Peaceful Pond

Almost a year since I have been here-MANY changes!!!

2010-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

I really don't know where to start!! After being unemployed for 14 months,Mel was offered a job at Hadlock Plastics here in Geneva doing the similar CNC job he had prior. Now he only has to drive a few miles,and is back on 2nd shift which works out well since he still has his newspaper route.
Best news is we have added a new granddaughter-Callie Barbara Ann Smith born July 3rd at 10:40 p.m. She was born C-section and thankfully no trip to Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital for new baby.
Hard to believe Allie Mae turned 1 year on August 6th,and Callie was 1 month Aug. 3rd ! Need I say Mom is extra extra busy???!!!! I don't know how she does it,and I try to help when I can-I LOVE Grandma time with my 2 sweeties!!!!
Depression has played havoc with me especially since I was off all my meds,but I now have a great doctor who put me on insulin so we are working to get my diabetes under control-am seeing progress which is good!! Trying to make other changes in my life also but have to realize I can't do it all at once or try to make up for all the setbacks from the very trying 14 months Mel & I went through.
Think this will do for now-hopefully it won't be such a time lapse!!

Babies have arrived and Labor Day is gone

2009-09-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here are my precious 2 new granddaughters-top row is Allie Mae Smith born Aug.6th at ACMC in Ashtabula,Ohio after Mom Steffany had many bad times. Then Allie was transferred to Rainbow Babies and Childrens' Hospital in Cleveland,Ohio because of fluid in her lungs but was able to come home that Sat. She is doing very well now and is our very precious "Sweet Pea".

On 2nd row is Angelina Marie Shaffer born Aug 5th at Geauga Hospital in Chardon,Ohio. She joins her older sister Jessica who I got to stay with when Mommy Lisa went into labor at midnite!

Still hard to believe they are here and healthy and bringing alot of joy to all of us. In fact today Gramma got to babysit Allie Mae then go grocery shopping with her and Mommy where Allie was the center of attention.

Now I am trying to get ready for next weekend which is the annual Geneva Grape Jamboree and our Class of 1967 will be walking or riding in the Saturday parade . This will be after having a 60th birthday party for all of us at our old high school gymnasium and school which is set to be demolished soon(seems to be the way things are done anymore,sadly)

Has been sadness lately with the passing of Farrah Fawcett,and Patrick Swazey plus our one classmate lost his battle to cancer also. Then my Great Aunt Marian Woodworth passed on to her reward Tuesday at the age of 101!!! Also we found our very special neighbors and friends are putting their home for sale and moving to a manufactured home-will definitely miss them alot!!!! So I am glad I can see Allie Mae often to make things fall into proper perspective. Then too my favorite thought comes to mind"To everything there is a season...." from Ecclessiastes 3 and I know things are as God plans and times.

It is now cooler at nite and there is definitely a touch of Autumn in the air which is my favorite time of year-now I need to get bulbs planted,some seeds in,prepare my outside areas for their Winter rest. Also am trying to do Fall cleaning(never seem to get it done in Spring) and hoping to do some serious downsizing and prioritizing so I can enjoy our grandbabies even more.

Not sure when I will post again,but a Happy Autumn to all!! Would love for comments from any of you.

July is almost gone!!

2009-07-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

I just don't know where time is going and what have I accomplished???
Have been having health problems again with my blood sugar readings hitting up to 500 at times plus my allergies are really acting up terribly.
But for positive news-am on baby watch-Steff has been showing signs Allie Mae might be here soon but it is ok as all is ready for her-had Steff's Baby Shower the 19th on her 30th birthday and went very well! Got to visit with some friends and relatives plus spend special time decorating with Amy,Steff and the guys.
So maybe that esplains where time has gone!
Now too I will be done babysitting Jessica as Lisa will go on maternity leave after Friday,but Gramma will be on call as needed there also.
Then in September our high school class is planning a special get together to celebrate our 60 birthdays-unbelievable!!!!!! Sounds like many are coming in from all over so will be a wonderful weekend!!
With that note will go for now-need to clean and do a few things then get a Gramma bag put together for the baby watch.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!!!

Here it is almost Father's Day!!!!

