The Year in Review

It's hard to believe that 2010 is at a close and tonight we welcome in 2011. This is the first New Years Eve that I have actually been excited to begin the new year. This has been a crazy year and I have so much to be thankful for so I thought I would give a quick year in review for all those events that didn't get their own posts.

2010:

January: Bobby and I rang in the New Year with family and friends and then a few days later found ourselves at the IU Med Center in Indianapolis. In late 2009, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery at the beginning of the year. The surgery was a success! and his follow-up appointments have gone well. Bobby was great and stayed with my mom and I and then drove my dad home in a horrible snow storm. That night we were so tired, we both practically collapsed in bed. Just as Bobby drifted off to sleep, he yelled out, "BUMP!" and jerked the whole bed.

April: Bobby and I celebrated our first anniversary! Marriage is tough and it is a lot of work but it's worth it. Bobby is a great husband and takes good care of me.

After several months of rotating partners at work Josh was TDY'd to Medic 12 for the month of April. He then decided to stay another month, then another and finally said he would stay and be my permanent partner. I am very fortunate that I have someone that I can rely on that not only has excellent patient care skills but is someone that I can be myself around. It makes for a very looooonnnnnggggg day when you're working with someone that is difficult to get along with. I have had the opportunity to get to know his wonderful family and consider them an important part of our lives.

May: I graduated!!! It's official, I am a college graduate! I graduated from IUSB with a BA in History and a minor in Anthropology. Bobby, my parents and grandmother all attended the ceremony and saw me walk across the stage- what a great feeling!

June: Bobby and I headed to Florida for a quick, 4-day trip to visit Jen and her kids. Ryan, Jens hubby and proud soldier in the US Army, was stationed in Germany and she and the kiddos were following shortly. I medicated my husband for his first flight and we arrived in St. Pete where I had a surprise for him: a convertible. Well, somehow the car rental people saw me coming because the offered us a 2009, yellow, Corvette convertible, at an affordable price, of course. It was a great time and we got to see Jen and the kids just before they left.

July: Bobby and I took our annual summer vacation at the lake and this year decided to take on the project of painting the cottage. It was a long process and there are still some things left to be finished but it looks GREAT!

It was a Hertel/Price fun night in July when we ended up in the ER with my dad and Bobby. Bobby broke his toe and dad had to be cardioverted because of A-Fib. I was back and forth between both rooms all night. Talk about an evening of fun...

September: After many wonderful, relaxing days and nights at the lake it was time to bring our summer to a close. The pier was taken out, the water turned off and leaves were raked ending another great summer.

November: Bobby went on disability after his shoulder surgery. The doctor said that it was not as bad as he thought initially so instead of 6 months, he should only be out of work for 3 months.

December: Christmas came and went and I finally found my Christmas Spirit! Bobby decorated the house and put up a little tree in hopes of helping me find it and it worked. He's a great guy!

I am excited about this coming year. To all my friends and family, may you have a healthy, safe and happy 2011. Please be safe tonight and use a designated driver- it's not worth the risk.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I have finally lost my Grinch-like attitude and just in time for Christmas! I didn't get excited until I gave Bobby his first gift on Wednesday but after that, it was on! (I know Wednesday was a little early but I can't wait to give gifts!)

Funny thing happened the day after I made my last post: I last posted about how I was just unable to get into the Christmas Spirit and didn't even have any Christmas decorations up at the house. Now, mind you, Bobby does not read my blog... When I got home that next morning Bobby had spent most of the night decorating the house. He took the skinny tree and pulled out all my old childhood decorations and decorated it. It was a nice surprise! He is so thoughtful- he said he did it just to try to get me into the spirit of the holidays. I am a very, very lucky girl!

Update!

My mother keeps wanting an updated blog, so here goes:

Bobby had shoulder surgery November 4, and is recovering quite well. The doctor said that his rotater cuff looks great and there was not major repair work that needed to be done. He's out of work until the first of February and in therapy twice a week to regain his strength. But, he's soooooo ready to go back to work. I think he's bored at home- no, I know he's bored at home.

Christmas has come and this year I am a Grinch! Sad, but true. Usually I am singing Christmas carols right after Halloween but for some reason... nothing. We didn't get a tree and I didn't put any of our Christmas decorations. I think the main reason is that this year I have to work on Christmas Eve and that's when the family celebrates.

