Vacation 11-11-22 Las Vegas Baby

 So here it is 11-09-22  We're off to our 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year that we've been married and we're headed back to the scene of the crime.   

Up & adem, Pack, all those last minute things,  Cameras & Chargers, Off to the airport.  Flight is on time,   We landed in Las Vegas about 1030pm PST. so like 130am est. Just a little exhaused from the flights, but still in good spirts,  Going up the elevator to the 26th floor, well just so you know I don't believe I like having my ears pop that many times..  :-) But I digress,   I unpacked toilitries, and clothing,  Dave does the electronic part of things.   It works for us.  I run down to get waters for us, (and of course a couple of snacks. ( $8.00 a bottle) Yikes  Needless to say we hit Walgreens the next day for a case of water to drink.  We were getting used to our time zone Thursday but we went to a musical,  "Bat out of Hell" for those of us who remember that music,  It was a very nice show.  We also walked up and down the vegas strip, getting our bearings, made reservtions for Friday night for dinner for our Anniversary.   

Friday we got up and went to pick up our rental car,  Off to see Hoover Dam.  It was quite cool & Interesting  to hear the history of how the dam came to be.  Lots of pictures. if you go, purchase your tickets ahead of time. nest of to red rock canyon, which we didn't purchase tickets for & it was a bust.  We had poenty of time to look at Art work, we saw some beautiful things.   Then back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.   

We splurged, we went to the Eiffel Tower, now when I say it was elegant, it was elegant, dress code, awesome food, Great wait staff.  we were stuffed when we left.  They gave us a free dessert for our anniversary, Our waiter went to a college in Maine, He was from Belarus, Very cool. small world.

Saturday was another up & adem day,  Breakfast was a muffin and water/coffee.   Off we went to the Grand Canyon.   4 hours later, we arrived.  Phew...  I have no words for how beautiful this was,  we only saw the southern rim,  we had a private tour via our car.  That was nice, no one telling us when to leave or what to see, we kinda did it on our own.  It was a sight to behold,  Our pictures can not even begin to show the beauty or the depth 6000 vertical feet. (we never saw the bottom)  7 miles if you were hiking down.   Rim is between 10 & 18 miles,  again hard to capture that is Photos.  Amazing, Magestic, Awe-inspiring Incredible, Breathtaking, Magnificent, are a few words to describe this canyon.  Stopped at a Dennys some where on the way back to Vegas,  I believe we were still in AZ, It was very good.  The wait staff incredible.  

We went back to the hotel, and gambled a little bit,  Didn't win anythng. But we didn't expect to.  

Sunday was our, lets just go look at things,  We walked to the Aria, they had artwork on display.  Went over to the Bellagio, saw the fountains, walked to Hard Rock cafe, (I had to get a keychain)  We went to a place called Earl of Sandwiches ( I think)  it had some weird things, but I had a Roast beef & Mac & Cheese Sandwich.  it was different, but good.  

Dave & I sat down to have a drink,  I had a Bahama Momma, & Dave had Rum & Coke.   We rarely drink, so this was a treat,  oh yes,  I also had Gelato.  yummy.   

Our trip home was pleasant.  It is very good to be home.  Until next time.. Enjoy life.  

2021 May. Our lives are great

 Well here we are again, months & months later.  

    We have many things planned for this year.  But let sus recap from 2019.  

Around april of 2019 I broke a bone is my left wrist.  In July Dave was in an ATV accident, and has since recovered.  In Dec. I had surgery on my foot, I have recovered and here we are.  

I was going to go back to work in Jan, however my bosses boss, told me that my position had been replaced and I could come back per diam or resign.   As I knew my position had not been replaced, and felt I had been lied to, I opted to resign.  I waited a couple of weeks to tell them, making sure I was assured of a new job. ( 15 offers in the first 3 days of puttin my resume out there)  I made sure I was allowed to visit, as I love my residents,  I got to go visit them several times. (Most every Friday evening) until our wonderful pandemic hit.  

In March 2020, Dave and I were in North Carolina, for his work. I got to visit some long lost relatives, (whom I've never met, but it was so very nice) Kati, our niece, drove over to have dinner & a visit with us, She is in College down there.  We arrived home on a Friday, and I was off again on the following Monday morning to drive to St. Marys, PA, I spend a week, with Shannon & her family.  I went to the historical society there (my brother Ron volenteers there.)  I spent countless hours, combing thru paperwork, using my portable scanner, that dave had gotten me, to scan several 100's of pages & pictures, for the Geneology, on Legacy that I'm doing for my moms side of the family.  

I had gotten a call on the Thursday of that week, from a place offering me a job.  I accepted the position, it was the one I was excited for to begin with.  I left for home the next morning the following Monday I was to go in for orientation.  I recieved a phone call quite early to tell me that Covid had been found in the building & they could not bring me into work until it was contained.  I told them that was perfectly ok.  I would wait.  

 Braeden Came out in June of 2020 to visit with us for 5 weeks.  It was fun. Only 1 argument the whole time. YAY.    We had fun.  It was Braedens first time indoor SkyDiving.  he had fun.  We had done other things that week, as well as gaming time, visiting, talking, watching new movies, shopping.  In general lots of fun.  We took Braeden home at the end of July.. While there we got to visit with some family & saw some friends.  Went to a car show.  

2 weeks after we returned from PA, I was called and my new job began.   I now work at Holy Cross Health Center. Each of our residents are nuns, or women, that are related to nuns. No men can reside here.  This to this day has been wonderful.. My boss is great, the director is great. Most of the co-workers are great.  Like everywhere your going to have your good & bad days, but so far, I really haven't had a really bad day.  If I begin to,  1 or more of the residents, notice, and say, hey what's up, and would you like to talk.  This in itself is great.  I never tell them what is wrong, as it would be unprofessional, so I just ask them to say a prayer for me, and things will get better.   

