Thursday, June 30, 2016

DID YOU MISS ME? i'VE BEEN HERE-THERE-AND EVERYWHERE!

I know!  I know!
It has been a long time since I posted
about anything except
cancer and death.
Contrary to popular belief
those are NOT my two
favorite topics!

Once we got the old boy cleared of
CANCER
I decided to run away from home!

My daughter, Tara, her three girls and I
took off to see my daughter, Mimi,
and her two boys and little
BRIGHT EYES.


We stayed in Indiana a couple of days on our way 
to Florida.  
This was a trip promised to Lulu so she 
could see her Michigan friend that stays
at the same condo complex that we 
always stay at.

Mimi's hubby was out of town
so she decided to follow us south
for a couple of days.

We headed to Gatlinburg.
Now I know all you Suthern' gals are used to
THE HEAT
but let me tell ya---
this northern girl thinks 102 degrees is about
50 degrees hotter than I like.
Now-I did NOT go on this.
While the other kids went
I watched Baby Bright Eyes sleep.
Here is what she looked like when she got up
and discovered Mom,
her brothers, 
 and her cousins were gone.
This is what she looked like when I gave her
ICE CREAM-
 Nana's sure know the tricks, don't they?

Did I mention it was 
HOT?
I felt like dropping a bag of ice cubes
in my bra to cool off but 
thought people might talk if
I started dripping
from somewhere besides
my forehead!

Leaving Gatlinburg, Mimi & her kids 
headed home to Indiana while 
Tara, Lulu, Ria & SweetCheeks & I
continued on to Florida.

Lulu spent a lot of time hanging out
with her friend, Gabby.
I had Lulu convinced that her real name was
GABREIELLA- (pronounced like Cinderella).
She was so embarrassed to think she had
been pronouncing her friend's name wrong
for the past three years.
Finally, Gabby (on the right) 
took pity on her and told
her the truth....darn kid!
That is Lulu giving me the 
'you're so stupid, Nana' 
hairy eyeball.
The other two sisters-
Ria & SweetCheeks
spent a lot of time 
BOOGY BOARDING.
and hugging-
when they weren't arguing about whose turn
it was to sit in the third row seat.


I spent my time reading and watching 
the sun come up....
and the moon rising----
I have lots more to share
 and much to tell you
but right now I have to fix the
old boy something to eat.
This is what he likes best!
Tube feeding sure is EASY---for me!

I've been trying to find these 
Talking Ensures
to keep him company while he
FILLS UP.
So far, no luck.
Let me know if you see any out there!
I will keep you posted as to what
else is going on here...
It's A LOT!

Off to visit a few of you before
I fall asleep sitting up!
your photo name

89 comments:

bj said...

So thankful for your blessings...and what a fun trip this must have been...I am STUNNED, looking at pics of SC....she has grown up right before our eyes...they are all so pretty...again, so thankful the storm has passed for Hero

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Really great reading your post and seeing the fun you had all together. Lots of memories and giggles I'm sure. :)

Pam Kessler said...

You're back!!! I sure missed you, but I guess spending time with the grands is a good excuse. Hope MyHero/YourHero didn't miss you too much while you were gone!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's so great to hear a little about your big trip! I know you feel like a new woman after having such a fun vacation. Can't wait to see more pics! hugs to you and hubby both, Diane

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
I am so happy you made your trip South. I know you wanted to do this. :-)
Sending a HUG to Your Hero XX OO ... enjoy the 4th.
Love, Carla

Tete said...

Love the photos of the kids...and yes, you would have gotten a lot of lookers- you are too old to be breast feeding and leaking all over the place...
If I can catch and get one of those pesky bottles in a box- it will be on the way.

Laurie said...

Oh my Lord, I'm glad to see you have not lost your sense of humor. Ice cubes in your bra and leakage, haha!!! And, I am as southern as you can get and I'm still not used to the heat. I've just learned when to go outside and when to stay indoors. Ice cream may work for little Miss Bright Eyes, but for us big girls.....you got it right, ice cubes. And water. Don't forget to hydrate! Can't wait to see what else you've been up to. Have a great vacay in Florida.

Lucille said...

Hi Diana! It sounds like a lovely vacation and one well deserved, for sure! Please let me know how your Hero is. I am still praying for him on a daily basis. So disappointed that he is still tube feeding. Is he going back to work. I am asking since you said he would at the end of June. Very concerned. Please give me some news!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I live here and hate the heat! The 11 days without air conditioning bout killed me! Glad you got away for some much needed fun time.

Pinky said...

I am glad you have gotten away and get a break. Caregiving is exhausting, I know. Loved your pictures. So glad to see your post. Have a wonderful 4th weekend!!!

