schimfamilyblog

Okay well now its Feb

2010-02-03T00:32:00.003-04:00

And who knows if anyone will read this anymore since there have been no posts for such a long time! Had some snow on Sat then some sleet. Apparently this was rather like
the world coming to an end. Some schools will be closed again tomorrow for the 3rd
day in a row. Most larger roads are now clear but neighborhood roads and parking
lots in some areas are still a mess. I'm thinking there's pretty much only 1 plow
per county so that's why they haven't gotten around to plowing after 4 days! HUNDREDS
of accidents during and then after the storm as people took to the unplowed, untreated roads and attempted to drive in snow. Weloome to the south. That's my tiny rant for
the day! It was rather like being in the blizzard of 78 there for a couple days!
Well I should be in bed so I think I'll call it a day and see if anyone reads this!
I'm thinking maybe Patrick since he has some fancy system that tells him when things are posted!

What? Sept already?

2009-09-26T14:00:00.002-04:00

And its almost over? How did that happen? Oh well. Not many posts this
summer so we'll do a kind of brief overview of some of the highlights.
Actually we had a nice summer weather wise. Not nearly as hot as some of
our other summers here. And we had a rainier spring so everything has been
nice and green. Lets see.....hmmm. Oh yeah in June we celebrated our 30th
anniversary. Hard to believe its been that long! Seems like only 28 or so.
See most interesting stuff is now posted on Facebook so this is for non-facebookers
ahem..Paul. Started selling Avon in early June and that has been going very well.
Hope to be able to quit cleaning one of these days soon! Didn't too much exciting
for most of the summer, working, seeing friends etc. Then in August we did our
family vaca in VT. Rented a cabin big enough for all of us and had us 3 NC'ers,
Matt, Kaleb and Lucas and Erin & Ryan. Then Oma and Opa came up for a couple
days near the end. We had a good time it was a low maintenance vacation. Of
course it had been cold and rainy all summer in VT and then when we were there
it was like 90 and muggy! Then stopped down in MA for visits w/family on both
sides. Nice to see everyone and have chance to actually sit and visit a little.
Andy just got back today from his CA vacation where he reports he had a great time
and was spoiled. Perhaps we will get some pics posted on here! Lots going on
every week but not much that everyone would find fascinating! Did make unit leader
in Avon this past week so that was exciting. Of course Andy turned the quarter century while on Vacation and then I just had a bday too. Now this coming week
Matty boy turns 29! How can that be when I'm still in my 30s? WEll I guess that's
about it.

Oooh baby!

2009-08-03T23:52:00.002-04:00

Its been a long time between posts! Not much to say I guess or just busy.
Lots going on with all the family. Guess they can post their own blog to
tell us whats going on! Been busy working on the Avon trying to get that
built up. Which is good keeps me busy since for the most part cleaning has
been slow this summer except for a couple busy weeks. Getting ready to head
up to VT soon to do some visiting and spend some quality time with the family!
Can't wait. Guess I don't have much else to say. That explains the time between
posts. Change is in the air! God is good. We are blessed. What more do I
need to say?

2009-05-30T19:16:00.002-04:00

Goodbye Bing......

2009-05-28T17:38:00.003-04:00

As most of you know today we had to say goodbye to Kelly our faithful friend
and companion for the last 3 1/2 years. She had not been feeling herself for
a week or more and went downhill after a visit to the vet on Sat. She could
barely get up, wasn't eating and was having breathing difficulties. She was
an old gal and had old gal issues. Tumors, lumps bumps etc. They would have
had to do tests and blood work and what not to start ruling things out and she
was just suffering so we had decided to not make her go thru anymore.
She was a good dog. Whether hangin out in the snow in VT, dressed in her wedding finery or just hanging out w/her peeps. She could be poggish, pillish and pillooshish and inspired the coining of new words and songs. I will have less cleaning to do, a whole lot less vacuuming to do but somehow that doesn't sound so good compared
to not having someone wagging their tail and glad to see you coming in the door.
Perhaps God gave me Kelly as an example as to how we as people are supposed to be.
She always accepted you however you were or however you looked. She was patient
and loved you even when you weren't patient and lovable to her. She loved unconditionally. Except for the neighbors cat....but maybe she thought that cat
needed the exercise of being chased thru the yard. Bye Kelly...we love you and we miss you and we were blessed to have you with us even for this short while.

Looking forward to meeting the new neighbors!

2009-05-10T21:40:00.001-04:00

MMMM

Company!

2009-05-03T22:24:00.002-04:00

Well we had a little bit of company recently! 2 weeks ago we had Jeff, Julie, Clare
and the girls stop by for an overnight on their way to FL. Great visit! So nice to
have chance to sit and chat. Nice to see everyone and the girls are getting so big!
Attached are some pics of that visit. Then last weekend Paul and Matt drove down
for the weekend. Another nice visit. They went off disc golfing on Sat but we had
Sunday to hang around and went to Farmers Market restaurant and the farmers market.
Paul headed off to get some pics of the old homestead. Good food, good company, weather was a bit too warm for that thick blooded old yankee known as Paul but he
adapted as weekend wore on! Looking forward to having Oma and Opa here for a couple
nights the end of this month. AND Happy Birthday to Lucas who turned 3 today! Hooray!

2009-03-19T14:28:00.001-04:00

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.

A taste of summer in March

2009-03-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

Last week Peter and I did a quick overnight to Myrtle Beach. We were in the midst of
several days of temps in 70s and 80s. When we first got there it was nice and we
went to Broadway at the beach,
had lunch at Margueritaville did some shopping and went to the Imax theater. Got
quite a bit cooler in the afternoon but we had a quick beach walk and later went out
for a nice waterfront dinner. Most of you heard about our unruly hotel neighbors
that chased us out of our room at 3 am in search of quieter quarters. Monday dawned
warm and lovely-shortly after we went to bed. We played some mini-golf at Atlanticus-
note the huts and spent some time on the beach then off to Murrells Inlet for outdoor
lunch on the inlet. Mid 80s all day. Then home again. Now it all seems like a dream
with these temps back in the 30s and low 40s with rain!

