The Joy of Six...

Roads Less Traveled

Growing up as a kid my family use to take yearly vacations to Wisconsin, staying in cottages on several different lakes in a couple of different towns.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins on my dad's side of the family....all traveled to be together for a few weeks every summer.  One year the adults in the family finally decided to purchase one of those cottages on a lake that we frequented over the years.  Those were such fun times with so many of us together for weeks on end...eating great meals (I think I can safely point my finger at all those delicious meals being the catalyst for my weight wars), swimming all day long until we were brown as berries, going to town to shop around and sometimes attending the outside movie in the middle of town, picking berries for Grandma's preserves, and just generally wallowing in the sun and fresh air as much as we possibly could.  No pressure...no agenda....just as I liked it.  We made SO many memories...times I still think of with great fondness.

I was one of those kids who tolerated the drive there...at least along the busy highways and interstates that became our routine route.  But once we were in the more rural areas of Wisconsin with farms, fields filled with horses and cows, and beautiful winding tree-lined roads all around us....I was in heaven.  I loved looking out the window at all that beauty around me.  It was such a peaceful and comforting feeling driving under those tall trees with their bending branches arched over us.  It gave me the 'warm and fuzzies' all over.  I guess I've always had 'a thing' for beautiful trees. 

Even better was to walk down some of those country lanes and roads where you could really take in all that those trees, wildflowers...and wildlife had to offer.  I can't remember the last time I've actually walked down a country road....it's been way too long.  Maybe I wouldn't be able to walk very far these days, but I know how much I still appreciate the nostalgia of it all.

Though I have traveled on many different and interesting roads since those days...country roads will always have a special place in my heart. 

The Strangest and Most Beautiful Roads in the World (Click on pic to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope things are going well for you all as you prepare for the holidays.  Next project for me...wrapping presents.  Enjoy this special time everyone....  ~Joy  xo 

Airplanes and Pain Pills and Babes...Oh My!

As our plane sat on the runway for quite some time ready to take off for San Francisco, the pilot announced over the speaker ever so calmly, "We're having a little problem starting our right engine, so our mechanical team will be coming out to see if they can figure out what's wrong.  If you'll just stay in your seats, I'll let you know what's happening as soon as I have any information."

This was hardly what I wanted to hear....and I thought it was probably an omen of more frustration to come.  I had a four hour flight ahead of me and didn't want to spend anymore time squeezed in like sardines than absolutely necessary...lines were forming at the washrooms, which I was seated close to.  It was a full flight, and some of the passengers could be heard grumbling already. 

Considering how much I dislike the whole 'airport' experience and the possibilities of what could go wrong to delay your flight, I've been very lucky most of the times I've flown somewhere.  Outside of the time about four years ago when Jenna and I were going to Julie's in Short Hills, NJ for Christmas and encountered all kinds of delays...a gate change or two, and some mechanical problems, this was the only other time I can say my feelings were justified; but this was also the first time I've flown alone in a long time.  I opened my puzzle book to keep busy and hoped it wouldn't be much longer.

After about half an hour the Captain informed us that the repair crew was not able to get the engine started and we would be going back to the gate for further evaluation of the problem.  Oh yippie-skippy!  People were rounding up their belongings to leave the plane and find other ways of getting to their destination; but the Captain advised everyone to try to be patient and stay on the plane for further updates.  He said those leaving would not be able to get back on the plane and their checked-in baggage would go on to the original destination....with or without them. (Hardly what some very irritated and anxious passengers wanted to hear.)

After quite a while of sitting back at the gate while the crew looked things over, we were informed that the engine needed a new valve and that if that valve was in stock, we would be back in business within half an hour or so.  IF?  You mean there was a possibility that the valve WASN'T in stock?  I thought, 'Why in the world would they ever let that happen?'  We were in limbo waiting to hear the next update. 

Knowing there was the frustrating possibility that we all would have to find and book other flights, the passengers started commiserating with each other.  I think a few of them had mutiny on their minds.  I prayed they had that valve in stock....for Godsake, this was becoming my worst nightmare.