Denise said...

So glad You dropped by to say Hello.I enjoyed hearing about Your trip,sounded alot like My trips with family.My favorite trips though are the two of Us alone,not as exhausting ; ) So happy to hear Your hubby is cleared and free of Cancer.As an RN I'm very familar with Ensure and tube feeding,You gave Me a good giggle with the talking ensure.I at first thought they made talking cans now. Hugs Denise

20 North Ora said...

Oh Diana - I am so glad you got a chance to get away for a little vacation. Your photos are so pretty. That little one is so precious. Isn't it amazing what ice cream does? Have been missing you but glad to see your post today.

Have a great time.

Judy

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

How nice that you got a change of scenery and a change of pace. That's too bad your Hero is still using the feeding tube, but hopefully he will be able to give that up sooner rather than later. It was lovely to see pictures of your granddaughters. So beautiful, all of them. -Jenn

Joy Junktion said...

You are back - YAY! And so am I - YAY! I'm so very happy that you were able to take a little time away! Sending prayers and cyber hugs your way! Blessings for a wonderful Holiday weekend! Cindy xo

God's Grace Overflows said...

Well hello there friend! So glad to read your post. So happy you were able to get away with the family. It sounds wonderful and a bit hot!
Can't wait to read more of your adventures.
Have a Fun and Safe Fourth of July!
Hugs!

Kathy said...

Good to see you back! Looks like you had a nice relaxing trip except for the heat. Your grands are really getting big! I know you hear that a lot, but they are.

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Sounds like a great Vacation.....and you really vacated GB for sure!!! Glad to hear things are better for you.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I am not a "fan, of heat, and humidity makes me melt away. I can't say that I like cold either and have given thought to living in the most perfect weather in San Francisco. But then again, they have earthquakes. Every place has its problems, but if you are with your loved ones and children and especially grandchildren, everything is wonderful.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

A nice, hot trip with 'the girls' is the best way to get grounded once more, isn't it? Such pretty little faces - I know you must have some sweet, treasured memories. I haven't seen the talking ensure yet! Too cute! Hang in there, sweetie. Hugs xo K

Alex said...

Hey my friend! Thanks for visiting me! I am thrilled to think you had this trip for you and all those girlies! It may have been super-hot but I'm sure it was great fun.
May things continue really well in your household...blessings on you all.

Alex said...

Hey my friend! Thanks for visiting me! I am thrilled to think you had this trip for you and all those girlies! It may have been super-hot but I'm sure it was great fun.
May things continue really well in your household...blessings on you all.

Karen said...

It's wonderful that your hubby is cancer free and that you had such a lovely time with your family. I love the pics of the kids. Doesn't ice cream produce a lot of smiles!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana! I'm so glad that old storm has passed and your hubby is doing well and on the mend. You've been a good nurse! So glad too that you've had a little 'you' time with some pretty gals thrown in! Love the snaps of little Bright Eyes! Yep, grannies know exactly what to do! Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sylvia said...

Oh Diana, you had to drive through Georgia to get to Florida,but I didn't see you. Did you slip through during the night!LOL I love Gatlinburg, haven't been lately, looks like you had a great vacation with your family,it helps to have a change of scenery sometimes. Oh and I never came across that talking Ensure when I was tube feeding my hubby either,let us know if you do.
Hugs my sweet friend,
Sylvia

Susie said...

Diana, I know all of you needed that vacation. I do not like the high heat either. We have had glorious weather the past 4 days. Maybe in for some stuff this coming week. Your granddaughters are all growing up. I know the g.sons are also. I was hoping John could be eating some solids by now. The ensure is good stuff for nutrients. Blessings to all of you, love, xoxo, Susie

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I hope you had a great time. I can't take that kind of heat so no way I'd be heading south! We had 94-95 deg. weather two weekends back and that was enough for me! Baby bright eyes is such a pretty little one! I got a good visual out of the ice cubes in the bra- dripping lol... snorts coffee!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Ah so nice that you could all get away and enjoy yourselves...that hairy eyeball expression is too funny! :0 )

a writing place said...

And you deserved an *Escape*... After all the taking-care-of-everything-duties.

But hey Hon, don't come home and make blogging, into a JOB, please!!! You know. The way you do everything, 129%!!! -grinnn-

Enjoy blogging. And reading. And commenting. And chilllllll Babe! Chillllllll! Your bod really needs a lot of chillin', after those Southern Temps! Yes?????

Lots and lots of gentle hugs,
Tessa

a writing place said...

