PETTING THE TIGERS

I was looking over the the Thailand 2007 pictures while I had some down time at work and found this one. I really am not sure why I didn't see it before but I just had to put it on my desktop. My first thought was that it must not be a live animal. Then I thought, it looks real.
If it is I wondered WHAT WERE THEY THINKING LETTING HER IN THERE!!!

Look at that happy little face...real or not she's loving it.

LAST WEEK / THIS COMING WEEK

To recap last week...two of my very dear (younger than me) friends had birthdays. Sarah Chadha, who just got back from India so I talked to her but haven't seen her yet and Cheryl Zager, who I went to dinner with last night. We went to Alexander's in Naples. It was wonderful. Her sister Lori, Lori's husband Dave, Michelle, David and I all had a very good time and a delicious dinner.

Today after church we went up to our pool for a cookout/garage sale. They had raffles (which I didn't win), bake sale (where I bought baklava, strudel, and pastries) and the garage sale (I purchased a few books, tapes, rugs, and a silk tree).

Friends from Canada got in this afternoon and then Dave and I took our neighbors car to airport for them so when they arrive at midnight we don't have to pick them up.

Next week seems to be just as busy. Work: Mon - Wed. Leave for Orlando after work on Wed, spend two days at the Disney parks and come back Saturday in time to have a little get together with neighbors that we haven't been able to get together with all winter.

A NEW FONDNESS FOR OREGON

I have never thought much about Oregon. A couple that lives in my building are from Portland and they spend about six months a year there but until last month that was about my only connection.

Last month Tom went out to Portland with an address Matt used when he got an ID card and found him. He is well, working and this was a wonderful answer to our prayers. He caught him up on family news (Sue is remarried, Helen died, Rob moved to TX, Elizabeth is expecting) and told him that we all loved him and were very concerned.

Last week I got a copy of a story and a picture of a family that was published Sept. 25, 1975. The family was part of the first group of Cambodian refuges. My friend Mimi was the youngest of the six children and she was only six years old.

Mimi had told me her story and about the article. She said that they had a copy of it for years but it had been lost during one of their many moves. I decided to try to get a copy for her and after about a month it came in the mail. She was so happy!

This is Mimi and her husband Bruce.

THE AUCTION WAS A SUCCESS

Our church auction raised over $5000 for missions. All the work was worth it!

DOBY OUR LANAI LIZARD

I want you to meet Doby, our lanai lizard. He moved in before Christmas last year when we had a small hole in our lanai screen.

When Dave and I painted the lanai frames and put all new screens in a couple of weeks ago we hoped he had moved on but as you can see he is now a permanent resident on our lanai.

The tree he lives in is fake but that doesn't seem to matter to him. He comes out and suns himself on the bricks we put in the basket (to keep the wind from blowing the tree over) and whenever I go out to see him he dives down in under the moss at the trunk of the tree.

Dave thinks he is looking skinnier but I am just hoping there are a few very small bugs in the moss that he can have for dinner because we can't seem to catch him to give him his freedom. Besides, once you give something a name you feel responsible.

OLD POST

I really don't like checking on everyone's Blog and finding OLD Post but sometimes posting NEW stuff is just not possible. I have been having trouble with my Comcast at home since last week and they couldn't send anyone out to fix the problem until tomorrow night. Hopefully things will be better soon.
I am still alive and raising ransom money is not necessary I just haven't been able to get my computer at home to cooperate.

REMEMBER THE IMPORTANT THINGS

I got this photo in an email today and it was so precious that I just had to post it.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Natalie's shirt has hearts that say...I love Mommy...and Mimi...and Kathy. When I told her she repeated each one and then at the end said..."and DA did" known around here as David.

Hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Kathy and Natalie

PENNY POSTCARDS

I received an email that showed many penny postcards. I don't think you could ever buy postcards for a penny in my lifetime but we did have penny candy and nickle candy bars.

I found this picture that I recognized and thought it would be interesting to show to you.



Who can name two of my blog readers that were born here?

WEEKEND NEWS

Dave and I painted the frame on our Lanai and today we rescreened them. I worked on more things for the Auction. Here are two more. I made this Curious George Basket and took the picture before I put the wrap and ribbon on it and...

I made this floral arrangement .

MORE ITEMS FOR THE AUCTION

Red floral.





'Exercise Time' Gift Basket

contains:

2 hand weights

jump rope
water bottle
w/ice tray
sport watch
towel
3 Power bars












                                                 





                                                    

BARBEQUE & LIVE AUCTION

Villas Wesleyan Church is having a Barbeque and Live Auction on February 23rd at 6:00pm. The proceeds from the auction will go toward a mission team and the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

I have committed to make 4 gift baskets and two floral arrangements to be auctioned off.

If any of you would like to go as my guest I will get you a ticket for the barbeque and for the next few days I will post the items that I am going to donate and you are welcome to come bid on them.

This basket is called "Coffee Break" it contains 2 mugs, a lb of Starbucks coffee, a chocolate bar, Milano cookies, 2 biscotti, and 2 white chocolate pepermint stirs.