2009-06-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

I just don't know where time goes but feel as though I am rollerskating down a huge hill & no way of stopping!!!

Made it through my 60th birthday which was very low-key and I am glad! Then came Mother's Day with a familie get-together at Amy's house-was a good day!!

Then came a very black day,our Golden lab,Jurgen,had been acting in pain and the day after Mother's Day he cried in pain terribly plus his one front leg was swollen up. So we went to the vet where we discussed all options and future . He had cancer,tumors,and much more,and the prognosis wasn't good for Jurgen so we made the heartbreaking decision to give him comfort and peace. Again I was right there with the vet,her assistant and God was merciful,Jurgen passed over the Rainbow Bridge so peacefully and looked as though he were asleep. So our home was very quiet and different with no dogs and I don't plan any additions as is too heartwrenching. We had Jurgen cremated and buried him with his sister,Madchen.

Now am getting anxious for our 2 granddaughters due in August. Steffany has had a scare,ended up overnite in the hospital with UTI and pain-we weren't sure if Allie Mae might make an early appearance. But she is waiting now and even though Steffany is supposed to be on bedrest,she has walked down to visit me while I was babysitting Jessica(yes,she is my daughter for sure!!!)
Angelina Marie is really growing too,not sure how much more Lisa can expand.

Still no job for Mel and doesn't look promising anytime soon,but we are doing okay so far.

That's about it for now,hope it isn't 2 months again,but who knows? Guess Grandma better get back to my crocheting and sewing as August will be here SOON!!!!

Have a great Summer!!!!

April-A Month of New Beginnings

2009-04-14T05:39:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe Easter has come and gone,where have the first 3 months gone? Plus this one is almost half over.
Did finally get our taxes done and mailed this morning,a big relief even though it was delayed by my putting it off. Now onto the next project!
Last nite I went with Steffany and Don to have her sonogram and internal ultrasound done at ACMC and what an intriguing time that was. To see the images on the screen,see the hands moving all over,legs kicking and head trying to get away from the annoying pressure of a probing camera. I was fascinated to see the spine so clearly and all. If I wasn't at this advanced stage of life I might consider going to training in this field,but will leave it to the younger generation,I have other more important tasks at hand-being a Grandma!!!!
Lisa is having another girl early August so Jessica is happy she will have a baby sister,not a brother which she says she would return.
Despite Steff's baby giving the technician a run for her money by moving and hiding what we were looking for,we did get the good news-it's a GIRL!!!! So we got our first pix of Allie Mae-all 11 feisty ounces of her!!!
So technically this is my first Grandbaby by blood which makes her even more special. But I also can't deprive Jessica and Angelina Marie wjo are my adopted granddaughters. So looks like I will be having my arms and lap full of cuddly sweet-smalling babies and a 3 year old-No complaints whatsoever here!!!!!!
Steff pointed out something-she and Lisa did not confer or such but Lisa and Keith are having a girl Angelina Marie Shaffer in early August,and Steff and Don are having a girl Allie Mae Smith in late August. Both girls,both in August and both with initials AMS-HOW FUNNY!!! Proves you don't have to be of same blood to be close.
Okay,have run on long enough here,need to do few more things then it's off to spend the day with Jessica,wonder what she has planned for her day with Grandma? Lots of hugs and kisses I know for sure.
Have a great day,week,rest of the month and Spring!!!!!

Here it is March 7th

2009-03-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

and my last post was Dec.31st!!! I knew I have gotten behind but this is terrible!!!!!!!!
So much has happened this year,maybe that explains why-Mel was laid off from his job on Jan 6th after 17 years of over and beyond duty,and so far nothing on the job front either.
Then I am on my 3rd sinus infection already and this was the worst so far-am still trying to get enough energy to even do minor chores.
Onto good news!!!! Come August we will be welcoming 2 new grandbabies thanks to Lisa and Keith and Steff and Don. So Grandma here has gotten started crocheting baby afghans,and stocking up on fabric to make baby outfits,diapers,crib sheets,etc. In the meantime Jessica is telling everyone I am HER grandma ONLY!!!! I can see some thinking will be needed in the next few months.
We celebrated Dad's 80th with a Surprize Party at St. Angelo's Bowling Alley,and somehow we all did manage to keep it secret so he was really shocked.
The hidden gypsy blood has surfaced once again in our familie-Amy has moved from her mobile home to a really nice manufactured home close to Lake Erie-we have already had a birthday party there. They also have a nice hot tub on their back deck which I used one day and can't wait to do it again!!!!
Our other gypsy Steffany has moved into Amy's vacated mobile home so it will be a really nice home for the new baby.
One thing,at least the 2 girls still living in mobile homes are only a few doors apart so Grandma won't have to go far to babysit with all 3 grandkids(did I just say that?!)
Well,that is enough for now-need to go rest awhile here,have been online 4 hours!!!