I have been sick over the past few days. Last Sunday I hurt my back and had trouble getting around. Then I began feeling sick and, after several months of being pain free in my neck, I began having horrible pain and throbbing headaches. I had to miss the (big) Willis-Temple Christmas (which is always a blast because everyone is there and even Santa comes!) because I was so sick and hurting.

I came back to work today and it started off rough- I was very sick. But as the day has gone on, I have been feeling much better. Bobby even stopped by with a surprise from Paisano's, the lemon tort with kiwi sauce- my fave!! It was really thoughtful of him.

I am going to try to post more frequently. I always say that but I really want to try this time, even thought we don't do much in the winter.

Straight No Chaser

Tonight, Bobby and I were lucky enough to see Straight No Chaser at The Morris. These guys were AMAZING!! They are a group of guys (www.sncmusic.com) from IU Bloomington, who preform a wide variety of music A Cappella. They are fantastic! Their show is a must see if they are in town!

Sent from my iPhone

There's Just Something About A Fall Night

After another wonderful dinner at our favorite Three Rivers restaurant, Paisano's, Bobby and I came back to the cottage for a relaxing bonfire. As I walked out to hang up our towels, I took a few minutes to take in the lake at one of it's most peaceful times.

As I looked through the trees above, it looked like I could see almost every star in the clear night sky. The lake was calm, reflecting like glass the house lights from the other side of the lake with the occasional light from a rotating lighthouse across the way. The air was cool- crisp, reminding me that summer has gone and fall is here to stay. The buzzing insects also welcomed the fall with their chirps and noises, drowned out for a brief moment by the howls of a nearby coyote pack. A large, low half-moon appeared just over the trees, deceiving, almost like it was close enough to touch.

All too often we go through life without appreciating the beauty around us. I am thankful I have a place where I can stop to enjoy life- a place where I have peace. I am so thankful that my grandparents found this place so many years ago, and that my parents allow us to use it as much as we do. I appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that have been made so that we can take time here- thank you.

Sent from my iPhone

Nine Years Later

It's hard to believe that a single event can have so much impact on our daily lives and how when something like that happens, every detail can be remembered. When I look back at September 11, 2001, I feel like I am remembering frames from a movie, not my life. I remember the emotions of that day: astonishment, anger, fear, sorrow, pride and the feeling that I needed to help in any way I could.

I woke up that morning and went to the Miller's to babysit since I didn't have classes that day. The baby was still asleep and I had dozed off on the couch when my mom called my cell phone. She asked if I was watching TV. No, I responded. After I turned it on, I just sat there in disbelief. Was this some joke, like a modern day "War of the Worlds" broadcast that had caused so much panic decades ago? No, this was reality. We just sat on the phone together in disbelief, neither of us needed to speak. We both understood the tragedy that we were watching unfold before us.

I watched the newscasters replay the video if the first plane as it flew into the first tower. Then, in astonishment, the world watched as the second plane flew into the other tower. How could this be happening to us- to US?!

As the world was watching the smoke and flames, the cameras were filled with crying, screaming people running for their lives in a dusty, hazy New York City. An unimaginable panic filled those surrounded by the terror that day. As the brave members of FDNY were entering the towers to usher people to safety, they had to dodge panic stricken people who chose to risk jumping from such great heights rather than deal with the flames, smoke and unearthly hot temperatures of the burning jet fuel.

I watched as the first, then second towers fell. In disbelief I sat on the floor in the living room and cried. I cried for the families, for the victims, for myself- because I knew that the world as I had known it would be forever changed, war would be inevitable.

By the end of the day, two more planes had crashed. One into the Pentagon, the other in a field in Pennsylvania. The brave passengers, knowing their fate, decided that they would not go quietly and attempted to overtake the hijackers. They unknowingly saved hundreds, possibly thousands, of lives. Heroes.

When I think of that day, I still find it hard to believe that it happened. It feels like a dream- I wish it was. Thousands of people died, families forever changed because of the hatred of an organization that desired to see the demise of the United States and all her people.

Soon, the media pulled the footage of the plane crashes off of the television. Our soldiers went to war to defend our honor and initially received the support of all Americans. Soon, people forgot and our soldiers, still fighting for us, were drawn into the middle of a political game and have since received the brunt of Americans anger toward the situation.

