May I Interrupt This Blog For An Important Announcement?

Please excuse this intrusion but I have something important to say. Good old Susie Q, this crazy rabbit lady who purports to be my biggest fan (It is right there in black and white on the sidebar for the whole world to see) blogged absolutely NOTHING about my birthday yesterday. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. No "Happy Birthday big guy", no "May you live another 71 years", no Feliz Cumplianos, not even a kiss my birthday foot.

Yeah, I turned 71 yesterday and this broad says nothing. Oh yeah. She's my biggest fan. Right.

I hear she is headed off for the white sands of Alabama. So, so busy. Whew.

Too busy to wish me a how do you birthday do. But I'll get over it. I'm a big guy after all.

Just give me a moment...*sigh* Okay.

Thank you for your kind attention.

In Susie Q's Absence,

Mr. D

Hey Hey What D'Ya Say...

...We're the Elks and we came to play!

Yup. The kid is now a cheerleader. Pom Poms, a 5 inch thick rules & regulations manual to learn and a zillion dollars worth of outfits and equipment later and it is official! But doesn't she look adorable in the camp outfit? Camp begins the first week of August and she is so excited!

On the 4th of July she and the other girls walked in the Americana Parade here and what fun she had! The expected rain held off until the parade ended so it was

a huge success!

Me? Not so much! *sniff* Mom here was home, in bed, with a virus. Uh huh. All our 4th plans went up in a cloud of fire crackers.

But I am not whining...really! My Mom and Bill enjoyed the parade and Bill taped the entire thing for me so we all watched together. The cookout I planned was postponed but heck. Burgers and hot dogs taste good any time right?

The rest of the family watched fireworks at the high school but Kip, Lucy and Henry and I cuddled under a quilt and watched them on TV. The Fur Three are always good at cheering me up!

I am still not 100% better but well enough to have worked in the yard today! Grace and I spent 3 hours weeding the beds and trimming. This kid loves to pitch in with yard work! I never even have to ask! Me? I have to BEG myself to do it! Truly! Sad isn't it? Puuuuullllleeeezzzeeee Sue? I will let you watch a Brian Dennehy movie if you go out and weed for 1 hour! And so I go, grumbling at myself but I go. *grin*

We are getting ready to head off on vacation this coming weekend...I hope to have oodles of photos to share with you all upon our return. Going to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores Alabama for the week. Poor Dan has to work so he is tending to the house, yard watering and caring for the Fur Three. They are just grateful NOT to be in a kennel! Whoo Hoo!

We are meeting a few of the families that were in China with us. We love these people so much and are so grateful that all of us have stayed close and meet once a year for a reunion. We all can't be at each one but as many come as is possible and those that are not with us are there in spirit and in our hearts. We do share photos and call with one another but seeing the children in person is always such a joy. Grace, the honorary big sis of the group, delights in the little ones, all of which turn 6 this year! That does not seem possible! It was 5 years ago September that found all of us in China...

I hope your week is going well and that your 4th holiday was a sweet one!

Yesterday was Ritter's Dog night and Kip is hard at work on his post to share!

I have promised him to add it to the blog before we head South...

Stay cool, smile a lot and enjoy each day! They are such precious gifts!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Happy 4th!

Go out and celebrate!

We, as proud Americans, have much for which to be grateful!

Happy 4th of July to you all!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Quintessentially American

The sweet, cozy American bungalow. A cottage of sorts...how quintessentially American! How perfect for this, our own national holiday, to celebrate this style of home! Yes, it is my favorite type of residence and nothing delights me more, well, unless Brian Dennehy would drop by, than finding a new one with which to fall in love. I wanted to share with you two examples of bungalows...2 of my very favorite homes in the Dayton area.

In the weeks to come I plan to share even more with you...

I hope your weekend will be one filled with happy laughter, good food, loved ones and the warmth of hearth and home.

Happy 4th of July to one and all!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Play Strong!

Recently, pet loving bloggers were asked to help in a very special project! Kelee Katillac herself asked 150 bloggers to step forward and decorate a "Play Strong"scarf for their pet! We were then to photograph our pet proudly wearing his or her scarf and send it on to Kelee to be posted on her blog. Easy as pie! Oh but I forgot to tell you the best part! Each photo earns a $10 donation to help abandoned dogs and cats! Uh huh! Kelee's Katillac Shack

has a sponsor who will donate $2,000 is 150 photos of pets in scarfs are turned in by July 6th!

