Happy 2009 everybody

Gramma and Grandpa's 35 sec New Year Celebration.

Card Making

*Lot's of layers Mom* is the main advise Sarah gives me. Color Coordinate says Alicia. Just do it says Dawn. Alicia got the fun circut toy we have all seen in the info-mercials, she got it from a friend who updated to the new and improved circut. anyway this was fun although my cards still look like I made them when in 1'st grade.
We put a few on one large paper for our first try and really it turned out to be lots of fun once we got the hang of it.

Christmas get together

Back from the family Christmas dinner, everything was great. Traffic getting to Brighton was crazy, we were one hour late but didn't miss dinner, things were just getting set out. After dinner Chip brought out the singin' machine. Cousins, Chris n' Tony hooked up together and sang their hearts out.








Great Grandma Took a turn and will kill me for posting this.

Treating Christmas right

Although as a child I never had any sort of religious up bringing. Today I still have my doubts about miracle healings and Sea partings and every animal in the world saved on a huge Ark. But I do believe there was a wonderful man named Jesus who had an idea about how to be a good person. I do believe Jesus was a preacher who traveled to tell his beliefs, I truly believe if he were here today doing what he did then, the same thing would happen to him, people would think him crazy. Many would shut their doors and hide when they saw him coming up the walk. How is it these days, even people who have no belief of Jesus, still tend to celebrate Christmas? To me, it isn't a very fun Holiday the way things have taken a turn. Shop keepers are taking advantage of Jesus, they should be ashamed!! In order to not foolishly spend our money, we ask one another what they want, gosh we are so confused about Christmas, this is mind boggling. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of giving gifts that is if it's for the right reason. Don't do it because *well he gave me a gift so I'd better get him a gift* or *he only spent $10.00 on me so that's all I shall spend*
Anyway, I am going to think a bit more about this upcoming holiday and try to do the right thing. All this came to my mind after talking to Sarah, who takes to heart about saving our earth and helping the needy. I think Jesus would be proud of her! So I found this via the internet read on if you so please and Everyone Have a wonderful Christmas!!

With Love,
Wanda
A CAPE Town-based Christian lobby group wants Father Christmas, aka Santa Claus, killed off.

In a strongly worded e-mail, which has been sent to more than 1000 people, Christian View Network said Father Christmas is “the new pagan god of materialism”.

The true reason for celebrating Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ — was being forgotten in the mad rush to buy presents.

Network director Philip Rosenthal told The Times that he is anti-Father Christmas.

“The emphasis should be on the birth of Jesus, and not on Father Christmas and gifts. Parents should teach their kids that Father Christmas is dead and that Jesus is alive. Father Christmas is fiction, whereas the birth of Jesus is a true story,” he said.

Despite his objections to the commercialisation of Christmas, Rosenthal admitted that he and members of his group will exchange gifts with their family and friends.

“It’s not that we won’t be giving gifts, but the day will not be about focusing on who got what as a gift, but rather a celebration of Jesus,” he said.

Rosenthal said he had not approached any malls to ask for them to lay Father Christmas to rest. “But that’s a good idea for next year. Maybe we will try it.”

Be ware... Parasites, viruses, I shall Prevail!!

Microsoft windows malicious software removal tool. Sounds like a mouthful eh? Ok then for short it's MSRT. The warning pops up on it's own and tells me I got troubles. I went ahead and did what it asked and ran the program. It took nearly 6 hours looking in all files the infected files numbers kept going up up until it hit around 35000 infected files, something about a parasite. Finally done with the scan, the last step. and FREEZE!!! So today I am trying again, It seems to be moving much faster. As I am watching it now it's at 220000 files scanned, 958 files infected!!! That's just crazy. Why would anyone want to hurt little (ok big) Ole' me? I don't claim that I know anything about fixing computer problems, with all the technology today, it's mind boggling that anything bad could even happen. But I think it would be a huge investment to study up on pc fixing, you would be so rich, because no one wants to keep purchasing a new computer like Pat n' I keep doing.
Anyway this time I am going to study up and not give up on fixing this mess, mainly because I LOVE my PC. It's fast as lightning, I am not ready to trade it in.
As I look back at my PC it seems to be slowing down now, Looking into something called C:/System Volume Information\restore then a crap load of numbers. Here is where the "Infected files r numbering up like a mad man! All I can say is I hope "My Doom' isn't true to it's name :-(
I'll let this scan run it's course and come back to let ya'll know if it was worth the wait. UGH
5:30 am the next morning:
AHHA!! I am back with somewhat good news, My patience was a good thing, I feel somewhat fixed .. Now hanging Garlic strands to wart (or is that ward? ) off all evil, (or is that just for vampires?)

