THE GRINCH WHO STOLE JUNE AND JULY!!!!Well Folks,
I know this email – blog update is a bit overdue (thanks largely to the emails asking if we were still alive???).
Life has been rather hectic and time just flew by – along with my memory. Although I know I have been busy, I can’t remember everything I did!!!!
Sometime in June, I headed off to Pennsylvania with Alex. We left on a Thursday and came back on the Sunday. Alex had been going to Pennsylvania on a very frequent basis to pack up and stage a house in preparation for it’s sale. I had promised to go and we were finally able to co-ordinate dates.
Unfortunately, Paul had been feeling unwell and was troubled with leg and back pain, and despite my frequent urgings, would not allow me to take him to the doctor or the ER. On the morning of our departure, he still did not feel good, but said it was just leg pain and that I should go. Taking him at his word, we set off, planning to pack up the kitchen of the house and hold a garage sale on the Friday and Saturday.
We were only gone a short time when Paul called to say, that he was heading to the hospital for an ultra sound. Evidently, the doctor’s office had called to remind him of his appointment the next day. Paul told them to cancel the appointment as his legs were too painful for him to visit the doctor. Thankfully, the doctor sent him for an ultra sound to check him out for blood clots.
Well he did not have blood clots, because his blood was way too thin and he was bleeding around his muscles – hence the pain. They admitted him to hospital and as he stated it was not life threatening and we were by then 6 hours into our trip, he insisted with continue on and complete our mission.
Erin and Chris however, decided that he should have some family support, so they came and stayed and visited with him. They finally got his blood situation under control and he was released on Sunday, just a couple of hours before Alex and I returned. Alex’s husband John came over and cooked dinner and so we all had a nice reunion here at the house. Although it did cause a lot of concern, and it was awful being so far away, I could not have asked for a better “baby sitter” for Paul.
After his release from the hospital, Paul has had home nursing and home physiotherapy which only stopped last week. Unfortunately for Paul, each time he is in hospital, he seems to have something which affects his muscles, leaving him weaker and making it more difficult to take the few steps he can usually manage. (Note - the house in Pennsylvania - has been sold and paid for, so I guess Alex knew what she was doing).
Erin and Chris also came back the following weekend to visit with Paul and to catch up with me
as I had not seen them in awhile. They are now the proud parents of an Australian Shepard as well. They have named him “Toohey” after an Aussie beer that Erin likes. He is very cute and very smart. He also gets along very well with Mack (his uncle???)(Let me in - its only mud!
)
Our 4th of July was a wonderful, wonderful time. Kelly and Nate and Kyler arrived on the Wednesday night, but oh what a drama that was!!!!!
Their plane was due to land in Grand Rapids approximately 45 mins. From here at around 5 pm. Paul and I set off to the airport to get them (he was not supposed to be driving yet, but thank God he did not listen to me, when I insisted I drive and he stay home and rest?!!!
There were warnings of the possibility of a very severe thunderstorm and possible tornados! Now we were not worried about tornados as they are very rare in this neck of the woods, and we were hopeful of picking them up before the storm and missing it entirely!!!
This was not the case however, as whilst driving, the sky darkened in a matter of minutes and then turned to the eeriest, pukiest (not a word I know), shade of green, I have ever seen. After that the sky above us opened and we were caught in gale force winds and torrential rain with zero visibility. The winds were so strong that the trees lining the road were bending over and their branches were almost skimming the roof the car. It was unsafe to pull over as we were on country roads that had no shoulder and we wanted to be away from the trees!!!
To say I was scared would be a huge understatement. Being an Aussie with convict and pioneer blood surging through my veins, I did however remain calm for all of 5 minutes until I realized that Kelly, Nate and Kyler were possibly in the sky above us. It was at that point that I stopped praying (how silly), and started to cry instead!!!!
My poor Paul was concentrating on the hazardous road and trying to calm me as well. He assured me that their plane should have touched down by now and that if it hadn’t they would be flying well above the storm. I tried hard to believe him, but I also know that he would have said anything to make me feel better!!!!!
Eventually we did arrive safely at the airport despite the persistent torrential rain. I jumped out of the car and the security guard told me no planes were landing and that the airport was closed. I rushed inside to see if they had arrived before the storm broke, but alas they had not.
