Once a year, Keith brings out his grandfather’s scythe and chops down our day lilies. It is a daunting task but he cuts through them faster and better than any lawn mower. Who needs a gym and trainer when you’ve got a scythe. The photo unfortunately has a dark background, so you have to follow the handle upwards until your eye finds it. More than one reaper has lost a limb to the scythe’s blade. But it’s usually the person next to the reaper, so I was careful.
Read MoreWe had Parseltongue pizza with slytherin sausage for supper. You guessed it: today is Harry Potter’s birthday. I couldn’t find my trunk of Potter paraphernalia because the basement was recently rearranged. I punted and grabbed the spectacles from the Googly Eyes game. Genius! If you only have time for one movie, of course you will pick Episode 1 in which Hagrid visits Harry at a lighthouse on his 11th birthday to take him to Hogwarts for the first time. Great evening!
Read MoreKeith is a man of few vices but he makes up for that by his love of the stinkiest veggie ever - KOHLRABI. If you have ever endured the torture of a loved one with this tragic addiction, your only question will be whether it stinks worse going in or coming out. I believe the gas form is regulated under most chemical weapons treaties. Once a year, Mollie manages to punish me by buying a whole head to ensure maximum bloat and psi. I am renting a motel room until it’s gone.
Read MoreI dropped off some cookies and a poem (a rap, actually), for Roland at Maggie’s house. I brought lunch and hung out for awhile. A discussion ensued among family members about their fondest comedy specials. When I mentioned mine was “Lobby Baby” with Seth Myers, no one had seen it. So, we watched it. The whole thing and Maggie especially connected with the wit and delivery. Seth is a genius. Great humor, quick wit, impeccable timing, and a self-effacing tone. I just love every bit in this act. 10 out of 5 stars.
Read MoreGame On! We have a new date for the Mineshaft party for Kallie and her cousins. There will be blood.
Read MoreSince Kallie is the sole survivor at Artesian West, we decided we better feed her before she started foraging in the forest. Since she is spectacular, we let her pick the restaurant. She said Fat Joe’s. We drove to the restaurant and began our parking sequence when she realize she was mixed up. She meant Friar Tuck’s and enticed us there with the promise of twice-baked potato dip. So we regrouped and set off for some holy food at the monastery. When we arrived, OOPS. No. She meant Fat Joe’s all along, not Friar Tuck’s, but for penance, she would give up the tater dip and eat the Friar food. But God had bigger plans for Kallie than monk meat. Just like the Wittenburg Door, there was a writ explaining a temporary closure on Mondays at Fat Joe’s until further notice. AND - Oh, wait. Kallie had actually read her phone incorrectly. The Tater Dip is at Fat Joe’s not Friar Tuck’s! So back we go and glory be - WHAT A MENU!
Kallie picked the 12-person Mafia booth for our seating. It looked like we were waiting for the rest of the jurors to arrive. To make it even more interesting, we wedged Kallie between us and covered her bare back with paper napkins. We cuddled her to keep her warm despite the over-zealous A/C. We were so excited about the menu options, we completely forgot to order our raison d’etre: the tater dip. We also got as far as posing for a selfie, but, alas, I took too long trying to find my phone in my Hogwarts infinity purse, and my photo subjects went back to their dinners. The photo opp. was lost, but during the “on the way home chatting,” Kallie revealed a personal factoid we had never heard before: When she was younger, her friends called her “Rumble Strip” like the intentionally uneven areas on the roads designed to alert drivers to something of importance like a cow crossing. When we asked her why she had such an odd nickname, she showed us.
See why we don’t want her to move away? She brings so much unexpected fun to even the most normal parts of life. We sure love her.
Our Mineshaft Gaming Extravaganza Breakfast got postponed due to a scheduling snafoo. Since Jaspir and Roland were primed for food, Roland suggested we go to Red Cabin for a lovely Sunday family breakfast. And since we had room in the car, we invited Maggie. Yay! We had mouth-watering wonders that make Wisconsin supper clubs a legend. Roland had the country fried chicken and fixings. I had a scrambled egg and sour dough toast. (Let’s pretend I didn’t order the caramel toffee ice cream torte for dessert)! We had a fun time and snapped this cute photo of the boys and sent it her way with a promise to reschedule our Battle Royale later in the coming week. See. Just when you think your breakfast love is wrecked, you end up with two dates instead of zero. Life is perfect.
Read MoreJaspir and Roland are loving cousins. Roland came up with the idea of having a celebration with Kallie at the Mineshaft in Oshkosh. It has superb food and a multi-million dollar arcade. They can face off in cousin contests to see who really is the master gamer. I made this pretty invitation for fridges and scrapbooks. Mementos for occasions like this are always sweet.
Read MoreI feel a little silly for worrying. Last month, I was thinking about cancelling the contest for the summer months. I expected participation would plummet with all the busyness of summer fun. But I was wrong. And I am oh so thankful. I really really really look forward to seeing everyone’s photos. My love for family grows every month.
Read MoreIt has been years - maybe ten I would guess. We’ve stayed connected through texting but this face-to-face was long overdue! Chris is such a special person, so tender-hearted, and a devout cat person. We had a nice catch-up, fabulous Caramel Crisp meal, and went deep on some things of importance. She gave me a ton of information about this National Cat Shelter/Rehab program she has been involved with for years. She volunteers there several weeks a year. She also has perfect taste in clothes and jewelry. Maybe not to ogther people’s tastes, but if I had to pick one person to dress like, it would be her. That is why I cherish her hand-me-down jewelry. And she remembered that about me and brought me some. I will cherish it and cherish her as long as I draw breath. We vowed to do this again soon.
