REMEMBERING MICHIGAN

i received this in an email. This will be interesting to us who are Seniors, maybe not so interesting to others.


REMEMBERING MICHIGAN .....
Brings back a lot of memories....In 1688, Father Jacques Marquette founded the first permanent settlement in what would later become Michigan .
Novi was the 6th stop on the Pony Express.
The Stars and Stripes first flew over Michigan soil on July 11, 1796.
When the territory of Michigan was created on Jan. 11, 1805, Detroit was chosen as its capital. Bagley's Corner was the original name of Bloomfield Hills. Hog's Hollow was the original name of Utica , Mich.
The first soft drink, (Vernor's Ginger Ale) was introduced by a Detroit Pharmacist, James A Vernor, in 1866. Note: There were several 'elixirs' on the market at that time, including what would later be called Coca Cola. These contained alcohol, whereas Vernor's didn't. Thus the name 'soft' drink.
In 1870, Detroit became the nation's first telephone customers to have phone numbers assigned to them.
Michigan's first police woman began walking the beat in Detroit in 1893.
Charles A Lindbergh was born in Detroit on Feb. 4, 1902.
Opened in 1904, the nation's oldest freshwater aquarium is the Belle Isle Aquarium.
In Sept. 1908, William C Durant organized several independent automobile plants into what was to become General Motors. Michigan began charging an annual license fee of 50 cents in 1905.
From 1910 to 1920, Hamtramck Michigan grew from 3,589 to 45,615 residents, leading the nation in growth for that period.
The world's first painted highway center lines were featured in Trenton , MI in 1911. They were used in other towns and that was how Centerline, MI got its name.
The intersection of Woodward and Grand Avenues in Detroit proudly displayed the world's first traffic light in 1915.
In 1936, Escanaba , Michigan , harvested and processed 100,000 sq. ft. of 'bird's eye maple' to be used in the 'Queen Mary' English luxury liner.
During the lumber boom era, the row of saloons that lined Water Street in Bay City was known as 'Hell's Half Mile'.
In 1942, the Davison Freeway in Detroit was completed and became the world's first urban freeway.
The world's first shopping mall (Northland Mall), opened in the Detroit suburb of Southfield in 1954.
There are over 11,000 lakes in Michigan .
The world's only marble lighthouse is located on Belle Isle. ( Livingston Lighthouse).
The home offices of Life Savers Candy, Beech-Nut Gum, and Squirt soft drinks are in Holland , Michigan .
Michigan ranks Number 1 nationally in the production of dog sleds.
The nation's largest indoor/outdoor museum complex is Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village ..
The onion is Michigan 's largest fresh-market vegetable crop.
YOU'RE AN OLD DETROITER (OR JUST OLD) if ....
......You took a 'moonlight cruise' to Bob-Lo with Captain Bob-Lo or went to Edgewater Amusement Park ....
.....You shopped at Hughes and Hatcher, B Siegel, Peck and Peck, Himelhoch's, Robert Hall, Crowley 's, Shoppers Fair, EJ Korvettes or Federals.
.....You rode the elevator at J. L. Hudson's, which was 'run' by an elevator operator.
.....You remember a Winkleman's and Sanders store in your neighborhood.
.....You remember the 'Big Snow', Buffalo Bob, Howdy Doody, Clarabelle, Phineas T.Bluster, Princess Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring.
.....You remember Twin Pines Dairy delivered milk and juice to the chute on the side of your house and Milky the Clown performed magic with the magic words 'Twin Pines.' ..
....You remember the Good Humor man in a white uniform, ringing the bells as he drove down your street.....You remember Olympia Stadium.
.....You remember when Vernors was made on Woodward Ave. , and a bearded troll was on the bottle.
.....Your Mom got groceries at Great Scott, Food Fair, Wrigley's or Chatham......Your Mom saved Golden Red Stamps, S&H Green stamps, or Gold Bell Gift stamps, and you licked them into those little books.
.....Kresge's and Woolworth's were 'Dime Stores.'
.....You had an uncle in the furniture business (Joshua Door).
.....You know who Bill Kennedy is.
.....You saw the Detroit Lions play football in Tiger Stadium.
.....You remember Black Bart and the Faygo song. Or how about 'Which way did he go? He went for Faygo, old fashion root beer.'
.....You visited the Wonder Bread Bakery and got to take home a mini loaf of bread.
....Your address had a two-digit 'zone' before there were zip codes. Detroit 19, Michigan .
......You remember a laundry chute and a milk chute and a coal chute.
......You remember going to Detroit Edison with your Mom to exchange burned out light bulbs for new ones.

"Goodbye until later".

WINTER STORM

When I got up this morning and looked out my kitchen winter this was the view. The street had a few tracks. The pine tree limbs were drooping with the heavy snow and I couldn't see a lick of grass.

The Winter Storm in Genesee county left us with 4 to 5 inches of snow. Some schools and businesses were closed. Many schools are on Spring Break this week.





There seemed to be many accidents and some power outages as I listened to the morning news. The snow is so heavy that one road is closed because it is feared a telephone pole will fall because of the weight of the snow.

This robin along with several others do not know where to go. They fly from trees to bushes. I'm sure they are thinking they came back to Michigan way to early.

Later we went outside to clean our driveway and had to get our snow shovels down from being stored above the garage. Who would think we'd need them April 6?

The snow is a wet and very heavy snow. It's beautiful to look at; excellent for making a snowman or having a snowball fight. Neither of which I am planning to do.

The good news is the ground is not frozen and with a little sun this snow will be gone soon.

That's what you get when you live in Michigan.

"Goodbye until later".

MICHIGAN

For all my friends and relatives that are not on Facebook we are back in Michigan.

We left Alabama April 1, stayed overnight in Goodlettsville, TN and the next day at 8 PM we were in front of our house.

The weather was great all the way home. The traffic was not heavy and it was really a pretty smooth trip back.

