Country Living Fair

The Country Living Fair starts tomorrow in Columbus, Ohio.  Anyone going.  I hope to go tomorrow and on Saturday.  The shopping, lectures, food, atmosphere are so much fun.  If you are going, let me know and I will try to meet you and say hi.  The weather is supposed to be perfect.  (It doesn't look so great today but tomorrow is another day)

Today is 9-11, a date we won't forget.  We all remember where we were and how we felt.  I know how sad I was for everyone that searched for their loved ones hoping they would be found.  The hospitals waiting on survivors that didn't come.  It was just a perfect weather day here in Ohio.  I had my pre-school in my downstairs away from the TV.  One of my moms told me about what had happened.  My son stayed home from school that day.  He recorded the TV and brought it to me to see.  After my kids left, I was to meet a friend for lunch.  We decided to go ahead and meet.  The first time I saw what had happened on TV was there.  It was a sports bar/restaurant with giant TV's.  Oh my, that was just hard to take.  My friend and I still meet on that date if we can.  The day of 9-11 my friend was 8 months pregnant.  The next year the baby went with us.  I remember the lights going off and both of us jumped to our feet in fear.  We can't meet today but we texted "Thinking of you."
I remember being at church the following Sunday.  Both my husband and I broke down in tears sobbing.  Our son was in the military stationed in Hawaii.  We never thought our son would serve during a war.  He spent two years in the Middle East.  Two of the longest years ever.  Our emotions were always on edge.  Thanks to God that he returned to us.  I must say that his current government job is just as dangerous.  I am spending the night with his family tonight for that reason.
God bless all our soldiers and first responders.  They are the real heroes.

I wanted to make this a positive post since my last one was such a downer.  Sorry, but it was important to share.
I seem to be getting "signs" today that are meant for me.  Geez, I'm not one that can predict the future, believe me, but I feel like there are signs out there.  Not all of the time but just sometimes.

So, I turn on the new Meredith show for the first time today.  What's up first is a little boy that had H1N1.  It ravished his body and he had to have 77 surgeries including a kidney transplant from his mother.  He survived, thank goodness.  Remember back, my dear cousin died of H1N1.  I am taking this as a sign to remind you to get your flu shot.  I know, there are some of you that refuse to do that.....don't send me hate comments, please.  Just think of your families if you should get this horrible thing.

Okay, now there is a balloon artist on her show.  What the heck.......that's what makes me think that sign was for me.

A few thoughts about Hollywood........I can't believe Meredith is on the same time as the View.  Hmmmmm, bet that didn't go over well.  I can't believe they let Jennie and Sherry go at the same time.  I never liked Jennie before, but grew to really like her on the View.  It was just plain sad that Sherry was sent packing.  Now, about Joan Rivers.............I know she was an icon but I always thought of her as mean spirited.  As far as they endoscopy center being under fire about the procedure they did on her,  when you have an upper endoscopy they take biopsies.  I have had many of these tests including biopsies of my esophagus and stomach.  I think if the doctor saw something concerning,  the biopsy "probably" should have been done.  I said "should" have.  If Joan had cancer of the vocal cords, she would have a terrible time accepting that diagnosis.  Okay, just my thoughts.

Remember the last showing we had........that we were sure the people didn't come.  I don't know if our realtor is just trying to make us feel better...........BUT that person supposedly wants to make an offer on the contingency of their house selling.  What?  I have a hard time believing it, since she only looked once.....but it does boost the moral.  Sorry for all the ........  I think all of my communications in writing has left me.  Anyhoooooo, we have another showing Saturday.  Not the same person.  So, why am I sitting here doing this when I need to get things done if I want to go to the Fair.  You loose your "let's do this" after awhile, but this could be the one.  I want to just say, if they call for a second showing we will really shine things up.

I got new glasses.  Yeah, finally.  I was afraid to go to the cheapie places or those advertised on TV,  I think my eyes are important.  I did choose cheaper frames.  I mostly need the for close up but like the transition lenses.  Easier for my eyes to adjust to close up and far away.

