HOT HOT HOT

Oh my gosh could it be any hotter??? And of course we set up a list (a long list) of outdoor chores for this weekend. Mike moved his compressor to the new carport behind the garage, and we have powerwashed both carports and are working on the driveway. I replante some tall phlox and 4 hostas that I been growing in the woods and attempted to save some lambs ears that I had orginally planted when Amanda was in preschool... she liked to pet them... add to that the normal vacuming and dusting, and mopping the kitchen floor and its been a day!

Mike has finished the deck except for the lattice skirt--- the handrails and last steps are up and while they look great I preferred the stairs without them.... too bad the county wouldn't agree with me.

Before he put those last steps up I had to take a picture of Amandas handywork. She was here the morning Al poured the concrete footers... We have missed every other pour he has done at the house and were always alittle sad that we couldn't leave our mark-- But as you can see she made sure that no one would ever forget we were here!
And yes those are paw marks!!


A big congradulations to Miss Tiffany who called this morning to announce she has a new job. Can't think of the name of it right now but its in Lakeside-- yet another place in Richmond that I have no clue where it is... but trust me I can always use a place to stop when doing the trek down 95... anyway with everyone employed now I am feeling the stars are starting to align!! Life is good--

Amandas Birthday

I can't believe shes 20 already! We celebrated Amandas birthday in style at Carmello's in Old town . The food was yummy-- oh yes we ate two bread baskets before dinner even started.. had calamera for appetizers, Pasta for dinner and dessert to die for... Carmelo's even put us in our own private little room... very cool--
Maybe next time we will brush up on our Italian before we go... none of us could pronounce our meals but that didn't stop us from trying.
Had to get one last shot of her before she left!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Weekend

If I had known that all I had to do is leave Mr. Wiggles in the capable hands of Amanda and that he would be well in a snap I would have done that last week! We came home from the lake to an entirely differant cat then we left!! Mr. Wiggles was all over the house--jumping on furniture, climbing all over us and of course running at 500mph as Madison chased him. I think everyone should have a Dr. Doolittle like I do!!

No one told me exactly what was happening at the lake... little did I know that I was leaving the construction zone at home to enter the construction zone at the lake.
Robin, Mike and Tim successfully pulled electrical wires from the house to the boathouse, fixed the woodpecker hole and built new steps into the water... as well as fixed every sprinkler head that "JoeBob" hit with the backhoe...

Probably the only good thing about the weekend was celebrating Nick and Karens birthday... due to circumstances beyond our control we had to improvise on the "requested" ice cream cake.... shopping at Pea hill creek doesn't exactly lend itself to high cusine... so Tiffany and I used our enormous brains and made our own! oh yes what you are seeing is definately hostess cupcakes over moosetracks icecream--with some rather large tealight candles... but before you laugh.. it was good--no leftovers here!


One look and you can tell that Nick loved his cake!!

Despite telling Christopher this wasn't the weekend to drop in at the lake... way too much mud and way too much work to have any fun --he showed up anyway--and you know that was just fine with me. And added bonus Tiffany came with him.

still sick

Yea so the cat is still sick and I am not so sure he wants to get better... or that anyone can really help him get better.

I mean seriously he medication that I am supposed to give him he either throws up or refuses to eat.. the eye cream that I am suppose to wipe on his eyes... well hes eating that.. and the pills... forget about it.

Sick

Welcome Mom and Dad to the world of Blogging.... Just got off the phone and they have now learned how to post comments-- and they were successful! The world is alittle smaller with the internet at our fingertips.

Mr. Wiggles continues to be sick-- actually we are now leaning toward that he may have eaten something that has poisioned him. Amanda agreed to take him in to the Vet --I feel bad that once again I am having her do my dirty work... but she knows the right questions to ask and what treatments are needed and somehow my drama queen has nerves of steel when it comes to situations like this. Keeping my fingers crossed that she can come home with some good news. Not sure if she will be talking to me if this turns bad.

