Memorial Day Weekend

After our EOY party on Thursday (post below), we had an easy Friday.  First full day off work!  Yeah!!!  Ended the day by taking a great drive to Eddie Montgomery's in Harrodsburg.  It was the perfect night for a ride.  Food was excellent.  Atmosphere is so fun.  Love it.
Saturday morning, Clyde had to work so I went to get Austin on his birthday to shop for tennis shoes.  We bought him a chapter book, the shoes and a pair of polo shorts (blue with lots of pockets) and a red polo shirt to match.  Then I took him to his party at Chuckie Cheese' at noon.  Then we had Briana's graduation lunch (late) which was very yummy.  On to her graduation in Frankfort, and Clyde took the boys to the dirt track races in Richmond.  Kept the boys overnight and they picked them up and headed to granny's in London.  We headed to church, and that afternoon we rode the ferry over to Richmond and ate at Logans.  Took all the scenic roads back for a very nice afternoon.
Monday, Memorial Day, made monster cookies, spinach salad, & cooked baked beans for John's graduation party here.  It was hot but we set up under the trees, with our canopy.  Clyde set out corn hole and croquet.  Jerry cooked burgers & hotdogs and Martha brought potato salad, deviled eggs, watermelon, and the cake.  Here are a few pictures:

Waiting on the ferry.

John graduated from Bryan Station where he was #54 on the football team.  He received a football scholarship to play this fall for Cumberland.

Hot summer day....good for sitting out under a shade tree.

Martha is the only girl, but she does as much for her mom as any two or three girls would do.  Harley does more than his fair share as well.  The older two also pitch in a lot.  Clyde is busy with the grandkids and Vernon has a farm to mow...plus all four of them work full time.  Whew. 

Austin & Mets getting after game talk from Coach Steve.  He is the one squatting fourth from the left.  He had a great game on second.  He tagged two out in one inning,  He also caught a fly ball in the first inning and almost threw the runner out at first.  Close one!  He also hit the ball to the outfield and drove in some runs.  He got to run the bases on the second hit and got to run in.  He is batting really well. Last year we tied one or maybe two, but no wins.  This year has been an improvement.



End of Year Party "Kakie's night"

Yesterday was the last day of school for Fayette County and our end of the year party/picnic.  We celebrated our wonderful music teacher, Kakie Hester, as she retired this year.  So, last night was "all about Kakie"!  There were songs, stories, a note (from several of her team members), and LOTS of laughter.  Even a reindeer named "Grant" that skipped around the yard with his red nose.  The kindergarten musical is Kakie's favorite and she always chooses a student to be Rudolph that  skips around with a blinking red nose.  Lots of memories to share and celebrate her career. 

We were honored and pleased to have her husband, Jerry, with us.  How great he was and they both were so grateful for our simple gathering.  The fun was in abundance and the weather cooperated so very much.  A perfect combo for a very relaxing evening.  Here are some photos from the night...

Flowers ready for the tables. 

A great way to start the Memorial Day weekend....fried chicken and potluck!  A winner!

Sherry J. and April S. (a great K-1 combo) 

Carol F., counselor, and Edwina S., principal

This is the "fun" bunch! 

Our sweet 3rd Grade team.  I love them.....working with them and the support they give me!

Patty and Eloise, two of my besties. 

Ariana D., Jennifer C., and Grant D.

A fun group of ladies (and man) that made the night memorable.  Thanks all!

We love you Kakie!  She had a little poem to end our evening.  It brought TONS of laughter.  Such a nice way to send her off.  The pics below will be of Jerry & Kakie and her silver tray. 

I thought I was finished with pics but have to add this last one.  I believe it was a memory of Kakie with her fur on the bus lane for bus duty. 

Wonderful Wednesday

It's been too long since I've written a post.  I have enjoyed spring so far although I don't feel like I've stopped.  There have been t-ball games (just one a week), a trip to San Antonio, Tx, for Cam & Jennifer's wedding, some family deaths (this hasn't taken our time, but our hearts have been sad for the immediate family), mowing, mowing, planting and work.  Housework has been the low end of my priority list.  Late nights have been the norm.  Not good for helping me stay alert and energized during the day.  I have been going to moms a little less (2 x week), but still trying....although I sit there dying to be out in the sun working in the dirt!  I do enjoy being with mom & Kent.

Here are a few random photos:

In San Antonio at the motel.  We were treated well by anyone we came in contact with.  Everyone was helpful in dealing with mom, from Delta to downtown SA and the motel.  We stayed about 7 miles from town so had a little trip to get there.  We used the GPS faithfully. 

