Hanging Planters and Laundry

Every year I buy a hanging planter for my front door. I love flowers and plants and there are some beautiful hanging planters to be found in this area. I work at keeping the plant watered, fed and looking nice.






Every year, I see a few of the flowers starting to die. This year when I spotted the first wilted, brown leaves and dried up flowers I knew exactly what was happening!




When the birds build their nest, the roots right under the nest do not get water and soon dry up. So, I need to water it more carefully, trying not to disturb the nest, yet get water as close to the roots under nest as I can. I hope I can revive the damaged plant and keep it looking nice. While I am doing this the mother bird is going crazy, flying around me and making clicking noises! This is her home, her babies and she does not want me near it. Maybe next year I should just buy a cute bird nest and hang it there.


The Decision Has Been Made




Okay, after one week of doing my laundry at a laundromat, we have chosen our next washer and dryer. It was a hard decision -- well mostly for Mark because he is more careful about his purchases. We tried to find the best quality, the best deal, best energy saver, but, it really came down to what would fit in our laundry room. We only have so much room between the wall and the door. We have ordered it and depending on which warehouse it is in we should get it within a couple of weeks. Thanks to all for your suggestions. It helped to know what features are the most important!

The plus side of the laundromat -- four loads of laundry done in 70 minutes. You also meet all kinds of people there and I like to people watch. I had complete strangers helping me take the laundry from the car to the laundromat and from the laundromat back to the car. Do I look that old or are there just some really nice people around this neighborhood?

Need Advice!

Last week our washing machine died. We have had the washer and dryer for close to 25 years and have spent very little maintaining them. Now washers and dryers have changed a lot over the years. We would like to get one of the front loading washers that are energy efficient. Does anyone have a set they like or know which kind we should or should not buy? This is very exciting for me! If this set last 25 years this may possibly be the last washer and dryer we ever buy!

232 Years Old

After he became President of the Church, President Woodruff declared that “those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men who labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord.” (Conference Report, April 1898, p. 89.)

Yes, I thank God for the sacrifices and efforts made by these Founding Fathers, whose efforts have brought us the blessings of political liberty and economic prosperity we have today. Their lives should be reminders that we are the blessed beneficiaries of a liberty earned by great sacrifices of property, reputation, and life.
--President Ezra Taft Benson

Happy Birthday, Jason!!

Jason, Wish you lived closer!

You can't really appreciate our musical talents until after you pause my regular music on the blog!

Hmmm! The way Jason K. is shuffling and lowering his head you would think he was embarrased or something!

Happy, Happy birthday!

Visiting Jerry

This is what happens on our monthly visits to see Jerry at Rocky Bay. It's pretty much the same each month. Nothing really changes. (Except this time I had my camera with me.) But, they love it and look forward to it so much. When I get to their home they are always ready to go, and just waiting for me to drive up. Dad is in a wheelchair now, which makes it easier for all of us.


When we get into the car the first thing we do is call mom's sister, Judy so they can talk. The conversation goes something like this. "It is so good to hear your voice. How are you? We are going to visit Jerry. What do you do all day long. I can't hear you! We always remember you in our prayers". (Now this is repeated many times..at least 10-11 times) I guess it doesn't matter to them since they both have short-term memory problems. One time when she said, "We always remember you in our prayers", I guess Judy didn't understand and I heard mom say, "No, not in my purse, in my prayers! My mom is usually upbeat, laughing, and very cheerful. I know it must be nice for her sister to get calls from her.

Here we are playing our usual game of dominoes in the staff kitchen! Since we have done this everytime we visit (over 4 1/2 years now), the staff always have his dominoes ready for when we arrive.

Mom is helping dad with his hand. He's pretty slow getting his dominoes up and ready and not quite as quick at figuring out which dominoe he should play. Pretty nice of my mom to help him since she has always been soooo competitive when she plays any games. And dad won today!

Our next stop is a restaurant. Here we are at KFC. Dad chose it because he says he doesn't like to pay gratuity. But, I think he likes it because it is mostly fingerfoods which are easier for him to eat.

Riding home they always fall asleep in the back seat, holding hands. I usually put on CD's that I know they enjoy.

Just before the exit to their home, I suddenly heard the outside traffic. I thought dad had rolled down the window. I quickly learned though, that he had opened the door. I yelled to mom, "Mom, dad just opened his door!" She quickly scolded him and told him to give her his hand. I heard her say, "No, Arthur, the other hand"! He quickly obeyed and we were soon off the freeway where we could pull over. I kidded him and said, "Dad what am I going to do with you so you don't open the car door while we are on the freeway? Maybe I will have to put you in the trunk!" He chuckled about that! I thought our doors were kidproof after they were locked. Guess not! So now, I need to get out our car manual and see what I need to do.