Kip and I wanted to do our part and believe me. I am no seamstress. But I can draw a little (There is a fire hydrant on his scarf you can just barely see!) and sew on a button or two so with just two pricked fingers and a little of my time, we have helped some precious dogs and cats.

Kip's Grandpa was a fire fighter so his reaction to sirens comes naturally! He wanted to salute fire dogs and all the good work they do because they do, indeed, "Play Strong!"

Kipper and I also salute Kelee and her dog Oliver for all the good works they do!

Thank you Katillac Shack!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

The Bee's Knees

Yes, the bees were a buzzin' and the roosters were crowin' and the sheep were

baahin' and the day was so pretty and warm.

Our family spent the afternoon at Aullwood Nature Center and Farm Sunday. Visiting from time to time has been a tradition for many Daytonians for years and years.What a sweet treat to feed the sheep and wander around

just enjoying the day, nature, the animals and one another.

I hope your weekend was a sweet one and that your

week is beginning well.

This time of year there is always something fun to do or a

gardening chore that needs doin'.

I will be by to visit each of you soon...until then,

know I send my love and many hugs!

Susie Q

They Say It's Your Birthday...

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Andi!

May it be a day filled with hugs and laughter,

pretty shoes, Bully kisses and lots of chocolate!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

As Still As A Statue

Once again, if it is a statue, and it's Summer, we must be in downtown Dayton. Yes, statues have invaded once again. I had a lot of fun with the ones from last year so I hopped into the Rabbit Mobile and headed downtown. I only took a few pictures and only used 4 of the statues but I had such fun.

I hope to get back down this weekend and *meet* a few more of the characters which will be calling Dayton home this Summer! Gosh it is hot today! 90 + and oy! The humidity! Grace had her last day of violin Summer camp today and the parents were treated to a mini concert featuring the theme from Star Wars, Puff the Magic Dragon

and other well known tunes. Is it just me or does anyone else tear up (okay. SOB!) at Puff? It is such a sweet but oh so bittersweet song! Oh my...I am a bit overly teary aren't I? *sigh*

Tomorrow we have a day at the pool planned so Mom here will be well ensconced under the pagoda with a good book. Grace will be, of course, not. *smile*

Oh! We had a hoot last night at the concert! What fun. The arena was filled to capacity and everyone sang along and there was lots of dancin' goin' on as well. Miss Grace and her BFF, the divine Miss K were hot on the dance floor. Literally and figuratively! They had such fun...and no. I didn't have my camera! Can you believe that? ACK!

I hope you are staying cool and smiling often...have another glass of lemonade and hum a chorus of Puff for me!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Hypocrite Bloggers Unite!

Ah yes. I have been referred to as a member of the *hypocrite circle*.

It seems that many of us have been tagged for *sweet* anonymous comments. And why? because WE left comments of support to a blog buddy who has been heckled by this same anonymous coward.

Such people deserve no further publicity from us so I debated leaving anything to draw even more attention to our Sour Patch Kid commenter. But I want to post today as a way to celebrate this wonderful *hypocrite circle* which most of us have come to cherish. Like the women seen in the photo, we have all become great friends, friends who are quite willing to wade into the watery abyss to support one another, defend each other if need be and share our lives as dear friends do.

Is it *hypocritical* to do so? I think not. We are all different in so many ways yet the same in the ways that matter most. I care not a whit if your skin is the color of well ripened eggplant, you have been married 12 separate times to 9 different Albanian caterers or you do NOT think Brian Dennehy is sexy. Okay. So I MIGHT cringe a little on that last sniggle but a sniggle it is...and a minor one at that.

We all love our families and our homes. We all love this crazy world of blog and the friends that have come into our lives because of it. We stand together, as friends, as women, who are there for one another as friends should be. There is nothing we can not overcome together...even the inane ramblings of a disgruntled anonymous commenter.

I am so proud to be a part of this world and so, so grateful to call you all my friends.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

I Am Feelin' Blue...

It's dark and we're wearing sunglasses...

Uh huh...Bill, Grace, my brother Jim and I will be feeling blue tonight. We are heading over to The Fraze Pavilion, an open air live music spot, to see Jake and Elwood's Blues Revue. From Orlando, this duo are affiliated with Universal Studios and are the only Dan Ackroyd/Belushi Family sanctioned Blues Brothers tribute band. They have a rhythm and horn section and pretty darned lively and lots of fun! The Fraze offers lots of these events during the Summer...the tickets are inexpensive and you can't beat it for a sweet evening of entertainment!

