Happy 4th of July

Miss the kids!
Enjoyed camping!
Legs ache and it gives me satisfaction. Trying not to have expectations for fireworks...doubt they can even come close to "the" fireworks.
Enjoying lazy day.
tomorrow something new...a new book, mow the lawn ride my bike?

Keep Smiling

Ride that wave...

Doing my best to stay on the wave of positivity that has hit. The sunshine is helpful! I had fun tuesday hanging with my nephews and cute little niece. I am always rewarded with their antics and love.

Monday Monday!

There is something to be said for pretending Monday is Sunday. Thats what I did today I slept in, made a big breakfast and took my time reading the paper then I switched to a Monday. I got my errands done then went hardcore with yard work! Mowed, edged, pruned and pulled weeds! It was nice to be physical and have a sunny day.
I enjoyed a beautiful actual Sunday yesterday, though I did not do the regular routine. I got up early and golfed surrounded by fluffy white clouds trimmed with brilliant blue sky and lush green fairways. I golfed my best score of the year thanks to a fabulous back nine. Felt good to be active and was the first day that my mouth wasn't forefront in my mind. I feel good continuing the activity with my yard work and an awkward bike ride. It was awkward because I am out of shape and haven't rode a bike in a couple years. But its just like riding a bike....heehee.

I have no doubt I will be sore tomorrow -price I am willing to pay to feel as good as I do right now.

Keep Smiling.

Little kids!

I was lucky to have my sisters kids over last Saturday as well as my good friend Mikes family. We spent the afternoon in the back yard running around and swinging on the hammock. I laughed a lot and couldn't stop smiling. I am so lucky!

fun pictures and such of the Saturday afternoon at this blog:
http://www.chezdeux.blogspot.com/

Keep smiling!

so long ago....

Finally an update about damn time!
Yeah I know its been a while...
Its just so hard to log in and well there have been so many other thigns to distract me...
yeah yeah yeah excuses excuses...
Thats all I got are excuses...I sure dont have any idea for what to write. I suppose I could speak of the horrific pulling of teeth or perhaps the family fun in Milwaukee or the family sadness...perhaps spin tales of my yard work adventures...but a lass I have been way to lazy to write all those things on this blog.
Gosh I am lame!
Doesn't matter I am writing now and hopefully I will write again soon. Its all about baby steps. Got to get back into the groove and strive to be more productive. I am done with the beating myself up thing i accept that sometimes I am just plain lazy. An underachiever! Though it is not exactly true to say I have been doing nothing because I have had lots of fun in the last month and a half but I just haven't had the gumption to write it down when I am done.

i shall strive to report better!

keep smiling!

Wednesday.

It has been non stop today feel good that i was busy all day! Though I do not feel like I got enough done. Rather I shall hold onto the feeling of being active and do it again tomorrow.

Thrifting again tomorrow! Also some tile work then a movie...that sounds good doesn't it? Last time I thrifted I got this wonderful piece...



Its a water color...18" by maybe 30" guess I should measure it...has a date in the lower right corner and a name. It is a find just from sheer coolness but then I think what if this is from someone who is someone...? Why not? right you hear about that kind of thing all the time.

Doesn't matter I like it!

Keep Smilin'

Hump day!

Halfway thru the week and it feels like its been a long week - in a good way! I have been somewhat productive and have had fun! Worked on my yard most of Monday weeding what I hope are weeds and mowing. Need to do a lot more work but am enjoying it!

Also got to spend time with my sweet niece and her brothers and that just always makes me smile! Lots of time outside though it is chilly the sun is shining.

Going to move some rock today changing out the ugly pinkish rocks around the bushes in the front yard to pretty bluish rocks.

Won't you agree these below are much nicer looking rocks?

It is fun to do these simple little changes to make our house "our" house! Who would have thought digging rocks out could be so fulfilling!

Keep Smilin'!

Love you sweet girl!

Sad that my little friend maddie, a very sweet dog, has passed away. She lived a long very pampered life and brought much joy to her moms. She had lots of doting friends that she greeted with her toothy smile.
I am going to miss you maddie!!!
ox

A good day!

