31 Dec 08 going into 1 Jan 2009!

Well, in reading this blog, you will surmise that we completely skipped December! Not true, not true. As usual, I am so busy, busy, busy, I forget to update what we are up to. So, here is the latest and greatest.
We finished this semester of school with good enough grades that the schools decided to let us back in next semester. It has been super being away from the school and having less to do. Unfortunately, we never have nothing to do.
I drove to Birmingham AL and visited a dear friend of mine who then in turn drove me to the airport where I flew to California to see my grandson - and the rest of his family! Owen has definitely grown as has his mother, Gillian, who is expecting their second child in June. It will be a two year span between the grandchildren which is very workable. After spending a wonderful 3 days with the Schaadts, I flew to Seattle, WA for the bridal shower of Nicole, my future daughter-in-law. Well, if you were watching the weather, you know I was in for an adventure.
I will say, seeing the children, Nicole and Joshua, was terrific. Meeting Nicole's parents was great and they graciously entertained me the first evening I was there. We had the best meal at a local restaurant, Sockeye's. It was a terrific meal and i certainly appreciated it after the less than great drive 48 miles north of Seattle.
The next day Nancy, Nicole's mother, and I spent about 6 hours driving to Sea-Tac Airport to pick up the kids, 2 hours getting out of the parking garage, and 2 hours driving back up north to the bridal shower - now 3 hours late.
Regardless, the shower was wonderful - everyone waited around for us and Nicole had a super time. It was wonderful for her to see old friends and relatives. The friends went out to eat after the shower and I headed back to see Josh for a few minutes and then decided to drive down to Sea-Tac to be closer for my early morning departure. The snow storm had started and it took me 4 hours to drive 48 miles with the snow and several stops to use the phone.
I found a hotel one exit from the airport and had a good night sleep. Upon getting up the next morning, after monitoring American Airlines all night and that morning, I still didn't know if the flight would depart.
I found 3 people in the hotel lobby waiting for a never arriving taxi to go to the airport. I offered them a ride in the car and they lept at the chance to actually make their early morning flight. We got in the car and arrived at the airport about 10 minutes later. I hope they made their flights because I was able to get on my plane and settled back for a quick but snowy departure.
Not so fast. After finding out the plane had been at that gate for 24 hours due to maintenance issues, we were informed we had to be defueled because there was too much fuel on board for our flight to Dallas - unbelievable! Almost 2 hours later we took off. I had 4 minutes to get to my connecting flight but I did make it. Bottom line - I no longer enjoy flying.
My suitcase did not arrive on my flight so we returned to the airport in Birmingham and got the luggage. I have never been so very happy to live in the South!
Don't be misled - I had a terrific visit with all the children and enjoyed myself immensely. But, it was equally great to return home and hug Ken and Mulligan.
We hope you had a terrific Christmas as we did. My family came over Christmas Eve and we had a cosy family meal and spent quality time together. Wayne and Doris Bass came with them and fun was had by all.
Christmas Day found us in Tupelo for Christmas breakfast at my sister, Brenda's, house. We exchanged gifts and left later that afternoon. Just a lazy day spend in front of the fire.
I have worked a few days since and now have 5 days off before starting my teaching internship at the community college. Wish me luck....
We all wish you all a very, very Happy New Year. May all your troubles be small and all your happy times be large. Happy New Year.

Almost Time for the Turkey!

Hello everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family. We wish we could spend the holidays with all of you - at the same time! What fun that would be. Ken and I are getting ready for our trip to Atlanta, GA.

Mulligan is presently at the vet have a small hernia repair operation from where the big dog bit her. It did not heal on its own as we all hoped it would so its better to take care of it. She went in wagging her tail but I think she will be having unkind thoughts about me by the end of the day!

We've been having rain here along with wind which equals to a gazillion leaves on the ground. And, of course, we cannot get the leaf blower to start! But that is ok since we have to wait for the leaves to dry now anyway! I am thinking of looking for someone who has a large leaf suction machine - if such a thing exists!