  In Dec, 2020,  I ended up getting Covid at work, & giving it to Dave. (he told me it wasn't a nice gift to give him)   For me it was 5 horrible weeks before I was able to go back to work.  Dave & I have both been vacinnated.  We're very happy about that.  We've had visitors for Easter, Friends from my old job have visited, soon we'll be riding up Mt. Washington on the 4 wheelers, a scavenger hunt for our Challenger friends, a quick trip to PA to pick up Braeden for a month long visit along with a fun trip planned with him.  Then our Annual 4th of July fireworks. In Aug, we'll take Braeden home.  So many more things.  This has already been a pretty good year.  I'm looking forward to the rest of it.  

Hugs & Love to all.  

Dec 2019 final post for this year

Hello all,   

The beginning of the year was pretty great,  We were able to celebrate our Christmas in January, then return to PA, for our Grandaughters 1st birthday Party, and tied into that weekend, Braedens early 13th birthday party.    I can not believe that he is already a teenager.... 
  We were able to take our 4 wheelers out a few times.  We were going to go on a trail, in May, when my boot zipper dangles, literally got tangled up and down I went, onto some rocks,  I learned 2 days later that I broke a bone in my wrist, 1st time I've ever broken a bone.  It was nice to go over 50 years without breaking one. 
So I missed 1 day of work, and got a cast on.  I had to wear it for  4 weeks.

 I had them put a green one on me, as Dave and I were headed for Edinburg (Pronounced Edinboro by locals)   Scotland.  We had a great time with our FIRST friends.  I got to explore the land around Edinburg, took many tours, including a Harry Potter one.  JK Rowling, wrote many of her books here, and many of the names within the Harry Potter books were taken from a graveyard there. 
At every FIRST event, there is a Gala event, typically on the Wednesday that we are there,  Some dressy, some beachy, some business casual, and some just casual.     But we always have fun.   This year we got to see the Red Hot Chilli Pipers!   They signed my cast.  So I still have that. 

    We came home and went back to work as usual, 
In July we took our 4 wheelers to PA, so we could enjoy time on them with the kids.  (they own 2 of them)    unfortunatly Dave was in an accident,  He broke/bruised 11 ribs,  He had a total hip replacement, and he also has a new collar bone.      We spend some time in Altoona in physical therapy, and we were home before the first of August.   Dave has been cleared from all Doctors and all PT,  He is operating at 99%.   I'm very proud of him for doing so well. 

Again we returned to work like normal people. 
We had our Annual early Thanksgiving.  (In early October, as to avoid snow travel)   
It was a great time.  We had a great turkey, lots of laughs, desserts, and friends and family. 
Shannon, Justin, Braeden, Kyra, Deanna, Russ, Diane, Mike, Lorraine, & Sharon.    So Fun.

In Nov.  I awoke with a leg cramp.  I went to the doctors, several times, and finally to an orthopedist.   I learned that the Tendon in my foot dis attached from the bone.  it's the tendon that makes your foot go up and down. At the beginning of Dec. I had surgery, to repair it.  I now have to be off work for several weeks.   But I am praying to be back to work before the end of January.  So far the doctor says it's all going ok.. I have a pretty new blue cast.. 

This whole year, has been a teaching year,  When life gives you Lemons, you make lemonade. 

Dave and I are going to have a wonderful New Years, and a great year next year. 
We love each of you and hope your Christmas was wonderful, and that you Have a fabulous New Year;

Until Next time.. 

End of the year post

Well it's been a year.
The beginning of March we went to PA to celebrate our grandaughters 1st Birthday and our Grandsons (early)13th.  Both were fun.  Thanks to everyone who attended.

In July we were back in PA & took out ATV's with us.  We had a blast, thanks to Justin & Shannon & Braeden, who made it fun. 
  We came back to NH, and in May, I broke my wrist, I feel on some bumpy rocks.  First time I've ever broken a bone. but it ended riding season with the ATVs.  for awhile anyway.
In June, we went to Edinboro, Scotland, (Dave for work, me for fun)  I had my cast signed by the Red Hot Chilli PIPPERS Not to be confused with peppers.     Great Evening.

  Now that he's mostly better, I will tell you about Dave's accident.  He went up a hill, basically without any momentum to get him to the top.  He did jump off the ATV but it decided to chase him down the hill.   This all happened on a Saturday prevning. 5ish.  He was taken by helicopter to Altoona Trama Hospital.  When I arrived, he was already thru x-rays and such.  His list is a little long of the things that were wrong.   so here goes. 
a Hematoma, that dissipated after 2 days.
a C1 Fracture that apparently wasn't there after 2 days
an L3 in his lower back (which is totally healed)
Eleven broken or fractured ribs
A broken Left CollarBone
A Shattered Right Hip
and other bumps & bruises
On the 20th of July was his accident.  He had a total right hip replacement on Sunday the 21st. We were up and walking on Monday the 22nd, On wednesday the 24th, we were in the Rehabilitation Hospital.   His goals were to walk up stairs, and get into our truck.  I was so greatful to this group of people. They worked with him 3 hours every day, he worked everyday with my help. (I was so proud every day) By the 31st, we were able to drive to pick up the ATV's and drive home.
On the 5th of Aug, he got his staples out of his hip, and was then told that on the following friday the 9th of Aug, that he was to have surgery for his collar bone.
      He now has a new Titanium Hip and a new Stainless steel collarbone.  (He thinks he's Bionic)
  It was alot of in home PT and alot of outpatient PT, but he is almost 100%.  We have our great, and not so great days. His ribs are still healing.  those take time.  He has been working from home. 
I went back to work,  part time of my part time. I missed my residents.

We just went on a Business Trip for Dave to California. He had to work,but I got to see a few things I haven't seen yet, by san francisco.   
We had our Early Thanksgiving on the 12th of Oct.   It was fun.   Diane, Mike, Lorraine, Sharon, Deanna, Russ, Shannon, Justin, Braeden & Kyra.    It was a nice time,  fireworks ended our evening.

