Thursday, July 31, 2008

Millie!

When Bruce and I made Kosciusko County our full time home, we considered a pet. We wanted a dog that would enjoy the lake with us - a dog that would swim, jump off the pier with the kids and enjoy the water. We adopted a large lab mix from the local 'No-Kill' Shelter. HOBIE was a large, black dog with a long coat and beautiful feathers from his tail. He looked like a Flat Coat Retriever and the vet thought he might even be a Newfoundland/Lab mix.

Between us, Bruce and I had both had Basset Hounds. Bruce had Sam and Max and I had Lucy and Charlie. We both loved Basset Hounds - but the physics of a Basset hound is just not conducive to swimming and frolicking in the lake.

Our yard and small home and our busy work schedules were not a good fit for the large good natured watch dog that loved kids. I ran an ad on http://www.petfinder.com/ and found a family in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was looking for a dog that matched Hobie's description. The patriarch worked for a railroad and was gone for a days at time. They wanted a good watch dog - that enjoyed children. Hobie was the perfect match for them. Ironically - the same family owned a Basset hound, who wasn't such a good watch dog. The family also shared our love for Basset hounds and had presented a Basset to their best friends when they were struggling with infertility. That Basset must have brought good luck to that family - as the woman became pregnant after they recieved the Basset. The family didn't want to keep the Basset after the baby was born. How sad for this Basset - and it was the second time a family had given this Basset up because they didn't want her around thier children.

The family from Fort Wayne that wanted Hobie retrieved the Basset hound from their friends... We loaded Hobie in the back of Bruce's Tracker one Sept. Sunday afternoon in 2003. The Family loaded, Millie - the Basset in thier car and we met 'half-way' in South Whitley, IN
We traded dogs in the parking lot of Gas Station in South Whitley, Indiana.

I haven't heard from the Fort Wayne family in well over 4 years... but I know that Millie has brought so much joy to our lives. She is the best dog in the world. She doesn't swim or frolick in the water - but she LOVES to go for Pontoon rides and she sure enjoys the breeze that comes from the lake as she lays out under the weeping willow trees. Lankenau's Luau is a favorite event for her - as she is treated to ALOT of Hog during the event!!!!!!

We sure do love her alot - and have NO regrets or question that our Petfinder.com experience resulted in a very happy exchange for all of us. We couldn't ask for a better dog than Millie - and she is wonderful with our Grandsons. The families that gave her up because they didn't want her around children resulted in our gain. Our lives are richer because of Millie!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, MILLIE!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Weigh-In

This was a big week - and I'm not sure why. I lost 5.4# this week!!! My goal is to lose 50 pounds in my 50th year... I'm now down 24.4 with 25.6 to go - almost halfway there!!! I LOVE the Weight Watcher CORE program. My first WW leader used to say "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"... now that I'm FIFTY... I really like the idea of just being healthy - so my new motto is... "NOTHING tastes as good as being HEALTHY feels"!!!



Friday, July 25, 2008

Friday's FIVE!




My son-in-law celebrates his magic birthday this week - Phil Morgan is 28 on the 28th of this month. In honor of the father of my grandsons... this week's Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to my son-in-law, Phil and five things that I appreciate about him....


1. Phil is a wonderful father to his two sons... I'm so proud of my grandsons and I will be proud of the men they become because of the father they have in their lives.... Phil spends time with his boys - when they visit us at the lake... Phil ALWAYS spends time with Tyler throwing a ball around in the front yard. I appreciate the time he gives to his boys, Tyler and Trevor!

2. Phil is a wonderful balance to Katie - she can talk (a lot)... and he lets her. He just smiles at her - and lets her talk (and talk)...

3, Phil loves his sister-in-law. Katie and Betsy are very close, and Phil has always appreciated that. He loves his little sister-in-law, Betsy and I love to watch them together.

4. Phil enjoys beer - and we like to drink beer with him. This Friday's FIVE! was almost a list of my favorite micro-brews as a tribute to Phil - but I wanted to say more about him than... Bells, Sierra Nevada, Pacifico etc. etc. etc.

