HE IS A GRADUATE -  WITH A DG AWARD!

MONDAY:
We went to bed real early last night-pooped after the return trip from RI.  I think it was before 9:00pm.
Bob had mentioned getting up early to start cleaning the pool before it warmed up outside.  So we were up by 6:45 am, had coffee and went out.
We got the pool cover off ourselves but we will have to wait for help to fold it up and stuff it in the storage bag. 

FOLDING UP POOL COVER

IT DOESN'T LOOK TO DIRTY

We then started sweeping the winter accumulation off the pool bottom.  It's work but I love my pool.   Bob had to leave for another Chiropractor appointment so I came in and changed a load of wash.  When I went back outside I started to pull weeds.  Oh my gosh, the dirt is so dry that the tops of weeds break right off.  By the time Bob was back it was too hot to work.  Once we get the pool clean, we can work and take a quick dip to cool off. 

That evening, Bob worked on the computer creating an account for us with  the First Niagara bank.  (a must do since HSBC sold out)  He thought it was pretty simple.  (Last Friday the First Niagara bank took over all accounts)

TUESDAY:
Bob was out working on the pool again.  He has the ladder and railings up now.  The Creepy Crawler is running to clean the bottom.  He has been miserable with a chills and a cough all day. 

Highlight of  my day was the grocery store.  Not really!  Then to make supper. 

In the evening, I worked in the Quicken program.  The First Niagara Bank had downloaded quite a few duplicate entries, I suppose to make sure they caught them all.  So I went about matching and deleting.  Everything else looks okay except we can't load the Master Card file yet. 
WEDNESDAY:
I love it when I sleep good and get up early.  One can linger over their coffee, watch the news etc.  That's what I did, I earned it and I deserved it.  Too soon the peace and quite ended; as Bob was up barking (cough) and Sarah made her breakfast and had an 9:30 am appointment so I hung back to shower.  I had a hair appointment at 11:30 but I didn't have to hurry.  Bob refused to ride along and go to his doctor.  Okay Bob.

After I went to Debbie's and worked on a couple projects.  Annalynn  went out and brought home lunch.   Annalynn has a big test tomorrow and she tried to study but she would rather work on the fun stuff instead of studying.  Who wouldn't?   
I drove home in time to help make supper.  We promised Sarah her favorite meal again-Parmesan chicken, brown rice & asparagus.  We make a sauce using Chive & Onion Cream cheese and pour it all over.  It is delicious!  However, it takes too many pots and pans; the kitchen looks like  Martha was here cooking.  Plus it was hot in the kitchen because we have to brown the chicken breading and then put it in the oven until all done.  I'm telling you right now, I made a comment-this is a winter dish,  to hot for slaving over a burner. 
I had 6 red geraniums to plant before they die in the boxes so when Bob offered to help, I jumped on that!  Our goal has been to plant as many perennials as possible so we don't have to buy each year but one of Betsy's friends was selling these for a charity.   They are so small I didn't even take a photo.  These ruffled ones I planted last week.

RUFFELED GERANIUMS

THE HEATHER LOOKS GOOD BUT THE FOXGLOVE DIDN'T COME BACK THIS YEAR.

THERE'S ONE BLOSSOM ON THE CHERRY TOMATO

I've read the mail and a Blog now it's time for relaxing again.  If nothing on TV; I'll read.
THURSDAY:
After breakfast, I went back up to Lockport again to help Debbie with the wedding favors.  We have about half of them finished.
I started home about 4:00pm.  For dinner, the bridal party was on their way to NY City (Bachelorette Party) and we had a pizza  for them all.   

GO HAVE FUN LADIES!  

CHRISTIANNA IS IN CHARGE; GPA TOLD HER TO KEEP EVERYONE IN LINE! 

FRIDAY:
It was nice outside this morning, so we hustled out to start putting out the patio furniture before it got to hot.  The furniture is all stored under our porch which is not very handy; you can't stand up straight under there.  But piece by piece we pulled it out and then we set up the two tables and chairs.  We had to put the legs on the tables; so down on the cement we worked.  Bob would grunt and cough, and I was groaning getting up and down.  I shouldn't use the new knee for kneeling.  A real comedy team!  Then the umbrellas.  I was so excited, I love the patio all ready for company.
Now if the pool would heat up.  I did stick my feet in and it's cold.
After lunch Bob went downtown for more cough medicine.  Dr. Harron finally called back last night about 10:45pm.  No antibiotics, too many pills now but take this type of cough syrup.   
While Bob was gone I started to fix my fruit dish that I'm bringing to Lancaster tomorrow for  Alex's graduation reception.  All of a sudden, it started to thunder and then pour.  I closed the porch windows, then our bedroom window and then I ran out to put the umbrellas down.  Too late the wind was so bad; one umbrella was bent.  I was completely drenched! 
SATURDAY:
Today is graduation for grandson, Alex. 