When we got home we immediately unloaded our fifth-wheel as the forecast for Friday was rain.

The weatherman was right because we did get some rain, so Friday was spent putting everything away and getting some groceries.

Sunday after church we had a great Sunday dinner with our kids and grand kids.

Mother nature just couldn't let us come home without some more snow. Tonight we are suppose to get a snowstorm.

"Goodbye until later".

LEAVING FOR MICHIGAN

If your reading this blog you will know we are on the road back to Michigan.

Monday I cleaned the inside of our fifth-wheel. I did a little extra. I cleaned the screens and windows, pulled the furniture out and sweep where the furniture sits. Now the carpet is sweep, the floors cleaned, bathroom sinks, shower and toilet are ready for our next trip with the fifth-wheel. I sure wish when I get home it was this easy to do my Spring cleaning inside the house.

Denny did his fair share outside cleaning the underneath compartments, loading the bikes and putting the covers on them.

I will post more once we get our stuff moved back into the house, groceries bought and I feel settled.

"Goodbye until later".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!!

Today is our oldest grandson's birthday. He is no longer a teenager.

Nathan Happy 20th Birthday!!

Sorry we can't be with you today, but we'll have our own celebration with you when we get home.

HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!!

Love ya, Gramma & Grandpa

I'M STILL HERE

I'm still here in Alabama. I just got a little slack in posting. From Thursday to Saturday we had rain, rain and more rain with lots of lightening and thunder. No flooding around our fifth-wheel, but the entrance to the RV park had water. And from all the TV news reports there were many roads closed because of flooding. On Friday we even heard of a school that cancelled classes because some of their buses couldn't get down the roads to pick up the children.

Saturday it cleared up by noon and the sun came out and it was a steamy 80 degrees and humid. Pam, Denny and I decided to go to the Elberta Festival. This is a yearly festival at nearby Elberta, put on by the fire department and the proceed go to the fire department. We had one of their sausages on a bun, then we checked out the vendors. I think because of the heavy rains, there were fewer vendors and the crowds were way down. We walked right up to the window for our sausage and in years past we have waited 45 minutes. After soggy feet from the wet grounds and listening to the music being played we decided to head back to Gulf Shores.

Sunday we went to church for the last time in Alabama this year. When we left to go to church we noticed many of our fellow RVers had gotten up early and had left the RV park. All weekend long there has been many campers leaving to head back home.

This Monday and Tuesday we will spend getting stuff ready to head back home. I will be cleaning inside and putting things back in their place for travel. Denny will put our bikes on the bike carrier and clean the underneath cabinets.

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end". And we have had a great 3 months with our Michigan friends in the RV park and my sister and her husband. On Wednesday we will head back to Michigan to our family and friends up North. Life doesn't get much better.

"Goodbye until later".

CHICK N' HENS

I just had to show a picture of my Chicks n' Hens. They love it down here in the sunny, humid Alabama air.

I brought the Chicks n' Hens down with me and should have taken a picture of what they looked like when we arrived after spending the first part of the winter in our garage.

I also had a tub of Chicks n' Hens I left at home and sure wish I had brought them with me, but there is always next year.

"Goodbye until later."

FISH FRY WITH FRIENDS

Last night we went to a fish fry at Sharon and Mike's lot. Mike and Roger love to fish and at the end of the winter stay they fry the fish and everyone brings a dish to pass, their own drink and a chair we all sit and talk and eat.

The majority of people at this fish fry were from Michigan. That's because two thirds of the RV park are Michigan people. There was a couple from Wisconsin and Minnesota

The second picture is of some of the men watching the fish in the fryers.

Mike had a coating he used for the fish, but would not give his special coating out. He said it was his father's recipe.

There was a mixture of white fish, croker and perch.

The two picnic tables where loaded with cold potato salad, cheesy potatoes, corn casserole, broccoli salad, breads, sour kraut and sausage, strawberry dessert, chocolate dessert, Jewish potatoes and a rice dish. I'm sure there was more, but that's all I can remember. It started out to just be fish and finger food. It was a meal.

Pat and her husband (not me) had bought a couple of puppets they had bought at the Fairhope Festival and everyone got such a hoot out of these toys.

The puppets are suppose to be for their grand children, but the adults were sure having a good time with them.

We are all kids at heart and just had a good time with our friends we see only while we stay here for three months.

"Goodbye until later".

FAIRHOPE FESTIVAL

57th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival was held in Fairhope March 20-22. What a great day for the Fairhope Festival.

Friday, Pam and I went to this festival. More than 200 exhibitors from all over the nation showed their juried arts and crafts.

There was live music going on throughout the day and unique cuiseine was served in the food court. It all takes place on the streets of downtown Fairhope.

Last year, the event attracted more than 250,000 visitors to the area.

My sister was unable to attend the festival with us because she sprained her ankle the day before. That meant we lost our driver. Nancy knows her way around and where we could have gone to park for free. So, Pam drove and we parked in the public parking lot of Bruno's and caught the BRATS shuttle service right to the main street. Only $1. one way.

We entered the downtown streets of Fairhope at 11:00am. There was so many artists with each having their own personal colors and displays of their merchandise.

Some of the merchandise was way above our budget. We'd have to win the lottery to be able to afford the merchandise.

Soon after only walking down half of Fairhope Ave. to the Section St. we went to the Food Court to get something to eat.

I bought a Fish Basket. Two huge pieces of fish and fries was far more than I could eat. We were lucky enough to find a picnic table to rest our bodies before we started out again.

We continued on. Up one side of the Arts and Crafts booths and down the other side. We did not miss one booth. The picture of me with the hat full of beads is a Mardi Gras hat. Or at least I should say we saw many people wearing these hats. NO, I didn't buy one.

But I did find a couple of gifts for birthday and Christmas. No picture and I'm not going to tell what they are. You just going to have to wait.

"Goodbye until later".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!

39 years ago today our son Christopher was born. Where did the time go???