America lost some of her innocence that day. It is something that we can never get back, but it is our duty to remember those that were killed in that violent terror attacks on American soil and those that have died protecting our freedoms since then. Never forget. Never forget. Never forget. God Bless America.

Thank Goodness for the Mishawaka Police!

Thank Goodness for Mishawaka Police!

About 4 years ago someone tried to break into my house while I was home, sometime after midnight. For a long time I was scared to be home alone- until Bobby.

Tonight, after he had gone to bed I was sitting at the table in the dining room- doing what you might ask?- FACEBOOK. Well suddenly I heard the screeching noise of the screen door on the back door opening. Oh My Goodness! To say I was scared would be an understatement. I ran into the bedroom, flung myself on the bed and scared the crap out of Bobby, waking him up out of a dead sleep. And to wake up to that- he didn't know what was going on and I couldn't form the words to tell him.

He got up and had to tell me to call the police. Then I couldn't find the phone- are you getting how much of a mess I was? Crazy! So the fine officers of the Mishawaka police dept came out and they were here quickly. They didn't find anything except that the door wasn't latched. So now I'm here in bed, still jacked up, trying to calm down and listening to Bobby snore. Urgh! I wish I could sleep.

I Will Take Two Tylenol and a Heating Pad Please

This 4-day we ended up at the lake working on the cottage... again. No, it is still not done. Our vacation project has turned into the most drawn out event- I can't wait for it to be done so we can enjoy the place again. And after a day of up and down the ladder and painting, I am going to need the Tylenol and heating pad so I'm not sore tomorrow. So as promised, here are some pics of our project so far. We still have plenty to do but it is coming along nicely, if I do say so myself. I can't wait for dad to see it when he comes back from Canada.


So, here is the before. We had already power washed the front- that's why there is some paint missing.


And this is what it looks like now (at least the back):

Bobby did a great job painting and replacing a lot of rotten boards- I mean A LOT! Then today he put down the rock in the back and put up the new shutters- they look GREAT! We still have some painting to do and more rock to put down but I think it looks great so far! We are excited about the progress but ready to be done!

On a sad note: This summer I began feeding the birds at the lake. I had about 8 feeders around the cottage and Bobby finally put up mom's Martin house- a little late in the season to get Martins but we did have some Sparrows nest in it. When we got up to the lake on Wednesday, I filled my feeders like I always do. But apparently the time has come and most of my birds have flown away. Bobby and I noticed a few weeks ago that we didn't see any Blue Herons and the arrival of the Sea Gulls always notes the end of summer- and they're here, landing on the raft with their dinners and leaving a huge mess! It seems a bit early in the season for the birds to leave the area but, maybe they know something we don't. I wonder if this means we are going to have an early winter or a cold/snowy one. Just have to wait and see. I really miss seeing my birds this weekend and I know the cats we disappointed too. So now I am on a mission to make my "aviary" (as Pam calls it) better next year.

Also this morning another first- Bobby and I saw a juvenile Muskie under the pier. This is a hybrid fish that is stocked in the lake. It was about 8 inches long, brown with spotted fins and more square than a bass. This is interesting because it was thought that the only ones left in the lake were between 45-60 inches long- yep, no joke. It's a big fish. Someone must have stocked the lake recently since this fish does not breed and this one is the smallest I have ever seen. - At least I thought it was neat.

So back to work we go. I got a text from one of the other Medic 12 lieutenants letting me know our brand NEW truck was in service. However, during a call this morning, someone went to move the truck and didn't realize the side door was open- BIG SCRATCH! At least I wasn't driving, considering my reputation for wrecking trucks!

3 Years Since the First Beer

Today is the 3rd anniversary of the first beer Bobby and I shared together. Wednesday, August 1, 2007, while I was on my way home from mowing the yard at the lake, Bobby called me to talk and we decided to meet up at Mr. G's Bar in Osceola. We sat and talked for a few hours, drinking beer, talking and eating Tootsie Rolls. It was truly the beginning of our relationship, even if we were just friends. I remember that when we said we were going to leave we stood at the back of my Pontiac and continued talking. I think we stood there for another hour, just not ready to say goodbye. I made a promise that evening that when I came back from my dive trip to Canada that I would take him out for his birthday. Unfortunately, I forgot when I returned and never did call him to go out out and celebrate, but I think I made up for it when I called him a few nights later to go to Giannetto's, which has become one of our favorite places to eat.