He's home

He's home and hes not feeling so well... Sunday Mr. Wiggles was plain ole sick and for whatever reason I went ahead and let him out. Much to my chigrin he didn't come back... I really should have known better but really who knew he felt good enough to leave the deck?
We were worried Sunday night.. alittle panicked Monday morning... Totally freaked out as I drove the neighborhood Monday night.. and then at 2:45am I woke up and checked the door again. And there he was... still sick but home..

Mike put up some more hooks this weekend so I could hang more of my suncatchers and windchimes. I know Corey will be happy to have them moved from the gutter by the sliding door --After all is it my fault that he's so tall?

weekend in review

So when you think of the high 90's you think of balmy beach weather right?? not so in lovely Virginia... high 90's means your deoderant is gone in 15 minutes, the back of your knees and elbows are sweating and breathing is about is hard as digging a ditch-- yea thats the weather and of course Mike and I had these great plans of outdoor work this weekend. My list consisted of moving some stones that edge the gardens in the backyard, moving some slate pavers, moving about 30 daylilies and cutting the grass... his list was to finish the deck and start on his 2ond carport...well-- Christophers headlights got fixed, the truck got fixed, I moved the daylilies and cut the BACK grass...and Tiffany and I managed to get some of the stones moved... Thank goodness Robin and Christopher were willing to work on the carport with Mike because it was just too darn hot for me (yes too hot for me!!)
Needless to say not everything got done but we did put a dent in it.

But all was not lost on work- we had both kids and their friends home for the weekend and that is always interesting... A big thankyou to christopher for running out to Crosbys and bringing home some great crablegs-- that and Mikes mega steaks from the butcher and we were all set... add alittle tequila and call it a night!
The new deck is proving to be a great place to hang out.. and with these new torches I got at home depot --NO BUGS!!

It could be a very good day

There is something to be said to waking up knowing that your house is full of people you love.

Mystery location

Mystery pictures??? Can you identify the location? Yup this is what is out in the lovely suburbs in Richmond-- While I think alittle decorating is in order --that "we just moved in" look is so yesterday (Karen feel free to wave and snap here)ha! Really this is one great apartment. 3 decent bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry room and a den... large windows and a balcony what more could a guy want?
Its a nice place in what looks to be a nice neighborhood (for a change)-- now I guess we wait and see if Christopher decides to continue living and decorating like a college student or if he jumps into the American way of life that we gotta have STUFF--
And speaking of stuff was shopping at the Grand furniture store and found this wonderful black distressed peice that is supposed to hold cd's but I think it would be a wonderful place for all my STUFF... lots of drawers... but hmmm the measurements mean I would have to keep the door propped open all the time because the darn wall is too short for it.... ahhh the joys of never moving...my space is always the same size... it looks something like this one only black and distressed and cuter... hmm the move I look at this one... it might just work... and free shipping!!!

And the ladies got a job

Amanda is gainfully employed at Barnes (again) anyone need furniture???
ahhh the relief that another Jackson is employed... makes a mommas check book swell with pride (and cash!)--- While I know its not her first choice of employment opportunities its nice knowing she did a steller job the last time she was there and that they want her back. But then who wouldn't want such a Jackson working for them?
Especially a Jackson woman??? You rock Amanda! and we are proud of you! Go Get'em!

Deck update

So I alluded earlier that the deck is done.. but in reality.. ok photo reality its almost done... It feels done to me... and if you know Mike you know that while he is the hardest working guy out there finishing projects isn't on the top of his list-- those last details may take a year to finish... so the handrails aren't in-- nor are the last two caps on the steps-- and there is no lattice. But before you say anything I truly believe that the steps and handrails are on the list for this weekend... the lattice wellllll we'll wait and see hahaha
Anyway heres a few pictures to let you see where we are!



ohh and If you look close you can see the new watergarden that we are putting in on the back side of the deck. No Koi in this one.. strickly plants and a few goldfish to eat bugs-- this too is not done.. We worked on it last night but tonight its raining so maybe tommorow more work can be done.