We love you and hate to miss your birthday, but we'll celebrate your birthday when we get home.

Enjoy your day!!

Love ya, Mom & Dad

DAUPHIN ISLAND

Yesterday morning, we boarded the Mobile Bay Ferry at Fort Morgan. After waiting for 28 cars to load the ferry we walked our bikes on. Nancy, Denny and I were the only walk-ons headed to Dauphin Island for the day on this trip across Mobil Bay. The ferry was at full capacity for their load of vehicles. The ferry left the dock promptly at 10:15 am headed to Dauphin Island.

We couldn't have asked for a better day. The water was calm, the sun was out as a slight breeze blew. Today, we were aboard the larger ferry with upper decks. Nancy and I walked up to the upper deck to check things out. Once we were up on top the only things we could see were oil rigs, sea gulls, and the water of Mobil Bay. No pictures will be in today's blog. Once aboard the ferry, I discovered my battery was dead in my camera. Oops...I guess I better check the battery next time I'm going on a side trip.

One half hour later we were docking at Dauphin Island. The pedestrians must wait for the cars and trucks to unload. Soon we were off the ferry and we started to bike past the RV park to the Sea Lab Estuarium. Denny and I have been through the Estuarim, but we want to use the restrooms and take a quick look in their gift shop.

Our main reason for coming to Dauphin Island is to bike. So, with a short stop we are back on the black top path beside the road. The main road is only 7 miles long on this island, it's a short distance to all amenities.

We were now headed for The Lighthouse Bakery. The plan is to eat lunch and head to the public beach. We make another rest stop at the local park and get our water bottles out for a drink. Just a short trip down the street at the four way stop and we arrive at The Lighthouse Bakery; just ahead of the lunch crowd. A large sandwich (Nancy and I took half home), chips and drink was enjoyed by all of us.

Next, we head back to the main path, but stop at a local gift shop on the way. Purchases were made; a quick drink of our water and we're on the path again heading for the beach.

Just shortly down the bike path and we stop at the public beach. The beach has plenty of sun bathers. After using the restroom and drinking more water, we are on the path biking pass the local hotel, pizza restaurant and real estate buildings. Before long we turn around and head back. We want to get back to the pier to load the 2:00 pm ferry going back to Ft. Morgan.

We arrive at the pier in plenty of time to take a quick walk on a wood pier and sit at the picnic table until the cars, trucks and motorcyles start to board the ferry. Departing right on time with 22 cars, 2 motorcyles and 9 walk-ons counting us. We were again the only walk-ons with bikes.

The water was a little choppy going back because the wind had picked up from this morning. We all enjoyed our day on Dauphin Island and I know I didn't have any trouble getting to sleep last night after spending a day in the sun and biking.

SPANISH MOSS ON OAK TREES

I took this picture of Spanish Moss on a Oak tree on the biking/walking path we use. This is something we don't have in Michigan. It's always fascinating to me to see the Spanish Moss on these huge Oak trees. Although they do grow on other trees.

Although, I'm no expert, here are some things I have learned about Spanish Moss:
It grows slowly, and spreads from branch to branch and tree to tree, probably by the wind.
It houses tiny "bugs" or "thingies" (mites and chiggers) that should not be brought into your house. It should be treated by spraying with an insect spray and allowed to dry and air out before bringing into the house.

It doesn't survive (live) inside a house because there isn't enough moisture, so if you use it for decoration, you will have to replace it to keep it from looking shriveled up, dried out, colorless, and "dead".

It lives only in areas of high humidity, and does best close to bodies of water. If you live in a dry climate, don't even bother trying to keep any alive.

While it doesn't technically kill a tree by living on it's branches and robbing it of nutrients, if it grows too thick, it will block sunshine from the leaves as it grows, and eventually the branches of the trees upon which it resides will die. It can also overburden branches by its weight and cause them to break. usually has Spanish Moss on it.

Because it absorbs a lot of water when it rains, heavy clumps of Spanish Moss can cause entire branches of the Live Oak tree to break off.

Other than pulling it off the tree branches, I don't know of anything that will kill it without damaging the trees.

I love seeing it in the Live Oak trees, but it isn't anything I would bring into my house for decoration.

"Goodbye until later".

A BAD YEAR FOR TOMATOES

Saturday night we had tickets to the South Baldwin Community Theatre and saw the play A Bad Year for Tomatoes. This is the third play we have gone to see at SBCT. This was a very entertaining play. Lots of laughs and good acting.

Myra Marlowe, the main character is an actress that has moved to a small New England home in the village of Beaver Haven. She decides to take time off work and write her biography. Her friend, Tom Lamont helps her move in and does have feeling for her. Tom leaves to go back to LA.

Neighbors, Reba Harper and Cora Gump come to welcome Myra to Beaver Haven and fill her in on other people in the community. Reba is a nosey neighbor that knows everything about everyone in Beaver Haven. Cora is a drinker which lends to more laughter in the play.

Willa Mae Wilcox is another neighbor and claims to have the ability to read your palm. In Scene 2 she reads Myra's palm which lends to details later. Piney is also a neighbor that performs odd jobs and comes to pay a visit to see if Myra needs manure, firewood or hickory nuts.

Every time Myra begins to write her biography by using her tape recorder, these neighbors come and interrupt Myra. Myra finally concocts a mental sister thinking this will prevent these neighbors from coming to interrupt her.

All of the acts and scenes take place in her living room in Beaver Haven. The plan to invent a mental sister fails and this brings another character on stage, the sheriff.

I could go on and on describing each scene and more about the characters, but this is all I will tell you about this play because maybe some day you will go see A Bad Year for Tomatoes and be entertained as much as we were.

"Goodby until later".

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

This past Friday Nancy, Larry, Pam, Denny and myself went to Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

The gardens and home are located in Theodore, AL just west of Mobil.

Every since Denny and I have been vacationing in Gulf Shores I've wanted to visit Bellingrath. This place is really worth going to see.

