Ramblings from Gigsville

Old Time Rock and Roll!!

2011-04-03T14:00:00.006-04:00

This is for my friend Joolz, who just got to go see Bob Seger!! I have seen him a few times myself starting back in High School. I remember his band playing at a High School Dance. In High School and after there was a local ski lodge, Mt Holly, that had bands that came and performed on weekends. Bob Seger, Grand Funk Railroad were just a few that I went to see. Lots of fun and memories!! I did see Seger and the Silver Bullet Band the last tour a few yrs ago. Have not been able to get any this time. The tour is not over, so we shall see what happens!!
Hope everyone is having a Great Weekend!! I will try and be here more often!! I have lots of new family pictures to post, plus a few interesting stories too!

Love to all,

Gig

A Crown Royal Day

2010-06-15T22:51:00.003-04:00

Forget the Lemon Drops, this has been a Crown Royal Day......good thing I don't have any here. Just one of those days. The patient has been grumpy, out of 2 visiting grandchildren only 1 has been nice, grr. The 12 yr old one I did not see till 6:30, and it has not been pleasant since then. I broke a very large pickle jar, then the driver's side mirror fell off and broke when I shut the Truck door....get my drift. Every adult said I needed a shot of Crown, but I am the Driver, so that is not happening right now.
Just going to try and relax....the grumpy patient has gone to bed. Now I am hoping the 12 yr old goes to sleep soon! They just got here late Sunday and were great yesterday!! Teenagers, grr!!
I am looking forward to a better day tomorrow! Thanks for letting me vent!!

Love Gig

Update coming real soon to a Gigsville near You!!

2010-02-08T01:52:00.002-05:00

Working on a new
post...so...stay tuned!
I will be
back with a
Real Post Tomorrow....

Love to all!!
Gig

2009-12-13T23:30:00.002-05:00

Ok....I know it is about time I update my Blog!!
So....here are some pictures of our first major Snowfall
of the Season. I don't think I am ready yet...
We never had Summer!
This is my view when at work,
very peaceful and beautiful to look at.
Enjoy!!

Everyone here is doing fine, we are trying to
get ready for the Holidays.
I will be trying to stop by and say
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Love to all!!
Gig

All Summer Long!!!

2009-08-13T22:20:00.007-04:00

Torch Lake Sandbar

This is one of my feel good,
Up North Michigan songs...of course
sung by a Singer from Michigan!!
Hope you all enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhjvpGt4r44

I am trying to get back in the swing of things,
many thanks to all my dear friends here in
Bloggerworld!! I love each of you so much!!

Gig

Puppies!!!!!

2009-06-20T12:16:00.013-04:00

Meet Baby, she is Jess's dog, who had

puppies 2 weeks ago. They are

precious. Baby is half

Dachshund and Chiwawa.

We are not sure what the pups Dad

is, but they have a pug face...

One is a girl, her name is Sophie and

the boys name is Doodles.

They have just opened their eyes

and are trying to stand up!
Mama is soooo...protective!

Maggie is so laid back, she

doesn't bother them.

Sophie (Scribbles was the 1st name

she was given) is on the left, with the

brown on her face. Doodles is

all black on his face.

Love to all,

Gig,

x0x0

Rockin with the Elders!!

2009-05-04T16:09:00.018-04:00

Here we are all ready to party!!

But, first we must check out the Desserts!!

The desserts were beautiful to look at...

and it was very difficult to choose

which one to have!!

Anyone ready for Apple and Caramel?

Yummy!!

Oreo Cheesecake!

Mom was all decked out and

ready to rock and roll!!

Lot's of dancing in wheelchairs

at this party. All the Nurses and Nurses

Aids are out there boogieing with the Elders!!

How about some line dancing?

There was a great dinner before

the band started...and everyone

was ready to enjoy!!

This is Betty dancing with

every ones favorite Nurse Ed!

Don't they make a great couple?

What a Great Group of People that

are here at Mercy Manor!!

This was the 25th year for this very

special Dinner Dance!!

We had a wonderful time with my Mom

and all the other Elders...it was so cool to

see how much they enjoyed themselves.

The staff here is awesome, they have been

great to me and my Mom.

If nothing changes with her, she will be

back here with us in about a week. That

is good, but...she really can not be left alone.

We will just take things a day at a time.

Love, Gig

Easter Party for Kids

2009-04-30T00:17:00.010-04:00

A little late...but here are a few pics of the

Easter Party that I was in charge of again.

56 children had signed up, but only 38

showed up. It was still pretty busy,lol!!

Thank goodness for all the help I had!!

Coloring 30 dozen eggs, I put someone

else in charge of this project. Smart idea!!

Here is Mr. Big...selling raffle tickets for

the Adults to win a prize. He was still in

his brace.

Look who has arrived!!

The Easter Bunny passes out

presents and goodies to all the

children...this is our youngest

grandchild Nathan.

Here is Logan with the Easter Bunny.

He does not realize he is related to this

Bunny..."she is his sister Jessica"!!

Oh no, the "boss" is giving orders, look out!

I could not believe this!! My favorite

partner in crime in the kitchen is cooking the

eggs and talking on the phone at the same time!!

Go Roxie!!

I want to say thanks to the best Easter Bunny

a Grandma could ask for...2 years in a row.

She could barely breathe, and hardly see, but

she came through for me!! Yea, Jessica!!

Love you!

I had so many helpers...little Gig, (Emily)

was there with her friend Madison. Couldn't

have done it without them.

Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great

day for all the children that were there!!

Gig,

xoxoxo

My Adopted Hometown

2009-04-02T03:44:00.018-04:00

Well kiddies, here are a few pictures from my town!!

I am tired of looking at Chuzzle, as I sure everyone else is...

It is very late here or early, however one wants to look at it...so I thought I would just post a few pics of Grayling.

The Snow is almost gone...although it did snow some really HUGE snowflakes today!!

Everything is about the same here. Mr. Big is still mending, slowly. My Mom is alternating between the Nursing Home and Hospital...fortunately they are connected. The good thing she is only 5 minutes from our house instead of over 2 hrs. The gkids are on Spring Break, so some of them are here...need I say more...oh yeah, I am getting ready to direct all my volunteers for a kids Easter party this weekend (54 kids). Yes, I have totally lost my mind!!

Lotsa love and best wishes,

Gig, xoxo

Chuzzle can be addicting

2009-03-05T00:46:00.002-05:00

This has been my stress reliever lately...

I get started and don't want

to quit!! If you have not tried it,

go here to check it out.

Mr. Big did good with his surgery on

his rotator cuff. He did have to stay

overnight...thought he was going

to have to stay another day because

of his lungs, but they finally said

he could leave!! I was happy bout that

cuz, I had to work on Friday

and my Mom is here with us.

Update: Wellll....I have survived a week being the "caregiver"....

I go to work tomorrow and Friday, hopefully Mr. Big will survive with my Mom,LOL.

My Mom, bless her heart, can be quite demanding. This is a big change for her, not being in her house with all of her things, but she can not live by herself anymore.

We are working at making her as comfortable as we can.

Ok, that is all for now,

I am enjoying a little late night quiet time, yippee!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

2009-02-17T01:28:00.006-05:00

This is how I am feeling at the moment...I had another

post planned I am just too tired to finish it.

My Mom is back in the hospital, so it has been very hectic.

She went into respiratory failure and had to be put on

a ventilator Valentines Day (her 75th Birthday).

Soooo we had to make that drive down I-75

and I have been spending my time at this place.

Genesys Regional Medical Center.

Good news is she is doing much better, is off the ventilator and is out of Intensive Care. She has finally agreed to come stay with us, she can not be by herself anymore. Hopefully she will get to go home in a few days. The oldest granddaughter will stay with her while I get things arranged at our house, plus see Mr. Big through his surgery on the 25th.

To keep me going while here...

This is the first place I visit when I get back to the old hometown...

Must have at least 1, usually 2 of these each day while I am here!!

That is all for now. I will keep you all updated,

I have lots to do tomorrow, oops it is already

tomorrow...so everyone have a great day!!

Lotsa love,

Gig, xoxo

It is still Winter....

2009-02-07T11:58:00.019-05:00

The Groundhog did not come through for me, damn!! Six more weeks of winter!!

We will survive, we always do. The temp did reach 50 degrees yesterday...the driveway is a solid sheet of ICE. I informed Mr. Big he could not leave the house today...

I did not want him slippin and sliding, LOL. Surprise, he listened, that might be a first!!

I thought I would share a few pics of this cold northern weather, brrr....the first 2 pics are from the Polar Dip at Houghton Lake's Tip Up Town Festival

last month, go here to check it out.

Here is Em having some fun in our front yard...

Grandpa tried to make a few "hills" to slide down on. I think she was having fun.

These pictures are from Higgins Lake, which is about 10 miles from here. It is usually the last lake in this area to freeze over...it is very deep. Then in the Spring it is the first to lose the ice.

I hope you enjoy the pictures

from my part of the country.

We are expecting some rain,

then some more snow in the next

few days. We have a grandson

that is coming to visit this weekend,

so we need the snow to stay a

little longer, *sigh*. Grandpa is going

to take him out riding. I have to work...

something is wrong with this picture!!

I do plan on getting at least

1 ride in before the 25th of this

month. That is the big day of surgery for Mr. Big.

It is time for me to try and get some sleep,

yea right, but I am going to try!!

I will be making the rounds and checking

in and seeing what everyone is doing...

Lotsa love,

Gig,

xoxo

Is it Spring yet?!!!

2009-02-01T15:18:00.015-05:00

UP AT THE KNOB

Hooray for Spring

If Phil does not see his shadow

Up at the Knob the groundhogs pause

Sitting up and showing claws.

