My New Pink Bicycle

Me and my new pink beach cruiser! I got it for my birthday and I love it! It was ordered from Orange County Cycles in California via the Internet. My nephew Patrick put it together for me today. I haven't rode in over 30 years, but I just got on and started riding again. I'll admit I was shaky. Did I say I love it? Thank you!

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

Burgers and Hot Dogs

New Windsor Rodeo

Wow! Mom and I enjoyed crispy shoestring onion rings created by the local boy scouts. Yum!

Yep, that's me in my cowboy hat enjoying the rodeo. This was my first one. Wahoo!!!

Summer Storm of 2007

The storm struck Galesburg on the southeast side of town about 1:07 p.m. on Thursday August 23rd. I was on my way home from work when it hit. I sat in my car in the driveway because I couldn't get out. Debris was flying all around me. I later learned we had 70 mph straight line winds. My car received extensive damage. The storm sucked all the chrome off the back end.

The roof on the house will be replaced. The damage was too much to repair. We also had leaking inside on Mom's bedroom ceiling. The ceiling is going to be replaced too.

The front storm door and some windows were blown out and mangled. It's been replaced. Patrick and Aunt Madge did the work. The porch was soaked from all the rain and littered with leaves, twigs and branches. Jerri Anne and I took the furniture cushions to the laundromat and washed and dried them. Charly loved the fresh clean smell.

Here's all the wrecked stuff we gathered after the storm. We had scavangers going through it within an hour of picking it up. Note we also lost the Rubbermaid shed too.

Potter Mania

I haven't read the new book yet or seen the new movie, but I took a quiz on sorting-hat.com and discovered I'm a Ravenclaw. I'd rather be in Griffindorf with Harry, Ron and Hermonie...

July 24, 2007 - I'm 51!

It's my birthday! I'm fifty-one today... really, it's a good thing.

St. Patrick's Church Mexican Fiesta

Gorgeous, colorful, big paper flowers decorated the fiesta giving it a Mexican flair! As usual, the food was great - ole!

Day Trippin' in Galena

Mom and I stopped at our favorite restaurant on Highway 61 for breakfast. They have great Flapjack potatoes in addition to Flapjack pancakes! Good coffee too.

We arranged to take two trolley tours of Galena. The first one was a two hour tour that included three properties, such as Dowling House, the oldest house in Galena 1826, the Belvedere House & Gardens and President Ulysses S. Grant's home. Our next tour was of the city. Our guide drove us around and pointed out beautiful architecture indicative of Galena, Illinois.

After our tours we went shopping in downtown Galena. This town is packed with all kinds of shops, like antique and book stores and of course, coffee. I found a fabulous Laurel Burch tote bag and a book on Galena architecture.

2peas Challenge:

If you could take a drive to anywhere, where would you go? Niagara Falls!
This photo just takes my breath away. Someday I'm going to experience the majestic beauty of these falls.

Welcome Kiwi

This is Kiwi. Denver adopted her from the Knox County Animal Shelter this spring. What a beautiful, energetic little kitten. She's a keeper!

Little Bit

Aunt Madge's new dog, Little Bit. She adopted her early this spring. Welcome to the family!

Fourth of July

Group picture taken in Oquawka July 4, 2007 (left to right): Denver, Renee, Erin, Patrick, Nichole, Lara, Mom, Cindy, Aunt Madge, Aunt Ethel, Jerri Anne, Jean Murray. Not pictured: Little Bit & Kiwi

President Clinton at Knox College

President Clinton surprised everyone when he popped out the east door of Old Main at Knox College. The crowd exploded giving Clinton a rock star welcome! His commencement address was peppered with humor and wit. The crowd loved hearing him talk about his antics with Stephen Colbert, Rush Limbaugh and George Bush Sr. Colbert threatened to burn his honorary degree, so Knox sent him a fireproof, steel diploma!

Bill Clinton is no stranger to Galesburg. While president, he came to Carl Sandburg College on January 10, 1995, to announce his Middle Class Bill of Rights. Me, George, Mom and Jerri Anne saw Clinton at Galesburg High School in the gymnasium. It was similar to a pep rally. That was my first experience in meeting a president and the secret service.

Clinton will be the latest in a line of current, former and future presidents to visit Knox College: Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. Maybe we'll see Hillary Clinton in 2009...