School is on the downhill leg - finals take place after Thanksgiving which is just about enough time for me to forget everything! My Food Prep III final was a 10 course dinner for friends and family held last Thursday. If you would like to see pictures, check out http://www.foodprep3.blogspot.com/. The pictures are from all semester but divided up so you don't have to look at all of them.

We are off to check on Mulligan and will update the blog as to her status. Have a great Thanksgiving Day.

Later.

November is upon us!

Well, I determined our life is so boring I can't even do blog updates very often!  Well, here is the latest.  Ken, Mulligan and I are in the motorhome parked at the University campus.  We are spending 2 nights here because I have a very, very late class tomorrow night and I didn't feel safe driving home at 2 or 3 in the morning.  I will be so tired, driving wouldn't be a good idea.  So we've moved to the campus for a couple of days.  

School is coming to a close.  One more week and then Thanksgiving break.  The week after is finals.  Where, just where does the time go!  

Ken is doing more and more with computer classes.  He has been doing desktop publishing, web design and other assorted computer programs.  He has been enjoying it and has a few more classes to take next year.

My food prep III final is next week and we are preparing a 9 course meal.  We don't actually eat with our guests because we are in the kitchen preparing the meal - a little skewed since you don't get to spend time with your guests.  Ken is my only guest so we can discuss the meal later.  

Mulligan, once again, has been hurt.  While out and about she was attacked by two larger dogs.  They did some damage to her abdominal wall and she developed a hernia.  So far it seems to be healing on its own.  Send good thoughts so she doesn't have to have surgery.  She is a lucky little dog - however, she does suffer from small dog syndrome and doesn't like other dogs at all.  It doesn't matter, we love her to pieces.

I will be flying away soon to see that cute, cute grandson of mine in Southern Cal.  then on to Seattle for the wedding shower for my future daughter-in-law, Nicole.   The wedding will be here before I can turn around.

Well, friends and relatives, that is the the scoop from the hill in northeast Mississippi where the colors have finally come to town.

Later.  Bonny

Chicago, Chicago!

I am presently sitting writing this update at the "W" city center hotel in Chicago.  How exciting.  I am here for the ADA Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo with some other students and a professor from MUW.  The flight left Columbus, MS this morning at 5:50a.m.  That means Ken and I got up at 3!  Boy, has it been a long, long day.  The flight went to Atlanta and then to Midway.  We arrived about 10:30, took the 

Fall is coming, fall is coming!

It has been the most fabulous weekend. Unfortunately Ken and I have been cloistered in the house doing schoolwork. It has been quite painful. Mulligan is doing well - she has a collar on to stop her from eating her foot. This has been going on for 3 weeks and we are all quite tired of it. The foot appears to be healing but we won't take it off until the doctor says it ok.

She looks like she's got a satellite dish on. It sways back and forth when she walks and we feel quite sorry for her. But, she won't leave the foot alone.

I had the most wonderful visit to Birmingham last weekend. I visited with Tootsie, my friend Kay's mother. Then I went on to the Premiere Birmingham show to see any new items for skin care. All in all a great weekend. Thank you Tootsie!

I am in the middle of an Artisan Bread Making course and there is bread all over the house. I have started giving it away to the neighbors. Its great fun to make, not really good for you, and tastes terrific.

Must run. More school work. Happy Fall to all of you.

Late, late, late - for a very important update!

Not really anything important, it's just been so long since I hit the blog. We've both been very swamped with everything. School is consuming much of my time and work the rest. The house is in sad shape and if anyone comes to visit - I'll really have to move fast! We've had some storms around this area - mostly leftovers from the hurricanes. Nothing bad, just rain and more rain. Thank you for thinking about use during the hurricanes - we never know which ones are going to travel up this way and really hit us with a wallop. So far, so good.

