They Say It's Your Birthday...

....Happy Birthday To You! Sheila....here is a HUGE wish for you...a teensy bit belated but you were away anyhoo! Right? *smile* I wish I could wrap up Paul or Ringo and have them delivered to your door but, in lieu of that, I offer you this wish...for a year filled with happy smiles and warm hugs. A year full of sweet joy and delightful surprises. You are a special lady and a good friend. Happy, happy birthday Sheila!

In Our Hearts

In the United States, today is Memorial Day. This day is often considered to be the *unofficial* kick off of the Summer season. There will be family picnics and children happily splashing in swimming pools. Some couples will go fishing, others, to the beach. Many folks will use the day to plant flowers and some will catch the new movie blockbuster. No matter how you choose to spend your day, please try to take a moment to remember the men and women, of every nation, who fought and died to preserve freedom around the globe.

Weekend Shenanigans

I hope your weekend has been a sweet one. We started ours on Saturday morning with a visit to Rolandia Miniature Golf Course.

Grace and her BFF, The beautiful Ms. K. What better way to cool yourself on a warm day than a Water War! There was the sweetest Mama and Papa Mallard living right in the middle of the golf course. Their little ones seemed happy and healthy and I just had to get a few shots of them!

You first...no, YOU first...noooo...YOU first... Sssh...come on. She will never know we left.... Surf's Up!

And then we said goodbye.... On Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful sermon at our church and had a delicious brunch at The First Watch, one of our favorite spots. Grace and I LOVE their omelets and fresh fruit. Mom had the spinach Eggs Benedict which looked amazing. Bill usually gets their cranberry pecan pancakes. Yummy! After eating all that great food, we headed over to Cox Arboretum, where we met some friends for walk through the park.Our Grace with the lovely Ms. N. This is Zipp....he is a highly trained Border Collie who lives in and works for the Metro Parks. He keeps the geese at bay, never hurting them, so there is little to no problem with those lovely creatures. Zipp is amazing to watch. He is also a love...he had lots of down time on this day, so was making sure that each of us had a chance to scratch his head and rub his ears! I considered it an honor! There was a wedding in the park this day...how could I not take a peek? I was able to get this shot while the couple were having photos taken. The groom's family is from India and I was able to chat with them and the bride's father. Such lovely people. This little guy was not a guest at the wedding...and he seemed a bit miffed. Grace had been invited to her BFF's Uncle's home for swimming and a cook out this evening. Bill and I jumped at this chance to see "Indiana Jones and The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull". Did I enjoy it? Oh YEAH!! Then it was off to our community's Dog Park. Kipper loves to go and *run with the pack*! I did not take my camera but here is a play by play....Kip gets shy at first, the dogs already there come up for a sniff. They all do the "Bumsniff Mambo" (A term coined by a dear friend!), decide they can all be friends and begin playing. Eventually the big dogs on the other side of the fence begin to taunt the little guys and challenge them to an, "up and down, next to the fence, until the first one drops", race. Then it is off.... Up and down, up and down, back and forth...until all doggies are panting and slurping water and collapsed on the grass. Oh it was sight to behold! Today will find us working in the yard and then hosting a little family cookout.

For those of you here in the US, I wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day. To ALL of my blogger friends, I wish each of you a safe, happy and sunny week!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Lists! Why'd It Have To Be Lists...