2 weeks ago Bill and I went to The Fraze to see Nancy Cartwright do her one woman stand up show, "My Life As A 10 Year old Boy". Nancy is the voice of Bart Simpson (and other Simpson characters as well) and hails from our area. Her father sat right behind us and was such a nice man...we saw where she got her sense of humor!

We have tickets for other Summer events at The Fraze and always enjoy ourselves...it is just another reason I am proud to be from the Dayton area.

Hope your week is treating you well...and that you have lots of reasons to smile!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

It's All Over And *I* Didn't Even Sing...

Hey, it WAS hot ya know! Grace at third waiting to be brought home...

*Smack*

The team...Grace is 4th from the right.

Our own MVP

...uh huh. The fat lady must have been singin' 'cause Grace's softball season came to an end late Saturday afternoon. It came during the second round of tourney play and wow. It was a real heart breaker at the end...7-8. But the girls played hard and well, were great sports and had so much fun. They learned a lot this season and worked together as a team and as friends. It doesn't get better than that!

There will be a cook out for the team this Saturday, to celebrate their season and get together again. We all look forward to that!

I hope you all had a sweet weekend and that all the dads in your lives were treated well!

Have a wonderful week...stay cool and smile a lot! Life is such a precious gift!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Sweet Summer Day

As always, each photo can be enlarged by clicking on it...

Recently I spent a few sweet hours at Cox Arboretum, part of Dayton's wonderful Five Rivers Metro Park system. I shared the day with Grace, her BFF, Miss Kelly and the talented

Sara . If you have yet to meet Sara,

hop on over and say hello! She is one heck of a great shutterbug! We had a great time walking, chatting and snapping photos. She features her work on her blog and I know you will enjoy it!

It was a lovely day, not TOO warm, low humidity and lots of warm, bright sunshine. The perfect sweet, Summer day!

I am sorry to be such a bad blogger again but I have been watching my nephew this week and Grace has been in Summer Strings and softball tournaments! But I will be by to see you soon! Look for me! *smile*

My love to each one of you...have a safe and happy weekend.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Kip Say WHAT?

The old dudes said we were goin' for a ride! Way cool!

Ah, such a nice evenin' to be out with the parent type dudes. I am sure we must be goin' to the Ritter's place.

Surely we are. Hmmm...I don't 'member this road though...but these old dudes are probably lost or sumpin'.

Well old dudes, I guess there's nuthin' to do 'cept relax and enjoy the ride... Wait a mo...this looks familiar...oh. It says *CATS* on the door. Is this where we gots my cats from old dudes? Is THIS it? WOW! Maybe we are gettin' a new cat! Is that it old dudes? Um, Dad dude. Seriously. The CAT door is over there. This door says *DOGS* on it and I LIKE bein' the only dog dude. Uh oh...it is comin' back to me now...I KNOW this place! No way old dudes! NO WAY! NOOOOOO...

No one EVER listens to me...sheesh. If I sit here real quiet like and pretend to be a statue, the mean people who give shots won't know I am here. Ssh... Did someone call my name?? Did they?? No wait Dad dude...no...please do NOT take me in there...please...PLEASE...

This is so humiliating old dudes...seriously. And you say you love me...is THIS how you treat someone you love? Hey lady dude! Whatcha doin' back there!! Do YOU mind?? Do you MIND!

Okay. Whew. That's over...no wait...who are those needles for old dudes? They better be for YOU two...oh NOOOOOO... This has been one of the worst evenin's of my whole life old dudes. NO I am NOT bein' overly dramatic Mom dude. What ever THAT means.

What are we doin' here? I know this Queenie place...well. I KNOW it but it is NOT Ritter's parent dudes.

What do I want? *pfffffttttpffffftttt* I WANT Ritter's.

Hm...wait a mo. They DO have 'scream and I 'member it bein' pretty good...WAIT old parent dudes!

I wanna 'scream! I wanna 'scream!

Gimme some of that Dad dude...it's mine ya know...gimme, gimme...

*slrpethibmmmmslrpethibmmm*

What do you mean that is ALL I get?

There is still more in that cup dude. May I remind you of THIS???

Yes, THIS old dudes. Poor innocent doggie hadda get a blood test and it hurt dudes. HORRIBLY! I may be scarred for life old dudes! May I REMIND you of this???

*slrpethibmmmslrpethibmmmm*

I do NOT think I will even LOOK at the old dudes all the way home...nope. They think a little 'scream is gonna smooth things over. HA!