Early B'day to Mars

Well Marleys chair has arrived to Seattle. A big box filled with packing peanuts, not my favorite choice but oh well. Marley had a good time playing in the messy stuff. It was tons o' fun to watch him. I am having problems again with my flip video and uploading them but anyway. It's hard to explain the emotional feelings I went through to see our little Grandson sitting on the chair I brought home for my baby girl. Watching that was the best gift in the world for me! It really was worth saving and moving it upstairs, then downstairs, then here and there all these years.

continued rocking chair

Well, I messed up bad on documenting the chair story. Troubles with my flip camera and Pat took my camera hunting with him. So I couldn't finish my story via video except this part at the store. Bottom line is I did a fantastic repair job, It was tricky to match the stain, but I just mixed what I had at home until I was happy with the results. The chair is on it's way so next time we see it is when Marley is sitting on it or falling off of it what ever happens first.
Thing I noticed was when I got to the UPS store, their lights were so bright, I saw how really messed up the finish was, just the whole chair in general, but it's sturdy anyway, n Marley can say he sat in his Moms chair!!

Grammie does the Cupid Shuffle

Gosh, my pc is so messed up I have decided to burn all my photos and videos to save, what a mess. So far it has taken 8 cds all full up. I tried my best to label everything I could but gez that's about 600 or so photos per cd. Who needs all that for goodness sakes? Anyway, here's one I missed, or at least I don't remember sharing it before. Notice in the end of this video, I am about to die?

Moving on with ease

Well things are moving on in a great pace. This is tons of fun for me. Something wrong with me uploading videos I have been making. I even took us on a ride to Lowe's to purchase the dowel I needed. My flip program has gone wacky and keeps deleting the stuff before I can save. Other wise you would have seen me successfully go through the self scanner check out. So far this project has cost me $1.08. Was the man at the antique restore place full of it? Come to think, yes he was, because he had also told me the chair was from the 40's. I didn't correct him because what's the point? It could have been he meant the style was 40's. This is why he had also told me for the price he had quoted I could just go purchase a new chair but I would never find one similar to this one. Oh well, I am very happy with how things are turning out. Biggest problem is matching the stain. I had to mix 3 different colors, But the how to match on line tells me that will never happen. Because of the aging process, so the new part will unfortunately look different.

Part one chair restore

Alright this is so far a fun project. Due to technical difficulties I have to load my videos else where so look HERE and see how I am doing so far

Marley and his Chair

video here

Now would be a good time to Kick me!

We all know how hard it is for me to throw anything out. Over the summer Matt and Alicia helped me toss toss toss, it felt good, but I did find myself digging in the trash to be sure about what was getting thrown out. Clutter is my middle name. Collections of things that seem important is my hobby. I am not a hoarder, but good stuff and just plain useless trash is sorta hard for me to tell apart. I made some huge mistakes during the declutter process, Like throwing out my new sheets. That happened because of my Hall closet renovation, I emptied it to line with cedar an that was a wonderful fun project, and things that were in there mostly was clothes the kids all left behind, and old twin sheets and junk like that. Well that stuff all went into boxes into another closet then when we went to clean that out, we pretty much threw out everything or sent it out to Purple Heart. (Some lucky person got my new 1000 thread count oversized Queen sheets that I paid a ton for)
Anyway, what about things that are irreplaceable? Your childs first drawing or report cards? I even save toys, that really are useless to me but maybe a grandchild will someday come over and like to explore the closet. This is why I don't toss stuff, mostly just great old memories, but something in there might be useful. Like who would think that a broken piece of wood could cause so much grief? Because I am sure I threw it away. But not until I had saved it for 20 some odd years......See there? Why de-clutter, you know your going to need that stuff some day!!