4. Phil is just fun to be with - Bruce and I both enjoy his company... We enjoy having him around. We enjoy laughing with him.... and watching the wonderful father and husband he has become. He is helpful - and will assist with family projects (you should have seen him wrestle a 164# pig at our hog roast) - We enjoy him and are proud he is our son-in-law.

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY, Phil!!!!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Weigh-In

Since beginning the Weight Watcher CORE program, I have noticed a pattern of big loss/little loss.... last week was a big loss. This week, I was down only 0.4 pounds for a total of 19#. I haven't really done anything different - it just seems to be the pattern of my body. The weight is coming off, no drugs, no purging...no unhealthy patterns...just good, healthy habits. I've been able to add some exercise...and finally have been released to walk. It feels good to sweat after a 2 or 3 mile walk!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Friday's FIVE!


I have always considered myself lucky to share my life with my cousins... I have a total of seven cousins - 4 on my Dad's side of the family - Mark, Bob, Nancy and Amy.... and three on my Mother's side - Rex, Angie and Elizabeth. My cousin Angie and I are 18 months apart ...
(I need to make it very clear here that Angie is 18 months OLDER than I am).... and while I will forever tease her about being older than me... the age between us has never been significant. We have always been very, very close - and while time can pass without much contact - the love and bond we share is deep. I was thrilled to see her at our Luau this year... and was able to have a short visit with her this week. We have shared our deepest secrets... and our greatest fears... we have shared happy days - and we have shared days filled with sorrow. This Friday's FIVE! is a tribute to Angie just because I love her and I've enjoyed reconnecting with her this month!!! This Friday's FIVE! will highlight five of my best memories with my close cousin... my lifetime friend- Angie Alexander Moon

1. Chickens, Crayons & Tabasco Sauce - It must have been around Easter - because the Lumber Yard was having a promotion and giving away little chicks. The chicks were in a wooden bottle case- the kind glass soda pop used to come in... and each chick was in its own little space in the case. They were being safely stored in the shower at our house. Mom and Dad's house on 52nd street in Marion had a large shower - the depth of a regular bathtub with a large ledge to sit on. The chicks were in the case sitting on the ledge. Angie and I decided we needed to 'feed' the Chicks... and for some reason, we decided that Crayons and Tabasco Sauce would be a delictable treat for the tiny yellow chicks. I'm not sure what Dad ended up doing for the promotion ... but those chicks didn't live to see that Spring Promotion at the Lumber Yard.

2. Sleep overs at her "D" Street House - we spent the night together a lot. When we were little and when we were teenagers. I can remember spending a lot of time upstairs at her house on "D" street listening to albums and talking forever ... I loved staying all night with her - because she lived in town and had so many friends within walking distance. I grew up in a 'neighborhood' on the far south side of town... and it was a completely different environment. We could walk to a Shroats market... and we could walk to her friends homes. I loved it!!!

3. BOYS BOYS BOYS Angie was pretty and Angie was blonde. I was the chubby brunette. Whenever with Angie - wherever we were.... there were BOYS BOYS BOYS. Angie would come to the lake with me = and we would meet new boys. Jimmy Heltzle was a friend of my brothers, and a very cute rebel boy on the lake. Jimmy Heltzle was around, only if Roger or Angie were here....

4. GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS Angie and I grew up together - and it was our dream to have children at the same time. Our dream came true - My oldest daughter, Katie is just 2 months older than Angie's twins, Laura and Tara....and 2 1/2 years later, my Betsy was born.
The girls were also raised together - we went to the Elks pool together, we shopped together, we sat in our yards together with inflatable pools, we went to rummage sales together, we would come to the lake together.... If we weren't together, we were on the phone. We would spend hours and hours and hours on the phone - we would look through Christmas Wish Books and talk about Christmas gifts....we would talk about Dr. appts, menu's, soap operas, child development, husbands, family, and our lives.
5. Empty Nests and other Mid-life crises - Angie and I have shared so much, our own weddings, our daughters school days and graduations, fledgling daughters moving on...our empty nests, my divorce, the loss of grandparents, fathers and her mother and sister-in-law, tragedy and joy... new babies and new homes - jobs and life. Ahhh - the circle of life - here we are ... How did we become our mother's age so fast??? The joy I've shared with my cousin - softens the growing pains of aging and I'm so thankful to have her in my life!
PS: HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY LAURA AND TARA - JULY 24, 1980!!!
and... Happy Birthday to Rex, too!!!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Weigh-In