Mmmmmmm..... The mind picture of you wanting to pour ice cubes, into your bra, and then proceeding through your day.... Is one which will STICK in the mind!!!

>,-)))))))))))

Tessa

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh, my word you are so funny, I just crack up at you sometimes, D!

I am so sorry I have been absent for over a month - life is like that and staying off the pc was necessary. I have a lot of catching up to do! Glad your hero is getting better - I am praying for y'all every day.

My word those adorable grands of yours are getting big fast!

Glad you were able to get away - much needed - and if you ever go through mid Ohio (like on your way home?) stop in north Columbus and see me! : - )

I just posted some joyful news. I am going to join "the club" now, whoo hoo. : - ) HUGS! ♥♥♥

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Welcome back, Diana. You were missed. Have a great 4th!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Welcome back. I am sure that trip to getaway was priceless. You deserve it for being such a trooper and excellent nurse. Hope you can catch your breath. Glad your love is doing better....Ensure is a life savior. Care givers do have a difficult time. Thank you for your sweet visit and I wish you a happy 4th weekend. Xo

Julie's Lifestyle said...

I'm so glad that you were able to get away for a nice vacation with the girls. You really needed that and love all the wonderful photos. Take care and have a happy 4th of July!!!!

Pom Pom said...

Yes! Missed you and your cute brood! You are so joyful and bouncy, a real star, dear ND!

Kelly said...

It's so good to hear from you again! I'm sure your trip out of town was very needed! It sounds like you had a good time. I am from the south and trust me 102 is too darn hot for us too! It has been the hottest summer here in GA. We have been enduring temps in the 90's most days with very little rain and high humidity. Ugh! I'm already looking forward to Fall. Little Bright Eyes is SOOOOO cute! I love her curly hair. I hope that your husband is continuing to do well. Sounds like he's still having problems eating though. Hopefully, that is only temporary. Have a great 4th!

Kim said...

Sounds like a great trip, Diana and there's nothing like a good dose of teenagers (and toddlers) to spice up the travel a bit, huh? ;) I am in the thick of it all right now!! Glad to hear some good news and fun stuff has been coming your way. xo Happy 4th!

Wild Oak Designs said...

So very glad you were able to get away! Sounds like you had a great time.....
Most of all it is good to hear from you! Hope all continues well ...and that feeding tube will soon be able to be removed!
Awful things....but necessary....
Hugs
Nancy

Shirley said...

Good Morning, I am so glad you got to take a trip with your girls. You needed the time away and you have not left your sense of humor. You always enjoy the girls and they are just growing up to fast. Your little one is so adorable. Take care. Many hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

Judy said...

So glad you got a little R&R Diana....I bet on your way to the beach you passed through my home town of Montgomery...hope you waved to me! Yep, the heat and humidity here feel like someone left the doors to hell open but it's just what you have to live with here in My South!

Glad your hero is on the mend and good to see you back in blogland!

camp and cottage living said...

Missed you, Diana. So glad to hear you were away having some fun!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I am not such a fan of heat anymore either! I am looking forward to heading back to the mountains of NC as soon as this house sells.

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Welcome back! I'm so glad you got to spend some time away from the docs for a while - you truly needed that break!! But 102 degrees? No thank you - this northern girl also likes it about 50 degrees cooler than that!!!!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Diana, I'm so glad you had a "girl's vacation" with your daughters. I love this picture of SweetCheeks and Ria. I'm no stranger to 100 degree temperatures here in California, but as I get older, the heat just does me in. I'm so glad you had a great time. And with everything going on in your world, you still managed to stop by and comment, and I appreciate that.

So glad to hear your husband is doing better. And this sunrise picture is beautiful.

love you, Diana. ~Sheri

This N That said...

You know I missed you. Sounds like you had fun with the girls and you sound more like your old self. Glad things are going well and you don't have to cook LOL. Don't forget to go to bed. No more sleeping over the computer. Hugs

LV said...

What a nice surprise when I saw you had stopped by. Delighted you are out and about and getting some much needed R&R.My late husband and I have been to Gatlinburg many times. We always enjoyed the visit. Being able to visit and enjoy your family with out being under so much stress is a blessing.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Well, I haven't been blogging or visiting much either and WHAT in the world is going on? Your husband is ill? Diana, I am so sorry, I have been out of the loop for awhile and had no idea. You know, of course, that I went through a lot and was in your circumstances.
The girls are simply gorgeous! Little dolls, well, not so little any more. Your family is just beautiful!! Sending love and hoping things go well for you.
To be honest, I didn't even know you were gone as I was "gone" as well. I hope you are having great success with your book. I love writing but haven't the nerve to give it a real try. It was a good story. I must go back and read it again. I read all my books over...and over. Your's will be no exception. It was good you were able to get away for a bit. I am in the dark as to what happened, but I am hoping it has a happy ending.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Diana, I sure missed your sense of humor and so glad it stayed in tact through the journey you've been on this last year. I was excited to see your post about this new blog post. I follow my email, but it always arrives a day later then published.
Glad you enjoyed a great time in Florida even through the heat. I understand heat too well as we are in a scorcher spell right now.
The girls are growing up so fast. Bright Eyes is adorable.
So happy John is doing better. What a blessing for him and your whole family.
Wishing you a Happy 4th of July!!
xo

NanaNor's said...

