tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-146125962024-03-07T19:32:36.475-05:00Gretchen's TravelsMy personal blog for my travels through life. Seems like I'm home less and less every week, so this will help family and friends keep in touch with me.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.comBlogger609125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-78347148233784783802012-01-16T09:01:00.007-05:002012-01-16T09:18:23.766-05:00New Year's Resolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbASWNzyJYpqwcQdRg0S0YybXaomzEEVR5cnxUNyspP1KIsGjhwXOPo_vMo-PCIRXNsOgMEEJMKu8JuEAlvjBTIWb5BoOWrDYLY_cxvUZsgpl3uUlfDxg93YDWh1DUEqLtBwjq/s1600/11+Nov+Misc+056.JPG"></a><br />So it's been entirely too long since I wrote on here. Yes, I was back in the hospital again for a 3-day stint. This time, Three nurses blew out 4 veins. I'm still bruised and swollen and feel worse then when I went in the hospital to begin with.<br /><br />I don't know what the new year is to bring, but I do know it's more pain and torture. My goal for this year is to try and write here at least once a week. Would like to do more, but I don't turn on the laptop that often anymore. I received a Kindle Fire for Chistmas. I love it. I have dozens of books and games downsloaded already. Has anyone received one?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbASWNzyJYpqwcQdRg0S0YybXaomzEEVR5cnxUNyspP1KIsGjhwXOPo_vMo-PCIRXNsOgMEEJMKu8JuEAlvjBTIWb5BoOWrDYLY_cxvUZsgpl3uUlfDxg93YDWh1DUEqLtBwjq/s1600/11+Nov+Misc+056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698232241014707010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbASWNzyJYpqwcQdRg0S0YybXaomzEEVR5cnxUNyspP1KIsGjhwXOPo_vMo-PCIRXNsOgMEEJMKu8JuEAlvjBTIWb5BoOWrDYLY_cxvUZsgpl3uUlfDxg93YDWh1DUEqLtBwjq/s320/11+Nov+Misc+056.JPG" /></a>We lost our beloved Golden Retriever Aphrodite to lung cancer a few months ago and I can't get over the loss. She was the sweetest little gilr. Never asked a thing but a plavce on our lap and a cookie or two. Then a couple weeks later, our handster Yuri went to the Rainbow Bridge to wait for us. Everytime I looat at my photos and see my precious Adonis, I just want to be with him again. I don't have any friend, he has my one and only. I miss him so.<br /><br />I got hubby a DVD set of all of the Star Trek movies. He's a Trekkie forever. We're on the movie where fist contact with the vulcans are made. Remember it? My favorite is the Whales' movies. The best one I've see. We just finished the one where they went into the Nexus. I cried the entire time. I would do just about anything to go there. Even thought it's not real, it would be real enough for me. Only someone who has lost so much and has suffered so much could ever undertand.<br /><br />I hope everyone had a wonderful 2012 and all your hopes and dreams can cpme true!<br /><br /><br />G<em></em>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-30496059677654249942012-01-06T22:09:00.002-05:002012-01-06T22:23:07.598-05:00I'm back!Ok, so it seems like I've fallen off the face of the earth, but in truth Heath has taken control. I spent the past few nthe hospital hospital. The nurses blew four veins & my hands are swollen and bruised.<br /><br />I'm trying to get my life life back slowly. Went to visit my beautiful college student yesterdatmy. I miss her so much! She surprised me with a Thor ornament - my favorite of the Norse gods as well as a gorgeous bead for my bracelet. I wear it all the time. It was a get well soon gift. Not necessary, bit truly appreciated.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm spending the day with my son. We're not given a number of days and I want him to have memories of us. Maybe we'll go go a movie or just out to eat.<br /><br />I'm working on his junior year scrapbook, so he can look back & see how much I Love him. I finished Arielle's senior book and need to start her college one soon.<br /><br />Thanks for listening to my rambling. I hope I've inspired one one you to create a book to leave to your children or grandchildren. Its important for future generations to know they're loved.<br /><br />I'll try & update more often.<br /><br />G<br />.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-90633369982434958122011-09-22T22:38:00.002-04:002011-09-22T22:43:38.811-04:00A birthday wishToday is my precious Michael's birthday. He should be 23, married with kids or in college somewhere. We can't have the party we want, because we lost him 5 years ago. Now we have to go to his grave for the happy birthday wishes.<br /><br />I would give almost anything to change that horrible day in March, but I don't have any candles of my own to make that wish.<br /><br />I love you, Michael, and will forever and a day.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-82992425109481477632011-08-10T22:35:00.003-04:002011-08-10T22:39:36.846-04:00Wordless Wednesday - animal theme<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV4S4E-Wl4wqM1rJpKn66x6hcIcezB_LvWJtYsptBFIxhhWNkzBUetg8ENPE-HoUPB3g_PEd-JeT7SkhbXs_zTJo2VrkMvZ1iMYRPCicplWpg3vLisJjjrcKDqWETd66bvytN/s1600/2011+08+August+09+Sykesville+Fair+047.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV4S4E-Wl4wqM1rJpKn66x6hcIcezB_LvWJtYsptBFIxhhWNkzBUetg8ENPE-HoUPB3g_PEd-JeT7SkhbXs_zTJo2VrkMvZ1iMYRPCicplWpg3vLisJjjrcKDqWETd66bvytN/s320/2011+08+August+09+Sykesville+Fair+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639422493607352754" /></a>