Is there a shadow here today?

If not spring is on the way.

Cheer, Cheer, Cheer

Spring is here!

Cheer, Cheer, Cheer

Spring is here!

Up at the Knob it is so clear

We're waiting for Springtime to appear!

Up at the Knob

Winter is still here

Up at the Knob the groundhogs pause

Sitting up and showing claws.

"I see my shadow." says old Phil

Six more weeks of winter chill.

Boo, hoo, hoo,We're so blue!

Up at the Knob when shadows come

Six more weeks till we have sun!

words by: Kathy Bish

I am hoping and praying for SPRING!! I checked the weather forcast for Phil and it is a 68% possiblity of cloud cover at 7:00 a.m. I am afraid it does not look good for Spring being just around the corner...I will keep my fingers crossed though.

Hope everyone is having a GREAT SUPER BOWL DAY!! We are going out for dinner and then check out some Super Bowl parties...of course my team is not playing...they will remain nameless,lol. Just suffice it to say they did set a RECORD this year!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

Update on Mom:

She is home from the hospital...doing ok...not following diet...but still telling everyone else what to do. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts. I really appreciate the support. xoxo

Happy Birthday Cece!!

2009-01-20T02:12:00.007-05:00

Because you're very special

Hope your Birthday holds in store

Happy hours that overflow

With all you’re wishing for,

And hope the days that follow it

Make up a year that brings

Everything that you deserve

A million happy things.

Just a little something to let you know how special you are to me and Mr. Big, plus all of our Blogging Family. I hope you have a Great Birthday Week!!

Happy Birthday Cece!!

Love you,

Gig,

xoxo

2009-01-09T00:11:00.002-05:00

I won't be gone long...I will be out there lurking and commenting but there is way too much chaos in my house and mind right now for me to even concentrate on anything!!

Hopefully by next week...Mr. Big and I will have our house to ourselves again.

I love my daughter and her family very much, but...we all need our own space. Four adults, six children (ages 4 to 14), 2 cats and 1 dog. Need I say more!! They are in the process of moving 30 miles from here, but there have been little glitches, so they have been here for several weeks. Too many Chiefs for all the Indians!! We all have different ways of doing things...so I have been biting my tongue alot...it is really bleeding !! Now of course the wonderful, beautiful gkids would probably differ with that! They say all I do is yell and scream and tell them what to do or not do. Oh well, such is life and it is my house. Needless to say, I have been a little grouchy and so has Grandpa. I am ready to just be Grandma and play and enjoy them...

I am taking them to their new home tomorrow after school, then we have to go get ready for the monthly breakfast that we are in charge of at our local Eagles Club on Saturday.

Take care and I will see you all real soon here at Gigsville!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas Joys

Evergreen boughs that fill our homes

With fragrant Christmas scents,

Hearts filled with the loving glow

That Christmas represents;
Christmas cookies, turkeys stuffed,

Festive holly berry,

Little faces bright with joy,

Loved ones being merry;
Parties, songs, beribboned gifts,

Silver bells that tinkle,

Christmas trees and ornaments,

Colorful lights that twinkle;
Relatives waiting with open arms

To smile and hug and kiss us;

These are some of the special joys

That come along with Christmas.

By Joanna Fuchs

From my home to yours, I wish you a

beautiful, wonderous Christmas !

Lotsa love,

Gig

It will be a White Christmas!!

2008-12-24T01:18:00.008-05:00

It has snowed every day for...I don't know, like forever!! It sure seems that way. Another 8 to 10 inches of fluffy white "stuff" is on its way later this morning. I can hardly wait.

The gkids are here and they will get up in the morning and will say: "Giggggg....I want the super, duper, extra special breakfast, pleaseeeee!!" Just what is a super, duper, extra special breakfast you ask...well...

Pancakes, Grits, Bacon or Sausage and Cheesy Scramble eggs...and the kitchen sink!! Mr. Big says they are spoiled, but he sure doesn't give his plate away.

Hopefully, they then will take their full tummies and go outside and play till they are almost frozen. Guess what time it will be then...time to EAT again!! Since I will be in the kitchen anyway, a few minutes to make a few sandwiches, what the hell...

I have a Cheesecake, Pumpkin pies, Pecan pie to bake. Plus all the fixings for tonight and Christmas Day, whew! Hopefully my Son-in-law will keep up the great job of washing dishes.

I do have all my shopping done, just got done last night, just in time to wrap and let the kiddies rip them open!!

The gkids are very excited, it will be very busy and noisy, but I wouldn't change this time with them. They all love to help in the kitchen and I love letting them help me. We are making memories...I want them to remember and embrace this tradition of spending time with family and friends.

The perfect way for me to begin Christmas Day is attending Midnight Mass...a time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas...celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus.

Christmas Day will be more of the same...food... presents...food...nap...snack...

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to all and to all

Goodnight!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

xoxo

This is where I want to be...Pensacola Beach

2008-12-09T14:54:00.013-05:00

The snow is beautiful but I am cold and depressed...so I really want to be somewhere that is warm and sunny!! So...I thought I would post some pics from one of my favorite places. I have lots of memories of good times with family. I always wanted to live here, it just didn't never work out. Maybe someday...we never know what is around the corner waiting for us.

My cousins and I always had a riot when we were at the beach, I continued the tradition with my daughter. It has been too long since I have visited...I hope to sometime soon.
Sipping a cold drink and watching the waves and waiting for the sun to set...
..

Since there are a lot of posts with questions, I am going to ask one of my own. Where would be your ideal place to live or visit?

Gig

2008-12-07T19:33:00.020-05:00

A Golden Chain

Friendship is a Golden Chain,

The links are friends so dear,

And like a rare and precious jewel

It's treasured more each year...

It's clasped together firmly

With a love that's deep and true,

And it's rich with happy memories

and fond recollections, too...

Time can't destroy its beauty For,

as long as memory lives,

Years can't erase the pleasure

That the joy of friendship gives...

For friendship is a priceless gift

That can't be bought or sold,

But to have an understanding friend

Is worth far more than gold...

And the Golden Chain of Friendship

Is a strong and blessed tie

Binding kindred hearts together

As the years go passing by.

Author Unknown

Just wanted to express my gratitude to

all my very dear blogging friends.

Whatever I may be feeling...be it sad, mad or glad,

everyone stops by and keeps me going!!

Lots love,

Gig

Is it Winter already?

2008-11-11T00:08:00.010-05:00

It has arrived!! That "stuff" we love to watch as it slowly falls to the ground...it is so pretty to look at...all the children love to run and slide.

While the adults that have to travel to work...they too slip and slide...and SWEAR, oh my!!

We got are first measurable SNOW last night, but guess what, we missed it!! Yea!! But don't worry it was still here when we arrived home tonight. I don't think I am ready for this. I know it is November...but...once it starts it doesn't quit till...next.........who know when!!

I do love winter and snow, I really do but I think I might need to work on my "winter" attitude. I will take it one snowy day at a time. I will go visit Kylie and think about all the things I am thankful for...tomorrow... maybe.

Ok, on a more positive note....Ed and I went to a surprise Birthday party for our sister-in-law this past weekend. We all had a great time, she was "surprised", it was great to spend time with Ed's family. We also spent time with my Mom. I got to shop at some of my favorite stores. I even started my Christmas shopping!! Only a million more presents to go,lol.

After Thursday I will be a "Deer Hunter's Widow" for a week or so, (sorry Suze), but I cherish my free time while he is in the woods. He will be with his brothers and our grandson and Son-in-law. I'm sure they will have a good time bonding while camping in the cold and snow.

Then on Saturday I am going with a friend to Ann Arbor to the "Big House", aka, the University of Michigan Stadium. I am excited, we will be tailgating and cheering for maize and blue!! Go Michigan!! And yes, I do know we are rebuilding the team...so go BLUE!!

I have missed everyone and hope to get back in the blogging mode. Thanks to all my dear friends that have stopped by and called... I love you all!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

Colors of Fall

2008-10-18T20:14:00.004-04:00

I really love to watch the seasons

change here in Michigan.

But, I think that Fall is my favorite,

the colors are just beautiful right now.

This is one of the trees in our front yard.

It is still turning colors, there are only a few green leaves left.

This is another tree in our yard so pretty to look at as it changes to its "fall colors". The nights have been pretty chilly...we even have had a couple of"frosty" nights!! But the days have still been pretty warm.

The grand kids are all planning for Halloween...to be

spooky, or not...

I think the candy is what they really are looking forward to.

Mr. Big has gone bow hunting with his brothers, so I am

going to try and have some "quiet time" by myself...I hope

Been sorta lazy today, but did make 2 pies

for a charity auction, hope they go for

lotsa of money!

Here is another beautiful Fall

picture from Michigan

Enjoy!!

This is Summit Peak in the

Porcupine Mts in the Upper Pennisula.

Lotsa love,

Gig

The Bride and Friends

2008-09-26T22:41:00.001-04:00

"The Bride"

On Sept. 6th, one of the young women that I work

with, got married. I did not attend the wedding, but all

of us were in attendance at the reception. Let's just say

a good time was had by all.

"The Cakes"

Not only were the Cakes Beautiful, they were

Delicious....Chocolate....more Chocolate...yum mm!!!

"The Friends"

I am blessed to work with a great group of Women!!
We all love to have a "Good Time"

"Girls just wanta have fun"How about a little Macarena?"We want you!!"