Hi sweetie, Love getting caught with you! Your grands are growing into such beautiful young ladies-how quickly time flies! I bet your hubby is anxious for real food-maybe you should fess up and tell him the doctor cleared him months ago, you just didn't want to cook-JK.
Sending love your way!
Noreen

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

It is good that you could enjoy some sunrises and sunsets!
I believe ice cream always makes things better.
warmly,
deb

Anonymous said...

Wow, the grandchildren are growing so fast! Beautiful and sweet photos. Yes, welcome to the south and those hot, humid days!!! We are packing to move currently, but I'll be back to blogging soon. God bless your weekend. xo

Adam said...

ice cream sure fixes things

Debby said...

You needed that break. Sounds like it was fun. The girls are so pretty. That little one is so darn cute. We need to catch up. Hugs

Nellie said...

Can't believe you were in Gatlinburg! Just an hour and a half away from me! And - you passed right by my Interstate exit on the way to Florida, too!! Would have loved to be able to meet up with you and your lovely family! Great to see this post! - xo Nellie

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I did miss you and am so happy to know that it is because of happy things! I could never go south in the summer. 85 is too hot for me! Glad you are back and it sounds like you had a great time.

Rose L said...

Ice cream works wonders! Good you took time for yourself!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

So glad to see that you are home and that you had a great time on vacation. Sounds like you had many fun times. Can hardly wait to hear what you did.

Take care my friend, you deserve it.

Hugs,
Mary

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

Hello and glad to see you back! Sounds like you had a good, hot, busy time! I can't get over how fast those beautiful girls are growing! I'm glad the hero is doing so well and beat that awful cancer.

Cecilia said...

Hi Diana! I figured you needed a break but it's good to hear from you....Now us suthern girls don't mind the heat (it's the humidity that'll get you) but 105 is a little much no matter what! Love the pictures of the girls.
Have a great 4th of July weekend! Hugs,
Cecilia

S H Elliott said...

I am so glad to hear that you got away for a while! Sun and sand can be restorative! Glad you are back! You mean so much to so many of us dear friend! Sheila

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Glad you got to get away! I have never lived anywhere that it is humid. Gets hot here, but always nice in the shade. Bright eyes is so cute, and I'm glad that the ice cream did the trick. Gosh, they are growing up quickly! I'll keep my eyes out for those talking Ensures as well. :)
hugs,
Jann

Cynthia said...

So happy you got some time to get away. Your family is too precious. I couldn't deal with that heat either.

Cindy

Renee said...

So happy you had a fun trip. I have been on that tram, it is really a great view. Last time we rode it was in the winter and it was so foggy, cloudy we couldn't see much. Yes the south is hot but we have air conditioning everywhere. :) My favorite saying this time of year "I'm burning up" I think it is a southern saying for summertime. LOL

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Diana I just thoroughly enjoy your posts. The kids are too cute, glad you were able to get away and enjoy the time. Hugs to ya girl

amazingsusan said...

Did we miss you? Is the sky blue? #justsaying :P

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

So good to read that you've had a nice little vacation. You have such a great sense of humor.

Yes, summer is here and in FL that means much humidity, which makes the heat worse. I have to do my gardening from around 7-10, then it's hibernation time in the a.c. :-)

Have a lovely holiday weekend ~ FlowerLady

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh sweetie, I did miss you a whole lot! I've been so busy and life has been getting in the middle, but I am in awe at how the girls have grown, time doesn't stop, wow! That cutie getting happy with her ice-cream is a gem!
I'm so happy you went to visit your sweet daughter too and had a great time. Yes, I'm not comfy with that kind of heat either, since I live in crispy mountain weather.. too.
I'm happy things are better with your dear hero too. I'm happy with all your wonderful news.
Happy 4th. of July weekend. Thanks for dropping in to see me.
Love,
FABBY

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

So good to hear from you!!! Loved reading about your happy adventures! I totally understand about the heat. We've been holding steady at 98 degrees and 98% humidity. So unpleasant to say the least. :) It's so good to read your happy posts again! Enjoy the sweet summer ahead! xoxo

Launna said...