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<br />Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-78945729577947259002011-07-13T15:34:00.003-04:002011-07-13T15:44:21.849-04:00I need a new body transplantYou see it on TV all the time, people have a problem, they just make an appointment and change their nose, face, etc... Well, my problem is my whole body. Do they do that yet? <br /><br />Besides the nightmare of the migraines, I'm dealing with a horrid right shoulder. Saw the bone doctor today. I had my left shoulder operated on about 4 years ago, so when I started having pain in the right one, I got worried. I ignored the pain as long as I could, then went to see a bone doc. He did an exam and sent me for physical theraphy. It's helping, but not quite fast enough. It's either a "frozen shoulder" or my rotator cuff is torn. Either way, it hurts!!!<br /><br />The bone doc is now sending me to get an MRI on Friday. Not looking foward to being stuck in a coffin for 25 or so minutes. I'm suppose to bring a CD or my iPod to keep my calm while in there. I think my music choices will scare the technician, so I better go through and take some things off. Going from Pavaratti singing Ave Maria to Marilyn Manson's Beautiful People and then maybe Elvis or Rammstein's Engel (Angel) or Du Hast (You Hate). I have quite a bit of German heavy metal. <br /><br />So now I have to bribe someone into driving me there (about 20 minutes), sitting there for the half hour, then back home again. Thankfully, my daughter or son are happy to be bribed with McDonald's or Wendy's.<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-58808539465301029672011-07-13T14:34:00.002-04:002011-07-13T15:14:51.571-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTUPkIdU0FLthxwGPZtw-xNSnhy9N_l09zklB3Z_N-INdqrKjeiETfnIPbjSAHIQtUbzYQZJW6ItMN8zyU6t2XVR5nboBl6sOzKx9w7f4GbbboGuQTLz92IU6vsLb8rlqYfl7/s1600/2011+06+June+28+State+College+074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTUPkIdU0FLthxwGPZtw-xNSnhy9N_l09zklB3Z_N-INdqrKjeiETfnIPbjSAHIQtUbzYQZJW6ItMN8zyU6t2XVR5nboBl6sOzKx9w7f4GbbboGuQTLz92IU6vsLb8rlqYfl7/s320/2011+06+June+28+State+College+074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628917501199671314" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-29455539385810138642011-06-29T12:50:00.001-04:002011-06-29T13:09:15.652-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUupQj4oxsuSfZD4ByF32LAOR4dgI7ThDcS3xAjFN8a_BdLAO6of9FJzl-kBDXCf3BPnNBItR-0MEzultUj81YMrlA7YxqNtH4sBkdMN1FsdlL2pufVl1weq9xgUCbfHhUiNwx/s1600/2011+06+June+28+State+College+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUupQj4oxsuSfZD4ByF32LAOR4dgI7ThDcS3xAjFN8a_BdLAO6of9FJzl-kBDXCf3BPnNBItR-0MEzultUj81YMrlA7YxqNtH4sBkdMN1FsdlL2pufVl1weq9xgUCbfHhUiNwx/s320/2011+06+June+28+State+College+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623689890091212658" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-37590148862326784112011-06-21T20:41:00.002-04:002011-06-21T20:48:50.212-04:00Tuesday's Reflection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqfe2fV4QhLRBwN6HJRtkX6aEXxyZMQynBncUAS5T7gT_3fap0XY2a0IO63CYGptxUCYC778X26cjngRFijb08kjReW9k-QitIZFF2FenwmQe-yTSi8A6yaplo7kywoPpTfH3/s1600/Fire+dragon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqfe2fV4QhLRBwN6HJRtkX6aEXxyZMQynBncUAS5T7gT_3fap0XY2a0IO63CYGptxUCYC778X26cjngRFijb08kjReW9k-QitIZFF2FenwmQe-yTSi8A6yaplo7kywoPpTfH3/s320/Fire+dragon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620838914216715234" /></a><br /><br />It's getting time to start camping again. For me, being alone in the forest with my family is the best part. I love watching the kids cook hotdogs and burn marshmellows. The fire pit is the central part of any good camping trip. We gather around it to eat, of course to cook, but also at night just to talk. What would a trip be without a crackling fire?<br /><br />I spend a lot of time photographing the fire. The images it forms always tell a story. If you look at this one, it's obvious that a dragon was near by. Can you see the image in the flames? He's leaning back his head and breathing fire. What do you see in the fire? Is it the dragon I see?Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-22170807769195698982011-06-20T17:34:00.004-04:002011-06-20T17:45:10.805-04:00The Green Lantern<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7ZluqqEfanHlcGFQiTtae9TIz2t1R90d1338GUD6JMr4iI9i5vlaEec9TICBrU6HGfNHh8yyQT3omfZBNFEQsHxC8_pcHkWWkZ38TNnTPE-0MtrZMi7v24DwWxP0Hdn1xR9X/s1600/Green+Lantern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7ZluqqEfanHlcGFQiTtae9TIz2t1R90d1338GUD6JMr4iI9i5vlaEec9TICBrU6HGfNHh8yyQT3omfZBNFEQsHxC8_pcHkWWkZ38TNnTPE-0MtrZMi7v24DwWxP0Hdn1xR9X/s320/Green+Lantern.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620418879624934722" /></a><br /><br /><br />As a special treat, we went to eat at Red Lobster and then went to the movies yesterday to celebrate Fathers' Day and my birthday. My parents and brother Todd met us at the resteraunt, then they went home. Arielle went, too. She wasn't interested in the movie. We thought <em><strong>The Green Lantern </strong></em>looked pretty good, but boy were we wrong! It was a disaster. I literally fell asleep during the movie. We rarely go to the movies because it costs a fortune to get in and get a popcorn and cup of Coca Cola to share.