2009-03-04T22:37:00.002-04:00

This is your living room before. I like the kitchen now but I really really really loved the color of your living room. Sorry, this is the only one I could find of that room so I guess you'll all have to yell at Andy for flipping me off.

A new paint job

2009-02-13T09:18:00.003-04:00

Well we decided last weekend it was time to do some painting. Peter
has never liked the color of the living room since we moved in and the
kitchen needed new paint as the contractor paint was just junky and non
washable. So we hired a couple guys and they came on Tues and did 2 coats
and the ceilings and came yesterday and did a 3rd coat. It was hard to cover.
Result is much cheerier rooms. Of course now everything has to be put back
and some stuff doesn't match anymore but that's okay. For those of you who
didn't see the cocoa-y colored living room I should have thought to take a
before pic! I'll have to look and see if I have one somewhere. Hard to
get a really good look from these pics but you get the idea! Guess I should
have moved the dishes off the counter!

What? 2 posts in 2 days?

2009-01-21T11:58:00.003-04:00

But I just had to post a pic of the house in snow. Most we've had since we've been
here. Ended up w/about 6 inches here i think. That was taken early yesterday and
it snowed for at least another 6 hours after that. Good thing w/Carolina snow is
it doesn't last long! Bad thing? Secondary roads don't get treated. Peter skated
his way into work this morning. I am going the southern route and choosing to stay
home till it melts! Changed my job to tomorrow. We do have melting going on where
the sun is so hopefully this will be the last day of being housebound! Yup its sure
pretty! But time to go away now! Temps will only get into 30s today but it will help.
I do go on about weather don't I? Hey its the most interesting thing going on here
today!

Battleships and Yankee's

2009-01-19T16:37:00.002-04:00

Northerners. Visiting that is! Last week we had Sean and Dan here for a few
days. I think they enjoyed escaping the frigid temps for a few days! I'm
sure they are glad not here this week as its been colder than when they were
here and we are expecting snow tonite and tomorrow. That was the last thing
they wanted to see. Pics are from last Monday when we visited the Battleship
NC. Nice trip. I think we picked a perfect time to go, being January. Not
a single school group in sight and we pretty much had the ship to ourselves.
Ran into maybe 5 or 6 people the whole 3 hours we toured. No kids meant the
men got to have lots of time pushing buttons and playing w/guns. Kinda like
kids after all! It was 50s that day so pleasant. Then they hung around
Wilmington and blended in w/college kids and hippies. They did have a campfire
one night while here. That was might chilly as it was 32 and they were still
outside at midnight. Nice trip to the ship would recommend if you don't mind
all the climbing up and down narrow ladders. Maybe not so good if you are toting
a baby or toddler or have bad knee's. For now if you want to see pics closer just
click on them....working on zooming and getting them to stay saved!

See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil

2009-01-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

Good words of advice as we sally forth into the new year. I sense many good and
exciting things for 2009. We do live in dangerous times however so be sure you
are walking with God and not walking alone! 2008 was a turbulent year for many.
I pray blessings on you for 2009!
Pics are from Thanksgiving. We were blessed to have all our kids w/us for the
first time in probably 5 or 6 years. Wish we could have had Ryan and Amy and
Kaleb and Lucas also! But we enjoyed the company and also had Rita and Luke with
us for Thanksgiving and for Christmas. The year and the holidays just flew by.
Kind of cold and rainy here this morning but thankfully its not snow! Sorry its
been so long between postings! Looking forward to some more company in a week
or so (friends of Andy's from Douglas)Sean & Dan B. Then hopefully an overnight
this spring w/Jeff and Julie and the kids! And to all our friends and family far
away: May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Subaru VS a buck

2008-10-23T17:02:00.001-04:00

No not the almighty buck but the antlered type. Andy is fine.
The buck...well we don't know for sure but didn't look good.
Andy reports near work tooling right along and the buck stepped out
in front of him nothing he could do. Hit the buck and it spun around
3 times. The subaru as you can see seems to have minimal damage in
comparison. No wonder they pass the crash tests with flying colors!
Hood will probably need to be replaced and the grill but all in all
could be a lot worse. Thank the Lord for his divine protection of
Andy!

Think before you vote

2008-10-08T13:52:00.003-04:00

Taking a brief detour from the usual family news and pics. Hope all
you my many readers (all 4 or 5 of you) are registered and ready to vote.
As you have heard and know there are many important issues in this election
and things that will change America forever and not neccesarily for good.
My hope in this blog is not to offend anyone but perhaps to make someone
think or rethink their position. I do pray that you would research your
candidate before you vote and not just go by what they say or CNN says about
them. Check out what they really stand for what they have voted for and
what they plan on doing. Again look beyond what is said to what is actually
the truth.
I guess my biggest issue this election is this:
As a parent and grandparent I look at my grandkids and kids faces and know
that every child is precious and special. I find it mind boggling to think
that someone especially who has children in their lives can then turn around
and vote for someone who says "hey,not convenient right now? Its okay to go ahead
and kill your unborn child. And not only is it okay but its your right to do
so. After all its your body and the child has no rights its not born yet.
Here in NC we have a woman running for the Senate who not only supports abortion
but supports it right up thru the 9th month. What has this country come to
that killing babies is a stand some politicians seem to think makes them worthy
of a vote because they will support your right to do that? In NC alone 3 babies
every hour are killed.
Make no mistake my friends. At some point we will be held accountable and
have to answer for the way we voted. Somehow I don't think saying well its better
for our economy or some other excuse will help very much.

Where did September go?