And a few more shots for those of you who think I only take pictures of Madison... Here are some humans... commonly known as my son and his gal pal/new housemate Tiffany.

(Tiffany I know your blushing (again) but no one gets by without being in the blog)
Hugs to all!! Night!

Vacation review!

Home from vacation... and settling back into the routine...
Things to remember from last week?

*Madison hiding every bone we gave her...
*Rusty and Madison dressed in summer fashions
*Yummy Eggs for breakfast everyday
*Bill fishing with a snoopy pole
*Nick catching numerous spot
*Robin serving killer blue drinks
*Counting police cars on the way home...lost count at 12
*Visiting Christophers new space
*Taking Madison out to Dinner at TGIF-- outdoor dining of course!
*It must be time for ice cream
*Toni rescuing me from the killer new raft
* Kims awesome dip (hmmm I think I need the reciepe)

Anyway it was a great week even though I did the whole back and forth thing... Good Times, Good Friends --new and old....and lots of well needed rest!

Happy 4th of July

Just drove back from the lake-- the good the bad and the ugly is how I described it to Mike...and to make it worse Bonnie was no where to be found (she did arrive from who knows where about a half hour after I was home)-- anyway traveling on the 4th is GOOD-- really no traffic at all..as a matter of fact on 295 I was pretty much alone... the BAD? well before the split as I was singing loudly (to myself) the radio came on with one of those BEEPPPPPPPP weather alert things you know that annoying sound followed by "from the National Weather service a severe Thunderstorm warning with Large damaging hail and 60 mile an hour winds is in effect until 7pm in Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Henrico Counties..." at about that same time I looked up and saw the big green sign that said Petersburg 20 miles, Colonial Heights 13 miles --Ha do I stop? do I turn around? do I try and out run it? I talked to myself (outloud since I was alone)and made the decision to keep moving... worst case senerio I pull over-- it certainly can't flood right??? -- Well I got lucky and never saw but a drop of rain. But the trip wasn't over and between the hunger I felt and the hunger the truck had for gas a stop in Thornburg was in order... here comes the Ugly-- after getting gas for whatever reason the truck wasn't gonna stay running.. it stalled out as quick as I got it into gear-- and sputtered as I got it going forward... as I tried to remain calm I slowly moved it to a large parking lot where I drove in circles, starting, stalling, stopping, starting, turning it off.. a spectical probably to the diners at the Burger King but I knew it couldn't be broken-- it had to be just a malfunction... eventually it started to purr and off I went--
A few days at home--and then back to North Carolina to get Mike and Madison--

Quick recap

Lack of sleep is taking its toll on me. I don't understand where the insomnia is coming from- although all signs point towards stress. As a walking zombie all I can think of is going home and going to bed--but having been here before I know I have to keep up with a normal schedule if there is ever hope in actually sleeping again. One would think that after days of this sleep would just come but instead its like someone forgot to turn the light switch off. So I lay there --mulling over all of lifes problems, trying to figure out answers to questions that haven't been asked of me and wondering how we got to where we are now.


That said I spent a wonderful day Saturday with Amanda. We went to the scrapbooking convention in Chantilly. Because I wasn't sure if I was actually going to go or not I never bought tickets to any classes and online signup was over on Thursday when she sprung the news that she would go, we had to scramble to a plan B. And did we scramble --Amanda drove to the convention center Friday morning after class and made her way through the mini van moms (her words not mine!) and signed us up for two Rusty Pickle classes.
And yes of course the first one was at 8am.... after a night of way to much wine 6am came early for me and I celebrated the day with a hangover and of course lack of sleep... But we shopped, cutted and pasted and enjoyed our time out without Corey and Mike. And while Amanda admitted that she just doesn't have the time or money for the addiction she was impressed enough to get an SEI kit and a canvas project kit. Quick and Easy and still alot of fun to put together.