Now, my dad is obsessive about playing each "C" piano key whenever he passes the piano and it is opened. It is next to impossible to get him to move past the piano until he has completed his "task". So if I am in a hurry, I'll need to remember to close it.

So it goes each month! It is a joy to do it for them because they are always so appreciative and means so much to them!

Forgetful!

Today, I spent some time at my parent's Bonnie Lake house going through a lot of their papers. This Saturday, some of the siblings and friends will be helping them dump and give things away. It is amazing what neat stories/histories can be found in all that they have saved over the years. Well, I came across this little poem in some of my mom's things and it made me smile!

From One Friend To Another

Just a line to say I'm living
That I'm not among the dead
Tho' I'm getting more forgetful
And more mixed up in the head.

At times I can't remember
When standing by the stairs
If I must go up for something
Or have just come down from there.

And before the fridge so often
My mind is filled with doubt...
Have I just put food away ... or
Have I come to take some out.

And there are times when it is dark outside
With my nightie on the bed
I don't know if I'm retiring
Or just getting out of bed.

So if it's my turn to write you
There's no need of getting sore
I may think that I have written
And don't want to be a bore.

So ... Remember I do love you
And I wish that you were here
Now it is nearly mail time ... so
I must say goodbye, I fear.

So here I stand beside the mailbox
With my face so very red
Instead of MAILING you my letter
I have opened it instead!
--Anonymous

A Ray of Sunshine

Thanks goodness for busy, mostly happy, and talkative little 3 year olds! Jenna really enjoyed her art projects, using real scissors and gel glue. I tried to talk her into tearing the colored papers to make her art, but she was determined to cut with the scissors. She actually made 3 more art projects later with Tommy and gave some away.

We also met Maria, Tommy and Blake for lunch at McDonald's. (To give grandma a rest!) Then they came back to our place for more art, trampoline, and camper activities. Tommy went with me to Jenna's to see her new swing set and played on the finished part. Brian was taking advantage of the break in the rain today and was busy putting more of it together. It is going to be very nice.

I got to spend some time with Catie who was being very friendly and playful with grandma! We got good news about Catie's hip -- it is starting to grow, develop and seems to be progressing very well on it's own -- so there is no need for surgery at this time! I got a cool ball-sprinkler from Mary. So now I am very tired, but content! So there, rainy, cold and cloudy weather! You can't get me down for long!!!

P.S. And to top it all off, Maria told me about the funniest thing that happened to her going to church, Sunday! I hope she will post about it. I'm still chuckling!!

Weather!!

It's pretty boring for you all when the only thing to comment on in my life is the weather. But, I think I missed ALL of spring here when I was on vacation to Pennsylvania! We usually have spring throughout April and May! Now, Memorial Day was OK, but not what I would call spring!! I was little depressed when I looked at the extended forecast and saw rain/showers for the next 7 days. Mark snuck home yesterday and quickly mowed the lawn in between sprinkles. I have been sick for the past 3 days and forgot to cover my little sandbox and it is filled with 1/4 sand and 3/4 rain. Ok now, I apologize for my trivial complaints. Well, I plan to babysit Jenna tomorrow while Mary and Brian take Catie for an orthopedic check up and she always brings sunshine to my heart.

Oh, I almost forgot! We now have new energy efficient double pane windows throughout the house. They look great and most importantly, they look so nice and clean. (Our old aluminum double pane storm windows from 20 years ago had managed to get moisture in between the windows which left water drip marks -- impossible to clean the picture window in the front, which also had a large crack in it, and the sliding glass door in the back) Our old sliding glass door to the deck has been impossible (except for the strong) to open for nearly 10 years, because the handle had broken and we had to grab the up-and-down lock to pull it open. It's wonderful to be able to open it now without bracing myself! And since Mark is a "pay-as-you-go" person, we have waited patiently for them! I absolutely love them!

See how helpful blogging is -- I started out complainy and ended up feeling very grateful!

Well, hopefully next time I will have something more exciting than windows and weather to talk about!!

What a great day!

First of all, we give thanks to all those who gave their lives serving our country and preserving our freedoms!

We had our usual Stringham Family Memorial Day picnic at our house. The weather really cooperated and it was just right -- not too hot and no rain!

The picnic

The trampoline is always a hit!

Davie loved Ernie and took it on the trampoline with him. This Ernie plays the guitar and sings when you push a certain button! Catie looking on!

Bubbles are always fun and they especially like it when they get to pour the solution themselves into smaller and more manageable containers.

Now this is interesting! Audrey lies on the trampoline, then Jason jumps really hard which makes Audrey bounce high and then he catches her!



And the littles ones love the sandbox!

Brian, Rebecca, Maria and James and all their family were able to attend! And we also had Jean and Neal Kidd (Jason Kidd's parents) celebrate with us. Jean and I managed to hide a few minutes in the trailer and just talk. Missed you J's!