<br /><br />We thought Ryan Reynolds could pull it off, but he just wasn't meant to be a super hero. I can't find words low enough to describe how bad the movie was. There were a few laughs in it, but they were few and far between. If you're a super hero fan, wait til it comes out on DVD and borrow it from the library. It's not worth $10 a ticket to see. :( Now I have to wait til July 15 for the final <em><strong>Harry Potter </strong></em>movie. That will be worth the price to get in. Then the real wait begins for the final two <em><strong>Twilight: Breaking Dawn</strong></em> movies and <strong><em>The Hobbit</em></strong>!! :)Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-81293584341597574962011-06-15T22:50:00.004-04:002011-06-15T22:53:53.612-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsE_97uURTE-mdvO2QeBNYrv_B7t0RIH9WD8zi2B7NTOC8pos4QkxNqz75qKHTVEksx97P-pmdNs34egDyP7q6pTio_qPbB04PexuaCf2Xxb4v89ahddci6nNzitk7lhfVV-q/s1600/2011+06+June+09+n+10+Carnival+105.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsE_97uURTE-mdvO2QeBNYrv_B7t0RIH9WD8zi2B7NTOC8pos4QkxNqz75qKHTVEksx97P-pmdNs34egDyP7q6pTio_qPbB04PexuaCf2Xxb4v89ahddci6nNzitk7lhfVV-q/s320/2011+06+June+09+n+10+Carnival+105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618645316879860994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQEWfpMulKxSzVBGl1BN8ju186dLEdJahZG_y9wHeRmsjljTzLqa8vL6AF1zpCAGII6tzmfWWRh4qchTbC-Zv0gH6ijZWXB6k6T5Yp4ceFZy0pML7HG_mMZJP3KLn48ilCoLZ/s1600/2011+06+June+11+Carnival+052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQEWfpMulKxSzVBGl1BN8ju186dLEdJahZG_y9wHeRmsjljTzLqa8vL6AF1zpCAGII6tzmfWWRh4qchTbC-Zv0gH6ijZWXB6k6T5Yp4ceFZy0pML7HG_mMZJP3KLn48ilCoLZ/s320/2011+06+June+11+Carnival+052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618645058037407986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xf7rszLJUOu4TplVzt3y5ObLumeEb1hroIjOqB5tLwHDUBo4vaHOarsCLOr3cxnuh9I44wq_AECqB7nuXqmLplBhf8CO586dLRy9Nyl-NVK4g1VxOs8Y-jH7hpanU3P5AWoA/s1600/2011+06+June+11+Carnival+053.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xf7rszLJUOu4TplVzt3y5ObLumeEb1hroIjOqB5tLwHDUBo4vaHOarsCLOr3cxnuh9I44wq_AECqB7nuXqmLplBhf8CO586dLRy9Nyl-NVK4g1VxOs8Y-jH7hpanU3P5AWoA/s320/2011+06+June+11+Carnival+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644784193588082" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-13806636579114805692011-06-15T22:39:00.004-04:002011-06-15T22:49:41.183-04:00Thank you, Elizabeth!!!I was catching up on my favorite blogs and saw where Elizabeth at Six Golden Coins ( http://sixgoldencoins.blogspot.com/) posted about lavendar-scented yoga eye pillows. I mentioned how much I would like one for my many hospital visits.<br /><br />Not long after that comment, I found a package in my mailbox. It was one of the hand made pillows as well as several other goodies from Elizabeth. It was a bad day for me, one where moving was almost more than I could do. I started crying, of course. This wonderful woman has never met me and out of the blue, she sends me a care package that made my entire month!<br /><br />She included a beautiful hand made journal. I'm using it as my pain journal. Our regular doctor suggested I keep one. He says there's nothing left for him to do for me, so this is as good as my life is going to get. <br /><br />I can't thank you enough, Elizabeth! You have truly made my month and I will think of you and your kindness every time I use the pillow, journal or other goodies!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-8207446710724174472011-06-06T00:10:00.000-04:002011-06-06T00:11:14.316-04:00Happy 19th Birthday, Arielle!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VFWsEDbZpgQOQ9ct9jttRmQ2zTdpUWIv8ISRVOINo2wPOMMFmgHKFaqyx6FrCFt43UmnFd88uyhy5yRcluGfLQWaCOJM9MLdxC647pIbFYmd2Yu2IP8oD2Au3bLzEtp3_QR7/s1600/2011+06+June+04+Bird+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VFWsEDbZpgQOQ9ct9jttRmQ2zTdpUWIv8ISRVOINo2wPOMMFmgHKFaqyx6FrCFt43UmnFd88uyhy5yRcluGfLQWaCOJM9MLdxC647pIbFYmd2Yu2IP8oD2Au3bLzEtp3_QR7/s320/2011+06+June+04+Bird+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614952849938289922" /></a><br />Happy Birthday, Arielle!!! <br /><br />19 years ago today, I was given the greatest gift (until my second greatest gift arrived 2 1/2 years later) when my daughter Arielle was born. I've talked about her quite a bit recently since she graduated from high school last week and will soon be off to college.<br /><br />Arriving at a bit under 7 pounds, she made up for her pint size body with killer blue eyes and the most beautiful face I'd ever seen. She was an emergency C-section. She was late, but when she decided it was time to make her grand entrance into the world, she was in a hurry to arrive.<br /><br />My life changed in ways I can't ever explain to someone who hasn't experienced the joy and heartache being a mother can be. I'd never want anything else. I'll never stop worrying about her, but I'm as ready as I can be to let her try her wings.<br /><br />Now I turn the reigns over to my girl. Look out world, here she comes!