After another little wait the Captain announced that the valve was available and being installed and that we would probably be on our way within half an hour.  After some cheering and short applause in the cabin, we all settled back and busied ourselves.  As I sat doing some puzzles, I couldn't help but think about that broken little valve.  It sounded like such a minor problem, but it kept us all from going anywhere.  I secretly prayed that the new one was up to the task.  Oh Good Grief.

Long story short (shorter), they ran out of food to purchase by the time they got back to us 'common folk' in sections 3 and 4; so we all hungrily scarfed-down our little bag of pretzels and a drink...and were thankful for it.  Ran out of food?  I guess it pays to be in sections 1 and 2, let alone First Class; where I've heard you're treated like royalty.

Two hours late...and six hours total on that flight; we landed in sunny San Francisco. Me and my puffy ankles and feet...and achy body...made our way down to the baggage area to find whoever was waiting for me there.  It was Julie.  She had come in earlier on another flight from New Jersey.  I was never so happy to see someone in my life.  Suffice to say, any pain pills I took with me on this trip would become part of my daily routine while I was there.  The whole time I just kept thinking about the 'pot of gold' at the end of it all.  Jesse, Jory and little Liv were waiting for me in the car as we walked out of the airport.  Somehow it made everything all right again.

I won't go into every detail about my visit and every wonderful minute with little Liv; but just know it was all that I had anticipated...and more.  That child was too adorable for words.   I held her so much that I actually irritated a muscle/nerve in my neck from cuddling and looking down at her so often. It hurt like Hades, but I just kept my pain medicine handy...there was NO WAY I was giving that baby up.  Both Julie and I inhaled our time with baby Liv whenever we could...and mom and dad were happy to indulge us.

 

I had some great talks with Liv...and she paid very close attention to what I was saying...whether it made sense or not.  She also loved my singing and even smiled through some of it.  Had anyone else heard some of the nonsensical things I sang to her, they may have thought I needed a long rest; but Liv seemed to love it all.  She was VERY open-minded.

This was the first time Julie and I saw Jory and Jesse's new house in Oakland; just outside of San Fran....and we just loved it.  Big and roomy and beautiful...it was in walking distance to EVERYTHING; which made it perfect in Julie's eyes.  I could see that Jory and Jesse loved being there and having so much more room than they previously had...a perfect place for a new baby.

Jesse cooked a lot while we were there....great healthy meals.  The kitchen is his domain....he just loves it.  He takes great care of Jory and Liv; and while we were there, he took great care of us too.  I knew he was going to be a wonderful dad, but seeing him in action with the baby warmed my heart so much.  He is head-over-heals about his little girl....both of his girls, and he shows it. 

Watching Jory with her sweet baby was so touching for me.  I stared at them a lot remembering her back then and how I felt.  At times it was almost too much for me...and found myself getting a little teary.  She's just wonderful with Liv.  This baby will have no shortage of love coming her way that's for sure.

Besides fawning all over Liv, we managed to do a lot of things in the week or so I was there.  We stopped in at the BlogHer Food Conference  that was being held in San Fran. the day after I got there so all the ladies on the staff could see and meet Liv....and oh, how wonderful that was.  She slept through the whole visit as they all took turns holding her.  It was so touching for me to see Denise, TW, Lori, Elisa, and the other ladies enjoying their time with Liv.  They are quite a warm and wonderful group of ladies who make all the BlogHer conferences run like well-oiled machines.  I've always been so proud of Lisa, Jory and Elisa for starting this company...and all the terrific ladies (and men) that have helped make it what it is today.

From there we stopped by some friends of Jesse and Jory's to watch the Blue Angels air show from the rooftop of their apartment building, where they had food and drinks laid out in a very cozy setting.  That was quite something to see...and hear.  It was a perfect day to watch them fly...gorgeous clear sky.  There were three babies in the bunch, including Liv, and I wasn't sure how they would take the noise of the jets; but it didn't bother any of them.  As a matter of fact, Liv slept through the whole thing.

One of the days we went back into San Fran. to go see Jory's old apartment and neighborhood that she lived in several years ago.  We stopped and had something to drink at one of the local places that she use to go to.  There was a very nice ambiance about the whole area that I liked.  One night we walked over for frozen yogurt at a place down the street from her house. We had lunch at a terrific Mexican place one day; and took a drive through the beautiful neighboring area around their house on another.  I love where they live...it really suits them.