My Computer Helper,Charmer

2008-12-31T11:02:00.001-08:00

Having some problems so will have to do more than one posting I guess

2008-12-31T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here Jurgen is with me on Christmas

Jessica on Christmas More from the same

New Years' Eve 2008

2008-12-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

Want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hoping 2009 will be a very good year for all. I am looking forward to it as already have alot of special events coming up-Dad will turn 80,I will hit 60,Jessica will have a new sister or brother,Steffany is starting a new trucking job,etc. That means I have to do some changing here healthwise so I can enjoy all that is on the new clean slate for 2009. May even do some book reviews or at least suggest some since I will be in my 3rd year in the Harlequin Book Challenge and have become friends with many other readers and even some authors. Now I want to share some pix with you -the first is Mel and Jurgen on Christmas Day

Holiday Wishes

2008-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas ,Happy Boxing Day,and a wonderfully Happy New Year! Hope 2009 will be a better year for everyone! Know mine will be as just got news I am going to be Grandma again come August,so that gives me another reason to look forward.

2008-12-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Really looks like Christmas here-Jessica is admiring one of her Care Bear ornaments with Smoky in background. Of course I had to get one of her kitties where they are enjoying their favorite new nap spot under their tree. This is Furby(the mom to Smoky,Cutie and Charmer),and Smoky preparing early for this year's visit from Santa Claus.

December Already?!!!

2008-12-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

Had planned to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving but before I knew it, I have to change that to a very Merry Christmas!! Now am fighting a severe sinus infection and seem to be on losing side so am very limited in what I can accomplish which is frustrating me terribly. Anyway,want to post some more pix.

First is of course my little princess,Jessica in her Tinkerbell jammies which she got since she knows Gramma likes Tink. Will come back to post more soon.

Our Other Furbabies

2008-11-03T13:09:00.001-08:00

On ledge is Gizmo,the brother to Boo and Eule(I rescued them before last Halloween under dd#3s mobile home). Our white love is Snowball(sister to Sunshine-they were found wandering on a country road,just barely missed being hit. Snowball's eyes were totally matted shut,and Sunshine's were not as bad).

The black calico is Stormy,and her partner is Pooter who was also found on a country road. Last but not least are our Halloween kitties(Gizmo's sisters)-lying down is Boo who is shorthair. Watching over her is Eule who is longhair-her name is Owl in German as her eyes look just like one. So now you have seen pix of our entire family of furbabies and can see how we love each and everyone.

More pix of Jessica with her Halloween buddy and her kitten,Smoky

2008-11-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Smokey is the sister to our kittens,Charmer and Cutie

Jessica at Halloween

2008-11-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Mommy only took Jessica to a few homes for Trick or Treat,so Papa and Gramma were happy to be on the list to see our own BatGirl.

Our Dog Madchen Crossed The Rainbow Bridge Saturday

2008-11-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a couple pix of our precious Madchen. With her is the one is Jurgen,her brother who now really is lonely without her.

Some updated kitty photos

2008-10-16T05:22:00.001-07:00

Cutie and Charmer have decided the toaster is a comfy place to sleep! Peach thinks he is a big popcorn ball-he can fit himself into the box! Definitely not alot of room left. Then there is my computer kitty,Sunshine-she loves to chase anything that appears on the screen.