August is a special month for us. Our beers, the Perseide shower on the 12th at Lake Michigan and Mojito night (ask me sometime why I can't drink them anymore- Yuck!) are all memorable events that happened in our relationship. It's funny how a single event can change our entire lives. Love is something that happens when you are not looking for it. And I will never say this again, but, I'm glad Bobby didn't listen to my advice 3 years ago. If he had, our lives would be completely different and I can't imagine my life without him.

What Happened to July???

It's hard to believe that August is here! Where has the time gone? I feel like it should still be 2009 and here we are in August 2010. The spring/summer always go so fast. Seems like we dread the snow and the cold, which seem to linger, but the summer just slips away.

After we were in the emergency room with Bobby's toe injury, he was off work for a round (3 days no work), lucky him. Then we were both on vacation for 13 days (one of the several perks to our schedule- take off 3 work days and get 13 days off).

we had planned to spend the vacation at the lake painting the cottage. I know, it really doesn't sound like much fun but we were both really excited to do something different to the cottage. We decided (with the ok of my parents) to paint the cottage yellow with white trim and red shutters. (I will post pics soon) It is VERY cute (even though it's not done). Oh yeah, nothing seemed to go right. The power washer didn't take off as much old stuff as planned so we had to scrape A LOT. Then we found several trim boards that were rotten. So those had to come off and be replaced. And I can't forget the high humidity and several days of rain, so we had to wait for the house to dry before we could paint.

Once we started painting it went really quickly. We bought a paint sprayer and it was AMAZING!!! Anyway, the house is really cute and not white any more (it has been white for as long as I can remember).

Oh, and then there was the other emergency room visit to Three Rivers ER because Bobby was having problems with his right leg- broken toe leg. I was worried and made him get it checked. I think I am going to write a book about Michiana ER's, eh, maybe it will just be a picture book.

On a sad note, today we attended a funeral of a longtime family friend of both our families. John was a great man who was caring and always had a joke to tell. He will be greatly missed.

p.s. This was the first lunchon/wake that I have attended that had an open bar. He would have loved it.

Update on the Toe

Bobby went to the doctor this morning and was told that his 4th toe on his right foot has a spiral fracture and for the next 10 days he has to wear his shoe. At least we start our vacation in a few days so he will only miss a few days work. We have a wedding to go to this weekend so I am interested to see if he wears his shoe or not. I have a feeling that if he doesn't wear it and tries to pull off a normal shoe, he will cause more damage to his foot.

A Weekend of Injuries

This 4-day was one to remember, full of a variety of injuries that created an exciting 4-day which turned into an unofficial 5 day. Wednesday after work Bobby and I went up to the lake to spend the hot days relaxing in the water with anticipation that we would return to town on Thursday for a pain management appointment for my neck. Thursday morning I awoke with a horrible, take-your breath-away pain in my chest. The best way to describe it would be that it felt like my chest/ribs needed to be adjusted and as long as I didn't move or breathe, I was not in any pain. My appointment provided a little relief but it quickly returned when I dove into the water on Friday. Bobby had to swim over to me and actually help me to the boat because I was in so much pain.

Later that night while Casey, Phil, Bobby and I were playing a game, Bobby got up to get another beer and stubbed his toe on the chair. Now, to many this may not sound like a big deal, however he was in A LOT of pain- A LOT!

Saturday we had taken Casey and Phil tubing and Casey fell off, cutting her nose on some part of the tube. Well, that was the end of that for the day. When we returned to the lake house, I walked into the house to find my dad sitting at the table looking very uncomfortable. When I asked what was wrong he said he felt dizzy, lightheaded and just didn't feel well. I took his pulse, which was abnormally irregular, and then his blood pressure, which was low. I advised him, in my paramedic voice, that I felt he should go to the ER because this was not normal for him. (My dad is a pretty healthy guy and never admits when he is not feeling well.)

After a few hours his pulse was still irregular and his blood pressure was still low and I finally convinced him to go to the hospital. And at this point Bobby decided he should go too since he couldn't walk anymore. We drove back to the hospital in Mishawaka (there was no convincing either of them to go to the one in town) and, dad went to room 11 while Bobby went to room 8. Talk about a circus going from room to room.