2008-10-02T07:48:00.003-04:00

I see a month has gone by since last posting! Time keeps on slippin
slippin slippin into the future. See that's why a month has gone by
trying to think of things to say! Let's see I promise to post a couple
pics from up north vaca. 50th anniversary party was a great success
although none of us got a good family pic. Here is one of Rita and Luke.
Had visits and couple nights w/them. One night w/Nanci, a couple nights
w/Erin in VT, visited friends, old neighbors and of course kids and grandkids.
Saw Paul & Dee's new house had a cookout there and saw Mark's new grandbabies.
All in all a nice vacation w/lots of visiting and fun but very whirlwindish.
September started out very hot and muggy but has been getting cooler.
This morning is our first real cool morning its 48 degrees out there!
Most mornings have been 60's still.
Let's see what else happened in Sept...oh yeah turned 1/2 century old.
The day before Peter and I took a trip to Seagrove,NC -no where near the sea
named after a family. Self proclaimed pottery capitol of the world. Google
the town if you want some examples. Very cute town and much more southern
sounding than around here.
Nanci paid back our visit to her house by stopping by for an overnighter here.
She was in the state for a wedding in Greensboro but we got to have a visit.
And last but not least on the last day of Sept it was Happy 28th bday to Matt!
Sorry nothing philosophical or wise to add to the above I have yet to have my
morning coffee!

Waiting for Hanna

2008-09-05T23:27:00.002-04:00

And happy that she is coming on a weekend when everyone is off and
can just kick back and watch from inside! Hit the grocery store earlier
and it was mildly busy but not crazy. Andy went off to Super Walmart after
dinner looking for a raincoat and reported that people were leaving with
2 or more cartfuls! Yikes. Thankfully still a tropical storm and we have
every confidence she will further weaken and wreak no havoc on our area and
hopefully no area. Kind of like a big blizzard where you know you get
to stay home and don't have to try and get to work. Will keep you posted.
Should be out of here by later tomorrow. I'm sure we'll be happy to wave
goodbye. That's all my ramblings for now. Will post pics and blog later
about northern vaca and 50th anniversary and all. Oma and OPa are happily
traveling out west as we speak on a second honeymoon! Love to all. Me

Happy 24th Andy!

2008-08-14T15:49:00.002-04:00

He is up celebrating the day w/friends drove up yesterday.
I'm sure that he will be extremely well behaved and no drinking
will be involved at all! I don't know why he didn't want to stay
home and spend the day with Ma and Pa! Here's some pics though.
Isn't he cute? Hope its a grand day Andy!

And now its our turn....

2008-08-14T15:43:00.002-04:00

To go visiting that is! Heading out in the morning well
technically its morning but its really the middle of the
night! Have to be at the airport for probably 4:30...yes
thats in the A.M! I know hideous. But this is the price you
pay! Arriving in Providence around 9ish good Lord willing and
a nice tail wind. Then off to Boston to have lunch w/Aunt Fran.
Other various visits thrown in here and there! 4 days in MA
including the big 50th anniversary party on Sat. Then off to
VT for 3 days with some more visits thrown in. Will be nice to
see everyone lots of people we haven't seen in a year. Like Amy
and Mr. Poopus! Will get to see Val and haven't seen her in 2 years.
Speaking of which Happy Anniversary along w/the 50th from a couple
weeks ago also to Erin and Ryan who celebrate 2 years of wedded bliss
come Tues! So that should catch everyone up. Hope to have some new
pics to post on our return! Have a good week all!

Another summer visit

2008-07-25T16:06:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we had Matty down here for a few days. Flew in on
Friday and stayed till Tues driving home Andy's old Buick. We
did get in a beach visit despite tropical storm Christobel off the
coast. Waves were still intense with an undertow so I only went
knee deep! Matt & Andy braved the surf however. They also finally
braved the pond in the backyard, snakes, turtles, spiders and
crawly things and all! In the kayaks that is. Had some good food
and introduced Matt to the Golden Corral. His trip home was less
than uneventful however! First there was the stop in Maryland to
purchase a new battery. Then the 2 hour stint on the side of the
Jersey Turnpike waiting for a tow. Then the unplanned overnight stay
in NJ so he could get a new alternator put in in the morning. After
all it was NJ so why would you PLAN to spend a night there! However
God protected him thru it all and he arrived safely home a day later.
The tow truck driver said they don't even like to pick up cars on the
turnpike for fear of getting hit! Thankfully he was traveling alone this
time and didn't have Kaleb or Lucas to think about in the car with him.
Now that the Buick has tested him I'm sure it will turn out to be a good
car for him as it was for Andy! Here's a couple pics. Yes I know Andy
looks sleepy but it was like 5 ....A.M!

Summer happenings

2008-07-12T22:31:00.005-04:00

Well here I am again! A couple weeks ago 2 old high school friends and I
took a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach. We were celebrating the fact that we
all have a big bday year coming up this year....40 I think it is.
That's Kim on the left of me and Linda on the right. Although we rarely
see each other we have been friends now for....geez more than 30-35 years!
We had some great times with good food and lovely beaches. Anyone traveling
to that area should check out
this. Hope that worked....Brookgreen gardens. Awesome statuary gardens with
lovely plants and old trees. It was a bit warm for walking around but well
worth the trip. I look forward to making a return trip to Myrtle Beach!

On another note as many of you know brother Will has been dealing with the
recent CA wildfires. Evacuated once he decided to stay put during this most
recent evacuation. Prayer chains were activated and I thank you all for your
prayers. Your prayers worked! All orders of evacuation were lifted for the
town of Paradise and residents could return home.
trying to get the hang of this link stuff hope it works.
Looking forward to a visit from Matt next weekend as he flys down and drives
Andy's old Buick back to Ma! Hoping to get in another beach day while he is here!
This other pic is a real heron standing on a sculpture of crocodiles. It was
standing so still I thought it was a sculpture! Tried to put in a couple links
but I don't think it worked. Check out Brookgreen.org and for fire news
check out the Paradise Post.