Nope...not gonna look at 'em...nope. Let 'em sweat it...phooey. Huh? So it wasn't THAT bad?? Was it YOU who had them stick that, whatever it was, well, in...in...YOU know where...and was it YOU who got the shots? And then they took my blood! I almost bleeded to death! They was evil I tell you!

So...am I over my little snit? What do YOU think?

*pffffftttttpffffttttt*

Pure Magic

Is there anything better than relaxing with a good book on a lazy Summer day?

Now, I haven't had one of those lazy days yet but one day soon... Each Summer I re-read several books. Among them are Jane Eyre, To Kill A Mockingbird, Anne Frank; The Diary of a Young Girl & Pride and Prejudice. I also love re-reading several young people's classics like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little. Bill and will both read Elmore Leonard's new one, Road Dogs, and I will try Janet Evanovich's Finger Lickin' Fifteen. I have also picked up David Lebovitz's, The Sweet Life in Paris and Colm Toibin's, Brooklyn: A Novel. What's on your Summer reading list? Love and Hugs, Susie Q

My Peeps Need YOUR Help Dudes!

I would like for to ask all of you dudes for your help! Miss Kelee,

and her cool dog dude, Oliver, over at the Katillac Shack, has a totally sweet project that will benefit kitties & doggies in need! If you can help by decoratin' a scarf and photographin' your favorite dog (Or perhaps even a kitty) IN that scarf, please hope over and see Kelee and Oliver!

I can't wait to see what my Mom and Sissy will do with MY scarf!

Not so long ago it was me, the Kipper dude, who needed a little help. I am one of the lucky ones dudes! Please hop over to visit that nice Kelee and see if you too can help very special dogs and cats!

Love ,

Kipper

Having An *A'fair*!

What?? No you big sillies you! *I* am not having an affair! Why Brian is no

where to be found! (Phooey!) It was the city of Dayton having an *A'Fair*! The annual World A'Fair!

Here we are at the entrance to Dayton's Convention Center...I wonder what we will find inside...

Now what was there of interest?...Why, there was great food from around the world. Friendly and interesting people, beautiful native costumes, wonderful music, fun dances and...

...there were lovely ladies trying on new fashions...

There was Japanese language craft...

Oh so good Chinese food ...

...and beautiful Korean ladies who taught Grace about the language!

You could even have a unique henna tattoo done!

There were Junior princesses...

...and lovely Queens.

There were brave Tuskegee Airmen...

...and lady WASPS.

Now who does THIS lady think she is? A heroic WASP? More like an old, cowardly bunny...

There were lots of pretty young girls trying their hand..er...hips...at belly dancing!

And look at all the good lookin' legs on display....here...

...over there...

...and here too!

Aw...forget all of those young *leg* men. I'll take a little Paprika Powered man every time!

Well, I had fun at 2009's World A'Fair!

I hope you had fun exploring the *world* with me today! Dayton's annual event is always a treat!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

D Day

On this day, June 6th, 2009, I am remembering the brave men who fought, and died, on the beaches of occupied France. The names of those beaches is etched in history... Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword, Gold...

On June 6th, 1944, 150,000 Allied soldiers clambered aboard heaving landing craft and braved 6 foot swells, relentless machine gun fire and more than 6 million land mines to claim a stretch of sand in a place called Normandy. Their mission was to carve out an Allied foothold on the edge of Nazi-occupied Europe for the army of one million that would follow. That army would burst forth from this beach and roll across Europe and into the heart of Germany. They would liberate millions, topple a genocidal regime and end a dark nightmare. But this all began, on these beaches, on THIS day.

The historical and human consequences of their actions are epic.

This is the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the very youngest of these veterans are turning 82 this year. The years to come will see fewer and fewer of their ranks...fewer and fewer of them to share their memories...

Valor, Fidelity, Sacrifice...

Explaining...

Pat's blog is but one site with which I have had this issue!

Just a quick note...thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the sweet support you have given me! I love you all. I also wanted to explain one reason I am having trouble visiting everyone this week. When I stop by some blogs, I get a default notice and the page shuts down. I don't know if this is Blogger's fault or the fault of my own computer. I have tried to visit each of you this week so if you received no comments, this is probably why! I am having Dan check it for me...I have to work this particular snigglidoo out pronto!