For the second week in a row we were able to have a Sunday Family dinner that included the entire family-- we were happy to have Christopher and Tiffany come spend the day and of course Corey and Amanda. And then Jackie, Matthew and Brian joined in the fun. The pouring rain was alittle much and we were stuck indoors but alittle Ice Cream cake can cure the blues.

check the deck off the list

So I'm back after a few non blogging days--
The deck is done for the most part... and is soooo soooo nice... We still have some lattice underskirting that needs to be attached. And definately some plants that need to be moved. But it is NICE--Mike has this great way of imagining things and figuring out how to bring them to fruitian. I wish I had that kind of vision.. The best part is we have taken to eating on it every night. I guess when you eat as late as we do the heat is gone and its comfortable.

This weekend is GASC-- I have to work Friday but I think I will head over to Chantilly on Saturday. I haven't signed up for any classes... maybe I will try and accomplish that today.. if not I will just go to SHOP ! I wish I had someone to go with... but I seem to be solitary in this little hobby of mine.

Did I mention that our TV and internet went out this week... Had a storm Monday night and mysteriously we lost Internet and most of our TV stations... Got internet back yesterday and this weekend Dish Network promises to come and bring us back TV... (not that there is anything to watch this time of year!)

Dinner at home

 

Meet Tiffany-- cute isn't she?? Christopher wasn't sure if he wanted to bring his new friend home.. but Mom does win sometimes.. I know we can be abit much for most folks but I promised to be good... hey I even dusted and cleaned the bathroom and (sit down for this one) I showered and put on make up (yes it was weekend!!)... company from the city was coming... Well of course as sons can be sometimes --he was a few hours late... so much for that shower... 90 degree weather and deck building can wilt a girl... and the appitizers I was gonna make turned into cheese and crackers... but I was able to serve lasagna....
So we met the friend-- she didn't say much-- and I promised not to ask a million questions -- so I don't know much... but she is darn cute huh? 

Gray be gone

 
So you look in the rear view mirror to back up and there they are shining brightly in the sun.... gray hair... and funny no one ever mentions them.... 

Remember I told you about the Roses?

I know you want to see the roses
And more.. minature roses
And remember I told you my hydrangia were glowing???

I really like the garden this time of year when the plants are doing what they are supposed to.. the drought (or my lack of watering) hasn't killed anything.. Tonight I sat out there (phone in hand talking to Mom and Dad) and really couldn't think of anyplace I would rather be. (see mom??? I worked you into the blog!! )

still decking

So The TREX deck is kicking our butts... Even with the wonderful help we recieved from Toni, Robin and Nick we still have deck boards that need to go down. And are far from dealing with railings...Seems that the low maintenance deck is high maintenance as far as putting it together... but as you can see my dream stairs are coming together nicely... sized for sitting, gracefully desending and my flower pot frog! I still haven't figured out the landscaping around the deck... I know going down the yard side of the deck we are putting in another pond... this will be for waterplants since my fish seem to think that I am serving them high priced greens every time I try to grow something in there... We will add a few little goldfish to keep away any bugs. But for the other side I currently have the slate path that David installed a few summers ago-- the path that now leads to nowhere due to the enlarged steps. Gotta figure out what to do there?? remove the slate?? or wrap the garden toward the deck stairs?? and then there is the hose issue gotta be able to get there too... hmmm lots of decisions....

owww

My body feels like my yard looks... its pretty sad... Hopefully we are coming to an end today with deck building.. while I doubt the rails will go up I think we are on schedule to get the deck boards down... on a bright note the roses are totally loving the weather and blooming more than they have in years... and back by the pond the hydranga are standing tall their white flowers glow against the deep green of the woods... lots of gardening to do once the deck is in place I think I will be moving plants for months to come....daylilies anyone?