YIKES!

2008-06-25T16:25:00.004-04:00

Its been a long time since anyway has posted on this blog!
Here's a couple pics of Erin & Ryan's recent visit.
A good time was had by all. Spent one day at the beach a
picture perfect day, great waves, no seaweed! Erin and Ryan
enjoyed NC so much they plan to become southerners soon.....
just kidding but it sounded good didn't it? We had a couple
nice walks around Apex pond w/lots of wildlife. Herons, turtles
ducks, and VERY scary squirrels! Lots of eating and some shopping too.

Happy upcoming Mothers Day

2008-05-07T14:59:00.003-04:00

To all you mothers out there who read this blog! We will
be hosting the in-laws for mothers day so that will be fun.
Hope you all have a great day and your families treat you like
royalty!
That being said....
Here's to all of you who are missing your moms on Mothers Day.
Whether she has passed away or just moved away like some moms
I won't mention. Hard to believe but next month marks 4 years since
my mom passed away. I still miss her every bit as much now as I did
then. No one could make me crazier than her Or make me feel better
like her. She was a special lady.
Yes I know I am being a bit maudlin? Sentimental? Nostalgic? All
of the above? Sometimes you just have to let your feelings flow.
Although we love having Andy here to nag and torment we miss
Matt & Amy & kids and Erin & Ryan sooooooo much its not funny.
Its much more fun to have all your kids around to annoy instead of just one!
I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be...but don't forget to
remember me.

Happy Second Birthday to Mr. Lucas!

2008-05-03T19:49:00.005-04:00

Where did that time go? Here's a short walk down memory lane.
For more recent pics see blogs below this one! We love you Lucas
hope your trip to the circus tomorrow is fun!

A Big Thanks!!

2008-04-29T21:27:00.003-04:00

I just would like everyone know how much I appreciate your donations and words of encouragement for the march for babies. I did actually make it the entire 7.5 miles and raised over 100 dollars. We had so much fun doing this walk and with combined efforts of the 100 or so people that went we raised over 15 thousand dollars. I've included some pictures, and thanks again soo much!!!!

Top left is Amelia, Me and Amy Top Right is Me and my mother in law Sue and bottom left is Amelia and her son Aiden, she pushed him for the entire walk and still was one of the first to finish!

Yes I know

2008-04-29T08:26:00.001-04:00

The pics are backwards from my comments. I typed a comment
uploaded etc expecting them to be in the order I typed and
uploaded them! But NOOOOOO they did the pics backward. So
when reading comments start from bottom pic of post below this
one and follow comments to top pic!

Okay okay I know it took a while to post these!

2008-04-28T23:02:00.005-04:00

Here are some pics I've been promising to post for a few weeks!
That's Pete & Geri. I know some of you have heard of them but maybe
weren't sure they were real people or just made up friends!
And here's a couple pics of Patrick and Kate exactly one week pre-Ted!
And hopefully you know who these last 3 are without an explanation!
And of course have to have some pics of the girls! Guess that's about
it from here!

2008-04-12T01:00:00.004-04:00

Me on My Birthday pictured below and to the right is me in
Central Park.

Below is Time Square and next to that is also Central Park.

The pictures above are of my visit to Mass the last weekend in March. Above that are just a few of the pictures of our trip NYC at the beginning of the month.

Happy Birthday EBDB-BB-Brower!

2008-03-31T22:39:00.003-04:00

26 Whew you're getting up there! Hope it was a great
day. Did you get to Glens Falls?
I remember Nana buying you that pink snow suit in Rachel's when you
were just a wee lass! And who knew that Matt would be such a snappy dresser? Sorry your ice cream gave you a tummy ache.
We love you! Happy bday.

Were you there?

2008-03-18T14:01:00.003-04:00

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble,tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to a tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to a tree?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble,tremble
Were you there when they nailed to him to a tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when he rose up from the grave?
Were you there when he rose up from the grave?
Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble tremble
Were you there when he rose up from the grave?

Were you there when he rose up from the grave?

He is risen. Hallelujah!

All packed up and ready to go!

2008-02-12T00:26:00.000-04:00

Okay Erin Twiggs said she wants to come and join the gang
up there in Fairhaven! Just need to pack some peanuts
around her and tape up the box and she's good to go!
Hope the Post Office knows what you mean when you say
"This Side Up"!

Some Changes

2008-02-09T00:54:00.001-04:00

So I decided I've had enough of being a blonde...again, so I went brunette again. Also, as most already know we recently got a guineau pig, Mom I don't care if you think it's a rodent it wouldn't hurt a flea and it's more sweet and cuddly than pooper, who actually helped Ryan clean out the cage yesterday. So enclosed are some pics, Enjoy and share your thoughts.

Matt and Kaleb's road trip

2008-01-28T11:46:00.000-04:00

So as most of you know we were the lucky hosts this
past weekend of Matt and Kaleb! We had a great time
and Kaleb was very well behaved and had a great time
dragging all the blankets thru the house and making the
cats go into stealth mode! We went to the Farmers Market
Restaurant and Lake Wheeler park where Matt and K chased
the seagulls off the docks and the geese chased us. We
visited the NC Museum of Natural Sciences to see the dinosaur
exhibit and had late lunch at a Lonestar Steak House. Visited
Paul and Dee at their house before they moved and made a quick
trip to the outlets. Visit went to quick but we look forward to
next time. Perhaps Matt will blog about his adventures on the
road. 12 hours on the way down and 14 on the way home and Kaleb
never complained once! Enjoy the pics.

Remember the rides to school?

