gulf shores

Elise called yesterday to say that she and James and close friends Dusty and Amy will be spending the holiday weekend in Gulf Shores Alabama. Sure hope that hurricane Gustav doesn't foul their plans. The poor folks in New Orleans are keeping a watchful eye as well, on the 3rd. anniversary of Katrina. There is still so much work to be done there to rebuild. On a lighter note, congrats to Aaron Marks from Fondy who graduated with Eva in 2006. He is the new drum major for the U of Minnesota Marching Band. Paul was talking to his Dad Mike about going to see the first game. With the Republican Convention going on, Mike said he thought he'd probably have to sleep in the car:)

Luau today

Today at work we're having a luau. Everyone will wear grass skirts and we've decorated the group home with palm trees and exotic plants. Should be a fun evening. I'm making punch and serving pineapple chicken. It reminded me of Elle's 7th. birthday party, which was a "Gilligan's Island" theme. We had a great time. The professor, Russell Johnson, who lives in Washington (Bainbridge Island) sent Elle an island charm and an autographed photo. Fun times.

this and that

Today we celebrate our 26th. anniversary. We went to our favorite seafood restaurant, Salty's. It is a beautiful day today, as it was on our wedding day. It was 65 degrees and dry with big white puffy clouds. In other news, Eva is officially a junior, having started school this week. She will be majoring in vocal performance and jazz studies. Elle has been busy with marching band camp for 2 weeks, ending in a pizza party for the music parents, and a performance for same. She is very tired, and very tan:) I plan to get in the pool today to do a little cleaning before it gets too cool, and at 3, I'm taking the new car in to the dealer for the first oil change. Hard to believe it has over 4000 miles already. Jeff called Mom the other day to say he had dinner with Obama in Eau Claire. Mickey's job is surely exciting for them lately, with the election being so close. For those who aren't aware, Mick heads up the Wisconsin Commerce Division of Investment and Export. She and Jeff are always on the go. I took the photo last week in the Botanical Gardens in Green Bay. Thought the little bee was darling!

Relaxing weekend

Just back from a relaxing weekend in Manitowoc with friends from high school. We stayed up until 2AM just visiting, after a nice meal at an outdoor sports pub. It's amazing how although we only see each other once every few years, it seems like just yesterday. Really good friends:) It's equally amazing that although we're all in different professions, we all see a huge increase in the number of autistic children we work with. Maybe someday we will fully understand this spectrum. Also want to say 'hi' to friends Clyde and Donna, who will be going to see the Pack next Thursday at Lambeau. Wish I could join them. Paul and I went to a Monday night game during a winning season, and they posted an 8th. win. That was in November. Such fun. Also a 'shout out' here to Mary Beth, who's on board in cyberspace with us. She 's just back from a lovely vacation in Hawaii with her husband and 2 kids. They are such a nice family. To the girls from Roncalli, I'd welcome any photos from the weekend. Let's enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

two nice photos of McTav 1997 and 1995 (some water damage)

Robin and family

Claire's wedding

Here's a photo from Claire's wedding in Horicon. There are more to come. Robin is busy today getting resumes out and looking for an apartment. Lots to do. We're hoping to visit the folks in Manitowoc tomorrow.

Thanks to Robin...

Thanks to Robin for a look into the past...Easter 1977. What some fashion plates:) Should have kept the clothes!

Welcome Robin

Today we welcome one of many house guests this fall. Robin left Overland Park Kansas this morning, and should be here by 8 PM. If she's up to it, we might go to the concert in the park. The Kids from Wisconsin are featured. Her daughter is getting married this weekend in Horicon, and her son is visiting from Madison. Also want to wish a 'happy birthday' to Mary Jo today, who celebrates down in Kennesaw Georgia:)

still grieving

We've been 'off' today with the death of McTavish. I know a lot of our cyber family have experienced this. It's never easy losing a pet/friend. I feel some relief that he is not in pain anymore. We loved him very much. Per Elle, "he was my brother since I was 2 years old. I learned all of the body parts on him. Funny...I poked his 'eyes' and his 'ears' and even his 'teeth' and he just stood there and took everything in stride." The neighbor kids would bring new kittens and bunnies to meet him, and he behaved just the same. A real gem. We'll miss him.