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-51559068458054537632011-06-05T19:38:00.002-04:002011-06-05T19:41:14.457-04:00Camera Critters #165<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGTC9kQYntBBbCXCHc2iCn8CXTfW0d_vwjHpBZWLXS_GUqv8XIRZWz3HOFLuDiQFTvhw0aUJPpv8j-58wDTbvBMXfuBxrxwgpDBw0MEra4rTlibHsquMlJIphmhsWuOikbZ9p/s1600/2011+06+June+04+Bird+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGTC9kQYntBBbCXCHc2iCn8CXTfW0d_vwjHpBZWLXS_GUqv8XIRZWz3HOFLuDiQFTvhw0aUJPpv8j-58wDTbvBMXfuBxrxwgpDBw0MEra4rTlibHsquMlJIphmhsWuOikbZ9p/s320/2011+06+June+04+Bird+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614884614528552386" /></a><br /><br />When we were coming home from the flea market yesterday, we saw this pretty bird waiting on our porch. Guess he knew I needed a model for today's Camera Critters?<br /><br />For more of the best animal photographs from around the globe, stop over to Camera Critters' central at http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-83975094353454522032011-06-03T19:12:00.004-04:002011-06-03T19:42:17.105-04:00Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 47<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsZ1Zp4VaOCxfpnF89EOKIkvgc23ezHQUnhLNMUoUEOv6LW1LJctwSDVswPgI4MU3EPu53m0UpBVBQaGn0scXMF8l76SWpdsWSuncXUA7wGiAOh1iM8SwdixcnueTmxTB4oZh/s1600/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsZ1Zp4VaOCxfpnF89EOKIkvgc23ezHQUnhLNMUoUEOv6LW1LJctwSDVswPgI4MU3EPu53m0UpBVBQaGn0scXMF8l76SWpdsWSuncXUA7wGiAOh1iM8SwdixcnueTmxTB4oZh/s320/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614141168935401506" /></a><br /><br /><br />Time for the weekly Skywatch Friday meme and my entry for the week is a shot I took of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. I took the shot while we were on a Duck Boat Tour earlier this week. If you're in the City and have an hour, this is one of the best tours around! No, I'm not a Duckboat spokeswoman (Quack Quack Quack) and they aren't compensating me in any way, I just truly enjoyed the trip.<br /><br />If you want to see more of the best sky shots in the world, stop by Skywatch Friday central at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-56362991968160684772011-06-03T18:47:00.006-04:002011-06-03T19:12:14.645-04:00Another page in the Book of Life has Turned<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4LxJKbNIFx2wtNP1F0-9BzJvqe7hcMtb02vkoglTq8iTfIY5dyko7CRwMDgBPgMP0zYeJkBVdJs-ZrETK4TF-C7DCosmfmgmtKhZA-bbtW2aEkKvPcuI-gPHNOiDQosB_l5O/s1600/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+093.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4LxJKbNIFx2wtNP1F0-9BzJvqe7hcMtb02vkoglTq8iTfIY5dyko7CRwMDgBPgMP0zYeJkBVdJs-ZrETK4TF-C7DCosmfmgmtKhZA-bbtW2aEkKvPcuI-gPHNOiDQosB_l5O/s320/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614131074785086338" /></a><br />My beautiful 18-year old daughter Arielle has made another step in life when she graduated from high school over the weekend. Yes, the tears were there, but I was so proud to see this gorgeous, confident girl walk across the stage to recieve her diploma. School was never easy and the School District made it harder than necessary many times, but that is all let go now. She's free! She received that diploma that is so important in life.<br /><br />Randy and I sat in the front row with the other reporters and professional photographers that were hired to document the event. That's one nice part of my job, a shiny press pass! :) Trevor and Todd sat together and filmed the event. My parents and aunt were further back. Randy's mother had fallen earlier in the month and she was in the nursing home and unable to attend. Sadly, his brother and sister-in-law weren't interested in attending. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-k_wC1YtxstHeCiaW8Bxf8FmPuw2rrTYVaxU9qGudmhPR7zD6KVqZybJA0Q3Q4Y8kNbfartKXdqD8WfHSD1DA9v9HqvV4a7YcFH7w4VDSx3GTupPnnoTFNOEaZlFSa1lsnTk_/s1600/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-k_wC1YtxstHeCiaW8Bxf8FmPuw2rrTYVaxU9qGudmhPR7zD6KVqZybJA0Q3Q4Y8kNbfartKXdqD8WfHSD1DA9v9HqvV4a7YcFH7w4VDSx3GTupPnnoTFNOEaZlFSa1lsnTk_/s320/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614133288139893986" /></a><br />I've talked about her many times over the years I've written in this blog. She's been my best friend since birth. We look so much alike, people mistake us for each other. Thanks to Austin Powers, I have a response, "Yes, I cloned her! I call her 'Mini Me!!'" <br /><br />I homeschooled her for several years and we enjoyed trips to Gettysburg, New Hampshire, Salem, Harrisburg, etc.... as part of her education. She has chosen to become a massage therapist. She made that decision because of my health issues and her grandmother's many health issues. She has chosen to devote her life to helping ease the suffering of others because of what she sees on a daily basis. That shows the heart my girl has.<br /><br />Following the ceremony, we went out to eat with Trevor, my parents, brother Todd and aunt Judy who came to attend the event. She never misses one of my kids events. It wouldn't be right to have her not be there.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-MgMiauS55yYblxrOq2GNysgN4e_Oyw5LbomGnN-uvZxyGznNadkhuDrdLL07pfuSf0RKRoIeGXELap0CNkya_cCtgTbkGiT3aHehJzaAwUArEl0D1EgFEvWspSWfzqhK7f7/s1600/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+195.