Oops! She Did It Again...

...and again. I have been reminded (rather politely I must add!) that I never mentioned Bill's birthday or Mother's Day! I will just add a few pictures of that weekend... On Bill's BD, we were volunteers at a Welcome Spring party for families of deployed servicemen and women. The party was held on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. My family worked with the little ones and oh, you should have seen one precious tiny girl. Brooke decided she was enamored with Bill and would not leave his side. It was so sweet. I was pretty sure I was going to be pushed straight out of the picture by this younger woman...her Mommy said Bill looked a lot like Brooke's Daddy. *Just a wee bit older*. Yes, she DID say OLDER! But heck, for an *old* man of 52, he is still kinda sexy. Of course, he is NO Brian Dennehy but who is? I doubt that even Brian himself is always *Brian Dennehy*! Just think about that now! That evening we met our friends, T & R, for dinner at Abuelo's. Great food and great conversation. A perfect combination. On Mother's Day, Mom wore the most darling rose corsage that was a gift from her oldest grandson. We went to church where the minister said to warmly greet each Mom. Now, how to tell which ones are Moms, he asked. Look around for the women who seem the most tired and bingo! You have got yourself a Mom! We then headed to my brother and sister in law's home for a cook out. Yes, it was raining but the guys were still able to grill up some tasty goodies! We had 3 kinds of salads and fruit and veggies and chips and dips and a German Chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream. The cake was for Bill, at his request! We all sang the standard tune as he blew out 7 candles...5 for each decade and 2 for, well, the additional 2 years of course! There were sweet gifts for Bill and for each Mother...movies to watch and dogs to cuddle and smiling children and, well, not a bad day huh?

My treasures Bill's German chocolate birthday cake! His special request... Boo and Grandma My brother...the shirt says it all! Boo and his Mommy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am still catching up, here and with all of you! I may be slow but, like that old proverbial turtle, I WILL get there. Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Feed Me!!

The lady with the camera is back...pretend you are asleep! Mama Robin has 3 hungry mouths to feed. The 3rd baby was under these two, snoozing away. I just caught sight of all 3 up and jockeying for position! They are getting so big...

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

A'Fairs Of The Heart

It was a busy weekend and a happy one to be sure. I do hope yours was just as wonderful! It all began in downtown Dayton at the annual World A'Fair. It is fun to attend on opening night and seeing all the dancers, bagpipers and wonderful attire. Listening to the music, laughter and native languages is always a treat. Of course, sampling the delicious cuisine from around the globe is a delight as well! What's not to love? Here are some images from that evening...

I'm Such A Dog...

Rockin' Robins...

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~Chinese Proverb Oh how active they have gotten! Bibbing up and down and beginning to make all manner of sounds. Poor Mama and Papa Robin are doing their best to keep their babies fed and safe. I captured this photo this morning just as Mama headed out for more worms... I hope your weekend is a sweet one! Love and Hugs, Susie Q

A Little Behind A Usual...

Hello everyone! This big behind is a little behind but then, what else is new for me huh? I am so sorry that I have not been by to visit you as I should, and have yet to finish up all of these wonderful questions! Next week should be an easier one so I hope to get at it by Monday! I am truly too old to keep up with everything! AHHH....it was just another one of *those* weeks! I must admit that I love your questions and will enjoy answering them all. And oh...I MUST pass this on. There is a blog, kept by some irreverent comedians, called "Brian Dennehy Is Better Than You." Some days it is downright profane, some days, not funny at all. But there are days that it makes me giggle. Today was one of those days. Todays post was all about how Brian loves rabbits. Uh huh. Rabbits. Of course, it is doubtful that Mr. D. ever did the any of the things they post about but when I read the rabbits post, I HAD to grin. So, BD? If you are out there, there are rabbits aplenty hopping around Rabbit Run. You would be welcome to stop by! The rabbits would be thrilled. I did want to pop in here and wish you all a very happy weekend. Do something sweet for yourself and enjoy the little moments! God Bless you all... Love, Susie Q

Now...To The Questions!