Delta staff informed me that it was circling above us and that it would land eventually. This was not to be the end of the drama however. Erin too was in transit and I phoned her to update her on what was happening and to advise her that she may be driving into the storm and at the first appearance of dark clouds to pull over and not wait for rain!!!
Chris (her fiancée), was still at work as he was driving up the next day, so he checked on Kelly’s plane on the internet and advised us that it had been rerouted to South Bend Indiana!. Erin was only ½ an hour from there and was going to turn back and pick them up. We decided against this as it was unlikely that they would be able to leave the plane.
Once landed in Indiana Kelly phoned me and said the pilot had left the plane to find out what was happening and she would let us know. (They were not allowed off the plane). We were able to tell her her take-off time and expected arrived back in Grand Rapids. We thought the bloody pilot should check the internet as the Delta staff in Grand Rapids still didn’t know where the plane was!!!!
Approximately 45 mins. Later she phoned again to say that the plane was broken and they had to get off!!! Fortunately they fixed it rather quickly, and then they had to refuel before take off. They finally arrived back in Grand Rapids where Paul and I were watching the storm dump over 3 inches of rain, approx. 4 ½ hours late.
Meanwhile Erin too got caught in the storm, (she should listen to me), she missed her turn due to poor visibility and was lost for a short time. Thank God for her GPS. She managed to dodge fallen trees, flooded roads and make it safely to our house before us. She was then asked to prepare dinner for us all!!!!!
Chris arrived the next day and we went and checked out the wedding venue, enabling us to finally make a decision. We went to Red Lobster for dinner – a belated Father’s Day Gift for Paul.
On the 4th July, we were joined by John and Alex and Jerry and we went in the Crooked Lake boat parade. There were 23 or more boats, fully decorated for the occasion. We enjoyed drinks and nibbles on the lake and had a wonderful time. The entire shoreline was lined with well wishers and party-goers, making it a very festive time.
After the parade we came back here for lunch where we were joined by a couple of other people and we partied until well into the night. It was a wonderful day.
Kyler was an absolute joy – he beams and claps hands with excitement most of the day – he kept us fully entertained. He loves the water, so he had a splash at the lake and a nice swim in our pool. We were lucky to be given a crib/cot and high chair (thanks Rita), so he was nicely catered for.
Unfortunately, Chris and Erin, Kelly, Nate and Kyler all went home on the Sunday morning. Chris and Erin had a smooth trip home, but Kelly and crew once again had more drama.
Their flight was unable to land in Atlanta, as they had a bad storm!!!!! They were diverted elsewhere (can’t remember where), and arrived home about 4 hours late again. She stated that “hell will freeze over” before she flies again, but I am hoping it is like child birth pain and the memory will soon be forgotten!!!!
The weekend after the 4th, we went to Chicago for Paul’s annual family picnic. We set off early Saturday morning and soon into our drive, we once again hit torrential rain (just call us if you are in a drought!). We contemplated turning around, but as we had just purchased dozens of doughnut from Sweetwaters, we thought they should reach their intended destination.
A phone call to Mary told us that the storm was in Chicago as well, but we pressed on, thinking we would do house visits instead! After all, we are experienced “storm drivers” now.
Our trip was justified once I discovered that “Filene’s Basement” had a store in Oakland. Paul stopped and let me run in for a quick look!!!! It is my favourite store in Chicago and Atlanta and I would drive though any storm to check it out (or at least let Paul drive me).
After a too quick trip there, we decided to head to the picnic grounds to say hi to Sid, as at this point we thought the picnic was washed out and we had made arrangements to meet with Rita and family at her son’s house.
To our amazement, there was a lovely gathering of people, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining (although forecasts stated it would soon be back). We stayed for around 4 hours, during which time the numbers swelled, the weather was perfect and we caught up with some much missed family.
Our 4th of July was a wonderful, wonderful time. Kelly and Nate and Kyler arrived on the Wednesday night, but oh what a drama that was!!!!!
Their plane was due to land in Grand Rapids approximately 45 mins. From here at around 5 pm. Paul and I set off to the airport to get them (he was not supposed to be driving yet, but thank God he did not listen to me, when I insisted I drive and he stay home and rest?!!!