I also had things down to my little BUG this week.  She has had a lot of new things lately.  I covered the dent with a magnetic flower that I had.  It looks cute instead of a boo boo.

Last but not least.  Tomorrow is our 44th anniversary.  How can I even be that old.  No big plans unfortunately.  So ready to take a trip.  Hopefully when this house thing is over we can.

Okay, off to clean.  The to transport our youngest to counseling.  He witnessed a domestic abuse at a store this week and it really set him off.  When you have been abused it doesn't take much to remind you.  Then off to a flag football game for M.  Then out to dinner with the grands and DIL.  And then a sleepover for Grammy.  And we know what tomorrow is..........yeah the Fair.
Have a great week-end.  I will share pictures with you the next time.

Just what's happening in this little village

This beautiful picture was taken by John Rossignal           , he takes amazing photos.  I have to find the one he took this week.  He is now using those drone cameras.  He always has a way of picking up color.

When something happens in this village it hurts all of us.  This beautiful wedding took place two years ago this week.  The families  are so proud.  Look at the beautiful bride and her sweet husband.  He has his arm around his mother.  Doesn't she look proud of her son.

Here is the groom now.  Yes, it's a casket.  Are you thinking I lured you in to this post.  I did.  I want to get the point across.  He died two days before their anniversary.  He had a brilliant future ahead of him.  He was a pilot in the Air Force  He just had his first interview for his dream job, a pilot for Delta.  He flew all over the country and abroad.  Guess how he died.  He was changing a tire roadside when a distracted driver hit and killed him and almost his wife.  She was able to jump out of the way .  (You are probably saying what the heck are you doing posting this)  Sorry but this needs to be told and told again.  You can barely see his mother at the bottom left of the photo.  You can almost feel her sadness.  His dad and his brother are carrying the casket.  What you can't see are about 200 men in flight suits behind the formal air force soldiers.  They were all over town all day.  PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO PUT AWAY THEIR CELL PHONES WHEN DRIVING.  Also any other distraction isn't worth doing this to a bride, family, friends and community.  The driver was 19.  Imagine how she feels.  And poor Alyssa, the bride, witnessing this.  She spoke at his funeral just for a minute.  She thanked him for being her best friend and the love of her life, and for treating her like the princess she was.  So true.  Later in the day the kids and I were walking into their house and heard something so scary.  It was loud and we couldn't find the source.  All of a sudden there was a fighter jet directly above us.  I'm not kidding.  Very close.  My grands live on a hilltop above the cemetery.  I knew right away it was for Nathan.  I have know Alyssa since she was a baby.  I am friends with her mom.  I first met Nathan when he played t -ball with our son when he was five.  Both the mom and the mother in law work at our doctor's office.  PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH THOSE YOU LOVE.

To add some sunshine, I will move on.

here is Mabel on the playground the first day that I went to pick her up from school.  So fun seeing her at school.  She goes to all day kindergarten.  I haven't started back to volunteering at the school yet.  The 2 second grade teachers have asked if I would come again.  I would love to but also be there for the kids third grade teachers and now Mabel's.  Hmmm, that's five teacher.  I had some other pictures of Mabel and M. together and then downtown after they ate ice cream and were all goofy.  M. erased them.  I told him that didn't make me happy.  He said I would just put the pictures on Facebook.

 Her are my son and his wife at the opening of the exercise studio.  It has taken off like wildfire.  She has a wait list.  She uses the LaGree machines and has a franchise .  If you go back to the first picture the studio is on the other side of the trees on the left side of the blue awning.  Upstairs, up many stairs.  They have this one brick wall that is original to the building.

And here is Miss Mabel again.  This picture should have followed the school picture.  She is showing me her dance moves.  She just stated back to lessons.  She's doing three classes.  But the gymnastics is where she excels.  She is five and they moved her up to the 3rd grade level.  No wonder with her mom being a fitness instructor and a former cheerleader.  She even cheered for FSU and was on the homecoming court.  Does it look like they need a new laptop cover, hah.  That looks nasty.

