney. I have an AB kidney and Mrs 1 also has an AB kidney but the cross match is not compatible for her Mr 1. Mrs. 2 has an O kidney and her Mr 2 needs an AB kidney and his cross match IS compatible to Mrs 1. So, they can perform a domino surgery with up to 8 patients and

Mr 1 gets a kidney from me.
Bob gets a kidney from Mrs 2
Mr 2 gets a kidney from Mrs 1

How cool is that? That, of course, depends on whether or not I qualify. That is a whole other list of check marks and doctor visits.

One of the transplant team members took each photo id of the patients and their insurance cards and started a file. Each patient had their photo taken to go into the file. As we complete paperwork and medical testing we submit papers and they call and tell us the next step and there will be some type of 6 hour meetings with different members of the transplant teams one on one instead of class format. They pretty much get to know Bob inside and out and the entire procedure is fairly impressive, I have to say.

Anyway, this is just the beginning. I have a four page form to complete and a 2 page form to complete. After I submit that, then Bob has another heart testing next week and not sure what else, and then we submit all of that information and we wait for the team to call us for the next set of meetings. It is a little scary and quite amazing. But for now, I am taking deep breaths and one day at a time.

June 2010 Album Pages

2010-10-07T10:26:00.010-04:00

Max squints now when he is tired - so cute!

2010-10-05T00:02:00.001-04:00

Almost ready for June album pages!

2010-09-30T13:33:00.005-04:00

Megan's Graduation U of A College of Nursing - May 2010

2010-09-25T08:47:00.013-04:00

oh, Sarah. Where art thou??

2010-09-24T21:23:00.007-04:00

A week ago we were thrilled to play host to a young liberal couple while they were house-hunting. The bright eyed and beautiful RN is a joy to be around. The young man with the boyish grin easy with the conversation while trying to contain his enthusiasm for the big move from the great southwest to the DC metro area. We dined. We chatted. We returned to our apartment for homemade cake. Okay, the cake was a mix, but the frosting was homemade. Still, it was the gesture that counted.

The next morning, they left for Arlington and Alexandria to resume their hunt for a place to live. I went about my day - accounting and some laundry. It was not until the following Monday afternoon that I realized that the seemingly gracious young couple had, perhaps, been involved in a covert operation the likes that only could have been masterminded by my politically obsessed young son, using his influence to the far reach from Arizona to Virginia.

Sarah is missing.

Sarah has vacationed with me, partnered up with me in Monopoly, and has been my shopping buddy. And now, she is not here. I miss Sarah. And I am sure Sarah misses me. And so I make this public plea - what, oh what do I have to do for her safe return? Is it for financial gain? Revenge?? Or just pure disdain for Alaska???
Just look how her people love her!

What was the motive behind these young recently graduated smiles. What evil thoughts lie behind those sparkly eyes? I am distraught. I just keep hearing over and over in my mind ... "know what the difference is between a mother and a bulldog? Lipstick!"

(oh how Sarah loves her Woman's Club!)

The word is seared in my brain. Lipstick. I will not stop my search for you, Sarah. I am here for you and we shall travel together once again.

The faces of the couple presumed guilty, have been changed to protect their identity.

did YOU talk like a Pirate?

2010-09-23T12:45:00.008-04:00

September 19th was International Talk Like a Pirate Day and Max celebrated in true form. Did YOU? Okay, I couldn't order the shirt small enough for him, but you get the idea!! Arr.

Welcome to the Beginning of May!

2010-09-22T20:50:00.015-04:00

Welcome!

2010-09-18T11:04:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to playing hostess to Kyle & Megan!
Clean linens.
Check.
Fresh Towels.
Check.
Little bitty shampoos, body wash, hair conditioner.
Check.
Appropriate photo.
Check.
Welcome basket for their snacking pleasure.
Check.
Light Lemon Cake with my French white icing.
Check. Okay. I'm ready.

September 16: Mexican Independence Day

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celebrates the day that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, and announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule.

Marluce celebrates in style with a dress crafted by her great abuelita, Maria.

and here we have the latest in school-wear ...

2010-09-15T11:59:00.001-04:00

the bubble dress with argyle patterned leggings worn by

Missy Marluce in her Village Market Blvd. premier.

Marluce visited Grandma after pre-K today. She modeled. She shopped. She played. She danced with me. She sang every Mama Mia song from the soundtrack - at least 3 times.

Marluce "Grandpa is my best Grandpa and I love him"
Grandma "Oh, Marluce, that is so sweet."
Marluce "AND he is nice looking!"

Later in the day, Mateo joined us after a full day of First Grade!

Mateo "Grandma, I would like to watch Scooby Do, but Marluce is not allowed to watch it because she is only 4 and I am 6."
Grandma "Well, we had better find something else so Marluce can watch as well."
Mateo "OR, she could just go in the other room and close the door. OR you could take her shopping. Yeah. She loves to buy things."

Kids really do say the darndest things!

Max at 6 months on September 13th

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Notice his two baby teeth coming in and his big boy "school" shirt!! AWCKKK!!! TOO cute!!

open open open open open open open open

2010-09-14T19:47:00.005-04:00

Will most possibly be renamed

"CHARMING MARLUCE & HER GRANDMA'S"

as an homage to our patronage!

My Latest Card Designs

2010-09-11T08:52:00.003-04:00

Little Ransom Notes! These are so much fun to design because I get to be completely sloppy and whimsical and messy - no rules!

April 2010 Album Pages Finished!

2010-08-27T22:13:00.027-04:00

Seriously! I mean, can you even STAND it??