We're in the process of having a shed built in back behind the house. Our contractor is terrific (a real change from any others we've had!). The roof is almost on and then its finished. It will be exciting to get the outdoor items out of the garage. On second thought, the shed (which I found in the Southern Living magazine, 2004) is incredibly cute and would make a great outdoor room - Ken wants to know who has outdoor rooms??? Anyway, its going to be the cutest shed.

Culinary is keeping me on my toes. We've been studying sauces and regional menus. I am also taking menu and recipe development. All very interesting and time consuming!

For those who do not know, Joshua and Nicole are planning their wedding for Feb 2009. A destination wedding, we're all headed for Mexico! Before that I am heading to Seattle for a bridal shower and that will give me an opportunity to stop by CA for a visit with my favorite, favorite grandson! I am so excited but not looking forward to the flying - its all gotten so complicated.

Our days and nights are cooling down and fall is coming - I do love this time of year. A couple of weeks ago, my sister Brenda and I took my sister, Barbara out and about to celebrate her 50th birthday - I remember when Mom brought her home from the hospital... We all had a terrific time.

Time for me to go - its late around here. Till next time.

Labor Day Weekend in Mississippi

I would like to have some wonderful news about things we have been doing and what we're doing this holiday weekend - but, we have been going to school and working and we are doing yard work this weekend! A friend of ours is driving out from Colorado Springs and stopping for a visit. It will be great to see her - its been about a year or more. Her name is "T" and we worked together in the Air Force - actually I worked for her. We are great friends and her mother lives in Mississippi. When she visits her mom I usually drive over to see them. It almost on the other side of Mississippi. Anyway, this time she is coming here first - if she makes it before the Hurricane blows up this way.
A contractor came in and opened up the window seat in our bedroom and lined it with Cedar so I can store clothes in it. Another old piece of furniture bites the dust! Lots of homework this weekend and maybe some cooking opportunities. Food Prep at school is more difficult than the past semesters, but interesting. Think about us if the Hurricane hits land and heads up this way. Later.

Catch Up Time

Well, here we are at home in Mississippi. But, before I go into any details, let me catch you up on our departure from Maine and our trip home.
We started packing the motorhome and closing up the camp on the weekend of 2/3 Aug. Well, on Saturday it started raining, actually pouring, and it rained for about 6 hours. That put a crimp in our packing and departure. We got up on Sunday morning and moved the dock down to the cove and continued on with packing and closing. Unfortunately the Saturday rains had set us behind. We didn't leave on the scheduled Monday morning but did finish by the end of the day. We went to bed with the idea of departing early Tuesday morning.
After a good night sleep, we had breakfast with Joyce and went out to the vehicles to get started. Surprise - the Dodge truck had a completely flat tire. We got the compressor out, filled the tire with air and took it to Hogan's Tires. They found a sharp rock had penetrated the tire and overall recommended we replace all the tires since dry rot was setting in. Needless to say we had them all replaced and finally rolled out about 1:00P.M.
We set ourselves a goal of getting to Hanscom AFB Family Camp and there we stayed for the night. The following days were equally boring - since both of us were driving a vehicle there was no rest relief resulting in two very, very tired people each night we stopped. We arrived at the house on Friday evening about 7:30P.M.
What a great feeling to be home. The house was clean and cool - that didn't last long the next day when we started unpacking the motorhome. Mulligan was excited and ran around the house to sniff all her things!
We saw Edith the day before we left and she looked good. She smiled and played with Mulligan and we tried to explain we would see her soon. It's always difficult to leave.
I had exactly a weekend before starting work and I have decided that was not enough! Anyway, our first week home has been good - work is great and I started school this past Thursday. I have classes on Tuesday and Thursday and work Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A full week. Ken starts school next week and has classes every day.
Well, it seems we are all back in sync with our lives and I'll keep you posted as the days go by!

Things are Tumbling Around Here!