And the way I look in the post picture? Thank you for saying I look *pretty* (I blushed) but believe me! It is all done with smoke and mirrors. Good skin? Nope...Bare Minerals...it covers a multitude of sins! And you saw NO double chin! Joni Webb at Cote de Texas taught me THAT trick! Lower your chin and shoot from above! Aha! Believe me, I DO have a double chin! (Just ask the bloggers that have met me in person!) And chubby cheeks and you DID notice I didn't shoot my body below the shoulders right? *grin*

I wish each of you a wonderful weekend...see you soon!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

My Father

Mom and Dad on their wedding day October 3rd, 1953 A photo of my Dad, in his Fire Department uniform, that I keep on my bedside table...

My father was born on June 5th, 1924, in New Market, Tennessee. Today would have been his 85th birthday. My father passed away in July, the 16th to be specific, in 2000.

He served during WW II, as a sailor in the Pacific, drove a semi, became a Dayton fire fighter, always grew an amazing garden, treasured his wife and family, loved animals, his newspaper, TV westerns and John Wayne.

My dad was stubborn, opinionated, funny and loving. He was strong and loyal, bull headed and

always sang or whistled when he worked.

He could make me so mad, so happy & so proud. I knew he loved me unconditionally. I felt totally safe when I was with him. I will miss him for the rest of my life...

Happy birthday Daddy.

Love,

Susie Q

For another post I wrote about my Dad...

How Do You Do, My Name Is Sue!

Howdido! My name is Sue!

I have decided to reinvent my self...okay. So I'm Not. But I AM re-introducing myself to all of you. After posting my "Alone Again...Naturally" post, so many of you left comments and sent emails, all so sweet and supportive. I know I was being silly but was in such a bloggy funk. Let me explain...someone I know, (not well thankfully), who is quite the downer, wrote me just to say, " Poor you! You used to get 150 + hits on your blog and now you seem lucky to get 40!"

How dear of her to point that out! Just made me day. Hmpf.

My fink had nothing to do with the number of comments you see...just visits.

I was just "not giving the blog world what it wanted". Her words. Not mine.

Okay. So it left me wondering if I should continue. I always tried to put up interesting pictures, ones that I had worked on to improve their look...wanting them to be pretty for all of you! I tried to write about things I was doing that you MIGHT be interested in. No, I don't do as many decorating posts as others but I haven't had the time to do that for awhile. I miss it and hope to do more posts of that nature soon but still....

I wasn't giving the folks what they wanted...

I was told I was "long winded" and that seemed to hold true when some pointed out that I put up "wordy" posts. Okay, so I am a talker. *shrug* That's just me.

I have not participated in as many daily posts as some and that hasn't helped...you know...the "___ Monday" or "___Thursday". I WANT to but have not had the time to do so yet.

I Do read many of YOUR daily postings and sadly, do not always leave a comment.

This begs the question, do blog friends only visit YOU if YOU visit THEM? Sometimes this seems to be the case. *sigh* I don't know the answers, only the questions!

What to do, what to do. Here's the 911. I am just overwhelmed some days, like many of you, with daily activities. Some of you are equally busy and will probably not read this due to it's "wordiness" *grin*

I literally *hit the wall* last Saturday evening. I was so tired, so sore, so emotionally and physically drained that I collapsed! Literally! At almost 53 years of age, I also suffer from

fibromyalgia, arthritis and 2 badly injured knees. I have not shared with you about the fibro but

I made a vow that this blog would NOT be all about my *bad* days! I wouldn't want to read that about me so why would YOU! *laugh*

But there it is. Between the house and the yard (albeit a small one but still one that needs tending!), Grace's schedule, my nephew's schedule, my Mom's schedule...then there are the extra added goodies like doctor appointments and grocery shopping and dog grooming and yard mulching and volunteer work, Church work, High School reunion committee work...you get the point.

And ALL of you face the same thing! How to do it all. How do we do all we HAVE to do and all we WANT to do?

So I debated whether or not to keep blogging. If no one read my dribbles, why do them? I was talking to my awesome new friend (met through blogging I might add!), Sue

about this and we shared the same angst about the work. We both found that each of our posts take approximately 1-2 hours to do. Some have taken longer. I try, I really do, to make it interesting, funny, visually enjoyable...I know that not everyone will agree that it meets these lofty requirements but the attempt will always be there!

I do apologize to each of you for my inability to always visit as I should, to always leave comments as I should...I know that each of you work hard on YOUR blog posts and you deserve

MY respect for it. I apologize for all the times I have been unable to be the sort of blog friend that I wish to be.