2008-01-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

Hey Matt & Erin (Andy remembers), Remember the tapes I used
to play on the way to school when you were young? I came across
some cassettes that I had brought with me here to NC. Why I'm
not sure since I don't really have much of a cassette player anymore.
Anyway I'm listening to one on Nana's old boom box. Remember Kids
sing Praise with Psalty the singing songbook?

Don't build your house on the sandy-land
don't build it too near the shore
Well it might look kinda nice but you'll have to build
it twice oh you'll have to build your house once more

You better build your house upon the rock
Make a firm foundation in a solid spot
well the storms may come and go but the peace
of God you will know!

If Matt ever CALLS ME BACK I'll see if he has a cassette player
in his car so the kids can have it. I should look for it on CD I
LOVE THOSE SONGS! Andy just shook his head at me when I was singing.
Don't forget all those animals those animals that came out by twoseys
twoseys!

A Response

2008-01-17T23:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all the comments guys! Oh except for the part where now Ryan loves his new car even more, despite the fact he doesn't fit in it, and I will probably never get to drive it! BTW who's going to teach me to drive stick cause Ryan won't.

Ryan's new toy

2008-01-09T21:15:00.001-04:00

Ryan has finally bought himself a new car. Here's some pics of his 2000 Toyota Celica GTS, it's really nice, fully loaded leather interior power everything and sunroof! Please tell him it's a girly car so he'll let me drive it.

Random ramblings

2007-10-29T16:25:00.000-04:00

Well hey its been almost a month since last I blogged so I figured
better write something! Not that ANYONE ELSE has blogged mind you.
This was to be a family project w/everyone blogging and sharing pics
but that doesn't happen very often. Mind you I don't have a new
battery in my camera right now so I have no new pics to share either!
Blogged and whined and complained about the weather all summer so now
I have to think of something new! Weather is nice right now cooler days
cool nights. Love it. Whoo hoo to the Boston Red Sox! I know I am not
the only one to say this but I think of my parents and my grandmother who
were such die hahd fans and never got to see them win a World Series never
mind 2 in 4 years. I am glad its over though so I can go back to going
to bed before midnight. And another whoo hoo to the Pats. Although maybe
they could not play so hard so that the games aren't quite so one sided?
What a time to be a N.E fan. I did feel a little bit bad for the Rockies
but hey maybe in 80 years of their franchise they can win too! They need
to experience the pain for a while longer of having your hopes dashed.
Not much new from here. Peters job is going better, Andy's is doing well.
some of you may have seen the piece on derailed train that he had to guard
for 10 hours the other night! I'm still cleaning and the pets are still snoozin.
I got a kick out of Patrick and Kate's blog about giving the cats a shower.
The mere thought of even thinking of putting these 2 in the shower is
hysterical. I would be one big scratching post from head to toe if I even
attempted it. What's that Hooley? Oh Hooley said she knows when I'm sleeping and
if I even think of it I'll be sorry! Yikes! Guess that's all from heeah. Soon it will be November!
How did that happen? Seems like the summer just ended....oh yeah it did!
3 days ago. Respectfully submitted. Kate

What's that you said now?

2007-10-01T08:14:00.003-04:00

I SAID STOP LOOKING PERPLEXED ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Happy bday we won't say how OLD you are! Hope its
a good one. Love Us

More pics

2007-09-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

What a nice smile Matt. And hey you clean up pretty good!
Of course you should have sense to come in out of the cold....
or at least put a jacket on!
106 hours of labor Matt....no wait it just seemed like it.
We love you!

Happy Birthday to Mattie Boy! 27 today.

2007-09-30T12:13:00.000-04:00

Happy bday Matt hope you have a great day!
As you can see from an early age Matt was a snappy dresser!
Love that salesman plaid jacket Matt. Camo is a much nicer look!

Another year older....and wiser I hope!

2007-09-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

You would think I would have something clever or witty to post
but alas I am too tired! All the girls decided I should be up
early this morning and saw to it with various yowls, meows and whines.
I did get 2 new cleaning jobs today so that was good. One is a one
timer cleaning a 30 foot trailer that has been hauled around to
construction sites for the guys to use and now will be lived in.
I'm to look for the Harley out front....should be interesting.
Did my workout this morning and went out for a bagel and sweet tea
w/Geri afterwards. Then went home and fielded calls from well wishers.
Thanks to all for bday wishes! Lovely chat with EB while I opened her
gift via phone. Hope Floats! Whoo hoo. On DVD. Now I can watch downstairs.
Paul and Dee came over for pizza for dinner tonite for a surprise so
a nice day all in all.
Don't be deceived my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not
change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word
of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1 16-17

2007-08-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

Oh Matt by the way, I think you should go back to school cause you spelled your last name wrong

Almost Forgot

2007-08-29T22:05:00.000-04:00

Tell Kay and Poopus that I miss them terribly and I hope to come down and play as soon as I can.

On Again

2007-08-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

Hello to all, long time no chat! I have to say this is probably my first time on in more than a month. Sadly though, this is Vermont so you haven't missed much. I have been extremely busy at work lately and have just started classes at College of St. Joseph in Rutland. So far I like it, but we haven't gotten into the hard stuff yet. I read everyone's comments and I am glad to see that everyone likes my posts! I have talked over the race for the cure with my boss some more and next year I'm striving to get more people signed on. We didn't do too bad though considering how crowded the streets were Amy and I did the 5k in less than an hour, and Amelia finished before us and she had also done the 5k run! We did manage to recruit about 30 people and once word spread that we had done it quite a few more people said to sign them up for next year! Also, Amy and I are planning on recruiting people next year for the relay for life. My new car is still awesome, and Mom you'll be happy to know that since it is a sedan and a little longer I can't go as fast as I could in my little red Honda. Hopefully once everything calms down at work Ryan and I will be able to go on vacation, and I'm trying to talk him into getting onto a plane and going down south. Anyways that's all from here!
Congrats to Kristen on her masters!