Google thinks Dad is a spambot

This is too funny, Dad decides to start a blog of his own. Well I had to get him started, helped with a profile photo on his first upload. Then he had nothing in his mind what he wanted to do with it so just logged out with a comment ALL B BHACK or how ever he writes his e-bonics, then of course he never checks his gmail, otherwise he would have seen the letter to him about is he real or what.. Anyway, Looks like I'll be taking care of his blog till he gets it figured for his self! I want to do this n' that he says, so he has stuff in mind now, so as soon as Google recognizes that Dad is for real........Be on the look out for DAD

I remember back in our AOL days Dad got us kicked off line several times because he refuses to read the TOS.. What ever happened to Freedom of speech he wonders??
I was number 197 at the polls today. I know that has nothing to do with this blogging story but it just came into my head and thought I'd mention the fact.

Heart Smart Breakfast

Don't mind me, It's this Damn MacBook. I am doing my best to create the ultimate home movie, one that people would pay to see, hehehehe. Anyway just testing here to see if I can even find where I put my videos. Seems I got this part right. Now just have to find some kind of subject to work on. That's pertty hard to do since I never leave the house, therefore you must deal with my breakfast..

ouch

This is the only injury I could see, but poor Pat is limping around with sore knees and pain in his neck. I say Ice, he says Heat.. I dunno but I hope he is feeling better each day and it don't go on and on.

The kids are Okay

Well Pat and Cyndi are home safe now. Their honeymoon cut short because of a car accident in TN. Cyndi wasn't hurt but Pat is feeling slightly beat up no broken bones or stitches. Cyndi's dad drove to pick them up. The Uni of Tn Medical Center took great care of them, even after cutting Pats clothes off they gave him clothes that fit and sent them to a hotel 200$ off the room, living large, here you can see some of their photos.
worse part was me waiting to hear news. 4 hours before I heard that Pat was ok, my first message was he was trapped in the car.. ~whew~

Marley called me today

He's been practicing his Kazoo!

wedding slide show oct 18 2008

Sonic Pig Fest

Brandon had a plan to try and visit restaurants that aren't in his neighborhood, Pat and I hadn't given Sonic's a try yet so we went along. The poor car hop had roller skates on and no ramp out of the building, there was a curb for her to step over. Yikes, but not a drop was spilt!!

photo booth movie

Photo booth

Playing with the photo booth on the MacBook. Were looking good eh?

Marley n Grandpa

The Groom

Getting ready for the big event, then checking on his Bride. It was a great party.



Chris sang Fly me to the moon for Pat and Cyndi

Marley is 10 Months old today

Sure, Marley has a new trick, He's 10 months old!! Yaaaay Happy Birthday Marley :-)
Did he do the sign for *me* when he tapped his tummy? What was that about eh?

Fall color at Metro Parks Michigan

Our cute baby

A few photos using the skype camera. Anything Marley does, it's just like us being there. I can tell what he's doing *example* on the last photo because he always gets a bit red around the eyes and his chin is down. That's our boy!

Talking this and that and GOO_GOO

Matthews 7 hour tattoo

Matt has a new tattoo.
We can blame Brion Norwalk for this new one!! This is just the first session with outlines, the cross was already there so maybe the guy is going to color that in too, I forget what Matt told me already.So for a more extensive story look here

Marley almost Kazoo's

My computer had a bad connection but I didn't want to take the time to recall. I just dealt with the bad picture and caught Marley being cute again!

Harpist

This is Harpist Donna Novack Snacks and drinks were served while the wedding party were getting done with their photo shoot, we had about an hour or so to kill before the dining area would be open. I really enjoyed listening to her, I just wish it were more like a concert and the people in the lobby quiet. This is about a two minute load so if you want go ahead and Listen..

Another Young couple hitched up

Scott and Alison got hitched up today. A lovely place not far from home Silver Garden Of Southfield Alicia was hired to be their photographer, I watched her work her butt off, Trying to get the wedding party to co-operate. Matt was a groomsman, along with ole buddy Matt Pember, and Eric Schuck. Inseparable good buddies, since Middle school. Notice me the camera man focusing on Matthew my handsome son.