I think all things considered, it's been a busy busy busy summer.   It was fun, and Dave and I are looking forward to going on a Toys for Tots run with the NH ATV club.   We ar excited to return to our fun runs with our new 4 wheelers. 

Until next time.  Enjoy life to it's fullest. 

~Nancie

Christmas in PA (Jan 19 2019)

Hello All. 

  So we're back from PA. We had a great time. 

Ky is walking
Shannon is exhausted, chasing after Ky whom is always on the go.
Justin is getting used to being wrapped around Ky's little finger
Braeden is being a great big brother.
Deanna has a new boyfriend, (whom we like)  his name is Russ.
Dave, I believe, enjoyed his trip to the middle of nowhere PA.

Thursday evening Dinner with Braeden, then a fun visit with Shannon, Ky & Braeden.
      Braeden and I played Chess.  He got better with each game.
Friday morning was a visit with my cousin Renee for breakfast & a PB donut from DD's bakery.               (God they are so good)
Friday night dinner, (which was a bust)  then Christmas. til 1am. 
             We bought way too much stuff. 
Saturday was a Ham dinner at Shannons, ( I cooked, Deanna helped)

We then had our yearly family photo shoot. Then it was off to go swimming for a bit and have pizza.

Just laughing and visiting until 2am. 

Then the storm hit,  Sunday we made it to one restaurant that was open, had breakfast, and stayed til they were closing.  Left there and went back to Shannons, so we could wait out the storm, and the roads to get cleared.  We left, and drove to scranton, PA and stayed overnight.  We began our journey on Monday morning, waiting for the roads to clear up again.  Drove the rest of the way home and after some white knuckling it thru some of NY, & CT & MA.  we made it home just after 6pm. 

Glad to be home and safe. 

Until our next adventure!!! 
Enjoy life!

~N 

2018 Our Wonderful year

Hello to everyone.   We have had a Busy year, but a great one.

it actually began in Dec. of 2017 with a trip to Disney World. We gave our oldest daughter, her boyfriend, our grandson, and yet to then be born granddaughter, an early Christmas gift.  It was a wonderful week.

We then spent a weekend with Diane and Mike for our Christmas with them. It was also a great day.

We then had another Christmas in January in St. Marys, PA, with Shannon, & family along with Deanna,  2 of my brothers Ron & Don, along with Susie, also came up for a visit.  We got to see my Nephew and his family for a few min. 

Dave & I stayed home in Feb, celebrated Valentines day, it was a relaxing month.  this is when Dave said we could go ahead and take a trip this year together.  A cruise.

Right at the end of Feb.  I went to PA alone, our granddaughter was on her way to being delivered into this big wide world, & just like with Braeden, this gramma, wasn't going to miss it.
I spent my time between spending time with Braeden, visiting my niece, and her 4 daughters.  Then it was off to the hospital to be with Shannon,  I only left her side after Kyra was born.  March 3,  2018 it had been a long night. But my girl was a trooper,  Kyra Nicole was/is  healthy and beautiful.
  She had a little bit of a rough start for the first week,  but I let my husband & work know that I would be staying in PA for a couple of weeks, to help get Kyra, Shannon & Justin, get thru a little hiccup with her health.     I loved Kyras Doctor,  He said, if he could prescribe any medicine for Kyra, to help her thru what she went thru, it would be a dose of gramma, every day. 
Shannon & I lived at the hospital for 7 days, Leaving only for showers and food, when Justin was able to come down.  Well we did it. Kyra came home Healthy and Happy,  so crisis averted.  I think I slept for a couple of days straight...  :-) 

As soon as I was home and got situated, I began planning the trip of my dreams, a trip to Alaska, our cruise.
This happened at the end of May, thru the beginning of June,  It was a wonderful trip.  Dave and I began our adventure in Fairbanks, where we experienced 24 hours of daylight.Saw the beautiful Ididarod Dogs. We also were able to experience the Alyeska pipeline, pan for gold.
 The next day was a bus trip into Denali, the next day was a trip on a train, thru many towns, to Whitaker, on this train, we were very fortunate, to see the top of Denali, our tour guide said we were some of the 20% of the people that get to see this, as it is covered with clouds most of the time.
We were then on a ship, for a 7 day cruise.
Day 1.  Hubbard Glacier was absolutely breathtaking.
all of the Fjords were just beautiful.
Day 2. Glacier Bay was also beautiful, we experience Calving of the glacier.. absolutely incredible.
Day 3 we were in Skagway
Day 4 Junuae
Day 5 Ketchican
then home a couple day cruise to reach Vancover, and then home.

Back to work for us,
In August, we went to PA, for Dave to meet our new gran-daughter,  Yes folks,  he loves her.

In September, Dave & I bought new toys,
    for Dave,  a 2018 Renegade 4 Wheeler (Gorgeous)
   for myself,  a 2018 Outlander, Limited edition.  (Blue and beautiful)
We have been out every other weekend riding them in one place or another,  having a great time.
Neither of us can wait until spring to get on them again.

In October, we celebrated our Thanksgiving. Here in NH,  as the weather is a crap shoot in Nov.
Shannon and her family came out, Deanna flew in from Pittsburgh,

It's now Dec,  we had a Wunschel family Christmas in RI, it was much fun.  and here it is New Years eve.  so Until Next year!!!!!
 Happy New year everyone!!!!  Have a safe and wonderful year.

Another year gone by.