KEEP THE READERS HAPPPY...GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT

When you have as few readers as I have for this blog you better keep them happy, especially if you have one that comments once in a blue moon.

I was informed that loyal followers get a little let down when they check in day after day with nothing new to read so I will start posting more frequently.

I got the message you don't want to waste your time reading the same message that you read yesterday.

VARIETY

These photos of Dana and Tara with their little girls are a good example of variety. Robin's two girls are different but do have a few features that seem to resemble each other and Robin. Their daughters, on the other hand, are as different as day and night but they are both beautiful so I guess we will just have to see their other likeness as they grow.

GROUNGHOG DAY

Many Americans think of February 2 as just any other day but David Johnson is not one of them. Every year he insist that we watch the movie Ground Hog Day. Since we have visitors today this ritual will be delayed until tomorrow night, after they have gone home.

Whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow is not as important to me as it was when I lived in Kentucky but this German superstition is just as much fun for our family as the Christmas Pickle.

A note of interest for you northern friends and family...he didn't see his shadow this year so an early spring is expected

I KNOW A REAL ARTIST

Saturday night Dave and I went to the Opening of an art show that had two pieces by Keavy, my favorite artist. I wouldn't say that her art is my favorite and I can't afford to buy it, but I love her dearly so that means I like her work :)

There was work from many other artist, including Salvador Dali, showing but I didn't know those guys.

Robin Update...

Well, she finally got released from the hospital last night and Dana, Jeff and Emalie were due in by midnight. I haven't heard that they were delayed so I expect that they are all sleeping in this morning. Tara had to go to her clinical in Port Charlotte so Nat spent the night with us and she went to school today too. She will get to see her little cousin tonight.

It is pouring down rain this morning and we are expecting cooler temperatures for the next few days.

ROBIN'S IN THE HOSPITAL

Saturday night Tara took Robin to the Emergency Room and she was admitted. After testing they have determined that she had a mild stroke and are now doing a lot more testing to see what is going on. She may be in the hospital for a day or two more.

33? IMPOSSIBLE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD!

THE LITTLE PRINCESSES VISIT THE CASTLE

We spent a wonderful day in The Magic Kingdow last week. I think Anna's favorite parts were the princesses and Thunder Mountain. Sarah enjoyed the birds she could feed and the freedom of the day. Dave and I enjoyed watching Anna and Sarah. And ofcourse, Anna's singing.

FRIDAY ON WEDNESDAY

This is the last day of work for me this week so it feels like it is a Friday. I am looking forward to the next 4 days. We are heading to Orlando Thursday and staying up there Thursday and Friday night. Friday we will be visiting this beautiful castle and we have two little girls that are very excited about that.

THAWING OUT IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

We received visitors from China (by way of Seattle) yesterday. They have come to thaw out and enjoy some sunshine for a week or so. We will also be visiting the Magic Kingdom to check it out.

We don't know the guy without the hat so he didn't come. :)

BEAUTIES AND THE BEAST

The gorilla at the Louisville was quite impressed with a visit from these three beauties. How lucky can you get...the guy in the movie just had one beauty.

EVERY GRANDMOTHER'S DREAM

When I was in high school my cheerleading squad would get up early on Saturday morning and go to Krispy Kreme to get dozens and dozens of hot glazed donuts. We would then head to subdivisions to go door to door selling them. The money we raised would pay for cheerleading camp or new uniforms.

Usually people don't like it when you wake them up early on a Saturday morning but we soon discovered that if you were offering to sell them a box of (still warm) Krispy Kreme glazed donuts they were delighted to part with a little cash.

If you haven't had one - hot out of the oven - you probably can't understand this but if you have stood in a Krispy Kreme store/bakery waiting for one and experienced that wonderful taste, you will cherish them for life.

Now to think of 3 of my grandchildren baking Krispy Kremes, each holding a box of fresh hot donuts while the 4th one gives them the thumbs up, cheering them on is like...a wonderful dream. Don't you just love those hats?

2007 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007

The first week of the new year is almost over. The Christmas tree and all the decorations are down and in storage. The snowbirds have started to return and the relatives are scheduled to visit (some this month and some in March). Time keeps marching on. As one season is completed and added to our list of good memories we plan for, and begin another. I hope you all have a wonderful new year. God Bless!

MEMORIES ARE MANY THINGS

This is the famous or the infamaous Joe Johnson. This person was truely one of a kind. He was extreme in everything. If you ever get a chance to be around those that knew him well you can spend hours and hours listening to stories that to this day can make you laugh until you are in pain. Cousins, nephews, brothers and sister all have wonderful stories of the good and 'bad' side of him. All of these stories make you love him more.

Last night Dave and I went with Carol and Tony to Helen's to clear out some of her things to sell the condo. There were many memories of a woman who had a full life and a wonderful family but of all the things that we brought home with us, this picture and the experiences that I had with this little boy made me want to laugh, cry, and laugh some more.

He was loved and will always be in my heart.

OUR FAVORITE GRANDSON

Happy Birthday , Maison.

