Memories Of China

Just a few memories of China. We were there for 16 days in 2004. Wonderful food, interesting and fascinating places and history, delightful people. And yes, we did bring home something special....our new daughter!

It is almost 3 years to the day that we got the telephone call about our daughter. I will never forget the day we found out her name and saw her picture for the first time.

This was one of the first times we all went out with our new children. The Chinese people were so loving and friendly and caring. They were so sweet about us and our adoptions. We had crowds gather almost everywhere we went!

The flower market was directly across from our hotel and what a glorious sight each morning.

New flowers arriving and the prices were so low that each of us bought roses every day! What a delight!

And the children....the beautiful, precious children. Over the next few weeks I hope to do a little reminiscing about our Dan's arrival and Grace's as well. Their stories are so precious to us...as are they.

Hugs,

Susie Q

If This Is Tuesday, We Must Have Art!

Glitter paint....that's what Van Gogh was looking for all those years. Glitter paint! The girl loves color....I do too. Rich and vibrant. And glittery!

A New Friend

She tells me that her name is Francine and she allowed me to take a photo to share with all of you....in honor of Earth Day. Please be kind to all those creatures who share our Earth and have no voice to ask for help. They too need place to live, to raise their young, to grow and thrive and survive. If we lose them, we lose. Period.

Hugs to you all, Susie Q

It Is NOT My Fault!

Another List??? Excellent...she will be driving her blog friends off in droves!

Truly....Cheryl tagged me. She did. And no self respecting blogger would refuse a tag right?

Especially where a list is involved!! Okay, this is the LAST list for the week. I promise. Really.

Uncover your eyes. I promise....the last one.

Hee hee...here I go again.

It's a simple tag really--share 7 random facts/tidbits/habits about yourself that your blog friends may not know already. Then tag 7 more people at the end of your post, to get them to do the same!

1. I really love lists...what? You KNEW that already? Hm...okay.

On nights I have trouble sleeping, I arrange my furniture (In my mind you sillies) in other people's homes. I mentally walk through a home I know and place my furniture and accessories. Does this make me creepy? I think it would make a great HGTV design show. I will ask Brian Dennehy to host it.

2. I watch a movie and fall in love with the sets....I can tell you all about the character's apartments and houses, farms and cottages. Even if I can not remember a ziffle about the plot, I can tell you all about the floor plans, counter tops, duvet covers and lamp shades.

3. I own over 150 design or decorator books. Sinful I know. Awful. But I get each one out often and read it, again and again....I love them.

4. If I love a film, I can re watch it over and over until it nauseates other people.

They become part of me and watching them is like visiting with old friends...it is comforting and delightful.

5. I am a recovering, so to speak, anal retentive housekeeper. I was so bad in the past that it was draining. Then something like 2nd Time Around Motherhood came along and shook me up. Grace keeps me so busy that I can not get to things like I once did. I went into recovery. I still WANT it all perfect but no longer drive myself to exhaustion to achieve that perfection. Perfection is not what I am going for these days....just cat hairless chair cushions and Barbie shoeless hallways. But I still nag Bill and Dan about the clothes on the floor. They are still ignoring those nags...and so it goes...

6. I am a total history geek. I love it...study it...embrace it. I am the one you will see, on a historical home tour, crying and languishing behind everyone else.

Example....we visited FDR's home in Hyde Park, New York. We were standing in the library/drawing room and the guide was telling a story about the time King George and Queen Elizabeth visited during WW II. There the 4 of them sat. George, Elizabeth, Franklin and Eleanor. The guide went on to talk about how drawn the King looked, how drained President Roosevelt was, as they discussed the events occurring in Europe at that moment....neither man would live much longer and neither would see the war resolved. Most on the tour had tired of this talk and were moving on...but there I stood, tears running down my face like the world class geek I am. As he finished his speech, the guide came over and hugged me. I apologized for my emotions and he said, "Sweetie? We are here because people like YOU come." We LOVE it when you *feel* this experience."

Well then, guides must LOOOOOVE me. Total geek.