The doctor saw dad right away and he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. He was sedated with Diprivan and Cardioverted (more or less shocked with a defibrillator) at 100 joules. His rhythm was converted and when he woke he said he felt much better. They sent him home that night and he still says he feels great.

Bobby on the other hand was diagnosed with a broken toe, it may not sound like a big deal, but he will be off work for a few days and has an appointment with the foot doctor tomorrow.

So, Casey's nose stopped bleeding, dads heart is back to normal, Bobby is limping around in a soft cast/boot and I am still having my goofy chest pain. I called in sick to work yesterday because I still had very limited motion- for the most part I have pain any time I move. However I had forgotten that I promised to work for someone today so I had to come in for the first 14 and then back again tomorrow. Hopefully I will be feeling better and able to move/breathe without being in pain.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to all! Today, Bobby and I have to work so everyone be safe and smart today! I don't want to pick up any fingers or go on an accident because bad decisions were made.

So here is a quick history lesson (from the history major in me): April 19, 1775, the day after Paul Revere's ride, alerting Lexington that "the British are coming!" war between the colonies began against Great Britain. After years of taxation without representation the colonists were tired of being ruled by someone that didn't understand their circumstances and didn't want to listen.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by five of its members, including Thomas Jefferson. Boys, and men, were quick to sign up to fight against Britain throughout the colonies. Many signed up for the excitement of the fight, some for the thought of travel and seeing other parts of the country and some because they believed in the cries of freedom.

My 7th-great-grandfather, Zaccheus Salyer, was one of the many boys that decided to join in the fight. He and many others mustered in New York to aid the other Americans against Great Britain. He survived the war and later married Elizabeth Doan(Doane) and they had 13 children.

I am very proud to know that I am a descendant of someone that fought for our independence. I know that many men were not as lucky as Zaccheus and gave their lives for the cause of freedom. America is a great country and we are very fortunate to live in a place like this. As we celebrate today with food and fireworks, we should all take a minute to remember those that have given everything to obtain and protect our liberties. God Bless America!

A 4-day of Fun

This past 4-day Bobby and I traveled to Florida to visit my friend, Jen, before she and the kids leave to live in Germany with her husband who was recently deployed there for three years.

Jen and I have been friends since Cornerstone University, which dates back to 2000. We had an interesting relationship and became friend easily. Over the years we have kept in contact, I was her maid of honor, she was my matron of honor and here and there we have kept in contact through facebook and phone calls.

I am very excited that she and the kids get to be with Ryan but I wanted to be sure I could see her and Caelyn and meet Eli before they left. So we boarded a 6:30 flight from South Bend and made our way to Fort Myers. You've gotta love a place that has turtle crossings!

As a thank you to Bobby for going with me, I rented a 2010, Red, Ford Mustang convertible since he loves (fast) cars. While we were checking out, the manager came over and offered us a 2009 Corvette (I love Corvettes!) for only $30 more per day- an offer we couldn't pass up (hey!, we don't do this- ever, and we should have fun!). Bobby was in love! And so was I. We had so much fun driving around Florida in this beautiful car. Did you know there's a Corvette culture? Every time you see another Corvette you have to wave or else you're considered snobby.

Saturday we met Jen for a quick lunch since she was working and (as luck would have it) got a call and so we hit the hotel for a quick nap. After, we drove down to the beach and watched the sunset and had a late dinner at Sharky’s. This Key Lime Pie was homemade and the best part was the gummie shark - how cute!

Sunday we hit the beach and in the morning and later went back, and were on the hunt for shark teeth. We bought a strainer at a local store and dug around on the shore. This place is known as the shark teeth capital and we did well for a few hours on the beach. We made a haul- 50!

Monday we met Jen and the kids at the beach and spent some time playing in the sand and looking for shells. Bobby and I bought masks and snorkels the previous day and after he went out looking around I went out and saw an amazing sight: hundreds of sand dollars! I noticed these lumps of sand about 8-10 feet down and went down to check them out. After I brushed the sand off I realized what they were and they were everywhere! Bobby had missed them but he was amazed when I handed him my mask so he could see. It was beautiful.

In the afternoon, we met Jen in and the kids in Sarasota at Mote Marine, a must see if you're ever in the area. It is a research facility/lab/rehabilitation facility with a focus on education and healing so animals can be reintroduced to their habitats. They had huge turtles(!) manatees and dolphins along with hundreds of fish and examples of habitats. After she dropped the kids off we had dinner at this WONDERFUL Italian restaurant Valenti’s. I wish we would have found this our first night because it was great! The food was excellent and the Martini list was one of the best I have seen in a long time- I recommend the Creme Brulee Martini!