Though it was rainy and gray it was a good day. I got to see Boo, Z, the boys, coocoo, Z's sweetie and handsome! A burger at Matts, too many fries and making robot noises. Think that can't be topped yea I know its already an awesome day- but there is more...
Got kisses for good luck, played cards and did well...cherry on top..the TWINS WON!

All in all a really good day. I wanted it to keep going but going to sleep hoping tomorrow rocks in its own awesome way.

Lets go Wednesday!!

Monday Monday!

How I love that day!!!
Baseball has officially started and the Yankees are 0-1, can it be any sweeter?! Sure the Twins can make it better by winning their game tonight. Sunshine and baseball it is truly spring!!

Sunny days and rain!

It seems that spring has sprung! We have gotten a little rain and lots of SUN!! So looking forward to getting outdoor projects done. Also got my bike ready for riding! Should be a fun summer!!

Melting Snow...

The lovely sun is gracing us again for the third straight day. I feel so much better after a dose of sun. There is actually a spot of grass showing through in the front yard. Funny how spotting that this morning made me smile so big!!

I have noticed as the snow melts the huge snow banks are making fun shapes. Near my gym was one that looked like a cow - really sucks that I don't have a picture! Just take notice of the curb banks as you drive around the next few days I am sure you will see cool things!

When I was at my brothers a few weeks ago he had a little nest in the tree outside his window and a small plop of snow sat in it looking just like a small white bird!

Notice things!

keep Smiling!

Songs

What songs make you smile?
What songs make you cry?
I am watching John Prine sing on TV. He sings a simple song about regular things and he makes me cry. Is it the song that makes me cry or is it him? Or is it the mix of the two? Maybe the addition of the time and place is really what evokes the mood.
If I am having a bad day or am grumpy I can play the song Domino and it will make me smile. Something about the horns in it just picks me up. I also love Van Morrison and his voice.
Perhaps it is my the sentimental side of me, that comes from my Dad. I connect songs to people and moments. Domino forever will be connected to the remodeling of my brothers store. Working with my sisters and brothers the difficult times and the fun of cranking Domino in the big empty store and every single one of us breaking into song.

Music is so wonderful!

keep smiling!
k

Simple words

It is important to remember the power of words. A simple word can cause a lot of heartbreak. This connects to my previous post about how we can so easily affect a young person with one simple interaction. We forget that even though we may being saying something with no malice in our hearts it can cut like a knife to someone else hearing it.

Recently I read some postings where a couple of friends were going back and forth giving each other the business. In this particular back and forth they refered to each other as "gay" saying they needed to test anyone who had come in contact to make sure they didn't become "gay" too. I know these people, they know I am gay and I assume they are not homophobic. I realize lots of people raz each other like that and that dont really mean they think gay people are lesser people or that they hate gays. That doesnt make it OK to say such things. Because growing up gay is hard and if your peers are using the term gay as a slur it makes it harder. Sure they didnt say fag or dyke but that doesnt matter. Just like it doesnt matter if you use the word retard in satire or as a putdown.

A young person who is figuring out they are gay is already struggling. Its hard enough just being a teen and dealing with sexual feelings. Suicide attempts in gay teens is 4 times higher then in heterosexual teens. If your friends use the term gay to razz each other it really makes it more difficult for them to see themselves as normal. Being Gay is hard but it does not make you a bad person, a diseased person or a lesser person. Try to remember how hard it was being a kid in high school now imagine if you were part of a smaller group like the only black kid or only muslim or only jew or disabled. You sure wouldnt accept hearing kids using any of those differences to razz each other. It is highly unlikely any kid would think of calling another kid jew in jest, yet they do use gay that way. I surely hope no one would stay silent if a kid said the n word, why is it just boys being boys when they tease each other about being gay. Sure if they pick on a kid who might be gay something might be said. But if its a group of "regular" guys just joking with each other its ok? Its not!! Maybe one of those "regular" guys is gay and doesnt know it yet or hes hiding it cause well his friends obviously think if your gay your sick or a wussy. Esera Tuaolo, Greg Louganis, Rock Hudson, Glenn Burke and John Ameche just to name a few "regular" guys who are gay! Sorry there is no such thing as gaydar. Gay people are just like any one else some are jocks some are smart some are tall some are fat some are artistic some are carpenters some are democrats some are republicans

Please don't be afraid to speak up! Its not ok and its not overreacting! Don't be afraid to speak up when people say hurtful things. The only way to change things is to do something!

