Free as a Bird...

After being ousted out of my 'retirement' to help with an inventory in our warehouse, (no wisecracks, Mark!) I am happily back in my regular groove. I caught up on the mundane house stuff and got something in the fridge besides condiments, cremora and styrofoam. Watched the Tigers win the last 2 games and did a old, fashioned chicken bbq with grilled romaine for dinner. Am looking forward to the long weekend with some serious R and R at the beach house. I downloaded 3 new books to enjoy in my new hammock. (pic coming soon!) I need to get back on my Ancestry.com journey to finish Dad's side. And I am most certain that TJ Maxx has a few things with my name on 'em..

HOWEVER, my computer has been acting up and my screen is now sporting red and aqua stripes--that my be kinda cute but is surely an ominous sign. Took my chances tonight and decided to live dangerously and do a quick post. I may or may not be able to comment this week as I get this problem worked out. Till later, enjoy this gor-jwah-ness that is our summer weather! xoxo

Money, Money, Money....

A couple of years ago friends of mine, sisters, learned that they inherited quite a sizable estate. A family friend of theirs, that had little family, passed away and surprised the girls with a downfall of trust funds and property. Since the girls were barely teens, most of it is in trust and distributed incrementally. College and cars and expense worries are a thing of the past. Hell, they could even skip college-unless they just go for fun. (a route that I heartily recommend!)

So, how are they handling the new found wealth? By finishing high school and college, and working at their family business. They are the most goal oriented and polite girls you would ever want to meet and I am very proud of them.

Believe it or not, this past Saturday I learned that ANOTHER acquaintance has had a similar situation. Seems someone he was nice to, left him a large bag of money. He will probably retire early and enjoy life. Lucky dude. Hopefully some donations are in the wind, but I think it's too soon to tell. I can only imagine that it takes some time for the shock to wear off and reality to sink in.

And finally, I read today that a homeless man was found--after a two year search to accept his inheritance. Cool for him. I hope he can handle it and that it does, in fact, somehow improve his life.

So now, the big question, dearies. What would you do if you found yourself in an unexpected tax bracket? Donate? Retire? Travel? Save? I know it's an age old party question, but I still would like you to consider and let me know your answer.

Have a great week and remember, "frugal is such an ugly word"..... xoxo

Feels like the first time....

Two dear dollfriends of mine, Lexi and Elle, experienced their first ever concert this past Saturday. They were among the screaming mass at Ford Field watching Taylor Swift do her thing. They were dolled up and fueled with lots of sugar to make it thru to the late ending of the show. Reports are that they loved it--and you never do forget your first concert with all it's overwhelming nature.

My first concert? The Doobie Brothers at Castle Rock Theatre. Very cool in that loud, damp outside air that left me hoarse the next day. My date drove an El Camino, I think it rained, I know there was lotsa pot and that's about all I remember. Just as well.. I need you Cookies to think back and let me know your 'virgin' concert experiences! Even you old dudes-and you know who you are...

First trip out on the Zodiac was a success and apps (oh, and wine) at Crew's Inn were delicious. Maiden voyage without a hitch. First NBA championship ring for King James may or may not happen-the game is on as I speak. Go Heat! Luis-DO NOT have the big one!

Spent today almost solely on Ancestry.com where after a week and a half, I can report almost having ONE tree completed. 8 hours on the keyboard is most assuredly a first for me, but I am determined to finish this journey. Oh-got stung by a bee! The first one of the summer. I always get stung every year and every year I forget how much it HURTS and for how long. Used white vinegar for the homeopathic remedy, but remember my Mom putting mud on the angry red welt when I was a child..

So, y'all let me know about that concert thing, k? I've got to get back to the game! Go Miami, if Detroit can win it, it might as well be you!

Enjoy life, my pretties....xoxo

Never Know...

I have always been intrigued by family heritage and have wanted to dig further into mine. So this weekend, I bought into Ancestry.com. I don't have any illusions of any family member 'starting out a slave, and ending up a businessman', but who knows? Maybe some blue blood or Scandinavian Queen is in my past! The site offers an international library for 2 weeks, free of charge. I got busy right away and spent roughly 12 hours before completing one of the 6 that I plan to research. The site has all info pretty much sorted out for you and all you need to start is very basic info-a few names and dates- and you are off and running. I started with my Dad's side and was not surprised to find out that both of my great grandparents came over from Norway. I was shocked to read their names on the ships manifest! Khristiansand, Norway is exactly where my Dad's fathers side originated and I plan to visit this port town someday.