Read MoreIt has been a decades long dream and the hunt has finally ended. When he spotted the beauty online, there was a whirlwind of activity to make this happen. All praises to Tom Kiser who, without hesitation, provided the use of his truck to tow the car hauler and offer his expert knowledge on the worthiness of the vehicle. They started early, departing at 6:00 in the morning. Twelve hours later, they rolled in with another red truck for Paw to love - but this time, it’s almost 100 years old, a gift to humanity from Henry Ford, and the Model A of which Keith is both fondest and most knowledgeable. It is rough, despite the polish and spit shine that took it from field car to parade car. But Keith likes it that way. He can’t wait for the paint to fall off. And now, reality: we have to make some room in the garage. But even that can’t wipe that smile off his face. P.S. Special thanks to Tom Lewis who offered his truck and car hauler months ago, but, alas, was in Detroit when we needed to fly before the other suiters grabbed her.
Read MoreOasis is one of Roland’s most favorite breakfast spots. He adores the hostess, the waitresses, and the food. Inspired by Roland’s order of a 2+2+2, I deviated from my standard French Toast and ordered a delicious Mexican half-skillet. We visited about how “culinary” his family is (his word). He said he’s been experimenting with cooking and wants to improve his skills. We also visited more about Junto, and I sent him the link for my new Junto website as I have hopes of starting one for the grandkids. They are so bright. He told me about some music he’s been enjoying recently (British/Irish rock) by Aphex Twin. He sent me a link. So, I guess we both have homework. Today, I decided to memorialize these meals together in a book for him. My working title is Dining With Roland.
Read Moreeveryone but me, I had a large Diet Coke before our date and pretty much talked non-stop according to my concerned husband who felt compelled to intervene and suggest I let other people talk. To which Bonnie replied, “It’s sometimes good to listen.” She’s gracious that way which is one of the many, many reasons we love her. And we found another this morning: When her furnace was ruined by flood waters some years back and FEMA refused to give her funds, she burned wood for the winter. Single Mom Super Hero! P.S. Great minds look alike.
Read MoreAt the Sisterhood’s monthly meeting today, Samantha introduced her soulmates to her trademarked Finger Yoga. It was designed specifically for the Order of the Sisters of Unyielding Love (S.O.U.L.) who experience lots of neuralgia due to excessive organ playing, heavy rosary beading addictions, and rigorous bouts of prayer. Shortly after Finger Yoga’s introduction, it went viral. Today, you can see people doing finger yoga all over the world. We look forward to her next lesson in the ancient Ayurvedic practice of gas lighting. We aren’t sure what it is but she asked us to bring matches and eat 1/2 can of beans 30 minutes before class.
Read MoreLilly’s friend Piper leaves a few houses away from us, so whenever they have a sleep over, they come to visit. Tonight they had to show off their stupendous manicures. The photo couldn’t capture the magnificence. They were like iridescent marbles. And, of course, they had to taste test the Bomb Pops I bought for Lilly’s upcoming patriotic Backyard Olympics Party (on hold due to heavy construction on our road). They caressed the treats with paper towels to protect their nails. So adorable. I love these times with them. Piper even hugs me good-bye like Lilly. They eventually headed home to check on Piper’s rabbit and tree frog. Such busy little zoologists. During our visit, Lilly and Piper told me Piper’s mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I don’t think either understand the implications enough to be alarmed. Lilly hass just gone through this with Mollie, so I think she will be a good and hopeful friend to Piper throughout this healing process.
Read MoreMaggie was working a few blocks away at the law office on an ugly divorce case. Things were getting cranky so she excused herself and popped over to snatch me for an impromptu visit to Gilles Custard Stand for a quick reset. Often those unexpected times are the most delightful in their unexpected arising. It was a lovely treat that lovingly punctuated both our afternoons. P.S. Although often repainted, I believe this is the original sign on their roof. The same one I saw on my first visit to Gilles when I was in sixth grade and vacationing with Chris Martell at her cottage.
Read MoreTheir mother yelled up to Presley and Lilly who were busy with tween fun in their respective bedrooms. “Granny’s here, come give her a hug.” And they ran down excited and happy until I opened my big mouth. “Oh, you are so adorable in your twin outfits. Let me take your picture,” I said as I reached for my phone. They were horrified as each looked at the other’s outfits and protested it was a terrible accident, completely unplanned. “We would never dress alike,” they screamed as they ran away. The their mother insisted they come back down and pose for my photo. Not even fake smiles could be mustered in this disastrous moment. Their eyes squeezed shut in denial as they prayed no one would recognize them. The emotional trauma is palpable. Greatest photo ever! I wonder if they’d let me use it for my photo contest entry.
Read MoreOur step-grandson Alex turned nineteen today. He loves chocolate so we got him a big bag of mixed Hershey miniatures. He loves Benjamin Franklin too, so we got him a C-note. Such a great guy. I feel so happy we are family now.
Read MoreEach year for decades, Keith and Tom have enjoyed the Pierce Park Car Show. It is by far Keith’s favorite of the year. Since the park is only a block away from Greg’s house, he joins up for the fun too. Here is the 2023 photo. It is a memorable year, the first time both their 55 Chevies were not road worthy. Keith got as far as Oshkosh and had to turn back. Tom never got his car out of the garage and took his Honda. But the lack of their cars made little difference. It was still an automotive extravaganza and good fun for the boys.
Read MoreLots of food, fun, and friends - dear, lifelong friends. We assembled at the Oakfield Community Center to honor the 70th birthday of Jim Kiser. The desserts were plentiful and unforgettably fabulous. Gee, these people can bake1 Jim graced us with a lovely concert. He gets better every time I hear him. We thought we better get our photo taken with him before he’s a Nashville big shot. It was great to see all the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We have all shared so much over the years. A heartwarming day.
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