Tuesday it was time to leave so Jen and the kids met us at the airport for lunch and our traditional airport picture. Very bittersweet, like always I cried. I forgot that I had a card for her until after we had already gone through security- Bobby said send it to her but I just couldn't do that. I must have been a mess- eyes red and cheeks puffy from crying, nose running, and the very nice TSA guy said he would take it to her since the plane was supposed to board soon and the line for security had gotten really long. I thought it was very nice of him.

So we made it home in one piece. I didn't leave Bobby in the lost and found at any of the airports and he didn't push me out of the moving car. Win- win! It was a good trip and I actually got him to say that if Jen and the kids are still here in 6 months we could go back. Wouldn't that be fun!?! Not likely though.

Are You a Princess?

I found this today as I was searching Blogs. My Soapbox.

Interesting... (sorry Theresa) Is this what we teach our daughters? As a child I never thought about Disney movies in this way but I know these movies did influence the way I understood dating/relationships- more so that boys wanted a perfect, beautiful (servant?) "girl" that would change to fit their needs. I am very lucky that I found my "prince" and he accepts me with all my flaws (and I mean ALL). I believe that it is important the young women (girls) of today see good examples of successful women and examples of how we are supposed to be treated by others- as equals.

Ummm, I think I'll Pass- Thanks

Today I did one of the most dreadful things imaginable (at least in my world)- I WENT SHOPPING. Yes, hard to believe for those that know me, but with our mini-vaca (vay-cay) to Florida a few days away, I thought it would be nice to treat myself to some new clothes, since I just bought Bobby some new stuff.

Let me tell you: nothing can be as discouraging as trying on clothes to find something that not only fits but also fits the budget. I went to Kohl's today and saw a shirt that was $40.00. To some that may seem reasonable EXCEPT: it was so thin I could see the clothing racks through it when I held it up to get a better look. Lets just say that one found it's way back to the rack without a second thought.

After my ordeal at the department stores, I figured my blood pressure was high enough and I should go donate blood, so I did. There seems to be a shortage of donors so if you are able- GO DONATE!! Someday you might be the one that needs it, so give when you can.

Another great weekend

Bobby and I had another great weekend at the lake. For the most part the weather was nice. A few days it started off overcast but then it cleared up nicely. We decided to take the kids (they are not good car riders) this weekend. Sophie only cried for half the drive (30 minutes) and Lucky threw up on M40- he just can't take the hills. But once we got there they made themselves at home.

Lucky, for the most part, did not move at all over the 4 days. He took up residence on the cot so he could see the bird feeders and stayed there.



And my little hunter? Well, I couldn't figure out why she wasn't eating, or I should say, why I didn't see her at the food bowl. I figured it out when I noticed she was catching and eating bugs. I actually saw her catch a moth in mid air- yep, she's that good.

Thursday we invited our co-workers to spend the day at the lake. I had so much fun!! (I think the kids might have had a good time too) Bobby took the kids tubing, the jet ski was out and Goodman and Lisa even fished. It was fun, we are going to have to do it again before the summer is over.

Today my parents came up and spent the afternoon with us. Dad, Bobby and I fished at the end of the pier and, for once, I did not take home the prize for the largest catch. Dad ended up with an amazing 22 fish! I had 4, including a super small Rock Bass and, well, Bobby didn't catch anything. :-( Oh well, there's always next time. Sorry Bobby- shouldn't have been so obsessed with catching the catfish under the pier. But thank you oh great and wonderful husband for, not only taking my fish off the hook but also putting the worm on so I did not feel guilty about killing it. But for future reference the red wigglers that my dad used today worked much better than the night crawlers we were using. 22 to 4, need I say anything else?

Don't Feel Bad about Eating the Tots- It's Their Destiny

This morning was my first Sonic experience. Now, normally, I wouldn't even mention a restaurant, however I got the biggest kick out of their Tot carton- a carton of tots, salt shaker in hand, salting himself with the above saying. Huh... It makes me laugh.