I really should write in this more often.
It's been a busy year In April of 2016, I had Surgery on my hand, it ended up requiring 6 different surgeries at the same time,  They needed to take a bone out of my wrist, nothing to do with carpel tunnel.
2 weeks after this, the 30 stitches came out, and a cast put on. a week later we were off to a wedding,
1 week after that, I got my cast off, a brace put on, in the morning of a Thrus,& that afternoon, I was in physical Therapy for my hand, (ouch) then, Th, Fri, Mon, & Wed.  Before the following Thursday jetting off to Seoul Korea, David for work, and me for fun. We were there about 10 days in total with travel. Great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 Week after that, Braeden & Shannon came to visit, for 2 weeks,  That was a great time.
We did a lot in those 2 weeks,  After that, we took it easy for a little while,

In Sept, I changed my career path,  I left the food service industry, and entered the world of enjoying my job.  I have become a Program Assistant, or a better term, Activities director.  I literally get to go to work every day and have fun with our elderly.  In my case, I work with Residents that have some degree of dementia.  Some days can be difficult, but none the less rewarding, when you see them smile, or laugh, or remember a great day, it makes it all worth it.    Dave says that I need to get a more depressing job, because I have entirely too much fun.   5 months have gone by and I still love it.

At the beginning of Nov. We had an early Thanksgiving, we had many here, both girls, their S/O's and Braeden, Diane & Mike, 2 of our dear friends, Sharon, and Lorraine. I believe a great time was had by all.     We had a 2nd thanksgiving down in RI.

Christmas was celebrated on Christmas eve with a lunch in RI with Mike & Diane and Aunt Virginia, then we came home, to celebrate our own small Christmas, exchanging cute gifts, Dave got a Sloth for Christmas. (almost like a time share),  I worked on Christmas day, and had a great time,
New years eve was also fun, The only time we ever drink Champagne.

We celebrated Christmas on the last week of January 2017, with Shannon, Justin, Braeden, and Deanna.  I have to learn to control my gift giving.  20 + gifts each was just too many.  Next year,  gift certificates.  It just means I spend more time with the girls, talking and visiting, instead of opening gifts.

For now that about sums it up.  Valentines is in 2 days, although Dave and I will celebrate it Saturday.

Until next time, which will hopefully not be another year.  Have a wonderful time,
Hugs and Love  ~N~

2015 wow Christmas around the corner

Hello All,
  As always it's been awhile since I've posted on here.. Life just seems to get in the way of blogging.
So we began the year with having to get a new roof and lots of repairs to our bed room and master bath.   Water damage was not our friend this year.   Aside from that.  Dave and I didn't do too much this year.  We had Christmas in Jan with our daughters, and grandson and their S.O.'s
We also had Christmas in Dec with Dave's sister and Brother in Law in RI.

In April I took over as store manager where I work,  was quite tired of working a million hours, and getting paid for way less.  So at the end of June,  I talked to the COO and stepped back down to do what I luv to do..  "marketing"  However because of taking on the position,  I was sent off to Mexico in Sept. for a week for work.   It wasn't too great of a trip, but I did learn a lot, and had a nice time making connections, meeting new people.

In June, we were off to Michigan, where we had a fantastic time visiting with family from my fathers side of the family.   It was great to meet some new family and see old ones. Love them all.

In July, we were off to PA, for another family reunion, from my mothers side of the family.  Again had a great time, and was able to see people we haven't seen in awhile, and meet a few new ones.
During our extended cousin reunion, Dave & I took the challenger to PA this time, and he put it in a car show,  It was pretty cool.  He took our cousin Dave for a ride during the 1st cousin reunion, then he took our cousin Jusson, for a ride at the extended reunion,  Jusson had permagrin.. LOVED IT.

In Sept, as I mentioned was the trip to Mexico,
In Oct. We were off to CA, for Dave to have his week long Face to Face with hi co workers.,  I usually go along, he works, while I go play!   I went to a rose garden, drove along the coast, and many other things while I was there.

At the end of Oct. Shannon, Deanna, and Braeden, and Reagan, came to visit, Reagan is a little girl that Shannon had temporary custody of.
During that visit, We had gotten Deanna's wedding dress, Shannon's maid of honor dress, Braeden a new suit to be the ring bearer.  A lot accomplished in a day.
We also celebrated Thanksgiving early with the girls.

At the Beginning of Nov. We went down to CT for our nephews birthday, We took the Viper, for a change of pace, and all went well until on the way home, the serpentine belt fell off,  stuck on the side of a major road, on a Sat. night, with no tow service open, or any garage, specialized for a viper, near where you are.. is well a bad thing.   Many miles and $$ later, we arrived at home, driven by the tow truck to bring the car, over 100 miles to get it home.  (ugh)

In November we had Thanksgiving In RI, with my sister in law and brother in law, Very nice visit, as always.

I believe that's it for now.  I do hope you all have a wonderful Holiday,  and after our few christmas's I'll post again.

~N

End of 2014

Well another year has gone by so very quickly.  This is a year that was a good one most of the time.  Dave and I didn't really travel too much.  We had a few glitches in projects that just didn't happen, but will eventually get done.
Dave finally got his "drop down from the ceiling" 100" Screen, with state of the art projector installed.  We now have our very own movie theater in the house.  Everyone that has seen it, has enjoyed it.  (We are big movie buffs.)

In previous posts I mentioned about our trip to Boston for FIRST, our trip to Michigan to my Uncles house, & Thanksgiving held at our house this year.

In other news,  We did several events with the Challenger Club, the Viper Club & the new Dart Club. We have met new people, caught back up with old friends, I planned a few events. One was a mansion is Newport RI, another to Castle in the Clouds, Another trying to find a lighthouse that did not exist. Attended other events, with those clubs that were just as fun. Dave just asked me where to show up, and Drove whichever car was needed to attend.  :-)

A trip to CA, for Dave to work for the week, and me to run and play..  (had a blast)

Visits from friends & family through out the year.  I think Dave even used the coffee grinder and made real coffee at least 6 times this year, instead of using the espresso machine.

A 4th of July party, with many large fireworks.   (only 1 mishap and no one was seriously injured)  a firework fell over.. (not good for fireworks that shoot 100 feet in the air)  Ears were ringing, but I heard shouts of fun once everything was ok.