The home and gardens were owned by Bellingrath a buyer for Coke in the 1900's. The manicured gardens and home are located on 65 acres.

I took many, many photos and it was very hard to choose which ones I would put on this posting. The walking paths are loaded with azaleas this time of year. The pictures do not show the beautiful pink, white, purple azaleas along the paths.

As we continue to walk the paths we walk through the rose garden. It says there is 2500 rose plants representing more than 50 varieties. None of the roses were in bloom yet. I can only imagine how beautiful if must be in this rose garden in June.

Next, we come to the Conservatory. It was as if you were inside the rain forest.

I took this picture of an elephant foot tree. It looks just like and elepant's foot don't you think?

There were ferns, hanging baskets, impatients and many, many more tropical plants inside the conservatory.

After leaving the conservatory we saw the butterfly garden, great lawn and next came to the Foutain Plaza.

This was just one of the many foutains in this fountain plaza.

The picture does not do the fountain justice. You would have to be there to see these beautiful flowing foutains.

We continue to walk and come to the Bellingrath home.

No pictures were allowed inside the Bellingrath home. The house was completed in 1935. The 15 room home has 5 bedrooms and 3 baths and the Bellingrath's had no children. The home was furnished with many antiques and porcelain figures collected by Mrs. Bellingrath.

This picture is as we were leaving Mrs. Bellingrath's office and entering the main part of the home.
The home is on Fowl River and a boat ride is offered. We chose to was down the Bayou boardwalk offers a winding trip across the southern bayou allowing a close-up view of fish, turtles, water fowl and birds.

We are now on our way back to the entrance. And come to the Lion Overlook, the Rustic Bridge, the Chapel. Yes, private weddings are held at Bellingrath.

Before leaving the garden area we come to some Lacey cabbage and broccoli plants. Who would think vegtables would make your garden look so good.

Before heading home we took a look inside their gift shop. If you are ever in the area Bellingrath is worth the visit.

"Goodbye until later".

BIKING

I really enjoy riding my bike while we are in Gulf Shores.
If I'm biking with Denny, Pam or Nancy the time goes fast and before we know it we have biked eight miles.
If we go one way out of our RV park it's four miles to the end. Along this way there are many houses, a gas station, restaurant and golf course.
We pass over a wooden bridge and see Spanish Moss growing on live Oaks.
If we go biking the other way out of our RV park down the bike path it's 2 miles one way. We pass another golf course, lots of houses and at the corner is Walgreens, Rite Aid, Burger King, laundry mat and various other stores. If we crossed I-180 the sidewalk continues and we could bike right to the Gulf of Mexico beach. Biking is something we learn as a kid, but can still enjoy as an adult. If you haven't biked lately try it.

"Goodbye until later".

SECOND PLACE

Congradulations go to Denny!!

As you can see he took second place in Class A of his Snow Birds Horseshoe League.

The leader of this league makes these trophies. They're one of a kind.

"Goodby until later".

A LADY OF MANY CRAFTS

I have met so many crafters this year while in our RV park and that means new projects.

The picture is of a Trellis necklace I learned to make this necklace in our craft class on Tuesday mornings.

The necklace is made of Trellis yarn. An "I" or "J" crochet hook is used.

First, you measure 14 inches of the trellis yarn; next chain for 12 inches. Then measure 14 more inches and cut off the roll. Tie a knot at both ends of the chain. You will make 5 total strands. With five strings, tie together holding each knot together. To finish use a large eye blunt needle and put the end of strings through a bead. Tie a knot to the end leaving about an half inch for fringe. When you wear the necklace you can slide the bead to the desired length you want to wear the necklace.

When finished the necklace is so light weight you won't know your wearing it.

"Goodbye until later".

VIKING KNIT

On Wednesday while Denny was playing horseshoes I took a class to learn how to do Viking Knit a the local Blue Girl Beading Co. store in Gulf Shores.

Viking Knit is the process of knitting with 24 or 26 gauge craft wire. The wire weaving technique commonly know as Viking knitting has been around for centuries, and requires no more than your hands, 24 or 26 gauge craft wire and dowel.

Once, the Viking Knit technique is learned it is just a matter of continuing the technique around the dowel until you have 4 inches to make a bracelet.

When finished, the wire is slide off the dowel and pulled through a paddle with various drilled holes in it. By pulling your project through the hole of your choice, your end product is the size you want. A cone is attached to one end and next you must hold the Viking Knit up to your wirst to determine the size needed and cut. The cone for the other end is attached next and a desired clasp attached. I chose silver wire for my Viking Knit bracelet, but it also looked sharp in copper.

"Goodbye until later".

WEDNESDAY IS THE DAY OF GAMES

As, I promised in an earlier blog, I said I would post Denny playing horseshoes. Every Wednesday afternoon since we have been down here Denny goes to play horseshoes.

This is really a sport. I have played and it's not as easy as the men playing horseshoes make it look.

Each player is placed in a class when they play. The classes are numbered AA, A, B, C. When Denny started to play he was in class B. He has improved, and is now in class A.

Before they start the games AA & A pick a red chip with a number on the chip and class B and C players draw a green chip with the numbers on there chip. The red and green matching chips is your partner to play horseshoe games for the day.

Six or seven games are played, but no games are started after 3PM. There is a schedule that is made out and that is how the players know what teams they play. No makeup day if it rains.
So, far there was one rain day.


Ringers count 3 points and closest horseshoe to the stake counts 1 point. The game is played to 21.

Women or players over the age of 70 get to toss their horseshoes at 30 feet. Anyone younger stand at 40 feet.

The league play every Wednesday. And on Monday and Friday horseshoes is played for fun and practise.

If you look closely to the last picture you can see each player have hooks to get their horseshoes out of the sand. There is no cost to play just lots of fun and a great way to meet more Michiganders.

"Goodbye until later".