Lists...not that I love them or anything like that but hey. Here is one I borrowed, er, stole, swiped and pilfered, from sweet Missy. 1. Last Movie you Saw in a Theater: Made Of Honor, last weekend, with Mom, my buddy T, Grace and Bill. Two words, Scotland. New York City. (Yeah, yeah, Technically that is 4 words. So sue me.) Uh huh and throw in a happy ending, buttered, oh so bad for you, popcorn and you have got a great 2 hours. Gonna go see Indy baby this weekend...and remember, "It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage." 2. Favorite Board Game: Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. Monopoly is also a big favorite here. Daniel has loved it since he was 9 and is very competitive! Of course, I have been known to cheat, um, I mean play in a very aggressive manner. Ruthless, combative and venomous. Do you dare? *evil laughter* 3. Favorite Smells: Lavender, lilac, coffee brewing. I am also a perfume/after shave, bath gel/lotion junkie. I haven't met too many I did not like. Go on. Try me. 4. Favorite Sound: Rain, birds singing, a cat's purr, laughter. Oh, and that voice that says, "Shoppers? We have a blue light special in aisle 7!" 5. Worst Feeling In The World: Being lonely. Feeling helpless. Oh, and that dull ache while watching Brian play Kubla Khan in TV's Marco Polo. Nope sweetie...baaaad casting decision. 6. Favorite Fast Food Place: Chipotle. Mickey D's for french fries. Wendy's for home style chicken sandwiches. Steak and Shake for burgers. Hmmm...I wonder why I have so much trouble losing weight? I will have to ponder that. 7. Finish This Statement. “If I Had A Lot Of Money I’d…”: ...adopt more children, finish adding my own personality to our home, travel to every country in the world and give, give, give, donate, donate, donate. 8. Do You Sleep With a Stuffed Animal? Uh huh. Kip usually chows down just before bedtime. 9. Storms-Cool Or Scary?: I love a nice, rolling thunder storm. I LOVE to be snowed in...and yes, I AM odd. That said, I have been right in the midst of a Category 5 tornado and I do not wish to relive the experience thank you very much. I have hunkered down in hurricanes and run from 3 Category 4s and 2 5s. I have been in an ice storm that left us without power for more than 2 weeks and 1 major flood. I have experienced one 6.2 earthquake and one 6.8. I was near a London intersection when a small bomb was detonated. I have also lived in an area where locusts were a problem...so, am I just bad luck or is God trying to tell me something? Wait. Maybe I don't want to know... 10. Favorite drink: Water, brewed ice tea, lemonade, Coco Cola and a good margarita por favor. Especially during a hurricane, tornado, earthquake and locust swarm. 11. Finish This Statement, “If I Had The Time I Would …..” Dance a jig and actually get a project finished! Whoo Hoo! 12. If You Could Dye Your Hair Any Color, What Would Be Your Choice? If?? IF?? I am almost 52! Do you think these "natural looking golden highlights" in my "oh so natural ash blond" hair are N.A.T.U.R.A.L? 13. One Nice Thing About The Person Who Sent This To You: Hmmm...well, since I actually swiped, or purloined if you will, this list...I will only say that Missy is one of the true sweethearts of this old world. 14. What’s Under Your Bed? Cat hair? Dust bunnies? Is this a truck question? 15. Would You Like To Be Born As Yourself Again? Oh, now THIS is a trick question right? Who are you offering to have me born as the next time? 16. Morning Person Or Night Owl? Night owl. Always have been. I think I am part vampire or something... 17. Over Easy Or Sunny Side Up? Neither. How about a nice Western Omelet? Who's doing the cooking? 18. Favorite Place To Relax: At a sidewalk cafe in Florence Italy...huh? Oooohhhh. Reality...on the deck, reading a book, while watching Bill do all the edging and weeding. Okay, okay...so that is a dream too and much less likely to happen. 19. Favorite Pie: Who's baking? Surely you do not think it will be ME! Oh, well then, if that is the case you will get no pie from me. You will get cheesecake and like it! 20. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate swirl, chocolate chunk, chocolate mocha, chocolate fudge, chocolate ripple..should I go on? Now, I have these questions that some very sweet (And oh so nosy) blog friends sent a while ago to answer. I am going to begin that today....ain't ya all a twitter with excitement? No? Well, reading them will be more fun than a swarm of locust or watching Brian D. as Kubla Khan. See you all soon!

