Thanksgiving 2014

 

Two turkeys-$18.99, all the fixins'-$13.99, 14 people for dinner-priceless. Had a great time with the family even though my small house made it a little like "crunch-time". Enjoy the pics.

 

 

Aiden with David playing with the guitars.

pumpkin pie

playing a song on the piano (as only Aiden can)

 

slicing the turkeys

 



the family enjoying the meal

 

the eyeball straw!

 

 

Lebanon in 2014

Another of my trips to Lebanon. Pictures turned out pretty good. One is left off because it's a Christmas present to my daughter but will probably post at a later time.

The usual group minus D.K. Had fun in the A-Frame building which I dislike due to the harsh lighting in there but didn't have a problem this year as I was behind most of the lighting.
Got a lot done this time.

Even started some garment sewing which I haven't done in many years. That was fun especially since it was a very small piece for my granddaughter. Her mother liked the material and it will be a lovely corduroy jumper in red and brown plaid colors.





                         

Hubby loaned me the CRV due to 4-wheel drive and the weather held off so no big storms. A pleasant trip was had by all.

Halloween Fun

Daddy and Elie the bunny

Halloween was a first for me with the grandkids. We had a wonderful time.











Thursday they all came over and carved pumpkins and had dinner with Michael and I.

The two little skeletons

Friday the grandkids wanted to show off their costumes and comb the neighborhood.

 

 

 

            

A Weekend to Remember

This past weekend Michael, I, Karen, Daniel, Hannah, and Elie went down to The University of Wisconsin for the weekend. The main reason for going down was to go to Homecoming at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. 

Michael and I in the parade

Michael was honored on Friday evening with the annual BILSA (Business, Industry, Life Science & Agriculture) Alumni Chapter Service Award. Saturday morning Michael and I rode a convertible in the Homecoming parade. That was a little uncomfortable for both of us. We then drove down to Cuba City for a very short visit and then on to Madison for the evening.

Hannah took this picture along the way of an unknown but lovely scene

Sunday we hit all the Farmer's Markets and took in the sights including the fall colors. Beautiful.

September Birthdays

Birthdays have been lacking in the fall months but when Daniel married Hannah it became apparent that September was going to be a busy month for "happy, happy birthday...."  Both Hannah and Aiden are September babies so since we have December and January covered and May, June and August (what happened to July???) covered we now have a fall month covered.

Aiden with his new bible

 Aiden turned 4 and I decided it was time that he had his own bible to take to church with him. There are a gazillion different childrens bibles to choose from. He loves books that rhyme so I picked one where the bible stories rhyme. He  didn't appreciate the clothes but hey, he's 4. Growing is part of the deal and he needed clothes (by the way, so is his hair since he is now cancer free). We also threw in a Jake & the Neverland Pirates pillow which he DID appreciate. Gotta have a few toys in there somewhere.  Hannah is now a quarter of a century old. We were going to give her a gift card to Target but I knew she would probably spend it on the kids (diapers, etc.) so I got her something on Amazon which was actually for Elie and some DVD's she wanted.  

Hannah opening her presents with help from Elie

 

 Anyway, since Hannah had a gathering of her family from her mom and dad's side on Friday, a friend party on Sunday, we decided to have a small get together at our place yesterday (Tuesday). Between married people, school responsibilities, and work we just decided to celebrate it before it got to be October. The pictures are not the greatest but I couldn't resist posting them here. Such wonderful looking people.

playing a quick game of Candyland

 

State Fair 2014

I LOVE cotton candy!

I did manage to go to the State Fair this year. I don't go much anymore since my feet, knees and energy is 63ish but I decided to go since I now have grandchildren and I have always believed that kids can make a mediocre experience that much better and more interesting. More interesting is probably the word I'm looking for. I went during the week (less crowds) and took with me my son Daniel and his wife Hannah.

Hannah, Daniel, Elie and Aiden

The interesting (and better!) part came in the form of Aiden and Elie. I was a a bit apprehensive anticipating a stroller, two eventually tired toddlers, and a lot of "I want" coming out of their mouths. That didn't happen as Elie doesn't talk actual words yet, although she does plenty of talking, and Aiden is SO very good at accepting things as they come. It's like he knows that his loved ones are not rich and they do the best they can at helping him have a good time with what they have. The giant slide was definitely on his list!