I have a new "adopted daughter"

We all had a great time celebrating
our friends Wedding reception,
lots of good food, music, friends
oh yeh, don't let me forget the booze!!
I even had a couple of shots!!
I was nice and did not post any pictures that
were not "flattering" to my co-workers!!
Remember, that not only do I work with them...they
are the ones that also do my Hair!! I had to be nice!

Lotsa love,

Gig

p.s.

I am slowly trying to catch up with the activities of the last few weeks,

so stay tuned for the next post...here is a hint of what is in it...

one has to cross this to get to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Labor Day Camping

2008-09-15T22:58:00.012-04:00

Well....I thought it was time to get off that Bridge!! I did not get to walk this year, boo hoo, but there is next year. I thought I would bring ya'll up to date to what has been happening around here the last few weeks.

When my plans fell through to go North for Labor Day weekend, Mr. Big decided we would go camping over at one of his brothers place. Soooo... we packed up our travel trailer and 3 GRANDKIDS and off we went. I will tell you a secret, this was not MY idea of FUN!!

Here are 3 Bored Gkids playing with the playdough I had to go get to try and entertain them with...along with lots of snacks!!

We took their bikes, but there are some really steep hills and Logan was wiped out after many trips on the hill...next is Emily walking her bike up the hill.

Tried to get Jen to smile, but she was being shy.

Just had to share this...the Potty!!! For everyone else...not me though, cuz I am special...

My home away from home, with my very own indoor bathroom!!

The kids did have a great time, lots of dirt, good food, campfire with s'mores. Getting to know Mr. Big's brothers and their wives. I tried to runaway by finding any excuse to go to any town with a store that I had not been to in awhile!! Remember this was Grandpa Ed's idea.

Don't get me wrong I love my gkids, but I am with them everyday of the week and wanted some down time. Oh by the way, did I say we did this little adventure in 24 HOURS!!! Yep, we left on Sunday morning and were back Monday by 4:oo p.m.

We all survived, they started school the next day, I slept in till 6:30 a.m. and now we are back to doing homework, going to football games, all the fun stuff that comes with School!!

Stay tuned for last weekends adventure...let's just say it was Adults only...

Lotsa love,

Gig

Mackinac Bridge

2008-08-27T00:18:00.026-04:00

The Mighty Mac is 51 yrs old, this picture is

from the Opening Ceremony in 1957.

I walked the Mighty Mac Bridge last year on its 50th anniversary. It was a

great experience. I do not like heights, but it did not bother me. Here I am with

my BF Karen, stopping for a short photo break.

We started with eight, but one left us behind...Here we are at the Finish line, getting our Offical Certificates!!! Now we had

to walk another "few miles" to the ferry that would take us to Mackinaw Island

for lunch and then another ferry ride to St. Ignace.

Then a shuttle back to the campground...then a NAP.

I hope to walk the Mackinac Bridge again this year on Sept. 1st.

Go here to read all about this years Walk.

Lot's of love,

Gig

UPDATE:

I still am going to take a break from posting,

but will try and check in as much as I can.

It's Friday, it's a Full Moon...

2008-08-15T19:14:00.022-04:00

I knew the day was not going to be the best

of this week when my first client was was a no show, my second client

did make her appointment but the next one didn't show up.What is

going on here? First, I do worry about my clients, they

are part of my extended family and it is unusual

for someone to not make their appointment. Sooo, maybe

it is a fluke, but oh no, a third person does not show

up. This one was not one of mine, but was a client of

a co-worker who had an emergency come up and I

was helping her out. But still, I had turned down other

people wanting to get their hair done. I kept hoping

things would be better when I left work and headed

home. Truthfully, I was just hoping that Mr. Big had

made dinner and cleaned the house, oh, yea, well

maybe 1 out of 2 would be good...

Made a couple of stops on the way home, no problems.

Arrived home, dinner was made,yippee, Goulash and salad.

No complaints on my part...remember I said 1 out of 2 would be ok!!

Now it is time to take one granddaughter home and

bring back 3, plus the 1 that is still here.

Their Dad has Kidney dialysis tomorrow so figured

I could have them to sleep at a decent hour and then

some quiet time for me, but.....

The rest of the story...........

On the way to their house it was getting dark

and the sky was clear and what did I see but a

FULL MOON!!!

It hit me as to why everything was so crazy!

Everything goes crazy when it is a FULL MOON!

You know....more crazy things happen when there

is a Full Moon, babies are likely to be born, accidents

will happen...even crazy people are referred to as lunatics.

It is now 12:15 a.m. Aug.16th, and there is big fat FULL MOON!!

I still have 4 grouchy grandchildren AWAKE and

I have become a LUNATIC!!!

Sooo, you all out there tell me about your Full Moon happenings

See ya real soon on the other side...

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

Happy Birthday Blottie!!!

2008-08-08T23:18:00.007-04:00

Because today's so special Suze, it really

wouldn't do, to send one simple birthday

wish to last the whole year through...So

this wishes happy moments, a day when

dreams come true, and a year that's filled

with all the things that mean the most to you.

Hope you have had a great day!!

I am so glad that you are a part of my life...

From the beginning over on 1pic's blog, I knew

you were special. This year is moving pretty

quick, so let's sit back and enjoy...meet you

over at The Onion and we will sit on the

Macy Sofa and watch the disco ball go round

and round.

Love you my dear friend.
Gig

Broken Computer

2008-07-21T22:44:00.008-04:00

For the last 2 weeks I have been trying to rid my computer of this very annoying rogue virus...to no avail. My good friend who has worked his magic has tried from afar...but still...I am without my friend, my partner, my buddy... I have uninstalled programs, installed new programs, but now I have given up!! Next week, on the 29th, I am going downstate to Flint and I will hopefully have my friend try to repair my laptop. *crying lots of tears*

In the meantime, I am using the grand kids computer which has been at my house. I have Internet, they did not. However...the "bossy" one will never let me use it, without an argument of course.!! They now have Internet, so guess what, it is going back to their house tomorrow. Of course, it is not only me that the "bossy" one won't share with. I decided let Mom and Dad make them share.

This is a busy week with all the Canoe Marathon activities going on.

Tomorrow is Kid's Day, Wednesday is the Hup Race, Thursday is the Business Challenge Relays, Friday is time trials and Saturday is the RACE!!

Plus a 2 day Craft Show, Car show, parade...and the list goes on. Hopefully I will take lots of pics and be able to post next week!!

I may not be "hunched over in a car in upstate N.Y. but I will be somewhere trying to keep up with all my blogging buddies to see what is happening!!!
Stay out of trouble...on second thought...go ahead, have a great time!!!

Did I mention that Saturday the 26th. is Mr. Big's Birthday? OH Yeh, I am the designated Driver!! Sounds like more fun for me!! Only problem with the driving, I have been driving since he injured his shoulder,lol.

Have a Great Week!!

Good thoughts to all!!

Love, Gig

Looking for some Fun!!

2008-07-03T00:18:00.051-04:00

Ok, let's try and have some fun...yeh...I am trying to get out of my funky mood. Therefore I won't tell you that my house has been invaded by FOUR 14 yr olds AGAIN, and a 10, 7, 5, and 3 yr old. The 12 yr old went to her sisters place. Plus the parents and Mr. Big are here. It really is comical and crazy, lotsa noise and dirty dishes...which means lotsa food!!!

I think they all need to go to the Beach tomorrow!! Rain or Shine!! Whatdaya think?

Cuz, I am going to run away to some place that is quiet...oh yea, I did that on Sunday and Monday night when Mr. Big went to his brothers' house to watch his children, ha, ha !! I hid out in our room, it was great!! My own T.V. with remote, no children allowed in my room, my computer...the whole bed to myself...get the picture... solitude...

We are trying to finalize our plans for the 4th!!

Fireworks, friends and family!! How about

everyone else, what are your plans?

HAVE A GREAT 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Lotsa love to everyone

Gig

"New Six Word Memoir"

2008-06-21T01:52:00.022-04:00

I have been tagged by Cece over at The Creative Works of my Mind

to come up with six words for my memoir. Sounds easy right? Not easy for me,

that is why I haven't posted till now. I actually have now come

up with about six different ones...and now am having

a difficult time deciding on one. Why so many one might ask....well it depended on the

mood I was in, the time of day and how many people were driving me crazy at the moment!!

I finally did make a decision....I decided to go with the.........1st memoir that I came up with!

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend to Everyone

I know that I have done the very best that I could do at being each and everyone of these...

*UPDATE*

It has been a very Sh***y day, therefore I have decided to change

my memoir to better reflect my present Mood.Just like

The Wild Onion, there are no rules here in GIGSVILLE!! Also,

Khylie has asked what the other memoirs were.

I will share the others before the one I am really feeling today.

One child, Two husbands, Seven grandchildren

Need to leave, Afraid to go

Put others first, forgot about myself

Should have left, Couldn't walk away

Always did for others, not myself.

Yeh, I know there is a pattern there...but am not in the

mood to discuss it...suffice it to say I am working on these issues!!

*************************************************************************************

Stormy Clouds

Like Cece, I have always been fascinated by

Clouds...white puffy clouds...dark stormy clouds..snow clouds...the list of

different ones could go on forever.

When we started back home Sunday night

Mother Nature was putting on quite a show

for us. I snapped a few pictures of

the storm as it rolled in.

Storm clouds rolling in

These pictures were taken on my way to visit my Mom on Sunday June 23d. The clouds rolled in and the wind blew in and then the rain.Did not last long, no damage. This shot is about a block from our old house, the vacant lot with the weeds is where the V-8 Engine Plant that Mr. Big worked at used to be. It was torn down about 8 yrs ago. The other factory is the General Motors Truck and Bus Plant.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

Lotsa love to everyone...

Gig

Going to a Party!!