Keep smiling!

Sometimes you should keep it to yourself

Recently John Mayer has done a couple interviews where he shared a little too much. I am not judging his point of view I say to each his own. I do have a problem with him sharing so much with the whole wide world. Mostly the parts that involved other people namely exgirlfriends. Where is his sense of decorum? Gentlemen do not kiss and tell.

I wish we as a society didnt enjoy the media circus so much. From Britney to Tiger we seem to wallow in their trials and tribulations. Frankly if camaras were on the average person constantly we would see much the same. Everyone has their weaknesses and foibles. We all do things, say things, text things etc. that in the wrong hands would be misconstrued or seem disgusting or preverse.

I honestly did not think Tiger owed any of us an apology. Yea I know he is considered a role model blah blah blah. Well stop having athletes, rock stars and movie stars for role models. Lets be role models for the kids in our lives. My biggest role model growing up was my Dad. I learned how to be a good person from him. He taught me to be honest, to treat others, kindly to be fair to appreciate my family. He did this by example as well as taking time to talk to me. I know I was lucky growing up with lots of extended family, great siblings and involved parents.

I ask that you be mindful of the young people you interact with daily. The smallest moment can have a profound effect on a kid. Think back at moments that stand out from your childhood. You probably will find that some of the smallest interactions had a profound efffect on you positive or negetive.

keep smiling

Happy Valentines day!

I wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day! I feel lucky to say I have all my siblings, nieces, nephews and friends for valentines. Please spend the day with those you love. Forget about all the commercial aspects and remember the love!

Lanesboro...

I am in Lanesboro Mn visiting my brother. Such a cute little town nestled in a little valley. The drive here was great, a sunny day! All the snow makes everything look so quaint. The buildings here are older and give that village feel to the place.
So good to arrive to my brothers big smile and just spend time with him. We just talk and talk topics ranging from simple things like food to the state of Americas youth!
We played poker and kicked each others asses, though in the end he won but it was a bad beat! I am lucky to get to spend time with him!

SNOW!

Lots of snow here actually enjoyed shoveling today. Good work out and it was really nice and sunny!
Happy that the Saints won the SuperBowl it actually was a very good game. Commercials kinda sucked. Though loved the Betty White one. She is really awesome, heard there is a campaign to have her the host SNL. I think that could really fun. If I live to be 88 I sure hope I am as sharp.

lazy day....

Sometimes you just need to sleep in............

BIRTHDAYS!!!!!

Today is one of my brothers birthday! He does not want to really celebrate but to bad he has too! We are having family over to play cards and eat cake. It is always fun when we all get together. There will be other siblings and grown up nieces and in laws. My oldest brother from SDakota will even be here!!
I baked a chocolate cake and will frost it with cream cheese frosting as was requested by the birthday boy! Thought the weather is not cooperating everyone should make it.
I am lucky to have such great brothers! I live with the birthday boy. We bought this house last year together and it has been really fun decorating it and making our home. We both want it to be a place that family comes and gathers. We had Christmas here and it was the best holiday in years!!!!
I know not everybody in the world loves their siblings and that seems really sad to me. I have 8 siblings and 14 nieces and nephews and there isn't a single one I wouldn't love to spend the day with!! We lost both our parents in the last 5 years and the way we are together is a testament to how they raised us. We all work at being good to each other and taking care of each other. I know I am lucky!!
Call your sibling reconnect call your niece or nephew too!

waiting...

In line at the grocery store.........no not going to even discuss a blip in my day.
I did not have a good day but I still am smiling. I am not crabby or grumpy. The day is almost over and I have already decided tomorrow will be a good day!
As i drift off to sleep I am going to envision my day tomorrow!
It will be a good day!

My shop...