Daniel & Elie

And we did! Walking around and sharing with each other the stuff we wanted to see, do or eat. At one time I asked Hannah what she wanted to do next and she responded with "I don't care. I'm only here for the food". I had to laugh at that one. We all did really well not gorging ourselves on a lot of junk.

my fun purse

The highlight came when Hannah introduced me to some purses at the International Bazaar area that sold fabric purses very inexpensively and with a discount coupon in the Blue Discount Book of $8 that more than paid for the use of it. As we left the fair and headed for the car








I realized that it was one of the more pleasant and relaxing times I had had at the fair, aching feet aside.

the "fam" enjoying the fair

Diversity

Took Aiden to the park last week for about an hour. It was a park that I grew up around and I noticed it had changed a lot over the years. Demographics aside, they had added more play equipment and the building was locked up like Fort Knox. I found that out when Aiden announced that he had to use the bathroom and we were forced to leave. Too bad they can't have something that wouldn't be vandalized that people could access for a reasonable request like using a restroom.

Anyway, I named my post "Diversity" because the playground had about 35 kids with parents there and Aiden and I were the only two that were white and didn't speak Spanish. It is amazing how children can look past limitations and still have lots of fun and can interact in ways we wouldn't think of. One little boy latched onto Aiden, leading him into all kinds of games on the playground equipment. The only English his mother said he knew was "hey boy" which worked for Aiden. You'd never say that to a black kid. Amazing.

Centenial Lakes Park

Made another trip to Centennial Lakes Park a couple weeks ago. This time I decided to take Aiden since I had asked to have some time with him. I had a definite plan to ride on the paddle boats and look at the ducks, etc. The paddle boats were fun although he has a boot on due to a fractured foot (fell off a slip n' slide that was elevated somehow) and his feet were too short to paddle so I had a real workout keeping us moving. They charge by the half hour so we decided after that to head back to the car.

Unfortunately I parked waaay to far from where I was suppose to park so carrying him was a difficult endeavor. We did the piggyback way, the front carry and then he wanted to be on my shoulders. I still don't believe it but I lifted him up all the way and over my head onto my shoulders. I guess those free weights I throw around at L.A. Fitness paid off.  It was the easiest way for us to maneuver through the park. After that we went back to my house and made cookies; one of Aiden's more enjoyable endeavors; esp with a broken foot.


 

I continue to plan outings with him and will eventually have some time with Elie as well. I have a Pack & Play in my back room for naps so I guess that makes me official!

Graduation Party '14

Had a surprise graduation party for Hannah Sunday afternoon. It started very slow but eventually we got everyone there including the designated surprise'ee and her husband. People brought something to share and we enjoyed food and our favorite game, Jeopardy. Our questions were from categories of the U of MN and Hannah. We did it for the bridal shower and everyone loved it so much we decided to do it again with a U of MN theme.

The weather held out, we had 4 kids attending not including my 2 grandchildren that had fun with one of the games tossing a mortar board into a laundry basket and everyone got to try to guess the number of candies in a jar. Daniel guessed within 6 and Hannah within 4 numbers so she won the jar and candy which was nice (there were 261 Sixlets). It all worked out great in our backyard. I had accumulated about 10 lawn chairs from throw-outs so we had plenty of space and spots to sit. Relatives from Hannah's family came up from Clearwater even though July is packed with softball tourneys and festivals. Even though Hannah had graduated with a 4-year degree back in December, she never really celebrated so Daniel wanted to put up a party for her and it came off well. His love for her never ceases to amaze me. I wish I would have taken more pictures just because I wanted to capture a special time for her. At least she got a break since we all wanted to hold the baby!

Grandma Pat with Elie

A Life Well Lived

The first time I met Myra I was taken back by her booming voice. She was very "out there" if you will. She never minced words when she was sharing her opinion about topics, difficult or easy which is actually what drew me to her. It was "take me or leave me. This is me".
She was a voracious reader, accomplished gardener, and a loving mother and grandmother.  She also was a great hostess. I speak from personal experience on that last one. .  A confident person but also sensitive to others feelings and opinions as well.
A few months back I called her to ask her opinion about something I was wondering about. I was in the process of approaching a mutual friend and I wanted to be as sensitive as I could. She told me to share with my heart and that my friend would understand and accept my feelings on a matter that was troubling me. It turned out that Myra was right about my situation. She told me to be confident and believe in the friendship and everything would eventually work itself out. if not right away.
Myra wasn't a close, close friend but I valued her relationship with me. She was easy to talk to and always made me feel special. Her confidence was contagious almost to the point of jealousy.  She shared her life stories with me about her growing up years, about her father owning a grocery store, etc. I will always think of her when I attempt to eat an over-ripe banana. I probably won't eat it but I definitely will think of her. My visits to her hometown were wonderful. It wasn't like going to Disneyland, but better. She gave up her own bedroom for me, enveloping me into her fold of friends, and inviting and introducing me to her extended family.  There is nothing like seeing friends gather together on a Saturday morning over coffee and great conversation. I enjoyed watching "from the bleachers" as Saturday Morning Coffee unfolded.