So. I am going to start fresh for the Summer. I will do a post, re-introducing myself to all of you.

I can't promise that I will always be riveting and relevant *grin* but I WILL try. I will post at least twice a week and visit all of you as often as I can. I will participate in some of the fun daily events in blog world.

But, all in all, I will post for me. It is my creative outlet, my connection with the wider world.

I have no illusions of grandeur. No one is going to ask me to write a book or pay me to blog. No one is going to put my house in a magazine, pay for my advice or hop on the Rabbit Run bandwagon because my blog is uber popular. But the friends I have made here in bloggy world are, for the most part, still right here beside me. I treasure that. I have learned so much from you, been inspired, supported, uplifted by you. I have laughed until Diet Coke came out of my nose! *lovely visual I know* I have shared your joys, your pain, your fears and your triumphs.

I am honored by that.

You will NOT have to visit me to get me to visit you! *smile* But you are always MOST welcome here at Rabbt Run Cottage...anytime, anyday.

With love and many hugs,

Susie Q

They're Tearing Down Our Memories...

And these I see-these sparkling eyes,

These stores of mystic meaning-these young lives.

Building, equipping, like a fleet of ships-immortal ships!

Soon to sail out over the measureless seas,

On the soul's voyage.

~Walt Whitman

...and he the pilot, who has laid the course

For all to steer by honest, unafraid-

Truth is his beacon light, so he has made

The name of the old school is a living force.

~Andrew Barton Paterson

They are tearing down our memories...brick by brick, throughout the Summer of '09. Wilbur Wright High School has stood her ground, yes, for 83 long years she has weathered what life has thrown at her. But they say she is too old now and, as seems to be the fashion in this country, she will torn down to make way for the new. Still, for those of us who loved her, and our ranks are many, she will remain in our memories and in our hearts.

I was student director of "Our Town" and also drew the cover image for the playbill. (Yes, it seems rather childish now to me too!)

This montage was found in the alumni room along with so many things from our school's proud past..

For a few hours last Saturday, alumni were invited back to tour their beloved school. The hallways were filled with people from all age groups, walks of life and socio ethnic groups. We were bound together by our shared affection for this place and memories of school days past. I shared this tour with 3 of my dearest friends, friends who knew me then, know me now and still seem to like me. Imagine that! Such connections are priceless...

This is also the year my graduating class will celebrate our 35th reunion. Seeing the old school become a pile of brick and steel will be hard on so many.

Are all our memories sweet? Of course not. Very few of us get out of High School without experiencing a broken heart, some embarassment, a little fear...for some those unpleasant emotions were brief, for others, they were an all too familiar, much too constant, ache.

But there are those precious memories that, as we age, seem to take center stage in our stories & in our mind's eye and make us smile broadly.

This old building has seen her share of pain, victory, laughter and tears. She has lived a good life, a full and rich lfe.

2 years ago the city of Dayton razed our elementary school, the place I called my home away from home from Kindergarten through the 8th grade. They built, in it's place, something shiny and new and technologically more savvy but lacking any real heart, any real soul.

To read the post I did about that, just click on this link ~Kemp Elementary~

And now it's my High School's turn.

We all came for one last look...and to say goodbye. Good bye to the Wilbur Wright that I knew...you will never be forgotten.

Boo's Day Out...

We had our nephew Brady on Sunday so what to do, what to do..what

about a drive and a visit to Young's Dairy?

What's your pleasure?

Chocolate, Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Black Walnut,

Cookies and Cream, Brownie Delight, Cotton Candy,

Mint Chocolate, Oreo Cookie,

Strawberry, Rocky Road...or what about some gelato? Or sherbet? hey! How about a banana split? A sundae?

A root beer float? I know! A milkshake!

Boo and Uncle Bill contemplate this question...

"I'm just not too sure about them Uncle Bill..."

Which way are the cows Boo?

Yup...there they are! Hello cows!

There were lots of sweet baby animals...

...and lovely flowers to see...

..and two precious men with whom to share it all!

I hope your week is going ever so well!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Brian's Song...

...and dance.

Ah...where to begin...

I see my gal Susie Q's been in a funk.

She thinks no one comes by to read all this junk... Why should they I say, it's boring today...and yesterday too, yet still you go on, sheesh! Leave it to you... Just like when I asked you to follow me less...still you persisted, became a real pest.

I wrote out this note, here, I'll read it again..."You're becoming

annoying Susie my friend!"

Twice I asked nicely but did you leave be? Nope, you just

posted more pictures of me!

