A Beautiful Saturday

Saturday--the weather was sunny and 78 degrees
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I was just sitting here, finishing up Maddie's "Gramma & Me" album when I realized that I had never completed one for Stephen, who graduated two years ago and will be starting his Junior year in college in the Medical School!!  EGADS!!!

I tried to remember back and then realized, that was the year Fred died.  So I sat and thought and to tell you the truth, I remember very little of that entire year!  I have photos to prove I went to Stephen's Eagle Scout ceremony and his graduation open house, but other than that......I have no clue what I did on my birthday or anything.  AND, much to my dismay, if I had any other photos of those events, I did not print them out and put them in my scrapbook, I put them in my Blog and guess what?  I deleted that blog in May of 2013 and all those photos are lost!

I had kept the kids Gramma and Me albums caught up--on computer file, but I see that I stopped in 2009 and a lot has happened since then!

So now, I am scrambling to get Stephen's pictures organized and printed and put in his album--albeit a bit late!

I knew I was weird the whole year of 2012--but I didn't realize my memory was so compromised!!
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This morning was the kids graduation.  I sure wanted to go, but was told, I would have to walk much farther than I can, so......then photos started appearing on Face Book.

 There Matt is, up on the big screen, giving his speech

as President of the Class.

He mentioned that this was a class of firsts,

then to continue in that mode, he turned around and

took a selfie of himself--another first

and here's my precious girl

and my other two "adopted" grandkids, Drew and Brian 

Matt's open house was at 3:00, so I meandered over.  His father has a nice home on a lake, a lovely setting.

Matt saw me and came running up.  "Grammy!"  Then he took me by the hand and out to the canopy we went.  "I want you to meet someone."  He led me up to an older (my age) couple sitting at one of the tables.  The lady looked up and said, "And who is this?"

I said, "I'm Matt's Grammy."

She replied, "No you aren't.  I am!"

So I sat down with her and her husband and we had a grand time!  We had so much in common, including, they didn't go to graduation either.  Their son told them it would be too far for them to walk and too uncomfortable to sit for such a long time.  So, we griped about how our kids think we're too old to do anything anymore--and we might be, but...............

I had a wonderful afternoon with them.

I got to meet Matt's aunts and uncles.  Enjoyed a real nice talk with his Aunt.  She is an author also and we talked about where to get our books published and sold and how to market them.  She loves the marketing part--I like the writing part, LOL.  She is very knowledgeable.  She is probably 25-30 years younger than I am, so she has the energy and gumption to do it all.  I'm too tired anymore. :-)

I had wrapped up and given Matt a copy of my Hidden Treasure book--about the little boy named Matt.  I hope when he gets around to unwrapping it, he will like it.  I also told him that Matthew is my favorite boy's name and that Mrs. Rivard (Karen) was suppose to be a Matthew.

I also got to meet his twin Audrey, that I have never met in all the five years I've known him.  She is drop dead gorgeous.  They are Fraternal twins so if you put them side-by-side, you'd never know.  She looks like their Mom and Matt like his Dad.  I also got to meet their older brother--looks like Matt, only with dark brown hair, like their Mom.  He's a handsome young man for sure!!

Impressive!  I don't know how just one person could

accomplish so much in just 4 years.

John Phillip Sousa Award 

The the kids started rolling in and the love was poured out.  Each one of them came up to me and sat down and talked.  Some I had never met before, but for some reason, they knew Gramma Judy.  Thrill of my life.  When I got home, I had 3 Friend's Requests from them on Face Book. :-)

Then Maddie arrived and told me how strange it feels to know she is never going back to that school.  How she won't be seeing all her friends everyday.  Kind of sad, to be sure.  I remember feeling the same way.

To think, there I was with my favorite kids and my camera and never thought to get my picture taken with them.  I will have to remember and get a group shot at Maddie's open house--the same kids will be there.

I was so tired, I decided I better start home before I got too tired to drive.  I went in the house to find Matt's father because I wanted to tell him something.  I said, "I have worked with young people over the years--mostly boys and I just want to tell you that Matt is an exceptional young man.  I have never met a kid that is more gracious, thoughtful, giving, polite and talented as Matthew."  I think parent's need to hear that sort of thing--especially when it is true.