7. I always take my walks after dark so I can see into the open windows of houses. Now, I have no interest in seeing the occupants of said houses. I just want to see the paint color of their dining room and the light fixture they hung in the kitchen. I want to see the baby grand piano in the study and the painting hanging over the mantle. Weird huh?

Okay, I now tag Andi, Missy, Andrea, Pat, Rhoda, Sheila and Sheila....and anyone who may wish to try this little game. Lists have been a fun thing for me to do while I was trying to recover my strength....I promise to write a little more in the coming days. Or did that seem like a threat? Hm...I must ponder that one.

Have a wonderful Tuesday dear friends.

ANOTHER LIST!!

....Does Lists....

Heaven....I'm in Heaven....and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak....um...well...it IS another list after all....I am in list geek Heaven to be sure!

This one comes from Valeria...*waving at Val* So, beware....I am gonna jump in with both feet.

CANNONBALL!!! SPLASH.......

1. Introduce yourself?

Good evening...I am Sue, or Susie Q here in the blogging community. Did that sound too formal?

Yeah? Hi y'all!! I am Sue, Susie or Hey You...whichever you druthers...

2. It's Wednesday during the afternoon, where are you usually?

Here at home, watching the baby for whom I care during the week. Doing laundry or cooking or doing some cleaning...all really exciting stuff. But the baby is cute! You should hear her belly laughs! She turned 6 months old today!

3. What kind of laundry detergent do you use?

Oh my...getting personal aren't we? Oh, which brand was on sale this week? That is as far as my detergent loyalty goes I am afraid.

4.What brand of shampoo is in your shower right now?

Suave Citrus Something or other.

5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21?

Nope...the original Pollyanna here at your service.

6. What were you doing last night?

Bill, Grace and I went to see "Miss Potter", did a little grocery shopping and then we all took Kip and went to Ritter's for frozen custard.

7. Do you watch MTV anymore?

8. Do they even play music on that channel anymore??

8. What do you think about Oprah?

I watch her show occasionally, especially when she has the decorators on, or something of real interest to me. I read her magazine occasionally, especially the decorating one. (Do you sense a theme here?) I like her well enough...what have you heard? Is she bad mouthing me again?

It's not like I had anything to do with that whole Oprah, Uma, Uma, Oprah thing.

9. What color are your bedsheets?

Today was bed changing day....la dee dah. Excitement unparalleled. They are royal blue and really soft....

10. You need a new pair of jeans..what store do you go first?

I can find some at Lane Bryant...and I go on line and order Denim and Company from QVC. Those are great. A friend recommended I try them and I am glad I did. I find them at CJ Banks as well.

12. What kind of car do you drive?

Burgundy Honda Odyssey Minivan...classic Suburban Mom vehicle. Oh my...

13. Honestly, is that car insured?

Um, yeah....of course. What? Did you hit me?? OOOOHHH....was it YOU who scratched my door this weekend?? Was it??

14. Do you like sushi?

The veggie stuff yes...some of the tuna.

15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave?

Uh huh on both counts. Bought a few key tags as gifts and got my sister in law that sterling heart charm bracelet as a Christmas gift. I got myself zip...poor Sue...feel rotten for me yet? No?? Aw...

16. Did your parents spoil you growing up?

That would depend on who asks....they wanted me to have travel experiences and I did. I had nice clothes but not from any high end stores....I was an only child for almost 11 years but was thrilled to have a baby brother. Never any jealousy. I was told "No" a lot...do spoiled kids get told "No" a lot? I was expected to do my chores and behave...I was held accountable for my actions.

I learned a lot from those expectations.

17. Do you like roller coasters?

Some have been fun...some not. I am not a regular coaster rider...Bill, on the other hand, is!

18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribed to?

Uffdah....Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Southern Living, Country Living, Country Home, Romantic Homes, Mary Englebreit's Home Companion, Cottage Living, Midwest Living, Budget Traveler, National Geographic's Travel Magazine....Bill gets, National Geographic, Runner's World, Military Aviation, WW II History and Sports Illustrated.