I have finally talked my husband into an Alaskan Cruise, but it will have to be planned into our busy lives.  so with in the next few years.  (I had to put that in writing so I don't forget and he can not deny it.  LOL)

We had a "Dippold" Reunion which is from my mothers side of the family.  44 first cousins, we had  2 different reunions, we had a 2nd one this year and extended it to the 2 and 3rd cousins. we had quite a few show up.  It was fun.

We had Christmas in RI with Diane and Mike, Daves sister and brother in law, Mike's Aunt Virginia was also there,  Very Very nice woman.
We had a Christmas in January 2014 in PA with the girls and Braeden (our grandson)


Can anyone believe we are at the end of another year???  I remember when everyone was all up in arms about Y2K,  and now.... Here we are 15 years later.

To all that read this..  I wish the best for all of you in 2015.  May all your dreams and wishes come true.  May all the good outweigh the bad..   *hugs*

Until 2015.   Happy New Year, and here is to another wonderful year.



 ~ND

2014 summed up!!

Well here it is December,  Where did the year go??  

Dave and I did a little traveling this year.  Our FIRST trip was to the wonderful city of Boston.  (I know our back yard)  but I had fun each day and did something new I didn't do before, so it was pretty cool.

Deanna and her new boyfriend Gerald, came out to visit us in June.

Our 3rd annual "first" cousin reunion on my moms side of the family was in July.  along with the first extended cousin reunion.  where we met cousins we never had met before.. again very cool!!

Sometime over the summer we took a trip to Michigan, to visit with our Uncle Walter.  We had a blast!!   We took him to see things he had never seen before, and he taught and told us so many things,  I learned so much from him that weekend!!  I do love that man.

In October, We took a trip to California,  Dave to work and me to play.   Most of the experiences were great,  only 1 bad one, and 1 headache, so that was also very cool.   We got to have dinner with good friends.

Thanksgiving was a mix of great and not so great!   We had a storm, & lost power.  Yes we have a generator, that runs the whole house, but for whatever reason it would not start.  My brother, My oldest daughter, her boyfriend, and my grandson, made it for Thanksgiving, but because of no heat, no power, no water,  we had to put everyone up in a hotel for the night.  (thank goodness there was one with rooms available)   We did get power back around 11am,  so  I began cooking and we had a late Turkey,  but better late than never.    Dave's sister and brother in law also made it up, for Turkey.

Christmas is 2 weeks away.  (for most people)  for us it is 6 weeks away.  We do celebrate with each other & with Diane and Mike in Rhode Island, but our bigger one is at the end of January.

We have had a wonderful year.
Until the next post,... Enjoy and Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!!  and a wonderful New Year!!!

Time is still flying by!!! so quickly!!

Hello again all.  Goodness,  Well it is already almost May,  I don't believe I've even written in here since, Oct.. or so..  The holidays were a blur..
But to quickly catch you all up. 
January Dave and I had Christmas with the girls their boyfriends and Braeden.

Leggo's were great!!!!

In March I took a quick trip to PA, to see Braeden in his spring play.
Awesome Job Braeden!!  so proud of my grandson.

Then Easter has been here and went.. Dave's sister and brother in law came for dinner.

The girls couldn't make it this year, car trouble, :-( 

So 7 Easter Baskets upstairs, with no one to go to.  sooooo well  I guess they will get them in July when we go back to pa for a reunion. :-)

Nothing too major,  a little home remodeling, is being done between now and the end of the year,  I shall take pics along the way, I'm sure some of you will be surprised, I know I am excited and nervous at the same time!!

July will be a busy busy month, as well as June! Goodness, it shall be a busy summer.
Luv you all and will post again soon.. Pics to follow of my first attempt to plant Easter flowers..

*hugs*   Until Next Time,  Have a great time!!!
~Nancie & Dave

Niagara Falls

So Dave & I took a quick get away. 
    We decided to take a weekend get away to Niagara Falls in Canada.  It was beautiful, but the water didn't seem to be as powerful as it once was a decade ago.  However, at night when the sky is clear, and they illuminate the falls, both the American and Horseshoe falls..  They are breathtaking.
Dave & I had fun, helping a gentleman, he wanted his picture taken at night in front of the falls.
Well  it is a very hard thing to do,  with flash, all you can see is a face, with whited out blurry falls behind him,  with no flash, all you see is the falls, with a shadow in front of them..   My wise husband comes up with the idea for me to hold a small flashlight with just enough light streaming through my fingers to show the mans face, and with no flash takes the picture.  It was a very cool effect. 
   I was proud of my husband. ( Shhhh don't tell him)
We did a few fun things while we were there,, We of course had to visit the Hard Rock Cafe & buy yet another T-shirt.
  We of course did Journey under the falls.. it was windy, but we did get some great shots.
We did a 3D-4-D movie..  That was totally 100% LAME..Not worth our money at all.
We did a ride called FURY..   It was pretty cool..  nice effects..  even snow...
We rode the Incline, even got a few nice shots from there..
We thought about riding up to the top of the Skylon, then changed our minds.

after a long day of getting wet at everything we did.  Dave was tired.. and I was also, however, I walked across the street from our hotel and there was a miniature golf course and it was all dinosaurs.. Very cool.   I went over and spent about an hour taking pictures.

As it was going to rain all day on Saturday, Dave and I decided to surprise Shannon & Braeden with a visit, as where they live is only 3 hours from the falls.
So up on Sat. morning and across the Rainbow Bridge back into the USA..  we were sitting there, and all of a sudden it was hailing..  wow.. sun shining above us, a rainbow to the left of us, traffic all around us and  hail...  in the words of the lion from the Wizard of OZ,  "Strange weather we're having, aint it?"