After the short trip to Norway where the records dried up, I moved on to Dad's mothers side of the family. What a crazy discovery ending up in France in the fifteen hundreds! France has impeccably kept records that were easy to find and clear to read. I learned that I am squarely 1/4 Norwegian and 1/4 French on my paternal side. I am now delving into Mom's side and can't wait to see what that will bring.

If you have ever had the inkling, by all means go to Ancestry.com and check it out. It's absolutely amazing and very addicting. Don't say you haven't been warned. I honestly cannot stop doing it! I am going to do my son's father's side also and it's been rumoured in the family that he is a nephew of the great infamous Jesse and Frank James.

Gotta run, it's off to the wild, wild west for me and I will let y'all know how it shakes out. And by the way, Happy Birthday Dane! Have a glorious week! xoxo

Brighter than the Sun...

Happy Memorial Day! After a long weekend up north getting the beach house and tiki bar opened up, I am finally home and bushed. The weather was pretty co operative and the company was fabulous! The wi fi and air cards-not so much. More than once it was noted that it was almost better when we simply had NO service and lived with it from Friday till Sunday or Monday.

I am just now pausing to remember those who have fought for our country as well as those who simply fight the good fight. My family, friends, bartenders and servers, my pharmacist, and fitness coaches. I love you and thank you all, for making my life more pleasant. Oh, and my lovely lovelies here in the blogosphere. Wether you comment or just read-my thanks to you. xo

Rapture...

Rapture? So what the hell was that all about? I never bother to get too hung up on these 'predictions' such as this or any other possible disaster. I never got hysterical and stocked up on water and provisions in case of Y2K or even a Michigan snowstorm. Seems we are never snowed in more than a day, and even then I can soldier on without milk and bread for a morning or two. Gives me a chance to get creative with some of those mystery packages in my freezer in fervent hope that one of them is my mom's German Apple Coffee cake. My true worries involve having enough vodka and/or wine to get thru the weekend without having to endure Kroger during crush time. So forgive me if my cynical ass found myself not surprised to NOT have had myself saved-along with the rest of the world. I still have bills to pay, weight to lose and flowers to plant. Business as usual. Thank goodness.

After Saturday dawned without incident, and without any eminent danger, I was free to continue with planned events. I headed downtown to a cool watering hole with some faces you may have met if you follow this scribbling I do on Sundays. It was a belated birthday get down for Michelle of Michelle's Spell, and sister Beth-always a delight- was here visiting. Oh, and of course, Baby Grouchy (Michelle's mascot and possible love child) was in attendance and could be found trying to get a buzz through fur absorption. And at our table, He stood a very good chance of this! Jim of J.R's Thumbprint endured my driving lack-of-skill, where we hooked up with Mark of Walking Man fame and professional hugger status, and I got to meet and get to know Erik of Erik's Choice-totally my pleasure. Twas a fun evening that flew by in what seemed like a few minutes.

Sooo, "Rapture" will continue to be the Blondie tune with the crazy lyrics that we used to sing along to in a Debbie Harry monotone voice. And those friends of mine-thanks to you all. I had a blast and hope we can do it again. SOON! xo

Rock and Roll Never Forgets....

Bob Seger is embarking on his farewell tour tour in Detroit this week; and he is now 62 years old. Amazing! In the greater Ossineke and Alpena area where I grew up, Bob is a local legend. His mother lives in Alpena, so he is a semi-regular out and about. He has been quoted as saying he loves the area because he is left alone, mostly. My sister has played golf with him and my brother has shot some nine ball with him at the local watering hole. All of us have our 'Seger' stories-me included.

One cold Northern Michigan night, a girlfriend and I were out trolling at the Alpena Holiday Inn when Bob walked in and caused a mild stir. He looked good, dressed in a wool trench coat and 'piano keys' scarf with snowflakes in his hair and on his eyelashes. My compadre and I played the scene verrry cool. Well now...Didn't Mr. Bob sidle up and buy us chickies a cocktail. The bartender set down our new drinkies and said that this one is from Mr. Seger. We gave him a raised glass 'thank you' nod and got back a reciprocal 'your welcome' from Bob. The DJ respectfully did NOT put on a Seger track that would have surely embarrassed him. After slamming down his drink, our local legend vanished back into the dark, snowy night.

I grew up with and loved his music and most of his songs evoke a fond memory. From skiing to school dances to hot dates, there was a tune for all times. Just reading his current concert play list is still a walk down memory lane. No offensive language in the lyrics for emphasis, just relevant songs sung from the heart.

So as he brings his final swan song to Detroit, I say sing those old songs, dude. And if I see you out again, this time I am buying the cocktails. xoxo