Spring

I posted this image in January. It was our first icy weather.

Here's the same tree today. We planted our dogwoods when we moved to our house in 1990

Our bright pink azaleas are in full bloom now. They are such a faithful shrub to come out so beautifully year after year.

That's all. Bye for now.

Typing Speed - 80 wpm

Today is *Administrative Professionals Day. (In the above photo I am diligently typing an urgent memo for my boss.) In honor of this day, I received flowers and a generous gift card. I really do appreciate the recognition each year. But what I would appreciate more is a pad for the seat of this chair.
*formerly known as Secretary's Day

Favorite Photo

Jacob and Josh had just finished gathering a "bouquet" of wildflowers for their mom when I snapped this picture. Jill was up in Ohio last week so Mel and I went down to Cypress to watch the boys while Michael went to work. The boys missed their mom and wanted to pick flowers for her. I love this pictures because I think it captures both of their different personalities.

A Good Evening

"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life."
-Joel Osteen

Our long time friends invited us to a Joel Osteen live presentation Friday night in a neighboring city. It was a full house as I knew it would be. And from the times I have watched him on TV, I knew the evening would be very inspirational and motivating. His message seemed rather straight forward to me. Try to be positive, even in the darkest times. Not always easy, I know, but this is a message I believe is true.

I loved the show and highly recommend it. I thank our wonderful friends Pam and Phil for inviting us.

NCAA Frozen Four Championship in Denver

The 2008 NCAA hockey championship was held last week in Denver at the Pepsi Center. Colorado had 3 teams (Air Force, University of Denver and Colorado College) that qualified for the initial 16 team field - however, all three teams lost their first game and were thus eliminated from advancing to the Frozen Four.

The teams that qualified for the final 4 series were Notre Dame, North Dakota, Michigan and Boston College. There were 2 games played on Thursday, April 10 - Notre Dame vs Michigan. Notre Dame won that game pretty handily. The second game involved North Dakota vs Boston College. This was a great game as it went into sudden death overtime with Boston College coming out on top.

The championship game was played on Saturday, with Notre Dame going against Boston College. It was two Catholic Jesuit colleges going against each other for a very strong and entertaining 60 minutes. Boston College was the eventual winner. The picture above reflects the victory dog pile that was beginning to form.

The above picture is of the championship trophy presented to the winning team. It's quite an impressive trophy.

And this is Jared and I having our picture taken standing with the coveted trophy sought by all Division I hockey teams.

Catholic Ware

I came across this planter the other day and again wondered how I ended up with it. I have vague memories of seeing it in one of the Nana's homes when I was a little girl. I unsuccessfully tried to find more information about it on the internet. The only marking on the bottom is S96B.


I would say it is a nun, or maybe the Madonna - I'm not sure. She looks so peaceful. What stands out to me are the very thick black eyelashes and the fingernails which are painted a pale pink.

Some may think this ceramic piece would be a good yard sale item. I would never let her go that way. She will go back into the china cabinet. Or, if someone would like to have her - I could deliver via Branson!

First Communion

Next weekend second graders at church will be making their First Communion. Below are pictures from the photo album of this very special day in my life.

Here I am pictured at our house in Detroit with my great grandmother. We called her Mamoo; her given name was Johanna Sloan. My mother always bought us black patent dress shoes so they could be worn after Labor Day. This was the only time, I think, I ever had white dress shoes.

Here I'm standing in front of Nana Moir's house. This is a color picture and it looks dark so we were probably over there in the evening for a celebration. One thing I can remember about this occasion was my Great Aunt Mig (Margaret) taking me to a lady's house to get my veil fitted and made. I think the dress was from Hudson's where I'm sure most of our clothes were bought. (Our dad worked there.)

Missy's First Communion was held at the church I still attend, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. We're pictured at our first house in Plano and the dress she is wearing was made by our friend, Bridget. It is wrapped in tissue and in a box in Missy's room at our house.

When special occasions arise as with the little ones next weekend, I enjoy looking back at old photos and reliving memories of these occasions in my life.

Continued

Here's a picture of the younger set that attended Peggy & Tim's wedding. Pictured at the reception are Tom, Michael, Brian, and Scott. All of these boys now have children of their own.

My (fantasy) Guest Appearance on Oprah

Oprah: Congratulations, Peggy, on your 30th wedding anniversary!

Me: Thank you so much Oprah. I'm honored to be on your show.

Oprah: How did you and Tim meet?

Me: It was in Houston. We both lived in the same apartment complex and we met by the pool.

Oprah: How did you get him to notice you?

Me: I didn't want to be too obvious. I started swimming laps and after 12 laps he still hadn't noticed me. Then I did 2 swan dives off the board. Nothing. I was getting tired. So I hopped on the edge of the pool and sat next to him. I introduced myself. We talked for a while. He asked me out that night.

Oprah: That sounds like an intuitive meeting of two soul mates. You must have felt validated. (audience is clapping; Oprah is nodding her head)

Me: Yes, we were obviously a perfect match. I always try to make positive and life affirming choices. I steer away from toxic relationships. (a tear rolls down my cheek)

Oprah: Tell the audience the secret for a long and happy marriage.

Me: Sure, that's easy. Put the cap back on the toothpaste. Hang up wet towels. Dance crazy at every opportunity.

Oprah: Wow, very thought provoking advice, Peggy. Thank you for appearing on my show.

April 8, 1978

Life Lessons

This is 10 minutes in length, but worth the time if you've not already viewed it. Randy Pausch is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He is dying of cancer. This is a portion of his "Last Lecture".

No Fooling

April, 1984

Plano

I am teaching my daughter the fine art of walking on stilts.

A-A-A-A-choo

I don't know about where you are but this stuff is everywhere!!!
My poor nose.

That's the yuck floating around in the pool. Mel is having to clean out the skimmer baskets several times a day.

And this is what we are breathing as the wind continues to blow 15-25 mph.