Drove 3 hours to Shannon's  I-90  was a horrible bumpy road,  it was like riding on an accordion for miles.. I think any fillings our teeth once had, are now in NY..

We had a great visit with Shannon, Justin, & Braeden.  We gave Shannon a christmas present early..  2 new Futons.   She was happy.  I'm glad.

We drove home on Sunday and over all we had a great time.

Until next time..
Enjoy life to it's fullest.
*hugs*
~N~

Day 3
Friday, we got up at 4:30 am to go on a Sightseeing tour to Salzburg. We were so very lucky to have a tour guide that was originally from there. We learned so much about the movie “Sound of music” saw where the Von-Trapp family sung some of the songs, saw where they escaped from in real live and in the movie. (2 very different stories) We saw the Abby where they hid. We saw a bar/pub that is the over a 1000 years old called “Stiegl” A Monastery, where anyone considering being a monk in Austria, must go here to educate themselves. We got to see the house where Mozart's mother was born, and where his birth house is today, and his fathers tomb, & his. we learned he is buried with a few other people and because he died a poor man, he was not buried with Beethoven, or Strauss. All of which came from Austria. So many things.
On the way to Salzburg we passed several lakes, All of which are filled from the Swiss Alps, no “motor” boating is allowed on any of the lakes here so as not to pollute them.
There was one beautiful lake we passed called Moon Lake and a huge mountain which was straight down on one side, Made this way not man made. This lake is the warmest of the region, 65 to 85 all year around. The story behind this, is because there used to be a dragon that lived on that mountain,& to protect the little village of Salzkammergut Virgins were to be sacrificed to him.unfortunately, eventually, he ate all the virgins, so the dragon was so hungry the people sent him to Salzburg, when upon his return on evening, he was so tired & hungry as all the virgins in Salzburg were also now, he fell into Moon Lake and heats the water to this day.
(very adorable tale)
From Salzburg you can see the mountains which are the border of Germany, only a 10 min drive to get to the German border from Salzburg.
The coldest lake in Austria is called Fuschisee. Also a beautiful lake.
We saw so many many things in Salzburg, We were able to see the Church where the Von-Trapp's were really married, learning that the one in the sound of music was used because the church they were married in would not allow the film directors to film in the church.
Learning also that, in the movie, the hills and mountains that they showed the Von-Trapp family going to, were really the German Border, in real life, they took a train to Switzerland. We were shown where the Von Trapp family really sung, and we learned that Mirabelle Von-Trapp, after they moved out of Salzburg, came eventually to the United States, and resided in a home in Vermont, which is now open to the public, and in which David and I have decided that we will be visiting, (Suzi maybe this is something we can do if you guys come in Sept.)
But I'm positive you can look most of this up in the history books.
It is a 3 hour bus drive from Vienna to Salzburg. Salzburg is the most expensive place to live in Austria. There are @ 8 Million people living in Austria, @ 2 Million in Vienna, and @ 150 thousand in Salzburg.
So it was a long drive back to Vienna, I believe everyone fell asleep for a little while. We woke up and began looking out the windows, a few more pictures were taken.

Easter 2013

Easter 2013

Hello All,
   Again I let time slip and so many things have happened since my birthday post.
Lets see,  November,  Thanksgiving, well the weekend before thanksgiving, We drove to St. Marys, Pa to visit with our daughters, Shannon and Deanna & of course Braeden, our grandson, My job doesn't really permit me to have holidays off, so we make our own holidays.  To those of you from Pittsburgh, this is why we typically can't visit on Thanksgiving, although you have no idea how much I would love to be around all of you.
Moving forward
  As I mentioned we went to PA, for an early thanksgiving,  Shannon cooked her very first bird... It was very very very good.. I was proud of her.  (I think Deanna helped a little, but I'm not sure) Anyway that Thanksgiving was wonderful.  We came home and off to work I went.  Thanksgiving day we drove down to RI to Dave's sister's house and had thanksgiving there also..  This was also a nice meal, and great company.
   Next we skip ahead to Christmas.  Well Christmas with Dave's sister & brother in law, was good.. We have decided to give gifts or rather donations to our favorite charities.  It was a nice.
   Our next Christmas in PA was in later January.  We had a great time,  I believe I spoil the girls every year, but as per usual, with things they needed. ie. clothing, sneakers, coats, scarfs, dishes.    The only gift I have ever asked for is that they cook Dave and I a home cooked meal.  This time it was a roast, It was really good also,  My daughter can cook, (guess I taught her a little bit)  We had a wonderful visit.  We also visited my best friend,  We had a wonderful time talking with her and her husband.  (Hi Stacy & Oscar)  & of course as always, we enjoyed visiting with her kids also.. (Hello Hannah & Seth)
   We made our way home, and we went about our daily lives.

Valentines day came and went.  I remember Dave giving me some a dozen chocolate hearts with a dozen truffles. a beautiful card.
Now we come to Easter..  So Easter was to be, same ol, same ol,  Diane and Mike coming up, me making up baskets for Kati & Dillon, and enjoying company for the day..  Well  it was nothing of the sort.. LOL..
   Thursday, prior to Easter, I had to work til 10pm.  Somewhere around 10:30pm our doorbell rang.  I could not figure out who it was.  I was looking out through the side windows, and could see something sitting on the porch step.  Curious and Cautions, I slowly open the door, Seeing it was a plant with bunny ears and a bunny face, I looked up to the top of the first floor stairs, where I said to my husband, "aww who in the world did you get to deliver this to me this late at night:  he just smiled. I turned and bent down to pick it up and all of a sudden, someone jumps out of the shadows and screams, HAPPY EASTER!,  I was so shocked I almost slammed the door in their face, then realized that it was my grandson, Picked him up hugging him, seeing my oldest daughter come around the corner, crying because I was so happy to see them. Trying to figure out how, when , why and where,  SO many emotions in such a short time span,  I was exhausted, by the time we walked up the stairs and sat down.
Needless to say it was a great Easter present from my husband.
 As I have said many times. Just when I thought he could surprise me no more, he goes and does something like this..
Thanks to Shannon, Justin and Braeden for making the trip.
Thanks to My husband Dave who is the most wonderful man in the world.
Thanks to Diane, Mike, Debbie, Carlo, Kati, & Dillon for making my easter just that much more special with the visits.