The week really went by quickly, and before I knew it....it was time to go home.  While I was there Liv turned one month old.  When she went to the doctor for her check-up she had gained not quite 2 lbs. and grew a couple of inches.  The doctor said she was beautiful and doing great...just what new parents want to hear.

In the back of my mind I had some angst about flying back home and if I'd run into more travel problems; but I didn't entertain those thoughts for long while I was there....I was enjoying myself too much and absorbing every minute I had with my family...and sweet Liv.

I'm happy to say that the flight home was very uneventful...just the way I like them.  And although I didn't buy any, they actually had food left by the time they got back to my section.  But my mind was on other things...little soft wiggly things that love to listen to Grandma's nonsensical songs.    

 

California...here I come

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for the airport.  Bags packed, almost all of my 'to do' list checked off, and stress level under control...oh optimistic me.  I can only hope everything runs smoothly at the airport and for the entire trip. 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I know it I'll be looking at sweet baby Liv's face in person, not just in photos; and I'll have some great quality time with Jory, Jesse and Julie.  We'll all be back together at my place for Xmas; but it will be a whole lot more hectic with ALL of the troops in, albeit lots of fun.

I won't be posting anything until I return home in a week or so; and I probably won't be able to do much visiting at your sites either....although I may get a chance here and there.  Jory tells me I DO have computers available to me if I want.  She knows me so well. (Maybe when the babe's asleep.)

I'll miss you all.  Stay healthy and happy until I see you again.  Love and hugs, Joy  

Click those ruby slippered heels Dorothy...if only I could...

So after my latest fiasco with my Toyota Prius, and repairing all the damages beset upon her, I thought I'd have nothing better to do than plan my trip to the sunny shores of CA to see my new granddaughter Liv, and her mommy and daddy.  This whole mess with my car had upset me more than I expected.  I guess it must have been pretty obvious in my posts just how upset I was.  One of my good blogging buddies, Tee over at Poohpa , even offered to become my personal 'hit man' should anyone else attempt to abuse my little car again.  Hey, don't think it didn't cross my mind to take him up on his offer; but the angel on my shoulder won out and I decided to move on and put it all behind me.  But thank you Tee...you are my hero.

So, here I come little Liv...I'll see you in a week.  Grandma's scratching off things on her 'to do' list as we speak.  And although I have to tolerate the whole 'airport and airplane' crap to get to my destination of hugging and kissing the little pink cheeks of that baby...I'll be there with bells on.  I'm not in love with flying and all that it entails...especially when I'm going alone.  Only my family can get me to tackle these uncomfortable issues.   I wish I could just magically be there...like Samantha on Bewitched...just a little wiggle of my nose and Voila.  But I'll bite the bullet because I'm so anxious to see everyone...and my daughter, Julie, will be meeting me at my gate on the other end when I land...that makes me feel better.  She's coming in from New Jersey a little earlier than me. 

Jory finally found a few minutes and wrote her first post about Liv since she was born.  It's not very long, but it touched me so much....take a look at it here.  There will be many more to come I'm sure....whenever she can squeeze them in.

 

I don't know what made me decide to look into it at this particular time; but I've just contracted for a company to install a new garage door for me.  It couldn't be the fact that the whole bottom of the door is rotting away...and has been for quite some time.  I figured it would be best to get this taken care of before the cold weather hits us...and God only knows how unpredictable that is here in the Midwest.  It could snow tomorrow.  Oh Lord, I hope no one heard that. 

Of course they ask you to make sure your garage is cleaned out before they install the new door...or at least the area they will need to work in.  Are you kidding?  Had I known that I would have extended my procrastination period much longer.  Yikes, what a pain...literally.  My body hated moving all those things around and sweeping that disgusting floor...and I still can do more.  I could almost see visions of parking my car in there for God sake...imagine that. 

Joe and I did a pretty good job; but it became painfully clear just how many things I need to get rid of.  Garage Sale?  Yeah, you'd think so; but here's where my procrastination kicks in big time.  Any other ideas? 