I am exhausted tonight.  Tomorrow it is suppose to rain--I hope not because I am going to this little, beautiful young lady's open house!   Who also calls me Gramma.  Maddie's ballet pal and BFF, Susanna

Fried Friday

Today's high temperature was:  75 degrees

No humidity--sunny, nice breeze

================================

I woke up and the inside temperature was 62 and I was cold!!!  Put on blue jeans, sox and a log sleeved thermal shirt.

At 11:00, I walked up to Pearl's to weed her garden.  By 11:45, I was hot and dizzy.  Came home, got a T-shirt, ate something and back to Pearl's to finish up one part.  The rest we will do Monday.

My sister called and asked if I were willing to accept a "mission."  "Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to drive over to Bordine's and see what kind of roses they have.  Do a reconnaissance and report back."

"Yes, Madam General."

So, I hopped into the car, drove down half a block and into the garden center.  Roses?  Do they have roses?  Only several thousand and at 20% off today and this weekend.

I reported back to her and she said, "I'm on my way.  I'll stop in."

Which she did with a truck load of Tea Roses, Floribunda Roses, Shrub Roses and some Lilies.

She hadn't seen my porch as yet and she was super impressed.  "I'm so glad you painted the porch.  The planters and flowers really show up against that white railing for a back drop."

YAY

I started sweeping the porch, steps and driveway--trying to get rid of the dead Maple tree whizzers,  John--you remember the new neighbor who told me his life history in 15 minutes?--drove up and stopped. 

"You look beat," he says.

"I am!"

"I just got back from taking Mazie to the beauty parlor.  They will trim her and give her a bath.  If I give her a bath, I have to get in the tub with her and I just wasn't in the mood.  I have to get over to the school, where I volunteer.  They are having a lunch for all the employees and I have been invited.  Then I have to pick up Maizie.  The weather is beautiful isn't it?  My family is from Sicily, but we grew up in Munising and I like the cold."

"Yes.  It is my kind of weather."

"Okay--see ya," and off he drove around the corner.

Just then I see Dar headed my way.  She was smoking!!!!!!!

"I gotta get to the smoke shop!  I've been using the E-cig for 10 months and all of a sudden, I am having terrible cravings.  I think it's because I am stressed.  My brother and sister-in-law, took Dad out to Arizona and I feel all alone."

"Your other brother is still here.  You have me and Jackie, Shiela, Judy L. and Pearl--how can you feel alone?"

"Oh, I know, but I.....I gotta get some nicotine oil for my E-cig because I don't want to get back these things!"

"Good idea!"

"I'm going to stop at the store and get my flowers, because you know, I get a 10% discount and then I am going to get groceries.  We have some really good deals this week and I get a discount on food too and then I'm coming back and plant my flowers and then.......I don't know..........I may take a walk."

<she said this all in one breath--hyper!>

I came in the house and the phone rang.  I saw it was Pammie's number.  I picked up the phone,

"Hello?"

"Hello?" she says.  "How are you.  What's up?"

"I don't know.  You called me?"

"I did?"

"Yes--my phone rang.  It was your number, so I picked up and......"

"Oh.  I was cleaning out my stuff on my phone and I must have dialed your number!"

So we laughed for several seconds, than talked for another 30 minutes. 

Then, I had to run into Brighton to get some more colored ink jet for my printer.

As usual, the traffic was horrendous!  Every time I go to Brighton, I ALWAYS have a weird traffic incident.  Today--we were all stopped at a red light.  A car in the left turn lane, decided he didn't want to turn left, but wanted to turn right.  He put on his blinker (which is an oddity in this town) and started to turn into my lane.  The light turned green and we all sat there while he crossed my lane, then the next and then into the right turn lane and off he went.  We then all proceeded on.

These things happen all the time, but, you know what is unusual--nobody honks their horns.  No one yells.  No one makes inappropriate hand gestures.  People in Brighton may appear to be stuck up, but above all, they are polite!

==================

I got home, had supper and watched cats.
I'm fried!!!  Have a good weekend.

    

Where Is That Little Girl I Carried?

Sunrise, Sunset.

Sunrise, Sunset.

Swiftly fly the years....

 

===================

It started out at 59 degrees this morning and ended up at 74, with 30% humidity.  Judy's kind of day.  I wish it would get no hotter all summer long.

Nothing much today--

I vacuumed.