THE BALDWIN POPS

Last night we spend listening to The Baldwin Pop's winter concert at the Fairhope Civic Center. The program was titled A World of Musical Memories. The video below is just a short preview of Espana Cani by Pascual Marquina Arr: Robert Longfield.

We were treated to seven songs before an intermission. The second half of the concert began with a piano solo by Jeanne O'Connell. She also plays flute and harp.

The Baldwin Pops musicians are all volunteers and preform in various concerts throughout the year. If you look closing at this video you will see my sister playing clarinet.

The conductor Roger Jones gave us a great introduction to each song before it was preformed.

Enjoy!

THIS IS HOW I SPENT MY WEEKEND

Friday morning at 9am Pam and I were at our club house arranging our table for the Craft & Flea market sale being held at our clubhouse from 10am to 1pm.

NO $$ money down to sell our jewelry in the clubhouse and NO $$ for advertising our jewelry.
Just 3 hours of our time. Time, we have lots of.

Plenty of RVers came into the clubhouse to purchase and view our jewelry. And in three hours I had made $60.










Saturday morning, I had fun in a bug.

Yes, my sister purchased a new VW convertable. She came over and two grannies went for a ride in the sun. There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in February.


Sunday afternoon was a sister's day out. I went to Faukner College Centennial Hall in Fairhope with my sister for a Solo and Ensemble Recital. I enjoyed hearing two French Horn solos, a Saxophone ensemble, two Clarient ensembles and a French Horn Ensemble.

My sister played in one of the Clarient Ensemble's. The musicians played two songs, Dona Nobis Pacem and La Comparsa. I have attended one of the Baldwin Pop's concerts every year we have come down to Gulf Shores, but this was the first Solo and Ensemble Recital. It was so enjoyable. After the recital we went out to eat. This is how I spent my weekend.

"Goodbye until later".

TGIF

TGIF to all the readers that work. I think that includes all of us. Most of us work at something.

Have a great weekend!

"Goodby until later".

MANAGER OF THE QUARTER

My sister Nancy Stearley, a registered nurse and team leader of the Birth Center at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, recently received the Manager of the Quarter Award.

She made the paper Monday, February 23 and this is what was said.

"The recognition program is designed to help recognize and reward those middle manager-coordinators, supervisors, managers, charge nurses, assistant directors, team leaders - who manage the day-to-day operations of the different departments at the hospital.

Stearley has been with Thomas Hospital since January 2002.

Her co-workers said that she always stays ahead of the game and plans ahead to ensure her staff is well supported. They added that Stearley is ready to tackle whatever difficulties her unit may encounter and is able to keep the unit running smoothly.

A selection committee of seven directors chooses the recipient and employee of Thomas Hospital can nominate a candidate for the award."

Congratulations! Nancy we are so very proud of you.

"Goodbye until later."

TINY BABY

Remember the tiny baby that was suppose to be hidden in the King Cake?

Guess who found it? Not me, not Denny, not Larry, but Nancy (my sister).

Larry (brother in-law) had given us more than half of the King Cake. She sliced a piece she had at home and there was the hidden tiny baby.

I'm glad her knife hit the baby while slicing it and not a tooth while eating the King Cake. Nancy has heard the person finding the tiny baby will have good luck. I read the person finding the tiny baby will have to host the next Mardi Gras party. She has already hosted one party and as good as the King Cake is I've had my share of one King Cake and my waistline doesn't need another King Case.

Traditions can be so much fun. If your ever down South for Mardi Gras you'll have to try a King Cake.

"Goodbye until later".

OVER THE WEEKEND

Over the weekend, Denny and I were busy going to Mardi Gras parades, a play and a Stained Glass Bluegrass Concert. Say that three times in a row. It all started Friday night when we went to a night time Mardi Gras parade in Fairhope with Nancy and Larry. It was a cold night in Alabama, we wore our winter coats. I even had my gloves on. So, after waiting 2 hours we were more than ready to watch as Clyde Dale horses pranced by, dancing girls on their float, bands and more floats with masked people throwing us colored beads, 2009 Mardi Gras cups, candy, stuffed animals and frizz bees. It is always fun to watch a Mardi Gras parade at night with all the activity.

Saturday morning we went to the breakfast buffet at our clubhouse. Shortly after we picked Pam up and went to Nancy and Larry's house to go with them to a Foley Mardi Gras parade. This town is just up the road on I-59. As we parked the truck we could see the streets were already beginning to get crowded with people. We found an open spot and sat in our lawn chairs waiting for the parade to begin. The sun was out as we waited for the festivities to begin. Right at noon the parade began. More bands, floats, a car holding the Mayor and clubs crossed in front of us. We add more beads, cups, candy and moon pies to our stash. After the parade we go to "Tin Roof" a nearby resturant for lunch. After lunch we head home to rest before getting ready to go to the Baldwin Community Theatre Saturday night.

"Don't Dress for Dinner" was the play we saw Saturday night. This play was preformed by the snowbirds that volunteer at the Baldwin Community Theatre while spending the winter months in Gulf Shores. The setting of this play took place in the living room of a converted barn in the French countryside. Bernard (actor) has planned the perfect birthday with his mistress. He's packed off his wife, and invited his best friend to provide an alibi. Right in the beginning everything goes wrong. All of the actors were excellent performers and kept us laughing throughout the play. The actors were retired educators and two couples were married in real life. This play is top on our list of plays we've seen at the Baldwin Community Theatre. No pictures could be taken at the play.

Sunday, after church and Sunday dinner at Nancy and Larry's we attended "Stained Glass Bluegrass Concert" preformed at the Gulf Shores United Methodist church. The concert was preformed Friday, Saturday and Sunday night for $5. each person. It sold out all three nights. "The Rowells", "The Wayfarers", "The Sanspur Band", "Whitlestop" and a piano player Jonathan Wallace each entertained us for 1 1/2hours. Each group preformed traditional bluegrass and bluegrass Gospel songs. They entertained us as they do in nursing homes, hospitals, churches, weddings, and festivals. This is the third year we have been to the "Stained Glass Bluegrass Concert" and each year we enjoy it as much as we did the year before.