What's bugging us?

After a huge day and a half of rain or so, flying ants or something took over the neighborhood, best viewed when they are in the sunlight.

Point Moullie @ Lake Erie

We decided to just take a ride and see whats happening at Point Moullie. It's popular for bird watching during the migration, duck hunting, fishing and Ice Fishing. Mainly I guess it's a sportsman area. You can see Fermi power plant off in the distance.

~Whew~ Close call

Marley and his parents have been so busy we just couldn't hook up for a skype visit for nearly 2 whole weeks. I was beside myself, and that takes up the entire couch!!! But tonight we got to talk to him, even though he was very busy

Candis turned 5

Candi is a pretty nice little girl, she likes bugs, animals, and crafts.

Grannies Gym

Meijers Happiness Coupon

so sorry about the length of this video its about 5 minutes. So if you have the time...

Cedar St Party Animals

Our annual block party was a good one, all the neighbors came out of their homes, I still don't know anyones name though. But here are some that didn't mind me taking their photos.....

Biker in the city

Trying to get into shape we ride our bikes around town daily if we don't make it to the trails at the park. Problem is, there are restaurants in the city, and dairy queens too!

I meant to keep the camera on so you could see just how much space a biker would have in the street if a car should come by.. Oh well, I guess next time I'll try harder to make the point that I am trying to make!

Cyndi's shower

Lovely day, great turnout, many gifts, awesome food!

Sammie got a new ride

I thought this was pretty cool.

Wyandotte Sunrise

I pretty much miss my early mornings when I went to work at 5:30 am and worked near the windows facing the river. As a matter O' fact it was imperative that we stop and watch!
I happened to be up this morning, so I rode my bike up to the river with camera in hand. It was quiet, relaxing and a bit chilly for an August morning. My favorite rise is when there are clouds for the sun to shine on, today wasn't the best but I stayed to watch no the less.

Electronics

Just now noticed that I have a lot of lights going on!

Bike ride through Oakwoods Park

Today we parked at our usual place in Willow park, Indian ridge..Then take our bikes and make a right turn, down the path I'm guessing for about 1 1/2 miles toward Oakwoods Park, getting to the end of Oakwoods path is 3 1/2 miles one way. This path is fairly flat, a easy ride but today was extremely hot what with 90* temps or something crazy like that. The ride was great but the heat nearly killed me.

More of the UP

Well Dad took the camera and did his own little story so I didn't do any editing or nothing, he admits I do better than he does, but just imagine how crappy most of my movies have been...
One of our favorite places to stop for a rest on the way to the camp Au Train, on US 28

We found one internet cafe in Calumet and just two doors down was the Laundry mat. Thank goodness for that cuz we didn't pack enough underwear hehehehe! It's a pretty sweet little town really, nothing like downriver where we live, the people there are fairly trusting although the locals say the teenagers are getting out of control and breaking into houses. That seems impossible to me though because everyone knows everyones business, If you are a stranger in town it don't take them long to find out who you are and where you stay! Economy is failing and people are out of work for as long as I can remember. The thimble berries are just about gone but the bugs remain. Best get to the store before it closes, need to pack up stuff like cooler and ice and bring water and a change of clothes just to go to the store. We don't know what the weather will be like from the woods to the towns, usually much hotter in town. Oh goodness don't forget the bug dope or you will be eaten alive!

Eagles and a Tour

Over Rice Lake each day I see the Eagles and each day they see me trying to get a shot. They will come really close but only if I don't have my camera. Sometimes they would come so close that I could see the whites of their eyes. I thought sure one day while my camera was running that I would get the award winning shot. Bah humbug!

Thank Goodness we're home again

We broke up our drive to the UP and spent one night in Atlanta where it was so hot I thought I died and went to hell! The bugs kept us in Kathy and Herbies cabin but I slept just as well. We cooked some burgers on the camp fire and boy did that taste yummy!



Then off we drove early in the am toward our own bug infested area.
Life in the woods is grand, if you can keep the Black flies from eating you alive.

