Angelgirlpj

Field Trip to Notre Dame University

2013-05-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

Attending the field trip to Notre Dame University with my grandson. Going with him year after year has been a treat for me as much as it if for him.

This year he is in the 5th grade and there trip was to visit Notre Dame and the famous golden dome.

After much of the tour with Allie, we were told once you are a student at Notre Dame, it is a superstition, if you go down the main stairs leading to the main building or the golden dome, you will not graduate. Therefore, we went down the steps and she went the alternate route. It was a great view and made a good photo opt.

This is the library wall and the painting is called Touchdown Jesus. Why? I have no clue.

Here the grandson stands by the football/Lou Holtz statue.

My grandson loved this picture and wanted to act as if he was holding it up. I simply wanted him to stand by the picture, he jumped underneath.

This is the grotto, many catholic children were in the group and knew exactly what to do. It was a new experience for my grandson. According to ND website, "The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is one-seventh the size of the famed French shrine where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette on 18 occasions in 1858. Visiting the site on one of his many trips to his native country, Notre Dame founder Father Edward Sorin vowed to reproduce it on the campus of his new university. A gift from Rev. Thomas Carroll, a former theology student, made it possible in 1896. Boulders from surrounding farms, most weighing two tons or more, were used in its construction."

The children did not think they would be able to see the stadium as it was not on the tour. Our little group was lucky, in the sense, that Allie had the key to the gate as she worked with the team. I'm sure they told the other groups when they got back to the school. It was cool to watch them look around.

My grandson outside the stadium beside the Knute Rockne statue. This was the last thing they did before heading back to the bus.

My personal favorite. The field was being watered, at first they attempted to stay out of the water. Here, my grandson, is escaping the stream. Well, after seeing another jump into the stream, he got a tad wet too. It was a beautiful 78 degrees May 6th so he dried quickly.
Again, I loved the chance to go on the field trip and as long as I am available I will always go and be with my kids.

Spring has Sprung at Dewart Lake

2013-04-27T18:21:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally arrived at Dewart Lake, today it is 66 degrees and most sunny. The sky is blue with white clouds scattered about. This morning I spent the time in the cottage doing some spring-cleaning; might I say yuck, however it needs it and if I do a little each time up it’s not as hard to do. The harder part will be later this summer when scraping of old paint and touch up painting is done.

About 2 o’clock, I said enough is enough and decided to come out and enjoy the sun. I did trim the grass a bit, in case the neighbors decide to mow. About 45 minutes to an hour later, I decided I was glad I had a pair of shorts. It was no nice to feel the sun on the skin again.

The lake is alive with boats, fishermen, kayakers and I do not know what the other things were. They were like wave runner or skidoo; however, they were standing up.

The birds are active too. I have seen red winged black birds, male and female, blue heron, bald eagle, geese, ducks, swans, nuthatch, blue jay and some little bird that is unfamiliar to me.

At first, I thought it was a baby duck, however, no parents around so that was unlikely. Getting a good look at them is challenging too as soon as you try to focus, they submerge and swim under water and pop up where they are not expected.

Of course, as I am writing I still have my camera near by in hopes to get even a better picture of the Bald Eagle. Although, I think it will be touch beating the photograph of him/her capturing a fish for lunch. If you have not seen that great capture, you can see it on RedGage or Bubblews.

http://www.redgage.com/photos/Angelgirlpj/eagle-going-in-for-his-catch.html

http://www.bubblews.com/news/389673-ive-been-published

In the mean time I am enjoying this beautiful day filled with sunshine, how about you?

Bald Eagle Goes in for the Catch

2013-04-11T19:38:00.000-04:00

If you like my capture, please go to RedGage and rate it!

I was at the cottage at Dewart Lake April 4, 2013. It was the first trip for the season, however I got my best photo ever. I posted it on RedGage right away in hopes to make some money and maybe even bonus money. I don't know if it is because RedGage site is messing up or if the RedGage people simply don't recognize a great capture.

After eating fish!

I was so excited whether the RedGage people appreciate it or not. Just seeing the eagle on my first trip to the cottage was good, however, seeing him/her catch it's lunch was great!

http://www.redgage.com/photos/Angelgirlpj/eagle-going-in-for-his-catch.html

Well It is Good Friday

2013-03-29T18:52:00.000-04:00

Well it is Good Friday, and for Jesus followers, that is a time for sad yet wonderful memories. Someone sinless took upon himself the sins of everyone else so that we may have eternal life. Wow, for God to send his one and only son, just for us is incredible.