I didn't know any of them  but was taken in by them as if I had been a part of their agenda all along. Not to diminish the unbearable grief Myra's family is experiencing right now, I especially grieve for my friend Kathy who now carries on the memory of Myra in her heart.

Loving and caring about a friend as much as they cared about each other is something rare these days and oh so wonderful to watch. I will miss all the games of Hand and Foot that no longer will be played and how she and my friend's husband would debate back and forth about who's turn it was, etc. (I laugh as I write this). I will miss going to Hendrum to visit her and enjoy her garden, her friends, and her wonderful coffee. I will even miss her booming voice, but especially I will miss her friendship but will always remember the difference she made in my life. Rest in peace my friend.

Myra's garden

Mille Lacs Trip



Hannah, myself, and Karen

My daughter Karen really likes her down-time. About every 6-8 months she plans out a trip somewhere usually within 4-5 hours of driving time. She asks family and friends who wants to go with her. I don't like traveling but I decided to accompany her on an overnight trip to see the Judy Garland museum in Grand Rapids, MN. I was very glad I made the choice to go. I had a great time with her and my daughter-in-law, Hannah. Daniel stayed behind to care for Elieanna.  We headed out last Saturday to Grand Rapids to the Judy Garland museum which was really quite fun and interesting along with a hands on science area for children next to it.

Karen and Hannah playing make-believe

Only a 3 hour drive away and a cost of $8, I found it worth the time. We then headed back down 169 South, staying at the Mille Lacs Casino hotel. We took in the buffet which wasn't worth the $17 nor the hotel (the beds were terrible) but we had fun with the $20 they give you in casino money. I started off winning money little by little (without even knowing it) and ended up losing it all.

One of many pictures and info about Judy G

We ended the evening playing late night bingo. We again lost our shirt ($9) but the fellowship between us was wonderful. We bonded well together, saw lots of various wild life. Unfortunately Karen hit a big turtle on the highway on the way up. We shared the driving, and if one of us wanted to stop along the way to see something, we did. We are already planning our next trip in a year, possibly to Duluth. Any takers?? More the merrier!!

Me not knowing what I was doing and being the better for it!





Birthday Boy

This post is yours to have and hold, Daniel. You've come a long way, baby! Enjoy the day and by the way, thank you again for that wonderful, beautiful baby daughter who will with God's help grow up to be as wonderful and blessed as you have made us!

 Daniel John Fiedler

Re-using, Recycling and Enjoying!

Our neighborhood is famous for discarding completely usable stuff. I always try to give away or send to the Goodwill reusable items that I no longer need rather than discard stuff to a city dumping area; esp stuff that never turns into anything usable as it breaks down or doesn't. Many times they will put "free" signs on them so if I can use it or know someone that can, I take it home, clean it up and recycle it myself. Over the last year I have reused discarded Adirondack chairs including pads (from another discard), used for a backyard bridal party for my daughter in law,  globes that I took off of a chandelier (most of mine were missing), a small cushioned chair  that we used for a number of years and got passed on to my children for their apartment use, a cat carrier that I donated to the Humane Society, a car seat, and a child's picnic table. All these items have been repurposed and have served me well. Especially the car seat so that my son and his wife don't have to bring there's for me to use when I want to take Aiden somewhere in my car. Today's post was inspired by a little neighbor boy of whom I gave the child's picnic table.

My computer room overlooks their backyard and I happen to look out to see 4-yr-old John (name changed to protect the innocent) sitting and playing on it. John is a quiet little boy who enjoys painting and in his mind, inventing "things" with sand and dirt and little boy "stuff". I knew when I passed it over the fence it would be just the thing for him. His brother however is into sports at the ripe old age of two. He has a child's basketball hoop his folks bought him, loves to throw rocks over the fence at me while I sit in my backyard hoping for a few quiet moments with my favorite novel. He is soon to obtain my T-ball stand that has resided in my garage for a number of years that my own children loved and used. A virtual peace offering just for him.

Picture is worth a thousand words

I read somewhere that the definition of a grandma is a mother with a second chance. I'm sure enjoying having that second chance. Will post next week about a memorial service I went to for my mother at Mainstreet where she lived. Enjoy the picture of my GROWING granddaughter.

"Elie"

Busy April/May

Lots going on. The latest was a wedding that two of my adult children were in. Never made it to the wedding but decided to check out the reception since Michael and I were invited. The groom is Spanish with a large family so it was a little cramped but I was there only to see how nice my kids looked. Daniel was the best man and Karen was a bridesmaid.
I took Aiden overnight at the reception and we had the day together. Had lots of fun. I think the lobster tank at Jerry's Foods was a true hit for him. Enjoy the weather and take care everyone!