Empty Nest Syndrome

As you all know, much of the last 5 weeks has found our family absorbed in our robins. Mama Robin laid the last egg on April 26th. They were the most beautiful shade of blue. Of these 5 sweet little eggs, 3 hatched. This photo was snapped on May 8th. Don't you love the little tufts of fluff? This is nature's way of keeping them warm when Mama is off foraging for worms. And poor Mom and Pop Robin kept up a dizzying schedule of feeding! On May 12th...Dear, tiny fuzz balls but their little feathers are beginning to form! May 14th...Yes, they now look like *real* birds as Gracie said! They are also getting much more active! May 16th..."Hey guys! When that lady with the camera comes out, let's all MOON her! On three..." May 18th..."Ssh. Here she comes again. Pretend you are sleeping. Maybe she will take the hint!" May 19th..."Hey lady! If you are gonna check on us so often, at least you could bring a worm or two! We are HUNGRY!"May 20th...This was the biggest baby and the most active. I knew he would be the first to leave the comforts of home. May 21st...I knew he was making his move. He was so active all day. Up and down, fluffing those wings, puffing out that chest. Mama and Papa Robin sat in our trees and called to them, over and over, for hours. I decided to go out and take another picture. I snapped this photo and, just as I went in to take another (more clear), out this little guy flew and landed on top of my head! I think it surprised him as much as it did me! In a wink of an eye, he was off again and flew straight down and into our neighbor's yard. Papa Robin joined him and the two sat there chattering away. "Well, son. I am so proud of you. Good work! You were so brave. Ah, and no matter what your Mom tells you, you DO take after me you know. I hope your brother and sister will follow your example! Your mother needs some R & R. She is still mad at me for letting Mother's Day slip my mind! Nag, nag...well, you know women...oh. You don't do you? Son, we need to have a little chat..." Mama remained in our tree *pleading* with the other two to join their brother! "Okay now. I am sick and tired of catering to you ungrateful children. It is time you grew up and went out on your own! You make a mess of the nest, expect me to feed you at all hours of the day and night. And then there is your Father. No wonder you two are so lazy. Just like your Father. No one in this family thinks I have needs...I have wants, I have desires..." The other two seemed to be having none of this *leaving the nest* silliness. Mama Robin sat in our tree and *begged* them to follow their sibling. Oh yes. She pleaded for hours! It was well after dark when she quieted down. The "Timid Twins"? They got all cozy and said, "No way Ma! It is cold out there. We like it here. Um Ma? How about some dinner? Pass me the remote Ma. Dancing With The Stars is on the tube tonight..." Just before sun up today, May 21st, Mama and Papa Robin began their begging in earnest. Grace and I sat just inside the front door and watched the show. Mama flew back and forth, nest to tree, tree to nest. She begged, she pleaded, she PUSHED! This Mom had had enough. She had a yoga class at 10 and, by gosh, she was not going to be late! Right before the school bus arrived, Twin #1 sat up, fluffed his feathers and flew! He was quickly followed by Twin # 2. I think it surprised them both! They sat on the curb and Grace, afraid that the bus would hurt them, ran outside and flapped her arms, ran in circles in front of them and pushed the twins back into the yard. There they sat, watching her. She did look familiar. Grace knelt down and the twins drew close. For just a few precious seconds, it was as if they were thanking her for our hospitality. Then, in answer to Mama R's calls, off they flew. So this is what we were left with tonight. The two unhatched eggs. Bill carefully removed the nest and placed it in a glass container I have on our deck. The eggs he buried in our garden. Our daughter made a tiny cross for it. Ah, yes, I know. Sweet kid huh? Silly, but I miss my 3 little ones already. I hope they will live a long life and stay well. Fly my little ones, fly high. Mama Robin? The last I heard, she was hitting the blackjack table at the Argosy Casino.

Happy Birthday To Kathy!

Photo from: About The Cake Inc.

A belated, but only a wee bit, Happy Birthday to sweet Kathy! Kathy is a dear lady, creative and talented. I have become a huge collector of her oh so precious, handmade hearts. Kathy? May this year be one filled with beauty and joy, laughter and smiles, blissful moments and hugs from loving friends and family. Happy Birthday!

Oops! She Did It Again...

