In Memory

Mom and Dad moved to Florida in 2000. They chose to live in a retirement community, someplace that would help keep Grandpa entertained. The location they decided on for their house was chock full of midwesterners. Their neighbors on one side were from Michigan; the couple across the street, Minnesota; the couple at the end of the street, Wisconsin; another couple at the end of the street, Minnesota (and I think she used to teach and taught one of my uncles); Grandpa’s girlfriend, Michigan. There are many others from that area, including Pete and Yvonne on the other side of Mom and Dad. They were from Wisconsin.

With so many people from Minnesota and Wisconsin around, my parents quickly developed a new tradition. Every year when the Packers play the Vikings at home (Metrodome) they have a party, the border battle. Green and Gold usually outnumbers Purple and Gold, but there isn’t a lack of good natured ribbing taking place. Pete and Yvonne have been at the Border Battle since it’s inception. Sadly Pete won’t be joining us this year.

Sunday, after an amazing 59 years married with Yvonne, Pete passed away. Within the last couple of years he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had also recently fallen and broken his hip, requiring a stay in a nursing rehab facility. Sadly for us his time has come to an end. My family and I were blessed and very privilaged to be allowed to attend his funeral. At his request this was a private, family only event. While it was a very sad occasion, it was also probably one of the most lighthearted funerals I have ever attended. The priest was excellant and keeping just the right tone and reminding us of all the laughs Pete brought into our lives. So today’s post is in memory of Pete.

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day!

I hope everyone had a good Valentine’s Day. I was stuck working that night, so J and I saw each other very briefly. It didn’t bother me that I was working since I’ve never really been all that big on Valentine’s Day, J isn’t either which is nice. We kept things very low key, got each other a card. He got me a Peanut Butter Twix (since I had been craving one lately) and I got him a smallish Reese’s heart and a little picture frame. Nothing major, nothing break the bank expensive. Our anniversary is coming up at the end of this month and that to me is more of a celebration.

It’s sometimes hard to believe we’ve been together two years already. On one hand the time seems to have flown by at the speed of light. On the other hand, because we are so comfortable with each other (in a good way, I promise!) it feels like it’s been longer. I still thank my lucky stars everyday for him. And I’m very thankful to L for thinking he’d be a great match for me. So L, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart

I haven’t been up to a whole lot of anything exciting. I’ve been busy crocheting as usual. I three current projects going, one of which is a very pretty doily. I signed up for the doily swap at Crochetville and I might give this to my swap partner. It depends on what s/he requests for colors and shapes. And as usual I will post pictures once I am able to.

I’ve also been busy sending out letters and making contacts for the auction. I stopped at my local Best Buy yesterday and spoke with the manager on duty. I am very excited to say that from the words he used and the impression I got, I should be able to get something from them to auction off. He asked what I wanted and I told him “I’ll be honest, I would love to have a tv or digital camera. It doesn’t have to be a high end expensive item either. But, I’ll take what I can get.” I don’t want to be greedy after all I received confirmation regarding another item the other day too. Mom works for the travel company for Great Escapes Vacation Club and they donated a certificate regarding one of their condos in the area. This is good for a week and has a value of up to $1500! I am really thrilled that they were so generous in doing this. I’ll get the paperwork tomorrow so I’ll be able to see what they are defining as area. As J pointed out since this event is taking place at a bike (motorcycle) fest, if GEVC counts Daytona as an area then this certificate will be a huge hit!

I’m still hustling my butt off to get donations. I’ve been very excited about the responses I’ve received and the generosity shown. If any of you knows anyone who would be willing to donate a service or product please let me know or send them to my Silent Auction website. Hugs and Kisses to all! I need to get ready for the day so that J and I can go find me some nice padded bike shorts. I tried on a pair recently to see what size I would need and they felt a little like wearing a diaper. However, if it’ll keep my butt nice and cushioned for those 150 miles, I’ll take it! Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Quick Update

Courtenay sent me a message complaining I haven’t posted anything lately. So, let me give you a quick update on what’s been going on in my life lately.

Working two jobs
Working two jobs still
Oh yeah, still working two jobs
Buying more yarn to support my addiction
Sarasota for a bike thing
Plant City’s Bike Fest
Gibtown’s yearly bike thing
Soliciting for and getting items for auction
Finishing the bruise afghan
Starting, taking apart and re-starting a doily
Starting an afghan
Starting another afghan
Sleeping!

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things here and there. But that’s the main highlight of what’s been happening lately I do have to share a huge donation that has been offered for the auction.

I have been offered a set of 4 tickets to an upcoming Tampa Bay Bucs 2008 home game! The person who offered these is a season ticket holder and once the schedule is out, I get to choose which game to put in the auction. I’m really excited about these and I hope that they raise a lot of money for the National MS Society! Oh, and I would greatly appreciate if those reading this could do me a favor. Could you please share the silent auction preview site with those you know living in Florida? It’s www.freewebs.com/ridetoerasems/ I thank you!