Monday, December 18, 2006

A Poigant Moment

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. ~~~ Mary Frye

To all whom I have loved that have passed on ... I remember.

A Quote to Remember

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."
~Marianne Williamson

Book Club Update

Our new picks for the sorority book club are "At First Sight" by Nicholas Sparks and "A is for Alibi" by Sue Grafton. I've been a fan of Kinsey Millhone aka Sue Grafton for more years than I want to count. I became hooked on her books when my husband George and I moved to Morton in 1992. On our first trip to the local public library I checked out "G is for Gumshoe" and became an instant groupie. I read all her books and am currently waiting for "T" to come out.

Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorites too. His books always tug at my heartstrings. I believe Mary Lou did very well in choosing these books.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Sorority Book Club

My sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, Perceptor Mu Tau, has chosen the book "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards. This book is fantastic! It hooked me from the beginning. It reads like a movie. I can't wait for our book review at our December meeting. This is one of those books I will never forget; it haunts me now...

Up and running!

After a short absence, I'm back and ready to blog! How do you like the new look? I think it's much easier to read. I love the layout and color scheme!

Monday, August 07, 2006

2peas Challenge: Goals



I took this information directly from a scrapbook page I did for my AAM album titled "25 Cool Things I Want to do in My Lifetime"

List 5 goals I've completed:

1. See Mount Rushmore. (Awesome! We went to South Dakota in the Spring)
2. Learn to paint. (I've tried, but I'm not very good)
3. Become a great photographer. (Again, I'm trying. I got a new camera, Sony H5, I hope it will help. If I could be as good as Lynette, I'd be satisfied.)
4. Read the entire Bible. (After I finish this version, The Message, I'm going to read the Contempory English Version.)
5. Attend CKU (Nashville 2004 & Masters Nashville 2005)

List 5 goals I'd like to complete in the next 10 years:

1. Experience Niagara Falls.
2. Visit the Supreme Court, maybe meet a justice or two.
3. Become a habitual 3-mile-a-day walker with no regard for weather conditions.
4. Be baptized in the River Jordan.
5. Own a fully restored 1968 black Ford Mustang. (George and I owned a 1968 turquoise Mustang.)

Monday, July 31, 2006

It's Monday...


2pea challenge-
What helps you get through a Monday?
Back to work and it's Monday.
I start with COFFEE. I usually roll through Innkeeper's and get a tall light roast with cream to go. It smells so good. I love their coffee!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Ah, Summer...

2Pea CHALLENGE: what makes summer special to you?

I like summer, though it isn't my favorite season. Summer is special because I enjoy working in the flower beds and mowing grass. I love the times family and friends get together for picnics and barbeques. My favorite is the 4th of July celebration my girfriend Jerri Anne throws at Lake Storey. What a blast! We spend the entire day at the park cooking out, water sliding, trying to win radio contests and just visiting.

Monday, June 05, 2006

Galesburg Train Depot


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Here we are at the train station. It's around 7:15 a.m. Jerri Anne was waiting for us - what a surprise! Christopher is leaving for New Jersey to work as a camp counselor with developmentaly disabled children. He's meeting Joanna in Chicago, then they'll fly out together.

Chicago Bound

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Godspeed, Christopher, Godspeed!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

South Dakota Roadtrip 2006 - Part 2





Here's the Crazy Horse monmument and it still isn't finished. I don't believe it will be finished in my lifetime. The entry fee to see the monument is expensive, $24.00 a vehicle, but surprisely it was worth it. The fee supports the monument. No federal money is involved with this national treasure. The Indians and the artist have refused to accept any federal funding. There is a video presentation before the viewing. It gives the story of the Sioux Nation and the tribute monument to their leader, Chief Crazy Horse. It tells how the artist was chosen and how he has since died. His widow and their seven children are carrying on his work carving the monument. Fascinating!