19. Do you remember the WB show "Popular?

I barely remember the WB!

20. When you go out do you prefer to go to a dance club or to a bar?

How about neither? Sorry...are you still insinuating I am boring??

21. College Graduate?

I received a Bachelor's in Sociology in 1978. I have taken a few more classes since then. I hope to return to college in a year or so. I will not be taking any Mathematics courses but thank you for asking.

22. Who do you think will be the next president?

It is far too early in the game to even make a guess. Wait, I will make one guess. IT will NOT be me.

23. Are you registered to vote?

Yes and I do.

27. Do you like Carrie Underwood?

What? Has she been teaming up with Oprah against me? What have you heard?

She is cute and talented and doing quite well I hear. But she says such awful things about me. Do not believe a word.

28. Been to "The Vegas"?

By it and around it but never TO it.

29. How far away do you live from your parents?

My Mother has moved back to Ohio so we live about 20 minutes from her. We are so pleased about this!

30. Are you happy with your job?

Which job would that be? I love being a Mom and homemaker. I love taking care of the wee baby. I love being a Domestic Empress. Does that cover it?

32. What did you get in the mail today?

Let's see....a bunch of people want to give us credit cards, (SHRED) a bunch of people want us to

buy their cars, (SHRED) a bunch of people want to sell our house, (SHRED) a Dayton Philharmonic Upcoming Event Calendar, A "Kipper Needs His Shots Soon" reminder from our Vet's office, (Kips says, "How do I get this SHRED thing to work?"), 2 magazines and a card from my friend in California.

33. How do you like your steak cooked?

Medium to Medium Rare.

34. Britney Spears...ready to have a nervous break down or just having fun?

That is what passes as fun these days?? I am SO glad I am boring....

35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell?

Chicken Bowl or an Encherito

36. Have you ever sat all the way thru Gone With the Wind?

Many, many times.

37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore?

Uh huh...very impressive! I looked for Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint but never saw them.

38. Is it just me, or was The Marine(w/John Cena) a really horrible movie?

Um...there was a movie like that? And who is John Cena? Okay, now I am seriously out of touch right?

39. Are surveys/lists like the the cocaine of myspace/blogs?

I have no idea about cocaine OR My Space but I LOVE lists!! But you knew that already didn't you?

40. Where is your favorite place?

Home, NYC, London

41. What is your favorite candle scent?

There is one called Macintosh Apple by Yankee Candle that is scrumptious.

42. Do you believe places can really be haunted?

I have no real belief one way or another...I have never experienced such phenomenon. I guess even ghosts things I am too boring to haunt me.

43. Do you smoke cigarettes?

No way....never have. Asthmatic remember?

44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA?

Yes I have...both of them. Several times...enjoyed each time. Why? Did I leave something??

45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport?

None that fit that description...

46. Do you think 50 questions is enough?

Heck, ask me 1000....2000. 10,000!

47. Are you currently planning a trip?

Uh huh...we leave next week.

48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay?

He has not chosen to discuss that with me....so I will choose not to discuss that with anyone else. Besides, why would I care? I barely know who he is!

49. Do you take anti-depressants?

Do you think I need to?? Did Carrie or Oprah tell you something?? I KNEW it. Those two are up to something....just because I do not know who that John Cena person is....sheesh!

50. Have you ever googled your name and found out something?

Yes, that I really am so boring that there is nothing on Google about me. Nothing. Nada.

Well, except that nasty rumor that Oprah and Carrie are spreading about Ryan Seacrest and me....and John Cena. It is not true. None of it.

Weekend Wackiness

All I needed to begin recuperation this weekend was some good old fashioned sunshine and children's laughter!

We rounded up Mom, my nephew Boo, Grace's best friend Miss M and Grace, and we headed off to Cox Arboretum, not too far from our house. The sky was blue, the sun warm, the kids happy. Not a bad day huh?

I hope that your weekend was a sweet one.

List, Lists And More Lists

Another List?? Whoa!

Terri and Andi had this great "1 Word" post that I just had to try. You see, it is a list and I seem to be a geek for lists. Okay, I am a geek about a lot of things but I seem to be digressing here....