...and again. I have been reminded (rather politely I must add!) that I never mentioned Bill's birthday or Mother's Day! I will just add a few pictures of that weekend... On Bill's BD, we were volunteers at a Welcome Spring party for families of deployed servicemen and women. The party was held on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. My family worked with the little ones and oh, you should have seen one precious tiny girl. Brooke decided she was enamored with Bill and would not leave his side. It was so sweet. I was pretty sure I was going to be pushed straight out of the picture by this younger woman...her Mommy said Bill looked a lot like Brooke's Daddy. *Just a wee bit older*. Yes, she DID say OLDER! But heck, for an *old* man of 52, he is still kinda sexy. Of course, he is NO Brian Dennehy but who is? I doubt that even Brian himself is always *Brian Dennehy*! Just think about that now! That evening we met our friends, T & R, for dinner at Abuelo's. Great food and great conversation. A perfect combination. On Mother's Day, Mom wore the most darling rose corsage that was a gift from her oldest grandson. We went to church where the minister said to warmly greet each Mom. Now, how to tell which ones are Moms, he asked. Look around for the women who seem the most tired and bingo! You have got yourself a Mom! We then headed to my brother and sister in law's home for a cook out. Yes, it was raining but the guys were still able to grill up some tasty goodies! We had 3 kinds of salads and fruit and veggies and chips and dips and a German Chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream. The cake was for Bill, at his request! We all sang the standard tune as he blew out 7 candles...5 for each decade and 2 for, well, the additional 2 years of course! There were sweet gifts for Bill and for each Mother...movies to watch and dogs to cuddle and smiling children and, well, not a bad day huh?

My treasures Bill's German chocolate birthday cake! His special request... Boo and Grandma My brother...the shirt says it all! Boo and his Mommy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am still catching up, here and with all of you! I may be slow but, like that old proverbial turtle, I WILL get there. Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Feed Me!!

The lady with the camera is back...pretend you are asleep! Mama Robin has 3 hungry mouths to feed. The 3rd baby was under these two, snoozing away. I just caught sight of all 3 up and jockeying for position! They are getting so big...

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

A'Fairs Of The Heart

It was a busy weekend and a happy one to be sure. I do hope yours was just as wonderful! It all began in downtown Dayton at the annual World A'Fair. It is fun to attend on opening night and seeing all the dancers, bagpipers and wonderful attire. Listening to the music, laughter and native languages is always a treat. Of course, sampling the delicious cuisine from around the globe is a delight as well! What's not to love? Here are some images from that evening...

I'm Such A Dog...

Rockin' Robins...

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~Chinese Proverb Oh how active they have gotten! Bibbing up and down and beginning to make all manner of sounds. Poor Mama and Papa Robin are doing their best to keep their babies fed and safe. I captured this photo this morning just as Mama headed out for more worms... I hope your weekend is a sweet one! Love and Hugs, Susie Q

A Little Behind A Usual...

Hello everyone! This big behind is a little behind but then, what else is new for me huh? I am so sorry that I have not been by to visit you as I should, and have yet to finish up all of these wonderful questions! Next week should be an easier one so I hope to get at it by Monday! I am truly too old to keep up with everything! AHHH....it was just another one of *those* weeks! I must admit that I love your questions and will enjoy answering them all. And oh...I MUST pass this on. There is a blog, kept by some irreverent comedians, called "Brian Dennehy Is Better Than You." Some days it is downright profane, some days, not funny at all. But there are days that it makes me giggle. Today was one of those days. Todays post was all about how Brian loves rabbits. Uh huh. Rabbits. Of course, it is doubtful that Mr. D. ever did the any of the things they post about but when I read the rabbits post, I HAD to grin. So, BD? If you are out there, there are rabbits aplenty hopping around Rabbit Run. You would be welcome to stop by! The rabbits would be thrilled. I did want to pop in here and wish you all a very happy weekend. Do something sweet for yourself and enjoy the little moments! God Bless you all... Love, Susie Q

Now...To The Questions!

Some of you came up with wonderful questions! I had asked, in a moment of blog fog when I could think of nothing about which to write, you to leave a question or 4 for me. Many of you came through! Thank you so much for that! I am going to try to answer them as best I can!

From dear Rosie came: 1. I'd like to see your favorite thing to wear.

Okay now, this is gonna be hard. Should I choose the jeans? Or maybe I could pick my jeans. Or, it might be the jeans...yup. it's the jeans. I also love sweaters when it is cool and T shirts when it is not. And I have a jean jacket that I love to wear. It has some pins on it that were gifts from friends and it makes me happy to wear it. I am going to now do something very difficult for me to do. I will *gasp* post a picture of me in the jacket...*sigh*. I normally would consider losing 3 or 4 hundred pounds and 5 chins before posting a picture of me but, since it is for sweet Rosie, here goes.Oooh...that ouched a bit but see what I am willing to do for all of you?

