All-Star Music Resort

This year we stayed at the All-Star Music Resort.  We had a nice room, clean, and comfortable all for a good price.  The best part was it had a small kitchenette where we could keep snacks, water, iced tea, and Taylor's extra insulin

Vacation---Birtville goes to Disney World!!!

Last week (5/20-5/28), as many of you know, Art and I were on vacation.  This year our vacation was one that we haven't had the finances for about eight years now because of other responsibilities.  Then with my cancer and recovery, well, we just haven't been able to take the time.  It's been awhile since we have been to Disney World in Florida and I needed a Mickey fix.  Bad.  So we did something that we've wanted to do for a  few years now--planned a surprise trip to Disney for my cousin Steve's girls, Taylor and Shelby.  Their mother Theresa, Steve, Art and I, were able to plan the whole trip and keep it a secret for almost four months.  (Something that actually AMAZED Theresa and I).  We told NO ONE until just a few days before we left on May 20 because we were so afraid that someone would slip and say something to them.  But, we pulled it off.  We did have to tell them they were coming to "Birtville" for the weekend and might do something special, but that was pretty much the extent of it.  Friday morning we woke the girls at 5 am, and told them to get ready because we were going on an adventure.  We gave them a gift bag with clues consisting of tropical flavored shower get and body lotion, a journal that had a picture of Mickey Mouse on the cover, a neck pillow, and lastly a tee shirt that said, "I'm going to the Walt Disney World Resort".  They were pretty excited to say the least.  So off, we went for the next eight days and oh what fun we had!  Will post some pictures over the next few days!

Waking up at Ass-crack o'clock

Shortbus was NOT impressed with being woken up at 0445

Looking for clues--I'm surprised the bag didn't give it away

Now she's impressed

Even Yogi is going on vacaction



At JFK in New York City



Stearns Prom 2011

 Taylor and her date, Andrew going to Prom

Taylor and Andrew

Taylorwith her Grammy and Memere, Marianne and Ann

 Prom Court 2011

Steve, Taylor, Auntie Di

 Sister Shelby, Taylor, and Princess Leah

Taylor lookin' goooooooooooooddddddddddddddddd!!!!

Last night was Taylor's Junior Prom. Actually it was the High School's Junior/Senior Prom but since Taylor is a junior then it was her Junior prom.  Makes sense, doesn't it?  Anyway, she and her date Andrew were very, very sharp looking as you can see from the pictures that Steve took.  Last month Dianne brought the girls down for a weekend so we could go shopping, and that was when Tay bought her accessories.  We all had such fun helping her pick them out and they looked great on her. 

Happy Birthday, Shelby Lynn!

Today is also the 14th birthday of my "niece" Shelby!  Happy Birthday, sweetie!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!  If anyone does any reading about Mother's Day you will realize that this holiday has been around a very long time, and has many rituals from many cultures.  It has celebrated things such as the mother of the God's, Mother Church, and Mother's in human form.  All of the stories make for very interesting reading.

My own mother passed away almost 6 years ago now, and I can honestly tell you she was an "interesting" lady to say the least and growing up in a household with her for the mother was an experience in never knowing what was going to happen next.  Kind of like waiting for the "next shoe to fall"...so to speak.

Anyway, she was a special woman with trials and tribulations all her own but she was also a lot of fun to be with.  She loved my sister and I.  She loved my boys.  And in her own weird way she loved many others.  We had many adventures, so many memories.............and she is missed. You've missed a lot over the past few years, Mom and while I wish you had been around for most of it, there is some of it (mostly the sad parts), that I'm glad you didn't have to witness and hurt for.  Love you and Miss you, Billie!

Arthur's mom, Virgie, passed away almost 2 years ago now. She, too, was a special lady and was a lot of fun, and support over the 35+ years that I was able to have her as a Mother-in-law. She loved her her family, and all of her grandchildren, as well as her great-grandchildren and never forgot anything special about any of her "kids". She always had Oreo's in the house and her door was always opened for any of us in need. We all love and miss you, Virgie!

I also was given two gifts by God that over the years have allowed me to celebrate this holiday. Justin was born almost 33 years ago, and Adam, 30 years and together (as well as separately) they have brought me endless joy over the years. Yes, a few heartaches have happened but the joys far outweigh any type of sadness and worry. So, thank you to my fabulous sons for their contribution to this holiday.