2008-06-21T00:04:00.006-04:00

Mr. Big and I are hitting the highway again...but only going 2 hrs. south of here to the Flint area for the weekend.

Remember back in Jan. we had the granddaughter that ran away with her boyfriend, well that caused the start of some family healing for Mr. Big and his 2 daughters. The youngest daughter started conversing with her Dad and they are doing great. They had not talked in about 5 yrs. The oldest daughter has been a little slower to come around, but when he had to have the Heart Cath, she did call...then an invitation came for her oldest daughter's graduation... we went and things went great. We had not seen them in 9 years. Very emotional for him, but very good.

Now, we are going to her Graduation Party this weekend. Should be a good time. Mr. Big's younger daughter is there. We will get to see her and her three daughters that we have not seen in five years. Plus her step-son that we have never met.

I will also go spend some time with my Mom, and let Mr. Big have some alone time with the Daughters and gkids.

Trying to get things back to as normal as they can be around this busy house!!!

Have a Great Weekend!!

Lotsa love to everyone,

Gig

Take Me Away

2008-06-10T17:14:00.003-04:00

I am not in the best frame of mind right now. Way too much stress...that is why I have been sorta quiet...

When I was out of town last week it was not for a fun trip. My Dad, ( the man that adopted me at age 5, ) died on May 31st. So Mr. Big and I made a trip to North Carolina for his funeral. This is why I was in West Virginia when I checked in on all of you. He left Michigan in 1986...I had only seen him twice during this time. Had to see 2 younger brothers that I had not seen in a long time...need I say more.

I am putting together a post on some things I want to express, just taking a little longer than I thought it would. You all know life is never dull at our house...kids in and out all the time...daughter's car quit working...oldest gdaughter moved back to town....the list goes on, but thats enough for now.

Just know that I am ok, and will be better everyday!! If I do not comment as much right now, or don't post in the next week, I am still here. You all can not get rid of me that easy!!!

@Cece- I know this is not what you were expecting but I thought this would explain what is happening.

Love and good thoughts to everyone

Gig

We are the Champions!!!

2008-06-04T23:52:00.006-04:00

Detroit Red Wings 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 2

I got to watch the last 5 minutes of

the game and it was awesome!!!

Go Hockeytown!!!!!!

Lotsa love,

Gig

Go Wings!!!

2008-05-23T23:53:00.034-04:00

WINGS 3 PENGUINS 2

GO WINGS!!!!!!!!

As you all know I love sports!!

NASCAR, Baseball, Hockey...

Whatever the season might be...and right now

it is all about the Detroit Red Wings!!!

I wanted to share the most famous

Tradition of the Wings....the Octopus...

and now the NHL has banned this

tradition that started in 1952!!!

This is Al Sobotka, who goes out on the ice and

picks up any octopi that are thrown on the ice.

In 1991, he started twirling the octopus as he left the

ice. This would get the crowd all revved up!!

Now the NHL has banned the twirling,

go here to see Al in Action!!!

Al is one of the Zamboni drivers

and the building manager

A dedicated Fan

We love our Wings and the Octopus!!!

"The Joe"

The Joe Louis Arena

The first game between the Detroit Red Wings and

the Pittsburgh Penguins is Saturday May 24, 2008

in Detroit at "The Joe"

I will be watching...GO WINGS!!!!!!!

Lotsa Love,

Gig

**UPDATE**

June 2, 2008

Red Wings are leading the series 3-2!!!

Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game 6 Wednesday June 4th, at 8:00 p.m. in DETROIT!!

Things to Do.......

2008-05-16T08:05:00.018-04:00

My Favorite Beach

Pensacola Beach, Florida

As if I don't have enough to do, I go looking for more to do!! Everyone probably knows what I mean...trying to find time to BLOG, taking care of Loved ones, clean house, WORK, and oh yea, have some FUN.

I am always trying to be more organized. I like to make lists, but forget where I put the list. I set goals then can not remember the goals. Sound familiar?

Well, I decided to go surfing...on the Web that is. Typed in things to do and found this.

I registered and now I am on a mission to create My 50 things to do in my Lifetime.

I can create a list of things to do, set goals, make a list of achievements, start planning places to visit. There seems to be many great ideas to choose from. I am going to give this a try, nothing to lose...unless I lose my password!!!

Lotsa love to everyone,

Gig

Ohhh, Chocolate.....

2008-05-08T20:26:00.012-04:00

I did not get my dessert over to TheHouse in the Roses in time for the Dessert Carnival. But, I still want to share my dessert with everybody. If you have not visited Cieleo's beautiful House in the Roses, stop by and visit.

Snicker Pudding Pie

2 cups cold milk

2 pkg. (4 serving size each) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor instant Pudding and Pie Filling

1 Tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping,

thawed, divided

2 Snicker Bars (reg. size), chopped, divided

1 OREO Pie Crust (6 oz.)

1 square Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Beat mild and dry pudding mixes with whisk 2 min. or until well blended.

Gently stir in half of the whipped topping and all but 3Tbsp. of the candy.

Spoon into Crust

Top with remaining whipped topping and candy.

Drizzle with chocolate.

Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Store leftovers in refrigerator.

I made this for a Pie Auction for Cancer

and it sold for $42.00!!

Hope you try it and love it like we all do!!

Any other Candy Bar could be used

instead of Snicker Bars.

Lotsa Love,

Gig

Great News....Great Heart

2008-05-03T07:20:00.009-04:00

The Heart catheter on Mr. Big showed there is not any blockage. We are so thankful for this news!! The Doctor was surprised, but very pleased with this information. He still has other health issues with his breathing, but this has narrowed things down. He has asthma and his lungs were severely affected by the chemicals that he was exposed to on his job. This exposure caused him to retire much earlier than he had planned on.

I truly believe in the power of prayer. Thank you to everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Mr. Big asked me to also say a Big Thank You!!

Mr. Big's sister drove 3 hrs through torrential rain to be with us. She is a very special sister, not only to M.Big, but also to me. After we got the good news, he had to rest for several hours, so off we went shopping. In case I haven't mentioned this, Grayling does not have a big selection of Big Stores, LOL. Had lunch and back to the hospital to pick up our patient. He was in a great mood, being relieved with the good news on his Heart. The Doctor said for him to rest all weekend, no driving and no lifting. M. Big made the mistake of asking did we want to stop and visit the Indians!! Welll, now what do you think...we have to drive right by the Casino to get home,(hospital is 65 miles from home). So, we did stop for an hour and got rid of some stress, donated a little bit of money...then proceeded on home and got him settled in his recliner. Linda had to head back downstate...again in pouring rain. No complaints on the rain though, cuz after last week's fire we are thankful for it!!

Now I am on to the next big project for this weekend, cooking and setting up for a Breakfast for possibly 100 to 150 people Sunday morning. I have a wonderful group of volunteers that help, I could not do this without them!! I will be busy baking biscuits, gravy, Cinnamon rolls...

Hope everyone has a great weekend,

Lotsa love,

Gig

P.S. I also have to check out NASCAR Race...

Desserts...

2008-04-29T18:34:00.004-04:00

Cielo over at The House of Roses is having a

Dessert Carnival on April 30, 2008. Make

sure you go check out all the great

Desserts on Wednesday. If you wish to bake or

do a no-bake, you must email a picture to Cielo

before the 30th of April. There is not much time

left, so hurry!!! I think it will be awesome!!

Lots of wonderful, delicious goodies…I have

emailed mine, it is scrumptious!!

Lotsa love and chocolate to everyone,

Gig

We are Ok....

2008-04-24T21:39:00.018-04:00

This is way to scary, getting on the southbound
I-75 you have to pass these flame...click on pic
and check out the cheapest gas in town!!

This is where I spend time raising money for charity

This is from the parking lot of Ramada Inn

This was taken from south of Grayling at Pioneer Hill

around Roscommon, MI, approx. 15 miles away.

This what we have been dealing with today!! I was not in Detention (subbing) today. I was an Algebra teacher.... then I went to the Hair Salon...then the smoke rolled in...and we were evacuated just as I finished my last client!!

It has been so dry here and it is still not over, but here are a few pictures of what is going on. The last I heard on my scanner over 1200 acres have burned. The fire dept have been able to save our major buildings but we have lost cabins and a rest area and I-75 has been closed now for hours. The power is out in town, but we have power here and INTERNET, but can smell the smoke. Though it is not as bad as it was at work, plus the ash was bad. There is no SCHOOL tomorrow.

I am thankful that not anybody has been hurt. The wind has died down, so that is slowing things down. Click here for more info and updates. http://tv7and4.com/

This is why I have not been checking in with everyone, I will keep everyone updated.

I am thankful for all our firefighters and police, plus our National Guard who protect us.

Please keep our small city of Grayling in your thoughts and prayers.

Lotsa love,

Gig

**UPDATE**

Good Morning to everyone,

The fire is now 30% contained. We had a little rain late last night. People have been allowed to return to their homes. There were at least 6 homes damaged or destroyed that we are aware of. We were very fortunate that the fire did not reach the Admiral Gas Station! Across the road from that is the Ramada Inn which they were able to save. If either one of these businesses had burned it would have had a domino effect all the way to our Downtown District. We are blessed with wonderful firefighters and DNR. The Police did a great job directing all the traffic in and around our small town. I-75 is the main north/south expressway that leads to our town and where the fire jumped across. It was opened again about 11:00 p.m.

I am heading off to work at the Hair Salon, got to make everyone beautiful!!