Do you know her.  This is Amy Butler.  She lives in the same neighborhood where my kids do.  And, she has signed up for lessons at the studio. 

 Last but not least is Baby O.  She's the little one that I have watched for 1 1/2 years now.  Just one day/night a week.  I have met my match.  All my experience and education with children, this one baffles me.  Before her mom ever left this week she climbed onto the recliner and jumped up and flipped off the back of the chair on her head on the wood floor.  She held her breath and quit breathing for a moment.  She later had to go to ER as she acted funny.  Did it stop her from trying to do the same thing over and over again, no.  I get being impulsive and getting hurt but doing things intentionally over and over again after warnings, is just not good.
So I will leave you now.  Maybe the last of the clown pictures the next time.  See you next week.

Pie throwing/My silly friends/Lots of pics

Did you know that real pie throwing is almost a lost art.  Yes, really.  That's why activities like these are important for the future of clowning.  Take your mind off of scary movies and think about real clowns.  These are professional clowns, some are master clowns.  There is more to a pretty outfit and a red nose.  So much more.

Back to the pies........they aren't whipped cream.  They are whipped slices of soap.  Whipped cream causes a slippery mess and ruins clothes and makeup.

Lots of whipping.  I am sure it took over an hour til the whipped soap was perfect.

Then the pie shells were filled.  These are specially made foam pies.

Here is Bubba giving instructions.  How to throw and aim.  How to wipe from eyes as it can sting like crazy.

The clown throwing this pie was once Boss Clown for Ringling Brothers and still works with them.

They all lined up and the pies were thrown one at a time down the line.  Then the opposite side got their turn.

The clowns were told to weat their academy shirts and a red nose since this was covered by the newspaper and the TV station.

Scraps is always so sad.

This guy has to be 90.  He is a retired school teacher that travels to camp from Colorado each year. (Our camp is in Ohio).

This is Woody and his mom.  He is 14 and this was his second year.  His mom gives up her A/C and comfy home so that he can come to camp.  Let me tell you, he is an awesome kid.  You would think he was an adult.

This one is goofy.  She's rather chubby and did a skit about exercising.  She came out with a walker  She sat back on while exercising and then couldn't find her walker It was stuck to her behind when she walked off.  It was so funny.  You gotta use the gifts that you have.

Quanny.  He's a young man of 19.  Very nice helpful guy.  Seriously brown faces look great in clown makeup.  This of course, isn't his clown face.  He was posted before in makeup.

This guy is a paramedic and such a nice guy.  My Mabel fell for him as a person before makeup.

Here is Lewie, my favorite.  I'll show pictures of his show that he used my grandkids in.  They were the only littles at the show.  He has his own circus as Joey, the next guy.

A better picture of Happynow.  She has MS and sprained her ankle.  She didn't give up though. 

What a terrible picture.  Here is LuLu and Moi.  It was so hot that my glasses were sliding off my face.  But you can see I was having fun.  No pies in the face for me.

And to prove that the TV station was there.

There are many other areas of clowning covered at this camp.  You won't find courses on balloon twisting and face painting here.  It's all about character this camp. Movement, music, acting, skits, etc  It was a fun, hot, humid week.

 

My Kindle is back to working so I was able to post.  I got out yesterday but I am still dragging.  Doing nothing today.  I really really need to be careful what I eat.  Serious business.  This was a reoccurrence of what I have had lately.  Add a little pink eye and a drug reaction and it'll knock you out.  So glad that I have a patient hubby that is such a good caregiver and provider.  I'm very thankful for him.

So here's to moving forward slowly. 