Some of you came up with wonderful questions! I had asked, in a moment of blog fog when I could think of nothing about which to write, you to leave a question or 4 for me. Many of you came through! Thank you so much for that! I am going to try to answer them as best I can!

From dear Rosie came: 1. I'd like to see your favorite thing to wear.

Okay now, this is gonna be hard. Should I choose the jeans? Or maybe I could pick my jeans. Or, it might be the jeans...yup. it's the jeans. I also love sweaters when it is cool and T shirts when it is not. And I have a jean jacket that I love to wear. It has some pins on it that were gifts from friends and it makes me happy to wear it. I am going to now do something very difficult for me to do. I will *gasp* post a picture of me in the jacket...*sigh*. I normally would consider losing 3 or 4 hundred pounds and 5 chins before posting a picture of me but, since it is for sweet Rosie, here goes.Oooh...that ouched a bit but see what I am willing to do for all of you?

And: 2. I'd like to know the title of the last book you read for fun.

Bill Bryson's "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir". I can not recommend Bryson more strongly! Both Bill and I giggle ourselves silly when reading anything this man has written. We have each one of his books and often find ourselves re-reading them just for the pure joy of doing so. This book is a memoir of Bill's growing up years. Anyone who was a child or teen in the 50s and 60s can surely relate to these pages. If you have never read Bryson, give one if his books a try. You just might find yourself laughing! Thanks Rosie!

Now, our lovely Kat asked: If you could be anywhere by twitching your nose, where would you be? (Kat said her spot would be a sidewalk cafe in Italy, with her handsome husband, a glass of red wine and a plate of pasta! Sounds pretty wonderful right?)

This is tough for me (Even tougher than posting my fat, little face picture!) because there are so many spots I have been that I want to see and so many I wish to see again. Yes, Italy too...to stand in the shadow of the Duomo in Florence. Ah... But, after thinking about it, I would have to say, London. I LOVE London. I would love to be there again, with Bill, and dining at the tiny Italian cafe we discovered. (See Kat? Pasta in England too!) They waiters were all from Italy and the food was absolutely to die for. I had, hands down, the best minestrone soup and risotto I have ever tasted. There was music, a lovely setting, a charming waiter and a knock out view of the city from our little table. It was a perfect evening. So, if I could twitch my little pug nose, I think I would like to be plunked down there, in that comfy seat by the window, with Bill right across the table.

Thanks Kat! Tomorrow I will continue (And you are asking, WHY?? WHY?? For the love of all humanity, why does she go on!?) with some more questions from Andi, Rue, Janet and Tara. If anyone else has a question, please drop me a comment! I can see you all racing to type, "Why do you persist in this Susie Q?" Not THAT question you sillies but any others! Love and hugs to you all... Susie Q

Questions, Questions And Even More Questions...

...but first! Feathers are sprouting! Adorable little feathers! I am ever so glad that Mama Robin (whom Grace has named "Bunny") is noisy. I had only been home for a few minutes and I heard a bird making all sorts of racket. I thought of the babies and ran (Yeah, yeah...hobbled okay!) to open the front door. There stood a HUGE orange tabby cat. I have never seen him before but I hope we properly introduced ourselves today...as in, do NOT come back and bother MY birds or this wild, barking dog will get you! He seemed genuinely afraid of Kipper so let's hope that is enough to discourage him. We have removed everything from the porch so there is nothing for him to climb on. I am a mess worrying about these tiny wonders. Now, my OWN kitties are ever so fascinated with the Mama but she seems to understand they pose no threat to her or her little ones. Stay well Groucho, Harpp, Chico and Zeppo.