New Pics of Shortbus at the States

Catch up time!

It's been a little while since I've posted.  Maybe it's because I've been busy (I know that's the reason) or maybe it's been because I haven't had to have my car towed out of any weird places lately, so I've got no stories to tell.  Only you the reader can guess--because life certainly hasn't stopped.  In fact, it has just gotten busier.  If you can imagine that.  No, really...it has gotten a bit busier.  As most of you know, we got a snowstorm on April 1st.  April Fools!  No, really.  We did...a massive storm.  But the snow only lasted a couple days and most of it is now gone.  We weren't really sure that it would all be gone before June since we got so much of it this year, but it is.  Justin got his plants started and outside for awhile today so that means summer is coming.

So let's see what is new? On April 2nd, Shelby and the Millinocket Middle School Show Choir won the state championship trophy for the Maine Music Education Association's Jazz Festival.  The High School in Millinocket, Stearns High School, won the state championship in their division as well.  Such a large amount of talent in such a small town.  Above are some pictures of the Middle School group.

On March 31, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Portland Area had their Volunteer Recognition banquet.  Art and I attended since he was going to be receiving a "Silver Hammer" for his volunteer efforts this past year.  While he knew most of the people there, I met some wonderful people for the first time. The caring that these volunteers show for the clients and their families, and for each other is amazing.  It was also a kind of sad time for Art.  He became very good friends with a young man named Ben who was a construction manager for the homes Art has worked on.  Ben is moving to Colorado at the end of April for some new endeavors.  He will be greatly missed by not only his friends but also by Habitat in Portland.  Art is hoping that as soon as he gets operations in order at his new job, that he can go back to volunteering at least one day on the weekends.  Below are some pics from the banquet:

So this is what is new in Birtville.  This coming weekend, my cousin Dianne, Shelby and Taylor's real "Auntie", is bringing them to Birtville for a long weekend.  "Girls Weekend" as we like to call it.  Hopefully next week I'll have some more pictures to post.  

Things to Do

Shelby and Leah

Trixie and the Chef

Trixie Lives

When I was a teenager and my parents went out the scene sort of went like this: "PARTY AT LANE'S!!!"  Consequently at some point there was not only a keg of beer going out the front door as the parents came in the back, but usually a significant number of young men and my girlfriends and I would resume playing "Mystery Date", after having dumped a significant amount of bleach in the drain, and sprayed a large amount of air freshener around the house.  My sister was usually sworn to secrecy with numerous death threats so that was not a problem.  I really have no idea why we never thought of doing things like Taylor and Shelby do.  You have to admit...these girls are clever...

Business Travel

Justin is in Boston on business this week.  At first I felt kind of bad for him because he was going to miss seeing his sweetie this weekend, but after seeing these pictures from last evening, I don't think I feel all that sorry for him.

Jeff-faafaaaaaaaaaaa Dunnnnnnnnham

On Wednesday of last week, March 9th, Theresa and I took the girls to see Jeff Dunham at the Civic Center.  What a show!  While he makes you laugh for hours on end, the truly fascinating thing is this man's talent.  His wit, quick delivery, and amazing ability to manage 4 or 5 puppets and not miss a beat make his show something that shouldn't be missed.  We so enjoyed ourselves!  I honestly laughed from about 8 pm to 1030.  Non-stop.  If any of you ever have a chance to see this man, whether in person, or by watching one of his specials on the Comedy Channel, I would highly recommend that you watch him.  Remember, it's fun to laugh!!!

Winter Vacation

This past week Taylor and Shelby, as with many other kids in Maine, were on school vacation. They went snowsledding, to the basketball tournaments, and hung out with their friends.  In general, enjoyed a teenagers break from school.

 I remember our school vacations when I was a kid.  Especially February vacation. For us, it was skiing, basketball tournaments, and hanging out with our friends.  Every year for years we were at Squaw Mountain in Greenville skiing.  Usually it was a family affair and oh boy, did we ever have fun!  The participants?  Too numerous to name, but all the "Clampetts" were usually there.  As were friends. It was just an amazing time in our lives.  Now we all see each other at funerals and talk about the pizza's, Rod having to hotwire Alton's truck because he lost the keys on the ski slope, falling off the t-bar and hiking through the woods, getting hurt at 10 am because Rod pushed me (no-folks, he didn't really but I can't let him know that) and one of the best---Alton getting picked up for speeding, passing in town on a railroad track then us announcing it to ALL our friends in the ski lodge.  Basketball tournaments back when Stearns was a Class A team.