And: 2. I'd like to know the title of the last book you read for fun.

Bill Bryson's "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir". I can not recommend Bryson more strongly! Both Bill and I giggle ourselves silly when reading anything this man has written. We have each one of his books and often find ourselves re-reading them just for the pure joy of doing so. This book is a memoir of Bill's growing up years. Anyone who was a child or teen in the 50s and 60s can surely relate to these pages. If you have never read Bryson, give one if his books a try. You just might find yourself laughing! Thanks Rosie!

Now, our lovely Kat asked: If you could be anywhere by twitching your nose, where would you be? (Kat said her spot would be a sidewalk cafe in Italy, with her handsome husband, a glass of red wine and a plate of pasta! Sounds pretty wonderful right?)

This is tough for me (Even tougher than posting my fat, little face picture!) because there are so many spots I have been that I want to see and so many I wish to see again. Yes, Italy too...to stand in the shadow of the Duomo in Florence. Ah... But, after thinking about it, I would have to say, London. I LOVE London. I would love to be there again, with Bill, and dining at the tiny Italian cafe we discovered. (See Kat? Pasta in England too!) They waiters were all from Italy and the food was absolutely to die for. I had, hands down, the best minestrone soup and risotto I have ever tasted. There was music, a lovely setting, a charming waiter and a knock out view of the city from our little table. It was a perfect evening. So, if I could twitch my little pug nose, I think I would like to be plunked down there, in that comfy seat by the window, with Bill right across the table.

Thanks Kat! Tomorrow I will continue (And you are asking, WHY?? WHY?? For the love of all humanity, why does she go on!?) with some more questions from Andi, Rue, Janet and Tara. If anyone else has a question, please drop me a comment! I can see you all racing to type, "Why do you persist in this Susie Q?" Not THAT question you sillies but any others! Love and hugs to you all... Susie Q

Questions, Questions And Even More Questions...

...but first! Feathers are sprouting! Adorable little feathers! I am ever so glad that Mama Robin (whom Grace has named "Bunny") is noisy. I had only been home for a few minutes and I heard a bird making all sorts of racket. I thought of the babies and ran (Yeah, yeah...hobbled okay!) to open the front door. There stood a HUGE orange tabby cat. I have never seen him before but I hope we properly introduced ourselves today...as in, do NOT come back and bother MY birds or this wild, barking dog will get you! He seemed genuinely afraid of Kipper so let's hope that is enough to discourage him. We have removed everything from the porch so there is nothing for him to climb on. I am a mess worrying about these tiny wonders. Now, my OWN kitties are ever so fascinated with the Mama but she seems to understand they pose no threat to her or her little ones. Stay well Groucho, Harpp, Chico and Zeppo.

Sweet Ones

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder ~Do click on each photo for an even better peek!~ We can see 3 sweet little faces...where is number 4? Of course, Susie Q is obsessing about it! Worry truly IS my middle name. Okay, so it isn't but it SHOULD be! But aren't those 3 faces dear? Grace says they are *yucky* right now but what do 10 year old girls know? High School Musical they know but baby birds? Nah... We will keep you posted! The front door at Rabbit Run is quite a mess, the door basket quite crooked, the front porch quite dirty and the front yard in dire need of a clean up. Mama Robin simply does not allow it! I grab the camera and run out when I see she has left the nest but she caught me this afternoon! I now have a sore spot on the top of my head. Ouch! See what I brave to provide photos for you all? Photojournalism at it's extreme! I am sure most of you are offering prayers for those in our nation who faced the weather tragedies this past weekend. I know that most of you are remembering the people of Myanmar as well. Tonight, please also take a moment to pray for the Chinese who are facing their 2nd day of fear and heartache. The earthquake occurred not far from where we visited and where our daughter once lived. Precious people...strong people. My heart is there tonight... I hope you all had a special weekend. I will be by to visit you all soon. I always love to see what you have each been doing. I send you hugs and much love. Susie Q

Love And Good Wishes...