Next, we enjoyed a Buffalo Burger at Wall Drug. Again, I was surprised by how good it was. It did not taste "gamey", more like very lean ground beef. Now I can understand why the Indians enjoyed the buffalo, its very tasty! However, it is a little pricey - $6.00 for a burger and fries basket. Nothing fancy.

South Dakota Roadtrip 2006


Mount Rushmore - what an awesome sight. It literally brings tears to your eyes. We live in such a great country. We have our freedom because of men like these leaders and men and women who have given their lives for us. I'm feeling a little melancholy today. A Knox County soldier was brought home last night. He lost his life in Baghdad Iraq. His jeep was blown up. Spf. Caleb Lufkin's mother, Marcy Grosline, is a nurse at my doctor's office. (you know his mother, Patty. The two of you worked together at Cottage Hospital) Me, Mom and Jerri Anne waited for three hours for the motorcade bringing his body to Hinchcliff, Pearson and West Funeral Home last night. Thousands were lined up and down Fremont Street waiting to pay their respects to him and his family. The motorcade appeared around midnight...

The day we visited Mount Rushmore, it was overcast with threats of rain, but thankfully we got to see the monument before the rain began. Upon entry to Mount Rushmore there is a walkway known as Avenue of the States. Each state's flag and a plaque with the state's stats is represented.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

We're Back!

As some of you have noticed, I've havn't posted in some time. That's because I've been in South Dakota on vacation! I took my mom and her two sisters to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Deadwood. Mom loved it because it has a casino in the hotel. The scenery in this area of the country is gorgeous! I'll post pictures soon.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Wednesday 2pea Challenge


These questions were taken from the latest and greatest book by Cathy Z... have fun!

Complete these statements:

1. My current favorite song: "You're Beautiful" Love this song!
2. The last book I read: The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
3. What I'm wearing right now: My favorite outfit - jeans, white t-shirt, navy hoodie, sneakers (too cold for sandals!)
4. The last cd I bought: "Back to Bedlam" by James Blunt
5. The last gift I bought for someone: A pair of navy crop pants for my mom to travel in. I'm taking her and her sisters to the Badlands of South Dakota next week!

Thursday, April 20, 2006

My Perfect Day


Wednesday's 2pea Challenge:

Perfect Day - What is on the agenda of YOUR PERFECT DAY?

My perfect day would be attending another Creating Keepsakes University with 600 other women (& men) who get "it". I would have classes with all my favorite teachers (& new best friends!)like Tracy W., Faye M.B., Lisa B., Ali E., Cathy Z., Becky H., Rebecca S., Tim H., Emily A., Anna G. and Shelli Gardner from SU! woohoo!!!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Scrapbooking Withdrawal?


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I really need to scrapbook.  I'm becoming depressed, irritated and cranking and I know it's because I need that creative release scrapbooking gives me.  I haven't scrapbooked since March. I've been living vicariously through 2peas, reading the scrapbook message board, but I really need to sit down and "create".  I need to journal, play with paper, run with scissors...

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Wednesday 2 pea Challenge - Pick One

Another 2pea Challenge:
Pick one. and Elaborate if you so wish!

chocolate or vanilla? I love chocolate!
sandals or barefoot? Sandals - I hate stepping on stuff, like wet furballs...
basic grey or scenic route? Scenic Route - my favorite is Funky Chicken
primas or HS flowers? Primas - I can use lots of them
computer journaling or handwritten? - Prefer handwritten, but I do computer journaling too when I have a lot to say. It looks much neater.
Madonna or Gwen Stefani? Must I pick one? Best female rocker is Melissa Etheridge!
Leno or Conan? Both of these guys crack me up, but I love Jay-Walking
Koolaid or Crystal Lite? Crystal Lite raspberry tea - so refreshing
American Idol or Amazing Race? Amazing Race and it's on tonight @7:00!
catlover or doglover? Cats, Cats & more Cats!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Word Association

2pea challenge from BonnieRose:
I type a word.. you type the first thing that comes to your mind... this should be fun... ready? here we go...