Towards the end of the day, the older children talked me into playing a modified game of treasure hunt. I would hide an object (red ball) and then give clues until they could find it. For some reason they really love this simple game. Unfortunately, we were having so much fun, that we once left the backyard gate open and Jenna, Emily and Davie escaped and were found by some neighbors walking down our street in the middle of the road! Horrors! I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about that one. I think there were busy guardian angels at out house yesterday!

All in all it was a great day!

Memorial Day

I got this off the internet:

"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. "

"To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

I am embarassed to say that I had not heard of this resolution until yesterday!

Back from Pennsylvania

Well, we are back from our trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to see Jason, Jenn, Jaylee and Jenni. We went with Jamie, Ryan and Emily, and James came later for his business trip. I love this part of our country. It has a lot of American history. The countryside has lots of Amish farms, rolling green hills, and a peacefulness about it. And we see lots of quaint little shops, Amish buggies, and antique stores. One of these times I may break down and buy one of the Amish quilts. They are exquisite, but very expensive!

We saw Amish farmers doing their field work with horses!





You see the Amish buggies frequently going down the roads and highways.

We had a wonderful time just being around the grandkids!

Ryan learned not to be afraid of dogs from Uncle Jason when he let Ryan feed Boop! After that Ryan was frequently looking for Boop just to play. When Boop wants a rest from all the activities he hides under a bed.

The cousins all became good friends! Jaylee's a natural at playing with and caring for younger children. I could always count on her to help me out when little ones got fussy traveling in the car.

Here's Jason cooking our Mother's Day dinner. The steaks were just perfect! All the guys cooked the dinner and cleaned up after. That alone made it special! But to top if off they had also cooked us breakfast! And to even top that off we all went to church together!

Our Mother's Day dinner. Notice the fine china? Well, it sure made for fast clean up!

Jenni and Ryan decorating our dessert.

Jason and Jenn's backyard is a mini playground and the kids had lots to do!

Jason teaching Ryan how to shoot a BB gun.

Ryan very proud of his shot!

Jaylee is getting very good at target practice!

No matter what we did, the favorite time of the day was when the dads came home from work!

We went to the Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. What a fun place! The kids especially liked the little tour of how chocolate is made. The singing cows were a hit! We took that tour three times!

Doesn't this make your mouth water? We had way too much chocolate!!

One day we took a train ride on the worlds oldest short-line railroad in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. It's a great tourist attraction! The train is a beautifully restored, actual coal-burning locomotive! We got off at a picnic area for a short time, where we ate lunch and the kids got to play on old-fashioned merry-go-round, swings and teeter-totters!

The Liounis family (Jenn's family) are connoisseurs of fine food and know the best restaurants around. Here we are at Carrabbas Italian Grill in Lancaster. Emily especially enjoyed her spaghetti dinner!

We got to celebrate Jenni's 3rd birthday. She was so excited and revels in the attention. What a cutie! She's fun to watch. They kids got to hit a pinata. Ryan, although relectant at first, was the one to break it.

Our time there passed too quickly! We hated to leave, but we had one more stop to look forward to. We got to visit the Mall of America in Minneapolis during a 4 hour layover. It was huge! We only had time to visit the world's largest underground aquarium. It is fascinating! Emily loved it and kept looking for and asking for Nemo. Ryan, on the other hand, was a little nervous about the sharks, sting rays and other creatures swimming all around us and above us. He did, though, enjoy the the treasure playground.

All in all it was a great trip! We really appreciated Jason and Jenn's hospitality! They sure know how to make us feel welcome! We were very tired when we got home, but have the most wonderful memories!

P.S. Family members will probably see triplicates of this vacation since Jenn and Jamie may blog about it also!!

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

I heard this poem quoted on Music and the Spoken Word this morning. I'm always wishing I had a copy of what they said. So I found the poem on the internet and wanted to share with you all!

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

God's Hall of Fame

Happy Mother's Day to Mom!!

(Betty Jane Merrell Lee)

My mom as a baby

Mom singing with her sisters,

(L to R) Judy, Mom, Jessie and Nancy

(They were asked to sing at lots of events)

And as a great-grandmother

"Being a king, emperor, or president is mighty small potatoes compared to being a mother. Commanding an army is little more than sweeping a street compared with training a boy or girl. The mother of Moses did more for the world than all the kings that Egypt ever had. Oh, you wait until you reach the mountains of eternity, then read the mothers' names in
God's Hall of Fame"

Billy Sunday, American Athlete and Christian Evangelist


One of my favorite memories of my mom is her singing. She has a beautiful alto voice! When we were little, she would sing while we were traveling in the car. I think she started singing when the fighting and quarreling began. It helped calm us down. She knew so many songs and singing made the time pass quickly!! I can still remember many of those songs. In fact the other day I sang one of those songs, "Playmates, Come Out And Play With Me" , to my granddaughter, Jenna. She ask me to sing it to her about 5 times. (And usually she doesn't like me to sing!)