We had a busy but very entertaining weekend.

"Goodby until later".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Today, is Denny, my husband's birthday.

Denny is an marvelous husband, father to two, grandfather to four and friend to many.


Denny has numerous talents. He can usually fix anything. Has the talent to make anything and if he can't fix it, he'll figure out how to do it.


He has worked on many projects in our house, our daughter's house, our son's house and for other relatives.


He drives charter bus every Spring into the Summer. Whe he isn't busy doing some project or driving bus, you will see him walking, biking, pitching horse shoes, watching TV, playing card or at the movies.


This posting is for Denny. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

MARDI GRAS MAN

Last week me and Pam (girlfriend) went to see what was new at the local bead shop called Blue Girl Beading in Gulf Shores, AL.

The owner had some classes. We were showed Mardi Gras Man one of her classes being held on Wednesdays.

I have done much stitching of beads to make bracelets, but have not worked with wire. I signed up.

We were promised that Mardi Gras Man was so easy, even if you were not a beader you would be able to make him.

Yesterday, was the class and as you can see this is Mardi Gras Man. The class lasted a hour and half class. All supplies and tools were furnished. The beads provided were in Mardi Gras colors.

No directions were passed out because Tara (the owner) had designed this Mardi Gras pin. Seven women sat around the wood table on stools and Tara (the owner) gave us step by step directions. If anyone had a problem she was right there to give us her personal attention.

Everyone left with their own personal Mardi Gras Man.

KING CAKE

Last night we were introduced to a King Cake. This is one of the traditions done for Mardi Gras.

My sister bought a King Cake for Denny's birthday to celebrate in advance.

Attached with the King Cake was The History of King Cakes. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

The Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6th or the "Twelfth Night", also know to Christians as the "Epiphany". Bethlehem is where infant Jesus first showed himself to the world. As a symbol of his Holy Day a tiny plastic baby is placed inside each King Cakes. The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870.

The King Cake is an oval-shaped bakery delicacy crossed between a coffee cake and a French pastry, that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. It's decorated in royal colors of Purple, which signifies Justice, Green for Faith, and Gold for Power. These colors were to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. In the past such things as coins, beans, pecans or peas were hidden inside each King Cake. Today, a tiny plastic baby is the common prize. The person who finds the baby is named King for a day and bound by custom to host the next party and provide the King Cake.

We each had a piece of King Cake and the tiny plastic baby was not found. Mmmm, that King Cake was good. I'll let you know which one of us has to host the next party.

Thank-you Nancy for the introduction to King Cake and celebrating Denny's birthday.

"Goodby until later".

FROGGING

Anyone that knits or crochets will know what frogging means. That is what I have been doing Saturday, last night and today. If you make a mistake in your knitting and don't notice it for several rows, the best course of action for fixing it is to remove the work from the needle and simply rip out the rows you have completed since you made the mistake. This process is known as frogging because you have to just "rip it" and move on.

Last night I was up late frogging and knitting. Didn't get it and went to bed. So, today after exercise class I frogged and knitted some more. This knitted zig zag throw is started with 204 cast on. When it doesn't come out right it's a lot of stitches to cast on again to get started. But I am determined.

This afternoon Denny and I went to the show. We saw Pink Panther. I might suggest to get it when a video comes out. Anyway after coming back I made supper and began this project again. I don't want to report to much because I'm only 5 rows into the project, but I'm knitting right now and not frogging.

It's not much fun to have to frog your projects, but I know I'll be glad I did rather than leaving a mistake that I could have fixed.

"Goodbye until later".

MY INTRODUCTION TO PODCASTING.

I have to begin by telling you when I was introduced by my son to a podcast. I really didn't know what he was talking about. But I went to http://www.itunes.com/ and begun by looking under Podcasts.

I have an ipod that my husband bought me for my birthday and have uploaded songs, an audio book from our local library and now podcasts. I love this ipod. I can take it with me anywhere and I can listen to music, audo books, videos, play games. Lately I have been uploading podcasts.

To begin, I went to itunes, then podcasts and then Old Time Radio. I uploaded a mystery and a thriller. These were fun to listen to, but just not what I wanted to listen to all the time. If you look around there are many, many podcasts.

I started out by listening to Knit Picks by Kelly Petkun from Vancouver, WA. It's all about knitting. You will find some of her podcasts interesting and some not to your liking. But if you don't like it, then you just don't finish listening to the episode. If you don't have an ipod you can go to: http://community.knitpicks.com/profile/KnitPicksPodcast and listen to any of Kelly's podcasts. You will get book reviews, casting on techniques, projects she is working on and she'll tell you what podcast she is listening to. That is just a few of her many podcast episodes.

I find with by ipod I can iron, knit, wait for a friend to finish details on buying a new fifth-wheel as well as listen while I am waiting for my sister's airplane to come in. If I am on the computer I don't want to sit and just listen to a podcast. But it is a way to get introduced to the world of podcasting.

I just recently uploaded these podcasts: Cast On - 2, Limenviolet, Stash and Burn and Sticks and Strings and Australian podcast. Of course they are all knitting because that is what I am interested in listening to right now.

There are so many podcasts on arts, business, comedy, education, games & hobbies, health, TV & film just to name a few. I hope you will find listening to a podcast as interesting as I do. And before I end this posting I must thank my son (Chris) for the introduction to the world of podcasting.

"Goodbye until later".

COOL CHANGE

Cool Change is the group that entertained us last night at Connections.

The group was featured by David Horton, he is employed by Riveria utilities, John Andrews, employed by ReMax real estate, Walter Tatum, a retired Marine Biologist and Charlie, retired and enjoying it played bass guitar.

Cool Change harmonized very well and sung songs by Alabama, Gatlin Brothers, Jimmy Buffet, Nash, Seals and Croft and some songs I didn't know.