All gussied up; Betsy drove us to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for the 11:00 ceremony.  We posted my handicapped flag and was ushered right along.  There was shuttle buses to take us to the next area of golf cart shuttles.  I most always carry my cane so crowds don't push me and to put on the biggie scene that I'm old and decrepit so we get a ride.  It works every time!
Donna had saved seats for us close to the front.  We were on the isle that Alex walked in by.  To give you an idea how big RIT is; they had 5 ceremonies scheduled for Saturday and 5 for Sunday of the different degrees.  It's a big, beautiful campus. 

IT'S OVER, HE IS A GRADUATE! 

ERIC, DONNA, ALEX AND DAVID 

CONGRATULATIONS GRANDSON-SO PROUD OF YOU!

After the photo session, we all headed for home to pick up the fruit dish and let the dog out,  then on to Lancaster.  Donna & David hosted a dinner reception for Alex. 

Back at Stringham Drive, I made a cup of coffee, feed the dog, washed out Bob's shirt and put my pj's on, @ 7:30 pm I hit the sack.  Nuf for this old gal!
SUNDAY:
I got up early and made my coffee; then I started looking for the New York City cupcakes for breakfast. What to heck, the wedding party left Sarah off in the middle of the night. I sent Bob to check the garage refrig...nothing! The truth now comes out-Sarah had texted her Mom to ask if she should bring home cupcakes and her Mother told her no, she didn't want any. Well, wait a minute lady, there is others living in this house! I was bummed!

Today is the ROTC graduation for Alex. Back to RIT for a 1:00pm ceremony of just nine cadets.   There was reserved seats for all families of cadets.
Each cadet could invite the person to present the commission of 2nd Lieutenant.  Alex had invited Capt. Daniel Harrison from "Ole Miss".  (Did you catch that Donna W?  Ole Miss)  Alex had met him at last summer's boot camp.  Capt. Daniel flew up and joined us for the two days.  Very nice southern boy! 

CAPTAIN DANIEL HARRISON AND ALEX

CAPT. HARRISON - RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND AND REPEAT AFTER ME.

THE FIRST SALUTE.

ON STAGE: FAMILY MEMBERS HAD THE HONORS OF PLACING THE 2ND LT. BARS.
DONNA, ALEX, DAVID, ERIC

Just before the end of the ceremony, one of the speakers presented the qualifications for the Distinguished Graduate (DG) award.  The DG is a chosen person who excels in leadership ranking, additional efforts, and top 10% GPA standing of the ROTC cadets of 144 colleges or 1950 graduates this year.   He was saying that some years there isn't a qualified  DG.  However, this year the award shall be presented to ALEX RINDO!  OMG! OMG!  We all jumped up out of our seats, whooping and crying, and thrilled for Alex. 

 

ALEX ACCEPTING THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES  AWARD.

After the ceremony there was a reception with hors d'oeuvres.  Time for more photos.

OUR CHANCE TO SEE THE AWARD

YESTERDAY WAS OUR FIRST CHANCE TO MEET ERIN - ALEX'S GIRLFRIEND.

THE ARTH & RINDO SUPPORTERS

We headed out for dinner at Lickty Lips.  Good BBQ joint.  I have Bob's dress shirt soaking as he has BBQ sauce all over it.  Someone in our group said, it looks like he killed the pig himself!

What a wonderful day. 

So that completes plan A, B, and C.  Now onto  plan D (the wedding) this coming weekend.  GMA & GPA will have to get rested up and hopefully get over these cold symptoms. 

Have a great week everyone and thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

SARAH'S GRADUATION DAY

MONDAY:

Monday went by so fast I can't remember all the goings on.  I did go back to my Doctor for a knee check up.  All is fine, swimming and bicycle recommended.   "See ya in 3 months!"  Miska, I thought I was done with him but apparently not. 
Bob went back to his Chiropractor for another bone wracking.  He is starting to straighten up and do alot more again.

HERE'S AN OOPS!  BETSY SHOT A STONE FROM THE LAWN TRACTOR.  THAT HAD TO BE FIXED BEFORE OUR TRIP.