2010-08-26T11:31:00.006-04:00

Max's 4 month portraits are ready for my album. Relax and enjoy! It doesn't get any cuter than this.

Max at 5 months & cuter every day!

2010-08-25T08:27:00.003-04:00

Max (Maxwell)

Transferred use of the Scottish surname originating from a place-name derived from the name Maccus (great) and the Old English wielle (spring, pool) or wella (stream). The name was indicative of one who dwelled at Maccus' spring or the stream of Maccus.

Football - Already?!?

2010-08-16T00:55:00.004-04:00

Dad - hurry up. The game's starting!

Even Elway (the dog) got in on the game. I am SO out numbered now.

Eighteen Days

2010-08-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

Until Tristan turns 18!

Old Town Alexandria

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My photo album pages from our visit to Alexandria.

doors

2010-08-11T21:10:00.010-04:00

On Sunday, August 1st, we drove about 45 miles to Old Town Alexandria. We had not been there before and as soon as we hit Old Town the words that came out of my mouth were "I want to live here forever". Of course I say that every time we go into the old part of Leesburg, too. I love the old historic houses, especially the little bitty ones that have huge yards almost exaggerated in size.

Doors intrigue me. I think the door tells a lot about the people inside, whether it be residential or business. Now, the doors in old town Alexandria and historic Leesburg are layered with coats of thick oil based enamel paint, and when you look closely, you can tell that the colors do not change, she just gets a fresh application of make-up and lipstick, with some of the paint flowing over onto the edges of the panes of glass. I just love doors. So, while hubby rented a bicycle and toured the area, I walked about 4 miles altogether snapping photos of doors. I made them into posters, and enjoyed it so much, that the next Sunday, we drove to old town Leesburg and did the same. But that is for another posting! Enjoy the doors of old town Alexandria and listen to the stories that they whisper to you.

I hate to admit this ....

2010-08-11T20:51:00.003-04:00

We have Valet Trash pick up at our apartment in Leesburg. They give you a black container with a lid and 5 days a week you set it outside the apartment door in the hallway filled with your bags of trash and blue bags of recycle. Promptly, at 8pm, a guy comes through the hallway with a cart and picks up the trash and you can plan on returning the black container back in the house before 9pm. I feel spoiled. I like it!

and Many More ...

2010-08-05T07:54:00.000-04:00

This free greeting personalized with Smilebox

Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876

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I think there is hardly a more beautiful state than the peaks and valleys of Colorado.

Mark Lori Jay (1948-2004) Robin Larry (1957-2005) Connie

I still consider Colorado to be my home state. I was born there, attended school there, and lived there for 32 years before moving to Arizona. 5 of the 6 kids in my family were born in St Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. (Jay was born in Chicago while Mom and Dad moved around with the US Navy. This is where the family gathered for Christmases and Graduations. Jay and Larry have both passed, however, I believe I speak for them as well when I say that Grand Junction is still home. Happy Colorado Day.

(photo by Janey Gdovin)

Happy Anniversary to Lori & Jim

2010-07-28T08:20:00.007-04:00

This is one of Jim's daughters, Sterling, holding Lori's bouquet of fresh Dendrobrium orchids at Lori and Jim's wedding in Palisade, Colorado on July 28, 2007.

Congrats, guys! XOXO

and so there I was,

2010-07-26T22:33:00.009-04:00

So excited because my first Shutterfly 8"x8" photo book that I designed just came in the mail today. All the effort! All the time!! And it only covers the first 3 months of 2010. Oh my goodness. It must have 100 photos. So much more to do.

Bob brings in the mail on his way home from work, and oooh, an envelope from cousin Carolyn. This should be fun! A few photos to look at and then a disk. I place it in the computer and begin at the first item which is a lovely letter from cousin Carolyn explaining how she and Uncle Ray began this project of scanning and noting photos that they located in her childhood home. Reading further. Seems like Ms. I do everything big or I do not do it at all, has cataloged about seventy thousand bajillion photos and documents from her two sides of family history AND has made disks for several relatives to share. This is wonderful. Bob returns to the living room after his shower and I hold up my little 8x8 inch book - about 1/4" thick and ooh and ahh and say "oh honey, did you see my little photo album I designed?" "Uh, yeah. Saw most of them on Flickr. hey, what's this?" as he sits at my computer and begins with the, "this is amazing - she did all of this? Wow. I love this. This is extraordinary"

Yeah, yeah, already. We all know that Ms. Super Mom Doting Daughter Auntie's Favorite Loving Sister Tall Cousin first Yogita Bear of National Parks in the whole entire world is ambitious. Got it! Does she have to put us all to shame with this absolutely wonderful and selfless project?

I, for one, am thrilled she did. Cousin Carolyn, most accomplished cousin of the bunch (sorry cousins, but you know it's true) you have truly outdone yourself this time. I am in a mad dash to finish sales taxes and payroll reports so I can add much of this to my family ties blog, and I cannot wait to get started.

You know, you are okay. Even if you never would play dolls with me.

Thank you from the depths of my heart for taking on this project, and for sharing it. (Um, still waiting on Auntie Kay to send me the Gdovin genealogy info she put together about 25 years ago! Perhaps you could hang out with her a bit more!)

Love and Gratitude from Virginia!

Carolyn Rae in the arms of Grandpa George Thomas Gdovin.

and the Pièce de résistance

2010-07-23T13:58:00.001-04:00

Now is this a model shot or what?? I gotta get this kid an agent.

little Prince in the Portrait

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Happy Birthday, Kerri

2010-07-22T09:43:00.003-04:00

There are never enough words when it comes to describing how special and how loved you are. Have a wonderful day! We love you!