quiet day

Today Elle prepared a menu for her "breakfast with friends" which will be held here tomorrow morning at 11 AM, sort of a last hurrah before school begins. She's preparing french toast and sausages. Also on the menu: fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice. Should be fun. Henry was especially good this weekend with my respite client, so we treated him to some tuna, which he loves. P.S. Heads up to the Manitowoc family...baby shower invites are on the way:)

all sorts of fun events

We've had quite a few nice events this week, and took some vacation time to enjoy them all. We celebrated our 27th. anniversary on the 27th., and had a great meal, some time with good friends, and a long walk followed by a bonfire. Tonight we celebrated 35 years of Ray Wifler leading the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, with a buffet and 'roast' in his honor. The speakers were very funny, and the food was terrific. Elle and her friends are hanging out tonight with homemade carrot cake muffins. They were also at the 'roast' but needed some teenage time afterward, since they had to behave at the event:) Thanks much to co-workers who worked for me so I could have some time off. How blessed I am! Photos tonight are a mix from recent events...Elle and friend Catherine jamming with Michael Jackson tunes, and Eva and Rick ghost hunting at Rienzi. Also, I've learned finally how to upload my cell phone photos. Hopefully I can get them up here soon. Love to all in cyberland!

symphonic season ends

Tonight family friends Naiza and Paul will sing selections from the Merry Widow, and this will mark the end of the season. Elle had to file all of her music, and is thrilled about getting a stipend for every booking she did for the band this summer. What a great summer job for a high school girl! Also want to say 'thanks' tonight to co-worker and friend Patti, for sharing her garden produce, which included some delectable chocolate cherry tomatoes.

Happy Birthday to Donna

We had a nice celebration for Donna's birthday, and plenty of good food all around. Donna brought her wonderful deviled eggs, which Paul loves, and we had 2 nice pork tenderloins. Photo is before the party, with Elle sampling!

excellent day

Elle's band camp came to a close, and I had an excellent day with my autistic client. He enjoyed lots of activities, and helped with dinner. It was very nice. I felt we had a small victory. On other fronts, tonight Eva is catching up with Naiza and Alex before everyone returns to college. Eva, Naiza, Tina and Alex were always close friends. It's so nice for them, and I'm sure they'll be friends for years...that's the best kind:) Today's pic is our Henry enjoying a cold pasta salad. He was quite polite and said "thank you" when I had it ready.

band kids perform tonight for their families

Tonight is the annual band camp dinner at the Fondy Commons. It's a chance to see the kids perform and 'show off' what they've been working on the last 2 weeks, and feast on pizza and other goodies afterward. It's always nice to see the music families:) Also, I'd like to congratulate Stan on being an honored member of a farm family who've been farming for 160+ years. Recently, he and several other family members were guests at the Wisconsin State Fair breakfast with Governor Doyle. What a wonderful picture, and a terrific honor!

Patti's GREAT

Thanks tonight to co-worker Patti who really helped prevent a potential problem at work. I love the girls I work with...they are so capable. Also, I feel so much a part of the texting generation now that I feel comfortable sending texts, pics and computer stuff. Holy Cow, I realize that friend Stan has known this for a while, and he's in his 80's. Good for him. Bad for me:0

baby planning and miscellaneous

Paul and I, James and Elise have worked out the trip itinerary to coordinate with James' schedule for the Australian Association of Men Barbershop Singers 10th National Convention in Hobart Tasmania next month. Elise will be coming here for 2 weeks, unable to fly that far into her 7th month. We will be dog sitting Jacques also, and it should really be fun. McTavish is gone from us now for 1 year:( We're also planning the baby shower, and have a few dates in mind for late September. Next weekend we're having our annual wine tasting picnic with friends, and this year we will be hosting:) Lots to look forward to!

parties abound

Last night we had a great time here on Maple with the group home employees. We ordered pizzas and listened to jazz music until Elle came home and played her jazz sax for the group. Jason's 35th. birthday also was a celebration, as Aunty NeeNee had a meal. Friend Mary Jo from Atlanta hasn't been in contact yet, but we're wishing her a happy 50th. She's got the greatest neighbors, some we've met when the Olympics were in Atlanta, and I know she's having a good time. Friend Kate visited today, and we enjoyed some games, swimming and popcorn. It's always nice to see her. Her folks are heading home to see the Packers tonight. Paul is also watching:)

Happy Birthday(s)

This week we celebrate with Mary Jo in Atlanta as she turns 50, and nephew Jason as he turns 35!

busy day...back to normal

Today we met with a plumber who will be redoing a bathroom at one of the rentals, and hauled several loads of dirt to low spots here at our house. Ever since the flood, we have what looks like mini 'sinkholes' all over the yard. To quote Gilda Radner, "it's always something." Later we're having chicken on the grill and walking Steven. Elle is proud of herself today, going back and forth to band camp with the new car. She's even picking up other 'band geeks' on the way. What fun to have a license:)

Cute Baby Kylee

My co-worker's little babe is featured here. She is the nicest girl; a darling little breastfed baby.

Back from Chicago

Wow. I've been to hundreds of concerts in all sorts of venues, but Jimmy's concert in Chicago was most amazing. There were 28,000 people in Toyota Park and 5,000 more on the grounds. Joe Perry from Aerosmith played with the band for 1 song, and he was great. Paul and I stayed near O'Hare, and it was an easy 40 minute drive down to Bridgeview. Hopefully I can get some photos uploaded soon.

Congrats to nieces we love very much!

Paul and I would like to say congratulations tonight to 2 of our nieces, Kylie and Kristen, who have announced their engagements. We are very happy for both of them, and wish them all the best:)

Cool photoshop

I know everyone out there in cyberland can photoshop, but Eva's always had a special knack for it. Here's a neat Evashop, as we call it :)

Aliyah

Here's a recent photo of Aliyah, who'll start the 4th. grade next month. It's hard to believe she was only 1 pound and 13 ounces at birth:)

Relaxing a bit

The EAA has come to a close, and everyone really enjoyed it. The attendance was well up this year from the past. Today is just a short day at work, and then Tuesday is a day off. Time to get caught up with smaller projects around the house...ie. cleaning the basement, moving bird cages and the like. Can't wait for the weekend, when Paul and I head for Chicago to enjoy Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers:)