Knox College's commencement was one of the hottest tickets in town. We were able to tote our lawn chairs and listen to his speech. Nearly 6000 attended. Knox provided President Clinton's transportation but didn't have to pay anything for the speech. What a guy!

Vacation Time?

I am so ready to go on a vacation. Sit on the beach in my lawn chair buttered up with sunscreen. Read my favorite book. Enjoy my favorite beer, MGD. Sink my toes in the warm sand. Life doesn't get any better than this! OBX is calling my name - maybe in 2008?

Yep, that's suppose to me - just fooling around.

Sit, Relax, Enjoy Your Life

Occasionally, you need to take some time out for you. Sit, relax, daydream, just enjoy your life. I found the following in Body and Soul. It's a keeper. Feel free to copy and post.

Ten Thoughts on Whole Living

1. Your home is more than the sum of its walls. Make it a sacred space.

2. Creativity is a lifestyle, not simply an activity. Let is expand you.

3. True forgiveness springs from love, not regret.

4. Learn something new. Emphasize the trying, not the succeeding.

5. Spend some time in the dirt. You'll be amazed at what nature can inspire.

6. You don't have to have a perfect body to feel great in it.

7. Define yourself by who you are, not the roles you play.

8. Find rejuvenation in five minutes of silence.

9. Contribute to abundance. If you no longer need something, pass it on.

10. Find direction in your life by looking where you want to go, not where you don't.

Eagle Watching

We spent last Monday, President's Day, eagle watching on the Mississippi River near Gladstone, Illinois at Lock and Dam 18. American Bald Eagles. Our national bird. Our symbol freedom. Oh, what majestic birds they are!

This eagle is fishing. That's why the eagles head for areas where the ice has broken up so they can find food. We saw several eagles spot their prey, dive for it and take it back to their nests in the nearby timber. One eagle dropped his fish, a foot long carp. Apparently, it was putting up quite a battle.

Felt Purses by Cathy Zielske

Little Felted Bag - Cathy Zielske

you need:
1 skein of chunky wool (140 yds)16- to 24-inch size 11 circular needles4 markersyard needle
Guage: in stockinette, roughly 12 inches and 18 rounds, four inches
Finished measurements: after felting, purse is roughly 6.5 to 8.5 wide by 6.5 to 7.5 tall, depending on how long you felt.

To make bottom of purse: loosely cast on 13 stitches and work back and forth in garter stitch (knit every row) for 38 rows (19 ridges). Do not turn.

Begin main part of bag: Without turning, knit 13 stitches on needle, place marker and pick up 19 stitches along the long edge (1 stitch for each ridge), place a marker and pick up 13 stitches along cast on edge, place marker, and pick up 19 stitches along second long edge, place a fourth marker to mark the beginning of the round; 64 stitches total.
Note: you will be working in rounds from now on. Be sure to keep moving markers as your work.

Begin knitting every round (stockinette stitch) until purse measures 10.5 inches, measuring from pick-p round, ending at beginning of round marker. (Mine was 9.5 inches. I was running low on the yarn!)

Begin handles: On next round, k13, slip marker off, k3, bind off next 13 stitches, k3, slip marker off, repeat to once more, leaving only beginning round marker.
On next round, k16, cast on 25 stitches, k19, cast on 25 stitches, knit to end of round.
Work 4 more rounds, bind off all stitches. Work in ends.
Felt.
Done.
Fabulous!

I found this photo at Wikipedia and loved it! It reminds me of summer (note the corn in the background) and I surely would like to see some warmer weather here in Galesburg. This weekend they are predicting lows of -5. Brrrrrr

Campaign 2008? Already?

Hello everyone! As you can see, Mom and I are already on the Presidential campaign trail for 2008. We went to Davenport, Iowa, Sunday morning and met Senator Hillary Clinton. What an experience! We left Galesburg about 6:00 a.m and arrived at the Hickory Garden Family Restaurant around 7:30. There was press and secret service guys all over the place. Hillary arrived about 8:30 in a black Chevy Blazer. She toured the restaurant, stopped at each table and shook hands, visited and pictures were taken. Lots of pictures! Mom and Hillary really hit off - she's Mom's new best friend. We then went to the Mississippi Valley Fair Grounds for a press conference. What a crowd! I barely got in the building, but it was worth the stop. I got the new campaign buttons, bumper stickers, posters and stickers. Yep, as her campaign motto states: I'm in it to Win!