Bethie called--I am going to her garden and get a couple of Jack-in-the-pulpit and some Trillium plants.

My soap wasn't on because of the French Open Tennis Tournament--which ticked me off.  My Soap is in the middle of a romantic breakup, a murder confession, drug use and two gay guys.

I went to Discount Tire and got my tire fixed.  It had a nail.  They plugged it for free--but said, my rear tires are cracking and wearing out.  They are 5 years old and have only 15,000 miles on them.  So, like me, they are wearing out NOT from use, but from age!

Stopped at Wal-Mart = $43.00

Had a HUGE bunch of Michigan Asparagus for supper and half a Muskmelon and I am stuffed!  No cake tonight.

Pammie called with really good news.  She had a bad reading on her mammogram and had to go back in last week or another mammogram and an ultra-sound.  We tried not to worry.  We kept telling ourselves that NOT ONE FAMILY ANCESTOR has ever had cancer of any kind.

I answered and was kind of worried, "Momma, I never can remember.  Is Malignant or Benign the good one?"

"You got your report?  What does it say?"

"Your mammogram and ultra-sound are benign.  Is that the good one?"

'YES!!!  JUST REMEMBER..."B" STANDS FOR BEST!"

Relief on both sides.  She has no insurance.  She can't afford ObamaCare, at $300.00 a month and she doesn't qualify for Medicaid.  You never hear about this on the news do you?  There is a whole lot of people that have not benefited from the ACA--they are still uninsured.

==================

Okay--I will broach the subject of Bowe Bergdahl--today the POTUS changed his story and said that ,"we had to go in quickly and get our prisoner of war."  Well, first of all, this kid is NO prisoner of war!  He left his unit in the middle of the night and left a note that said--he was disillusioned with the war, and America and he was going out to find the Taliban.  He found them.  Let him stay with them, is my theory.

Plus we gave up the Taliban Dream Team!!  How many people died capturing those five terrorists?

Plus, the Constitution reads that no prisoner negotiations can occur with terrorists--so "they" go through Qutar to make it appear all right?

Plus, no negotiations or exchanges can take place without Congressional notice AND only Harry Reid was told.  Not Nancy Pelosi.  Not Dianne Feinstein.  Not Mitch McConnel nor Jim Boehner.  

So--the whole thing is illegal right from the start.

A lot of soldiers are ticked off about the whole thing, as are many Democrats, the State Department, the CIA.  The POTUS thought everyone would be happy about this--they said on the news tonight that he is surprised at the reactions.  IMHO--that just goes to show, ONCE AGAIN--how out of touch the man is!

Bowe Bergdahl needs to be Court Martialed and put in Leavenworth (or wherever they put deserters and traitors now.)

...and today, Mr. Reid said, "What difference does it make?"  Seems I've heard that one before!

Rainy Wednesday

Today's high temperature was: 61 degrees

Rainy and cold

===========================

I'm afraid I may have offended my blogging buddy Sally.  She had posted about her great grand daughter's end of school program.  Apparently every school in Florida has a big program and the kids are given certificates--"diploma's" for graduating from their grade.  The family members bring balloons and flowers and give to the child.  It IS a big deal.

I had never heard of any kind of school graduation other than Kindergarten, 8th grade and high school and I wondered why.  In this area, the school's have end of year programs, but it is for individual merit--like winning the spelling bee, or highest grade point, school crossing guard, who read the most books. 

She explained it well and you can be sure, if they had something like that here, I'd be at the program with balloons or flowers or whatever for my grandchild!  Keep up the tradition!
=================
I remembered late Sunday night that I had forgotten to put Madeleine's graduation album together!  For every grandchild, I take all the pictures of them and me and put the pix in an album entitled, "Gramma & Me" and give to them at their open house.  I had been real good about saving the photos of us on the computer in their album.  For some reason, the save pix I had of Madeleine ended around 2010.

Monday morning I got up early and started in.  I had to search all other place in My Pictures to see where I had pix of Maddie and me--like my Blog or in with the Rivard Family file.  Plus I had to search a lot of my hard copy scrapbook albums. 

When I found a hard copy photo that I didn't have on the computer, I had to scan it, name it and put it in her computer album.  This took most of Monday morning.

Monday afternoon, I ran up town, got a new, full color ink jet, some photo paper and an album.