CONGRATS!

2007-08-22T08:57:00.000-04:00

Ooops forgot to add some hearty congratulations!
First to Erin and Ryan who celebrated their first anniversary this
past weekend! And you're still
speaking to each other, this is always a good thing! And we all
say where the heck did that year go?
Congrats to Miss Kristen D. (Michael and Grace's daughter) for
graduating this past weekend with her Master's degree! Hats off!
And finally congrats to my blogging inspirations Patrick and Kate
who are soon to be posting their 500th blog! They do occasionally
talk about the weather but usually they have interesting things to say!
Check it out at .rockland-ave.com
Anyway congrats once again to all of you!

Is it STILL August?

2007-08-22T08:28:00.000-04:00

Hello all just a quick posting to say hey y'all. Not been
a whole lot new from here so not too much to talk about.
I'm sure I'm boring all my email friends and family and those
I see here in NC with my constant weather talk! You KNOW how
I love weather though. But not so much this weather lately.
High 80s are the normal high temps for this time of year. Yesterday
at the airport it was 105. Only the THIRD time in recorded history
to hit that at the airport. Once in 1952 and once in 1988. We have
had 90s and 100s for weeks now and haven't seen 80s in a long long time.
And guess what? Maybe 100 again today. We were blessed by some rain
last night. Not a lot but when you're in a severe drought every drop
is good. There see not much new only weather!
I have an ad (hopefully) going in the paper today for housecleaning
looking forward to getting started w/that. Andy is still waiting for
his first day at work. He has physical and test on his class last week
on the 27th then he starts his class on 4th and off to work on 11th.
Those of you on Myspace, Peter has now made a leap into the hip happening
scene and created a page. Don't ask me how to get there I've never been!
I'm not allowed to look at Andy's page....Hmmm I wonder why?
The pets are looking forward to cooler weather to spend more time outdoors.
Meanwhile Andy bought the girls a toy that now mostly consists of a stick
with a string at the end but they are having a ball w/it. Erin I don't
know where Hooley's beads went! Well I'm off to go work out hope y'all
have a good Wednesday. Love

2007-08-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

our sunday at the ecotarium

kaleb getting bit by a giant flea learning is fun

the schimmelpenning elder bad brown schimmel

The girls

2007-08-05T16:07:00.000-04:00

Well I tell ya. "The girls" have been complaining to me
that everyone else gets their pic on the blog and isn't it
about time they got some more space! So to make them happy
here you go. 100 degrees here today so needless to say the
pets are just mostly hanging out. Peter and I made a trip to
the Farmers Market and had breakfast at the always good
Farmers Market Restaurant. Then home to hibernate. The next
couple weeks looks like scorchas! Mid 90 to 101 most days with
lows only around 75. Should have moved to Port Richey they have
been cooler on most days! Well that's about it from here not
much to report. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Love

Some more

2007-08-01T22:33:00.000-04:00

Here's some pictures from our trip to Fenway, Ryan took the sepia toned pictures which I thought came out great, and of coarse a picture of little Lukey with his Daddy's hat on!

Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure

2007-08-01T22:25:00.001-04:00

Here's (from left to right) me, Amy and Amelia in Hildene Meadows in Manchester. We did the race for the cure! That was so much fun and sad at the same time, they do so much for the survivors. When they cross the finish line they give their name and each survivor receives a pink rose, the sad part is when you see people who are obviously still going through treatment are weak and have no hair bringing up the rear with every man, woman and child on the sidelines cheering them on. I'll definately do this again next year, it really gives you a new perspective on life, more to be grateful for. It's extremely inspiring to see all these people come together and race for a common goal.

My New Car

2007-08-01T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here are some pics of my new car, they're a little fuzzy cause it was dark out.

See Mom, I told you it was bigger than the Honda!

Hello from the Green State

2007-07-18T06:49:00.000-04:00

Hello to all there is not much to report from good ole vt. I did get my new car which i will post pics of later. also, i did get accepted in college of st joseph in rutland. so it looks like i'll be starting classes aug. 28 other than that nothing happening up here just a whole lot of rain.

Bee Hunter

2007-07-15T17:33:00.000-04:00

And last post for the day here are a couple pics of
Andy the bee hunter! I'm sure most of you heard that
he found a nest of ground bees while mowing the other day.
Then I proceeded to get stung 3 times and a day later
Peter and Andy decided to take out the bees! Got a can
of some kind of electrical Raid and Andy suited up.
No flies on him....or bees either! Job well done.
This morning we thought we were having a plague! HUGE
green japanese looking beetles flying everywhere. Good
thing we had gotten a couple bug bags now they are on their
way out too! Now if we could just keep the deer from eating
the tomatoes we'd be all set!

more pics

2007-07-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

And here's some at the lake!

Northern vaca

2007-07-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

Well finally getting around to posting a new blog!
We were off to visit family and friends "up north"
last week. It was quite the whirlwind tour starting in
Ma w/visits to many family and friends then winding
thru VT and back to Ma. Nice to see everyone and visit
some old haunts. Had stays with Oma and Opa, Casa Murphy
Erin and Ryan and last night w/Matt and Amy. Talk about
sleeping around! Had a nice time at Mike and Stacy's wedding,
breakfast w/Mark and Dee, and family party at Jeff & Julie's.
And added extra brother Will came out for wedding so spent some
time w/him also. Bored of family stories yet? Well hold on
cause here come the home movies. Nope just kidding but here's
some recent pics of kids/grandkids!

How does the garden grow?

