Off with it!

Blake has worn the brace for a torn lateral collateral ligament for about 3 weeks.  Tomorrow, he goes to the dr. to see if any natural healing has taken place.  It hasn't been easy being a senior, a defensive leader, and watching your team start the season without you.  But they are 4-0; so they have gotten off to a good start.  :o)  We are hopeful.

Memories of Aunt Mary

As I continue to remember the scenes of summer 2010, I am today reflecting on the relationship I had with Aunt Mary Fleischli.  She passed to Jesus' loving arms recently.  One of Mary's passions was art--she organized an art show for 20 years where she lived in California.  I always wondered how her interest in art was fueled, but I never asked.  She grew up on a farm, and I have not known many farmers' daughters who developed such a love.  For me personally, there is a fondness for her that will remain.  When Mario and I were trying to stay connected in the summer after we first met at Quincy College, I flew to California and stayed with Mary and Earl.  She would take me to the bus stop in San Jose early every morning, and I would go to Oakland where Mario's family lived and spend the day there.  Then she would come back to San Jose late in the day to pick me up.  Mario always remembered her as "a nice lady."  On a visit to her house, he took his VCR tape of the young comedians (my family will know what I am talking about--a very young Ellen Degeneris talking about "deer thoughts"--do you remember?  And Kevin Nealon--would you rather have this or that happen to you....)  He had a great time showing that to Mary and Earl.  I also fondly remember her speaking with me when I was a young girl about her brothers.  She loved her brothers and seemed to have a special place in her heart for my dad.  As the years went by, we lost touch, regretably.  I am so thankful my sister Carolyn put the book together after the Johnson reunion in 2008 and we sent her a copy, as she was unable to attend.  She sent a treasured note to us, saying how she and her family had looked through the book many times.  It was filled with pictures and memories that must have meant a lot to her.
So as she has moved on to her new life, I say "Praise God!  Aunt Mary is healed and freed!"

Cora's Triple Threat Boot Camp.... "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat!" and other scenes and songs from "Guys and Dolls"...Amazing what kids can do when they have great teachers!

Call it what you will....it was A THRILL!

I've never been to a true rock concert.  Sitting on the grass at Riverport watching some 60's groups like the Doobie Brothers and Chicago just doesn't compare.  This summer, I trusted my instincts and a couple of younger (and I do mean YOUNGER) sisters, and hopped in the van for a trip to Soldier Field in Chicago to see BonJovi.  Of course I knew of Bon Jovi--who hasn't heard "I'll Be There For You?"  Who can't sing the chorus to that one?  Or "Wanted, Dead or Alive?"  And more recently, "Who Says You Can't Go Home?"   I was given a loaner DVD of a BonJovi concert from 2008, so I could at least look the part of a Rocker.   Didn't take long for me to be sold.   On a perfectly pleasant Friday evening near Michigan Avenue, 70,000 of us were on our feet for several hours singing and dancing to Jon and Richie's tunes.  While I had to take several breaks from the action to get my umph back, from 7 to 12:15 AM, the notes were flyin.'  The concert began with 7th Heaven, a band who had won a 600-band competition.  Next Kid Rock performed.  We didn't know he was part of the party until the day or two before the concert.  I've not been a fan in the past, but I must say he was very entertaining, musically quite talented, and for the most part, kept his act PG.  His performance included a rousing rendition of Sly's "Everyday People."  And of course, we all sang along to his summer hit, but none of us, or anyone around us for that matter, were smokin' funny things.  We just plain enjoyed him.  Then at about 9:00, BonJovi began to play.  No breaks, not much conversation, just great music, one after another song that kept the crowd rocking and ready for more.  When the end came, nobody wanted it, but you gotta get up and go tomorrow.  So Jon put on a red Chicago Blackhawks jersey and finished it off with arguably his most famous contribution to rock history.  We were all "Livin' on a Prayer" with him.  I have a couple of sisters who would run off with him, given the chance.  But since he isn't going anywhere with anybody else, (He's long-time married to his high school sweetheart and has 4 kids; says he got it right the first time!), they just have to settle for the fantasy.  As for me, I'd just like to talk with him about how he has stayed on top of his game for 30 years.  Actually, I think he is a better performer now than he's ever been.  And it's obvious that he and his bandmate Richie Sambora genuinely love each other.  I hope my photos convey some of the joy of this evening for all the other fans and me.  As my little sister Theresa said, "Bon Jovi fans are happy people."  AND I know that I CAN STILL ROCK!!!  :o)  (Bon Jovi apparel--gift for all of us from same little sister.  Thanks again!)

Assorted activities, animals, and all-around goodness

Hannah Grace Dede....our family's newest piano student.  She has a great teacher and some music in her; I love it! 
I received a gift card for TCBY from the parish for my musical offerings in the Totus Tuus program, so Mario and I loaded up the daycare, Carrie's gang, and a couple of neighbors' visiting grandkids and had ourselves some ice cream.
Nolan and one his little friends love playing Indiana Jones on the x box.  Or is it the wii?  I don't think it's playstation anymore.  Well whatever they play, Nolan is on it!
I loved visiting the hillside country refuge of our family friend.  The deer practically eat the tortillas out of his hand.  He has a bunch of kitties; the one watching the outdoor action is named Tripod because he's missing a leg.  You get to see the beautiful deer twice.  I do understand the need to control the population and make use of the meat, but how in the world anyone can shoot one of these creatures is beyond me.
Chico, our puppy, and Kitty, our kitty, continue to entertain us.  Kitty spent several minutes working to fit his big booty in that little basket.
Tina Longo and her girls Lulu (Anna Louise) and Maggie were here this summer for a visit.  Still the same Tina.  Love her.

The last two photos were recently taken at our Adams County Fair.  The Christian singer/comedian is Mark Lowry.  He has performed for many years with the Gaither Vocal Band.  I believe his greatest achievement, musically speaking, is writing the lyrics to "Mary, Did You Know?"  He sings it flawlessly. :o)

I almost forgot....Chico's buddy Gus....