February 3, 2012
Day 34 - High Tech
I laid in this MRI machine for about 30 minutes today. When I had my first MRI several years ago, I was terrified. Although a bit nervous today, I was much calmer. It helps to know what to expect. This medical technology has continued to improve and is so automated. It is amazing what the images from this machine can tell about the inside of a human body. Hoping my news is good when I get the report next week!
February 2, 2012
Day 33 - Giggling!
I've been bringing my 'tickle stick' with me whenever I spend the day with my grandson, Blake. It never fails to send him into instant giggles. He often starts laughing before it even reaches him!
Today, he started using the 'tickle stick' to make his Fisher Price Little People laugh and to tickle himself.....so cute!
Today, he started using the 'tickle stick' to make his Fisher Price Little People laugh and to tickle himself.....so cute!
February 1, 2012
Day 32 - Old tech
This morning, I accompanied a girl friend to an appointment to lend moral support. After the meeting, she took me out to eat at a great breakfast/lunch place in the area. I was intrigued by the old intercom system that was still hanging by the hostess station. It isn't used anymore, but it adds some great nostalgia to the quaint decor of the restaurant.
January 31, 2012
Day 31 - RIP
We attended a funeral for a family member today. Grace was married to my mother-in-law's cousin. Her husband passed away 7 months ago. I know they are both in a happier place, but feel very sad for their children who have lost both of their parents in such a short time.
January 30, 2012
Day 30 - New car!
I haven't posted a photo of my new car yet. We picked it up about a week ago. I'm very excited to have it! It's a new 2012 Buick LaCrosse. It is very comfortable and has more 'bells and whistles' than any other car we've owned. The car we traded in was 11 years old, so most of the technology in this car wasn't available then. I'm looking forward to taking some road trips our new car!
January 29, 2012
Day 29 - Traction
These are awesome! With the snow melting during the day and and the water refreezing at night, the sidewalks are very slippery. Walking the dog at night, when it is hard to see the ice can be treacherous, but adding this footgear to my shoes, kept me from slipping and sliding! Thanks for the the thoughtful gift, Kristin!
January 28, 2012
Day 28 - NICE
This morning I attended the NICE Mini-Conference at Stevenson High School. It was a wonderful day of learning and networking with my EdTech friends. I came home with a list of new resources to look at and plan to incorporate some of them in the workshops I'll be presenting at the ICE Conference next month.
January 27, 2012
Day 27 - Sun!
We've had a few gray days in a row, so it was nice to see the sun and blue sky today! Lucy and I were up for an early walk this morning and caught the sun just as it was starting to peak over the houses in our neighborhood.
January 26, 2012
Day 26 - Mall
My daughter was sick today, so she stayed home from work. Since Thursday is my usual day to babysit, she asked that I come anyway so she could rest. Blake and I had a fun day. I packed him up and we spent most of the day away from home, doing errands, eating lunch out, and enjoying in the play area at Stratford Mall.
January 25, 2012
Day 25 - Champ!
Friends from college invited us (via Facebook) to take part in their annual Bowl Mania for the college football bowl games. Scott was the winner this year and received this lovely trophy in the mail today! Thanks, Dallingers! It was fun!
January 24, 2012
Day 24 - March of the Penguins
As I have mentioned before, I love seeing student artwork displayed in the hallways of the schools where I sub. These cheerful penguins greeted me at Greenbrier today! Isn't it wonderful how they each have their own personality!
January 23, 2012
Day 23 - Soup
I was hungry for soup for tonight, hadn't planned for homemade soup, so had to use what was already in the refrigerator & cupboard. I ended up with a very tasty potato soup. My new Cuisinart emersion blender made the task quick & easy.
January 22, 2012
Day 22 - Goody bag!
Our PetSmart closed and they opened a new, larger store a few miles away. Scott took Lucy there for a visit this afternoon. They got a tour of the new PetSmart PetsHotel. Lucy got a dixie cup of ice cream at the end of their tour and she came home with a good bag. She is such a spoiled dog!
January 21, 2012
Day 21 - First-Alert
My 81 year old Mother-in-Law as been housebound with a little bit of pneumonia. Thankfully, she is feeling much better. Today we brought her lunch and did a couple errands/projects for her. We bought and installed new smoke detectors. Her old ones had batteries that could not be replaced, I had never seen anything like them. The new ones just about covered the old spots on the ceiling, and luckily we were able to use the same screw holes, making the project an easy one. Nice to know that she is protected with working alarms.
January 20, 2012
Day 20 - Snowy night
Our second major snow storm of the season hit today at around noon and continued to snow through rush hour and into the night. This is the view out our front door this evening. Scott is at work, but I'm sure he will be anxious to use his snowblower when he gets home tonight. I was supposed to go out for dinner with friends this evening, but we canceled our plans, which was a good thing since travel times were tripled on the highways during rush hour.
January 19, 2012
Day 19 - Indoor fun!