1. Harry.... Potter
2. Black.... Walnuts
3. Delicious... Ice Cream
4. Funny... Face
5. Green... Beans
6. Ribbons... Bows
7. Internet... Shopping!
8. BBQ... Beans (again?)
9. People... Annoying...
10. Quirky... Charly Anne (my cat lives in another world!)

Friday, April 07, 2006

My Favorite Ice Cream


I love ice cream, I really do. And I can eat anytime of the year. I like just about any flavor, but I love Baskin-Robbins Peanut Butter 'n Chocolate. It has globs of peanut butter in chocolate ice cream. YUM!

Unfortunately, we don't have a Baskin-Robbins store in Galesburg anymore. I really miss Peanut Butter 'n Chocolate ice cream...

Friday, March 31, 2006

TGIF!

Woohoo! It's Friday in the burg! And I have no plans for this weekend - yeah for free time! I love it! Maybe I'll scrapbook...

Anyway, I went to a new scrapbook store in Davenport yesterday called "Scrapaganza" and it was fabulous. There are three partners in the store. I met one of them, Kelly, and she was just delightful. The store is well layed out, tons of patterned paper (sadly, no Scenic Route Paper Company, but they're going to look into it)and the largest selection I've seen for Christian layouts. I'm already anticipating my return trip with the girlfriends.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

A New Scrapbook Store!


I was on 2peas this morning and the blog challenge is:

How much do you normally spend in a scrapbooking store? Way too much!

How often do you normally shop in a store? Monthly

Or are you an online shopping? Nope, I like to see and touch the stuff!

Lucky me, I'm going to a new scrapbook store in Davenport Iowa called Scrapaganza. I'll post my review later.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


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I'm a Winner!

Saturday night we went to the American Legion to listen to one of my favorite local bands - Second Mortgage and the Sofa Kings. They have an awesome horn section! The event was a fundraiser for St. Mary's Living Center. The band was great! I love kicking back with a MGD and listening to 60's, 70's & 80's music. I actually know the words to the songs and can sing along! Oh! and I won a raffle prize. Abingdon Flower Shop donated a beautiful daisy bouquet in a grass-green basket. It looks good in my office. A touch of Spring!

Friday, March 10, 2006

The Friday Four Challenge

1. List the people from your past who you would like to reconnect with through Email.(if only you could find them...)

I would give just about anything to talk to my late husband, George Andrews. When we first married I thought to myself, what are we going to do when we run out of things to talk about? Well, we never did and I miss our conversations.

2. List the companies you wish you owned.

a) Starbucks (for obvious reasons!)
b) Archiver's (I can dream...)
c) Wal-Mart (I'm there all the time anyway)

3. List the things you do to defy aging.

a) I use Avon's Anew products. Love them!
b) I try to keep up my nephews & niece. It ain't easy!
c) I'm active. I belong to several social groups and I participate.

4. List what you do to snap out of a bad mood.

Retreat. I give myself time to think, meditate & rest.

Coffee Rules!


Image hosting by PhotobucketI love coffee!  I began drinking coffee as a teenager.  I've always loved the smell of coffee brewing (My parents used a perculator).  I remember the first time I tried Starbucks.  I was O'Hare Airport in Chicago.  My sister's plane was late.  Rats!  To pass the time, I wondered into the Starbucks and purchased a cup of Joe and a big cookie.  I  found a nice quiet spot (nearly unheard of at O'Hare) and sat back to enjoy my coffee and big cookie.  Heaven!  Over the years, I've been to Starbucks from coast-to-coast and not a one of them has disappointed me. 

Monday, March 06, 2006

Top 5 Locations/Places

It's blogger Monday and another 2peas challenge has been issued. I'm to list the top 5 locations/places I would love to live in the world today and why. Let me think, hmmm...

1. I know this is going to sound corny, but I love where I am right now. I love my hometown of Galesburg. My family and friends are here. My history is here. My work is here. My church is here. I am respected in my community.

