BOSTON BOMBING

MONDAY:
Okay, let's see what we can make of this week.  The blizzard is in Fargo so that's good for us.  The sun is out and 70 degrees is promised.  Who could gripe that?  I have pork spareribs for supper; maybe Bob can glaze them on the grill when I take them out of the oven with this nice day predicted. 

We both worked outside today trimming bushes and raking.  We enjoyed the sunshine.  It seemed so good.  Bob brought the John Deere in to the garage for maintenance.  He was also draining water out of the pool. 

Bob's Hot Rod, Ha!

DRAINING WATER OFF THE TOP OF POOL COVER.
  CAM YOU MAKE OUT HIS HELPER? 
CINDER HAD TO PUT HER TWO CENTS  IN.

I SCRUBBED MY SNEAKERS.   .

We had a great day going until 2:57pm.  Betsy called us from work and said to turn on the TV for the news; a bomb was just set off at the Boston Marathon.  Betsy was able to get a call thru to our granddaughter, Sarah, to find out that she was okay.  Sarah's work assignment for the day was outside of the city of Boston.  However, Sarah's boss told her that one of the bombs that did not go off was placed in a trash container at the entrance to the main Deloitte & Touche Office.   (All reports are now denying that there wasn't any bombs that didn't go off;  and reports are denying that there were
four bombs.)  Sarah's roommate, CC, works at the Westin Hotel where all the briefings are being held; she is fine. 

All the cover up; must be to catch the rat!  We haven't seen anything about the citizen who saw a suspect and tackled him and brought him to the police.  I mentioned this to Bob.  I figured it had to be a plain clothes policeman because it's been under wraps.  Besides, if you saw a suspicious looking character-would you peruse him and tackle him?  I'm sure that I would move myself and family as far away as possible.  Then late this afternoon, the police chief said they had watched last year's event and because the crowd was larger than expected, they increased the plain clothes men and police in the crowd, especially at the finish line.  There ya have it.
We watched TV into the night.  What a mean, cowardly, barbarous thing to do.  

TUESDAY:
The sun is shining again.  After breakfast, I went in the bedroom to try on clothes to see what to pack for Annalynn's shower this weekend.  Since you can't out guess the weather; I choose two outfits, one to keep warm and one a little more like spring. 

That problem solved I went downstairs, Bob was on my computer so I then folded the drip dry clothes and I had two dress shirts to iron.  I waited patiently for him to finish.  I finally went up stairs and made chicken salad, vanilla pudding and fresh yeast rolls.  Don't I sound very wife-eee.

Bob came upstairs and said he had a great idea.  He looked to see what I was cooking.  Right away I said that I didn't have the chicken cooked yet and I could put it back in refrig.  Wow, I thought he was offering to take me out for dinner.  No such luck...his great idea was that he wanted vanilla pudding.  The only vanilla pudding mix in the cupboard was instant-yak!  Betsy knew the difference right away; and we both denied buying "instant." 

The chicken salad was delicious!   The yeast rolls flopped!  I need to try that recipe again.  For the second time recently, I didn't read the recipe far enough and mixed all the dry ingredients together and that was a no-no.  Biscuits in the Navy, they say there very fine, one rolled off the table, and killed a friend of mine!

Today Annalynn received an invitation to be a speaker at two of the Saturday night Leukemia dinners and at the start line for the marathon in Washington. DC.  What an honor, we are so proud of her.  She tells her story and then wraps it up with a big thanks for all efforts in raising money for research.  It saved her! 

While I'm blogging, Bob is at the Town Planning Board Meeting.  There is a new housing development on the horizon  and he was curious about it.  It will be a couple miles from our house, off Route 5.  (Thankful for that)
The developer is local and apparently has backing $$$$ so it's probably a cut and dry/done deal. 
Oh boy, he brought home all the photos and designs that were available.  Most of the attendees from the planned development area had the same concerns we had with our back field. 
WEDNESDAY:
Bob and his buddies have gone fishing!  I have to make the bed, rats!  
It's a pretty sunny day but where's the heat?  Little chilly.

I'm multiple tasking again...good way to say-not concentrating!   I read a Face Book posting that was titled: BITCHING IN THE KITCHEN!  Oh, how I laughed because that's me!  I forced myself to go to the freezer and plan dinner.  Then I made a salad.  I put orange slices in it to see how many comments I'll get.  Don't introduce anything new here!  