This fun game is a "One Word Answer" quiz. You should answer the following questions using one word and one word only.

Here's mine...

1. Yourself? Sue

2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Bill

3. Your hair? Blond

4. Your mother? Witty

5. Your father? Strong

6. Your favorite thing? Travel

7. Your dream last night? Flying

8. Your favorite drink? Coke

9. Your dream car? Bug

10. The room you're in? Bedroom

11. Your fear? Snakes

12. What you want to be in 10 years? Traveling

13. Muffins? Blueberry

14. Who you hung out with last night? Bill

15. What you're not? Quick

16. Time? Dinner

17. What you're wearing? Sweats

18. Your favorite weather? Autumn

19. Your favorite book? Decorating

20. The last thing you ate? Fish

21. Your worst vice? Tardiness

22. Your best friend/s? Beloved

23.What you're thinking about right now? Lists

24. Your car? Van

25. Your life? Full

Okay, now....how about all of you...what are your 1 word answers?

Another List!

Sue is doing ANOTHER List??? Now you see what this has done? My nephew just can not face another of my inane lists! Okay sweetie....calm down. Auntie Sue will get you a cookie....after she plays with this list.....

This one is from our Terri....I will attempt this feat with honor and as much dignity as I can muster. Calm down now....I WILL be using a net. I seldom do anything these days without a safety device. It's in my contract.

1.What is your occupation?

Chauffeur, laundress, cook, cleaning lady, nurse, teacher, therapist, writer, food server, baby minder, love slave, decorator, movie reviewer, animal handler, gardener, painter, wise acre, domestic diva in blue jeans and bare feet.

2. What color are your socks right now?

Brown with white, blue and yellow polka dots

3. What are you listening to right now?

Bill's snoring, Kip's snoring, Henry's snoring, Lucy's purring, the laptop humming

4. What was the last thing that you ate?

Ritter's chocolate, chocolate chip frozen custard

5. Can you drive a stick shift?

Well, that all depends. Do you mean CAN I get the car to move occasionally in a forward motion with a great deal of sputtering and jerking? Okay then, I CAN drive a stick shift.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Periwinkle Blue

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?

One of my bestest buddies, P.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?

Well, I borrowed it from Terri and yes. I like her. I love her....she is a good egg.

9. How old are you today?

50 and I will be 50 tomorrow too.

10. Favorite drink?

Coca Cola, straight up

11. What is your favorite sport to watch?

College Basketball

12. Have you ever dyed your hair?

Are you insinuating something here? Yeah? Okay then, uh huh and will do so again this Thursday when I visit my lovely hairdresser, Erica.

13. Pets?

Are we counting kids too? No? Okay, then I have 3. Kipper, "Do not mess with me when I am asleep or you will be sorry", the dog, Lucy, "I am actually a foot stool with a tail", the cat and Henry, "Will you explain to me WHY your earrings can not be used as a cat's hockey puck?", the cat.

14. Favorite food?

Just ONE??? Gee whiz....risotto. A good risotto is art on a plate. Really!

15. What was the last movie you watched?

"Miss Potter" this afternoon at Dayton's Neon Movies. Absolutely charming film.

RUN to see it if you have not yet had the pleasure. Oh, and I had popcorn too.

16. What was the last book you read?

Re-read "Under The Tuscan Sun" again last week. I wanna go to Italy, wear large hats, frolic in a fountain....did someone mention risotto?

17. What do you do to vent anger?

Hm....cry, fume, shout a lot if I am by myself....cry again.

18. What was your favorite toy as a child?

My stuffed animals....all sorts, all sizes. Filled my bed and I was often hidden from the world under them all.

19. What is your favorite, fall or spring?

Fall. And then Fall. Uh huh, Fall. I LOVE Fall.

20. Hugs or kisses?

I thinking having to choose is just criminal! If I HAD to choose, I would say hugs. But kisses are so sweet....hugs. Okay then. Hugs. Big old bear hugs.