2. Just for fun and if it was possible, I would like to live by the Grand Canyon. The majestic scenery just takes my breath away. It's truly God's country.

3. I visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina this past fall and was smitted. If I had tons of money I would love to live in Kill Devil Hills. And I found some awesome scrapbook stores in the area too!

4. My birthplace, San Diego, California. What a beautiful city. There is so much I want to see. I would love to visit the hospital I was born in, the naval hospital at Balboa Park. I want to walk on the beach as I did as kid. I want to see my old schools. I have family in California too.

5. Anywhere my brother and sister live. Currently, my brother lives in Metairie, Louisiana and my sister lives in St. Albans, West Virginia. I miss them.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Things That Have Only Happened to Me Once

It's been a while since I've posted, forgive me. Sometimes life gets in the way. Anyway, here's another 2peas challenge that I thought was interesting.

Things That Have Only Happened to Me Once:
1. I had my tonsils out when I was 10 years old.
2. I graduated from high school and college.
3. So far I've only married once!
4. I've only won the lottery once - don't get excited, it was only $600.00.
5. I've been baptized once.
6. I was fired from a job once. I went on vacation, came back to work and discovered I was replaced. For years I was afraid to take a vacation!
7. I started the gas weedeater once. I hate that damn thing!
8. I bought a brand-new Ford Contour in 1999. I'd never had a new car before.
9. I had teeth pulled at the dentist's office. Hopefully, that doesn't happen again.
10. I entered a scrapbook in the county fair and won!

Thursday, February 09, 2006

2 Peas Challenge - My Name Defined

Cindy Andrews -

C - Charly Cat! Everyone who knows me, knows my cat and how much she means to me.
I - I'm an Individual - When I first got married, I really balked at changing my last name. I was afraid about losing me...
N - Night person! I love to scrap and rubber stamp into the night.
D - Determined. When I make up my mind to do something, I'm determined. Succeed or fail, I'm determined to see it through.
Y - Yard work! I can't wait for Spring and yard work season to begin. The feeling usually fades around July. Then it's too darn hot for yard work!

A - Anxious. After I order something I anxiously await the UPS man to bring me more stuff from SU! or QVC. Some might call this stalking!
N - I'm a bit of a Nerd. I'll admit it now. A long time ago I used to "party". All night long! Don't get me wrong, I still party, but stamping and scrapping is involved! Usually all night long!
D - Discovery - I find myself traveling a lot to discover places I've never been. Last year I went to Nashville, Salt Lake City and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I just have this itch to discover and record everything I haven't seen. This Spring I'm going to the Badlands of South Dakota. Maybe the east coast in the Fall.
R - I love going to good Restaurants. When I travel I usually have a list of the good restaurants in the area with me. Sometimes they send me coupons!
E - I'm Easy going, easy to get along with. Most of the time, nothing bothers me.
W - Wishes - I'm a dreamer. I wish I could go here, I wish I could have that, I wish I had done that...
S - Sorority Sister. I never thought I would do this, but I joined a sorority and I've never looked back. They have given me so much support. I can't imagine life without my sisters.

Well this is me. Another 2 peas challenge that was fun and thought provoking.

Friday, February 03, 2006

My Charly Anne

Here's my darling kitty, Charly.  Yep, she's a shelter cat.  We adopted her in October 2004.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Shopping!

It's gorgeous today. The sun is shinning and I am going scrapbook shopping in Peoria! Life is good!