Monday night, I was up late, dragging all the computer pictures from other places into her file.
Then I printed them all out on a contact sheet so I could see them, and write down the numbers to put them in order.

Tuesday morning, I went into her picture file, and got them in order.  It was kind of hard because I couldn't really easily tell what year the photo was.  So I had to look.  Did she have braces?  Then photo came after the one where here teeth were kind of crooked and BEFORE the photo where her teeth were perfect.  Was her hair longer in this one, then in the other.  Okay, the shorter hair photo came before the longer hair photo.

Finally got them sorted.

...and printed out another contact page to study and make sure.

I then went into Pix Monkey and brought in some photos that I wanted to put text on and then re-save them.

Then it was time to print out the 90+ photos.  I set the printer to print best and 4 photos to a sheet.  I only printed one sheet (4 photos) at a time to make sure they were all right.

I also had to find the computer file where I had written her birth poem acrostic, cross stitch.  I wanted to paste it on the inside cover of the photo.

Hours--and I mean HOURS later, I had my sheets of photos and time to cut them out and put them in order in her album.

Actually, I sat in my recliner and did this while I watched the baseball game.  :-)

This morning, I put the final pictures in.  Now, I am going to download the photos onto a disc because in the back of the album is a pocket to put a CD in.  YAY.

 I don't know why these two pictures turned out turned when I posted them here--they are right-side up on the my picture file?  Blogger--do you have a problem?
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I feel really bad--Maddie had a French Horn recital in the summer, at the home of her private instructor--along with Brian and Drew who had the same teacher (and are now in band together).  

Fred had taken some cute pictures of them and of her and me.  I found the recital program in my hard copy scrapbook, but no pictures.  I have searched my computer and there are no pix of that event.  Fred had saved his pictures on discs and I went through all of them, to no avail.  The only thing I can think of, they were still ON his computer and when his son came the night of Fred's funeral, he took Fred's computer.  So--those pix are lost to me.  Kind of brought tears to my eyes when I realized.
=======================
I had to run up to Discount Tire today to check my drivers side front tire.  I had all my tires aired up two weeks ago and it had less air than the rest of them.  I noticed it looked a little low today.  They aired it up for me and I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to go in and have the wheel removed to check.  Probably a dent in the rim from a pot hole incident?  I hope that is all--I sure can't afford a new tire.

I did manage to save $100.00 to put in Maddie's grad card.  I have given each kid that amount.  Now, 12 years ago, when I gave my eldest grand child that amount, it was a big deal.  Not so much nowadays, but it is all I can wrestle up.  I have saved money since January to even get that much.  She will appreciate it anyway--she would be appreciative if I only gave her $20.00.

Flo--you wanted to know Maddie's plans?  She doesn't quite know what she wants to study.  In September, she will be going to Community College and study health/nursing and then in January, she will be going to Guatemala on a mission, to teach, take care of--help the people there.  It is NOT through her church, which surprised me.  Something like the Peace Corps of the '60's.  I am assured she will be safe.

When her mother, Karen, voiced some concern, I said, "Well, it is your fault that she wants to do this.  Ever since the kids were little, every Thanksgiving you went as a family to the center and worked in the kitchen to feed the homeless.  Every summer, for the past five years, as a family, you have gone into the inner city of Detroit, to help with the community gardens, clean and board up abandoned houses, and clean up old tires from vacant lots."

Karen nodded.

"You have taught her, by example, how to be a loving, caring, giving person...wanting to help others, so.....that's exactly what she is going to do.  Perhaps she will become a Nun."

Karen said, "You mean a Sister."

I said, "Whatever they're called."    

Hey

I'M FINE.  I WILL WRITE TOMORROW.  THANKS FOR WORRYING ABOUT ME.  I HAVE BEEN ULTRA BUSY WITH A PROJECT.

Proud, Happy, Fun, Sad Weekend

Saturday--Maddie's last ballet performance, most probably.

You aren't allowed to take pictures or video during the

performance, so, this being her last one and because

I AM GRAMMA JUDY

I took the first video of my life---and you can tell.

Little Susanna is the front row-far right, 

Maddie is front row, second from right.

All was going quite well, until Gramma's hand started shaking

Sorry!!