He is not only hansome, talented, great in sports, very smart and has very good manners, he is our FAVORITE GRANDSON. We love him very much. It was a very short 12 years ago that we met this little fellow and he took our hearts immediately and forever. You will always be a part of us, Maison and you are one of our greatest joys!
Granny and Gramps

(....he was not holding this gun on me while I typed either)

MAGGIE AND THE BOYS

For the first time since Granny Cecil this Johnson family has twins.

This is my favorite Christmas card this year and if you look closely you will see that they are 'all' smiling.

LIFESTYLE INTERIORS CHRISTMAS PARTY

THIS YEAR WE HAD OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SANIBEL STEAK HOUSE AND IT WAS A DELICIOUS MEAL.

Do you notice that David's hair is turning gray? Not mine... :)

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAKING

This year was the 5th Annual Christmas Baking Day at Cheryl's. We made 12 different kinds of goodies, some new but mostly old favorites. I think we ended up with 13 regular platters and 2 extra large platters and I think they have all been passed out. It was a fun day.

KIDS

You just can't figure them out. You buy them every kind of Christmas present imaginable and a pair of wolf slippers and a fur hat is what this Florida guy remmebers. Check out http://yetispeak.typepad.com/

MY HOME COMPUTER HAS THE BLOGGER BLUES

My blogging problems are still giving me fits. I can't sign on at my home computer because after I put my password in my computer freezes up and I can only post tiny little photos from my computer at work.

Todd was kind enough to post a decent size photo of Anna for me after her party. The problem continues and I am still seeking a solution.

anna's 5th birthday

Here's a picture from Anna's surprise party...

CAN YOU BELIEVETHIS GUY IS WEARING A RED COAT AND PANTS?

COUSINS MADE CHRISTMAS MORE FUN

Tara was such a sweetie ...no Rochelle here

CHRISTMAS GOLFING

Sarah, Sarah...where are you?

THREE WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Keep your finger crossed I think that everything is operating properly again

MORE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS ...

I pulled out photo's to post everyday but Blogger has not been acting right lately so we had a delay....I got on but it doesn't give me the option to add my photo. Keep checking back. I thought that this beta thing would work better.

DRESSING FOR THE SEASON

Don't you think that getting dressed for the season always makes it more fun. I think that is one of the few things I miss about living in a climate where you don't put your summer clothes away in the fall and get you winter clothes out...the same old things seem new every year.

Dana and Baby are fine

I called Tara this morning. She said that Dana had a C section during the night and she and baby are fine. That's all I know at this time

DANA UPDATE

She went to the hospital last night and as of 7 this morning she is 6 cm. We should have a baby today!

CHRISTMAS 2003

This photo was taken while Todd and Christa lived in Washington. They were working hard to get to China, making lots of sacrifices and trusting God to show them what to do next.

They have been gone for 16 months now and I think that the newness of it all might be wearing off. Being a 'Home-body' myself I can really sympathize. I pray that God will encourage them reminding them of his never ending love and keep them warm this winter.

Todd and Christa I love you very much and am proud of how well you are adjusting.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

The house is decorated (until Nattie comes, anyway) and the weather has been a little cool so I am begining to feel like it is time for Christmas. Caroline, Tony and Tom will all be down for Christmas this year and Natalie is old enough to enjoy the "unwrapping part" so I think it will be a good time.

Thanksgiving weekend has been relaxing and very enjoyable. Rolf came over for his first Turkey Dinner spending Thanksgiving in the USA. Dave golfed Fri. and Sat. and we went downstairs to Bill's last night for Chili. Today we went to the gym and are off to church now. When we come home we plan to have Kentucky Hot Browns for lunch and take it easy. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Watch the blog for some Christmas photos from the past.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Three years ago I was voted 'Employee of the Year' at Lifestyle Interiors. I was rewarded with a trip to New York City. The trip took place on Mother's Day weekend and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. I was not blogging at the time so I dedcided that this was one of those favorite memories I wanted to recall and record.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHERS

Rob Johnson teaches in Texsas
I think that if all math teachers looked this good girls in the 6th 7th and 8th grade would take more math classes.

I had this guy's dad for study hall in high school but he wasn't this cute.

FRIENDS IN AND OUT AT THE HIDEAWAY

In the fall many of our friends come for a few weeks and then go back north for the holidays. Since we were in Kentucky later this year it seems like we didn't get to see them much while they were here and most of them will be leaving this week.

Rolf, from Germany and the Thompsons from Canada will be staying until the end of the year and then everyone else will be headed back for the season.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKING DAY

It is mid November and the calandar is filling up quickly. Every year Cheryl and I spend a Saturday making Christmas cookies for friends. The day has been set for December 9 this year. Even though most of you that read this won't be in town to join us I encourage you to make cookies that day. It has become a favorite tradition of mine.

FOURTH ANNUAL WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS

This year was like the others a trip to Stephen Libs fine chocolate store was a top priority

Trick or Treat in Virginia / Autumn Party in Xining

The kids in Virginia went Trick or Treating with friends.


I was talking to Todd today (tonight for him) and he told me that the kids had an Autumn Party. Sarah was very happy dancing around because she had a bag of candy