Anyway, today was supposed to be a work day at the lake, and there is a storm front hanging around IL, so I'm not too excited about going up there to work in the rain. If I have it my way- nap! then maybe (if the weather is OK) some work. To my advantage, I am sitting at the table and I can hear Bobby snoring on the couch, so now is the time if I want to catch a few.

Work has been interesting lately. Yesterday we had a kid tripping on some shrooms; yes shrooms. I'm not sure why someone would knowingly put themselves into that state. I'm sure this person wasn't having too much fun in the ambulance and it looked like they had eaten some grass before we got there. Why would you do that to yourself? Yummmm grass...

I learned yesterday that my girlfriend Jen will be moving to Germany to be with her husband who was recently stationed there. Bummer :-( but good for her. Maybe that's my excuse to travel Europe- Hey Bobby, I'm going to meet Jen in Paris for the weekend, be back soon! Don't think that would go over too well.

This year is my 10 year reunion- 10 YEARS! Oh my! I can't believe it has been 10 years- sometimes I still see myself as that high school graduate and wonder, what-in-the-heck-am-I-doing?!? or how-did-I-end-up-here!?! I always thought I would be excited about my reunion, but- I'm not, and I don't think we are going. Initially it was $80 per person for a Friday night pub crawl (oh that's what I want to do in South Bend on a Friday night) and a dinner on Saturday at St. Hedwig. I think I'll save my $160 and spend it on something special for me- camera lens maybe? ??? And now with Facebook it's not like I don't keep up with the people I graduated with- Is it really Facebook stalking if they accepted your friend request and you just keep up on their postings? Just wondering!

Our Piece of Heaven

Many years ago, my father's parents bought a lake cottage on an inland lake in Michigan. Today, my parents are kind enough to allow Bobby and I to come and go as we please and we spend most of our days off at the lake.

After many hours of working, we are FINALLY at a point where we can enjoy the days with only a few projects here and there. I LOVE this place. I love the sounds, the smells and the feeling that I can relax and be myself with no one to critique me. We are very lucky to have the opportunity to spend time in a place like this.

The view from the end of the lake on the pontoon .

Our Blue Heron

On nice days there are turtles everywhere! As we were going around the lake on the pontoon, Bobby noticed this and if he wouldn't have said anything I would have missed the two turtles sunning themselves on the cradle area of the lift.

Growing up, I used to think that pontoon boat rides were very boring. Sometimes, if I begged enough, my dad would take us through this "special area" (well I thought it was!). It is a portion of the lake that is considered to be wetlands and there is a channel that allows the people access to the lake. As we would travel through this path, shore on one side and weeds/land on the other, we would always see interesting things: large fish, birds nesting and I even saw a deer among the weeds a few years ago. Here are just a few of the beautiful things I saw on our latest ride:

This may not be an area I am excited about swimming in but sitting on the boat and listening to the animals is wonderful!

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Let's see if having mobile blogger will help me to keep my blog updated

Back Again

So, I am a horrible blogger. The last post was September 9th, and titled, "Goodbye to Summer," and just the other day we opened the lake house and are ready for another lake season. The boat is in the water and over the winter the interior was replaced- it looks great! It's going to be a great summer!

Updates:

At the beginning of the year Bobby's fire department merged with a neighboring one, something that had been in the making for several years. He stayed at the Anderson Rd station and is the captain on the engine. He enjoys the station which has affectionately been name "Flat Spot 5's."

I was fortunate to receive a "promotion" at the beginning of the year (it's difficult to explain but it's not really a promotion) when my LT went to Medic 10. I was supposed to be one of the float rigs, changing partners every month, but the Intermediate that was sent out here in April decided to stay and is now my permanent partner.

Bobby and I celebrated our first anniversary. He bought me a BEAUTIFUL necklace and we went to dinner at Clementines in St. Joe, MI. Unfortunately it was too cold to walk on the beach so we just went and looked at it from the car.

May 11th, I graduated from IUSB with a Bachelors in history and a minor in Anthropology. The ceremony was long but nice and Bobby, my parents and grandmother were able to attend. I was so glad grandma was able to go, mom borrowed a wheelchair from a local care facility so there was no walking involved for her. After the ceremony she wanted to go to dinner so we went to Perkins for a LATE meal.

This is definitely going to be a great summer. I can't wait to spend time at the lake, floating, boating and sitting around the camp fire. Hopefully I can be a good blogger and keep everyone updated on the Hertel-Price family... We'll see...