2peas Challenge - Pet Names

If you have/had any pets in your life. How did you decide on their names?

I've had the joy of having three extraordinary felines in my life. The first was our Sassy Cat. And yes, she was sassy, stubborn, opinionated, definately her own cat. She would be held when she wanted to be held. She wanted to eat when she wanted to eat and it better be now! She was quite a talker too. Meowed and sometimes yowled for whatever suited her at the time. We lost our Sassy after a long illness in February 1995. It broke my heart when we had to put her down. She's buried in a flower garden under a cement cat sculpture of her likeness.


My dear Jessi Anne was named after one of my favorite Carly Simon songs titled Jesse. Remember that one? Her middle name is after my friend Jerri Anne. Jessi was a beautiful shelter cat we adopted in 1995. She was a short-haired gray tabby with big tufts of white fur coming out her ears. Instead of a meow, she had this crazy little trill when she talked. She was the love of our lives; a family member. My niece and nephews treated her as if she was their cousin. Jessi died unexpectedly in 2005 of a massive heart attack. My nephew Patrick buried her under the burning bush in the south yard. My Aunt Madge bought her a custom-made tombstone with her name on it and a image of a cat. I still miss her. She was the best cat ever. Everyone loved Jessi Anne...

My new kitty in Charly Anne. She's a little orange tiger and yep, she's named after my friend Jerri Anne again. Her first name comes from my deceased husband, George Charles Andrews' middle name. He would of been crazy about this cat too. Charly is a shelter cat too. Like my Jessi, she appears to be forever grateful that I picked her to adopt. She has a wonderful personality, rarely meows and gives kitty hugs generously. She's my baby girl!

Happy New Year 2007

Again, welcome to my blog and happy new year. It's 2007! Unbelievable. When I was a child, I couldn't imagine living to see the year 2000. It seemed so far away. I would be really, really old if I lived long enough to see it.

Anyway, like everyone else, I've been doing an inventory of my life. What do I want to improve, what do I want to eliminate, what do I want to achieve this year? I'm a big believer in making affirmations instead of resolutions. I like the idea of making a positive change to my behavior. I want to improve my health. I want to improve on my scrapbooking and stamping. I want to improve in my job performance. I want to eliminate time-wasting. (This is going to be really hard for me. I watch a lot of television.) I want to eliminate my debt. I want to eliminate my lousy attitude toward myself. (Again, this is going to be really hard for me. I know my attitude is related to me being overweight or vice versa.) I want to achieve a new scrapbooking class based on faith journeys at my church. I want to achieve a healthy weight and increase my energy. I want to achieve reading at least one book per month. Some of these goals seem pretty easy, but I know they aren't. It's going to take effort. And prayer. Here's to wishing everyone a happy new year and good luck with your goals!

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.

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!

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.)

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!

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.

Galesburg Train Depot

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

Godspeed, Christopher, Godspeed!

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

Scrapbooking Withdrawal?

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 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!

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!)

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...

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.

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.

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!

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!

I 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. 

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.

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!

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.

My Charly Anne

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

Shopping!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Christmas 2005

Wow! Christmas is over and I'm back to work - where did it all go? Christmas Eve was spent putting the finishing touches on the holiday. We all went to church that night for the candlelight service. So beautiful - the church was dark, we circled the santuary, candles were lit and we sang "Silent Night" - a perfect night for Christians.

On Christmas day we attended church, our regular Sunday routine. Friends and family came over and we celebrated by opening presents, eating great Mexican food and visiting! We spent time on the telephone and computer contacting all of those who could not be with us in Galesburg. Again, the day seemed to fly by. I finally wrapped things up about 10:00 p.m. and collapsed in front of the television.

Mom and I got up early to hit the stores for the early-after-Christmas-sales. I treated myself to a new coffee pot for the office. Mom ordered new china she's had her eye on for quite some time. It'll be the Thanksgiving china. It's called "Friendly Village" by Johnson Bros. It's done in a beautiful sepia medium, perfect autumn colorings.

We watched movies last night. I stopped at Family Video and picked out two shows, "Beauty Shop" and "Bewitched" It's been a long time since I've been in a video store. I noted a person is hard-pressed to find a VHS tape, nearly everything was available only on disc.

