Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Picnic

We went to a picnic at Mary Ann's House and when it came to dessert there was a wonderful surprise... Pam-Lauren-& Cat picked out a very
"Groovy" cake for Gary & my birthday. The pictures even looked like Gary & me in our younger days. So thank you everyone who had a hand in planning that exciting surprise.
Another fact we discover today is that Cat is a very very smart girl ... in 5th grade she is reading and comprehending at a 10th grade level she has out smarted even the gifted class so they have to have a meeting with the school. Abbey has an internship at the adoption agency that her adoption went through... so that is exciting. Brian was called to Jury duty. Mary Ann, Dad, & Olivia plus the James Crouse family are all going out to visit with Claire for her graduation... Dad is a nervous Nelly getting ready for the plane trip to visit Claire.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Jenni and Brian at home with us

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Jenni arrived home on Tuesday and our first dinner was enjoyed by all outside on an outdoor set that Maddy passed onto us, we added an umbrella and flowers!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Serial Killer in Milwaukee

From TMJ4 Milwaukee, Wisconson ...

Milwaukee Police Link 7th Victim to North Side Strangler



"MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police have linked a seventh victim to a suspected serial killer. Sources tell TODAY'S TMJ4 HD the victim, identified as 28-year-old Florence McCormick, was strangled to death in 1995.

McCormick's body was found by construction workers inside a vacant home in the 600 block of W. Locust Ave.

Like the other victims, McCormick was an African-American prostitute.

During a news conference Monday, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced that they are forming a task force to investigate the case.

The single person is wanted for at least six murders that started 23 years ago, all killed on the near north side of Milwaukee. The latest murder happened in 2007.

Five of the victims were African-American females.

"We don't know if he lives in the Milwaukee area," said Flynn. "We are going to have to count on some real good cooperation among people who are in the sex trades as well as their family members."

Authorities say recent advances in DNA technology allowed them to link the cases.

Police are now submitting 24 additional cases for testing in an effort to see if they might be linked to the same suspect. Each of those murders involve prostitutes.

"I am absolutely convinced we will identify this DNA and link it," said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. "We are going to be able to bring justice to these families."

According to authorities, the killings started on October 10th, 1986. Police say the suspect killed a woman named Deborah Harris. A day later, investigators believe the suspect killed Tanya Miller.

Following the two murders, there was a nine-year break in the murders that police have been able to link. On June 27th, 1995, authorities believe the suspect killed Sheila Farrior. Two months after that, another killing. Authorities believe the suspect may be responsible for the death of Jessica Payne on August 30th, 1995.

Police say Payne's murder does not fit the pattern of the others; however, the suspect's DNA was found on her.

Following Payne's murder, there was a two-year break in the murders.

The next murder linked to the suspect happened on June 20th, 1997. The victim was Joyce Mims.

Follows Mims's case there was a ten year break in the murders. The latest victim linked to the serial killer is Ouithreaun Stokes. She was killed April 27th, 2007.

Police say the victims were all prostitutes.

Authorities say the suspect's DNA is not in any law enforcement database.

If you have information you'd like to share about the murders, you can call Milwaukee Police at 414-935-1212. You can email tips by clicking here.

Stay with TODAY'S TMJ4 HD for continuing coverage of this breaking news story."

The Little Ducklings

This was just too cute not to put up!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Last Friday

Friday we went on a trip to Baltimore to see MICA... where Brian is going to school.
Jenni also ... not to be out done bought a House on Friday then ran a 1/2 marathon on Saturday.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Brian has some nice pictures

I wanted to give a shout out to Brian or should I say KhingKOBRA because he has some very nice pictures that he has taken lately. Here is his link: http://khingkobra.blogspot.com/
I have been cutting fresh flowers and then I took tulips out of an arrangement sent to me by a very special person and Brian did a beautiful job photographing them. Please take the time to check them out.
Jenni's house buying is coming soon, her FHA loan inspectors found some wood outside on two window sills and on the garage door that needed to be repainted so that is how she spent her Mother's Day. Jenni, her realtor and the realtor's mother repainted the areas listed above so she is waiting for FHA loan people to then give the ok.... if that happens she is on for Friday to purchase her very first home.
I am very proud of both Brian and Jenni. By-the-By Gary's 6oth birthday is coming up on the 24th of May! Yes the big 60, it sounds unbelievable because I know that in both our heads we are not anywhere near that age but we are both happy to be celebrating any day and everyday.
Jenni is coming home for the Big Day that we still have no plans to do anything or even what to buy the old man. Anyone out there have a gift suggestion email me including you Gary if you ever read my BLOG.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mom's Day.... love you Mom