*hugs* to all of you.
Until the next blog.
Enjoy and live life to its fullest each and every day.
~N

My Birthday of 2012

My Birthday, 10-09, was a perfect day!
   It began with waking up next to my husband saying good morning and happy birthday with a quick hug and kiss.  (Yes mushy, deal, ha ha) I fell back asleep for about 20 min or so, when I woke up Dave, my husband, gave me a beautiful card, (this was really all I needed), along with 2 small gag gifts,to get me ready for the Apocalypse! So Funny.  My cell phone began to ring, My cousin Jan called and sang me happy birthday. My best friend had called me the evening before. My daughters both called to sing and say Happy Birthday, a video of my grandson & oldest daughter Shannon was a perfect way to make my day even brighter and a quick call from the youngest Deanna, to sing Happy Birthday also made my day brighter.   I had breakfast with Dave, and asked him if I could give him a gift, Please understand that I do love to give people things I know they want or can use, any day of the year, but this was a special gift. Back ground story: a few weeks ago, while having dinner, I accidentally chipped a crystal wine goblet of Dave's, I felt awful, so off on an internet quest!!  I did find them, ordered them, waited patiently for them to arrive. One of the best gifts Dave gave me was letting me give him those wine Glasses.   (I've been dying to give him these)  I then checked my e-mail.  3 or 4 of them from family and friends, wishing me birthday wishes! replied to each of them, then I opened up FB and wham, 37 Happy birthdays by 10am.. lol... Awesome & after work 20+ more!  I replied to all of them also. I watched a t.v. show, and then off to work for a 2 to close shift.  It was a nice night I worked with Sara & Christie, and we had a great evening.
   Dave said he wanted to cook me dinner, now for those of you that know my husband, he doesn't really cook, (putting frozen things in the oven doesn't really count) however he did make me a homestyle baked Mac and Cheese.. It came out perfect.
   When I arrived home after work.  I looked our dining room table, and there was this beautiful bouquet of Red roses and orange, either Lilly's or orchids, a wonderful arrangement!  I gave him lots of hugs for this.  It is just beautiful! While he is cooking, I change out of work clothes, and then back down for dinner, I took lots of pictures of the flowers, a few will be posted. Dinner was great! Then Dave says are you ready for dessert, I said yes.  He then takes out a box from Frederick's pastries, I thought it was some of our frozen wedding cake.. lol  wrong, David had them make me a cake, It had a Wizard of Oz theme, Dorothy & Toto are on it, with the emerald city in the background with a yellow brick road, and Poppies...  I cried, yes it was beautiful...   and quite tasty!
What a wonderful way to end a perfect day.
I'm never sure how he does it, but Dave Always makes each and every day special for me. However it is not every day I get a wizard of oz cake.
Thank you Everyone for the birthday wishes!
   Until next time, Enjoy life!
~Nancie~

Since last time.

Well I missed a couple of things in my last blog. I forgot to mention that while my daughters were here this past June, I had gotten to take both of them, along with my grandson, his friend, and my oldest daughters boyfriend, to the Franklin Park Zoo.  We had such a great time there. Feeding birds that landed on sticks, then hopped onto our arms.. so much fun.   Then onto the Gorilla's  I believe we were there for almost an hour.  They are beautiful animals.
~ next!
  When David and I went to PA for a 1st first cousin reunion.  We also had another special evening with both of our daughters, Shannon & Deanna.  It was Deanna's 21st birthday Aug. 25.  So at midnight we took her out, along with her sister.  I was very happy yet, so sad at the same time.  I wish I could have kept them both little for much longer.  They grow up so fast.

 I know all children grow up quickly and make mistakes as they go.  It is very hard to let them go, but we do, (cry when they are not looking)  I know that someday they will understand what a parent goes through as their children are older and begin their own lives.  It is easier when they are small, you can protect them, and you know what they are doing for the most part.  But when they are older, you can not protect them as much and you can never know what they are doing every day.
I don't believe the tears ever stop.  What I have learned is that it is the fear of them making bad decisions, that make me cry, then again I cry when they make great decisions. (Maybe I'm just too emotional)
I'm very proud of both of my girls, they may not have made great decisions, however they are learning from the mistakes, and that is what growing up is all about.
So to our daughters Shannon & Deanna, know that Dave & I love you both.
Know that we will be there for you always.
So until next time.
Enjoy life.
~Nancie~

Sept.

My goodness, I have not posted on here in ages.
I see I posted about our christmas, it was wonderful.
I went to PA again in May, to surprise my grandson, I drove all the way there to see his first school play. He did a great job. So very proud of him.
The 2nd week in June we went on a trip to Malta. Malta's location is... well... If you know where Italy is, and how Italy kicks Sicily, well 3 islands below Sicily is Malta, way out into the Mediterranean. We spend a week there, It was beautiful, had a great time, however 90 degrees with 90% humidity every day, it was nice to come home. We got home on a Sat. late at night, had Sunday to unpack and do laundry, and begin some minor cleaning for our reception the following weekend. Our youngest daughter Deanna, flew in from Pittsburgh, on Monday morning. On Tuesday morning her and I drove down to Cape Cod to visit with my brother, & sister in law & great niece, had a great time, then drove back home, had dinner, then went to pick up another of my brothers, from the airport, Wed, morning our oldest daughter & family got here. On Thursday My best friend and her family arrived. We had a houseful.
We had gotten married on 11-11-11, but we waited until more of our family could actually attend, and had our wedding reception. It was great. So many people came, family and friends. We had relatives from CA, MI, FL, PA, RI, NH, MA, CT. 8 different states, not too shabby & at least1 from each coast.. cool. Anyway it was a great day.
My Uncle from Ca, played our Piano, and he made it sing. I was teary eyed, he played songs from Phantom of the Opera. They were beautiful. It was so wonderful. Sat. night Dave and I had Planned a Firework show, and it was grand, 45 min of really great fireworks. I do believe everyone loved it, this was followed by sparklers, all the kids, and some adults, had fun.
The following Monday I went to work at my new job. Auntie Anne's. Pretzels, and lemonade.
So busy, and it is fun.
In Aug we had our 1st, First cousin Reunion on my mothers side. I had gotten to meet 2 cousins I had never met before, that was awesome, and I had gotten to see cousins, that I had not seen in years. It was an evening to remember.
Ok this is a long blog, but I believe I'm caught up with our lives for now.
Take care and until my next blog.. Enjoy..
~N~