HUGS

Sending you some HAPPY

Since sunflowers are such happy flowers, I am sending you some HAPPY for your holiday week-end.
I haven't been around much lately but hope to be back to normal again soon.  First clown camp and then a banner week for health issues.  Too many to even list.  I think I am finally rebounding, but not even sure about that.  But for a person that couldn't fall asleep for three weeks, I slept for 2 1/2 days. 
Even though my stomach hurt so bad, it was good to sleep.
With several sad events around here it is hard finding the "happy" that you know is out there.  Hopefully when I feel better it will be easier.
The littles are all doing well getting adjusted to school again  Two have been sick.  A lot of that happening so early.  It's been so hot and humid and dry.  We have had rain for a couple of days and that has been wonderful.
Another showing and we think another no show.  Hubby had to come home early to help me get out the door with Baby O. and the doggies.  Thats' three no shows in a row.   At least there has been three appointments, if you try hard to be positive.
So that's it.  I will be back as soon as I can with a better post.
Happy thought to all of you

My Silly friends

The clowns have gone home now.  I already miss their silly faces.  Here are just a few of the pictures.  I will share more soon.  Our internet keeps going out.  I don't know what I did but it came back on for at least awhile. 
These pictures were taken on the night we brought the clowns into town to put on a show for anyone that wanted to come and see.  I couldn't believe the people that came out for the show, esp. when school had just started.  Even my grands couldn't come since they were trying to get used to going to bed early for school.  Two of mine got to come to the first night of the Clown Academy.  I will show those pictures as well.
It was a long fun week.  Temps. were high and so was the humidity.  These clowns were dedicated to eat, sleep, and learn in all that heat.....no A/C anywhere at the camp.
So, I am resting and adjusting to real life again.
I hope these pictures make you smile.

Yes, that is her real hair.

Our youngest at camp again this year.  This 14 year old is such an awesoe and talented boy.

Cutest couple ever.  I know he is 63 and I think she is older.  She has MS.  Her makeup must have been melting.  They are so funny.

Seriously this lady and her daughter would have taken Scraps home with them.  The little girl fell in love with him.  Mom came out to the camp the next day to get a picture of the group.

Who needs a wig when your hair is already funky.

The clowns are coming

Tomorrow the clowns will be arriving at camp.  This will be the third year of American Clown Academy.  Before that there was more than twenty years of  ClownTown.  ClownTown was like the high school to Clown Academy being college.  I didn't make that up but one of the co-founders of the Academy did.  We have 8 very experienced clowns.  Some are Master Clowns and some have been with Ringling Brothers.  We will have about 38 campers that get one on one attention and education from our great faculty.  I am a greeter, go getter, show person, cheerleader for the week. We will have a Big Show in town on Thursday Eve.  That's how I got the show girl title.  There are cabins at the camp where the campers stay.  Although it would be great fun......I will drive home to my A/C, bug free bedroom at night, bathroom, and not have to stand in line for a shower.  The worst being walking to the bathroom several times a night.   My choice.  SO, I am excited to get the party started.  I also need to mention great meals.  Really great meals.

 

Just to update all of you................

We had two showings scheduled this week.  Both cancelled 30 minutes before the showing.  Different buyers and different realtors.  The first one , I had already left with the dogs and spent two and a half hours riding around and sitting in a park.  My house was pretty shiny though.

I read where Miss Mustard Seed had her house on the market for 3 months and didn't have one showing.  I am surprised as I would think she would have had lots of people looking just to see the house.  I noticed all the comments that were left.  You need a new realtor, sell it yourself, price isn't right, not listed long enough, etc.  I am sure everyone meant well, but I don't feel it is one particular thing.  The market is slow some places.  I know in Colorado where my daughter lives houses have been selling at 100% and quickly.  Maybe it is because they legalized marijuana.  Who knows.

We are in for the long haul and trying to stay positive.  I even went and bought a St. Joseph.  I will make that a post in itself. 

