memories

I was just watching Loretta Lynn on TV and it reminded me of the trip we took with Mom. Kevin was graduating from his class in Memphis, Tnn and I wanted to see him so bad. I missed most of the wonderful awards, metals, and graduation ceremonies Kevin had been receiving since he joined the Navy. We all missed him so much; it was like a light in my life shining way off in the distance. It was a much further drive than I realized but Mom had the new van and I knew she would love Tnn so much. Loretta Lynn was one of Mom's very favorite singer, song writter, etc. Loretta had a muesum/coffee shop/gift shop in Memphis so I had to take Mom there. I kept saying maybe we'd see Loretta in there and it was such fun watching her looking and hoping to see Loretta. Of course I kept encouraging that idea. The stay at Kevin's base was great. We had a studio apartment..well, like a suite. The room had 2 seperate bedrooms with a great view. We got to drive around and shop with Kevin. He bought me a sailor teddy bear, which I returned to him now...I miss it. But I wanted him to get it if something happened to me suddenly. Anyway, at the graduation ceremony everyone was in dress whites with the flags everywhere. Metals hanging off the guys on the stage.(I dont know what all the metals meant. I know general stars and purple hearts..anyway..Mom was in love with that major or whatever he was. She always did love a man in uniform. She was always atwitter at parades and stuff. She passed that on to me. When a marching band goes by my whole being goes crazy with pleasure.. I cant describe it..but back to Mom. I thought she was going to faint when that main man talked to Kevin and then walked over and shook our hands and made polite talk. I thanked God again for allowing us to make that trip and letting Mom do something so good for her. We stopped in the parking lot of the Grand Ole Opera and it was so huge and so much walking that we decided it wasnt worth the time. Same with the Elvis Presley mansion. The parking was like $7 per person back then!! just to park in the lot outside the gate. I had everyone vote.. decided eating out was better. I did make everyone stop and listen a few minutes on Beal St. That was always a dream of mine. To visit there and listen to the music. I did get to do that even if it was just parked on the street. Someone was playing the guitar and singing in the park there. It was a great trip and a wonderful memory.

My vacation

I am coming to Michigan!!! I can't wait. I love the west but I miss Michigan. I leave Aug 8th and return Aug 29th. I am going to try and see as many people as I can during that time. The family reunion is Aug 15th at the Dryden General Squire Park. Might be the last time I ever make it back so I am going to enjoy. It was 1998 when I moved from Michigan. I began to think I'd never see the Great Lakes again.
I will be taking the train across country. Hope to see you all!!

time does fly by

So much has been going on that I have neglected my blog site. These are the surprise kitties that came to our garage. The mother is the black/white one on the bottom photo near the food. They are all wild stray cats from a neighbor. She was the cat lady. She had a stroke and died and her cats were roaming the neighborhood starving. I began buying food for them. There are a few others who come at night to eat. Now I am the, "Cat Lady", guess there are worse things to be called. ;) Kevin and his family came for the 4th of July. It was the first time they had seen our house. We went up on the ridge behind our house and watched fireworks as well as Kevin shot off some. Steve was here too, so that made the day complete.

Springtime in the Rockies

this and that

I love the Rocky Mountanins!!
Life has been moving very fast for me lately. We have been taking a major trip/mini-vacation every month for the past few weeks. It has been great fun but I feel wore out. I am trying to prepare for the familly reunion in Michigan. It is August 15th and I may be the last time I see most of my relatives. I am not surprized that most of the family dont want to see me again..but it still hurts. Thank God I have 2 boys that love me and a good man to be by my side.

The latest

Been so busy and now need to let Gary use the computer. So will write another blog later. Jack had a swimming party for his 11th birthday...looks like fun

news update

Not much happening but last time I wrote a long post I pushed ,"publish," and it all disappeared. Gary says its the browser needing an update and he don't want to do one. Sooo, I will make this short for now. I found out the family reunion in Mich. is now in August. Aunt Phylis's will let me know when. When we come back to visit, I am thinking of asking Sherry to reserve the clubhouse for a Saturday party there. Kevin said he might be able to come in August and bring a child or 2. We can invite everyone in the family and whoever else we want to see in Mich. Kevin and Steve both love the idea. We would fly in together but each return home on different flights. I want to stay longer than either of them can. Linda has invited us to stay at her home. I cant wait to see everyone again.