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

No visitor's are allowed in the dressing rooms, but, I wanted to get a photo of Susanna and Maddie in their costume's.  I peeked in and a chorus of, "GRAMMA JUDY--COME IN" rang out.  A dozen girls waving me in.  I don't even know most of them, but because, I AM GRAMMA JUDY, I went right in.  (I later asked Maddie how all those girls know me and she said, "Because you come to all our ballet performances, and you comment on Face Book...and they all know, Gramma Judy."

Quite an emotional afternoon, with another "last time" thingie.  I remember her when she was a tiny, blonde, five-year-old, just starting to learn the "positions".  ...and now, here we are--thirteen years later.......

Susanna has been accepted HERE .  She is a wonderful, very talented dancer.  I've watched her dance since she was seven--she and Maddie were little mice in their first Nutcracker Ballet.

==================================

Sunday:

Baccalaureate was at 2:00 at a large church across from the school.  A Nazarene Church.  Now, when I was younger, the Nazarene Church was a scary place to me.  No make-up allowed.  No jewelry.  Times have changed.  People attending in their pedal pushers and blue jeans--WHICH--personally I think is not appropriate!!!  

I wanted to wear a dress.  Had my panty hose and slip on and the dress, which is quite big on me now.  Then, I pulled my two pair of white dress shoes out of the closet.  I haven't worn either pair in 12 years and, they are about a size too small now and they hurt like heck.  So--I pulled on my new pair of white dress pants and a top my sister gave me 12 years ago--which is also large on me, but...............  I even put on some colored moisturizer and MASCARA!!!  Which was a real big mistake when they sang, the song above, "Oceans", "Amazing Grace" and this one: The Prayer Song 

 At the end of the service, Karen advised me that my mascara was all black under my eyes and I advised her that her eyes were all red, also from crying.  If Karen hadn't cried and practically sobbed, I think I would have been okay.
=================
Another weird and wonderful thing happened at the beginning, as people were filing in.  Karen was talking to the family in front of us.  Their Dad was playing the piano and...he was playing "Take My Hand Precious Lord."  I want that song played and sung at my funeral and have never been able to figure out who to have do it.  Come to find out, the mother and both older sisters are wonderful singers.  So--I just leaned forward and told her and she handed me a business card.

Afterwards, I met the Dad and he and I talked.  He knows where Byron is so he said, "We won't have a problem getting lost on the way to the church."

"That's wonderful, I said.  "I am really serious about this!"

"When do you think you will need us.  Should I put it on my calendar?"

"Oh--I don't know for sure.  Maybe this week...maybe twenty years from now.  Just don't forget."

"Okay.  Have Karen call us and we will be there."

Now, you all might think this is completely weird, but you know how I have everything planned and organized and this one particular thing had bothered me.  Now, I can put that card in my "funeral box" and I will have my song played and sung!!!  YAY!!!
================

... and of course, my precious boy!!!

When he gave his talk today, every time he moved his head, his tassel 

got caught behind his 

sticking out ears.  I loved it!!!

<by the way--Matt and Maddie are just friends>  <Sigh>

All the kids speeches were about their wonderful future.  I remember those kinds of speeches at my own graduation--57 years ago.  Has any of your lives turned out like you thought it would on your graduation day?

I never thought I'd end up divorced, living in a trailer and getting help from the Welfare system.

I won't tell any of these kids anything negative about the future.  They go forth with so many choices, so many opportunities--much more fortunate than we were at that age.  Perhaps they will have wonderful, happy and fulfilled lives.

That was part of my prayer for them today.  

Sorta Freaky Friday

Today's high temperature was: 78

Humidity: 27%

Sunny with a nice breeze.

No air conditioner needed today

==========================

Now I remember!!!  It was Jan at "Stand and Stare" that read the "The Age Of Miracles" book.  She said for 36 hours she read while she cooked, ate and ignored her hubby.  Yeah--it was that kind of book.  I tried to draw it out, so I would only allow myself to read a couple of hours each night.  I finished it last night.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“It still amazes me how little we really knew. . . . Maybe everything that happened to me and my family had nothing at all to do with the slowing. It’s possible, I guess. But I doubt it. I doubt it very much.”