It was too cold to play outside today, so after a day of indoor play, it was wonderful that we could take Blake to the open gym time at Gymboree late this afternoon. This was the first time that Grandpa got to go, so Blake had a lot of fun showing him around! Our little guy has no fear and wants to do everything he see the bigger kids doing. Here Grandpa is encouraging our little daredevil to sit down before going down the slide!
January 18, 2012
Day 18 - Chopped Salad
After bowling, we picked up dinner tonight at Corner Bakery. What a treat! I like that Corner Bakery now offers a smaller 'Cafe' portion of their salads, fewer calories and less guilt!
January 17, 2012
Day 17 - Skyping
Tonight I attended a Skype session at our public library. It was awesome! We skyped with Jamie Ford, the author of The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I had read his book and discussed it with my book club last year. It is an excellent book and I really enjoyed reading it. Skyping with Jamie Ford was wonderful because he speaks with honesty and obvious love for writing. He gave us background on himself and the book. He also answered questions from the audience. I'm so glad I had a chance to attend and participate in this great hour with a wonderful author.
January 16, 2012
Day 16 - Jelly Bellies!
I had dinner out with friends tonight. Two friends were celebrating birthdays. This giant jar of Jelly Bellies was a perfect gift from one birthday girl to the other!
January 15, 2012
Day 15 - Reading
I finished reading this book today. One of my friends from high school is a librarian and suggested that we read it and discuss it with another friend over dinner. It was a very good book. I like that way it was written in the student's voice.
By the way, I'm posting the books I read to the following two sites in case you are looking for some book suggestions:
www.goodreads.com/ (I'm KBeil)
www.shelfari.com/ (Karin B)
By the way, I'm posting the books I read to the following two sites in case you are looking for some book suggestions:
www.goodreads.com/ (I'm KBeil)
www.shelfari.com/ (Karin B)
January 14, 2012
Day 14 - Weber Grill
I enjoyed a very leisurely lunch at Weber Grill with three of my friends this afternoon. Two are retired like me and one is still teaching. Since we all taught together for quite awhile, the conversation often involves talking 'school talk'. One thing that I am certain about is that I retired at the right time. I loved teaching the kids, working with my colleagues, and continuing to learn. But, I don't miss the stress or the ever changing demands from the administration and government.
January 13, 2012
Day 13 - Snow!
First snow for Lucy since last winter.....
She is always 'hunting'. Here she had just come up from digging through the snow with her nose.
We quite enjoyed our walk in the park near our house and being the first to add our footprints to the new fallen snow.
She is always 'hunting'. Here she had just come up from digging through the snow with her nose.
We quite enjoyed our walk in the park near our house and being the first to add our footprints to the new fallen snow.
January 12, 2012
Day 12 - First snow!
I was lucky today....it started snowing after I arrived to babysit for my grandson. We had bought this little toddler sled for him a week or so ago when it was still in the 50s, so glad I got to use it with him today! He loved riding on the sled while Grandma pulled him.
January 11, 2012
Day 11 - Test drive
We're shopping for a new car to replace my 11 year old Buick. I test drove this Toyota Avalon today. It is very nice and has lots of bells and whistles that my old car doesn't have. This may not be the one we buy, but it is certainly in the running.
January 10, 2012
Day 10 - Beagle buddy
Scott works 2-4 evenings a week, so on nights when he is working, Lucy keeps me company. We are often curled up on the couch together. I'm not sure she likes the TV shows that I do, but she doesn't complain!
January 9, 2012
Day 9 - Nordstrom's Cafe
I got to have lunch today with Cheryl & Blake. I met them so I could return Cheryl's computer to her. I had taken it to do some repairs, backups, and updates for her. Cheryl treated me to lunch for fixing up her computer. What a sweet daughter (and grandson)!
January 8, 2012
Day 8 - Apple Store
I had two appointments at the Apple Store this afternoon, one at the Genius Bar and one for a One-to-One lesson. I was there for about 90 minutes and was awed by the constant crowd of people. I had a great hour with an Apple teacher, who helped me learn more about iCloud and straighten out the accounts on all four of my devices (iMac, MacBook, iPad, iPod Touch), so that they are all syncing properly to iCloud. Apple's customer service is the best! Although, I may not choose to appoints on a Sunday afternoon in the future, as it was a bit noisy and distracting with such a crowd.
January 7, 2012
Day 7 - No snow!
On our way to visit our grandson today, we stopped at Toys R Us to use a gift card/coupon that was expiring. I couldn't resist getting this cute little sled for him. Now all we need is the snow!
*He loved being pulled on it both in the house and out in the yard.
*He loved being pulled on it both in the house and out in the yard.
After a fun afternoon of playing with new toys and showing off for mom, dad, and 4 grandparents, Blake is ready for bed!
January 6, 2012
Day 6 - Sun
Although it has been warmer than usual for January, the angle of the sun doesn't let much direct sunlight into our house during the winter. Lucy loves to lie in a warm sunny spot when she finds one!
January 5, 2012
Day 5 - Climbing
Blake got this awesome Little Tikes toy as a gift from his other grandparents. He loves it! He can climb, slide down the slide, shoot baskets, and kick a ball into a net. It is just just the right size for him and will be a perfect way for him to use his energy indoors during the coming cold winter months.