Thanks to everyone for all your support and love, Gig

A Time of Reflection and Attitude

2008-04-19T19:10:00.039-04:00

It has been a week of reflection

for me...struggling with many different

emotions...anger, frustration and

sadness...always looking for the goodness in

those around me, but somehow only witnessing

the smallness and meanness of some that had

been near and dear to my heart...but no more.

I went on a search for words that would express what

I was feeling in my heart...not words of anger

or sadness but postive words that would guide

me each day in my desire to be a stronger,

kinder person, even to those who have hurt me.

As I searched for the right words,

I kept thinking it has to do with Attitude...

The longer I live, the more I realize the

impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me,

is more important than facts. It is more

important than the past, than education,

than money, than circumstances, than failures,

than success, than what other people think or

say or do. It is more important than appearance,

giftedness, or skill. It will make or break
a company...a church...a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice

everyday regarding the attitude we

will embrace for that day. We cannot change

our past...we cannot change the fact that people

will act in a certain way. We cannot change

the inevitable. The only thing we

can do is play on the one string we have, and

that is our attitude...I am convinced that life

is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how

I react to it. We are in charge of our Attitudes.

~Charles Swindoll~

Thank you all for reading and

listening to my thoughts

Love, Gig

Friends....

2008-04-12T01:33:00.014-04:00

The best kind of friend is the kind you

can sit on a porch and swing with,

never say a word, and then

walk away feeling like it was the

best conversation you've ever had.

This is for all my blogging friends

I started out lurking at all your blogs,

I laughed, I cried,

then slowly I came out of hiding.

How great it has been

to broaden my horizons.

Thank you for being

a part of my life.

Lotsa love,

Gig

Thought for the Day

2008-04-07T12:13:00.021-04:00

The Key to Your Success in in Your Hands

You cannot do everything,

but you can do something.

Only you can make it happen.

No one can do it for you.

No one will do it for you.

Always accept the responsibility for your actions.

Always set a higher standard for yourself.

Choose the thoughts and actions

that will lead you on to success.

Your success is but a determined action away...

Hope everyone had a Great Day!!!

Lotsa Love,

Gig

Be the Blog!!!

2008-04-03T01:56:00.067-04:00

I have been blessed with receiving several
Awards and have been able to pass them on to
other Great Bloggers!! But I still wanted to
design my own. I figured why not, I have worked
in Graphic Design. I still do small projects, etc.
So, I thought I would do some research on designing a Blogging Award.
I googled creating a blog award and I came across
this website: Me and My Drum. This particular post had to do with
designing an Award for successful Bloggers. I decided this was exactly
what I was looking for at this time.

Mark had designed an Award called "Be the Blog"

The phrase "Be the Blog" refers to what a successful blogger does.
being successful means that a blogger has made
their blog their own, they stay with it, they are
interactive with their readers, and most importantly
they have FUN!!!

Everyday I sit down at the computer and am off to visit all my blogging friends around the world!! What a wonderful world it is...everyone is different, yet alike in many ways. I have learned so much from each and everyone! I have laughed and yes even cried when someone is hurting. This is because everyone puts their heart and soul into what they write...even if one does not post everyday.

I emailed Mark at Me and My Drum and received permission
to pass on this great Award!! He emailed back and said to pass it far and wide!!G
Go to Me and My Drum, type in "blogging awards" in his search box and it will take you to the page that will link with the Be the Blog post. This post has the code to copy and paste.

He has created five different "flavors" of badges which are shown below.

Therefore, I would like to award the Be the Blog Award to the following:

Suzanne, (yes, you are #1) Bindi, Cecile, Mark, Kylie, Robyn, Inner Voices, Shara and Joyful Jo

Please enjoy this sweet award and feel free to pass it far and wide to anyone that you feel is deserving of this award. Thanks for Being the Blog!!!

Creamy Cabernet

Midnight Oil

Pink Smoothie

Purple Passion (updated by request )

Blueberry Tart (updated by request 12/01/07)

A few of my favorite pictures

A beautiful view of The Mackinac Bridge!!

Just a little something I found on Michigan in Pictures,
hope everyone enjoys the Sun on the water and ice....

Have a Great Weekend

I will see everyone at the "Wild Onion"

Love and Hugs,

Gig

WOW...CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!

2008-04-01T21:14:00.011-04:00

Residents of the Straits area were stunned Sunday afternoon when the Mackinac Bridge was mysteriously encased in huge blocks of ice, rendering it totally impassible. While proponents for the 51st State of Superior seized upon the event to renew calls for U.P. secession, most folks on either side of the Mighty Mac were wondering if it would melt in time to get morels and pasties respectively.

Thought I would share what is happening in Michigan today!!

Hope everyone had a Wonderful April Fools Day!!!!

till later,
Gig

Photo and Article courtesy of Canadian Freeze Ray; photo by farlane

Posted on Michigan in Pictures, michpics@wordpress.com/

This Made my Day!!!

2008-03-25T02:27:00.014-04:00

It was snowing when I left for work, and still is. At least another 5 in. so far.
It is beautiful to look at, in December, January, even February, but come on
enough is enough!!
I want SPRING!!! I want to be working in the garden and seeing flowers like Suze.
I want to take the kids to the beach and go camping.
The list could go on and on, but I will stop there. Thanks for letting me VENT!

I am Subbing at our local High School today, lucky for me it has been pretty quiet so
far, yippee!! I am in the In School Suspension Room. I just have to keep them under control,lol.

The nice thing is, I have access to Internet, so if "the children" are behaving I can catch up here
in blogland.
Anyways, there I go rambling again.

Our Sweet Bindi made my DAY!! Thank you, Bindi for this wonderful award!!

The "You Make my Day Award" works like this:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Tell the award winners they won by commenting on their blogs with the news!

*note* all tags and Meme's are optional

Five blogs that make my day start on a beautiful note:

1. Creative Cecile - she makes me smile with her sense of humor and writing!

2. Happy Robyn - pin-ups, dotee dolls and beautiful pictures makes this a great place to visit

3. Bomber Mark - My NASCAR and FORMULA 1 Buddy from down under!

4. Sassy Kylie - Another Aussie friend, wonderful stories about life and family!

5. CSI Brian - Great stories on being an aspiring writer and CSI, plus owner of the "Cafe"

It was very hard to pick just 5, cuz there are many more that I go to visit everyday. There are also some that I am still stalking or lurking in the background. But, I still love to visit......

There are also some that have already received this Award so if you would like to visit them stop by Bindi's Beautiful World and see who else received this award .

Good thoughts to all,

Love, Gig

A Joyous Easter

2008-03-23T01:19:00.011-04:00

The Story of the Resurrection

from Matthew 28

In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward

the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and

the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And behold, there

was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord

descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the

stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance

was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow;
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became

as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the

women, Fear not; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who

was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, as he said.
Come see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly,

and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and,

behold, he goeth before you into Galilee. There shall ye

see him; lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly

from the sepulcher with fear and great joy, and did run

to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his

disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And

they came and worshiped him.

From the King James version of the Bible

I wish everyone a very blessed and happy Easter!!

Loving thoughts to all

Gig

NASCAR Update...Bristol Raceway

2008-03-19T01:16:00.009-04:00

The winner was Jeff Burton
2nd went to Kevin Harvick
3d was Clint Boyer
Richard Childress Racing (RCR)
owns all three cars.

This was Dale Jarrett's last race in
the #44 UPS Car. Dale races for
Michael Waltrip Racing, (MWR)
Dale's father Jed was also a Race Driver,
he waved the green flag to start the
race. It was a great race!!
My driver Mikie came in 23d and his
other car with driver David Reutimann
came in 20th.

There will not be any Races this next
weekend because of Easter. The following
weekend will be Martinsville, Virginia

Hope everyone is having a Great Week!!

Good thoughts to all

Gig

p.s. Easter Bunny Party post
later this week.

I am off to see the Easter Bunny!!!

2008-03-15T02:14:00.004-04:00

Yes it is true. The Easter Bunny is going to be here in my Town tomorrow, oops, it is tomorrow.

Just thought I would stop by and let everyone know that I will be "hopping busy" he he he, later this morning. So, I won't be here. I will be knee deep in dye (not the hair coloring kind). There will be cookies and crafts and oh yes we have to feed all the children. Pictures must be taken with our Bunny, and then everyone will be on their way!!!

Then Mr. Big and I are off to party like Leprechaun's!! LOL Corn Beef and Cabbage and Green Beer for him, not me though. Did I tell ya I gave up booze for Lent? Only another week to go.

Hey, boss, (Suze) don't read this cuz I think I forgot to tell you I would not be at the 'Cafe' this weekend. But don't worry the NASCAR Group are in Tennesee this weekend. I did tell them they better change their tastes and start drinking the Good Stuff, ( and I'm not talking moonshine!!) Tell Cece and Robyn to share the tips!! But you better keep watching that i.v. dude, he does like to sneak in and fill all the special pockets in his coat!!

I will be back on Sunday night!!!

Hugs and Love

Gig

p.s. Mark, I will post on the tag next week, ok?

p.s.s. Also, and update on NASCAR......LET'S GO RACING BOYS!!!!!

The Last Ride....

2008-03-10T05:10:00.011-04:00

Thought I would share Pop's and Little Gig's
last Ride of the year!! It was a beautiful sunny
day. Temperature was not too cold...

Pops is getting the Sleds ready to go! Little Gig
is going to ride mine, I stayed home and chilled!

All Set, ready to fire them up! They look like
twins...while they were gone, playing in the Snow,
I watched the Race Cars go round and round!!

Great Shot of the snow in the front yard(click
for larger pic). Pops is leading the way.