2007-06-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

That cute Harry

2007-06-23T08:02:00.000-04:00

Hello all and happy Saturday to you! Peter and I went off to the Harry
Connick Jr. concert last night in Cary. Patrick and Kate were good enough
to come along and keep us company. We did have some good laughs before the
concert began.
What a fabulous place for an outdoor concert. The lake is behind the stage
so while its light you can look out at the lake and enjoy the outdoors. It
was a perfect night for a concert. About 78 degrees,light breeze just lovely.
Our seats were in the back under the roof so you couldn't see Harry very clearly
at all but it was nice to sit and people watch.
Harry was nimble of finger, fleet of foot and in good voice- when he sang.
The guys on the horns were great. And yes Nanci we did get a short booty shake!
That being said....now don't throw things at me but...he's no Randy! Love
Harry he's cute as pie and Hope Floats is still one of my fav movies and his
Christmas album is out of this world. BUT I was glad I didn't pay 80 bucks to
sit up front. First part of concert was a bit boring. Having seen 5 Randy
concerts I can say he puts on a good show. Harry was funny though at times.
So thats my opinion and we all know what that's good for! All in all had a
nice time the company was good and we were glad we didn't pay for the tickets.
I'm just saying.
Now we are off to Clayton for Kelly's interview to see if she can play nicely
with other dogs and not run with scissors! Wish us luck!

Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers out there....

2007-06-17T16:20:00.001-04:00

Hope it was a good day! Peter and I headed out this morning
to the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. NICE place! Very
pretty with lots of trees and different gardens etc. Some shade
w/wooded areas and lots of winding pathways with benches to
enjoy the setting. http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/
Here is a link hope it works if you want to check it out. Well worth
the trip and its free! Ooh I'm getting annoyed! Keep trying to
put in a link and it won't show up! Here is web address if anyone
wants to take a look.
www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/ Okay I've added twice to the blog
and keep putting in web address and its not showing up! google it!

LOOKING AT THE BLOG

2007-06-15T12:55:00.000-04:00

HEY IT'S ANDY I'M AT WORK SHOWING EVERYONE THE PIC OF TWIGS AND HER NEW FRIEND. EVERYONE HERE HAD A GOOD LAUGH. NO YOU CAN'T SAY NO ONE EVER LOOKS AT YOUR BLOG.

Saturday

2007-06-09T19:27:00.000-04:00

Hello all and happy Saturday. Andy went outside earlier and saw
this visitor over by the veggie garden. Quite a ways from the
pond! Make pic bigger for better look. Look down a bit and to left
to see Twiggs's reaction. Don't know what the turtle did after this pic
but she took off like a shot! Got our airline tics for the trip up
in July looking forward to seeing everyone!

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to all! This weekend thankfully was quite sunny and warm, very little rain. I hope everyone had a great long weekend....except for you southerners....yankee holiday my ass. Also congrats to Paul and Dee, I hope everyone had a good time at the wedding wish we could have been there!

I've got pieces of April but its a morning in May

2007-05-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

Well, afternoon really but I just wanted to say that! Haven't
posted for a while as I don't think anyone really reads these!
Here is a pic of Paul & Dee's wedding. Hard to believe its almost
2 weeks ago now. Good time was had by all and we really enjoyed
getting time to spend w/Sarah too. Nice to have another niece
in the family. We are all delighted for Paul & Dee to have
tied the knot. HAH he's all your's now Dee! Finally finished
planting my grass plugs today. Did get a bee sting in the process.
Who knew there would be a bee in my work gloves? Guest room is
all ready with the requisite VT cows adorning the walls! Come on down!
Not much else of interest from here today enjoying a lovely weather
day low humidity high 70s and sunny with a breeze. What more can you
ask for?

2007-05-11T22:22:00.000-04:00

Okay got a battery for my new camera so here's a new pic of
the possible poppy!

God is good

2007-05-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

And we are thankful. Amy and the kids and her friend Jen and her daughter were
all in an accident yesterday. They are all fine. Kids were all uninjured just
scared. Jen got some bruises and Amy had swollen hand and some airbag burns.
Hooray for airbags and Honda's that take a beating. Same car that had a tree
fall on it last winter. From what I'm told an older couple from Natick was
out for a ride in the country and went thru the stop sign crashing into Amy.
They were also uninjured. Now they are waiting to see if car will be totalled
or if it can be fixed. Good thing their angels were watching over them!
Here is a flower that I have several of in my garden. Not really sure what
it is the blossom is kind of hollyhock looking but the leaves I don't know.
Any clues anyone? If so just click on comment and leave your message!

Ham N' Yam

2007-05-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Hello all, Paul took this pic hanging out in Smithfield for the Ham N'Yam festival.
Got no ham. Saw some hogs...4 legged and 2 wheeled. Racing pigs Erin! Don't
know if they are the same ones that go to VT State Fair but looked like their
set up! Also some great classic cars

Happy birthday Lucas!

2007-05-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

And forgot I was going to post a new pic of Lucas yesterday
in honor of his first birthday! So here it is! Plus one from when he was born. Seems like such a long time ago already! I heard he
enjoyed ice cream at Friendlys and is having a party on Saturday.

Hello

2007-05-03T13:20:00.000-04:00

Hello all how is everyone doing? Hear you're finally have some
warm and sunny weather up north! WE are happy to have a few cooler
days ahead after the 90s of the last few days. Here's a pic of the
recently repainted adirondack chairs as promised. Who will be the
first visitor to come and sit in one? Nance? Doesn't it look promising
for frozen drinks? Beth you could sleep out there if the nights are
too hot! Erin? A chair for both you and Ryan! Nothing else new from
here. Nice to spend time in the garden this morning. New flower pic is
of flowers in garden that I'm not sure of. Similar to false indigo but
yellow. Remember my false indigo from Douglas? Then I bought one for
Danby? They are in abundunce in the garden here. Have spread and/or
been moved to several places. Looking forward to the weekend w/Paul
and Dee's wedding. Actually either them or Mark and Dee will probably be
the first to sit in the chairs! Love to all.

pimped my stoop

2007-04-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone!

I pimped my stoop!