Well, we are now down to one day remaining! Do we have anything left to do? Are you kidding - we have lots to do. Somehow, as usual, the days got away from us. Today we delivered the pontoon boat back to its owner. Yesterday we took the sailboat apart - what a trick that was. It actually all went very smooth and we didn't drop the mast as we took it out.
I was moving a little slowly as I took a fall the other evening - out of the motorhome. Luckily I was carrying a quilt at the time or I would be more bruised up than I am. Anyway, it was an unfortunate accident that I hope not to repeat - I overstepped the first step and just kept going. The bruises are coming along nicely and I've decided purple is really my color!
Mulligan is very stressed - she is following us everywhere just knowing she is going to get left guarding the camp all winter! She is currently sitting right beside me waiting for my next move! Tomorrow morning we are going to take the dock to the cove and turn off the water. Then its all the last minute things that need to go into the motorhome.
We've checked all the tire pressures and we're getting excited about the trip home. Somehow, as usual, we end up taking more home than we arrived with - that's OK, we can sort it all out in Mississippi.
The blueberries are doing well. We've gotten a good amount and will try to pick more tomorrow. Later.

Time To Go Home!

Well, it's about that time. We are down to the last week at the lake and it is time to pull ourselves together, pack up and head home! But, before all that, there are still things to do! This week we have been doing all those last minute things we should have gotten done over the past 2 months - not that we put things off!
The scooters needed their annual maintenance - check. The truck needs its maintenance - pending!
The blueberries need picking - check, check, and check. It is that time of year - I have the blueberry bug. We went out yesterday and picked 10 pints! All cleaned and frozen. This morning we went out to the far island and picked another few pints. We had to leave as Ken is on his way to the Augusta area. We got all our stuff together and got into the boat just to realize that Mulligan was missing. We called and called. I was convinced a boat I had heard earlier had picked her up and taken her away. We got in the boat and started it - no dog. We slowly went around the island calling - no dog. Ken let me out at the other end and I walked through the island looking for the mighty hunter - no dog. Suddenly Ken yelled out that he could see her. I called and headed toward the voice - no dog. I saw movement and realized I was looking at a black dog - she had been rolling in a mud bath and decided to ignore us. For her punishment I dipped her in the lake and shook the mud out of her before letting her in the boat! But I must say - her hair and skin look fabulous from the mud!
The Winnie is almost packed - of course I said that a month ago! But all my stuff is in there and that's the important thing! Actually things are going well and we should be able to pull this departure off without incident - right!
The other day we decided to take the sailboat out for a spin as the wind was "perfect". Well, it was a great show for the shoreline. We couldn't get going well enough to turn into the larger part of the lake and ended up crashing into the shore down by the Sleepers. We got out and walked the boat down to Boyces' to get a better gust. Upon getting in and trying to take off, we encountered the same situation and crashed into our shore - after laughing so hard we almost fell out of the boat, the neighbor offered to tow us beyond the island - perfect. We had a great last sail and have been nursing our bruises ever since!
One last thing - 31 years ago on this day, I went into the hospital to experience a small miracle - I gave birth to an incredibly beautiful baby girl. At just under 7 pounds with dark eyes and a little dark hair, she changed my life. We named her Gillian... Happy Birthday MD3!

Home to Maine We Go!

Well what a week and weekend it has been. Owen, Gillian and I survived the week in New York City. I took Owen to the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Hershey, Pret in Manger (strange British company that sells the most wonderful food), Bryant Park, NBC, CBS, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and more, more, more.
Gillian and Owen flew out of NYC on Saturday morning. Friday evening (while Gillian and I were in Chinatown) Bob came in by train from Portland. On Saturday we moved to a different hotel and went to see Mama Mia on Broadway - I cannot even describe how spectacular the play was. That evening we went to see Cirque Fantasy - again, a spectacular performance. What an exhausting day.
Sunday we got up and headed to Yankee Stadium. There are only 30 games left in the Stadium and then it well be torn down after 85 years. The new Stadium is right next door! Anyway, no tickets were available but since we are old and stubborn, we kept asking and ended up inside sitting in Monument Park in the front row - WoW! The Yankees won against the A's and it was a grand day!
That evening we hit Broadway one last time and saw Chicago! Again, WoW! What a terrific weekend, probably never to be repeated. Oh yes, most importantly, Bob got up early Saturday morning and hit the NBC Today Show getting to see and speak with his favorite anchor - Amy (cannot spell her last name). He said something about throwing himself in front of her as she walked by! He has about a dozen pictures of her on the camera! It was a real highlight for him!
Today we got up early, arrived at Penn Station and spent the day on trains coming back to Maine - a great time had by all. Tomorrow we pick up Mulligan and head back to camp. Later.