Joe tells me there are places that come to your house with a truck and will take anything and everything you want to get rid of.  There is a base fee, but then I think it depends on how much you fill up their truck.  I hate the thought of spending money to do what 'I' should be doing by way of a garage sale; but his idea is sounding better and better.  I've actually made a fairly lengthy list of things I know should be taken out of that garage....and it's not a complete list by any means.  No calls have been made, no appointment has been set; but I'm getting closer to the phone.  First things first...new garage door.  Besides, none of this is happening until I get back from my 'lovin' Liv' visit.

Take care everyone....and have a really....  

Home From the Holiday…and back at it….

Hi Everyone!  I’m back from my Christmas travels to my daughter Julie’s house….and what a wonderful time we had.  From the time Jory and Jesse picked Jenna and I up from the airport until Julie packed the kids in the car to take us back to the airport on Monday…..we truly had some great fun and family time together; a time I think we ALL needed and appreciated.  We didn’t do anything outrageous….just spent time together and relaxed.  We played games and watched movies….had some delicious food and talked, hugged and laughed a lot.  We had no agenda, and I really like that.  We kind of just flowed with each day as it came.

 

Jen and I babysat the night after we got in so that Julie and Chris, and Jory and Jesse could go out for a special dinner together.  It was kind of a Christmas present to each other.  They went into New York to a fancy restaurant and had a very nice evening...they even stopped at Rockefeller Center to see the big Christmas tree; while Jen and I had a great and cozy time with Bella and Bastian.  We ate dinner and watched the movie “Up”….which we all just loved.  Then we read stories at bedtime, tucked everyone in, and just chilled and waited for everyone to come home.  Bye the way, for anyone who hasn’t seen "Up"...it's an adorable movie, but I suggest you have some Kleenex nearby.  Jen and I were crying like babies several times.  Hey, who knew?  Turns out Julie and Jory were turned into ‘mush’ when they watched it too.  Must run in the family…..

 

Christmas Eve day was slotted for Aunt Jory’s traditional Gingerbread Cookie baking day with Bella; and this year Bastian wanted to be added to the mix (so to speak)….and what loyal and 'mostly' attentive helpers they were.   I have been witness to several of Jory’s Gingerbread cookie days with Bella in the past, and I am always amazed at how beautifully she handles everything….especially the kids.  This time was a joy to behold.  She explained everything in detail, let the kids smell and sample everything, and was patient and loving throughout the whole event.  And it WAS an event!  One that Bella looks forward to with great excitement and anticipation.  We all took pictures…even me with my new digital camera that Jenna got me for Xmas.  I could wait to see what shots everyone else got, but I wouldn’t be able to post them now; so here’s a few that I took. (I’m still learning how to use my new toy.) Click on photos to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas morning was fun….and busy, with Bella and Bastian in the center of everything and making out like bandits…again. Alternating from the presents under the tree and the ones left by Santa by the fireplace, Bella and Bastian didn't know where to look first.  Santa was very good to those two little ones.  I only hope the cookies HE ate from the plate left by the fireplace helped him get through that very long and busy night.  After ‘OOOing’ and ‘AHHing’ over all the gifts to everyone, we sat back to enjoy the day and have a wonderful dinner prepared by Julie, Chris, Jory and Jesse.  I didn’t do a thing except reap the rewards.  Delicious!!  Of course there were things to put together, games to play, little bodies to hug and faces to kiss; so I was kept quite busy.  Here’s a few more photos……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Considering there were several computers around….and in use most of the time; I’m amazed I didn’t touch a computer during my whole visit.  Well, okay....I did manage to sneak a peek on my very last day there when I finally decided to check out my e-mail and my blog site, plus a few others.  In the four+ years that I’ve been blogging, I don’t think I’ve EVER been away from a computer for that many days.  It felt weird….but strangely good too.  I knew things weren’t falling apart and piling up for me regarding work thanks to Denise, the Community Manager for BlogHer.  She had my back and always does.  Thank you Denise for some very relaxing and enjoyable family time.

 

All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas and great to be with my kids and truly enjoy each other.  We all missed Joe, who had to work at the Police Department over the holidays.  He always adds his own personal brand of humor to family get-togethers…he’s outrageous, but he sure knows how to make everyone laugh.  Jen and I celebrated with Joe when we got back and exchanged presents.  We even had his Xmas stocking hanging by the fireplace filled with goodies.  Joe is such a traditionalist when it comes to those kind of things…..he loved it.  Besides, he IS my baby boy.