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-MgMiauS55yYblxrOq2GNysgN4e_Oyw5LbomGnN-uvZxyGznNadkhuDrdLL07pfuSf0RKRoIeGXELap0CNkya_cCtgTbkGiT3aHehJzaAwUArEl0D1EgFEvWspSWfzqhK7f7/s320/2011+05+May+29+Arielle+Graduation+195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614132494827881186" /></a><br /><br /><br />I want to congratulate all the graduates of the Class of 2011!!! You've worked hard and deserve to enjoy your summer before you head off to college, the armed forces, getting married or joining the work force. Don't forget your parents. They were there through the good and bad. Those all night final cramming sessions or 5th grade science projects wouldn't have been done without them. Make sure to give them a thank you as well.<br /><br />We'll have a large party for her later this summer when her grandmother is able to attend. We'll combine it with her birthday and going away party and her cousin Jessamy's graduation as well. One big, loving family always. :)Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-91669376098234896042011-05-25T15:26:00.001-04:002011-05-25T15:33:11.038-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrcDIkSNqbfJpM_ZpQg2IMv9OgGEIU-lCn_DZolkR-mbsD5gotpzlUt7iFRt3gUGL4oGe_rP9t8XVLD94tHsf6lwwJ9s-6XzlisVxXInXlnIL_d7XVYrfMnZsbbKTtFX9eCnd/s1600/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+011.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrcDIkSNqbfJpM_ZpQg2IMv9OgGEIU-lCn_DZolkR-mbsD5gotpzlUt7iFRt3gUGL4oGe_rP9t8XVLD94tHsf6lwwJ9s-6XzlisVxXInXlnIL_d7XVYrfMnZsbbKTtFX9eCnd/s400/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610739052336736114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFIpWLNL6-m024c-lpP_v5MXAQOvwYoNI_D6IU8v0nafHSqaA_iLFSk8BG-Q2Nc_6aCDQ1OGwWdB3Q6RSOysTIpcaLv8DyVfIZVx4XFe9SNjQyuu9OHrcyiS4Sfa3QUtB_SmN/s1600/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFIpWLNL6-m024c-lpP_v5MXAQOvwYoNI_D6IU8v0nafHSqaA_iLFSk8BG-Q2Nc_6aCDQ1OGwWdB3Q6RSOysTIpcaLv8DyVfIZVx4XFe9SNjQyuu9OHrcyiS4Sfa3QUtB_SmN/s400/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610738701676421682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1DGZnTocRN27atcIHfSp-ySx5BJsSrLRaIHiXXuQm3nce8OMCHhTm0XyKdk29gx8KAlYqa9L061983KZlbKTX6zjEpVzIUxSE6WkO9vbdFBxlgHUNUDrH7IMiJ-QASvudT1e/s1600/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+005.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1DGZnTocRN27atcIHfSp-ySx5BJsSrLRaIHiXXuQm3nce8OMCHhTm0XyKdk29gx8KAlYqa9L061983KZlbKTX6zjEpVzIUxSE6WkO9vbdFBxlgHUNUDrH7IMiJ-QASvudT1e/s400/2011+04+April+28+Misc+Photos+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610738521723999810" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-43410266080365474632011-05-24T13:42:00.004-04:002011-05-24T13:51:54.345-04:00Thor really rocks!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSqcvLzEp899OV7lbqkic29oqPNoenLkHtNa2l5bC1fx1vB_kE6FyFHuGYURs9Hjrf3XbMQ-hCWnKvX9V6VzgqbzIA6Gz5CkxfXe-MnzC-69DJDEfA61hIwNjf-pTjRsL28B/s1600/ThorPoster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSqcvLzEp899OV7lbqkic29oqPNoenLkHtNa2l5bC1fx1vB_kE6FyFHuGYURs9Hjrf3XbMQ-hCWnKvX9V6VzgqbzIA6Gz5CkxfXe-MnzC-69DJDEfA61hIwNjf-pTjRsL28B/s400/ThorPoster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610339746594123890" /></a><br />Since things have been so rough around here lately, I wanted to give the kids a treat and took them to see a movie over the weekend. We chose <em><strong>Thor</strong></em> and WOW was it awesome! Anyone seen it yet? Randy wasn't feeling up to going and urged me to just take the kids. With Arielle graduating this weekend, I want to spend as much time as possible with her. She'll be leaving for college in two months. Need to build up all those last minute memories.<br /><br />I've always loved the Norse God of Thunder. He's been seen in various forms on film from the cartoon versions to Adventures in Babysitting and now the current movie. Each version showed the unbelievable muscles, gorgeous face and long blonde hair.<br /><br />When so many movies make us walk out wishing we'd saved the $50 and bought a video game instead, its nice to enjoy it and not regret the cost. I can't recommend the movie enough. There were lots of laughs, cringes and outright cheers during the movie. If you want to escape reality for a bit, I'd suggest this is the movie you want to see. The only part that made me slap my forhead and yell "NO!" was when they made Loki the stolen baby of a frost giant. The story didn't need to be made up.<br /><br />I'll be buying the movie as soon as it comes out on Blue Ray. Probably around Christmas it should be out.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-27534510429052752922011-05-18T22:01:00.003-04:002011-05-18T22:05:07.769-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok4u8rRcEnycOkvCj9yYIsYC3D9ZiNHFdUqcDwFQ4IH1_LoDvUsOhhfCvlZlJ1mQisaw0lQObd8EZgWEup21MxkJLDpqjVgIS0HQIcSo1tsgfoApBGbqVSVRXNUKdBoojLyRK/s1600/2011+05+May+18+Erie+009.