Goodbyes are easier when you share them with the right people

Last night was one of those nights when you realize how perfect family can be. Picture a long table at Ruby Tuesday, add parents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, girlfriends, boyfriends, sisters, brothers and friends. We are a loud, obnoxious, opinionated group. The jokes flow freely, no politics (although we could go there) just banter about the weeks events... its all good... If I could capture moments like that in a bottle I could sell it for millions. We are good -- we are good for each other-- we love, we like and we are family.

It doesn't take much to get us together..say birthday, say holiday, say something good happened to me and we descend like vultures... Last night it was bittersweet.. My in-laws were saying goodbye... they were leaving the rat race of NOVA.. and making a good change... a Florida change...probably the hardest decision to make but somehow I know it was the right decision.. one we talk about here alot... getting away.. loosing the stress of "this area" We can't imagine what life will be like without them here but we can imagine the goodness that awaits them there.


And did I mention the Braves won??? Way to go Nicholas!! While I can't quite get into baseball it was alot of fun getting play by play during the first part of dinner while he was playing in a tournament game--what would we do without cellphones??... yep they go on to play Saturday--Keeping our fingers crossed that the luck follows them to Little River!

Monday already?

What a crazy week- Our office moved and while it was only a few blocks the details involved in moving have been so time consuming.. from changing internet to moving the phone system to hiring movers, dealing with contractors etc.... but today was our first day in our new place and it all came together.. A big thank you to my wonderful husband who really took charge and did the phone switch move AND totally wired the new space for phones, fax machines, internet you name it!! How did I get so lucky to marry someone who can do anything???
And on the home front Mike has been busy (with my minimal help) building our new deck--
Its gonna be a great space, but the process is slow.

And the weird news of the day?? I got a plastic envelope in the mail that I almost threw away thinking it was junk mail only to see peices of REAL mail in it!! And yes the mail was OLD mail... my only guess is it got "lost" in the mailroom somewhere in my local postoffice because it was all together.. anyway thanks to the postoffice I thought I was crazy and misplaced my bills and missed out on a special event for a friend.
Its been awhile since I have had time to do much of anything so tonight is gonna be a night devoted to laundry, putting away laundry and SCRAPPING...

Madison has a boyfriend!

After a wonderful weekend... got some news---- Madison has a new friend... and its a boy!!!
Gotta love Madison and Rusty in their life jackets!!!

Jake-

He fell into our lives..with long legs and floppy ears he was a puppy with no grace and a bundle of energy... through the years he has warmed our feet on cold winters days.. stolen sandwiches right out of our hands, chased every car that ever thought of coming up the driveway, and raced us right back down again... knocked us over when we tried to come in the front door, bitten our heals when we jumped in the pool, he sat quietly know matter what other animals we asked him to share his home with and has been there to celebrate all the highs and lows in our lives for 17 years... he was the first one to see amanda swim, the first to protect Christopher from the shadows in the back yard (snipers), the first to see the ballet dresses, the first to see the boy scout uniforms... he was there for all us-- quietly standing in the background of every holiday photograph..he was an old guy who loved us all and asked for very little in return. Today we celebrate his life because he was so much a part of ours.



And in case I didn't say it loud enough or with the emotion I truely felt.. thank you Amanda for doing what no Mother should have asked her daughter to do... I am grateful beyond words.

Here comes the sun!

If you gotta have tree work done... must as well have a hottie in the tree!! HAHAHA Can't thank Mike M enough for all the wonderful trimming & cutting he did!! We now have SUN!!

My life

 

So this is what my life is like right now.... not so pretty-- but with purpose as they say....
Mike has methodically been working on the deck.. with help alittle help he has come a long way this week. But he still has a long way to go.
Amandas and Coreys buddy Mike came by last night and showed off his tree climbing skills-- and took down a dead tree that had the potential to hit the house. He does this for a living... It boogles my mind that the "kids" are old enough to have professions-- where does the time go

On another note
We have struggled with the decision to put jake to sleep, and thought we had come to the right decision... and a plan to cause us all the least amount of pain.. selfishly I thought it was important for bonnie to not be home and for us to not come home in an empty car..now things are changing the stars aren't soo aligned anymore and I ask my self if this is the right thing....