There were warnings of the possibility of a very severe thunderstorm and possible tornados! Now we were not worried about tornados as they are very rare in this neck of the woods, and we were hopeful of picking them up before the storm and missing it entirely!!!
This was not the case however, as whilst driving, the sky darkened in a matter of minutes and then turned to the eeriest, pukiest (not a word I know), shade of green, I have ever seen. After that the sky above us opened and we were caught in gale force winds and torrential rain with zero visibility. The winds were so strong that the trees lining the road were bending over and their branches were almost skimming the roof the car. It was unsafe to pull over as we were on country roads that had no shoulder and we wanted to be away from the trees!!!
To say I was scared would be a huge understatement. Being an Aussie with convict and pioneer blood surging through my veins, I did however remain calm for all of 5 minutes until I realized that Kelly, Nate and Kyler were possibly in the sky above us. It was at that point that I stopped praying (how silly), and started to cry instead!!!!
My poor Paul was concentrating on the hazardous road and trying to calm me as well. He assured me that their plane should have touched down by now and that if it hadn’t they would be flying well above the storm. I tried hard to believe him, but I also know that he would have said anything to make me feel better!!!!!
Eventually we did arrive safely at the airport despite the persistent torrential rain. I jumped out of the car and the security guard told me no planes were landing and that the airport was closed. I rushed inside to see if they had arrived before the storm broke, but alas they had not.
Delta staff informed me that it was circling above us and that it would land eventually. This was not to be the end of the drama however. Erin too was in transit and I phoned her to update her on what was happening and to advise her that she may be driving into the storm and at the first appearance of dark clouds to pull over and not wait for rain!!!
Chris (her fiancée), was still at work as he was driving up the next day, so he checked on Kelly’s plane on the internet and advised us that it had been rerouted to South Bend Indiana!. Erin was only ½ an hour from there and was going to turn back and pick them up. We decided against this as it was unlikely that they would be able to leave the plane.
Once landed in Indiana Kelly phoned me and said the pilot had left the plane to find out what was happening and she would let us know. (They were not allowed off the plane). We were able to tell her her take-off time and expected arrived back in Grand Rapids. We thought the bloody pilot should check the internet as the Delta staff in Grand Rapids still didn’t know where the plane was!!!!
Approximately 45 mins. Later she phoned again to say that the plane was broken and they had to get off!!! Fortunately they fixed it rather quickly, and then they had to refuel before take off. They finally arrived back in Grand Rapids where Paul and I were watching the storm dump over 3 inches of rain, approx. 4 ½ hours late.
Meanwhile Erin too got caught in the storm, (she should listen to me), she missed her turn due to poor visibility and was lost for a short time. Thank God for her GPS. She managed to dodge fallen trees, flooded roads and make it safely to our house before us. She was then asked to prepare dinner for us all!!!!!
Chris arrived the next day and we went and checked out the wedding venue, enabling us to finally make a decision. We went to Red Lobster for dinner – a belated Father’s Day Gift for Paul.
On the 4th July, we were joined by John and Alex and Jerry and we went in the Crooked Lake boat parade. There were 23 or more boats, fully decorated for the occasion. We enjoyed drinks and nibbles on the lake and had a wonderful time. The entire shoreline was lined with well wishers and party-goers, making it a very festive time.
After the parade we came back here for lunch where we were joined by a couple of other people and we partied until well into the night. It was a wonderful day.
Kyler was an absolute joy – he beams and claps hands with excitement most of the day – he kept us fully entertained. He loves the water, so he had a splash at the lake and a nice swim in our pool. We were lucky to be given a crib/cot and high chair (thanks Rita), so he was nicely catered for.
Unfortunately, Chris and Erin, Kelly, Nate and Kyler all went home on the Sunday morning. Chris and Erin had a smooth trip home, but Kelly and crew once again had more drama.
Their flight was unable to land in Atlanta, as they had a bad storm!!!!! They were diverted elsewhere (can’t remember where), and arrived home about 4 hours late again. She stated that “hell will freeze over” before she flies again, but I am hoping it is like child birth pain and the memory will soon be forgotten!!!!
The weekend after the 4th, we went to Chicago for Paul’s annual family picnic. We set off early Saturday morning and soon into our drive, we once again hit torrential rain (just call us if you are in a drought!). We contemplated turning around, but as we had just purchased dozens of doughnut from Sweetwaters, we thought they should reach their intended destination.