I'm in the office this morning, enjoying a cup of fresh brewed Innkeeper's coffee, Victorian Breakfast Blend. I came in to prepare for hearing in January. This coffee is great!

Christmas in Oquawka

Today we celebrated Christmas in Oquawka with Aunt Madge, Renee, Erin and Denver. Mom, Aunt Ethel and I left Galesburg about 11:30 to head down to the big river town of Oquawka.

Aunt Madge had appetizers waiting for us - shrimp cocktail, cheese and salami with assorted crackers, veggies and chips. Yum! We visited for a couple hours, opened presents and then we had dinner. What a menu! Crab legs & breaded shrimp with augratin potatoes. Mom had a special steak because she doesn't like seafood. Aunt Madge thought of everything. We had blueberry cheesecake for dessert and it was delicious.

Denver's new little kitten, Kiki, keep us all in stitches. She's an adorable gray tabby. Aunt Madge and Denver picked her out at the Burlington Iowa flea market. Denver and Erin just dote on her. This cat is drowning in attention! I must of taken 20 pictures of her and the kids. I told Erin and Denver we would create a scrapbook of Kiki and they cheered!

We left Oquawaka about five o'clock. We dropped off Aunt Ethel, stopped by Hi-Lo to pick up the fixins for popcorn balls and headed home. As soon as I walked in the door, I knew something was wrong. It was so cold in the house. The temperature was 58. The furnace had gone out. Praise God the furnace guy from Lambasio fixed it. The electronic ignitor went out.

It's the 19th of December...

Just another day to most folks, but not me. It's the day I lost my husband, George. He died seven years ago on this day. He slipped into a coma after a surgical procedure. He was in a coma for several days. His doctors said he wouldn't come out of it. He was experiencing multi-organ failure and only drugs were keeping his blood pressure up. I told the doctors to discontinue life support and I left the hospital. I just had to get out of there and be alone. As soon as I stepped into our home, the phone was ringing and a nurse was telling me I needed to come back to the hospital. I drove as fast as I could back to the hospital. I think I already knew before I arrived at the hospital. People were stopping me in the halls telling me they were so sorry. I entered the intensive care unit and knew he was gone. He looked so peaceful. I wished I had been with him, but I never dreamed he would go so soon. My pastor was there. Reverend Dave said George probably planned it that way. He wouldn't want me to see him "go". George always did try to "shield" me from any unpleasantness. That was just his way - he was a buffer between me and the rest of the world.

The nineteenth of December will always be branded into my brain as one of the worst days of my life. Everything changed. I became a widow at age 43. I never considered I would become a widow, let alone at age 43. Too young to become a widow, but it happened. I am grateful for the 17 years I had with George Charles Andrews. Rest in peace, baby.

Deep Freeze

It is so cold here in the Midwest! The temperature was zero this morning when I left for work. My car door creaked when I opened it - just frigid here in Galesburg. Brrrr!

We've been busy getting ready for Christmas. Mom and I have our shopping finished and nearly everything is wrapped and under the tree. I mailed out Tom, Joyce and Snow's package last Thrusday. It was sent priority, so they should receive it today...

Christopher came home Friday night - good to see him. He seems to get older with each visit home. His girlfriend Joanna is coming to our home on the 28th of December. I've been told it's her birthday. I'll have to bring out the singing birthday cake plate for her! I can't wait to meet her, I've heard so much about her. Christopher says she loves getting cards from us. He says she actually displays them on her coffee table in her dorm room. That's cool!

Lynette, Patrick and Lara are expected to arrive on Saturday. Lynette's going to drop off the kids and head for Chicago to see Jason and Sarah. Patty has to work Christmas, so she'll be taking a train to Chicago to meet up with Lynette on Monday. Plans are for them to arrive in Galesburg on Tuesday with Jason and Sarah. Gosh, I hope the weather is good. Let's all pray for good weather!

December Update

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted to the blog. The holidays are whizzing past me as I type. Thanksgiving was unbelievable! - it was so wonderful to have the entire family together again. We all spent a couple minutes telling each other what we're thankful for this year. There were some tears, some laughter. God is good - Praises to Him and his son, Jesus Christ. With Him, all things are possible and we are eternally grateful for our blessings. Again, Thanksgiving was unbelievable!