With the three day weekend coming up I am so looking forward to alittle time on the water.. We are trying to adjust our plans so the kids can spend some time with us too.. just when I think life will be less complicated a wrinkle comes in and now it looks like we will be doing the split shift weekend again.. which isn't a problem for me... I will get some scrapping time in, Mike will get some much needed rest on the dock and the kids will get a mini vacation..
The alternative is changing vacation locations.. the beach at chincoteague or maybe camping with christopher. The clock is ticking... I guess we will figure it all tonight. Whatever we end up doing I just want it to be fun....... I need fun.......

Gone but not forgotten

We took down our deck today... Its been a part of our house for 17 years... we added on to it, subtracted from it, celebrated birthdays, graduations, awards ceremonies, had late night dinners, parties, spent numerous days sunbathing, read the sunday paper... it was a part of our life. Yup a new one will go in its place in a few weeks... but this one is gone.
Now if you think things decompose over time... and return to mother earth... you would be surprised if you saw what was buried under the leaves under our deck... Its was like a living history of our lives... matchbox cars found there way back into the sunlight as the deckboards were removed... pool toys that had been long forgotten, a peice of cardboard with spray paint on it from a High school Physics project, ribbon that stood the test of time that once held ballons to the deck rails, keg cups buried under the leaves still in their package... a dead mouse a recent present from Mr. Wiggles... our lives were well preserved under that deck in small peices. Peices that anyone else would quickly thrown away-- but not me I savored every last scrap.

Overcast

Is it the weather? Is it reality creeping in? Dunno but I've got that melancholy feeling... When I read Aby's Blog this morning it hit me... I do miss working in an office filled with mundane chatter about American Idol, Mothers Day gifts, traffic woes... I miss Kristi caring about what I ate for dinner, Rita showing me baby pictures, Bill bringing me up to date on politics and Suzie checking on me to make sure the kids are ok.... I miss co-workers that are friends...

Great Day

When your talking about Mothers Day- I can tell you that my family knows how to do it right! My kids never cease to let me down and this year was no different. First let me start by saying Mike invited his Mom & Dad over for dinner. My wonderful husband starting cooking Saturday afternoon-- woke up and started again at 8:30 Sunday morning.... and was in that Kitchen ALL DAY SUNDAY.

The menu you ask???

Tuscan Crowned Rib Roast

Roasted Potatoes with Goat Cheese Sauce and walnut rosemary topping

Asparagus with Orange Rosemary sauce

Salad with Rasberry Vinagarette

Italian Bread

Mikes Famous Cheesecake

The table was set with the fine china and real linens.... and Amanda and Corey brought the most gorgoues flowers.

If that wasn't enough there were GIFTS too!!!

Amanda knows me soo well and brought me the cutest Yellow T from the VATECH horticulture dept. and of course the wonderful flowers. (Did I mention she totally CLEANED my house on Saturday??? Yep Mothers Day was a multiday event!)

And then the boys.... Hello this mom is now sporting a Casey Mears T-shirt... and am the proud owner of a PINK TARGET car (former car of my driver) that Christopher stood in line for hours to get signed for me!

BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!

Yep Christopher drove home from Richmond.... and when he walked in the door he said wait just a sec... and ran to the back room... (alittle card signing???) when he came back he handed me a cute mothers day card.... and inside it he wrote that it was hard to keep a secret for the last five days.... but

HE GOT THE JOB!!!!!

Hello??? can you hear me screaming from there???? Yep I screamed jumped up and down gave him a big ol kiss!!! WHAT A SECRET TO KEEP!!! I would have never guessed!!

Yea-- it was a great day-- If you think your kids are perfect your wrong because my kids have the lock on wonderfulness and I wouldn't trade them in for the whole wide world!!

Amanda brought going away gifts too... Aren't they cute??