A phone call to Mary told us that the storm was in Chicago as well, but we pressed on, thinking we would do house visits instead! After all, we are experienced “storm drivers” now.
Our trip was justified once I discovered that “Filene’s Basement” had a store in Oakland. Paul stopped and let me run in for a quick look!!!! It is my favourite store in Chicago and Atlanta and I would drive though any storm to check it out (or at least let Paul drive me).
After a too quick trip there, we decided to head to the picnic grounds to say hi to Sid, as at this point we thought the picnic was washed out and we had made arrangements to meet with Rita and family at her son’s house.
To our amazement, there was a lovely gathering of people, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining (although forecasts stated it would soon be back). We stayed for around 4 hours, during which time the numbers swelled, the weather was perfect and we caught up with some much missed family.
Sid and his kids arrange the picnic each year and do a wonderful job. I believe some of them read this blog, so a very special thank you to you all - your efforts are very much appreciated and we really enjoying coming each year.
We then went to meet with Rita and crew where we also caught up with Srs. Lucille and Sandi. We had a lovely time and then left to drive to Aurora (or somewhere), to say hi to Vickie and John and to check out their new house. It was great to meet their new puppy who is around 100lbs (Newfoundland), check out their beautiful home and to catch up with them, even if it was only for a short time.
We then headed back to Michigan, stopping in Michigan City for the night. On Sunday morning we head to the Four Winds Casino and made a donation (reluctantly). I did lose $50, but played with it for hours before the machines gobbled it up. We had an awesome meal and then headed to John and Alex's to pick Mack up!!!
We arrived home around 11pm – exhausted, but happy – it was a wonderful weekend.
That following night was Alex’s birthday, so we had a small birthday dinner here. Just Paul and I, John, Jerry, Brandon and Emily and the birthday girl of course. It was a lovely evening and a good excuse for a get to-gether. (not that we need them).
A couple of weeks after that Rita, Tom, Jim, Ramona, Michael, Nicholas, Erica, Tony, Jenna and Joey came for a visit. They arrived on the Saturday evening and Rita and Tom stayed on til Tuesday with the others leaving on the Sunday afternoon.
We enjoyed a boat ride, swim in the pool, dinner out on Monday night, and conversation catch-ups. It was lots of fun and they are all enjoyable company. I have photos below of the ‘gremlins’ in the pool and on the golf cart.
Last week, two of Paul’s friends, Eddie and Dee, came to visit – they only stayed Tues/Wed., so it was a short trip, but it was nice to catch up with them as well.
August, will also be gone in a flash – we are expecting visits from Erin, Sid, Mary and Danny, Srs. Lucille/Sandi and an Aussie mate, and Lucky, Nancy, Phil, Ryan and Mary-Rose. We also have our annual Sunfish Drive meeting and picnic luncheon and a Pizza party at Charlie and Connie’s, so it promises to be a fun month!!!!
Apart from our visitors which always proves to be fun, we are taking the time to enjoy the summer and do a bit of gardening and boat rides.
Paul is doing okay, but is a bit miserable at the moment with a toothache (why do they always come on weekends?). Hopefully, we can get an appointment tomorrow and bring him some relief. Since being released, his blood levels have been inconsistent, and he has a doctors appointment tomorrow, as the doctor wants to discuss his most recent results, so we are worried that kidney, liver or diabetes results may be out of whack.
Kelly, Nate and Kyler and all well. Kelly did get her new Mercedes in June and Kyler has taken his first steps. He is not walking everywhere yet, but he takes steps and falls down and gets up and does it again.
Chris and Erin and also well and happy. Chris is soon to start a new job. He was dissatisfied in his old job and is looking forward to his new one starting. He is leaving marketing for web design (at least I think he is)!!!
Lauren is well and happy – she went and saw Kylie Minogue in concert last night. She has her interview with the American Embassy on 27th August in an attempt to get permission to visit us for Christmas – so lots of prayers please. She starts her job in the lab in 2 weeks.
Damien and Jessica are also well, although I haven’t spoken to him recently. I have tried, but for some reason, have been unable to get through. He has had a friend from Australia visiting, working hard and he too has an appointment with the Embassy, but not til October.