Here is Little Gig following her Pops. They didn't

get very far, they had to come back. His

machine wasn't running very good, so

he had to ride mine and L.Gig had to

take the older one. They rode

about 40 miles round trip. Said they had a good

time. L.Gig has learned a lot this winter playing

in the Snow.

Good thoughts to all

Gig

Random Things....

2008-03-10T02:55:00.028-04:00

Snowbank.....Stuck.....Spring....Soon....

Bindi has tagged me and I am to share

7 Random Things about myself. I have

been thinking about this....so here goes:

1. I love snow! This year I really better love snow,

because we've had more of the white stuff than I

can remember in a long time. I will admit I am

more than ready for Summer, skip Spring, which I

also love and go right for the Hot, Hot weather!!!

2. I love to listen to the Wind Whispering

through the Pine Trees. Sitting on the deck,

stop and listen....can you hear the trees whispering...

3. I am a Procrastinator. I tend to wait to the last

minute to do things. It is a habit that I am continually

working on. I don't like being a procrastinator, so I will

continue to work on this.

4. I tend to be a Perfectionist, or so I

have been told! I prefer everything to

be in its place, or close. I've had to

let go of a lot of these tendencies, due to family

circumstances.....Grand kids, Mr. Big etc. Some

days I figure if I haven't trained them by now

I might as well join them!!

5. I love to be around people. I have been blessed

to have so many people be a part of my life. I have old

friends and new friends. I consider them to be a part of

my extended family. Family and Friends are what make

the world go round!

6. I do not like people who are hypocrites.

Saying one thing and doing another. I am a trusting

person and believe in everybody until given a

reason not to. Needless to say, I have been hurt

a few times, but my eyes are more open now. I

am still a trusting person, but I am more careful these days.

7. I try to be a positive person. All we can do is

take one day at a time and make the best of what

we have. I choose to try and make it as positive as

I can. I may not always succeed, so please forgive

me if I am not PERFECT.

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

A Little Bit of N I C E

2008-03-06T00:12:00.013-05:00

Just another Day in Paradise.

This photo is outside of the local McDonalds.

I snapped this as I went thru the drive-thru

several months ago, this ice is still there,lol.

It has been crazy around here, I have way too

many projects going on right now. Just finished

a major one this last weekend. It was a luncheon

that the Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles

has to celebrate Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and

Friends. There were 98 Wonderful Women and

a few, also wonderful, children present. I am happy

to say my Daughter and her 2 youngest Daughters

were there. I was honored this year to have

been the Grandmother of the Year.

My next project, which I should be working on

right now, is our Annual Easter Party for members

children/grandchildren. It is on March 15th.

The Easter Bunny will be there for breakfast.

Then there are games to play, eggs

to color and crafts, etc...

I am the chairperson, so I am trying to get

everything in place.

Now, mind you, I also work at a Hair Salon 2

days a week and Substitute Teach when called

on the other 3 days. This week I have not

worked at any of the schools. That has helped

me to get alot of things done for the party.

I just want to get this one behind me, before I

start thinking about April and May!!

But, I would much rather be busy then not.

Good excuse for not getting things done around

the house sometimes...I will leave that for

Mr. Big, lol.

Ok, Cecile, I will try not to take so long for the

next post, but when the weather is better, I hope

you will bring everybody to visit.

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

A S'more weekend!!

2008-02-26T17:24:00.033-05:00

They were bored and I was crazy! They love
to cook and boy do they like to eat. We have
done s'mores over the bonfire but I thought it
might be fun for them to do them inside in
the oven. My "crew" was willing and ready!!

Ingredients for S'mores:
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Hershey's Bar, umm, chocolate, good

What a team!
Place graham cracker on cookie sheet
then place chocolate (1/4 of bar) on top
of cracker, next put puffy marshmallow on the
chocolate.

Getting them ready for the next step.
Place in a 250 degree oven.

They look like little white chef hats!
I did this part so that my "crew" did not get
burned. It took about 10 min. I kept checking
the marshmallows. When they started getting
soft and the chocolate was melting, I knew it
was time.

Now it was really getting fun, the "crew" put the
top graham cracker on the squishy "hat" and
smushed it down! Yummy!!

Here they are with the finished project.
What a great job!

This the best part...tasting!

So good you always
want "S'more"!!

Another happy taster! I don't think they slept
much that night. We had already made cookies
earlier. We had to make more cookies the next
day, cuz somebody ate them during the night!
I know I was tired, but I think we made some
good memories over the weekend. The girls
got to go for a snowmobile ride with their Papa,
aka Mr. Big. I stayed in with the boys and we
made the other batch of cookies and dinner.
I am blessed to have such good helpers.
These are the moments I cherish and
remember...especially when they decide to
be "normal" bickering siblings!!!

Here are 2 websites with some great info on
S'mores...check them out!
http://geocities.com/suarezgfam/Smores.html
http://geocities.com/suarezgfam/SmoresRecipes.html
http://boyslife.org/hobbies/projects/975/solar-powered-cooking/

Love and Hugs
Good thoughts to all

Gig

Best Friends Forever

2008-02-21T01:49:00.034-05:00

To my Best Friend

A best friend is a treasured gift

A prize beyond compare

Someone who shares the bad and good

You know is always there

A best friend listens patiently

To every word you say

But most of all, a best friend is

Like you in every way

Sepemeber 2007, Karen and Debbie

Well, here we are last September before our
walk across the Mackinac Bridge. The bridge
is in the background. We have been friends for
29 years, we have shared the good times and
the bad times. Even if we did not agree, we
always knew that we would still be there for
each other. She has 3 wonderful sons, I call them
my "boy's".
I wanted to let her know how much she means
to me. For 25 years we lived in the same area, now
we are 2 hrs apart.
I was going to go spend this coming weekend with
her, but she and her 2 siblings had to head west
to Arizona. Her Dad is having open heart surgery
as I type. So, now I am waiting for her call.

I would like you all to meet my "other Mom
and Dad". Karen's parents have been a part of
my life forever. They bought the campground
when Dad retired 20 years ago. It is my little
slice of heaven here on earth.

A new pond! Less flowers to plant! What a
great job everybody did. We would be here for
days if I posted all the pictures from this
project. We always have lots of laughs and
blisters. The end result is worth it!!

We are finishing up our planting of the
flowers and putting in the new pond
We were all thankful it did not rain. Off to
dinner and drinks for all!!

Here we are about half way across the bridge.
It was a beautiful day, great weather to
celebrate the 50th Birthday of the Mackinac
Bridge. Over 60,000 people walked this day.

Karen took this picture looking down at the
water below the bridge. She is always looking
for the unusual shots. I love it!

We Made It!! The first time either of us had
walked the Mighty Mac. I thought it would
really bother me being up so high. But, it was
so beautiful that I didn't think about it.

This is our view of the beach across from the
campground. Campfires, smores, walks on on the
beach are what I live for, especially with
my best friend.

The flowers have all bloomed and all the
campers have enjoyed them all summer.
Labor Day Weekend 2007
This is the result of all our hard work on
Memorial Day Weekend. We get to sit back
and smell the flowers!

I am ready for Memorial Day Weekend,

to get my hands in the dirt, drink some

bloody marys and whip my best friend at

Scrabble!!

Love to all,

Gig

Let's go racing boys!!!

2008-02-17T19:53:00.005-05:00

Ryan Newman, driver of car #12 won The Great

American Race today. This was the 50th running

of the race. It was a great race!! It was a right down

to the wire race. 2nd place went to Kurt Busch (#2),

and 3d was Tony Stewart (#20).

My driver, Michael Waltrip was 29th. Hey, I am happy,

last year he did not get to race the Daytona. We are off

to a great start!

For more info go to http://www.nascar.com/

Hope everyone had a great day

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

Sad Eyes...

2008-02-16T18:31:00.013-05:00

Sad eyes, no smile,

Need to say goodbye.

Angry eyes, hidden tears,

Need to say goodbye.

Feelings deep inside,

angry, hurt, sad,

Still have not said goodbye.

Photo from fotosearch

A Sweet Award

2008-02-16T11:12:00.006-05:00

Bindi has blessed me with another Award!

It was just in time for Valentine's Day.

Thank you, Bindi!

Hugs and Love to all,

Gig

NASCAR UPDATE

2008-02-15T00:26:00.014-05:00

Dale Jr. Denny Hamlin

The Gatorade Dual Races were Valentine's Day afternoon.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88) won the 1st race.
Denny Hamlin (#11) won the 2nd race.
They will be 3d and 4th, after Jimmie Johnson and
Michael Waltrip (go Mikie) on Sunday for
The Great American Race...otherwise known
as the Daytona 500.
I will be watching those cars go round and round!!
There will be some bumping and drafting, I am sure!
That is what makes it exciting for the fans.

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

February 14, 2008

2008-02-14T23:49:00.008-05:00

May this Valentine's Day be

filled with love,

understanding and commitment,

as you journey

through life with those

you hold dear.

Hoping everyone had lots of Chocolate and Hugs,

Hugs and Love to all,

Gig

Gentlemen, Start your Engines!!!

2008-02-11T01:54:00.001-05:00

For NASCAR fans this is the Super Bowl of
Racing! This is the 50th Daytona 500.The race is on Feb. 17.

The Budweiser Shootout was the start of
Speedweek. The Shootout was a total of 70 laps around the track with 23 drivers. This was the 30th year for the Shootout. How did the drivers get into the Shootout? Well, they had to have won a "Pole"(fastest qualifying speed), and/or a
Championship.

On Sunday, quailifying for next Sunday's Race was held. Jimmie Johnson (#48) was #1 and Michael Waltrip (#55), Go Mikie!, was #2.