John 3:16-17; KJV, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

According to the Ilumina Bible program,

THE MEANING OF MESSIAH:

“The title of Messiah came from the Hebrew, mashiach, and means "anointed one." Christos, or Christ, refers to an individual who is set apart to serve God.” It continues to say; “Messiah is a title for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In the Old Testament, God told how he would send the Messiah to rescue his people, to make everything right, and to destroy evil. The Jews looked forward to the arrival of this Jewish hero but rejected Jesus Christ because they expected someone different. Instead of a soldier, Jesus was a servant. Instead of being a mighty king, Jesus died on a cross. The Jews did not recognize God's plan for Jesus as the Messiah, but Jesus still saved those who believed in him by his death on the cross. He came back from the dead and now rules in heaven above.”

Yes it is Friday, Good Friday, but hang on as Sunday is coming!

My First Road Trip

2013-03-15T17:15:00.002-04:00

Well it took a lot of thought and prayer as making a long road trip alone posed many fears for me. However, the need to see my girls out weighed my fears.

When I started early on Sunday am the weather forecast was to be foggy and 80% chance of rain. It did sprinkle for maybe 5 minutes but no fog. The roads were dry and sunshine came out and stayed out the whole trip.

4 hours into my trip south, I stopped at the last chance rest stop before hitting the bridge between Indiana and Kentucky Bridge.

Since I could not find any Christian music channels on the radio, I decided to make a playlist on my tablet. As I am setting there, a nice older man approached me spreading the word to other drivers that he heard on the CB that there was a delay on the bridge.

Fear again tried to sneak in as I started to drive; however, I yelled aloud at satan and with Jesus’ help took control of my fear.

Well the delay was miles before the bridge and the traffic was backed up making my trip an hour longer. Therefore, I was so glad I took the time to make my playlist of music. No fears, great music and snacks on the seat beside me made the delay bearable.

I made it, and the trip was worth it!

Therefore, my advice to anyone who does not like doing things alone, especially long trips, you can do it. Simply be prepared for anything.

Snow Snow and More Snow

2013-03-06T20:51:00.002-05:00

My husband's footprints

Yesterday March 5th we had pretty much green grass trying to show. OK as it is still winter, it wasn't really green, however, it was not snow covered. Then yesterday late afternoon, everything changed.

My truck has drifts surrounding it

When it started to snow it cut loose and really snowed. It was tiny flakes, however, it was a wet and heavy packable snow.

look at all this white st

Look how many inches we got.

Oh boy!!! I am so ready for spring and sunshine!

Drip drip drip

I do thank God it was 31 degrees and very little wind.Even the icicles were dripping so maybe winter will be ushered out of Indiana soon.

Birthday Family Fun

2013-02-28T17:09:00.002-05:00

Loves her mommy!

Missing our daughter’s 33rd birthday was something that saddened me, however, the winters in Indiana and driving 6 hours south for the first time by myself frightened me.

Oh what a surprise it was one week later when she surprised us by making her first trip north with my 4-year old grand daughter. It was not because of her birthday it was for her dad’s, which was one week later.

Saying birthday cheers with cheese!

My son had already been invited to come for dinner for his dad’s birthday; he knew she was coming, so he popped in with the grandsons. It was a tad noisy but oh, what a great noise it was!

Grandpa, son and grandchildren

Another surprise for my nephews, we all got together for breakfast at the local restaurant the following Saturday. That was part of our kid’s plans, which we did not know about, until the girls arrived.

Scrap wood project

While the girls spent a couple of days with us, our grand daughter wanted not only snuggle time but the crafty time her and mom do at home. She wanted to make something with wood, scrap wood would be fine, however; we had to scale down what she actually wanted to build. She had in her mind to build a tree house. We convinced her to do something smaller so grandpa and Zeely made a bookshelf.


My son and grandchildren

To end our good, quality, fun family time we met, at our son’s home, after church Sunday. We celebrated the upcoming 5^th birthday of my grandson.

Our kids and 3 of the grandchildren

Snow Drop Flowers:Tiny yet Beautiful

2013-02-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

Snowdrop flowers are as a ray of hope, for all in the colder climates, that winter is ending and spring is right around the corner.

The snowdrop flower is actually a winter flower that peeks there little heads up even if there is snow on the ground.

Snowdrops are tiny little flowers so trying to get a unique, yet lovely photography, can be challenging. I hope you agree with me that I have succeeded in getting at least one good one.

Now if the winter in Indiana would actually end and springtime weather gets here.

