Welcome to Sydney Jane!

We welcome our granddaughter today - March 7, 2011.

The New Me

Welcome to the new me. After a long bout with an allergy to PPD found in hair dye, I have gone "Au Natural." No more color, just me. On top of that, this week was my birthday, so why not start a new year with a new me? Now I just need to head back to the gym to complete the task. For my birthday, we had a houseful of family who made my birthday very SPECIAL! Landon made me a card, Becky made me a scratch German Chocolate Cake (yummy!) and we had a great time making big bubbles, playing bocce, playing with the basketballs, watering the flowers, playing with the work bench, the Big Truck, and after Landon was in bed, dominoes. Becky and Roni came up for the day with Oscar and we had an ice cream party with Grandma Richards at St. Mary's, then Keith made a delicious dinner. Alex and Danielle were able to share the day with us and our neighbors, Linda and Jim, joined us for dinner. Elliott, Kim, and Landon went to church with us this morning and then took Keith and I out for brunch with Alex to celebrate my birthday and Father's Day. What a special weekend for me. Guess it's not so bad getting older if you have so many people who love you! Here's to as many years in front of me as behind, enjoying every minute. Sorry Sarah and Ian were too far away, but a phone call from Sarah was a treat. Thanks to everyone whose wishes came through - via phone calls, cards, facebook, email. How great to have so many ways to communicate. I love you all.

Spring 2010

HAPPY EASTER

and Happy Spring!

Weekend in Michigan

Keith and I just had a wonderful weekend in Michigan. We spent two nights at Bishop-Brighton Bed and Breakfast in Wyandotte. We had one day at the Henry Ford Estate and went on the Ford Factory Tour. We had lunch at the Pool room on the Estate, and dinner at Gregorio's on Biddle in Wyandotte. Saturday we spent the entire day at the Henry Ford Museum, enjoying an Oscar Mayer dog for lunch and then dinner at Portofino's in Wyandotte. What a delightful weekend we had!!! Today, Father's Day, we drove over to Brighton and met Elliott, Kim, and Landon for a Father's Day lunch. What fun to see our grandson. Then back home to see Alex.
All in all, it was a 10 out of 10 for a birthday/father's day weekend that can't be beat!!!

May wedding in Austin

Summer is almost here. We had a great visit in Austin the end of May with the Swisher families, celebrating Chuck and Kristin's wedding. Also have a new niece - Piper, 5 years old. We had a girl's night in while the boys went to the Oasis - here we all are.

Landon had a blast - swimming, meeting new uncles, aunts, and cousins - didn't know there were so many Swishers/Richards/Kopelmans/McGregors.

I'm back!!!

Here is it February and I haven't made a new post, as my daughter reminded me yesterday.
January was a month full of snow here in Cleveland, and even into February. Work has been very busy for me - new customer service program to help put together, but something I am excited about. Keith and I attempted to get to Wisconsin - made it to Chicago, but Keith's little cold turned into something much bigger, so after a great visit with Carol and Bill, we turned around the next morning and came home. Midge and Lewis really didn't need the germs. We will try again soon.
I haven't seen Landon since the very end of December, so am looking to go north in spite of snow some time in the next few weeks- as you can see by his picture, he is hard to resist!

Becky was here yesterday for a baby shower for a friend, so we got to see her. She was able to drive up and back in the same day, so we know how blessed we are to be so close after all those years she had in Seattle.

December 2008

What a month!
I babysat Landon for a week - what a joy and privilege. We had a great time. At the end of the week, on December 14, Landon was christened and we were all there.

I left Michigan for Austin to be with my mom and brothers and my father for his last hours. It was so special to be with him, memories I will cherish always. Ike died on December 15, leaving a legacy of five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren, and Landon, his great-grandchild. The memorial service was a wonderful celebration of his life with Leon Bates, Emerson Jones, Ernie Harper, and Paul Culp from Allied all speaking. I read letters from Chuck, Earl, and myself. We also had his Stephen minister and Hospice chaplain speak. All of us learned something about Dad we didn't know before. A reception was held at the family restaurant, La Morada, of course. Where else? It was wonderful to see friends from so many years ago and to share memories. Mom is doing as well as can be expected. We are all there for her and look forward to many years with her.
I returned home December 22 with Alex. We found a Christmas tree on Dec 23 and it is beautiful. Roni and Becky came up from Columbus on Dec 24 to celebrate Christmas with us. Christmas Eve service at Bay United Methodist Church was great - just what I needed. We had a great Christmas. Alex and I then drove to Michigan to have Christmas with Elliott, Kim, and Landon on Saturday. It was a busy, family-filled month full of a sad goodbye and joyful new beginnings.

Looking forward to a wonderful 2009!