TUESDAY:
This morning, we drove over to Home Depot for some potting soil and flowers.  We poked around for quite awhile.  I picked out some real pretty geraniums-they look ruffled.  After lunch we went outside to start planting and it was just too hot.  So back in the house until after supper when it's cooler.  I have 4 large planter pots full and 2 smaller ones.  Plus I put in the parsley and basil.  I'm trying cherry tomatoes in a pot with impatiens around the bottom.  That should be different.
Betsy ran the rototiller for me so I could put my border of impatiens along the pool filter area.  Now to pray-no frost. 

WEDNESDAY:
My day was spent doing several different items; mostly cleaning house in anticipation of our doggie baby sitter coming.   Betsy friend, Cassie, is coming here and will stay with Cinder while we go to Rhode Island for Sarah's graduation. 

I'm also trying to keep all the finances up to date within Quicken with the bank switch over this Friday.  We are told that First Niagara will begin at 3:30, on Friday.  It sounds like all our accounts will be moved from HSBC to Niagara without us doing anything. We shall see.  I dread the whole thing!

Wouldn't you know it---frost warnings tonight for the valleys and southern tier.  Hope it doesn't include us.

THURSDAY:
When I got up this morning, Bob had showered, dressed and was gone for a haircut.  I got my coffee and went out  on the porch and first thing I did was to look at my flower pots.  Safe, the frost didn't come here.  I had to do one e-mail and then I looked for a couple books to put on my e-reader.   I was ready to shower when he came home with donuts!  Yeah, a treat! 

We both picked out our clothes for the weekend.  You would think we were going for longer than three days, the way we pack.  We are so used to loading the motor home with every little thing that we just might need.  Ha!  Betsy has repeated several times that her car trunk is little now.
This should be a real experience, riding in her little car. 
Bob had a few more things to do outside so I continued packing cosmetics.  By then it was time to start supper.  We had invited Cassie for dinner so Betsy would have time to give her the run down on the dog care and all the TVs, washer & dryer etc.  She will come over tomorrow morning at 7:15 am.  We hope to leave at 8:00 am.  We pray that our new Niagara debit cards will work.  

Betsy and I did our nails and she was off to bed.  She has come down with a sinus infection and the antibiotics haven't taken hold yet.  Too bad she will be miserable on such an important weekend.  Hard to believe the kids all have completed four years already.

Well, I'll make one more check to see we have everything and then I'm off to bed.  Bob is watching his stories on TV.

FRIDAY:
Beautiful morning and we are off to RI  by 8:00am.  David & Donna following behind us.  We arrived at Smithfield-Bryant Univ about 3:30pm. 
Driving on to campus the rhodendrums were just beautiful. 

JUST BEAUTIFUL, NEAR ALL THE BUILDINGS AND IN THE WOODS.

All the students were outside having their last get togethers with picnics  and cook outs.  The campus roads were blocked by all their cars that they were packing.  I couldn't believe the trash container spill over; high mountains.  What didn't fit in their cars, went in the trash pile.  A person could have collected nice appliances, lamps, shelving etc. for a huge garage sale.  It was unbelievable.

We loaded some of Sarah's things in David's car and then we went to the Hampton Inn to check in.  (Her truck was full) 

MOVING INTO THE INN

WAITING FOR A TABLE @ CARRABBA'S

We did some shopping before having supper at Carrabba's.  Everyone crashed after.   Rocco, Debbie & Annalynn arrived at the Inn about 10:00pm.
SATURDAY:
The road onto the campus was bumper to bumper.  The guards opened the left lane to make it two way to reach the parking area.  The class had 850 students, plus honoraries, can you imagine the cars coming with parents, grandparents, Aunts & Uncles etc.   The seats we found were way to the back and I couldn't see a thing.  They did have it televised on screens so that was nice.  The ceremony was 4.5 hours long. I was busting a gut; I had to pee so bad!  

GRADUATION WAS HELD INSIDE A HUGE TENT.  IT WAS ALSO TELEVISED INTO SEVERAL BUILDINGS

AND HERE COMES SARAH WITH ALL HER HONOR CORDS & THE AUSTRALIAN TIE.

IT'S OFFICIAL!  SUMMA CUM LAUDE

WITH THE PROUD PARENTS!
BETSY, SARAH & DUKER

GRANDMA CAROLINE, SARAH AND MIMA TERRY

GOD MOTHER DEBBIE WITH SARAH

SUCH A PRETTY PHOTO

A LITTLE FUN, SARAH IN GPA'S SPECS AND GPA IN HER HAT!