This was at a Mexican (lots of them around SA) next door to our motel.  It was delicious and we took mom back a large slice of cheese cake.  Mom stayed in at night the two nights we were there (Sat. & Sun.)  Monday was the wedding and we all came back late. 

This was a bargain to me.  The cost for seniors to ride this boat was $6 and for me $8.25 for 35 mins. with a guide.  Nice!  Very pretty, enjoyable.  All around the River Walk in downtown San Antonio.

This was on our way from River Walk to the Market Square, when I pushed mom 7 blocks.  We got there and Martha pushed her around the shops.  On our way back to the car, we took the bus!  About dropped mom in the street at this point.  Going down a little incline to cross to the bus, the wheels got stuck in the mud and she pitched forward a little.  She stayed up though but Martha and I got the giggles.  A young father from way across the street ran over and helped us get her to the bus stop.  Then he directed us all the way back.  Very helpful!

Bev & Angie (nana & mother of the groom)  Beautiful!

Ben, brother of the groom, poppy (my BIL Larry), nana (my sister, Bev.) and groom, Cameron.

The wedding cake and grooms cake were just perfect. 

Cutting the cake.  Jenn was a beautiful bride!

Didn't get close to Britni as she was having a ball and running around, just as a young bridesmaid should.  Here she is (sister of the groom) on the left.

This ranch was just amazing.  We had to move the wedding inside as a storm came up outside.  There was plenty of room inside for everyone.  Five (I believe they said) types of deer roam their property and many were hanging on the walls.  The leather on the chairs came from the ranch as well. 

Spring Garden

Isn't this just the best time to enjoy outdoors?  The grass is still green and soft...not dry & brittle.  The trees, bushes & perennials just grew out of no where!  One day, literally, it was snowing (a late winter/early spring snow) the next week, warm/hot weather and everything was green.  Amazing.  The spring bulbs/flowers like buttercups, tulips, etc., all came up and bloomed early.  Azaleas, flowering trees, bloomed early....faded now.  It is just now early May and the perennials are blooming (flowering).  My baskets/pots are not looking good.  The ones on the hanging basket tree are planted and with fertilizer and lots of sunshine/water, they will look good.  The ones around the pond, not so good.  The little ground squirrels keep getting into them, uprooting the little plants.  Hopefully, they will take off...if not, I will replant.  The phlox around the pond was beautiful....quick to bloom, quick to fade.  Here are a few pics taken with the ipad, so not sure of quality.

This is the largest basket that hangs low on the tree.  I went with purple, red, green foilage and yellow flowers on the whole tree.  New coco lining in this one.

These pots look "sparse" now, but will fill out quickly with fertilizer and water!

The pots outside of the porch and those near the pond are not looking good. Hopefully they will soon....Miracle Grow!

This rhodendrum is so big and so beautiful.  Wish it were out front so more people could see/enjoy it.  However, I have enjoyed it out back.  We just haven't had any yard parties yet, so no one is out there!

These are the flowers at the top of the pond where the bog used to be...before we filled it in and planted flowers. The purple salvia come back each year, I added some red petunias scarlet sage in the front to give some color.

These are double red knockouts that have really grown this year.  Clyde didn't cut them back, as they are in the side, back yard and size isn't a problem.  They are in full bloom at this time.

I will stop now and publish this....I have already loved being outside this spring and plan to enjoy many moments on the porch, eating breakfast, reading, piddling around!  Loving my grandkids and spending time with them. 

Thoughts

I have written an earlier post titled "Mom" and wrote about how mother misses dad and how she is giving away her belongings.  Since then, she has continued to do this.  She is blessed with many good things like good hearing, a sound mind, ability to still get around mostly on her own, go out to church, WCG meetings, breakfast/lunch out on occasion (with Martha each Wed.) and playing rummy against Kent & I several times a week.  Winning as often as we do. 

While there today, mom said she dropped her name off the auto insurance policy putting the car in my brother's name.  She has now given up the right to drive, and although Kent drove her around 99% of the time, there was the chance she could still drive.  How would that feel, knowing this is a big part of your life, now over.  I just wonder what she is thinking.  I know she thinks of Heaven.  A lot.

Another sad thing, is that her beloved Women of the Church of God are going to a Convention this weekend.  For more years than I can remember, she has gone.  However, after praying more than once, she decided not to go.  There is always a lot of walking.  Someone would be having to help her quite a bit.  She knows she is not up to walking a lot, so she is staying home this time.  Today, she said she was a little sad but knows this is best. Again, what goes through her mind?  One more "last thing"?