While all the fun and games go on, there are we still health issues to address. I'm in the middle of doing a Novena. (that's 9 days of prayer, if my memory serves me right in this old age)  Bob's little sister, Marjorie, is having lung surgery today, at the University Hospital/Cleveland clinic.  Join me in prayers for a successful and good outcome.  Marj your in our thoughts and prayers.

ABITK (after bitching in the kitchen)  I went on line to order a couple items that I saw in a catalog.  These web sites throw me for a loop.  It always takes me longer than Betsy to place an order. 

Bob tried fixings the push mower and finally gave up and we loaded it in truck to take to the repair shop.  He had everything checked out an still it doesn't keep running.  More maintenance.

THURSDAY:
We are at the Apple School for a lesson and some shopping around Galleria Mall. 
FRIDAY:
The day was mostly spent packing and making food to leave for Bob and David. 

MY STAR MAGNOLIA JUST STARTING TO BLOOM.

SATURDAY:
Betsy, Donna and I are leaving at 9:00 am for Ogdensburg, NY, for the first shower for Annalynn.  (Mark's relatives mostly)  I probably won't pen much more.  Guess it will depend on what time our return happens. 

Betsy is a good driver.  She stopped once for gas, a big 5 gallons for her little hybrid.  We arrived in Ogdensburg around 2:30 and drove into town to find a Tim Horton's for that 4:00 coffee.   We returned to the Gran View and registered for our rooms. 

RIVER

Our rooms were facing the St. Lawrence River and it would have been so "grand" if the weather wasn't so cold and windy.  Boy it was nasty from the wind.  Betsy left for the airport to pick up Sarah.

Sarah flew in from Boston in this 8 seater plane.  She said it was a horrible ride since the wind was so bad.

 



The rest of the family stayed at this cottage. 

 

Rocco & Debbie picked Donna & I  up and we all went to mass at 4:00, what a big church.  Others drove also.  Betsy and Sarah made it too. 

ST. MARY'S CATHERDAL
ANNALYNN WILL HAVE A LONG WALK DOWN THAT ISLE.

After mass, we all went to Mark's parents home for refreshments.  Then to their restaurant for dinner.  We (19 of us) had our choice of anything on the menu.  Sarah order a fillet with portables mushrooms- I tasted the mushrooms and they were delicious! 



BETSY'S SALMON DISH.



Nicole and Chelsea  Bridesmaids
They were hoping that they would make the Blog. 

We visited and the evening flew by.  We went to our rooms and we had all kinds of things to munch on but everybody was very tired and a girls night out didn't amount to much.  We crashed!

SUNDAY:
Betsy (in her pj's) and I was first up so we went up to the restaurant for coffee and a small breakfast.  Christianna and Annalynn joined us there. 
Sarah and Donna wanted to sleep in. 

The shower was beautiful.  I'll add photos.

Beautiful fresh flowers on each table.  Mark's Mom, Claire, told us that the Iris petals mean Faith, Valor and Wisdom.  

DESERTS FROM A CANADIAN BAKERY JUST ACROSS THE RIVER.

MORE GOODIES.

GRANDMA ANTOINETTE BROUGHT HER DELICIOUS PIZZELLS.

 

RENA AND GRANDMA ANTOINETTE


 

LOU  - MARK'S FATHER.  THE CHEF!  WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH HE PREPARED. 
 

ANNALYNN AND CLAIRE  - MARK'S MOM
 

 That's about it.  We had a great weekend!  We enjoyed lots of beautiful scenery, delicious food, and great company.  Thrilled to be a part of it all.

I just couldn't post last night as I was to tired when we got home and the photos had to be edited. 

This next Sunday we will be in Washington, DC. watching the girls in the marathon there so I won't post again until sometime during the week. 

Hope everyone has a good week and my thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

LOTS OF TV, TRAVEL PLANS, NEW ACQUAINTANCES!

MONDAY:
I think we killed the flying ants!  I don't see any around this morning. 
I have the wash going: ah for the day when we take our clothes off and throw them in the trash.  Maybe a paper type, maybe it's coming.