Aw &%$#*&%$#!

You mean well it seems so I guess I should laugh...

that someone like you would choose a blog path.

Your writing is sub par but you're tryin' your best.

May I give you advice? You need a blogger guest. I'd be willing to pop in here occasionally...

...if you promise to keep your hands off of ME!

I'll try to feel honored that you think I'm still hot...just try to behave

'cause a writer you're not! You need lots of help from many a source,

call in the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force! Go back to school and

practice some more, then your blog will be better, be less of a bore.

Work on your photos and brush up your grammar or you'll be sitting in the Bloggy World slammer.

Got it? I am only one man...*sigh* I can not do all of this alone.

I hope this little talk helped.

In Remembrance

Alone Again...Naturally...

Edited to add:

I love you all..thank you for the sweet comments. Please forgive me for being so silly and selfish and self absorbed. I think that the last 3 weeks of busy-ness and being so tired have taken their toll on me! And yes sweet Chris, part of it is MENOPAUSE! *laugh*

I promise I will become more regular at posting and do more visiting as well. I fully understand people not leaving comments. I DO I swear. I do the same things I am afraid. : (

I guess that, after almost 3 years of blogging, I was beginning to think I had worn thin on people.

But I love all of you and love what blogging has brought to my life. I am thankful for you, for it.

God Bless you all. See you on Tuesday!

...as a child of the 60s and 70s, so many things remind me of song lyrics from that era. Anyone else remember the song in the post title? *smile* Yes, I have been a naughty bloggy friend and not visited as I would like to. These past 3 weeks have been crazy and this weekend is no exception. I have so many photos and postings to share with you all. But I must pop in and say something. I am beginning to feel quite alone here of late. Maybe it's just the Summer funks for me or whatever but I find myself wondering if I should continue blogging. I seem to be losing visitors by the handful these days and so many old friends don't drop by like they used to. Maybe I am just tired and cranky and menopausal (probably!). I may not "give the people what they want" so no one cares anymore. *shrug* I dunno...maybe I am just feeling sorry for myself.

That's probably it huh?

Bloggy World has given me far more than I ever expected or deserved...new and oh so dear friends, a new found joy in the world of photography and a chance to express myself a bit from time to time. I treasure these things.

I am at my brother's this weekend, staying with my nephew while they are away. It has been a wild weekend of high school tours and birthday parties and my Mom is still not feeling as she should so that is a huge concern for me. I hope to be back blogging regularly by Tuesday and, even if I am just talking to myself, I think I will be here. I always did talk to myself anyhoo.

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend...Summer is officially here!

This Memorial Day, take a moment to pause and remember all of the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, who unconditionally give of themselves for us.

Then go grill a burger or two...

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q, who will get over her funk soon

Kipper Speaks...

...'n shakes, 'n sits,'n lays down, 'n...well, my Mom says I am really

talented dudes! 'Course I'm too, too modest to say that but SHE can right?

Gosh but it has been too long since'n I wrote you huh dudes?

It is awfully hard for a little dude to do all this typin' and spellin',

especially with no thumbs!

Since my Mom has been really, really, really busy 'n all, I decided to give her a break and do a post for her! Aw gee. That's just the kinda little dude I am 'n all. Mom has been takin' care a my Gram, seein' Grace play softball, babysittin', takin' pictures for people, keepin' the house free a monsters 'n goin' places dog dudes can't go.

But the old folks DID take me to Ritter's on Dog Night 'n I KNEW you would wanna share it with me. Right dude type people?

This is me 'n my old man dude but you already knew that huh? I was wearin' my "My people went to Disney World and all they got me was this lousy bandanna!" bandanna with Pluto on it. It is cute 'n all but sheesh! It really WAS all they got me when they went to Disney World!!

This is my Sissy and my new friend Miss Sue. I can 'member her name easy dudes 'cause it is my Mom's name too. ('Cept'n I just call my Mom, Mom) Miss Sue is really nice and pretty and I liked that she went with us. My Mom met Miss Sue here in bloggy world which is NOT like Disney World but maybe better says Mom! Miss Sue 'n my Mom got some kinda sundae called a turtle but I didn't see any turtle 'n if'n I did I wouldn't EAT it!

My Sissy got a sundae that had dirt

'n worms in it! Really dudes! 'N she ate it! Even I don't eat dirt...okay, so I did once but I was only little dudes! Gee whiz...

I want ya to see some of the cool dog type dude peeps that were at Ritter's!

