A more quiet weekend

This past week was spent with more time at work and thinking about work than the previous 'summer weeks'. Tried to begin painting Terry's porch - one look at my Facebook page tells you how LOOOOOOONNNNGGG this has taken me! That picture was LAST summer! Paint didn't look right - and now I know why - cuz it was a STAIN, not paint. Live and Learn.

The big summer auction was this weekend. I just love going and watching people and see the frenzy of bidding that can occur! I did come away with a leaded glass lamp for about $2.00. One of the Covairs (a car) went for just under $3,000. Amazing. This is the first time I have stayed that long. Next time, (FALL, I think) I'm going to go the day before to check it all out - I hear that's what the experts do.

Rain so needed and a trip to the vet to boot!

Wow, what a difference a few days can make. We were sadly lacking with water via mother nature but not so any longer. I've been putting off watering the front lawn and now - after a really nice soaking today, I think things will be 'green-ing' up all around. Just in time for a little more heat this weekend.

For my dog loving friends and family, it was wellness check up date for Sunny and Lucas today. I think I have always taken them in separately, so I experienced some 'sticker' shock when the receptionist said "that will be $356.00, please"! Yikes. Good thing I love those puppies!

Sunny, of course, came out of the room happy and bouncy - 'perfect' was the vet's only comment.

Lucas, sweet Lucas.... vet said shots were given, blood work was taken and samples were tested. However, vet suggested Lucas be given a Valium for his next wellness check up?!! My poor vet - and his tech - couldn't get Lucas on the table, couldn't check his ears or his belly - but they could check his paws and his teeth! Go figure. Vet said Lucas seemed more calm with the female technician, but "for his own comfort some type of sedation would be good". Ok, doc. Got the message.

Just look at this boy:



How sweet:

Anchor Day of 2010

As my sister would say, "it really doesn't get any better than this"! Lots of family around again this weekend, but all so worth it. Youngest niece, Mary, was here for her one lone Empire weekend for the summer. So, the whole family was in force, again. Golfing in the morning for (as my mom referred to them) 'the boys'. Dad is no longer playing golf - but loves hearing the stories upon 'the boys' return. Now, its up to Rusty, Mike and Terry with Patrick (my nephew) joining the ranks! They really do have so much fun.

We beached it again, but also had the parade to schedule around. The young boys, Mary and I traversed to the beach to 'stake our claim' around 10:30 am (yes, morning!!!!). Patrick joined us for a while after golf. Sandi rounded us up around 12:30 for the parade at 1:00 -ish. Picture above is my dad waiting for the parade.





We had a record number of "politicos" - but I did not see Verg, Rick or Mike - can't imagine what kept them away?

Then, back to the beach til about 4:00 when we all just (well, the over 50 crowd) collapsed in a heap of yawning. Sandi made Mary's favorite and then those with their eyes still open had S'mores! Below is picture of the great nephews and Mary - no sunset, but their smiles offer up plenty of light!

2010 Summer 1st Major summer visit!

OMG! Catherine (1st born niece) came to visit this past weekend (July 10 - 14). I am attaching pictures that speak far better than me what a wonderful weekend we had. Cathy brought "her man", Brimm with her. Equally delightful was Brimm's son, Solo! Solo and great nephew Jack and Joel were the best of buddies. I must admit I find it hard to swallow how easily replaced I was as weekend playmate - but certainly understandable!

Brimm was the organizer for the Sand Castle City! But you will see he is also a juggler!

Cathy, Brimm, my brother Terry and his wife, Sandi and Brimm went on the Pierce Stocking drive with sister, Trish, the best Sleeping Bear 'cruise director' there is. Trish took the shot of the Grand Rapids Bacons and Texas Walkers!

No worries, though, we also hung out in the backyard playing (Well, the under 40 group played) soccer while the rest of of us watched. Cathy is goalie in one of these shots. Final shots are of Cathy with "Grandpa Bacon" (my dad). So sweet! And, Solo viewing Lake Michigan.

All in all, great weekend - can't wait for niece Mary to come next weekend!

Far to Long

It has been far too long since I posted on this site. Empire STILL calls me in so many ways - the beach, the sun, the backyard, my friend Bill's orchard. I am fortunate to have found my place - but I know I am still seeking balance - work, play, commute time, intellectual stimuli - I still struggle with that.