Beautiful Day!!

Yesterday I made this Christmasy arrangement in my summer urn. I got the idea from the local garden center which had the same thing for $79.95 if you can believe it. The urn was probably 2/3rds of that cost but luckily I already had that!! So for not too many dollars I added the purchased greens and when I didn't have quite enough I cut a few boughs from our fir tree in the front yard! They look pretty on the front porch.

It was a gorgeous day here in Southeast Lower Michigan. The thermometer said 65 but it felt warmer with the nice sunshine out. Many of you take the sunshine for granted but living here in Michigan in November and having a sunny day and warm to boot is a gift! After work Zoe and I headed for the Bark Park as we often do on Mondays. Lots of owners and dogs had the same idea. We spent about an hour just enjoying a walk in the woods and a few games of catch.

Thanksgiving and beyond

Thanksgiving has come and gone! Scott was resting pre-Turkey as he worked late the night before. Apparently the night before Thanksgiving is a big bar night as all the kids come home from college and meet their friends at the bar. My Mom came over and we made quick work of the turkey and all the fixings. Since the weather was so mild the boys decided the day after Thanksgiving would be a good time to get a jump on the Christmas decorations. We had an amazingly mild weekend for the end of November. Howard had to make a quick shopping trip as most of the lights from last year weren't working. The house looks great now and we are ready, on the outside at least. I put up a few decorations inside yesterday but will wait until next weekend to put up the tree. I even started buying a few gifts before the holiday weekend but stayed home on "Black Friday". Amber spent her weekend on the other side of the state, visiting Drew's family.

Lunch at Mr. B's

Jill, Laura Lee, Tyler, Joanna
Patrick and Scott

Today we met Cindy Henderson, her boyfriend Randy, Laura Lee and Joanna at Mr. B's for lunch. They are visiting from Florida. Also present were Bill, Judy and Jill Hoekstra and Mark, Cheryl and Patrick McGinnis. Scott came with us and Tyler was already there working today. It was really nice seeing them again, meeting Randy and catching up and talking about old times in the old neighborhood when all the kids were little. We stayed at Mr. B's for several hours and then it was time to say good-bye. Come back soon Cindy or maybe we'll see you again in Florida in the near future!!

Here you go, Connie! Usually I'm the one taking the pictures. I believe I took this one of Howard and me from arm's length.

Congratulations Drew!! Amber says Drew has passed the Bar Exam and it's official, "he's a lawyer"! Good thing since he's already working at a law firm in Washington, D.C. I thought this picture looked very lawyerly. We never doubted you would pass!

Instead of raisin oatmeal cookies, I say "let them eat cake!!!"

Today after work Zoe and I spent our afternoon at the Bark Park. It was a chilly and overcast day and not too many doggies were hanging out but as soon as we pulled into the parking lot Zoe started her "screaming". She gets so excited when she realizes where we are. We wandered the fields and trails, played ball, visited with a few dogs and then headed home.

This is Zoe. She's 2 now and in this picture she was enjoying a beautiful summer day in the back yard, complete with swimming pool. She's not really a swimmer, more a wader but loves the water when it's hot out!

October Happenings

In October, my Mother celebrated her 72nd Birthday! Aunt Elaine and Uncle LeeRoy came up from Tennessee to help us celebrate. We took them all to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's, one of my Mother's favorite restaurants. It was an enjoyable weekend and it's always nice to see Aunt Elaine & Uncle LeeRoy.

We celebrated Scott's 18th Birthday in September. Amber was home and Grandma came over too for cake and presents. All my babies are growing up!!!

Greetings from The Mitchells in Michigan. This is my first blog and I'm giving it a try.

Here is Amber with her boyfriend, Drew Porter. They (and we) were attending a wedding of Amber's friends from high school, Sara and Chris. Amber was one of the Bridesmaids. Drew and Amber have been dating since January.

Tyler has applied and been accepted at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii. He's hoping to start there in January and pursue Marine Biology.

Scott is attending Oakland University and says "it's better than high school." He's also working 2 nights a week at a local restaurant, Mr. B's, bussing tables.

Amber changed jobs in September and now works for Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation as a Producer of Public Service Announcements.