New York City or Bust!

Well, here I am in New York City with Gillian and Owen! As I have said before, it is a great place to visit, but I don't think I want to live here! We are in a very nice hotel right at Times Square/Theatre District. The lights run 24 hours a day - they now have huge TV screens up all over the place. I am the official baby minder for Owen while Gillian works. We actually started the week out by leaving Maine, spending a day on a road trip through LL Bean and then Kittery. We got into the car and headed for New Jersey where Gillian started out her work week. Owen and I puttzed around the area each of the two days and then we came to NYC by car arranged by KPMG (Gillian's work).
Today Owen and I got outselves together and walked all over the place - we didn't really leave the general area. We hit Macy's, the M & M store, L&T, and several small stores. We ended up walking through the garment district - I saw bead store after bead store. I can only assume the clothes designers run to the bead stores when they decide to bead up their creations - just a guess...
We had lunch at a PAX restaurant - a wholesome food place serving mainly salads. Owen and I both enjoyed it. Then it was back to the hotel for some well deserved naps.
I fully understand why we are intended to have children at a relatively young age - I am having to regain my parenting skills for very young children. Not an easy thing to do I must admit. I am, however, having a wonderful time with Owen. I consider it a fabulous opportunity and we're having a terrific time.
I suppose I really should back up and say what a great time Owen and family had in Maine. Brian had to leave early and Gillian stayed with Owen. He's developed a real love for the water. We went out on the boat and played at the beach and he laughed until he couldn't any more! It was a wonderful time and this is also. I'm sure I can make up for my sleep sometime next week.
Ken/Bob is coming in by train on Friday and we are going to spend a couple of days here checking out the sights and a couple of plays. Later.

Great Fourth of July Weekend!

What a week it has been. Last Monday Gillian, Brian and Owen arrived. We spent a few days kayaking, boating and having fun in general. We also hit Mardens - that's a must when arriving in Maine!

Owen is a busy little boy and keeps everyone on their toes. He met some new friends here, Lily and Lance, and played nicely. Mulligan and Owen got on wonderfully. For the most part, Mulligan stayed out of the way and Owen charged around the camp. On Thursday, after eating out together, they all left and went back to Rockland for a few days. The next morning Ken left for Winthrop in hopes of seeing Kim and the children and all the clan in the area. That means I had the camp to myself - just me and Mulligan. We could have been very, very lazy but instead, I painted around the new windows, cleaned the camp, and hemmed some clothes for Edith.

On Saturday Joshua and Nicole came up from Quincy, MA - I had not seen Josh for a couple of years. I think he is still a growing boy! Nicole looks lovely and is very excited about her new job. It was just terrific seeing both of them and it was so thoughtful of them to drive up so far.

Ken drove back home with Emily and we all had a great Saturday evening and Sunday. We got up and had a big breakfast and all piled into the pontoon boat. After cruising around the lake a little, we hit Robinson's Beach and all ended up swimming in the lake. It was so refreshing!

On the way home, Gillian and Owen were returning to camp and on the way they picked up lunch for all of us. It had been equally as long since Gillian had seen her brother and Joshua and Nicole had not seen Owen - pictures all around. I will try to get some posted.

I consider this a memorable 4th of July weekend and I leave now to go to bed happy and very tired.