 

So now…back to reality.  I’m okay with that….I need my dose of daily structure.  Here we are....looking at a New Year.  I’m going with one of my oldest friends to her daughter’s house for New Year’s Eve for a night of games, goodies and goofing around. (Oh my poor diet has gone out the window.  Hello New Year's resolution.)  This will be my last hurrah!  We’re having a good ‘ol sleepover.  What a hoot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope every one of you have a wonderful New Year…however you spend it.  May 2010 be very good to all of you and bless you with health, love and happiness.  Happy New Year dear friends and family…..  Joy ~xo

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus….

This will be my last post until after Christmas sometime.  Jenna and I are leaving for Julie’s early Tuesday morning and won’t be home until the following Monday night.  We are all very excited.  All of our presents arrived safely, have been placed under the tree for days; and have been under the watchful eyes of Bella and Bastian.  They are already guessing what’s in them.  We have a lot of things planned around the big day.  It’s become a tradition for Aunt Jory and Bella to bake gingerbread cookies, and once again I look forward to getting some good pictures of that, with Aunt Jenna possibly joining in the baking festivities with some things of her own. 

 

Bella asked me on the phone a couple of nights ago….”Grandma, will you teach me how to knit?”  Looks like we’ll be shopping for some knitting needles and yarn while I’m there and starting that little project. Now this is something I will personally love. Her mom wanted to learn to knit a few years ago….pre-Bella days….and I showed her; but she hasn’t exactly had the time to pursue it.

 

In that same phone conversation I was treated to a Xmas concert by Bella and Bastian….so cute….and very entertaining.  It was probably the longest…and best conversation I’ve had with BOTH of them on the phone EVER.  They each even read a story to me.  I think it became a competition after a while for Bastian.  If Bella was going to do it…..HE was going to do it.  And, of course if Grandma clapped and made a big deal of it…..all the better; plus it kept them up later when they should have already been in bed.  Smart kids.

 

Happy Holidays to all of you.  Stay safe, stay healthy, and be happy…….   Love and Blessings always….. ~Joy 

 

 

Santa Claus: The True Story

 

I remember my first Christmas party with Grandma.  I was just a kid.  I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: “There is no Santa Claus,” she jeered.  “Even dummies know that!”

 

My grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been.  I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me.  I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns.

 

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm.  Between bites, I told her everything.  She was ready for me.

 

“No Santa Claus!” she snorted.  “Ridiculous!  Don’t believe it.  That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad.  Now, put on your coat, and let’s go.”

 

“Go? Go where, Grandma?”  I asked.  I hadn’t even finished my second cinnamon bun.

 

“Where” turned out to be Kerby’s General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.

 

As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars.  That was a bundle in those days.  “Take this money and buy something for someone who needs it.  I’ll wait for you in the car.”  Then she turned and walked out of Kerby’s.

 

I was only eight years old.  I’d often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself.  The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.  For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

 

I thought of everybody I Knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.  I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobbie Decker.  He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock’s second grade class.

 

Bobbie Decker didn’t have a coat.  I knew that because he never went out for recess the winter.  His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobbie Decker didn’t have a cough, and he didn’t have a coat.  I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement.  I would buy Bobbie Decker a coat.

 

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it.  It looked real warm, and he would like that.

 

“Is this a Christmas present for someone?” the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

 

“Yes,” I replied shyly.  “It’s…for Bobbie.”

 

The nice lady smiled at me.  I didn’t get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

 

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons, and write, “To Bobbie, From Santa Claus” on it.  Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy.  Then she drove me over to Bobbie Decker’s house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa’s helpers.

 

Grandma parked down the street from Bobbie’s house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.  Then Grandma gave me a nudge.  “All right, Santa Claus,” she whispered, “get going.”

 

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.  Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.  Finally it did, and there stood Bobbie.

 

Forty years haven’t dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobbie Decker’s bushes.  That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous.  Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.  

 

This story is not about me...as some of you have already thought.  I'm sorry I didn't make that clear.  I just wanted to pass it on to you for the holidays.  ~Joy 

 

 

Happy

   

Holidays

Alaskan Cruise Update

 

Well, SOMEONE'S having fun.....