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok4u8rRcEnycOkvCj9yYIsYC3D9ZiNHFdUqcDwFQ4IH1_LoDvUsOhhfCvlZlJ1mQisaw0lQObd8EZgWEup21MxkJLDpqjVgIS0HQIcSo1tsgfoApBGbqVSVRXNUKdBoojLyRK/s320/2011+05+May+18+Erie+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608242425515069666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3yKdPK-uD0WCmOlUFwdRO3tM8s7GzxUw5G6c6UYNVAZG6UhUNxTi3ZmXVNVCT0atwCAphoB_qDMUoe4SD3kwm4Hm1VrnQTgUXxa-SPl_pc9w_5_sR7Uc5CrPCvDHFdzSZ3MT/s1600/2011+05+May+18+Erie+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3yKdPK-uD0WCmOlUFwdRO3tM8s7GzxUw5G6c6UYNVAZG6UhUNxTi3ZmXVNVCT0atwCAphoB_qDMUoe4SD3kwm4Hm1VrnQTgUXxa-SPl_pc9w_5_sR7Uc5CrPCvDHFdzSZ3MT/s320/2011+05+May+18+Erie+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608242033527959138" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-46711717076656411062011-05-17T00:56:00.006-04:002011-05-17T01:07:20.334-04:00Hottest Supe?OK, I was reading posts the other day and one really got me thinking (hard as that is to believe, I know, I know). What is the current favorite Supernatural creature?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfMfoMZQycQl9og0GId_NnmIyVxgFAFuUWIpuYeB7O8UxK-gFGozM4Xr-bw0q79Z0bHpQlimvGsbmjRA6vNFY81DQHBtUTmSiqpuKbSbcbVedmXn-RA_1kpYfiQHj4la8tgPY/s1600/TrueBlood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfMfoMZQycQl9og0GId_NnmIyVxgFAFuUWIpuYeB7O8UxK-gFGozM4Xr-bw0q79Z0bHpQlimvGsbmjRA6vNFY81DQHBtUTmSiqpuKbSbcbVedmXn-RA_1kpYfiQHj4la8tgPY/s320/TrueBlood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607546926973896898" /></a><br /><br />It was vampires or werewolves (and will be again as soon as <em><strong>Breaking Dawn </strong></em>is released or <strong><em>True Blood </em></strong>premieres on June 26), then zombies came into play. What do you think? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk2U99uiQl-9Ld-kjKhTxsYblQbC__PfihLVKV1eEI4VHXT1oTASU_TNylfvW5wNJhRkBDfdtPeWBDH_zva3WR3MJa_4UX9PMIWJ0L3xCuumDBsbFwY1A8R4CPKN5ogf7-_96/s1600/Zombies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk2U99uiQl-9Ld-kjKhTxsYblQbC__PfihLVKV1eEI4VHXT1oTASU_TNylfvW5wNJhRkBDfdtPeWBDH_zva3WR3MJa_4UX9PMIWJ0L3xCuumDBsbFwY1A8R4CPKN5ogf7-_96/s320/Zombies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607546746636323970" /></a><br /><br />I have tons of <strong>I LUV VAMPIRES </strong>things and one <strong>I RUN WITH WOLVES </strong>teeshirt, but have been finding a few <strong>I LUV ZOMBIES </strong>things. Found a cute jelly bracelet the last time I was at the mall and picked up a zombie tee shirt, too from everyone's favorite A&E show. Then there are fairies. I have a bunch of fairy tee shirts and one really cute purse. Are witches counted as supernatural? I have way too many witchy things, cuz, well you know. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAk8lUcSZlEUcMG1Fz3UtAoAZBqa5eJcwG4ggglZreAv7kEzUdeTcEZB3EmKyQVFwyGqJUbnmqBq7fPuqqLgYfRlH0mwuU7gC6ElXbcjYAuVCdUljChlWeu1VnPcYvzrArspZ/s1600/witch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAk8lUcSZlEUcMG1Fz3UtAoAZBqa5eJcwG4ggglZreAv7kEzUdeTcEZB3EmKyQVFwyGqJUbnmqBq7fPuqqLgYfRlH0mwuU7gC6ElXbcjYAuVCdUljChlWeu1VnPcYvzrArspZ/s320/witch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607546607578970034" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br />So, my question to all is, What is YOUR favorite supernatural being?<br /><br /><strong>I love them all </strong>and I really love that in this environment, I can finally find clothes, jewelry and other accessories that let me show off my love for the supernatural!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-12678525250673870792011-05-15T14:55:00.003-04:002011-05-15T15:10:04.753-04:00Camera Critters #162While waiting for the prom kids to show up at our town's gazebo, I found a new little model and had fun watching him running around the tree. Since it's time for Camera Critters, it was perfect timing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWH7pt8SiI3bbKd_5jet-QzgQhzaRIPkvtkrp_mQBncSIDJqiVfOOYYWPDyvZRPSualZzcoDlLm9ojJCuGnkRcdUT0do0QJa3I_-qrExl60pQclzHDLDV3BaFuAMq5b3aKAPy/s1600/2011+05+May+14+Prom+019.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWH7pt8SiI3bbKd_5jet-QzgQhzaRIPkvtkrp_mQBncSIDJqiVfOOYYWPDyvZRPSualZzcoDlLm9ojJCuGnkRcdUT0do0QJa3I_-qrExl60pQclzHDLDV3BaFuAMq5b3aKAPy/s320/2011+05+May+14+Prom+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607022172853543074" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPyx9G-qirTDrmhho6DYDCFyUSpjD1JF4UBYTauaL8GJW8Qz9f5vBuoixVOuYdZOEtf5vMPELYMUnUCAmR10o4fcvbEshcwqQoPS41myTSCMqHOZvwN_U-XxGnSwL4yCHjqSb/s1600/2011+05+May+14+Prom+021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPyx9G-qirTDrmhho6DYDCFyUSpjD1JF4UBYTauaL8GJW8Qz9f5vBuoixVOuYdZOEtf5vMPELYMUnUCAmR10o4fcvbEshcwqQoPS41myTSCMqHOZvwN_U-XxGnSwL4yCHjqSb/s320/2011+05+May+14+Prom+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607019083025017410" /></a><br /><br /><br />To see more animals from around the world, stop over at Camera Critters Central at http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/ to see them.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-8276322467158907732011-05-15T14:48:00.005-04:002011-05-15T14:55:12.529-04:002011 Senior PromLast night was the senior prom for many teens throughout the nation. My daughter was one of those lucky kids. Sadly, the school refused to allow her boyfriend to attend because he was the ancient age of 21. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzRhJa622tqv_sziepvZN7P43B69twMSRgRXzNGCxsuwz8jKLLcnd_KCyTWqSl8rPCLmSrgAqbjTZ97LKPG1JAZYY7_8RZPLo4LEdxr6vuqX7YQmFuZEi08HKusTO1mSdpeo2/s1600/2011+05+May+14+Prom+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzRhJa622tqv_sziepvZN7P43B69twMSRgRXzNGCxsuwz8jKLLcnd_KCyTWqSl8rPCLmSrgAqbjTZ97LKPG1JAZYY7_8RZPLo4LEdxr6vuqX7YQmFuZEi08HKusTO1mSdpeo2/s320/2011+05+May+14+Prom+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607017251036252962" /></a><br /><br />Nothing could keep her from attending this right of passage though, so she went with a couple of her friends and had a blast. My parents and Trevor went with me to take photos of her and her friends. Our last chance to see her before the dancing melts her make up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wc7eQojoW82begywEmPv3hjdmup-e9K1QNwYH45HS-Ng2GhySgNNTQJzNjDEaMEZpP-Y1v63sAdWrAXg3xAI7pjGoxW2zA4NgnkXf_MR9sUfpvnOQwkR2A28lxwDurLcz9du/s1600/2011+05+May+14+Prom+034.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Wc7eQojoW82begywEmPv3hjdmup-e9K1QNwYH45HS-Ng2GhySgNNTQJzNjDEaMEZpP-Y1v63sAdWrAXg3xAI7pjGoxW2zA4NgnkXf_MR9sUfpvnOQwkR2A28lxwDurLcz9du/s320/2011+05+May+14+Prom+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607017680661453618" /></a><br /><br /><br />There are now only two weeks left before she graduates from high school and another milestone in her life. I have to enjoy the last few minutes before she's officially an adult and ready to head off to college.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5CS_74KRuEO_qXmVTOAYGPUlkaCsvzl7hlZOOAir7lY_pDFe6SnIAWLMTdJCnMkDmKw2pPD3n17DB5afsKq6wQRH5ZkpydCLN1PFQ-L2YwNK5mp9OYIVgif96UkXQsT3yg4/s1600/2011+05+May+14+Prom+027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5CS_74KRuEO_qXmVTOAYGPUlkaCsvzl7hlZOOAir7lY_pDFe6SnIAWLMTdJCnMkDmKw2pPD3n17DB5afsKq6wQRH5ZkpydCLN1PFQ-L2YwNK5mp9OYIVgif96UkXQsT3yg4/s320/2011+05+May+14+Prom+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607018044976343410" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-32141155326591903232011-05-13T15:56:00.002-04:002011-05-13T16:02:15.067-04:00Skywatch Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC_LBVf-0rdhj2CghBFHBEhR-x6xuusts62GEGFFd3zr0MSgDHchQVRyCDIYbPTxfzr2W2OXH3uK76uVwU52232Jjnu5tDyyY2A59zyd_KJvpLmXNSyC2U0GW3vzH8cvv3bI0/s1600/2011+03+March+28+St+Leos+Renovations+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC_LBVf-0rdhj2CghBFHBEhR-x6xuusts62GEGFFd3zr0MSgDHchQVRyCDIYbPTxfzr2W2OXH3uK76uVwU52232Jjnu5tDyyY2A59zyd_KJvpLmXNSyC2U0GW3vzH8cvv3bI0/s320/2011+03+March+28+St+Leos+Renovations+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606292856550184690" /></a><br /><br /><br />This photo was taken out the window of the Diamondview Restaurant, the former St. Marys Country Club.<br /><br />For more sky scenes from around the world stop over at Sky Watch Central at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-42602550938958911522011-04-30T13:50:00.009-04:002011-04-30T15:38:13.540-04:00The Fairy Tale is Back!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZDGGZY7IjTayybeCosrQBvamkWzAL1y_dv0dLViYkhtqNICQR0uHUa_NGkhZEBLBaois2oTvcLOsIXgy0h5D4l8xEhdrH_VlSReandTRLDZ7n-0eHU7xURu2fQAnwVjWgMBr/s1600/KateNWills2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZDGGZY7IjTayybeCosrQBvamkWzAL1y_dv0dLViYkhtqNICQR0uHUa_NGkhZEBLBaois2oTvcLOsIXgy0h5D4l8xEhdrH_VlSReandTRLDZ7n-0eHU7xURu2fQAnwVjWgMBr/s320/KateNWills2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601436012381383810" /></a><br />When commoner Kate Middleton married Prince William and became forever known as Princess Catherine, little girls all over the world began to once again dream of their own prince. If we're honest without ourselves, most little girls dream of that handsome prince, riding a white horse who comes along and rescue us. We'e married in a huge wedding and live happily forever after in a castle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bSQz49mSMDsSAq9eTVpAmvjRc7ZxN4ZhaDW5SalXXawSHx-WwqN_VOilQ63hhJiA5GPKeRvuza8lxHCj7_laYt42xgcc1w5nXDoziHKFO4ScSyhrcEQtuh_wuh_zaBPnDCwq/s1600/DianaNCharles"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bSQz49mSMDsSAq9eTVpAmvjRc7ZxN4ZhaDW5SalXXawSHx-WwqN_VOilQ63hhJiA5GPKeRvuza8lxHCj7_laYt42xgcc1w5nXDoziHKFO4ScSyhrcEQtuh_wuh_zaBPnDCwq/s320/DianaNCharles" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601438607090312370" /></a><br />We cheered when Diana Spencer got married to Prince Charles (even though he was entirely too old for her and clearly didn't love her), then cried when her marriage fell apart. Hearing her heartbreak as she talked about having "three people" in her marriage wasn't part of our dreams. Where is the fairy tale prince who promised to love her for life? Sadly, that life ended in a mass of twisted steel in a tunnel in Paris, far from her boys and the storybook ending we all wanted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLxzbfSVAFk_BR_H3dG8LJXYcy4bJaD_GwyIZfwwHW8Rky-tBj3ngK-ERx1_5C3Jl_cRi3KGlSMrwzXQXXyPUo-Ecx3mXbA2hOq-p7ttxt_Yp1izTFyEFo6-eMtK4Lrm7x73v/s1600/Diana+Funeral.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLxzbfSVAFk_BR_H3dG8LJXYcy4bJaD_GwyIZfwwHW8Rky-tBj3ngK-ERx1_5C3Jl_cRi3KGlSMrwzXQXXyPUo-Ecx3mXbA2hOq-p7ttxt_Yp1izTFyEFo6-eMtK4Lrm7x73v/s320/Diana+Funeral.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601439240024116882" /></a><br />We cried as we saw Princes William and Harry walking behind their mother's casket on the way to her funeral and cheered as their uncle vowed to not let the same happen to them. They would know their mother and not become part of the machine that destroyed her.