Today i finally got myself to begin cleaning my shop. I moved into this house almost 6 months ago and my shop is just a jumbled mess. As I did project thru out the house and unpacked boxes the shop has become a stopping ground for things. I am constantly clearing out one thing and bringing in another. There are tools, spare furniture and boxes of random things. Makes it sound like a big shop but its not. Just enough room for my desk and tool chest. It will be a challenge to actually use it for building things.
So as I was going through boxes of items to store in my desk I came across the folder holding various things from when my mom passed away. There were a few cards and copies of what the monsignor read as well as from my brother and I. I couldnt help but cry while I went through the folder. My mother passed in 2005 and I still miss her very much. I remember my Mother talking about how much she missed her mom who she lost when she was only 12. At the time of that conversation I had no concept of what it would feel like to lose my Mom. Actually I dont think even now i understand the grief.
And though it made me cry to look at this folder and think of my mom. I also have this really good positive feeling when I think of my family, especially from that week. It was so wonderful to have them all there and my extended family. To see the out pouring of love from her friends and all my siblings friends. No matter the sadness I feel I dont feel unlucky, because I know how very lucky I am. I got to have my mom well into my adult life.
Tell your Mom you love her!

Wont you be my neighbor!

I feel really lucky to have great neighbors! I am kinda new in my neighborhood and from the beginning our neighbor have welcomed us. There are people who have lived here since it was a dirt road! Right next door J&A were one of the first houses built here. They are the sweetest people and have taken us under their wing. I have decided J is King of the neighborhood. He is a kind king who watches over everybody without being in your business. though he is retired and up there in age he take care of his yard with great pride. He also is the Master of the snowblower. Doesn't matter if I wanted to shovel he gets up so early its done before I even know it snowed! He even comes back out after the snow plow has gone by and cleans up the end of the driveway! i love that guy! he likes doing it and shrugs off all my thanks.
Seems like the kind of guy who would wither away if he didnt stay busy. I definitely look to him for advice on my yard and just general neighborhood things. His wife is just as sweet!
Thanks for being such great neighbors J&A!!!

Good News Report

Every morning I read the paper, some days I just scan most of it and read the sports and comics. Today I took more time, partly because the front page had a story that made me want to write to the editor. As I went through the rest of the paper I noted a few other stories.
The front page story is about a Stearns county Judge. Judge Skipper Pearson issued an unprecedented $1 Million dollar bail on a domestic case. Seems this guy was originally placed in custody for placing a gun in his estranged wife's mouth telling her he was going to kill her & pulled the trigger. Luckily the gun wasn't loaded! The guy was put in jail but made his bail and then broke into his estranged wife's house in the middle of the night. She smartly had installed an alarm system and he was caught. So rather then give him another bail amount he could pay this judge smartly placed the million dollar bail on him with a contingency at $500,000. In other words he could pay that and get out but have to wear a ankle bracelet that would track his moves. There seems to be some outrage that he did such a high bail but I want to THANK Judge Skipper Pearson for recognizing that this guy is dangerous! Surprises me that someone who puts a gun in another persons mouth is even allowed the chance at bail!! I am shocked!! Imagine just for a minute that someone did that to you. Put a gun in your mouth and told you he was going to kill you. He pulled the trigger!! Yeah it wasn't loaded but doubt that would make you feel better afterwards. Just sick!! So thanks Judge Skipper Pearson for taking this extra step to maybe save this woman from anymore torment.
Can we as a society please try to make it a priority to protect each other from violence? Can we make crimes against people that involve violence sexual or physical a priority? Especially against children and elderly! I am so sick of reading stories about sex criminals and domestic violence. Why do we let these people off so easy? Lets stop wasting our law enforcers on busting pot heads and filling jails with them. Lets do more to deal with criminals who hurt people who violate other peoples lives!! Lets teach our kids to treat each other better and not tolerate those who don't!

Other news:
I also read about a cat that lives in a nursing home. Oscar tends to stay away from people but curls up next to the ones near death. According to the staff he roams the halls checking on everyone and will curl up in the bed of those who are close to death. If he cant get in the room he will sit outside scratching to get in. Staff knows to call family when Oscar has settled in a residents room. I like the idea of him sitting with them so they are not alone as they pass. A small comfort for that person.
Apparently President Obama is going to act on one of his campaign promises! He is working to repeal "Don't ask Don't tell". Since there are pending cases heading to the Supreme Court they have realized they don't want to defend the constitutionality of this law he opposes. About time! Its stupid and does not work.