This little dude came over to see me so's I let him pet me 'n all.

That is just the kinda dog dude I am 'n all.

This cool dude is Frankie. Frankie's dad dog dude was a Black Labrador and his mom dog dude was a Basset Hound so's Frankie looks like this! I think he looks perfect just the way he is right dudes?

Rrrrrrrr...that's ALL folks!

'N that's all for ME too dudes! I'll be back in June with more stuff from Ritter's Dog Night!

Till then, be good dudes!

Love 'N Tail Wags,

Kipper

A Note from Bill

Hi to you all. Susie has been running amok of late and sends her apologies! She meant to pop in here and write yesterday but the day took a little twist. Susie's mom fainted while cooking for a dinner at church and was taken, by ambulance, to a near by hospital. Susie and her brother Jim spent the day in the ER with Mom. Tests were run and she seems fine. She was a bit dehydrated and anemic (Yes, we are always reminding her to drink more and eat more protein!) from a slight case of flu she had not too long ago. At almost 82 we could not be to careful with her! She is home now and seems like her independent and full of tart humor self.

My girl will be back here tomorrow I am sure. For now, know she is thinking about each of you and sends her love. Thanks to each of you for always being so supportive and loving to my gal.

Cheers!

Bill

A Day Late And A Dollar Short...

Okay! So I am always late these days and much more than ONE day!

(and let's not talk about how short those dollars are!)

But heck...can you forgive me? Please? PLEASE?

I have a lot of catching up to do so let's start here...Mother's Day/Bill's birthday.

The day was beautiful! Truly. One of those Spring days you long for all Winter.

We all went to church and after services we headed to Madison Bistro.

They have a yummy brunch on special days and yes. We all left feeling quite satisfied!

It was all you could eat...all kinds of breakfast goodies from omelets and casseroles to waffles and pancakes. There was fruit of all sorts, and do not even get me started on the luncheon part of the buffet! *sigh*

Mom and Grace...after lunch and just before Grace changed shirts in the van! She had to be attired in her Dragon's gear for a trip into Dayton!

After brunch we headed downtown to Fifth Third Field

to see The Dayton Dragons play ball!

Grace and Gem, The Dayton Dragon's Mascot

Grace and Heater, the Dayton Dragon's mascot

Gem is Heater's sister for those of you wonderin'...*grin*

Grace and her Daddy, the Birthday Boy

Dreamin' of the big leagues...

Hi Heater! After the game we all had dinner at Mom's. Lots of great food

and an ice cream birthday cake to boot!

Grace and her Auntie

Grace and Grandma

Dan's no surgeon but he cut pretty good chunks of cake for each of us! Dan isn't crazy about having his picture on blog, and I respect that, but

he usually allows me to add one now and then!

Notice the blue icing on his face and fingers? I think he liked the cake! My nephew Boo wanted to play outside so off we went...

Boo and his Mommy

Run Boo! Daddy's coming!

Havin' fun with Mommy and Daddy I know I am so, so late. Late in posting this an even later in getting around to see everyone.

I think about each of you all the time...and I know you understand

about life getting busy. Still, please always remember that each one of you is a joy to me

and I cherish your friendship. Thank you for being here even

when I am one rotten blogger...

*Oh, and Kipper would like me to tell you that he is late with his Ritter's Dog Night post but it is hard to type with little paws. He will have it up and ready to go this weekend!

Have a sweet weekend!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

A Kiss Is Just A Kiss...

....a sigh is just a sigh. Oh go ahead.

You KNOW you wanna sigh...it IS adorable!

I just discovered a wonderful web site I want to share

with all of you. It's called Zoo Borns and

is not only precious but also educational and down right fun.

If you have a few spare moments, hop on over to Zoo Borns!

You will be delighted!

I will be back posting and visiting soon. It has been oh so busy

here of late and there are just not enough hours in the day! Or, to be truthful, old Susie Q does not have enough brain cells left at the end of the day to do all she needs to do!

I hope you are all well and enjoying a sweet week!

Love,

Susie Q

Me?? Little, Old ME??

Photos and silliness will be posted later this evening but, for now, I wanted to let you know my exciting news!

Little old me, Susie Q herself, was chosen as Mother of the Year for 2009! Just click on the words Mother of the Year to see the news clip!

I SO wanted to share this with all of you!

Hmmm...does anyone think Brian has heard the news? He just might wish to congratulate me...right?

More soon...

Love to you all,

Susie Q