For the boys...we played hockey and went snowsledding.  Justin and Adam and all their friends and families.  We packed up our minivans and head to Canada for tournaments.  To New Jersey for tournaments and of course playing outdoors in sub-zero temps in Millinocket.  All good times and memories of school vacation!

Snow. Again. Mother Nature, we SURRENDER!!

At first this afternoon I planned to update by adding pictures of the crazy storm we are having today.  But, I took a look at the pictures that are already posted and said to myself, "Self, why would you go out in knee deep snow and take more pictures that are only going to look like those already posted?"  So--- Self stayed inside.  Well, kinda. 

The alarm did it's daily "GETOUTOFBEDNOW!" crap at (as a good friend of mine often says) "O-dark-30" this morning with the forecast of a major snowstorm for the day.  By the time I was ready to head to Brunswick for clinical, school had been cancelled with still no sign of snow.  But it was looming.  We all knew it. 

And hit, it did.  Been a raging blizzard all day.About 8 inches of heavy, wet, white stuff on the back deck that Justin shovelled when he got home this afternoon. I haven't ventured out again, after my encounter with a snowbank this morning.  Thanks once again to the Falmouth Public Works and the Falmouth Police Department for their assistance. Of course I can't forget the tow guy from Copp Motors for pulling me out.  Not an easy chore mind you.  I was buried.  Trapped in the car for about an hour which wasn't bad.  If I'd had to get out I could have done the gymnastics to get over the console and gotten out but I didn't need to so I decided to stay warm. It just goes to show that God takes care of people too stoopid to not stay home during a blizzard.  My most heartfelt and sincere thanks go to Adam for calling the tow truck for me today.  Without him, I'd have set in the snowbank for much longer than I did.  Thank you, Adam.

So, if you want to see pictures of today's snowstorm, just scroll down and look at the ones from a couple weeks ago--they are pretty much the same.

Storm of the Century or "Snow Day on Steroids"

Call it what you will.  "Stormzilla".  "Snow-zilla".  Snowpocolypse 2011".  Here in Maine, we call it "A Wednesday in January."  And while we are used to this happening here, most of the USA today (over 2000 miles says the weather channel), and over 100 million people are experiencing what is being called the largest snowstorm in the century.  Lots of snow EVERYWHERE.  Many places that are not used to getting any snow during the winter are getting pounded with up to 24 inches of it today.  Many others are getting ice.  We are getting lots of snow.  Most of the morning has been a complete white-out here but it started to slow down about 90 minutes ago so I went outside to take some pictures.

Signing the Papers

So, today I signed the papers on my father's house in Millinocket.  And while my sister and I have been looking forward to this for quite a while now, the finality of actually having no ties left to my hometown (except my parents being buried there) gave me cause to hesitate just a little bit at one point while signing the papers.  This is the home I grew up in, the home I lived in for 18 years, the home that my parents brought my baby sister home to, the home where I got my first kiss from one of the neighborhood boy's that I had a crush on for years, and the home in the neighborhood where I had the opportunity to make so many cherished memories.  My childhood best friends, Julie and Donna,  and I made many of those memories together.  Playing in the summer sand behind Donna's house.  Playing in the woods behind Julie's house, sliding on Treasure hill, jumping out of trees in the sand pits, picking berries behind my dad's workshop, playing baseball in the field.  And oh..how could we forget the winter fun---sliding on the many hills, playing outside after supper with Julie, or Rob from next door.  The many, many evenings I spent with my Dad in his workshop...playing in the sawdust which on many evenings I managed to stuff great gobs of in the crack of my Dad's butt when he would bendover. Lazy summer afternoons playing Barbie's on a blanket on the grass in the shady spot on the side of Donna's house.  Evenings spent playing Scatter or Kick the Can.  Street dances. Red Rover. Marbles. Kick ball.  And the list goes on an on.  Needless to say, it was not only a poignant ride home from the lawyer's office but a quiet ride laced with many bittersweet memories.