January 4, 2012
Day 4 - Dinner out
My book club went out for dinner tonight and had a wonderful time sharing, eating, chatting, and laughing. We didn't read a book for this month since we're all so busy during the holidays, but we are a great group of friends and really enjoyed our night out.
*Standing: Lori, Cindy, Sallie, Barb, Patty
*Sitting: Sue, Me, Eileen, Linda
*Missing: Chris, Heidi, Karol (Karen, Janice, Jill)
*Standing: Lori, Cindy, Sallie, Barb, Patty
*Sitting: Sue, Me, Eileen, Linda
*Missing: Chris, Heidi, Karol (Karen, Janice, Jill)
January 3, 2012
Day 3 - Screen Saver
We have my 27 inch iMac on a desk in our family room. I love using it as a digital photo frame to display all my favorite pictures of Blake when it kicks into screen saver mode. Grandparents NEVER get tired of seeing grandbaby photos!
January 2, 2012
Day 2 - Stretching
Is there anyone that doesn't vow to improve their health during the new year? As we get older, it seems to be a constant battle to stay fit. Whether it is losing weight, eating better, exercising more, or getting rid of stress, we always seem to use the new year as a reminder to get back on track in taking care of ourselves.
Stretching is one of the most important ways that older adults can take care of their bodies. It improves muscle tone, balance, flexibility, and core strength, which in turn helps us to feel better and experience less pain.
I'm back to doing yoga and stretching each day and I know it will help me to feel better!
Stretching is one of the most important ways that older adults can take care of their bodies. It improves muscle tone, balance, flexibility, and core strength, which in turn helps us to feel better and experience less pain.
I'm back to doing yoga and stretching each day and I know it will help me to feel better!
January 1, 2012
Day 1 - Happy New Year!
The weather has been unseasonably warm, no snow yet this winter. It was rainy this morning & the newspaper got a bit wet. This is what it looks like after Scott dried it out in the microwave!
Traditionally, we spend New Year's Day at home, relaxing, watching football and movies, reading, and snacking. Happy 2012!
Traditionally, we spend New Year's Day at home, relaxing, watching football and movies, reading, and snacking. Happy 2012!
November 13, 2011
Blake's Photo Book - August to November 2011
Blake's Photo Book on Shutterfly
I really like using Shutterfly for making my photo books. They continue to improve the site and have added many new templates and stickers to enhance the books. It takes awhile to create the book (at least for me, since I'm somewhat of a perfectionist), but the time is definitely worth the finished product.
September 19, 2011
Blake's Photo Book - May to August, 2011
Our dear Grandson, Blake, has just celebrated his first birthday. This year went by so quickly! What a fun year it has been!
July 31, 2011
Final Tour
These are photos I took today during a tour of the high school where I graduated. The class of '80 sponsored the tour today, and although I'm a bit older, I was glad they invited others along so that I could see the inside of my high school one last time. The school is now vacant and has been sold to a developer who will be tearing it down soon. The school holds many happy memories and will be missed by many in the community and alumni all over the country.
July 3, 2011
Kristin
This photo was sent to me today by my Uncle Dick. Kristin was about 3 years old! He is busy scanning old photos. How wonderful that he sent me this great memory today as I'm holding Kristin in my heart.
By the way, I sent this post to my blog via email for the first time, a trick I learned at ISTE! It works very well! Maybe I'll finally start posting more regularly again.
May 17, 2011
April 28, 2011
Day 118 - Golden Birthday
One of Kristin's roommates contacted me and asked if I could scan some old photos of Kristin growing up so that they could use them during the surprise party they were throwing for her. It is her Golden Birthday this year, 28 on the 28th. These are are just a few of the 90 photos I scanned and sent them. She was VERY surprised. She has awesome friends in Denver!
April 27, 2011
April 25, 2011
April 21, 2011
April 14, 2011
Day 104 - Grandma's MacBook
Blake loves Grandma's computer! Here we are getting ready to take some shots with PhotoBooth.
April 11, 2011
April 8, 2011
Day 98 - Eight months!
Blake's mommy sent me this photo. I love that she is taking a photo every month with him sitting in the same chair. He has certainly changed a lot in 8 months!
April 7, 2011
April 2, 2011
Day 92 - Silver Man
Today is our last day in California. We had some extra time before heading to the airport, so we walked along the pier in San Diego. We watched this 'statue' perform as he entertained a crowd that had gathered.
April 1, 2011
Day 91 - Fun in the sun
Today is our last full day in California. We've enjoyed our stay at the Lawrence Welk Resort in Escondido. Blake was up early this morning, so I took him for a walk around the beautiful grounds. This is the outside of our condo. Then we did a little 'photo shoot' with Blake in his White Sox outfit, so we could send a photo to his daddy. Later, we spent some time at the pool.
After lunch and naps, we drove down to Coronado and toured the famous Coronado Hotel and spent some time on the beach.
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