Keep smiling and work to be the reason someone else smiles today!!!

Fantastic foxes and a full moon....

Had a wonderful evening with Spike and ALee. We went to see the Fantastic Mr. Fox! Second time I have seen it and I want to go again! There are so many visual treats in this movie, the first time you see it the story and characters holds your full attention. So you miss all the little details in the background. Even the second time I know I missed things. Such a sweet story and very cool style.

On the way home the moon was lit up, seeming like you could reach up and touch it.

I think its cool that MN Twins 1B Justin Morneau will be carrying the Olympic Torch! Hes a Canadian and loves Hockey, really cool that he get to do this!

Baltic the Dog

Read this story today about a dog who got stuck on an ice flow. Firemen tried to save him but couldnt reach him. A few days later he was spotted again still floating on the ice. Luckily a fishing boat was near and they were able to rescue him. The man who pulled him out of the water has become his new buddy. The dog has been recovering on the ship and being doted on by all the sailors. Many people have offered to adopt him and have provided dog food.
If the dog likes being on the ship they will probably keep him around as their little mascot.

S-A-TUR-DAY!

Tried to sleep in this morning but no success. SO I got up and made eggs in a nest and did my wii work out! Sun is shining and the temp is almost in the 20's! Not bad for the end of Jan.
Getting my laundry done then heading out for fun. Going to go get a really great hamburger and then see the fantastic Mr Fox! may even get to see my friend ALee!
enjoy the sun today! call an old friend!

Clean sheets and sunshine

This morning I could not get out of bed. It was just too comfortable(clean sheets!!)! I woke up early and kept snuggling back in and drifting off to sleep. I had a good dream; which I only have a hazy memory of but recall the good feeling I had. I stayed in bed an extra half hour. Enjoyed all my comfy pillows and the sheer snuggly comfort of it.

Today was a struggle to stay in a good mood. I spent my morning cleaning the kitchen and focusing on my tasks was helpful. I also went to the gym. Kinda late in the day so none of my old guy friends around. And even after my ipod died I kept at it and did my run.

My brother Spike also helped me put new wipers on my car. I didnt even ask he just saw me struggling nad came out and helped me. This was cool of him even though it only took him a couple minutes, cause I know he was busy and plus it was cold outside.

I read an article about the MN Twins new signee Jim Thome. Rod Carew talked about what a good guy he was. Along with Carew, Cuddyer talked about how Thome alway shas a smile on his face. I always thought of him as a bad guy but to actually learn he was a great guy made me happy.

The gym

Off to the gym this morning after struggling just to get out of bed. Below zero and a sharp wind but at least the sun is shining. Usually the parking lot is pretty full but today not so much. As I pulled in and chose the aisle to go down some one else was coming up it. Luckily there were two spaces right next to each other. Unfortunately the one I went into had a big truck taking up part of it so my tail end stuck out. The other fellow parked easily next to me as I had to back out and go for a space a little further away. I resisted the urge to curse out the truck as I didnt want the fellow to think I was cursing him. As I got out of my car I noticed the fellow looking at the space I didn't take and I said "That truck is taking up too much space." He agreed with me and as we walked into the gym we chatted about the chill. I realized this was the first time I had talked to anyone at the gym.
He was one of the older fellows who comes every morning. There is a group of them I have noticed they always smile and nod to each other as they come and go. Occasionally they group and chat but not for long. I usually dont really interact with anyone at the gym just change and get on my treadmill with my ipod. But I was thinking this morning it would be fun to be a part of these old guys smile and nod thing. I have decided that tomorrow morning I will smile and nod at my parking lot fellow if I see him. He probably wont remember me but hopefully he'll smile back. Then spend the rest of his work out wondering why that lady smiled and nodded at him.

Day one:

Today I went to a volunteer orientation. Was surprised by how many people were there and the range of age and type. Made me feel good about people!
The sun is shining and that also has made me happy today. I have stopped several times and basked in sunbeams. Great what a little sun will do to your mood.
Smile!