Sweet Ones

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder ~Do click on each photo for an even better peek!~ We can see 3 sweet little faces...where is number 4? Of course, Susie Q is obsessing about it! Worry truly IS my middle name. Okay, so it isn't but it SHOULD be! But aren't those 3 faces dear? Grace says they are *yucky* right now but what do 10 year old girls know? High School Musical they know but baby birds? Nah... We will keep you posted! The front door at Rabbit Run is quite a mess, the door basket quite crooked, the front porch quite dirty and the front yard in dire need of a clean up. Mama Robin simply does not allow it! I grab the camera and run out when I see she has left the nest but she caught me this afternoon! I now have a sore spot on the top of my head. Ouch! See what I brave to provide photos for you all? Photojournalism at it's extreme! I am sure most of you are offering prayers for those in our nation who faced the weather tragedies this past weekend. I know that most of you are remembering the people of Myanmar as well. Tonight, please also take a moment to pray for the Chinese who are facing their 2nd day of fear and heartache. The earthquake occurred not far from where we visited and where our daughter once lived. Precious people...strong people. My heart is there tonight... I hope you all had a special weekend. I will be by to visit you all soon. I always love to see what you have each been doing. I send you hugs and much love. Susie Q

Love And Good Wishes...

Birthday Wishes and Mother's Day Joy... Today is my dear husband's 52nd birthday! It has been a whirlwind of a week and a busy day today. We started the day by volunteering at WPAFB's Kid's Fest. It was a special event for the children of deployed service members. We had the youngest ones and what precious angels! One little girl fell for Bill and would not leave his side the whole day! I guess I can understand that emotion! It was a sweet way to spend a few hours and just the way Bill wanted to spend part of his birthday. I will have much more to tell about and show you on Monday, and will begin answering those questions you offered up for me, but I did so want to stop in and wish all the Moms a sweet and joy filled day! Mother's are the heart and soul of their families. My greatest joy in life is my family and I am thankful beyond belief for my children. I am also so thankful for each of you and the friendship you have shared with me. Blessings.... Love and Hugs, Susie Q

We Have Babies!

You may remember that a Mama Robin built her cozy little home inside our front door flower basket. Today we gained 4 new residents at Rabbit Run! 4 of the 5 little blue eggs hatched and out they came! Mama Robin has declared war on anything and anyone who comes near the front yard or porch. So, for at least another few days, we can do no planting or weeding or re-doing the door basket! Bill was able to mow (We use a push mower so I guess it is just quiet enough not to frighten her.) but that is it for our front yard beautification this week! Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, (Sadly, little Gummo did not hatch) may you fly high and sing happily. Happy Birthday!

Adoption Antics

I wanted to post something about my sweet son's *Gotcha Day*. Yes, 18 years ago today our handsome and beloved son arrived from Korea. Dan is not always keen on having his picture or too many details about him posted for all to see...a little shy and retiring like his Dad...so he suggested I let you all see a little something I wrote awhile back. It was re-printed in the St. Louis Dispatch 2 years ago in celebration of adoption awareness month. Each one of these questions really and truly came out of the mouths of real and true human beings. I have then added the answers I SHOULD have given to these lovely, thoughtful folks. Oh! I am also enjoying seeing the questions you are sending me via yesterday's post! THANK YOU! I love it and will answer them all the first of next week! You are all the very best. We now present, "Adoption Antics" in celebration of adoptive families everywhere! 1.Did he ever eat a dog? (I don't know but he did take a bite out of our cat. Said she tasted stringy.) 2.Koreans are very intelligent. I bet he is one of those. (Ooh. I hope so! I would hate to have gotten one of those dumb ones!) 3.Did they run out of babies? (Yeah, dang it. They gave us a used kid instead but the warranty really is great.) 4.How much did he cost? (Oh! There was a sale at K Mart! Only $19.95!) 5.If he doesn't make you happy, can you ask for another child? (Oh sure! We bought replacement insurance!) 6.If he gets sick or anything, will the adoption agency pay all the costs? (Sure! They also put braces on his teeth, send him through Harvard Medical School and buy his first house.) 7.What's it like being with a Korean? (Well, he whips up a great kimchi dish and gosh but those Koreans can sure be funny! Keeps us in stitches all the time!) 8.It is a good thing he is so cute or it would have been hard to love him. (Yeah, I hate those ugly ones too. They give me the creeps. *shudder*) And then we braved the onslaught of silly questions and adopted again........... 1.Did they charge you the same amount of money because she has scars? (Oh no. They were having a scratch and dent sale!) 2.Those Chinese are so smart. They can also be tricky and sneaky you know! (Uh...well...she did beat me at poker. Took me for $5.27 the other night. ) 3.Do you know if she is a Communist? (Well, we DID find her Communist Party membership card in her wallet but she swears, she will only practice Communism on every other Friday.) 4.Can you return her? (Oh yes. The return department is open 24/7. We can ask for our money back or an agency credit) 5.Why did you get another one? (We were just so bored and thought this was what we need to add that special spark to our marriage!) 6.Did they give you a bigger girl because you are old? (Ehhhhh??? Speak up a little louder sonny. ) 7.When you got to China, could you have chosen a different kid if yours wasn't pretty? (I had planned to do just that. Seeing our daughter crowned Miss Ohio is exactly why we did all this!) 8.Since she was so shy, you should have asked for another. (We did but that stubborn facilitator forced us take THIS one. Phooey. ) 9.I could never raise someone else's kid. I guess it is nice that somebody does it. (Yeah, we are just so nice....angels...no, wait, saints actually.) 10.Does she know how to eat real food? (Nope, she is still eating that plastic Fisher Price stuff and it is costing us a fortune!)