Monday, January 30, 2006

Local Scrapbook Store Closed

There's not much left of my local scrapbook store, It's Scrap'n Time. We had a major fire in downtown Galesburg on January 23, 2006. One of the historical buildings, O.T. Johnson's Department Store and a warehouse caught fire and destroyed many of the nearby businesses. A sad day indeed...I feel so bad for the owners, Steve & Tracy. They have put their hearts and souls into this store. As of yesterday, the fire was still smoldering. And to make this more interesting there is a young man missing. His name is Michael Olson and he's 22 years old. He was last seen early Monday morning. His parents went to the police Tuesday because he didn't show up for work. So far, the police have reconstructed some of his activities. He was playing pool at Billards on Main (old Walgreens store on Prairie and Main), then went to Papa Johns Pizza to use the restroom. Employees said he was drunk. He was last seen standing on the corner of Praire and Main, near O.T. Johnson's. Many think he may be at the bottom of the rubble. Police had K-9 searching, but were not able to make a through search because the site is so unstable and it's still hot. I'll update as I learn more details.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Big Fire in Galesburg

It's bright and sunny here in the 'burg. We lost one of our downtown historical building to fire this week. The tragedy began early Monday morning about 1:30 a.m. I heard the breaking news on the radio about 3:30 a.m. The building was the O.T. Johnson department store. It originated about 1850 when Galesburg had only dirt roads and plank boardwalks. The first store was a two-story narrow building. The building I was familiar with was built around 1900 with add-ons throughout the years. When I was a kid, my girldfriend, Diana Scott, worked in the restaurant at O.T.'s. Occasionally, I would meet her downtown when she took her break. We thought we were such "big shots" going out to lunch like the grownups!

Shopping was fantastic at O.T. Johnson's. They had a special section in the store for teens called "The Spot". They carried a lot of trendy items for the 1970's like leather fringe shoulder bags (yep, I had one) and big hoop earrings.

O.T.'s closed in the late 70's after the mall opened. It seemed the downtown area just "died". Many business moved to the mall or just shuttered their doors.

The firemen are still on the job extingushing hot spots and trying to figure out how this fire started. Was it arson? Prior to the fire, an antique store was located in the building. There was a fire in their adjacent warehouse a week ago. Nearly gutted the place. Did the firemen actually put out the fire or did some of it sit and smolder for nearly a week? Maybe we'll never know.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

In the Office...

I'm sitting here waiting on a client. I don't know if she has a case or not. Social Security says her claim was dismissed in November because she missed the deadline in appealing. Client says no she didn't miss the deadline and she has a letter she received from Social Security yesterday to prove it. I hope she's right. I met with her on one occasion and I believe she could be approved for benefits. I hope she's not late either. I have to leave for Peoria to do two cases this afternoon. They are back-to-back with two different judges. Not my favorite setting, but I'll do it.

Attorney Mike and I haven't been to the Office of Hearings and Appeals in quite awhile. I had to shake out my wool winter suit for the day. First time I've had it out this year. It doesn't look too bad, a little wrinkled, but that's okay. We're going to stop for lunch first, then head over to the hearing office to meet with our clients. Both of them should be approved today. After the hearing, we plan to do a little shopping at Sam's. It seems like it always rains when we go to Sam's Club and wouldn't you know, rain is predicted for this afternoon. Rats!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

The New Year 2006

The holidays are now history and this year was full of joy and tears. Lynette's sister, Patrice, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and is not expected to last long. She is presently admitted to Cook County Hospital. We're all praying for her to have a safe and peaceful journey. Lynette and her children were not able to be with us in Galesburg for Christmas. We pray our good Lord will wrap His arms around them and the entire family as they go through this difficult time.

Our Aunt Edwina Cherrington died after a lenghty battle of cancer. Her funeral will be Thursday, January 5 at St. Monica's Catholic Church in San Francisco. Again our prayers are with Uncle Bill, Tanya, Mark, and Craig as they adjust to life without her. She will be dearly missed.

On the up side, we got to meet Joanna, Christopher's girlfriend. She's darling! She appears to be his equal. She's smart, beautiful, and motivated. I wish I had been able to take pictures of Joanna fixing breakfast on Monday morning for her boyfriend. She made scrambled eggs and waffles. Christopher ate every bite with no complaints. And best of all, she cleaned up the kitchen! I was totally impressed. She can visit anytime.