 I sat at the computer most of the day.  I can't wait until all the old accounts are closed.  But, I'm very happy to report that we were able to down load all the charges on the Visa Card!  Yeah!  I don't have to type them in any more, one at a time.   I'm giddy over that one.  I know, I sound like we have millions of charges; that's not the case as we only use it for medicines and a few other items.  The bank  encourages with "cash back" for all kinds of use-like groceries-no, no, I'm thinking that's how people get big build ups of charges and can't pay them in the current month.  I'm to insecure for that.

We watched the basketball game between Louisville and Michigan.  It was one close game and I really had my hopes up for Michigan.  They came out strong with the best score the first half; then fought like mad to stay even.  Good try on their part.  Well, if NY or Ohio couldn't win, why not Michigan?
There was a terrible thunder and lighting storm about 12:00pm.  Bob (like a kid) asked me to open the blinds so he could enjoy it.  Sure, what ever floats your boat honey. 

TUESDAY:
First job today was to bake Bob's favorite Brownie.  It's his 76th birthday and since we already celebrated a couple weeks ago with the family , nothing big time is planned for tonight.  He requested grilled cheeseburgers and beans, brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  He's not to hard to please.  Of course, he loaded up with the hot fudge and whipped cream!
Most of the family called to wish him a good day.

We went over town today, did some shopping at Home Depot, Wal Mart and BJ's.  Arriving home in time to make our 4 o'clock coffee. 
We needed a new toilet seat for downstairs bath.  Bob has it installed already and we are all amazed and laughing.  It's Whisper Silent-meaning it closes itself with out banging down.  Doesn't everyone need one?  Ha!
(You have to start the closing)

 

WEDNESDAY:
 Foggy day; we can't see the woods out back. 

What we did do today, drained us.  First I set up some soup in the crock pot.  There was a recipe on the saltine cracker box that looked good so thought I'd try it.  It called for Italian sausage; none in the freezer.  We did have some patties so I used them and made small meatballs.  When I had it all together it looked like I had used to much spinach-the juice was green!  Wonder how "green soup" will be accepted?  I probably needed fresh spinach instead of frozen.
I had an appointment for a hair cut in Lockport so we drove there.  After we did some shopping until Debbie would be home from work.  A quick coffee clutch there and we headed home.  Rain most of the day.
Aha, the soup was good.  It didn't look green anymore.  After supper, I just couldn't keep my eyes open; so I napped trying to watch  TV.   Then off to bed.
THURSDAY:
This morning, our little piece of the world is covered with ice.  The trees and shrubs are beautiful!  I haven't heard any limbs crushing down yet so that's good.  It's suppose to last until tomorrow morning.  Just when you think the worst of winter is over. 

ICE EVERYWHERE.

I am making stuffed shells this morning.  Because I consider it a job, I'm not waiting until I'm to tired to start.  I have bought the ingredients on three different times and for one reason or another they haven't been made, the ingredients are used for other recipes.   I figure since I hate to cook that I would make two dishes and freeze one.  Well, I putzed around finding the correct baking dishes.  This time I cooked the big shells a few at a time so as not to ruin them by stirring.  Grandma Antoinette Surace told me to only cook lasagna noodles 4 to 6 minutes so I figure that applies to big shells too.  (Because you have to bake them anyway.) 

BEEN WAITING FOR A LONG TIME FOR THESE.

After we had "green soup" for lunch I made up a bowl of salad for supper.  Dinner is all prepared and I can do what ever now.  Why don't I always plan this way?
I'm very bad about planning a weekly menu unless I'm on a diet.  If I did it life would be so much easier and I'd probably save money too.  Ah, the shame of it.  Nah, at 4:00pm I go to the freezer and hope something will suggest a meal; too late sweetheart.
FRIDAY:
All week long I have been thinking about a story posted on Face Book about how a young person put down an older woman about using material shopping bags instead of plastic.  It was a big hit as to how we the "gray hairs" ruined the earth for their generation.  Then the rebuttal, which was defended very well.  I could easily add a for instances; we had the containers to sort the tin cans and glass and put them out to the curb faithfully until I noticed the garbage pick up- all the garbage was tossed into the same area of the truck by young employees.   That's very deflating; why bother.    Anyway, it's food for thought as to how we all can take another look.  I should have called the pick up company. 