Road Trip to the Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

2013-01-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

Afternoon sunset

On Thursday January 24, 2013, I went on a small road trip to the lighthouse on Lake Michigan with my niece. It is less than a one-hour drive, however, the amount of snow on the ground there with the winds coming off Lake Michigan was a huge difference compared to here.

Frozen railing

The beauty of the ice on the pier, the railing, the ice covered light on the end of the southern pier as well as the ice covered lighthouse on the northern pier was a site to see.

Water splashing

It is awesome to see the flowing water as it splashes up against a frozen chunk making it even larger each time it hits and freezes. Also amazing is watching the ice bob up and down when the waves come in. If it had not been for the cold temperatures, I could have sat down and watched that for quite some time. However, the pier being snow and ice covered was not inviting to my butt. It was not the type of weather, where you set on the pier, dangling your legs and put your feet in the water.

Crazy kayaker

Isn't it angelic looking?

One kayaker did not view the cold water in the manner I did, as he was out there paddling his kayak around in the freezing water. At one point he perched himself on a big chuck of ice, at first I thought he was there inviting me to take his picture but then realized he was taking a moment for a photo op of the ice covered lighthouse. He was definitely going to get a different vantage point from all the others we saw that day.

Ice covered Lighthouse.

If you get an opportunity to take a road trip this winter viewing the Icy Lighthouse on the St. Joseph River/Lake Michigan, in St. Joseph Michigan is beautiful.

Cold Indiana Winters

2013-01-23T19:50:00.003-05:00

Preparing for winter weather can sometimes be challenging in Indiana. Winter months can be cold or even sub zero, add in western winds and it can make it extremely hard to keep the pipes from freezing.

My advice is to stay prepared for any weather, but especially, severe winter weather. I do not know how the winter months are in your area, however, the cold temperatures that Indiana has been having is not fun.

Of course, the obvious is stock up on canned goods. If you can get things that you can eat without cooking is the best.
Purchase cans that have either pull tops or have an old-fashioned can opener like the one I use everyday. If there is no emergency your pantry is stocked up, no harm no foul. You never know when a storm is going to hit whether it be a blizzard, ice storm, frozen water lines or just a storm that sends your electric out.

This week the temperatures in Northern Indiana have dipped below zero and our cold water line to the bathroom did lightly freeze. Therefore having plenty of bottled water on hand was necessary.

Creating a New Normal with Exercise

2013-01-08T14:04:00.002-05:00

OK, not only is it a new year, but also new exercise program has been started. With the closing of
Curves for Women in my town, I joined a gym that has men and women. To me this was a bit intimidating, I don't like to shake my fat in front of women and the thought of doing it front of men was really not in my plans. Well plans change therefore creating a new normal with exercise.

I struggled at first doing the stepper, the elliptical and treadmill for any length of time. I now try to do everyday, if the machines are available, .5 mile on the stepper, 1.5-2 miles on the elliptical series of reps on weight machines followed with 1-1.5 miles on the treadmill. I also try to push myself for faster times and higher inclines.

I am still struggling with my weight as I really baked and ate to much from Thanksgiving thru the New Year. Therefore, it's my motive to reduce the waistline and improve my health in 2013 by creating a new normal with exercise.

New Years Resolution

2012-12-27T18:53:00.001-05:00

It is no doubt with New Years Eve right around the corner, resolutions are being thought through and lists being made, with exercising and dieting usually at the top of the list.

Some of the top resolutions are:

Lose weight
Get more organized
Spend less and save more
Stay fit and healthy
Quit smoking
Spend more time with family

Recently, after 8 years of exercising at Curves for Women, I joined a new fitness center in town. This was in direct result of Bremen Curvesfor Women closing their doors December 20th. Other than paying for year in advance, and hoping for a refund, it was a scary but good move. B Fit is open 24/7 with a personalized keycard, so you do not have to worry if it is open or closed, for such things as bad weather or holidays. B Fit has several cardio machines as well machines, similar to the ones we have used, with adjustable weights, making it an easy adjustment for us Curves women.

If fitness or exercise is at the top of your list for New Years; do your research, Curves International is in a bad financial state and many of the Curves franchise owners are closing their facilities leaving many women with no where to go. If your only option is a Curves facility, I would suggest paying month to month. Whatever you do, make 2013 a healthy good year.

Merry Christmas

2012-12-25T16:57:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to All

^{Luke 2:8-12; NIV}
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

I was blessed on Sunday Eve to see my son Ian, his girlfriend Erin, my daughter and her family for Christmas fun and celebration.