When I was leaving her house today, she sent me home a couple of dishes full of food.  She still makes the best chicken and dumplins.  The funny thing is, now she says "don't return the dishes".  I sure don't need the bowls, but had to laugh at the fact she just is trying to get rid of her things.  She thinks by doing this, it is helping us when the time comes she is gone.  She asked that we girls make sure Kent has anything out of the house he needs.  We each have a home with everything we need.  Kent has lived with mom, been her companion since dad has died.  He takes her each Friday to get her hair done....she has gone to Rita at a beauty salon out on Bryan Station Rd. for many years.  She has stopped by to buy and bring them Spaulding Donuts many times.  She goes early, stands in line, and buys a dozen for the ladies there. 

Well, this has been quite random written at an hour that is too late for me to be up.  Clyde has even gone to bed before me.....that never happens.  So, I best wind this up.  I have reread it, but not sure it makes total sense.  Again, I just wanted to get a few things off my mind.  I know one thing, I need to enjoy mom each moment.  I need to tell her "I love you and thank you".  I know she may be here 5 to 10 more years, but my brother told me today he doesn't think she thinks so. 



This game went on until there were no cards in the "draw" cards.  We used every one...down to the last. 

Easter & My Birthday

Coming back from spring break on Saturday we hit the road running.  We shopped for groceries, and I made the broccoli casserole that evening.  I made a pan of brownies and washed two packages of strawberries.  I covered them and put them back in the fridge. I made a pasta salad using bowtie pasta, strawberries, mandarin oranges, mixed with a dressing of Poppy Seed dressing & mayonnaise.  Sunday morning, Easter day, we melted the chocolate and Clyde dipped the berries while I finished dressing.  I iced the brownies......Jason came and we walked to church.  Great service, home again, to get it all together and on the road to Vernon & Sue's house in Stamping Ground.  The weather was great and we enjoyed a very quiet afternoon together.  They open their home and are so hospitable.  The guys (and Erin) went out to target practice, some played corn hole while most of us just sat and chatted.  We missed Becky's family that stopped at the Biltmore on their way home from Spring Break.

Me and my favorite son.  Love him so much!

Sweet Erin and her dad, Harley.  Youngest brother of the family.

Granny (MIL) was able to join us after being in the hospital recently.  She is loved and respected so much by her children, grandchildren and family.

Erin is in nursing school at UK.  I watched her start school at Clays Mill and loved having her in Computer Lab.  She came each day after school to help me before she walked down to after school program.  Love her still!

We eat out on Tuesdays at El Chico most weeks.  For my birthday, I chose there for the family.  It is low keyed, not busy, good, plentiful food and I love the service we get from Victor:)  Missing is both Jason's....both working.  So glad Martha, mom & Kent joined us.  That made my day!

Mom, my sister, Martha, me & Becky.

Ma maw and Maggie (85 & 4)

This was the night before my birthday. Clyde and I went to the movies on Wed. (actual BD) and tomorrow night, Friday, we are going to Outback with BFF's. 

There is nothing better than going to school on your birthday.  My co-worker, Beth, had bus duty.  As the kiddos were coming in to school, she would tell them it was my BD.  They came in droves to say "happy birthday Mrs. Baker!"  I kept wondering "how do they know?"....ha!  She's a sly one.

Alyssa, made me muffins (thanks friend), Erica, Beth & April all got me a couple of funny cards.  They are the best!  My friend, Joyce, got me a UK bracelet. 

Spring Break 2012

This is Monday night of spring break week.  I actually make it through each school year, knowing I have spring break coming! I save my personal day (1 of them) to use the Friday before our week off.  Then as soon as we can get away on Thursday, we hit the road. 
I really love the school kids and really love my co-workers, so school is cool.  However, I sure do love New Smyrna Beach.  The Islander Resort is great.  We truly love this place and thank God that the Waggoners introduced us years ago.  They unselfishly brought us along and we shared their condo.  Then a few years back, we bought our own unit.  There are so many activities for the kids that it makes this a family friendly place.
It is near enough Daytona that we can go over for Bubba Gumps and our long time favorite, Aunt Catfish'.  We love Aunt Catfish'!  They have an awesome hot bar that includes baked beans, cornbread squares, cheesy grits, fried apples, and coleslaw.  A HUGE salad bar that comes with all meals and to end the meal, a sweet roll!  Yummo.
Here are a few pics:

Check out Matthew's newest lost tooth!  Front and center.  This is our first bingo of the week.  We played again today.  Our table has not been lucky:(

Coming back the first day out on the beach.

There is a small play area but honestly the kids love it....and what a view!

Coming back from supper this is a view from our condo.

Becky's family was out having Stavro's (another favorite) at our condo when we got back from our supper.  We ate at New Smyrna Steak House....another place on our agenda.  Good food.