Lucious Maine Strawberries

The Maine Strawberries are out and are they ever good - they taste the way strawberries tasted when I was a small child - red, juicy, full of flavor. I have frozen some and eaten others. I hope to get some back to Mississippi in the motorhome.
Amy called yesterday and said all was well at the house.
Today it is overcast and gloomy and getting colder so I put the heater on! I still haven't actually been swimming in the water - too cold. I got in the one time looking for a rope but had on two wet suits and it was still cold!
Yesterday I went to Bangor to pick up some new clothes for Edith and anything else I could find worthy of purchasing - big sale at Macy's! I also went to the health food store and found many items that are gluten-free. Today I had gluten-free blueberry pancakes and for lunch I had a roll - not bad overall. Of course I also found gluten-free cookies... Gillian, Brian and Owen are flying to Boston as I type - how exciting. They should be up here in a few days. Owen will be one year old tomorrow - time is flying again!

Another Week on the Lake!

The week has pasted in a matter of moments. The start of the week was cold and overcast - it turned us into slugs that wrapped up and slept - interspersed with eating! Then we decided to pull ourselves together and we started playing around with the boats and when the sun broke out yesterday we took a long trip around the lake - it was beautiful. We attended the Junior High School end of year party at the Kellers and enjoyed visiting with everyone. Today we are going to try and put up the portable screen porch and do some last minute painting before Owen arrived in about 10 days (it will take us that long to actually do anything!) Mulligan has been playing with Minnie, the small dog staying next door. They get along fine unless Mulligan decides to be in charge - it's only happened once. We'll be updating again soon...stay tuned!

8th Grade and the Riverkeepers

Yesterday we volunteered at the middle school and accompanied the 8th graders to the Penobscot River and spent a day with the Riverkeepers. They teach people how to take care of the river, how it has been cleaned up over the past 40 years and they teach you how to paddle a canoe! The day was beautiful and a good time was had by us and I am sure by everyone else. Bonny assisted with cooking all the burgers and hotdogs - no gourmet here! It was topped off with a great canoe ride around one of the Penobscot Indian Islands which no one is authorized to stop or step on. The river was clean and beautiful - who could ask for more!

Putting the Sail Boat together!

2 days ago we got up and decided to finish putting the sail boat together. The mast had to be erected, the sails attached and all the lines connected. Well, 6 hours later, lots of stopping, looking, going on the internet and discussion, everything is on the boat. Is it in the right place? We are not sure and don't really care because we took it out for a sail and it performed admirably! We even got almost back to the dock with minimal rowing! Yea!

Peter's Graduation Party!

We traveled to Winthrop and attended Peter's graduation party. It is that time of year - so many young people are leaving high school and forging their way into the wide world - or not! We went to Judy and Eugene's and had a great time. The weather turned and we started the day out at 50 degrees with fleece on and then it was about 80 with a good bit of humidity! Scott and Cathy took us out on the boat - twice - it was great. The night time ride was beautiful. Mulligan was also invited and got along very well with Molly. They had their moments but no one fell out of the boat - thats the important part! We are heading home today, Sunday, to do more stuff!

Rain, rain, rain!

It is raining as I write. It stormed, rained and hailed yesterday. It rained all night. We are considering building an ark. A few things have gotten better however. We painted the bathroom and the back porch. The sail boat is in the water without its mast and sail - that should make for a great laugh watching us erect the mast and hook up the sail! The water level is about normal and the water is very clear.
We are going to Bangor for the day to run some errands and watch a movie. Nothing else is possible with all the rain. It is going to get better tomorrow.....

Memorial Day 2008

We have spent the holidays this year in Winthrop, ME with family. Bob/Ken marched in the Winthrop Memorial Day Parade and fired the rifle. This is his 3rd year to participate. The weather was awesome and there were lots of Maine family members present. Tabby, Adam and the girls came in to visit the Foyts. We got to see Jean and family, Judy and family, Cathy and Scott, Ethan, Julie and the children and we stayed with Iris and Desmond. Thanks to all of you for a great time. Emily and Kim visited as well and Emily spent much time fishing off the Foyt dock. Mulligan had a great time and did not get along with any of the dogs - surprise!