<br /><br />Now we flash forward to William, all grown up and handsome in his military uniform, the spitting image of his mother as he nervously bit his lip while waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxZIgJajQTV8TqYZa_1J27NzIIdPf2wMZ-lOVgHGiJK9Y0JfzWj8MakbOQKWnwcKxUKMaAZH6usXusLInND3HQAqND0V4aKpMsUo2iK5hUBLXoQFurZ1v-KWdD8C0XYMdu0QG/s1600/KateNWills3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxZIgJajQTV8TqYZa_1J27NzIIdPf2wMZ-lOVgHGiJK9Y0JfzWj8MakbOQKWnwcKxUKMaAZH6usXusLInND3HQAqND0V4aKpMsUo2iK5hUBLXoQFurZ1v-KWdD8C0XYMdu0QG/s320/KateNWills3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601440942068791346" /></a><br />The ceremony was beautiful and the ride to the palace was everything we expected. Lots of pagentry, white horses and cheering crowds. We waiting breathlessly while the formal photos were taken, then it was time for the first kiss. The part we'd been waiting for. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL71cGdYMKwBV6imHmsYqQn4uw_DZmjLR8NNXsPG6OBx2HgBijOOIQJN2T5jBBDZMXD4txzcLVwpPsDV00-3ZLppTTXmVN_X1M6seJWssB1soDP5JIrtB3BTSJGgFDYTd77ReR/s1600/KateNWills.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL71cGdYMKwBV6imHmsYqQn4uw_DZmjLR8NNXsPG6OBx2HgBijOOIQJN2T5jBBDZMXD4txzcLVwpPsDV00-3ZLppTTXmVN_X1M6seJWssB1soDP5JIrtB3BTSJGgFDYTd77ReR/s320/KateNWills.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601437933649949154" /></a><br /><br />Now we can wish them well and hope their happily ever after is truly that - happy!Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-8644971800778215312011-04-20T11:08:00.002-04:002011-04-20T11:23:08.638-04:00My newest nightmareI've been hesitant to post about this becuase it's embarassing, but I realize that just lets the guilty off easy. I have to stand up for my rights and those of us who might not have the same strength or platform as I do.<br /><br />I went to our local pharmacy to pick up my many prescriptions I need on a daily basis just to survive. Not live, mind you, just survive. From my blog, you know of my health struggles over the past three plus years. As I'm standing in line, the entire pharmacy area is standing-room-only, I hear the clerk say, "Do we have to call the Secret Service to get this refilled?" At the same time, she's holding up the little red basket with my prescription as well as a bottle in it with my name on it. The pharmacist looks over and smirks as well. Then he notices me and turns his head. I'm cringing and want the floor to open up and swallow me. It's my bottle and prescription. <em><strong>It's me they're making fun of!</strong></em><br /><br />I didn't attack them or even say a word about what was said when I picked up my order, but ran out as fast as possible. It was too embarassing and I didn't want to draw more attention to myself. Today, I had to go back in and get monthly refills. The clerk isn't there, but the pharmacist is. I ask to quietly speak to him in private. I'm already embarassed enough and didn't want to make a huge public issue if something could be worked out.<br /><br />He denied it happened and said he didn't remember it and didn't even know who I was. Of course, once I said my name, the story changed to he always makes sure he immediately works on my order since I've had trouble with them before losing orders and I get so many items filled every month. He still denied remembering a thing about it. I asked if it were the least bit funny and how horrible I feel walking in there now. If they are brazen enough to laugh at my health's expense when I'm standing right there, what do they say behind my back? What about other customers who have the misfortune of needing to go out of town to specialists and need the refills called in? Who will speak for them? I might not have a million followers here, but the ones who do read regularly are smart, literate and I trust you to tell me who is out of line in this.<br /><br />There's my story. The comments are open for people to give their thoughts. If I'm wrong and it's perfectly ok what was done, I want to know. Maybe I am just too sensitive? If I'm right, what do I do now? I've asked that the clerk never touch my medical information again, but the damage is already done. I honestly don't feel comfortable going there and now I'm going to have to find a new pharmacy (and I live in a VERY small town) to fill my extensive health needs every month. I'm worried about who else they've told the story to and who all is laughing at me. As I said, this is a small town.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14612596.post-6167721588486670442011-04-19T21:46:00.000-04:002011-04-19T21:49:11.872-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwvwxvO2JQN4754q3ULBjn7X4a452YyugOwK1TsGPgr_PgBqoyqnGdmqNBD2a9I1Q6x2_b-vIG0svJFjYxROViUgfMGeiZ6KmuHzzoxVPE3LnjFB_eAB-DIJg4T7arQWItEJ/s1600/2011+03+March+19+Ling+Ling+Fire+Aftermath+063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwvwxvO2JQN4754q3ULBjn7X4a452YyugOwK1TsGPgr_PgBqoyqnGdmqNBD2a9I1Q6x2_b-vIG0svJFjYxROViUgfMGeiZ6KmuHzzoxVPE3LnjFB_eAB-DIJg4T7arQWItEJ/s320/2011+03+March+19+Ling+Ling+Fire+Aftermath+063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597476584418032754" /></a>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00886407743790676145noreply@blogger.com2