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in a California suburb, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow. The days and nights grow longer and longer, gravity is affected, the environment is thrown into disarray. Yet as she struggles to navigate an ever-shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the normal disasters of everyday life—the fissures in her parents’ marriage, the loss of old friends, the hopeful anguish of first love, the bizarre behavior of her grandfather who, convinced of a government conspiracy, spends his days obsessively cataloging his possessions. As Julia adjusts to the new normal, the slowing inexorably continues.
============================

Even though I saw my flip-chart say it was Friday today--all day it felt like Saturday.  I have so many things coming up and I am afraid I am going to miss them, I guess.  Tomorrow afternoon, Madeleine's last ballet recital--there will be tears.  I still see her as that little 3 year old just starting ballet. <sigh>  Sunday is Baccalaureate.  

I looked outside early this morning and Darlene was walking down the street in, what I thought was a nightgown.  She went into Jackie's house and came out later--looked over here and must have thought I was still asleep, because she didn't come over.

Later this afternoon, 3:00, she came over and said, "I was at Jackie's this morning to show her the dress I am wearing to my nephew's wedding.  I came over, but I think you were asleep as your door was still locked."

I have no idea why she lied.  She never came over here.  My door was not locked, in fact it was open to catch the early morning cool breeze.

I didn't confront her.

"You should see my dress!"

"Did you get it where you work?"

"Oh-Heavens no!  I went to a high end store and tried on...like..twenty dresses.  It is a size 10 and fits me to a T."

<she weighs 198 pounds.  She is quite fleshy.  How could she fit into a size 10?>

"Well--tell me,  What's it like?"  <I had already seen it.>

"It's like a tank top with a V neckline.  White on the top, red from the bust to the hip and then a floor length skirt of black.  It sort of flows when I walk."

"Wow!  A floor length?  Is this a fancy wedding?"

"No.  It's being held outside, as is the reception."

"You will look like the Mother-Of-The-Bride."

"HA!  I will look better than the mother of the bride AND the mother of the groom.  Everyone else is wearing a street length dress.  No one is wearing a floor length gown except me!"
<oh Lordy>
=============================
Today, the Fed Ex truck delivered the long handled dandelion weeder thingie I ordered for Pearl and I to share.  I grabbed the box and went right up to their place, the minute Dar left.  Merle opened up the long box and tipped it up and...out fell TWO!!!  Exactly alike!  Now--Pearl and I can use them at the same time and along with my long handled trowel--we are going to be able to weed her little front garden.  We are going to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday, as it is suppose to rain Monday.

I got home and went on-line and notified the seller on Amazon.com that I had received two and had only ordered and paid for one.  I got an e-mail response from them later and the seller wrote that "because you ordered the long handled trowel AND the long handled dandelion weeder both from us, we sent you the other weeder as a bonus."

Well now--isn't that the nicest thing?
========================
Weird experience this evening.

My friend Mary, who lived behind me, moved to an apartment.  She sold her place to the parents of the Yippy dog, who lived just across the street.  A guy moved into their place.  He walks by here with his old Cocker Spaniel a couple of times a day.  We have waved.

This evening, I was out watering and saw him and walked out to the street to pet the dog.  

He introduced himself and I told him my name and then.....I learned more about this guy in 15 minutes than I learned about Fred in a week!!!  This guy talked fast and a lot.

His name is John.
His grandfather came from Italy, to British Columbia, Canada to keep from fighting in WWI.
His father came to Munising, Michigan. (In the U.P.)
He is one of 13 children.
In the middle of 13 children.
When he got out of the Marine Corp, he settled in Howell, in 1967.
He loved it in the Marine's because he had his own bed to sleep in and didn't have to share a bed with his two older brothers.
He was married for 17 years and had 4 children and then, she left him.
He got married again and was married for 23 years and then she left him.
He has 10 grandchildren.  
5 are in college--he named them, the college they attend, their majors and the year they are in.
The dog's name is Maizie.
She is 13 years old and has arthritis.
She is a Cocker and Poodle mix and that is why her coat is so thick.
He just turned 70 and works out daily.
Three times a week, from 2:00 until 5:00, he volunteers at the neighborhood elementary school.
Saturday, he and his oldest grandson are driving up to Munising to visit family.

It was like I was hearing a dating site profile, instead of reading one!!!

Think this guy is lonely and just wants someone to listen?

I will keep a look out and stay inside the next time I see him coming down the street.

Now--if he were taller than 5'7"--well............................maybe, but...size does matter.  LOL