I've spent the last 2 1/2 weeks learning some metal-smithing techniques from Stephanie Lee.  I can't tell you what an absolute blast it has been!  Here's just a peek at what I've been creating.

Play Date with the Cuz!

We had my nephew this weekend for an overnight stay.  What fun to have a little boy around again!

And of course its always fun to have a little girl around!

Start Spreading the News...

I'm leaving today.  I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.

These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray.  Right through the very heart of it,  New York, New York

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep, and find I'm king of the hill- top of the heap

My little town blues, they're melting away. I'm gonna make a brand new start of it, In old New York.

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere. 

It's up to you New York, New York! 

Don't you worry New York, I'll be back!

Time to Fly

It can't possibly be 18 years ago that I snapped this picture at a turf convention.  And now here it is 2010 and my oldest has officially flown the coop.  
Finger paints and Halloween parties at Jungle Ginny's, sandy everything from swimming at Hillsdale Lake, combined birthday parties at Hillsdale, laser tag, and  the swimming pool, baseball bats turned stick horses, Power Rangers every Halloween, hikes and forts and campfires with s'mores, soccer games, basketball games, baseball games, football games, teaching his younger brother and sister to ride their bikes, dirt bikes and motor cross uniforms, golf cart rides, learning to drive, muddy uniforms in the washer, sprained ankles, sprained knees, torn shoulders, student council, LEO club, homecoming candidates, proms, so many memories to list.  The feelings this transition brings are so opposed to each other; sadness that my little boy is no more and happiness and pride that he has become such a caring, compassionate, intelligent, and capable young man ready to begin his next great adventure.  All the blessings of God and the universe to you Ash.  Can't wait to see you soar!

It's Summer and the Livin' is...HOT!

It's August in the Midwest and that means hot and humid.  We are a comfortable sweltering  95 degrees today!  Here's my prescription for cooling off:  Great big glass full of ice, shot (everyone's definition of shot varies) of Passion Fruit Vodka, lemon wedge, lime wedge, and fill the rest with Peach Fresca.  Perfect!