We then went to meet with Rita and crew where we also caught up with Srs. Lucille and Sandi. We had a lovely time and then left to drive to Aurora (or somewhere), to say hi to Vickie and John and to check out their new house. It was great to meet their new puppy who is around 100lbs (Newfoundland), check out their beautiful home and to catch up with them, even if it was only for a short time.
We then headed back to Michigan, stopping in Michigan City for the night. On Sunday morning we head to the Four Winds Casino and made a donation (reluctantly). I did lose $50, but played with it for hours before the machines gobbled it up. We had an awesome meal and then headed to John and Alex's to pick Mack up!!!
We arrived home around 11pm – exhausted, but happy – it was a wonderful weekend.
That following night was Alex’s birthday, so we had a small birthday dinner here. Just Paul and I, John, Jerry, Brandon and Emily and the birthday girl of course. It was a lovely evening and a good excuse for a get to-gether. (not that we need them).
A couple of weeks after that Rita, Tom, Jim, Ramona, Michael, Nicholas, Erica, Tony, Jenna and Joey came for a visit. They arrived on the Saturday evening and Rita and Tom stayed on til Tuesday with the others leaving on the Sunday afternoon.
We enjoyed a boat ride, swim in the pool, dinner out on Monday night, and conversation catch-ups. It was lots of fun and they are all enjoyable company. I have photos below of the ‘gremlins’ in the pool and on the golf cart.
Last week, two of Paul’s friends, Eddie and Dee, came to visit – they only stayed Tues/Wed., so it was a short trip, but it was nice to catch up with them as well.
August, will also be gone in a flash – we are expecting visits from Erin, Sid, Mary and Danny, Srs. Lucille/Sandi and an Aussie mate, and Lucky, Nancy, Phil, Ryan and Mary-Rose. We also have our annual Sunfish Drive meeting and picnic luncheon and a Pizza party at Charlie and Connie’s, so it promises to be a fun month!!!!
Apart from our visitors which always proves to be fun, we are taking the time to enjoy the summer and do a bit of gardening and boat rides.
Paul is doing okay, but is a bit miserable at the moment with a toothache (why do they always come on weekends?). Hopefully, we can get an appointment tomorrow and bring him some relief. Since being released, his blood levels have been inconsistent, and he has a doctors appointment tomorrow, as the doctor wants to discuss his most recent results, so we are worried that kidney, liver or diabetes results may be out of whack.
Kelly, Nate and Kyler and all well. Kelly did get her new Mercedes in June and Kyler has taken his first steps. He is not walking everywhere yet, but he takes steps and falls down and gets up and does it again.
Chris and Erin and also well and happy. Chris is soon to start a new job. He was dissatisfied in his old job and is looking forward to his new one starting. He is leaving marketing for web design (at least I think he is)!!!
Lauren is well and happy – she went and saw Kylie Minogue in concert last night. She has her interview with the American Embassy on 27th August in an attempt to get permission to visit us for Christmas – so lots of prayers please. She starts her job in the lab in 2 weeks.
Damien and Jessica are also well, although I haven’t spoken to him recently. I have tried, but for some reason, have been unable to get through. He has had a friend from Australia visiting, working hard and he too has an appointment with the Embassy, but not til October.
Well folks, I have rambled on as usual so will say goodbye for now. However, as I have been a bit slack on individual emails recently I want to add a couple of messages.
Chris - great newsy email - thanks - as you can see, I was being slack. America is a nice place to visit!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul & Heather - we were sad you couldn't make it - start saving.
Edda- am waiting for Bali news.
Wilko - time for a long, newsy email.
Rhonda - you have a life - write about it. lol
Paul & Dot - what is happening in your family.
Pat and Joan - I hope all is well. Please print this out for Dennis.
Kyler with his American cousin
The "My Mom is Hot" t-shirt
was bought by his other Grandma.
She is right - both of these guys
have 'hot moms'
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The gremlins enjoying a ride in the golf cart
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The gremlins enjoying a ride in the golf cart
Mack says - can I get in the hot tub?
Kyler sleeping with his teddy
My Happy little darling.
Off to Mass with Daddy
& Mummy
My Happy little darling.
Off to Mass with Daddy
& Mummy
Of course I can climb back in anytime I feel like it.
Sit for a minute Nana while I recharge my battery too!