I am hoping that uploading this video onto youtube that we will be able to view a better version of the video. The video was one I found with Mom talking about being a Mom. I want to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day, she is in my heart and my mind.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Articles

I was checking out the New York Times and found a wonderful site, so you should check out the following site.
http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/

Jenni called today with the news that they me "furloughing" employees in Milwaukee, how far this goes I don't know but it means for Jenni that she might be having some at home time without pay this year and they want to resend the 2.5 raise they just got after waiting for 2 years of negotiations to get it. We live in an interesting time.
I was watching ABC special with M.J. Fox about hope and he went to Bhutan ... I have said it before but I will say it again... it is a beautiful, wonderful place on earth.

Monday, May 4, 2009

John Edwards... one slimmy man

People are upset because of the allegations that John Edwards paid his mistress too much money but my sorrows are saved for his wife. What kind of creep cheats on his wife when she is sick, then waits to tell her anything until two days after he announced running for the Presidential campaign.
I don’t know any man who would tolerate the following scenario: first, fall in love, (which is a subject for another time- how the sexes define love) and then decide to marry... next both parties continue to work, being a supportive husband then knowingly change everything thing about himself. Number one, his hair would thin out or be unmanageable, experience huge weight gain with severe body changes, complexion breakouts, insomnia, mood swings, sinus problems, farting with constipation, hemorrhoids, headaches plus he has to wear clothes that make him look stupid, have people gawking and making fun of him plus putting his life in danger. Afterwards his body will never never be the same.
Secondly, he would, without missing a beat be expected to continue as if nothing had changed. Go through life with normal ups and downs as the Edwards have done but with John experiencing the aforementioned changes .... just to keep things within the scope of the Edwards’ scenario we will give him Prostate Cancer, a really fast growing cancer the kind you know most likely he will die from. On top of that his wife comes homes one day and says "I am running for President of the US".... two days later she drops the boom by saying quickly (no details) I AM HAVING AN AFFAIR with a younger- blonde- smart -well tanned man.... and by-the-by we have a town meeting this evening and I need you John to stand by my side-smile-don't complain about standing on your feet that are so swollen from the physical changes he went through earlier in the marriage so they could have the life they chose.I think if John Edwards had to go through everything his wife did plus experiencing the loss of a child he would not stand for one minute of "oh honey, I am sorry ... can't we just get through this campaign". Who is he fracken kidding, his wife is a great lady and deserves much more than this man can ever give her.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Feeling...

I will be going to another Funeral well- Viewing tonight it is for my “little sister” from school, her father died. I find it very difficult- I have expressed this before - I am at the first wave of all my friend’s parents dying. I know I should be happy with every minute I have with no pain but when my pain decreases, my mind tends to race. I do wish that death didn’t play such a large part of my thought processes. If it isn’t death it is my lack of closeness that Gary and I have fallen into, I do know that in the near future it is something we will have to address because we will be empty nesters. I have in the back of my head that I am not living up to others expectations. I need a lot of reassurance and I don’t seem to be getting any from the people I am surrounded by. When I did go to work and saved people’s lives, the patient would look up at me and they would say “thank-you” or their family would say thank you. But, at this time I don’t feel accepted for me myself who I am now. I get up in the morning putter around the house, if I have appointments I keep them, I try to be nice to people I cross paths with and help people who my need help. A friend of mine stopped over on Saturday while I was ironing Dad’s two work shirts. I had been out shopping with Dad (with help from Brian ) and was ringing wet from sweat but my friend needed someone to vent her frustrates about her family problems so I finished up ironing and put my jacket on, went out to a Diner for a late lunch. It was fun but I could have just as easy sat in my chair and put my feet up but a friend needed to talk and I went. I don’t feel that I have anyone I can be completely honest with or really gives a flying fig about me. Of course, Mom was always there to lift my ego… she did nitpick but she gave me love, hugs, kisses, and concern and I miss all that affection!