On Thursday night, Feb. 14th, there will the
Gatorade Duals. Two separate races, back to back duals that will determine the final placements of the drivers for the big race on Sunday. The only 2 places for sure are Johnson
and Waltrip. The 1st race on Thursday will be led by Johnson, the 2nd by Waltrip.

Car #55 leads the

Budweiser Shootout Race. #55 is driven by Michael Waltrip, who just happens to be my favorite Driver!!

Go Mikie Go!!

So, I just had to put this picture on here.

He did not win the race, but came in 11th.

I would have like to give everyone a lap by

lap description of the race, but, I could not

keep my eyes open...Mr. Big woke me up at the end.

Thank goodness for the news and internet! That way I could see it all after the fact.

The Winner of the Budweiser Shootout was Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Jr. is driving the #88 car this year, with National Guard being one of his

sponsors. I was glad to see him win, oops, remember I didn't quite actually

see the ending. Thank goodness for late news shows!

I will be watching on Thursday and rooting for my favorite driver! And that would be....Mikie!!

Thanks for reading!!

Good thoughts and

Stay warm!!

Gig

From a Very Special Person...

2008-02-11T01:42:00.000-05:00

I want to Thank Bindi for this wonderful

Award. I will always try to be a friend

through good times and bad.

Good thoughts to all

Gig

A Day in the Life of....

2008-02-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

It has been a nice, easy sorta day. I did some laundry, cooked dinner, finished a book, went to a meeting, and wandered around the globe seeing how everybody in blogging land was doing today.

So what does this have to do with the Snowman? Well....I got tired of waiting for the grandkids to rebuild theirs so, I went and found this Snowman. It is in Gaylord Michigan. They do a live stream and when I found it, there were deer feeding right there with the snowman!! Too Cool!! Go check out the site for the live stream http://snowmancam.com/. I still find it amazing at what really cool things we can find and share with others.

Off to get some sleep... got a couple of busy days coming up, I must go do hair tomorrow and then prepare food for a Breakfast on Saturday that is for Charity. Keeps me out of trouble ;) lol. Plus, I have to get

ready for Saturday night.... Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR is BACK!!!!

Go MIKIE!!!! #55 50th Daytona 500 Feb. 17, 2008

Good thoughts,

Warm ((huggs))

Sweet Dreams

Debbie

And How is your Weather Today?

2008-02-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

When the Weather Ball is red, higher temperatures ahead.

When the Weather Ball is blue, lower temperatures are due.

Yellow light in the Weather Ball, means there will be no changes at all.

When colors blink in agitation, there is going to be precipitation.

Another Beautiful Day here in not so sunny Michigan. So... I thought I would get out the ol' Weather Ball, and see what he says compared to the "weatherman" on TV. The weather ball is Blinking in agitation so guess what... we are getting more precipitation!!!

The Weather Ball sits on top of Citizens Bank in

Flint, Michigan. It was built in 1956 and is a fond memory for many people, including myself. Mr. C.B. was popular during the 1960's. The Weather Ball

weighs 2.5 tons, and 15 ft in height and diameter, with a circumfrence of 47 ft.

The Weather Ball can be seen for 25 miles and can withstand winds of 120 mph.

The Weather Ball is still working these days, a little too much agitating lately if you ask me, ah, but nobody did. I just thought I would share a little hometown history, oops, did I just say hometown? Not everybody likes to admit having been to Flint, much less that they grew up and worked there most of their life.

But, I will!! It has its bad points, but it also has many good things going for it.

Point being, don't believe everything that you read or see in the movies that Michael Moore has made.

Hope everyone enjoyed a little glimpse into the Weather Ball!!!!

Wonderful, Sunny thoughts to All

Gig

Another Long, Cold Day.......

2008-01-30T23:18:00.000-05:00

I thought this picture captured the feeling here in Michigan today. Very Cold!!! All over the country the weather has been sorta crazy. The schools were closed again today. The grandkids were bored. The school district here really tries not to have snow days, but the roads have been atrocious the last 2 days. Being sick, I have stayed in. I might venture out tomorrow, maybe, if it at least gets up to 10 degrees, lol. Then back to work on Friday.
Hope to have some fun this weekend, as we will be going to celebrate my sister-in-laws Birthday and Super Bowl Game.
I found this picture on a cool website, Michigan in Pictures, http://mishpics.wordpress.com/

Have a Great Day!

Good thought to all,

Gig

Young and Carefree......

2008-01-29T13:53:00.000-05:00

I love this picture of Nate, so sweet. It took him a while to get used to the lake, but once he did, watch out!

It is so gloomy out today, I wanted to look at something that made me think of warm and summer. The grandkids did not have school today, due to ice. Probably won't tomorrow either, because we have a blizzard coming in.

Today's post is going to be short, cuz I am not feeling well. Everyone else has been sick and now have passed it on to me!

I have missed posting and checking on what everyone else is doing.

Maybe I will get a Snowday tomorrow :) lol.

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

Ausable River Canoe Marathon Race Teaser

2008-01-25T01:35:00.001-05:00

Ready, Set, Go!!!!

2008-01-25T01:25:00.001-05:00

Summer Time Blues-AuSable River Marathon

2008-01-25T00:35:00.001-05:00

As much as I love Snow, and hot chocolate and snowmobiling, I really am a warm weather person. That is why there are lots of pictures of water and beaches. In Michigan one does not have to travel far to find water, be it a river or lake. Which brings me to this post of an event that has been happening in this small town for 61 years this next July. Our small city grows by leaps and bounds for this major race. The racers start coming to practice as soon as the ice and snow are gone! By race week, all of us locals "should" know better than to go to "town". Get your groceries, gas, booze, and anything else you might need, cuz if you don't, it is like a zoo! Don't get me wrong, most of us love it. Business is good, and this is what most small businesses depend on. There are lots of fun things to do the whole week leading up to the Big Race on Saturday. This year the race is on Mr. Big's B-day, look out, he loves to celebrate. We have watched the beginning of the race from different places and have followed to other locations to wait for the racers to go by. Everyone cheers them on! The race covers 120 miles. The starting time is 9:00 p.m. The racers paddle approximately 14 hrs. It is awesome!!! I was going to post a few pics, but found this teaser on youtube and thought it captured the spirit of the Race. Hope this gives everyone a little peek into another part of the world.

Another link for info is http:/yo/www.ausableconoemarathon.org/

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

BRRR......Baby it's Cold Outside!!!!!!

2008-01-24T13:33:00.000-05:00

I have not ventured out today. The temp. at 6:30 a.m. was minus 11 degrees. I don't even want to think about the WINDCHILL!

It is not much warmer now. Mr. Big did however go out, being the brave soul he is.

The sun was shining, but now it is snowing again. It is pretty, but by March I will be wanting to go somewhere warm :).

To pass the time today, I have been playing with different things on the computer. I learned how to add a clock and the big one, a Slide show!

By the end of the day, there may be more changes to my blog. Alas, the laundry, dinner, paperwork, etc. will still be undone.

One of the best things about blogging is learning how to do new things. The best part of this for me is meeting many new people all over. Learning, laughing and also crying for everyone we come intact with helps keep life in perspective.

Keep blogging!

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

Snowy River

2008-01-22T23:50:00.000-05:00

Took a drive today to take some pictures of the beautiful AuSauble River.

I never get tired of looking at it. I find it very peaceful in the winter. Most of the year, you will find many fly fishermen here. They come from all over the world to fish in our river.

In July, there is a very big canoe marathon race. Racers come from everywhere to compete in this triple crown race. It is an amazing sight to see! The race takes approximately 14 hrs of non-stop racing. I will have to find and post pictures of this event.

Back to today. I was looking for a little quiet and solitude, and I found it. There was only one problem........the temp was about 10 degrees with a windchill of 10 below. Cold...........

But, I did brave it and took some pictures to send to Mr. Big's younger daughter. She does not get to see as much snow as we do.

It feels so nice to try and get back to a regular routine, whatever that might be:).

The very much loved "traveling" Granddaughter should be back in her hometown tomorrow.

We are all so thankful for every one's good thoughts and prayers. They mean so much.

Good thoughts to all,

Gig

They are Safe!!!!

2008-01-21T23:31:00.000-05:00

Hannah and Gage were found in the Southwest part of Louisiana this afternoon. They were spotted on the beach. The person that spotted them notified the police and when they left the beach they were pulled over. We are so relieved! Now the parents are going to travel there to bring them home. I really think the national coverage helped find them.
I am sure there will be consequences that they will have to deal with, but that is how it should be. Now we can have peace of mind that they are safe and will be reunited with their families.
That is all the details I have now. We will know more in the next few days.
A big wonderful thank you to everyone for your prayers and comments.
We really do appreciate it.
For more info go to http://www.news.google.com/ Type in Hannah McConnell for news articles.
A great night and tomorrow to everyone!

Gig

Update on Hannah and Gage

2008-01-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

The latest news is that Hannah called a friend in Michigan, close to home and said they were in Nevada and running low on money. We are waiting for both Mom's to be on Good Morning America, and then the Morning show with Mike and Juliet. Hopefully, somebody will see them and let the authorities know.
We just want them to get back home safely.

I truly appreciate every one's prayers and good thoughts.

They are both good kids, just wanting to be together. I do understand that. I haven't forgot what "young puppy love" is, but being a parent, I also agree with Hannah's parents that she is too young to "date". They are also dealing with her mental state and her not having her medication with her.
They both have parents who love them and want only the best for them.
I am so proud of Mr. Bigs daughter and her husband for getting this story out.

That is all I have for now.