Christmas Eve at great grandma's house, the cousins shared a little bit of time.

Family dinner, fun and laughter

My daughter Jasmine, Granddaughter Zeely Jade and myself at our home.
Zeely decided to show her love to us (in her own way) in this picture. She grabbed on tight and had a genuine smile of love. I am one blessed mom and grandmother.
Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

It's Christmas Cookie Time

2012-12-13T13:43:00.000-05:00

Are you like me and you love to bake cookies? Doesn't it make Christmas time feel like Heaven? I truly am a cookie monster.

Whether you are baking regular or normal cookie recipes, or the gluten-free variety for family members, the Amish Drop Sugar Cookie and the Sugar Cookie Pumpkin Bar recipes are a must try.

Both recipes can easily be converted into a gluten-free cookie.

BOTH RECIPES ARE ON SEEKYT

This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

Amish Drop Sugar Cookie Recipe

2012-12-07T20:11:00.001-05:00

With Christmas right around the corner, people are baking cookies for family and friends. If you are one who will be baking cookies, you might consider the Amish drop sugar cookie recipe.

Unlike some sugar cookies, these are easy to make and soft and delicious. Amish drop sugar cookies start with real butter, which is so much healthier than margarines and shortening containing hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils have trans fat that can lead to heart disease, cancer, bone problems plus so many other health problems and diseases.

If you are one that will be baking cookies for Christmas, consider my recipe for Amish drop sugar cookies.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2012-11-13T19:49:00.004-05:00

Whether you consider a pumpkin to be a vegetable or a fruit is of little importance, what you make with the pumpkin is. Using pumpkin in recipes adds so many vitamins and moisture, however, adds little calories. It’s a oh my goodness, win-win situation. Carving pumpkins for Halloween is fun however; the pumpkin cinnamon roll is one of the recipes you will want to make our family for a healthier breakfast alternative.

For the recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls pop on over to Seekyt

Halloween: Safety First

2012-10-31T12:24:00.002-04:00

My nephew and niece as Bi-Polarism

Whether you are an adult going to a costume party, attending Light the Night or a child going from door to door trick or treating, it's Halloween: Safety First. As parents or grandparents it's our job and responsibility to keep our children safe!

2 of my grandsons a few years back.

Common sense should tell you to purchase flame-retardant costumes that are roomy enough to allow a child to dress warmly, however, not too big as that could cause your child to trip or brush against a lit Jack-o-lantern. Also, take into consideration the color of the costume, the lighter in color the better for the visibility of the child. If the child is wearing a mask, instead of makeup, test it out before hitting the streets so you are certain the child can see in all directions well.

Light the Night; couple of years ago

For years and years this treats inspection has been advised:

An adult should check all treats before they are eaten. Explain why this is important to children.
Only eat treats in original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes or tears, or if the candy has been unwrapped.
Check fruit and homemade treats for punctures or contamination. Allow your child to eat such items only if from someone you know and trust. Fruit can be cut into sections to check for sharp objects.
Consider giving non-edible treats such as stickers, crayons, coins etc.

More trick-or-treating advise:

Feed children before trick-or-treating and give them some candy from home while trick- or-treating to avoid the temptation to eat from their bags.
Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, wear reflective clothing or tape, and watch for cars. Try to finish before dark.
An adult should accompany young children, and visits should be limited to familiar well-lit homes.
Avoid barking dogs or other upset animals.
- Portions of this information came from Halloween Safety; MnPoison.org
  - Read more about Light the Night on Seekyt

Fall Cottage Time

2012-10-27T12:33:00.001-04:00

Usually when I visit the cottage in the fall there is vibrant colors. This year the weather being very strange and dry the leaves changed at a different rate. As you can see with my busy fall I have missed the peak season of the leaves turning here on the island of Dewart Lake.

One good thing is the tree across the lake is still Orange and color rich. I get to enjoy the beauty of the cool blue lake from my living room window.

I can also enjoy the birds on the lake. I did spot the eagle yesterday, however, with my camera acting up I did not have a chance to capture a shot.

Thank goodness this Heron was not in a hurry, it was not letting the cool lake water distract him, while I got my messed up Canon camera to get this picture.

Digging Potatoes with Grandpa

2012-10-20T10:36:00.000-04:00

While Grandpa used the fork, she used her hands

Grandpa loves gardening, potatoes and sweet potatoes are one of our biggest crop, therefore, when the grandchildren want to help dig potatoes he is glad to show them how it is done.