Daniel and Jesus (we had a laugh over the balloon in the background)

lovely bridesmaids (Karen is in front)



 

Fun with Aiden

Hannah has had a rough go of it with recovery from the surgery, the C-section and an "up at night" baby I called her and said since she also had Aiden for a couple days between time with his dad I would love to plan a play date for him. I picked him up today and we headed out.  We went to see some ducks along 86th and Penn but they weren't there so we headed over to Donaldson Park in Richfield and had fun flying a kite and playing with a giant Frisbee I got at Walgreens. I had given him his Easter basket before we left home and he had brought a Fruit Roll-up with him so we decided to sit on the bleachers and watch a few minutes of a high school baseball game between Northfield and Holy Angels while he ate that.  After rejoining the playground equipment we decided to make a run to MeDee's for a Happy Meal. Because of the chemo he is enduring he turned me down and only wanted to play on the indoor play area. I got one anyway and was able to convince him to eat the apple slices (talk about a cheap date). Our final run was to Edinborough Park which is an indoor chutes and ladders type of place.

He had a great time except when it was time to go he refused so I had to don my stocking feet and climb up through some of the equipment and talk him down (a little scary at my age, esp when you can't stand up in the thing ). After many tears we gathered our shoes, I carried him out and we headed home. He wanted to go to the library but we'll hit that one the next time. I forgot my camera until I realized my phone had a camera on it (I just bought a Sansung Galaxy IV) so I only got one picture but it was pretty good.

Eliana Jean Fiedler

So sorry to all my followers. I have been lax in my postings lately. A lot has been going on in my world. More clients to add to the ones I already have which cuts into my free time in the evening. The best time constraint has been the best, however. I am finally a grandmother to a baby girl born to Hannah and Daniel. Her first name is Hebrew and means "the Lord has responded" and her middle name is my mother's middle name; a nice tribute. Hannah was in labor on the 8th and even though they had to do a C-section the nurses stated that this day would have been her birthday regardless.

Aiden with his new sister

They also took out a melon sized benign tumor from one of her ovaries that was wrapped around one of her fallopian tubes. They were able to save the ovary so she will continue to get hormones and will be able to get pregnant again if they want to from the other side. That being said a picture is worth a thousand words so here you have it; or her in this case! Enjoy.

Grandma and Grandpa Fiedler

Crawfordsville kids

A few years back I was visiting with relatives in Indiana. It was a very hot day and they all decided to go to a park in town and play Frisbee Golf. I declined but grabbed my camera and went along for the ride (better than watching the Nascar races on TV). When I got there I noticed some kids coming out of a creek that ran along the middle of the park with the Frisbee Golf markers. They were covered in mud from head to toe. I guess that was their way of cooling off. Anyway when they saw me with my camera they asked if I would take their picture. I said sure so I had them sit on one of the benches. One of the younger ones kept asking me if I worked for the Crawfordsville Indiana paper. I said no but for some reason she didn't believe me. After we took the picture they wanted me to print it in the paper but again I told them I didn't work for the paper but would send them a copy of the picture. The oldest one declined to give me their address; understandably so since they didn't know me. A few weeks later when viewing the picture I really thought it was turned out well even though the subject matter was covered in mud! I went ahead and sent it to the paper in Indiana telling them they could do with it what they wanted. I never heard back but my in-laws told me they saw it. They failed to save a copy for me so I never saw it in the paper. I just hope the kids did!

Crawfordsville kids!

Vegas



Wisteria Tree (had tons of hummingbirds in it)

It wasn't the best time of the year to go since Vegas is in spring mode so everything flower and tree is just starting to bud.

pomegranate tree

Because of the snow and the extreme weather we have been having it was the best time for me and Michael to go. The experience of a premature enjoyment of 70 degree weather was worth the trip even though it was only 2 days worth of fun. We had gotten free tickets from NW Airlines back when Michael started working for them so we decided to leave the cold behind and head out. He had a retired long time friend from KMSP who had moved out there so they put us up. Him and his wife showed us a magnificent time with them.


me, Michael and Dick

They have a lovely home with a guest room and private bath for us. We spent the first evening just enjoying their backyard with flowers and a fire pit. No mosquitoes were found! Just humming birds in the flower garden that surrounded the backyard. Their house is enclosed as many were with very high brick walls. Ultimate quiet and privacy to enjoy conversation.



Having some fun at an outside museum (Dick's wife Bev)

We ate out for all the meals, enjoyed the "strip" with roving musicians and artists along with a light show (forgot my camera for that evening. ugh!). We even got some time to play cards, listen to our favorite hits from the 60s and talk about old TV shows that the guys have a propensity for and love to talk about. We topped everything off with a day at Hoover Dam.

 

            Who needs gambling when you have so many other things to do esp with great friends!