Christmas In Jan

Here it is almost March and I'm only now getting caught up with Jan. We had Christmas with the kids in Jan. They live 9 hours from us so it is a bit of a drive. We drive half way there on a Wed. night and get a hotel and drive the rest of the way on Thur. It gives us an extra day to visit. This year I believe I was insane, way too many gifts, but I had such fun. I have a matrix, so with the seats down there is lots of space. It was filled from behind the back seats all the way to the back and all the way to the top. I could not have fit one more thing in the car.
We, of course, waited until we got to our final destination to wrap all these gifts, we have learned from past experience, that most wrapped gifts get ripped and torn on the trip there.
On Thursday evening we had a great home cooked roast dinner that Shannon & Deanna prepared. yummy!!! Friday Morning we were up and got ready for our "wedding" Luncheon with some of my aunts that we knew could not make the trip for our reception. It was very nice. On Friday afternoon we visited one of my best friends for a few hours and then we were off to our daughters home.
We watched as each of the gifts were unwrapped and enjoyed. The gifts that were just for fun, and gifts we knew they needed or wanted. I think the best gift was when Braeden opened the remote controlled dump truck with it's buddy the remote controlled bucket. In the video he just opened part of it, saw the picture, and lay his head on the side of the box, no movement, until we hear, "I love you Gramma, I love you Dave" Tears threatened to spill over, just then laughter, as Dave & Braeden had to take all the tape off, because, as Braeden quotes, "Gramma loves tape" (Well I can't make it easy for them, it takes out all the fun!) We played with the toys, had fun and just talked. It was a great evening. Saturday we just visited. It was a very nice trip.

Well that is all for now. Enjoy life while you can! Until next time.
~Nancie

time just flies

Time will just fly by when you are not looking.
ok to pick up where I left off, this blog might be a little longer than it should be. Our 3rd day in CA. I had phone interview for a job, (no I did not accept it), moving forward, Heather and I were going to hang out, but she ended up having a yucky bug, and stayed home to get better. I stayed at the hotel and had dinner with Dave that night. Thursday I decided to take a trip to San Francisco. Yes readers I went to Alcatraz!!! I had a great time. I saw so many things. I spent 10 seconds in solitary! That seriously felt like it was a full minute. Can you imagine people that had to be in there for days and days at a time. I met an actual inmate. (bought his book for heather and had him sign it for her birthday gift.) I spent almost 3 hours on the rock taking in the view and the history. If you have the chance, go visit the rock.
I got back in the Challenger and off I went, I took advantage and drove across the SF bridge and the Bay bridge. I had fun but was so ready to be off the streets of San Francisco, and began my trek back to Sunnyvale.
Friday was packing for our trip home on Sat. morning. However we had a surprise birthday party to go to for Heather. Yes everyone she was TOTALLY surprised. Derrick had the theme from the 80's we all wore sunglasses and had pop rocks, movie posters all over the walls, and of course what is a party without "nerds" We had a great time.

Off again and onto our next adventure. We will keep you posted.
~Nancie~

Cali day 2..

Hello followers of our blogs,
I mentioned on the last blog that I did not want to bore you with a long blog, so here is another to tell you about the rest of our week in Ca.
Tuesday was a fun day for me also, I started the day with Dave & I having a nice hot breakfast, I was off to the Winchester Mystery House today. I waited until around 1pm ish, to go to the House. I learned a lot on this trip. I'm sure that all 4 of my brothers would appreciate this house. (or the history behind it)
This house started out as an unfinished 8 room home, when Mrs. Winchester bought it in 1884. The "story" goes that she moved to San Jose, because a Psychic told her that if she moved west (from CT) and continued to build a home there (never stopping), she might escape the "troubled" souls of the men that had been killed by her husbands Winchester rifles. Also that she might live a long life. ( She lived to be 82, when in those days people passed on in their 40's at best. )

The tour started out in a room that the carriage she rode in, would come into the home through beautiful large sliding doors. We walked up stairs that were only an inch in height, as Ms Sarah W. had developed arthritis in her knees and could only lift her legs one inch high. she had some of the regular stairs removed and replaced with ones she could walk up.
As for all of the floors in this home of 160 rooms, (106 of which I saw) there was one carpenter that for 33 years did nothing but floors, replacing them if needed, putting down new ones when it was required. (Beautiful in lay) They were made of Mahogany, rosewood, teak, maple, oak & white ash.
So to give you an idea of how large this is..
The sprawling mansion contained 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, 10,000 windows (all From Tiffany's)
47 stairways, 47 fireplaces, 13 bathrooms, 6 Kitchens, 1 grand ballroom, an aviary with exotic birds, 3 Mirrors, an absolutely gorgeous Organ (still there).
This was a magnificent place to visit. (161 acres of farmland also)

This was my 2nd day exploring a piece of CA. next blog in a few days to tell you of my other adventure.
til then. Enjoy!
~Nancie~