2007-04-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

Hello all. Giant Hooley thought I should get up early so here I am.
Waited up till 12 for Dad to call from Tampa. Not much going on today
have to mow the lawn and may go out and get strawberries. Perhaps
a visit to a wholesale garden center that is only open to the public
once each season. My poor garden is neglected w/me working and having
no time to work in it! Here's a pic of Peters new car!

2007-04-26T07:18:00.000-04:00

hello

2007-04-26T07:16:00.000-04:00

Hello to all just a quick posting then off to put out trash and
water garden before heading out. Not much new from here quiet week
which is good! Been in the 80s all week and we need some rain!
Peter is heading out shortly for his whirlwind trip to visit the folks.
Maybe Andy and I will do something wild while he's gone! hope you are
all having a good week!

Watch Where You Step

2007-04-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

Took a ride out to Zebulon to play some disc golf. On the first round I ended up with fire ants crawling up my shoe. Luckily I brushed them off before they could bite. Then on the second round one of my discs went into the woods to the left of the fairway. I picked up my disc and as I was ready to shoot I heard a chattering noise. As I turned around I saw a black snake coiled up between two roots about two feet away from my foot. So naturally I ran in terror. As I ran away another black sanke (about four feet long) slithered away. After that hole we saw another one slither across the trail and into a pile of logs. All in all, a very exciting round of golf.

~Andy

Some Pics of the Rutland Disaster Area

2007-04-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

These poor people lost their trellace , the picture on the right, that tree is on their roof!

Everyone on Stratton Ave is piling all their tree limbs on the roadside, this is Stratton Ave.

Washbuckler's only has the pole left to their sign

Pizza Hut only lost one side to their sign, Dunkin Donuts like the rest of Rutland lost their whole sign!

Everything is coming back to normal, CVPS and Rutland Fire and Police are working round the clock, but there are still about 300 without power!

Andy's sweatshirt

2007-04-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

That he is wearing in this pic got lost around the time we moved.
Anyone seeing this sweatshirt please call the lost and found.

2007-04-19T22:47:00.000-04:00

the ghost of Elvis

2007-04-19T22:38:00.000-04:00

Hey Erin! Now I remember where I saw the term "dashboard"! Here on the blog!
Hello to all miss doing my daily emailing. This working and commuting is
taking up all my time! Sounds like we all will have some warm weather for
this weekend! Erin Mrs. D was wondering if Rutland was all back online for
power.
Happy Birthday to Ryan!

Muskrats

2007-04-17T23:26:00.000-04:00

By the way, Ryan's grandmother has muskrats in her pond and I've seen them in Burlington by Lake Champlaign and Dad is right, they are very mean, I wouldn't get too close or reserve your judgement

2007-04-17T20:06:00.000-04:00

This kitty is ten times infinity cuter than Gulliver Hooley and she is not a psyco she just wants to love you!

Just Love VT

2007-04-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

So to anyone who hasn't heard Rutland Vt is a disaster area, we had 85mph wind and rain yesterday and most of the businesses in Rutland lost their signs and 1/3 of the residents still don't have power. I have to say driving through Rutland was like watching some sort of disaster on the news, never thought it would happen in VT! Some of the towns in the outskirts such as Chittenden and Pittsford will not have power until the end of the week, and some people are trapped at their houses because there are too many trees down for them to go anywhere! I you would like to see pictures they have some posted on www.rutlandherald.com take a look. Luckily Ryan and I are west of Rutland and we never even lost power!

The Car

2007-04-12T22:04:00.001-04:00

Well I just replaced two more coil on the ol' Lesabre and she's finally running up to par.

Sad day for football!

2007-04-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

Just got the news that Drew Bledsoe has retired. Drew we will
miss you!

oh yeah

2007-04-11T21:21:00.000-04:00

PS the green I saw is that it was swimming w/some leaves in its mouth!

Nature preserve

2007-04-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well I tell you what. There was always some animal event happening
at 409 Jimmy Towne Rd and I guess its no different here! Lots of
birds of course and with the pond now we have lots of turtles and our
friendly neighborhood great blue heron that stops by most days.
Today when I looked out the window I saw something odd swimming in the
pond. All I could see was green then it vanished. Didn't swim like a
snake it moved in a straight line and had a heftier body. Kept looking
thru out the day and later saw it again. Got the binocs and thought oh
no its a rodent of some kind! Walked down to near edge w/Andy and saw
a fuzzy creature rather pudgy resembling a beaver. However when we saw its
tail it was skinnier. So went to google and looked and sure nuf it was a
musk rat. And there are 2 of them. Better than a beaver I guess I don't
want my yard to flood! Reserving judgement on them though Peter swears they
are mean. He say's one chased him when he was young and he threw a brick at it.
Kind of cute except for the tail! No gators though so that's good!

whatever

2007-04-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Well figured I'd post again so when you all go to sign up you;'ll have
something to read! Just watered the garden it is very dry here.
We had such warm temps last week and leaves coming out and things blooming
everywhere. Then we got the cold snap 1/2 the country got along with several
nights of hard freeze. Now some of our trees and shrubs have dead leaves
on them. Not sure if they will sprout new leaves or what! Finally back
to 70s by Thurs. Looking forward to it! Hope to see some new blogs soon!

Pics

2007-04-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

2007-04-09T09:38:00.001-04:00

Good to go!

2007-04-09T08:23:00.000-04:00

Alrighty then we are good to go now just need to tell everyone its here and
start them posting. Tell us about your day or your weather or thoughts
or just about anything! Will do a post later of trip up north w/some pics!
How exciting! Looking forward to seeing and reading your blogs!

Lets give it a try

2007-04-09T08:14:00.000-04:00

Okay all just set up a blog for schim family! Figured we can all post and hopefully
post pics and keep in touch via worldwide web. Lets see how this works!