Happy Gotcha Day Daniel. We love you!

Howdedoo, Let's Ask Old Sue...

...lots of tough questions and she how she'll do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But first, I do so want to apologize to each of you for being such an awful bloggy friend of late. I have been a neglectful visitor and am now, at almost 1:00 am, almost finishing stopping in to see you all. I have also been just pitiful at posting of late and even resorted to having my poor dog do my writing for me! Sad isn't it? I just don't know where the hours and days go...if any of you find some of my lost time floating around in your area, please overnight it back to me and I will reimburse your costs. How do so many of you do it? I am constantly amazed and inspired by you, my talented and creative friends...my friends who get more done in one day than I do in a week I am sad to say! You have all been so busy and working so hard on gardens and throwing parties and decorating those gorgeous homes of yours. Like I said....you are my inspirations! But I plug along, itchy eyes and achy joints and all. Humming whatever song or commercial jingle is the first sound out of the radio to tickle my ears each morning. I had intended to write a post about several things but have scrapped all those ideas...one seemed too preachy, one too grumpy, one much too silly. I almost asked Kipper to write another but getting him to do more than one a month is almost impossible! So, on this rainy day when my imagination is less than active, I have decided that a nice interview would be the ticket! Uh huh...after all, Barbara Walters just released an autobiography and she is the Queen of Interviewers is she not? That got me thinking...hm. Now, Babs seemed too busy hawking her new tome to come and ask little old me anything. She failed to even ask me, ala Kate Hepburn, what tree I would be if I were to be a tree. A willow would have been my answer but she never asked. Nope. So, how would you all like to step in for Babs and do the honors? Ask me a question. Anything. And everything. Don't hold back. Interrogate me. Query me. Ask, challenge, quiz and interview moi. And I will answer them all. Whether you want me to or not. You know you want to. Okay, so you know you do NOT want to but I will pester you about it so you might as well get it over with. Kip begs you to do it or I will make him write another post and his little paws are so worn out from typing. Do it for him. So, who will be first? Hmmmm?

Another Belated Greeting...

Cake: Little Venice Cake Co.

...from the habitually late bunny lady. Dear Cheryl at Cherdecor recently celebrated a very happy, happy birthday! I know I am late but this wish is still warm! May this year bring you much joy and many smiles. You are such a dear and special lady. Happy Birthday lovely Cheryl!

It's Me, Kipper

Hi Dudes! It's me, Kipper. I am havin' to write my Mom's blog again 'cause she is doin' somethin' else. Really, she is lookin' kinda bad dudes. Totally. I love her and all but she has these runny eyes and goes around sneezin' and stuff and Dude! It like really wakes me up so I don't get my 20 a day in and I hate that. Whoa right dude? Anyway. It was like Cinco de Mayo Monday which was the 5th of May. Get it? Like dude, cinco means five right? Pay attention and I might teach ya somethin'. I am pretty smart 'cause I took 3 sessions of puppy school. Okay, so my family says they are goin' to this place they really like to eat food. Now, dudes. Do you think *I*got 'vited? No way! That is SO like...WRONG DUDE! So, I get to go to Grandma's and stay with Abby which is cool and all 'cause I love Abby and my Grandma but then Grandma went with my family so she wasn't there to spoil me or nuthin' which was lame. Right? So the family goes to this place leavin' me and Abs all alone. Really sad right dudes? SO sad. Then it hits me. (Yeah 'cause I am really smart and all 'cause I went to puppy school 3 times an all.) NO, NOT really *hit* me just came into my head and all. Gee whiz dudes! So, I am thinkin'. It is like the first Monday of the month and that SO mean Ritter's DOG Nite. DUDES! I am like checkin' the clock and waitin' and I would have SO called my family on the phone but they did not cover that in puppy school. So, while Abs and I are chillin' and bein' really, like sad, the family is listening to these guys...