Here I am chasing the red winged Black Bird around the yard.


Here we go exploring the clear cut behind our camp, they made way for new electric poles, it sure was a lot of lost trees.


The weather mostly all good but one night we did have a huge electric rain storm, it may look boring to you but keep watching, this is how dark the camp is at night. Grams didn't like the storm but I enjoyed it. IF you listen carefully you can hear Gramma Mary and Pat talking about storms in the ole days.

I spent 30 minutes gathering the Collins Clan for a photo, it was like pulling teeth I tell you! When I at final last get them together, I start to step back to get my shot when OMG there is no space for me. Everyone who has a camera was standing there snap snap, I hadda get my shot from the side, talk about getting ripped off!

July 3rd 2008 we are having a pretty big rain storm, Pat and I both heard a big ~Swoosh~ sound, I thought it was like a huge bucket of water being dumped, later we noticed my lovely trumpet vine hunched over like an old grannie, it wasn't killed but it's going to take some work to get her back up again.

Tram ride to Africa

Just goofing off with the camera, trying to listen to the moderator who is explaining our situation.

Dickman sign

Some men hold true to this sign.

Quick Foosh Ball game

Gotta look at this side ways but it's one of Matt's video creations, he's a regular Steven Spielberg!

Dawn Is a Guitar Hero

Snow Leopard n Monkeys

Marley notices a Reticulated Giraffe



Marley Notices some Colobus??~, And Black Mangabeys Well thats what the sign said.

Binder Zoo

Cheetah at Binder Zoo thanks to Pat

Bolo

A fun game in Matt and Alicia's yard

Jeff Plays Ping-pong with the camera

Thanks Matt, great camera work!

Marley dances with Uncle Matt

Marley gets a bath

June 30 2008

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Photos from the Zoo are on Dawns camera. Mine, I thought was with no battery, so all I got was crummy videos. Here I am stealing some Proofs that Alicia gave to Dawn. Alicia did a wonderful job and there are many really good photos but I'll give Dawn the glory to post them, I'll just steal one or two.

Listen to the blues

Laid back and relaxed, Mars enjoys Uncle Pats Trumpet

some of the gang saying hello

Sarah and Brandon couldn't be with us this day so we are sending a short hello via internet!!

Sweet Mary Rogan

~Whew~ what a week trying to get ready for the Meet Marley party which turned out just fine. also Matt meets Marley for the first time.

This was a song that Kevin wrote about MA. " Sweet Mary Rogan" They got everybody to sing. What a great tribute for Grandma Mary Collins, especially to have seen all her kids for her 85th birthday.

Made for Sarah

This is for you Sarah

6 month old Marley trick

Happy 6 months Birthday Marley, You gave us a really nice gift! Hope it was as fun for you as it was for us.

storm

It got a little stormy today and we lost power for a few hours. The storm brought in a good breeze. Weather today was so ~Hot~ this storm was a real relief. I enjoyed it but the videos might be a bit boring to the viewer. Oh well. This is just more random crap.


On a better note we still get to talk to Marley and He knows when Grams and Grandpa are visiting him via skype. Here's Grandpa coo-chi-cooing I thought was funny.

er

I dunno but made special for me

A short walk out to dinner

Yum , we walked over to Pats place for Pizza it was pretty good!

Marley is 2 weeks short of being 6 months old. Here's how me and Pat get to see Marley each week via skype! Gotta love this internet eh?

Touring Wyandotte

Well Dad directed this one.

A little bit more of my complaining

I feel like this job will never get done!!

Too much stuff

Matt and Alicia came over and helped me clear out the closet upstairs. It took 6 hours for just one closet!! I couldn't do it alone. A short clip here:

Grams has a pretty nice yard

It's a rainy day and the Geese are restless.

Cat Cousins???