We were entertained by the Alabama group for 1 and 45 minutes. This concert was put on by the Michigan Club for it's members and friends for $5.

LETTING OUT SOME STEAM

I just have to let some steam out. Tuesday Denny and I walked to the corner. When we walk to the corner we always stop at Burger King for a senior drink, to take a break and use the restroom.

It is no wonder businesses are closing or going out of business. Some of Burger King employees don't know how to do their job or how to act in the public.

When we walked into Burger King there was only one other couple inside beside Denny and I. I guess that gives the Burger King employees a reason to stand in a group talking so loud you would have thought there was a party. After paying for our drinks we proceed to fill our cups, and there is no napkins in the napkins holders, they were out of diet coke and all of the dinettes by the windows were dirty. Also, the floor looked like it needed to be sweep.

It's ok to have fun at work, but after the work is done. And the public doesn't need to hear every word the employees are saying.

I don't know where the manger was, but I could tell none of these employees had been given any direction as to what their job duties were or they weren't being enforced.

Twice while we were there the employees took out the order to the drive through person; then came back in to replace something or get something that was not in their take out sack.

I would think with the high unemployment and people losing their jobs every day that the people that do have a job would be doing their very best to keep the business they are working for stays in business.

"Goodbye until later".

CUTE AS A BUG

The trailer in the picture to the left is in our RV park. Isn't it as cute as a bug? We talked to the man living in it and it's brand new. He even let us look inside. It has all the amenities you would need and was spotless.

Bathroom with shower, full size bed, refrigerator, microwave, kitchen sink, dinette, sliding screen door and even a flat screen TV.

Mike (the owner) said he didn't have an awning put on the trailer because he doesn't like to mess with putting it up and down. So, as you can see he has a table with an umberella. Can you see the pink flamingo? He also has a palm tree that has lights for night.

The trailer weighs 2300 pounds and has handles on the front and back. He uses these handles to push it on his cement pad at home.

Mike is traveling by himself, but two people could easily stay in this trailer.

"Goodbye until later".

QUILT SHOW

This past Saturday, I went to a quilt show in Robertsdale, AL at the United Methodist Church.

I can not tell you how many, many quilts were on display. They were in the sanuary, in every room and down the halls. There were baby quilts, kids quilts, wool quilts, flannel quilts. Quilts made in the '30, 40', 50' up to 2008. Some of the quilts were gifts; others were found at a flea market.
Not only were quilts displayed, but fancy hand work, old sewing machines, hooked rugs and things to go with each display.



The picture above is a circle barcello quilt. I could not capture the beauty of some of these quilts with my camera.

The picture to the left is a Singer sewing machine. For any of you that sew, sewing machines sure have come a long way. Some of the newer sewing machines are now computerized.

Most of the church rooms were fulled with curious lookers, but we did go into one room with no people. Of course, that didn't last long.

Each room had a label as you entered. Men's quilts, Kids quilts, Christmas quilts were just a few.

In the sacuary each church pew had 4 quilts hanging over it. Each quilt had a label with the person who constructed the quilt, quilted the quilt the date and place it came from.

Not only were quilts displayed but, there were vendors displaying their various retail supply of books, kits, material, fat quarters and tools.

In one of the rooms was a lady showing anyone interested how to hand quilt. The quilt she was working on she had been hand quilting for a couple of years. It was beautiful.


As we entered the church this was one of the first quilts we came to. It is made of men's neck ties.

I thought it was quite interesting.

We sure enjoyed ourselves and it was well worth the $5. admission.

"Goodbye until later".

HAND N' FOOT

One of our favorite things to do is play cards. While we have been in Gulf Shores we have played many games of Hand n' Foot. The women (my sister and me) against the men (Denny and Larry). Right now I don't want to brag too much, as we are here for two more months and things might change, but the women are ahead of the men in the amount of games won.

When we are at in Michigan we play Hand n' Foot with a group of friends in our cul-de-sac at least once a month. We each take a turn to have the group at our house. We also have second cousins that were raised playing cards. They both know more card games and have played more card games than Denny and I ever have, but we have played Hand n' Foot with them many nights.

Every group or set of relatives have their own rules for playing Hand n' Foot. We really aren't that picky about how we play and just play Hand n' Foot with whatever rules are decided before the game.

It's just a game of cards and as long as everyone has fun that's the best thing about playing Hand n' Foot.

"Goodbye until later".

SPLIT PEYOTE BRACELET

One of my favorite pass times is to bead. This is a hobby I started while in Gulf Shores last year. After returning home last year me and a girl friend continued to bead and spent most of our spare time taking classes and beading. We made many, many bracelets and earrings and set up our jewelry in two craft shows.

The first Split Peyote bracelet I made at a class with copper beads and the beads soon had black blots all over. The bracelet was ruined. I loved the bracelet but didn't like the looks. I brought all of my beads with me and in a couple of days I had another split peyote bracelet made. This time I will spray with lacquer spray. I wouldn't have mined if the bracelet turned like some copper does but the first bracelet was not pretty.

This bracelet is made with delica copper beads. Start with 12 beads and work in peyote stitch for 2 5/8 inches or to the middle of your desired lenghth would be. Then stitch half of the peyote for 1 1/8 inches. Make certain at this point that the beads go over the square donut. When you have reached that point attach more fireline thread with a stop bead and continue to do the other side of the peyote. After both sides are the same length, make sure you are on the outside and continue in peyote stitch across to join both split peyote. Be sure you put the square donut inside before joining the bracelet. Continue in peyote stitch until you reach 2 5/8 inches or your desired size. To finish attach a button to one end of bracelet and beads to form a loop at the opposite end that will fit over your button.

Don't forget to spray with lacquer if using copper beads when finished. In the end you will have a beautiful split peyote bracelet.