...and this guy... ...and drinkin' stuff like this...which looks kinda good but is not. For dogs that is. ...and eatin' stuff like that. Which looks good for dogs. And is. But, did I, Kipper, get any of it? Man! Dude! No way! So, now it is like 18th 0'thirty o'clock and they finally come get us. I was so all like, "Dude!" And they were all like, "What?" And I am so like, "All the 'scream will be so gone". And they were all like, "Chill." So we left. I have never been this late for Dog Nite and my dogs will be expectin' me and all and I was way in a hurry. So I got in the old man's lap and tried to get him to like kick it into warp speed or somethin'. I heard that on TV once and it sounds so cool dude. So we finally get there and they still have some 'scream left so I was really happy and some of my pals were there and we chilled. I need to tell you that my Mom did not take good or too cool pictures 'cause of her eyes an all. And she didn't take as many either. Don't you worry dudes. I will SO have a talk with her 'bout it! This is Brody. He is always so smilin' that guy. He is one happy dude and like him a lot. We bonded him and me, the Kipster. This is Elliot talkin' to my Mom and he is like way cool and didn't even say nothin' 'bout her sneezin' and yucky eyes which are so, like, UNcool dude. That is me on the right, with the old man, sayin' howdedo to Elliot's brother, Tommy. They are from Italy or someplace like that. They are greyhounds, which I do not get dude. They are like brown, black and white. NO grey. But they are cool and always say somethin' funny which makes me laugh and then 'scream comes out of my nose which is not cool. And they can run really fast but they don't let 'em do it at Ritter's. This guy is Cooper. I call him The Coop. Like in Gary or Alice. He looks kinda sad in this picture but he is a really happy dude. Maybe he looks sad 'cause all his 'scream is so gone. Oh man, now I am sad too. Now these girls are Prissy and Pudge. They are a riot! I love 'em. We interfaced awhile and chilled and swapped some jokes. These girls LOVE a good knock knock joke. This is Missy. She is real sweet and loves peanut butter 'scream! Cool. I am thinkin' I should have SO used my brother's hair gel that's got those *furrymanes* in it so the girls would be like all over me but then, they are already lovin' them some K.I.P so maybe not. Anyway, I might be callin' little Missy for a date. IF I figure out what a call or a date is. Maybe I need to go back for a 4th session of puppy school huh dudes? These guys were new to Dog Nite! Welcome Rocky... ...and his brother Sammy. They really liked the 'scream and all and said they would be back next time too. That is so cool 'cause they were fun and nice and we all liked 'em. This is Calvin and he is pretty tired after eating all his 'scream and then *borrowin'* some of his brother Jack's too. Jack was pretty miffed but his Dad got him some more so he was cool. Calvin and I had a real face to face about the upcoming election and all. He was like, "Kip? What is an election dude?" And I was all like, "Who cares unless we can eat it or tear it up." And he was so like, "Dude!" And we all laughed. This is my sister with Trinket who is a chihuahua. She is like SO little and I like her and she is pretty and all but my sissy sure likes those chihuahuas. I get a little jealous 'cause I do not get how she can pay so much attention to any dog but me right? Trinket did not even finish her 'scream so she let ME eat the rest. Now THAT is a lady dudes. Trinket? I LOVE ya! This is Tigger. Tigger like some of the peanut butter 'scream that Missy likes too! Tigger is so much like me even though he does not look like me 'cause there is only one K.I.P. He was tossed out at the front door of a shelter, just like me. He was not treated right by some bad people, just like me. He was really scared for awhile, just like me. Then he was adopted by NICE people and loved and taken for 'scream at Ritter's, just like me. And he is waaaay cute says my Mom, just like me. One more picture of my pal Brody. He was singin' here! Really dudes. Singin'! And he is so good. I was so gonna stay and sing some with him, maybe start a Ritter's Barbershop Quartet or somethin', but I was gettin' really tired. DOG Tired. Get it?? Huh dudes? I got a million of 'em! Dog Nite takes a lot outta a little guy like me. I hope you had a really cool Cinco de Mayo and ate some 'scream and all. I will be back next month to take you to Ritter's again so, 'till then, be cool dudes and be nice to dogs and cats and all the animals in the world 'cause we are REALLY important. Bye dudes.