We have been taking the grandchildren out for a little school shopping  They had so much fun picking out their own things.  I should have taken a picture of Mabel's purchases.  You would swear I picked them out.  The most colorful shoes and socks.  A pack of six socks that have all kinds of designs and colors.  As soon as her dad saw them he said, These look like socks my mom would wear", hah.  She tried on every sock.  Rudy the puppy tried to steal them.  He would run and run around the table escaping all of us.  M. got OSU Nike's and football cleats and a shirt.  The girls got Under Armor shirts, Justice jammies and shorts.  They wanted to sleep in their clothes.  We will send money out West to the other two.  Funny thing is they have lots of clothes that they trade.  Their moms and dads also buy them clothes, BUT, we let them pick out what they wanted.  We haven't done this before but it was really fun for us.

I remember when our daughter was started 1st grade  We had just moved and the sale of our home had fallen through for the buyers.  We were suddenly left with two mortgages and three small kids.  The youngest being 3 months old.  I remember my husband giving me $50.....which was a lot back then (35 years ago).  I went to a nice store in a little town.  I managed to do wonders with that money.  I still remember the brown flowered dress that she started the first day in.  Her brothers and I drove out to the school to meet the school bus.  It was in the boonies.  I called it the Little House on the Prairie.  It had three classes....one for first, second and third grades.  Upstairs was one big room for the gym, cafeteria, and anything else that was needed.  Well, the bus didn't get there.  School had started we were still waiting.  Finally about an hour later, here it came.  The bus driver got lost.  I told you it was in the boonies.  It was a great school.  One big happy family.

Isn't it funny the things that you remember.  I could go on and on about the things that happened in that little school.  Good memories for sure.

Yesterday I watched the two little guys out of town.  I was their sister's Nanny, my Doodle.  They are almost 3 and 4.  When I left the little guy stood on the sidewalk and pleaded, "But, Nanny I want you."  Over and over again, hah.  I just love the relationship I have with these little kids and their sister and their parents. 

Okay, that's my week.  Not too exciting.  I am sure next week will totally off the wall.  Lots of laughter and silly things like pies in the face and hot dog launching.  I'll be back with pictures.

 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

The winner of my destash giveaway with lots of cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies IS............. Diana of Welcome to Lavendar Dreams. We share a lot of the same interests in Golden Books, Pat C.'s beautiful dolls, bears, etc.  I know that she makes cards so this will be a perfect winner.  If I had money for postage all of you that entered would get a big box of goodies.

Now when I originally stated the rules, I said that everyone commenting in July would be entered.  But as usual, I changed the rules.  I can do that, right?  Well, I thought the July commenters deserved their own giveaway.  You were all there for me when I was worried sick that my cancer had returned with positive thoughts, prayers and hugs.  My blog was my sounding board and you were there to listen and take the time to leave a comment.  So thank you all.  My Hubby helped fold all the names and he drew the name.  And the winner of this giveaway is Shirley from Shirley Stitches.  What will she receive.  I have no idea, yet.  I thought I would customize something special for who's name was drawn.  Let me tell you about Shirley.  She is a special lady indeed.  She is a devoted wife to her husband of many years.  He is in a nursing home.  Shirley visits almost every day and has a time dealing with all the issues that come with insurance and staff.  I can just see a smile across her hubby's face everytime she is there. 

Shirley never complains.  I have never know her to want something as far as material items.  She loves needlework, her family and esp. that hubby and her grandsons.  She always signs her comments as "your friend in Missouri".  This will be hard coming up with her gift.  I wish I could shower her with something just for her to make her know how special she is.  I am open for suggestions.

 

Well, that's about it for today.  I am watching the View as they say good-bye to Sherri.  I don't know who's decision that was but they are making a big mistake.  She is such a sweet person and so funny.  I also liked Jenny.  Not before the View but while she was on the View.  Sometimes the networks loose ratings and the first thing they do is get rid of someone.  This time I think they will be sorry that they let these ladies go.

Just my opinion and I have a lot of opinions, hah.

Have a great start to this new week.

(oh, this is my new Mary E book about friendship.  I took the pictures with my Kinde and it is hard to line up pictures without a view finder)