"Goodbye until later"

MIGRAMMA'S MUSIC

I hope some of you have taken the time to listen to MIGramma's Music. Now you can listen to some music and read my blog at the same time. It is at the top on the right hand side of my blog. Put your cursor on the arrow of the song you want to hear; click and you should hear the song.

There are lots of gadgets out there for the taking. I am a person to experiment with new implements. And the only way to figure things out is to try it. There is a key called delete if it's not for you.

You do need lots of time. I get on my blog looking up new gadets to experiment with or to put on my blog and before I know it my husband has gone to bed and it's midnight.

Please let me know what you think even if it isn't your kind of music.

"Goodbye until later"

EUCHRE NIGHT

Each Tuesday night is euchre night at the clubhouse.

There is 8 tables with 4 players at each table. One rule is you can't start playing euchre with your spouse. Each table plays two rounds of euchre. At the end of the game each person has a paper numbered 1 to 8 on it and we put our score from each game on the paper and the losers at the table precede to the next table. You can't play with the person you played with at the previous table. Oh! I forgot to say at the beginning each player puts $1. in the pot.

At the end of all the games. Each person totals their scores and loners. The person with the highest score wins some $$, the person with lowest score wins some $$ and the person with the most loners wins some $$. It's fun and only cost $1.

Now, tell me where can you go for $1. for the evening and have so much fun with snacks included.

"Goodbye until later".

NEWSPAPERS FOR FREE

Right now there are three papers you can get for free. These papers are not like the Baldwin Press Register that we pay to receive each day right at our door steps. These papers do not have any sports in them only if it's reporting on some senior sport league. No national news. Just local news. And no inserts stuffed inside.

The Snow Birds is a retirement paper. It gives the snowbird clubs, their news and phone numbers. A February calendar of activities and this pulication had an article about some working retirees. They're also online: http://www.snowbirdsgulfcoast.com/ There is lots of advertising for condos, restuarants, casinos, places to visit and a list of Mardi Gras parades.

The Mullet Wrapper comes out a little more often and again has lots of advertising, great places to eat , news around the area and salons. They are big on art down here, so lots of art places and even classes you can take in art. Also in the Mullet is a Funny Bones section by George Ridder. George wrote: An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbeaers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote. "They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead"

They are also online http://www.mulletwrapper.com/

The last is the Pelican. Inside this paper gives you more place to eat. They must think the snowbirds are looking for some place to eat all the time. Well, what do I know maybe some snowbirds are. Lots of lunch specials. That is the best time to go and eat. I saw an ad for computer repair. We don't need that because we have our own personal repair person of which I am keeping secret. I don't want to share. Inside is a calendar of things to do. There is so many activities to do while we are down here I need my own personal secretary just to keep it all straight. I do not see a website for this paper but they do have a classified section.

Three pretty good papers to keep us up to date on all the activies and the best part they're Free.

"Goodbye until later".

EXERCISE CLASS

This morning was my eleventh exercise class. We have exercise class twice a week on Monday and Wednesday. I have been going to this class every since we've been coming down to Gulf Shores except one year.

Gail our leader is from Midland and goes to a senior exercise classes in Michigan. I can't say enough about her. She contributes her time each Monday and Wednesday morning for no pay.

She leads us in stretches, aerobic and weight exercises for seniors. We start out with aerobic to warm up. Then onto stretches. Next comes the weights. Then back to floor exercises on our mat and we end with cool down. We are in class for an hour. The class is open to males and females but only women attend. Her husband, Joe comes when he's not playing golf to help run the tape recorder.

The recorder gives us the right kind of music to preform all these exercises. We started out slow with only 6 reps of each exercise now we have gradually reached 8 reps. Before we end we'll be doing 10 reps.

Once we're finished it makes you feel so good. It's not about how well you preform these exercises but it gets us moving, stretching and it's a great way to meet some fellow campers.

"Goodbye until later".

BACK HOME

Happy Friday!!

My sister Nancy is back home again. She spend a week's vacation in Florida with a friend. Wednesday her husband Larry and I went to pick her up. We had to drive to Pensacola airport. It takes about an hour with mild traffic. It's not the 25 minute trip to Bishop back home.

The airport did not have many waiting or arriving to fly to somewhere. The economy is affecting everything including air flights.

Nancy's airplane landed about 15 minutes late. She was safely on the ground, but no luggage came with her. While switching planes in Alanta she along with about 5 other passengers had 3 minutes to make their next plane to Pensacola. She told me she knew right then she wasn't going to have luggage when they landed in Pensacola.

After giving the needed information to the Air Trans clerk, she was promised the delivery of her luggage from the next Air Trans fly. Air Trans was to deliver it before morning. We were on our way to get something to eat.

Nancy and Larry have been to Pensacola many, many times and knew of a restaurant we could get a good fish sandwich. We stopped at Sami's. I had a grouper sandwich on bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. A side dish of coleslaw. The sandwich was delicious and so filling.

After eating Larry wanted to show me Joe Patti's right across the street. It is a place that sells fish, fish and more fish. Every kind and size of fish you would ever want to buy. Fresh on ice. There was shrimp (all sizes), squid, shark, octopus, snapper, grouper, salmon and many I can't even remember. If you couldn't find the fish you wanted to buy then their is something wrong.

This is a look inside Joe Patti's. At least one side of the store. People are viewing what fish they want to purchase. Right across from the fish area is a store with homemade breads. All kinds of specialty products, wines and just about anything that would make a nice seafood dinner.

Cooked Cut Octopus Pulpo was in the freezer unit. I decided that was not something I wanted for supper. How about you? I really should have read the label to see if it told us how to prepare this octopus pulpo.

Next, we checked out the fishing boats. Joe Patti's was right up front. They were all docked for the day. I'm sure they go out early morning to do their fishing. We were able to walk all around the building and there were many more fishing boats.

Back on the road we arrived back in Gulf Shores around 5 pm. We couldn't let the night go by without a game of Hand n' Foot. I have to tell you the women (Nancy and I) WON!

"Goodbye until later".