sad day

Today we say good-bye to our McTavish, who was a great companion...and THE greatest dog for 13 years. He died peacefully in the backyard this morning. He will be cremated and returned to us later this month. First photo is from McTav's last camping trip, and the second is of Drumstick saying good-bye:(

long walk

Today Paul and I got an early start on a 7 mile hike through the Eldorado Marsh. He and Eva have a wedding today at noon, and I've volunteered to work for someone from 3-11 PM. Elle volunteered to make supper tonight...a broccoli and cheese soup. Tomorrow we're going up to Green Bay to tour the Botanical Gardens, and then we're off to the Packer Hall of Fame and dinner at Oneida. A little down time just to relax is always nice:)

Happy for Rick

Rick purchased and rebuilt a 1979 Chrysler Cordoba. It is black with lots of chrome, and is in great condition. He came by today to give everyone a ride. Paul thought it was a very cool car. Afterward, we had garden produce for supper...corn, tomatoes and spinach. We also had the last of Elle's birthday wieners from Eden meat market. They were delicious. A shout out tonight to foster sister and friend, Robin, who is on her way to Wisconsin (from Oklahoma) to relocate. She's coming up for her daughter's wedding in Horicon and staying here with us. Eva's friend Jill is also staying here. She's a nursing student at Marian and lives in Waupun, so it's easier for her to stay here. In September, she and Eva and another nursing student will be renting from us. They are looking forward to the independence. I think we'll be lonely when they're gone:) Photo includes the lovable Drumstick.

Aliyah and Astrid

Aliyah is visiting today for a little swimming. Photo includes Astrid in the background. She's the kitty we adopted a few years back from Stan's farm. She was very tiny, about 4 weeks old, and it didn't appear mom was anywhere around. One of the men siding the farmhouse found her. She cried and cried for someone to pick her up. It was as if she was begging us to take her:) She has the most beautiful coat, almost mink-like. Tonight friends Donna and Clyde, and Sue and Irv will be stopping over around 7 for a visit, and later we're heading over to Jukebox Charlie's to listen to Paul's band. It should be a great time...they're a lot of fun!

Eva's update

For the folks who haven't heard, Eva had a 'freak' accident last week. She was run over by a moped. I know it sounds odd, but she has the WORST case of road rash across her legs, and upper body, as she fell and flipped over as the moped drove over her. Rick was driving and it was totally an accident. He felt so badly. He was getting off and somehow hit the throttle and ran into Eva who was in the road ahead of him. She also got a pretty nasty bump to the back of the head. She hasn't been able to do much because of the injuries and the pain. We have some photos but I'm afraid they are too graphic for most of the family:) Keep her in your prayers.

Elise and friends in Nashville

Thanks to Elise for the cute photo from Memorial Day that she spent boating with friends. Today is a leisurely day-off for me, so I'm taking it easy. Elle has marching band camp all day, and Eva still can't walk very well due to her injury, so I'm taking Henry for a walk on the Goose Trail. He likes the birds:)

Day at the park...

It was great weather today at High Cliff. We hiked and climbed the tower for photos. Elise heads back today, and I will be going to work tonight (covering for someone who wanted off, not my usual day.) Back to the normal routine tomorrow.

Elle's party a success:)

Busy day today. Elle's party this afternoon was a lot of fun. This morning a neighbor and I attended a wedding shower in Lomira. It was a lovely party all around...beautiful weather, good food and a lot of friendly people. Tomorrow we plan to go out to eat after mass, and then hike in High Cliff State Park. Paul will take Elise to MKE in the late afternoon. We've had a nice week with her.

Thanks to Krissy...

A special 'thank you' goes out to Krissy for sharing her photos from the afternoon at the air show. John Travolta is there tonight, and it's rumored that he likes to come to Fondy for Jazz. We'll see. Paul and the girls are at a show tonight.

Happy Birthday to Jo Jo

Jeannine hosted a lovely party for JoJo on her 44th. birthday. Jeff joined us from Madison, and we had a great time. Koko made her signature jambalaya dish which was delicious as usual, and Jo brought chocolate raspberry bars and key lime pie:) We said good-bye to Mary Jo as she headed back to Atlanta. Thanks to Paul for taking her to the airport. Eva, Rick, Elle, Elise and I headed up to the EAA to see the airshow, and Paul joined everyone later for the Jeff Dunham show. Harrison Ford was the keynote speaker at a nearby theater so that was very exciting! He actually drove right past the group in a golf cart. John Travolta flew in today, so we may head back to catch a glimpse of him. His jet is SO cool. It's a Quantas jumbo jet. I'll include a photo.