And this is My Cat Lewis
This is Gramma's 6 month old kitten named Sassy

Fixer upper

Me Babysitting

Ok well, Dad and Uncle Glenn went on a weekend fishing trip. Glenn needed me to babysit his grandchildren Katelyn 3 and Joshua 2 for just a few hours. No problem says Dad, Wanda would love to watch the kids!!
Katelyn is pretty shy, when ever I see her at a family function and try to talk to her she would cry or hide her face in her daddies shirt. Kim thought for sure that Katelyn would just stay in her room and watch tv the entire time I sat there. Kim was so certain that I would have troubles that she also asked Kerry to please come over after work and stay there with me.
Well we sat and we sat and the kids watched tv, it was so hot in the house I could hardly breath. Kim needs to keep the doors locked because she said the kids would escape.
Joshua is by no means shy of anyone and he was quite the talker, but wouldn't budge away from the tv. I asked Kerry if thats what they do, she said no they go to the park and lots of places. Kerry also told me that Katelyn has never talked to her and was very shy and just hides.

Well, I had heard enough, so I just left Kerry to sit on the chair and...........

Here I had a plan to get Katelyn to warm up to me and I brought books, crayons, paper and coloring books and sidewalk chalk, because my plan was to play outside. Glenn built a nice swing set in the back yard, and I brought out the tiny pic-nic table . Then went into Kim's bedroom where Katelyn was hiding from me and I just said, " Katelyn, I brought my crayons and coloring books and I wish you would color with me. Well she jumped right out of the bed and said OK!!
We went outside and left Kerry in the house half falling asleep with Joshua watching TV.
Katelyn is not a shy girl, she just don't need anyone forcefully annoying her. I knew this, my own kids were shy, I myself was a shy kid, I know what needs to be done.
Anyway, never before has Katelyn talked to me. Until today, we had a great time!
One thing I forgot to do was change Joshua's diaper, But Kim changed him just before she left, I only had him for 3 hours. My bad, I thought 2 year olds didn't pee so often, also I thought he would tell me if he was wet, cuz when I asked he said no he's not wet. He's such a smart little fellow and talks so clearly, that I believe I thought I was hanging out with a co-worker or something, but gosh he's only 2. I think his dad was a bit upset with me cuz poor Joshua's diaper was soaked, I guess I need to study up on toddlers a bit cuz I have forgotten everything, except how to play.!!
Katelyn told me about things like stars and streets......Notice Katelyn using sign language when she says Yes. It just came natural for her, how cute.

Spring yard clean up

Time for Spring clean up. I am excited to get going on my garden before it gets too hot outside. It may start out looking just fine but as soon as the weather gets too hot, you will not find me in the garden! Kinda sorry to see this Pussy Willow tree go, It was planted By Matthew when he was in grade school maybe around 3rd grade.


Check out all the ants I had to deal with, talk about getting freaked out Yikes! I never knew regular tiny ants could do so much damage.



Now at last shes down, who's going to clean up this mess?

bike ride N' Picnic

Well it's a great day but a bit windy and the bike ride kicked my ass!
Stuff you can do in the middle of the week cuz HELL ya you don't need to go to work.
Retirement rocks.

spy guys and muffed up spy guys The gig is up

As per request from someone I know. Talk about crappy movie making it couldn't be worse!

Lewis

Here I am testing another way to edit. Strange eh?

Snow drive and shop

Testing my new Flip Video camera for the first time. I decide it's a great idea to just hold the steering wheel and camera during a snow storm and shoot action out the car window. This causes me some troubles in finding the driveway into the places I am trying to go into. Thinking that my New Flip Video camera is so small it looks like a phone so I decide to take it shopping with me. So lets go driving and shopping together eh?

OK so far this is a kewl site. I am uploading my first video and it is letting me continue to post. Even though I have no more to say on this subject, except that the squirrel is eating from a squirrel proof bird feeder! My bad, I hang the feeder near a convenient ledge.

Testing my abilities

I got this dumb ass Flip Video camera thinking *Oh boy, I'm going to get real creative and shoot awesome videos and make dvds for my own pleasure* Well this hasn't happened as of yet anyway. Because I don't know squat about this stuff, I didn't realize that a person who wants to burn and create dvds would need to have a dvd burner. DOH

So now what? Well, I am testing my camera and sure don't want all that junk taking up space on my HD so I need to find a place to practice and upload videos that I create. Therefore, this blog spot seems like the ticket. I won't lose my creative awesome work, and this is the perfect place to save random crap.