Fruity Goodness Of A Weekend

Yum...doesn't this look good? It IS and the perfect thing for a Spring or Summer meal. Bill is out working in the yard, Grace is with a friend for the day, Daniel is getting ready for a date (Would you believe I actually purchased my son a hair gel containing pheromones? Yes I did. I was making a run (Okay, a slow trot) to the store and he asked me to pick up some of that slimy gunk. My words, not his, Ahem. I grabbed the tube that looked the most interesting, got home and voila! Gel with pheromones. Guaranteed to keep your hair frozen in place during a Category 5 hurricane AND attract females of every species at the same time. What a Mom I am right?) and I am inside futzing and puttering away. It is what I do best. Truly. I have a Master's Degree in both futzing and puttering. Graduated Summa Cum Laude in puttering. I am still having a great deal of problems with allergies this year and can not work outside too long so I am back indoors and planning dinner. Nothing better than a sneezing cook with red, weepy eyes is there? And yes folks, another couple will toss caution to the winds and brave dining with us. Poor souls. Neighbors who are very special to us are coming so I do hope I keep them alive. Fingers crossed! I apologize for being away from our sweet bloggy world so much this week. I am trying to make my rounds to visit all of you as I can. My allergy related eye problems are aggravated further by computer ! I can only be here a little at a time. Phooey. I had such a fantastic surprise yesterday evening! I had a call from the witty and glorious Mama P! I had the best time chatting her ear right off and even got to speak to her precious little guy, "Stink". Her daughter "Pip" had the good sense to decline a conversation with the "Bunny Lady" and I applaud her for that. We also plan on watching "Juno" after dinner. I have heard such wonderful things about it. Last night, we watched "Lars and the Real Girl". Such an engaging and heart warming film. Yes, Lars does order a "Real Doll" and begins to pass it off (To his family and the small town in which he lives) as his new girlfriend. That description might scare off some potential viewers but do not be mislead by this premise. This little gem of a film is anything BUT lewd or tawdry. It is sweet and absolutely delightful. Give it a try. I hasten to recommend films as not everyone adores indie, off the wall films as Bill and I do. So, I am simply *sharing* my affection for this little movie. Enough said! I do hope you are all having a sweet weekend...I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know that each one of you are so special!

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Fruit Tart

Cookie Crust
1	cup all-purpose flour
6	tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2	tablespoons sugar
1	egg yolk
Filling
1	package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4	cup marshmallow creme
3	cups assorted fruit
1/4	cup apricot preserves
1	tablespoon water

1.	Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix all crust ingredients, using fork or pastry blender, until soft dough forms. Press firmly in 12-inch pizza pan to within 1/2 inch of edge of pan. Prick thoroughly with fork. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
2.	In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth. Spread evenly over crust. Arrange fruit on cream cheese mixture.
3.	In 1-quart saucepan, heat preserves and water over low heat, stirring occasionally, until preserves are melted. Cool slightly. Spoon over fruit. Store in refrigerator.

You can use refrigerated sugar cookie dough instead of the scratch cookie crust and it works just as well!

Variation

It is easy to customize this fruit tart by using fresh fruits of the season! Choose blueberries, raspberries or sliced kiwifruit, nectarines or strawberries to name a few. You can also vary the preserves to add your own personal touch.