After all the hoopla with photos, Betsy had reservations for us at Blackie's.  Sarah's favorite eating place.  They make a hamburger that's at least 10" high.  After eating, David, Donna, Rocco, Debbie & Annalynn started home.  Betsy was still not feeling well and other things came up for the rest so going to Boston was out of the picture.   We went back to the Inn an watched the horse race on TV.  A hard day. 

SUNDAY:
Homeward bound at 6:15am.  It was a hot drive.  So now we have completed plan A (Rocky's graduation) plan B (Sarah's graduation) and on to plan C (Alex's graduation) which is a 2 day event (regular degree & ROTC degree) next weekend.   Plan D (in two weeks) is the wedding.  I'm hanging in there.

Hope you have a good week!   I have to go water the plants.

GOLDEN GRAM

BOB SUFFERING WITH A BAD BACK AND GRADUATION DAY

MONDAY:
I was up early enough to go to work, if I had a job.  What's with that?  After coffee and some toast, I went downstairs to go thru the mail from the weekend.   I had lots of e mails to check too.  I returned this weekends books to the on line library.   I started the washing. 
I went on line to order some maps from AAA.  Boston vicinity.  They needed fourteen days to mail them so I called and requested a pick up of the info.  After Sarah's graduation we hope to have time to go to Boston and take the DUCK TOUR (amphibious vehicle).   That should show us the city pretty much.
The afternoon was damp and raining.  Good thing Bob got out this morning to clean the bugs off the motor home windshield.  We had a large bug with wings hit the windshield on our trip to  and from Turning Stones.  They looked like a butterfly.  They covered the windshield; it looked like a lace curtain.  Bob ended up with a peep hole (size of a baseball) to drive thru.  Messy, oh my.

Bob is suffering with a bad back again.  His doctor hasn't returned his call.  Out comes the ice bags and Blue Ice.  Watched some TV before going to bed.

TUESDAY:

This morning Cinderella was  barking her fool head off.  I waited and she didn't quit so out of bed I go.  That's enough Cinder!   Nobody at the door, no trucks making deliveries, so I have no idea what she was barking at.

I wanted to go out shopping this morning for greeting cards (3 college graduations coming up) but since it's raining and messy Bob doesn't want to get the car dirty.  He washed it yesterday too.   It's suppose to clear by afternoon so I'll wait until then. 

 I also want to get a smoke bomb to put in the woodchuck hole which is under our shed.  It  comes out to eat the scattered bird seed and my flowers.  I'd take a shot at it if it would get out in the yard some, I don't want to hit the shed or worse yet our white fence.  As a kid, I was a pretty good shot.  We went out behind the barn with tin cans to practice.  Now with tri-focals there is no guarantee.  I never saw an old Annie Oakley! 

Bob is still suffering  His doctor hasn't returned his call.  He called another Doctor and got an appointment at 10:40am, on Wednesday.  After his appointment he felt better and we went downtown.  Back home he filled the bird feeders and put one smoke bomb down the woodchuck hole.  He just keeps pushing.  Okay Bob, enough go rest.

WEDNESDAY: 
Mornings are cool again. 
I cooked and froze a pound of bacon for a new dip to make this weekend.  It's call BLT.  One of the Holiday Rambler ladies made it this past weekend at our camp out and it was so good.  A good bacon flavor.  

SIMPLE BLT DIP  - HOLIDAY RAMBLER LADIES

8 oz.  Sour Cream
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled
2 large tomatoes-diced
Mix together and serve on top of lettuce.  (or in a bowl) Served with crackers. 

Bob went to his appointment and then slept the rest of the day away. Eric arrived home for the summer from Utica College.  He drove all the way so his leg surgery must not be to trouble some.  

THURSDAY:
We needed a few more groceries for the weekend so I checked all my supplies and got ready to go to Tops.  As I was leaving Tops the highway was jammed up and police cars were about.  So I put the Escape in reverse and went out the other way.  It was right in front of the bank so I thought maybe a robbery.  Later in the day I checked the Batavian on line and it said someone had hit a person on a bicycle.  It was just a week ago when a young boy was hit and killed on a bicycle in front of David and Donna's house in Lancaster. 

We had lunch and I rested reading a mystery book. When I got up I fixed a casserole for supper before taking Bob to doctor again at 3:45pm. Driving back into our yard, we noticed the bird feeder that we just filled had emptied out in this wind. Darn location, always wind. Bob slept a couple hours.  Supper wasn't quite ready when Betsy got home so she mowed the lawn for us.