My Apologizies

2008-10-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

I must ask forgiveness for being so bad about neglecting my blog here,so much in our lives has kept my mind on so many things I have been overwhelmed. Am hoping things will get better now as I have decided to make some changes,and concentrate on things that are important. Guess it has all come about since I had a colonoscopy Monday-what a concept! Seriously, I had avoided it for years even though my dad had colon cancer,and said ignorance was bliss. Wrong! One day it seemed as though my dear departed Grandmother spoke to me and advised me to start taking care of my health(sadly,she had Alzheimers and breast cancer). Then my youngest and oldest daughters convinced me I need to be around and healthy for them and their families. I had heard such horror stories about the prep for the procedure,but let me tell you,it wasn't bad at all. I started a liquid diet Friday(2 days earlier than I needed),but I wanted to do everything in my power to make sure the test was successful. Even managed to drink the entire 4 liters of the Nulytely,and while I was confined to the bathroom I enjoyed more of the Cedar Cove book I was reading. Monday morning,my youngest took me to the hospital where I encountered a wonderful and caring group of nurses and the doctor whom I had never met. Even got him to laugh before we started so that was a plus! The great part was Dorothy,the one nurse,starting me on oxygen then putting the "relaxer" in my iv,& the next thing I knew I was waking up in my room to see the smiling face of my precious daughter. Then the doctor came in to tell me he removed a polyp(later found it was more)but he expected it to be benign. Came home to my dear furry kids(drove home from dd's even though I wasn't supposed to)and curled up in bed all snug with my 2 kittens. Darling hubby even brought home supper which was sweet. Have to admit though the next few days I have been a little miserable due to the anesthesia and procedure,but nothing I couldn't live with! So I will say,if you have been delaying it also,PLEASE don't,it isn't that bad at all! Was told to call after a week for results of biopsy,but yesterday the doctor's nurse called to say the polyps were benign,and barring any problems I won't need it for 3 or 5 years. I was ecstatic,and have vowed to really start a better lifestyle-so next week am going to get a flu shot,and schedule my next doctor's visit with my family doctor. Life really is good!!!! Now I am off to enjoy the Autumn colors in the yard.

Jessica is 3!!!

2008-09-06T08:08:00.003-07:00

Jessica's

2008-09-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Yet another addition to our family

2008-08-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

These are our two newest,you have already seen Cutie. I knew she was missing her siblings(3 brothers and 1 sister),so went to dd#1 and asked for the other female-she is a grey or silver tabby with beautiful markings . So Charmer joined her sister-at first Cutie really showed her dominance but in a couple days,Charmer didn't back down anymore! As you see,they are very close,and little by little are wandering more into the territory of the other cats here. Do know this is the end of our additions for a long time,we have done our part in providing a loving home for many. But the joy we get from them far surpasses any entertainment we could get from any tv show,movie,or such. Now unfortunately is time to go clean litter boxes,but I do it with a smile knowing they are all safe,fed,and loved.

Beautiful August Day

2008-08-25T07:17:00.001-07:00

Is a good day to remember how happy I was to see my first bloom on our moonflower plant. Or as it is called,Angel's Trumpet or Datura. I had collected seeds and plants since Mom passed in 1995 and no matter what none would ever grow so I gave up. Until a couple months back one of our area djs announced a nursery was giving away free plant if you visited. Yep,i got right in my Jeep and headed up there,didn't want to be cheap so also got a couple succulents to plant around the pond. Asked about the free plant,well,the cashier told me to take an entire flat! I happily brought it home,planted them all over then returned the plastic flat. They were shocked as nobody does that. They asked if I wanted anymore plants so said sure,could share with my girls-this time I ended up leaving with 2 flats!! Am pleased to report now we have them blooming all over,and the one by our backdoor is flourishing,have lost track of the number of flowers it has produced and many more to come yet. So I guess it paid off to wait,as I have them to enjoy. If you have never smelled them at nite,you are missing a special treat! I will gladly share seeds with anyone who requests .

Yet More Changes

2008-08-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Thought this would be a great way to begin-our newest addition,Cutie-she has 6 toes on each front paw and 5 on each back. We enjoy her so much,and she has helped us with our grief of losing our tortoiseshell cat,UnChat,who left us 2 days short of her 17th birthday. She had a very full life with minimal problems until the end for which we are thankful. I have so much more to post but will let it begin with this short one.