Digging potatoes with grandpa is an annual event, 3-year old Zeely Jade was here last weekend so it was her turn to help.

Look at this big sweet potato

At first Z didn't get the hang of the potato fork, however by the time they got done with the sweet potatoes and headed to the white and red potatoes she was a pro.

She's got a handle of the tater fork.

Gluten-free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

2012-10-18T16:01:00.000-04:00

Zucchini from the garden

When it comes to making breads and or meals, it is great to have an organic garden to get your supplies. For our family, the garden ends up in canning jars or freezer bags to use all year long. Since I have many family members either gluten or wheat intolerant I use zucchini for bread recipes.

Gluten-Free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread is yet another quick bread people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can enjoy. Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread, because of the low calorie pineapple, is very high in vitamin C and Manganese. Pineapple is also a great source of vitamin B6, Copper, B1, folate and fiber.

Read More on Seekyt: Gluten-Free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2012-10-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

No doubt you've seen pumpkins in fields, in grocery stores and at road side stands for sale. Maybe you are like we are and have grown your own. What are your plans for the pumpkins? Are you making pies, breads, sweet and easy pumpkin whip, pumpkin cake doughnuts or simply carving for Halloween? Whatever you make out of or do with the pumpkins don't forget to save the seeds for roasting.

Pumpkin seeds not only taste good but they are also good for you. If you've never toasted or roasted pumpkin seeds that's OK there is always a first time.
To Read More: Seekyt

This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

It's Pumpkin Time

2012-09-24T18:54:00.002-04:00


Grand daughter in 2009

It's pumpkin time once again in Indiana. How do you plan on using your home grown pumpkins? Are you going to make pumpkin bread, Pumpkin soup, Pumpkin pies or simply going to carve a face into it?

Ex-Large pumpkins are great for carving a jack-o-lantern, however, they can still be used in baking.
If you do use a large pumpkin to make some holiday pies, what do you do with the rest?
The answer is freeze it for making other recipes later on in the year.
Read more: Freezing Pumpkin
This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

Goats Goats and More Goats

2012-09-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

Goats, goats and more goats.
So many goats, as well as other abandoned animals have been rescued, given a home and loved by my big brother John and my sister-n-law Sue.

Casey's General Store ran a contest and with the prize being $5000.00, Sue declared herself the Crazy Goat Lady.
Many entered the contest, however, Sue along with 2 others are in the top 3. All 3 are talented and or famous in there own right. My thoughts are; anyone that can love animals as much as they do, rescue abandoned animals no one else wants, they will love their fellow man. Who better should be named Casey's Famous Person? Please consider voting daily for the crazy goat lady.

To read more on Seekyt: Crazy Goat Lady-Animal Rescuer

Family Fun with the Grandsons

2012-09-09T11:08:00.003-04:00

Myself and 3 grandsons

Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Youngest 2 grandsons

Oh how I feel blessed to share my cottage and weekend with my boys. It has been a month and I missed them so much. This is only the second time they have been at the cottage this summer.

They do love each other

Found coat in closet

The oldest grandson is now 10-years old and once came with me all the time. He actually helped grandpa build the railing for the deck. We found this coat in the closet in case we needed it as it was very breezy afternoon. It was, I believe, a size 4 and he wanted to see if he could still wear it. It still kind of fit and gave us all a smile. Family fun is so much fun, it makes a grandma so happy.

Kristin and Eric Larrew's Wedding

2012-09-05T18:45:00.001-04:00

Dave and Kristin

On September 1, 2012 my grand daughter, Kristin Schwartz was united in marriage to Eric Larrew. With Hurricane Isaac hitting Louisiana forcing heavy rains to head north, the planned outdoor wedding made the Facebook pages with a late breaking news bulletin. The Larrew wedding was now being re-planned and headed indoors.

Z putting down feathers

Our 3-yr old grand daughter was the feather girl. Instead of going up the aisle just once, she did it a couple of times. She knew she had an important job to lay down the feathers so Kristin would have soft things to walk on. She would have kept going if I had not stopped her. She had plenty of feathers left.

Kristin looked beautiful as her dad, David Wayne Schwartz 11, my son-n-law; walked her down the aisle of the Martinsville Church of the First Born.

The Big Kiss

As Eric and Kristin shared their first kiss, the whole congregation looked on and cheered. The wedding, despite the weather and change of venue, was great.

Here for the first time is Mr and Mrs. Eric Larrew.


Kristin and Eric Larrew

Read about Wedding Cupcake Stands on Seekyt