Birthday Wishes and Mother's Day Joy... Today is my dear husband's 52nd birthday! It has been a whirlwind of a week and a busy day today. We started the day by volunteering at WPAFB's Kid's Fest. It was a special event for the children of deployed service members. We had the youngest ones and what precious angels! One little girl fell for Bill and would not leave his side the whole day! I guess I can understand that emotion! It was a sweet way to spend a few hours and just the way Bill wanted to spend part of his birthday. I will have much more to tell about and show you on Monday, and will begin answering those questions you offered up for me, but I did so want to stop in and wish all the Moms a sweet and joy filled day! Mother's are the heart and soul of their families. My greatest joy in life is my family and I am thankful beyond belief for my children. I am also so thankful for each of you and the friendship you have shared with me. Blessings.... Love and Hugs, Susie Q

We Have Babies!

You may remember that a Mama Robin built her cozy little home inside our front door flower basket. Today we gained 4 new residents at Rabbit Run! 4 of the 5 little blue eggs hatched and out they came! Mama Robin has declared war on anything and anyone who comes near the front yard or porch. So, for at least another few days, we can do no planting or weeding or re-doing the door basket! Bill was able to mow (We use a push mower so I guess it is just quiet enough not to frighten her.) but that is it for our front yard beautification this week! Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, (Sadly, little Gummo did not hatch) may you fly high and sing happily. Happy Birthday!

Adoption Antics

I wanted to post something about my sweet son's *Gotcha Day*. Yes, 18 years ago today our handsome and beloved son arrived from Korea. Dan is not always keen on having his picture or too many details about him posted for all to see...a little shy and retiring like his Dad...so he suggested I let you all see a little something I wrote awhile back. It was re-printed in the St. Louis Dispatch 2 years ago in celebration of adoption awareness month. Each one of these questions really and truly came out of the mouths of real and true human beings. I have then added the answers I SHOULD have given to these lovely, thoughtful folks. Oh! I am also enjoying seeing the questions you are sending me via yesterday's post! THANK YOU! I love it and will answer them all the first of next week! You are all the very best. We now present, "Adoption Antics" in celebration of adoptive families everywhere! 1.Did he ever eat a dog? (I don't know but he did take a bite out of our cat. Said she tasted stringy.) 2.Koreans are very intelligent. I bet he is one of those. (Ooh. I hope so! I would hate to have gotten one of those dumb ones!) 3.Did they run out of babies? (Yeah, dang it. They gave us a used kid instead but the warranty really is great.) 4.How much did he cost? (Oh! There was a sale at K Mart! Only $19.95!) 5.If he doesn't make you happy, can you ask for another child? (Oh sure! We bought replacement insurance!) 6.If he gets sick or anything, will the adoption agency pay all the costs? (Sure! They also put braces on his teeth, send him through Harvard Medical School and buy his first house.) 7.What's it like being with a Korean? (Well, he whips up a great kimchi dish and gosh but those Koreans can sure be funny! Keeps us in stitches all the time!) 8.It is a good thing he is so cute or it would have been hard to love him. (Yeah, I hate those ugly ones too. They give me the creeps. *shudder*) And then we braved the onslaught of silly questions and adopted again........... 1.Did they charge you the same amount of money because she has scars? (Oh no. They were having a scratch and dent sale!) 2.Those Chinese are so smart. They can also be tricky and sneaky you know! (Uh...well...she did beat me at poker. Took me for $5.27 the other night. ) 3.Do you know if she is a Communist? (Well, we DID find her Communist Party membership card in her wallet but she swears, she will only practice Communism on every other Friday.) 4.Can you return her? (Oh yes. The return department is open 24/7. We can ask for our money back or an agency credit) 5.Why did you get another one? (We were just so bored and thought this was what we need to add that special spark to our marriage!) 6.Did they give you a bigger girl because you are old? (Ehhhhh??? Speak up a little louder sonny. ) 7.When you got to China, could you have chosen a different kid if yours wasn't pretty? (I had planned to do just that. Seeing our daughter crowned Miss Ohio is exactly why we did all this!) 8.Since she was so shy, you should have asked for another. (We did but that stubborn facilitator forced us take THIS one. Phooey. ) 9.I could never raise someone else's kid. I guess it is nice that