Good thoughts to all
Gig

Looking for Hannah and Gage

2008-01-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

,
Hannah McConnell is Mr. Big's grandaughter. Her Mom, Julie is Mr. Big's daughter. She is only 13 years old. She ran away with her 15 year old boyfriend Gage Petherbridge. He stole his mother's minivan. We have had no word from them. Hannah needs to be on medication and did not take it with her.
They left during the night, Jan.12, 08. It did not hit the local news till Tuesday evening (Jan 15, 08). Since then it has been nonstop media. We are so thankful for the news coverage. So hopefully they will be spotted. Go to www.mahalo.com/Hannah_Mcconnell, http://www.news.google.com/, type in Hannah McConnell, it will take you to news articles on them.
Right now we are just waiting for news. Any news, hoping and praying for them to come home safely.
Please, please keep them in your prayers.

I will post any new info.

Good Morning America will be filming the parents tomorrow for Monday morning. I am praying that we will know where they are by then.

That is all for now.

Gig

Tag, You're It!

2008-01-14T01:40:00.000-05:00

Bomber tagged me, so I have to come up with a list of 5 to 8 "interesting" things about me to share, so here goes:

I am a night owl, I would much rather be up during the night and sleep late. The sleep late does not always happen though.

I collect cookbooks, old ones, new ones, it does not matter. They make for good reading when I can not sleep.

I love the beach, watching the waves can be hypnotic and always gives me a sense of peace.

NASCAR is Great! Just love to watch those race cars go round and round.......

Country Music and Toby Keith...Awesome!!!!!

Grew up oldest of three, 2 brothers. Then 13 years ago discovered 5 more siblings from my father. I finally got sisters (3) and more brothers (2). Interesting........

This has been fun and interesting for me, so

have fun with it Bethany, cuz Tag, your it!

Gig

Still Snowing.......

2008-01-13T22:33:00.000-05:00

Week in Review

2008-01-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

As you can see Winter is back! This is what yesterday, Friday looked like when we started our day. Very beautiful and peaceful. Luckily the roads were pretty good. So off to work I had to go. It has been a long and interesting week, spent 4 days with high school students and then off to make everyone that sits in my "chair" look great! It sure keeps me on my toes.
Only downside, I am now in cellphone withdrawal. My cell disappeared from my desk at school.
So I am in limbo till I get it replaced, did not want to realize just how attached I was to my phone.... I know I will survive but it might not be pretty! I did not have all those important numbers backed up. Shame on me.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Good thoughts to all
Gig

Winter Wonderland

2008-01-12T15:09:00.000-05:00

Fresh snowfall, hot chocolate with whip cream,

snuggling by a roaring fire with a good book

is what I love to do on a day like this.

Posing for Gig on Christmas

2008-01-10T02:32:00.000-05:00

Littlegig and Sam, Tater along with Hogie and Frito on Christmas morning. They all have great nicknames, as you might could tell. It is amazing what they come up with sometimes. It is hard to get them all in one picture. I was thrilled to get all the great pictures that I did on Christmas.

A bubbly Christmas Day!

2008-01-10T02:27:00.000-05:00

Frito and Hogie blowing Bubbles with Sissy

A Lazy Kittie

2008-01-10T02:18:00.000-05:00

Hope Spring arrives Soon!

2008-01-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

Wishful thinking! We have had rain all week and lost most of our snow, and now we are supposed to get 7-9 in. of snow tonight and Friday. Only in Michigan!

I am a little slow with the Christmas pic, but better late, than never. I have been working all week dealing with high school students that do not want to be in the class I am subbing for. Or maybe some do, cuz they don't want to be in their regular classes. It is interesting for the most part, they keep me on my toes. I will write more later.

Good thoughts to all

Gig

Birthday Cake

2008-01-07T00:30:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrated Nate's 3d Birthday with the usual cake and ice cream and presents! He was thrilled. It is not easy having a birthday so close after Santa. We were tickled to see that he remembered to go from 2 fingers to 3 on this big day. I am blessed to have healthy and beautiful grandchildren. I am always go glad to have them here, but after a busy time, I won't deny tonight I enjoyed the quiet after the party was over.
I have been trying to try some different things here in Gigsville, but it is a learning experience. Something for me to work on in my spare time lol.
I have a busy week and should already be sleeping, but here I sit typing. On my list this week: Sub three days at high school. Work at Hair Salon one day. Also, my hubby helps watch the kids after school and the list goes on and on. I guess the new year has started.
I am rambling tonight. Our snow is just about gone. As much as I love the beach and the warmth of the sun on my face, I do love to watch it snow. It just looks so clean and sparkly. But, it is still early, am sure we will get more. By March I will probably be complaining about it and searching for a warm place to visit!

Good thoughts to all
Gig

What's Happening Today

2008-01-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

It has been an interesting day. A sort of up and down day. Not quite feeling up to par, I was grumpy with other half and littlegig. They very kindly overlooked it and while I had to go with my co-workers to see another co-worker who's father-in-law had passed away they picked up their mess and did dishes!

Today is Nathan's B-day, he is 3! We will be celebrating tomorrow. He is my youngest grandson. He has one brother,5, and FIVE sisters! The nine year old calls me Gig, so I call her littlegig.

I have discovered Picasa for my pictures and I think it will be easier to upload pics.

Another interesting note today, I finally quit being in the background and made several comments on other blogs.

When I started this blog, I hit on one called 1pic and really loved the pics and the posts, but alas all good things must come to an end. 1pic has gone private. At first I was very disapointed but I then checked in at a blog I found thru him, My Rose Cottage Studio and wrote Suzanne. What a special person she is. She took the time to write back to me and others even when she has been thru some horrible weather, no power and losing a beautiful tree, etc.

So, I am moving on and will continue to visit other great blogs out there. Then tomorow I am going to enjoy Cake and Ice Cream with the grandkids and other half.

If the blog looks different in the next couple of days, it is only cuz, the graphic artist part of my brain is wanting to play.

If you happen to stop by, Thank you

Good thoughts to all

Gig

Maggie

2008-01-05T22:32:00.000-05:00

Here is my kitty last summer chasing the birds!

She is spoiled and very much loved. She has a big

brother named Harley. I will post his picture too.

The Start of a New Year

2008-01-02T00:18:00.000-05:00

My favorite way to start the first day of the new year is sleeping late, a great breakfast, reading a good book and playing scrabble online with my best friend. Guess what? That is just what happened. It was a great day for relaxing, for tomorrow reality returns.
I tried to focus on the good things that the tomorrows of this new year will bring and not dwell on the past hurts of the year before. Oh, how I am going to work very hard at being the optimist!
Sometimes it is not easy though. Especially when my other half tends to put both feet in his mouth and make jokes that friends don't understand and don't like. I do get tired of doing damage control for him. He is a good-hearted person, but sometimes does not know when to stop.
On to the rest of my day. Great dinner, I made Cornish hens, and being Southern by birth, had to have Black-eyd Peas, Turnip Greens and Cornbread. These are all tradition in my family. These foods are supposed to bring you Good luck, and wealth in the coming year, hopefully we will be healthy, wealthy and wise in 2008. A little extra money wouldn't hurt either.
The day is winding down now and should call it a night. I did check in at blogs that I have come to love, thru them, I am finding other ones that are interesting and inspiring. They have all gave me something to think about.

Hoping for Sunshine tomorrow!
Good thoughts to all
Gig

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T02:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it is now 2008, I can only hope that the new year will bring brighter and better things to those around me. I have many things to be thankful for, but I am having a hard time focusing on them right now.
We had a party to go to tonight, I wasn't sure about going but we did. I knew as soon as we got there, it was a mistake. Oh, there were a few good highlights, like getting to see and talk with several very good and true friends. Friends that don't listen to all the other supposed friends chatter. I am so tired of the pettiness of people. But, enough of that. Another friend's daughter came looking for me and it was great to see her. That made my night. I think it is good for me to put these thoughts, or ramblings on paper. I really don't like to be negative, I do try to find the positive in things and people, but sometimes it is so damn hard. On to more positive thoughts right now! I have checked in at my favorite blogs since we got home and it made me feel much better. I feel there is so much more out there to be thankful for, there is always somebody or something going on in this big world that is worse than anything going on in my life.

Resolutions for the New Year:

1. Focus on the positive, not the negative.

2. Let go of old hurts.

3. Love and enjoy family and true friends.

4. Don't be so hard on yourself.

5. Accomplish these before adding more!

Good thoughts to all

Gig

New Year's Eve morning

2007-12-31T01:29:00.000-05:00

It is late night and I cannot sleep. Am watching tv, another late night movie. It is actually my best time of the day. I have the house to myself and it is quiet, I have control of the remote and I am enjoying that. My other half does not always understand how someone can be a night person. But that is me. Even my kitty is sleeping. She usually is right by my side, but she has decided she likes to sleep in the bathroom sink! We still have not decided what the plan is for tomorrow night. Go out or stay in. I sorta would like to go out, but my husband does not really want to go out. We have a party to go to, but he dislocated his shoulder several weeks ago and his arm is really bothering him. I will wait and see.
I have been exploring other blogs, since I am new at this and found some very interesting ones. I am hooked, everyday or night as it might be finds me checking in on everyone and seeing what is happening in many different parts of the world. I haven't commented yet to any of them, so I guess that means I am "lurking in the background" but I will. Well, I think it is time to call it a night. One more day in the year 2007, the year has gone by fast. Hopefully the new year will be better.

Today is a new day

2007-12-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

Longing for warmer days, peaceful times and less stress in these days before the ripping and tearing of opening of presents.
There is at least a foot of snow on the ground right now, so I thought it would be good to look back at the summer pics. Give me a chance to relax after several weeks of stress.
I think it has helped me prepare for the next round of "stress".