Weigh-In Report -
I'm now down a total of 18.6 after a 4 pound loss tonight!!!
I'm on my way to my goal of 50 pounds in my 50th year -
19# Down - 31# to go!!!!!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Friday's FIVE!


Bruce and I have had the last three days off together... a little bit of a Yellow Creek Lake vacation. We've had a wonderful time... I wish we could retire!!! We enjoy each other so much... and enjoy the same things and the time we have together... This weeks Friday's FIVE! highlights five of the fun things I have enjoyed during this short - but relaxing siesta!

1. KOSCIUSKO COUNTY FAIR with Allen and Esther... We walked through every animal barn and the community barn... I love the animals and 4H exhibits at the Kosc. county fair. We also all the love the Taco's at Gapo's Tacos. Bruce and Allen were good sports and went along with us - but they always enjoy browsing the antique tractors on the way out.

2. LUNCH AT GORDITAS - There are many Hispanic businesses on Winona Ave. in Warsaw. Gorditas Aguas Caliente is a very, very authentic Mexican restaurant. We stopped for lunch ... Steak Tacos with onions and cilantro.... and very, very Cold Coronas & Modelas.... It truly feels like you are in Mexico! I LOVE IT!!!

3. DINNER AT SPIKES - Spikes is a seasonal/outside restaurant. There are ongoing sand volleyball and corn hole tournaments... and live music several nights a week. The beer is cold - the crowd is fun and the food is good - but mostly - the company of each other and the time together makes this one of our our favorite places.

4. MIMOSA'S AND COFFEE CAKE at Betsy Schlemmers. Bruce had some school work to catch up on ... and Esther and I were invited to Betsy's this morning. We had a great time - it is wonderful to make new friends....and to enjoy our neighbors. Betsy's daughter was there - and Esther's daughter, Katie was here this week for a few days. The only thing that would have made this day better would have been to have my own daughters with me as we shared Mimosa's, friendship and mother-daughter stories....

5. SOAKING WET SPLASH BOAT RIDES - Yellow Creek Lake is a 1-4PM lake, which means we can exceed 10MPH from 1-4 only. We love this... because it gives us 'cut-up' time - and it keeps the lake peaceful and quiet. Everyday around 2-3 PM we have been going out in our Jet boat, "The Ditto Babe" for several laps in the boat. Bruce tries real hard to get me wet with 360s and nose dives. The afternoons usually conclude with several rounds in Allen and Esthers pontoon....

Honorable Mention - I really, really do try to keep this down to FIVE... staying with the "Friday's FIVE!" concept.... but every now and then.... an honorable mention needs to be added...
This week - every evening we have ended the day with a late night pontoon ride in our very old 'classic' Harris Flote Boat Pontoon, affectionately called "The Happy Hour". Millie loves to sit at the front the of the boat as we make our lap around the lake, waving to neighbors and searching for BigFoot (or just racoons, deer and beaver) in the cove with the spotlight

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake

Lankenau's Lodge on Yellow Creek Lake

Patterson's
The Blue Moon Crew

Boat Parade on Yellow Creek Lake!

Aloha Yellow Creek - Schlemmers!!!

Pulling Pig!! YUMMY!!!

Waiting to eat!

Neighbors Max & Katherine

164# pounds of Hog will feed them all!!!!

Millie wants a longer rope!

Plenty of Food!