FRIDAY: 
We drove up to Eastern Hills to pick up the maps requested at AAA.  Trying to make the most of our gas mileage; we thought to work in Bob's fitting for a tuxedo at Tuxedo Junction.  I'm surprised he went for it as he looked like a letter "S".  His back was really out of line.

I'm still trying to put together my wedding wardrobe so I went to Bon Ton to look around.  I did find shoes which are dressy and they are wedgies.  Hope to heck I can walk in them without falling off!
We didn't stay long as I wanted Bob to rest again before the 3rd doctor's visit at 4:30.   We had supper at L.B. Grand and returned home.  We then spent the rest of the evening getting clothes ready for Rocky's graduation Saturday morning.
SATURDAY:
We had our alarms set for 6:00am.  Everybody up and at em!  We left home about 7:15am and arrived at Niagara University about 8:30am.   One of the parking lot attendants left us in to handicapped parking real close to the Gallagher Hall where the commencement was being held.  Lucky break!
The hall was freezing cold when we first found seats.  Then they turned the air off and it was miserable hot.  Rocky had 8 tickets so
Grandma Antoinette, Bob and I, his God Mother Donna, God Father Nick, Uncle Louis, Joe  and Annalynn used them.  Betsy, David, Donna, and Aunt Barb & children went to another building to watch the program on TV.  Joe and Louis was given tickets because Christianna was surprising us all by joining the class for her Associates Degree.  (Daddy said, you can't get  married until you have a degree!)  Louis is Christianna's God father.  Another surprise to all of us was Rocco walking in the procession as he is on the Board of Advisers at Niagara.  Rocco and Debbie had special seats in the front row.  Rocco was invited to present Christianna & Rocky their diplomas on stage. 

CONGRATULATIONS ROCKY!

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTIANNA!

THE  CHEERING SECTION!
   JOE, ANNALYNN, UNCLE LOUIS, GOD FATHER NICK, GRANDMA CAROLINE,
GRANDMA ANTOINETTE AND AUNT DONNA

CHEERING SECTION #2  IN THE OTHER BUILDING WATCHING THE TV OF THE PROGRAM.

Very happy and proud of our grandchildren!  That's one graduation day finished; two more to go. 

SUNDAY:
Debbie and Rocco hosted a great Recognition Dinner for the graduates; combined with Mother's Day greetings.  We had nice weather and everyone could eat outside on the patios.

That's our week; HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

GOLDEN GRAM

CHRISTIANNA'S WEDDING SHOWER

 

TABLE ASSIGNMENTS

JOE BRINGS THE BRIDE FLOWERS.

CROCHET DOILY FROM GREAT, GREAT AUNT PHYLLIS

BACHLORETTE PARTY IN NEW YORK CITY!

THE ATTENDANTS

 A JOKE - WE TEASE THE BRIDE SAYING SHE HAS TO HOST THANKSGIVING. 

JOE & CHRISTIANNA; SOME FANCY WORK BY DAVID

(I'm having trouble with the photos going out of order.  What ever!)

MONDAY:

Needless to say, Monday was a recoup day. We had a great time at the shower, all was beautiful.   They received many useful gifts.

TUESDAY:

We made up our minds to go to the first camp out this year. Bob made reservations at Turning Stone RV park. He then started maintenance on the motor home. He cleaned the roof and then put Mop-N-Glow on it to stop the black streaks from coming over the sides onto the paint.

He checked all the nicks and crannies; furnace, water, heat etc.



DON'T FALL OFF BOB!

I prepared a menu, packed some items and clothes. I had a hair appointment in Lockport so we buzzed up there. After Christianna & Joe showed us their new furniture at their house.


DINING ROOM TABLE & CHAIR SET WAS A SHOWER GIFT.

WEDNESDAY:

Went for groceries and loaded them in coach. Made a biggie dinner and then packed some more necessities. 

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY MORN:
Arrived at Turning Stone about 3PM.  We had plans to see grandson Eric and go to dinner.  Eric goes to Utica college which is about 25 minutes away.  We ended up meeting him and two friends at the casino buffet.  The boys really chowed down- they hadn't had good food in some time.  The  crab legs just disappeared!  Eric was walking without crutches for the forth day, so he is making progress.
It stormed; rain with lightening that night.
There was 21 units at the camp out from 5 different chapters.  The NY State Manager held a Council (officers only) meeting and since Bob is our Chapter president now, he attended. 
We had a good time visiting with all our friends.  We had time for some fishing and reading;  all in all a nice weekend.

That's it for this week.  Thanks for clicking in.  

Golden Gram