This afternoon, (GD)Annalynn called.  She had made a decision.  I think I mentioned that she had applied to do her PHD degree at several schools.  (Boston, Pittsburgh, UB, U of R, Ohio, maybe one other)  She has chosen U of R in Rochester.  I am so happy!  I hated the thought of her moving far away as I would miss her.  But little peeps have to spread their wings so I would accept & adjust.  She will start in the fall.  She and Mark will  be married by then and maybe they will settle in Rochester.
SATURDAY:
Both of us slept late.  Again I hopped from one idea to another with out much concentration.  Bob had a project going in the garage so he went right at it.  I ended up cleaning, ugh.
Our biggest accomplishment for the day was studying and planning our trip to Washington, DC.  (Debbie, Annalynn, Christianna and several others are going to run in the Nike Leukemia race there on the 28th)  We have a reservation for Sat. night but couldn't find it on the map.  Success after many resources used we tracked down the street.  Then we moved on to the Metro train layout from hotel to destinations.  We still need to see a schedule for the train.  Christianna has reservations for Friday night dinner for all at Carmine's.  Carmine's is all over New York City and just opened a place in DC.  It's a pasta house and the menu is on a huge board hung on a wall. We have to see the train route there.  We worked until 1:00am and finally gave it up.
SUNDAY:
Today we were invited to dinner with David & Donna for an introduction to Erin's parents (Alex's fiancee) and to see that engagement ring.  Donna made reservations at Bohn's which is just a couple blocks from our house, which was about half way for each family to drive. 

TERRY, ERIN AND PAMELA
I'd say we are on first name bases now. 

Donna, Me, David, Bob, Terry, Erin and Pamela.

We started right off with a toast to the engagement.  Then we chit chatted for several hours getting to know each other.  It was a fun time and we all enjoyed ourselves.  Erin called Alex on Face Time and we included him for a few minutes each.   There were several conversations about the future wedding but Erin needs time to study for finals now as she will be graduating from Brockport College in Nursing soon.   And then she has to take the board exams for a license...so busy, busy busy.   

When we returned home ...on goes the telly...we watched the end of the Masters.  A smashing finish! 

Now to get this posted and watch the rest of Mr. Selfridge on PBS.  I'm really increasing my TV time with all these dramas and specials events. 

Hope you all have a good week and a big thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

MINI BLIZZARDS, A ROBIN, LUNCHES!

MONDAY:
I had a rough night and slept late.  Then I stumble around trying to wake up.  I didn't feel like doing anything.   When Bob asked me if I still wanted to go shopping, I couldn't think of anything easier, so I said yes!  To heck with the washing and all. 

We started off and drove right into a Blizzard!  Then out of it and Sunshine.  We drove to Boulevard Mall area.  We went thru the Christmas House store as I wanted a tablecloth like Debbie had on her tables for Easter.  All GONE!  Workers were scrambling to change all the shelving to spring accessories with boxes in many of the isles.  It made the store look messy to say the least, maybe my attitude after the disappointment. 

Bob left me off at  A.C. Moore and he went to Lowe's.  I checked out all the candy making isles.  It was all 50% off.   I picked out one plastic form and one of the new silicone forms that Annalynn was telling me about plus some candy refill papers.  Then I had a coupon for 25% off total sales.  Go ahead make my day! 

While in there, my "old" knee went to pot...what ever happens to it-now and then it gets out of place or something,  I was getting stabs of pain.  That cramped my shopping and right away I get "ticked."   Might as well head for home as I never know how long it will last.  We picked up coffee and headed back to Batavia.

Getting back home that early I had to face making supper.  What a miserable day! 
TUESDAY:
Up late again.  I had nightmare theater last night.  I was searching through the waste basket for a winning lottery number and I pulled out margarine in long, long sticks.  How stupid!

I'm still gimping around, waiting on the knee to stop annoying me.  I sorted the washing, started it and sat at the computer.  Bob wanted to show me something and I wanted to pay bills.  I handed him the Sears bill to check out the final posting before payment while I worked on the Master Card invoice.  He had something else in mind and pushed it back at me.  We did a few things and he asked let's pay the Sears bill.  I said, "we can't until you check out the bill, you did the dealing!"   I wish you could have seen his face.  I laughed and said, do I have to say pretty please and put a marshmallow on it?   We both laughed!  Simple entertainment on a cold snowy day.  Well, it's more like another blizzard outside. 

WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL MINI BLIZZARDS
  WHAT'S UP WITH THIS?

WEDNESDAY:
 Now or never; I started to take down all the Easter decorations.  Each year I tell myself to throw out some of the old stuff; that's hard to do.  So I piled it all up on the dining room table, until I had the downstairs items gathered up.  Then I never got back to packing it up.  Some other thought came along to entertain me. 

I was having lunch with my girlfriends from our old camping group-"The Arguy's!"  So I quit all the house work and prepared myself and met the gang at Applebee's.  We were to meet at 1:00pm.  We had their lunch special of soup and sandwich or salad.  All of us choose the French Onion soup while two had the BLT and two had the salad.  It was very good.  Then they have a small sundae with one scoop of ice cream (called a shooter) and topping; we all enjoyed one of them.   We visited until 4:30pm.  I told them that I have to go and start supper.  I could hardly stand up when time to leave. 


 THURSDAY:
Wonders get done when up early.  I cleaned the whole refrigerator,  Bob was already off fishing with his friends at Godfrey's Pond.

HE SPOTTED A ROBIN!

I had about 45 minutes to relax before getting ready to go to lunch.  I had one scrap booking video that I had been notified was available on YouTube and then I searched for a few others.  I couldn't believe what some women are doing-they are making videos of everything they bought on sale or mark down.  I thought that kinda strange since they didn't show how they intended to put the purchases to use.  They call their videos-"Michael's Haul" or where ever they shop. 

Bob hustled home in time to shower and we went to lunch at Miss Batavia with our camping friends, Bob, Bonnie and their granddaughter, Alexus. 

Bonnie has been on a mission in Kenya & Uganda helping the people there.  The groups mission was to set up purified water systems, while Bonnie attended to health/nursing problems.  She told us that 11,000 babies die a year from illness due to impure water.  She had many beautiful pictures to see,  camels, zebras, cows, baboons etc.  Most of the people live in slums.  Any children (without parents or families) found in the streets are put in jail until they are 18.  It is apparent that all the money available stays at the top with management.  Truly sad.





FRIDAY:




Phew-all the Easter decorations are now wrapped, stuffed in boxes and put away until next year.  Now the house looks bare.  It took me most of the morning. 

Bob worked on his sign project for Rocco and about 2:30 he asked me to go with him to install it.  I had to hold things until he had it level.  Boy was it ever cold outside.  He tore the old boards off and the end 2 X 4's looked pretty weather beaten but replacement was not included in the plans.   We were done in about an hour and a half.  What an improvement; it sure looks nice with all the new vinyl.  

THE NEW SIGN

THE OLD SIGN

We watched TV for a while.  We tried a movie but it was very slow and dumb!  Then we watched series one of Breaking Bad.  Lots of action.  

SATURDAY:

 

 

Bob left early in the morning to join David up at Burt's Dam to go fishing.

 

I had the day to myself.  I fixed a gift basket for Betsy for one of the shower give aways.  It was all gardening items.  It came out pretty. 

 

Then I thought I would scrapbook and couldn't get motivated.  So then I decided to turn on the TV and watch some You Tube Videos on scrapping.  I picked up a couple ideas and went back to finish my pages. 

 

Bob came home about 5:30pm-"no fish on for either of them."   They had a beautiful day to be fishing. 

 

We watched both basketball games this evening.  We were very sorry to see Syracuse loose.  So many people were hoping they would win.

 

SUNDAY:

 

 

The whole day was spent cleaning and spraying for ants.  While I was scraping the other night, flying ants came at me.  That I can't stand.  Everything was moved out of my craft room, the floor vacuumed and then sprayed around the edges.   Bob also did the bath room.  Then we did the rec room.   Move all the furniture-same thing.  What a job, we are done in.

Maybe tomorrow we can tackle the laundry room.

 

Betsy picked up Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner.  That's the way to eat chicken! 

 

Looking forward to watching Mr. Selfridge on PBS tonight.  I'm enjoying the costumes in this series too.

 

Hope you all have a great week.  Thanks for clicking in. 

 

GOLDEN GRAM