Debbie and her Mom, Carol

Enjoying the Sun

Old Lake friends, Renee', Larry and wife, Mary

Neighbor Johnsons & Domenico's


School/Childhood friends - Harold & Cheryl Mathias
Alexander Cousins, Liz, Me, Angie & Rex


Some of the Alexander Cousins & Kids with Aunt Izzy!

Yeah Rah Yellow Creek! Neighbor - Hammonds

Tyler decked out in Luau Leis


What a wonderful time we had at the 6th Annual Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake.
This started out as a party for our family and close neighbors and has expanded to a large party with many family and friends! I grew up as a 'laker' on YCL, spending long weekends throughout the summer. It was a seasonal place (and for most, it still is) - and many of my friends came from many different places. It was a homogenous place - no-one knew what each others 'real' homes looked like - no-one cared. We all dressed in lake grubs so there wasn't any clothing competition ... we just liked each other, no matter what our backgrounds were.
The party has evolved into a YCL reunion of sorts with over 100 in attendance. Several of my old lake friends that no longer have cottages return to visit the Luau each year to see many of our friends that are still on the lake!!! It is a fun time - We also have lots of family and friends join us and the kids invite friends and their families too. It is a wonderful day - filled with fun, sun, good food, good time and good friends old friends, new friends and our wonderful family!
It is our intent, in the midst of all the excitement and fun - to share with our family and friends... a little piece of this place that we love so much. If our guests can take a minute to breathe - and enjoy a little of the lake life - on lake time, as we do everyday - then our goal is accomplished.
We look forward to this event every year....

Monday, July 7, 2008

Weigh-In

Weigh-In Report
I gained 1.4# this week - Honestly, it was my hope to keep it under 2# with the HOG ROAST and July 4th festivities....
I'm very motivated - and while it is a gain, I've made good choices. It will be better next week.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Friday's FIVE!


We have had a wondeful weekend celebrating Independence Day - and enjoying Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake! It's been a busy few weeks preparing for the Hog Roast - and we are pretty tired....but we had a WONDERFUL time and enjoyed our children and our guests.

It is our hope that in the midst of the chaos - we are able to share with our loved ones a little piece of this place that we love so much! Today's Friday FIVE! will focus on highlights of FIVE memories of Independence Day celebrations.


1. Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake (since 2003). 2008 Luau will go down as one of the most memorable because I attempted to roast the hog myself. The hog came from the butcher at 164# and there is no way I could have put that sow on a spit. Thank goodness we were rescued by Steve Sands - Big Boss BBQ http://bigbossbbq.com/ The weather was perfect - and the hog was delicious and a great time was had by all!! (Stay tuned.... more photos from 2008 Lankenau's Luau to come)


2. Childhood at Yellow Creek Lake I remember being about 10 years old - and 'parading' around Yellow Creek Lake with Laura Ward and Jenny and Jeri Hammond with flags in our our hands singing patriotic songs! Laura is still like family - and I still see Jenny and Jeri now and then. Their cousins, Jason, Christy and Nicki attend Lankenau's Luau every year.


3. Ward Family - Many, many July 4th's have been spent with the Ward family. I remember many holidays around bonfires - watching fire works and putting small children to bed after roasted marshmallows. The holiday doesnt seem complete without representation from the Knotts/Ward/Farber/Kuckartz families.


4. Party at Forest Ridge - Most of my life - I have been right here at Yellow Creek Lake on July 4th... but a few were spent at other locations, especially when the holiday fell midweek. I remember one year having a party for friends at our house in Forest Ridge in Marion. Someone had a string of firecrackers that boomed for over 15 minutes. It made a huge, loud mess in the middle of the street. We cooked hamburgers on the grill - and I had 'hamburger' lessons from the Pros - Karen and Greg Robinsons - second generation McDonalds franchise owners. It was a fun party - and especially memorable as one of the few that was not spent on Yellow Creek Lake.


5. Ed and Dee Wiley's party on Lake Tippecanoe - with our kids and close friends and neighbors. This was fun - we would often go to Wiley's from our cottage on Yellow Creek. It was a fun event and truth be told - probably what inspired Lankenau's Luau.