21. Cherries or blueberries?

Bowls full of fresh cherries....oh how I look forward to them being in season!

22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments?

I love it when they do...understand when they can't.

23. Who is the most likely to comment?

My dear fellow bloggers. Other friends and family rarely leave a comment! What does THIS mean?? Argh...something else to worry about.

24. Who is least likely to comment?

Those aforementioned family and friends...

25. Living arrangements?

In a house, with a cute, stubborn, messy, funny, retired Navy officer, defense contractor/sales rep. husband, one cute 20 something, stubborn, messy, funny, college student, software engineer son, one cute, stubborn, funny, messy, artistic, 9 year old fashionista daughter, one cute, stubborn, messy, funny, lovable dog, one cute, stubborn , messy, cuddling cat and one more cute, stubborn, VERY messy, very sweet cat.

26. When was the last time you cried?

At "Miss Potter"

27. What's on the floor of your closet?

My suitcase and the things I am adding to it daily. NYC in one week!

28. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

My buddy, T.

29. What did you do last night?

Had dinner with my mom,Bill and Grace.

30. Favorite smells?

Cinnamon, lilac, coffee brewing, perfume....

31. What inspires you?

Nature, art, books, history

32. What are you afraid of?

Do not ask me to go into the reptile exhibit at a zoo. Please. It would not be pretty. Really.

And math...do not ask me to count. Or multiply. Or subtract and for Heaven's sake and the sake of your future generations, do NOT ask me to divide fractions. Please, I am begging you.

33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?

Cheese, cheese and more cheese

34. Favourite dog breed?

I love a good mutt...but adore any dog. I am a sucker for dogs. I have always fancied Welsh Corgis and Newfoundlands...two very different breeds huh?

35. Number of keys on your key ring?

Let's see....front storm door, front door, back door, Mom's key, my brother and sis in law's key,

2 neighbor's keys, my van key, Bill's car's key, Dan's car's key....10 right? I hate all this counting!

36. Number of years at current job?

Hm....I have been a Domestic Goddess now for almost 29 years. I am just beginning to get the

important aspects of the position down pat.

37. Favorite day of the week?

Saturday

38. How many states have you lived in?

Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, Texas, California, New York, Virginia, Florida...did that make 8? I am mathphobic you know. Try not to ask me to count. It is

not a pretty sight.

39. Favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery?

Are these two modes of transportation connected in some way?? I have been on the back of a motorcycle and ridden on a tractor and combine....driven a farm truck that was pretty heavy. Does that count?

Is that it? Aw gee....send me your worn out or neglected lists. I will try them! I love a good list. I am a list junkie. I am. Really. Try me. I will make a list of all the lists I have made....

The Cheap Blonde

Uh huh...I haven't blogged a lot lately. I loved doing that "Happy Dance List" though. I was not feeling up to anything more but what fun to think about the things that cause us to do a little dance...thank you do much for sharing in the joy, leaving your own lists and, well, for just being wonderful friends. I got a little cold which became more and more and more....and yes. I did need to go to the ER again. I try to stop by every season and say howdy to all the staff at Wright Patterson AFB Medical. Just want them to feel the love you know?

Let's see...what good can be found about a trip to the ER. The doctor was cute....the nurse said I did not look 50 (Great bedside manner there Lydia!)....the xray tech had a great sense of humor and I was with Bill. A quiet night in the ER is a good thing. Good for the staff, good for those people who are out enjoying themselves and NOT in an ER! Quiet night....I told Bill I was the cheapest date any man could hope for. It has been a while since he and I went out on a Friday night sans kids or family or anyone else! Ah...a lovely drive to the base ER, sitting beside one another while I sucked medicated steam into my wheezy lungs....pure romance. They write poetry about such evenings. After that magical interlude, we headed to the all night pharmacy and Taco Bell. I had not eaten all day and felt a bit peckish. A taco and small drink filled the bill. No, that is what filled the Sue. Bill actually had a burrito. See? Cheap date. But you know, we were together and the stars were out and the air was cool and crisp. Not too shabby. Oh yeah, and I could breathe again. All good things.