Diana, I did miss you... a lot more than you know... I am so happy you had a great adventure... I really like heat and 102 is WAY too hot for me... I am thinking it would be hard to breathe in that... oh, I love your ice cube trick idea... I might use that and I don't care what anyone thinks... lol

I can't wait to hear more and I hope you get to do these visits a little more often xox

Janet said...

Hi Diana, I have missed you. I am so glad you got to go on your trip. I don't think I will be going to Florida or anywhere with that kind of weather anytime soon. Yuck! Its MORE than 50 degrees too hot for me. LOL Can't wait to hear more about it. The girls are just growing so fast and looking so sweet.
Well, off to post on my blog. Have a fun and safe July 4th weekend.
Take care, Janet W

Boopnut said...

Well, after all the crap you've gone through, you still have your sense of humor! I love it! Glad you had a nice trip!
Deb

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, so happy the fun times are here again and that you had a wonderful trip with the girls, who are all growing like weeds. So glad things are getting back to normal..Happy 4th..xxo Judy

Merlesworld said...

Sounds like a good time was had by all, a bit of heat would go down well here at the moment.
Merle.........

Vee said...

So you prefer 52° days? That's a bit chilly, but then you do live on a Great Lake. Looks as if everyone had a good time...usually. Hope that you got revived and refreshed despite the heat. What fun did John get up to while you were away?

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Sounds like you had a great time on what I'm sure was a much-needed getaway! Great photos of the grandkids and the scenery!

Donna said...

I'm so glad you had a well deserved break down south with the kiddos, Diana! You sure needed it! What, no ice cubes in the bra? I can't take that heat and humidity either. I thought you might be used to it since you lived in FL for years. Hope you are all rested up, I sure missed you!

Gert said...

So..so good to hear from you...and glad you had a good break..even if it was a 'hot' one (I can relate...love my northern temps most of the time)! Sweet Cheeks is adorable.. I know you must miss her sooo much. The girls had to have had a marvelous time too. (I had a school mate whose name was Gabriella and was called Gabby! Funny I never forgot her name'!

Blessings to you and your family - I continue to hold you and John in my prayers.

Gert

Chatty Crone said...

There you are! Well I can tell you what - it is HOT here in Hotlanta too! I am sure you had a nice trip. Are you home now? Did John go or stay home? I will look for that Ensure.
I am glad you got to go on such a wonderful trip - I think it was so needed. The girls are so cute and the babe too - but she loved the ice cream!
Andy had his wisdom teeth out on Friday and Kelly had oral surgery so I have been a nurse this weekend but it sure has been nice to hear from you.

Dewena said...

It's wonderful that you got away with the girls, Diana! We all have to fill the well when we can, don't we? I'm sorry it was so hot in Gatlinburg. That's where we honeymooned, back in the old days when absolutely nothing for sale there was made in China.

Kim said...

So good to hear you getting back to your old self! Your family is so beautiful! I have not seen any talking Ensure bottles, but I will grab them if I do! ;-) Mua!

White Lace and Promises said...

Diana, I am so glad you are back! The South is definitely not for the faint of heart. I've lived and endured but I hate the Summer. I really do! I only like to be inside or near water and yes, I've dropped a few of those babies on my two "babies" before:) That baby girl is precious! And you definitely have teenagers now!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear from you and all the good times you have been having. Have a great 4th of July tomorrow!
And yes, 102' is just waaaay too hot!
Love,
Lily

Lori M. said...

I'm so glad to hear you got away for a little vacation with your kids. I'm about to head off to Georgia and I'm already worried about how hot and humid it's going to be. But, I will be seeing my soldier, so I don't care if I have to sit in a puddle of my own sweat to do it, I'll be happy!

Down On The Farm said...

Looks like a GREAT TRIP!!!

Stephen Andrew said...

So glad you had such a nice getaway!! I am thoroughly convinced that there is no heat like swampy southern heat. Had I been with you o would have been dropping ice cubes in my bra too

Unknown said...

Glad you got some much needed time away for all the sorrow and pain. Take care.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Always great to "hear your voice"....missed this post somehow..got lost in my emails!....Glad you had a great vacation....well deserved but wish it was cooler for you!!!...

Cranberry Morning said...

I sure enjoyed this post. Amazing how that sugar high makes the little ones happy. Cute pics! Now i need to go read the other posts, getting caught up! xo

Cranberry Morning said...

I sure enjoyed this post. Amazing how that sugar high makes the little ones happy. Cute pics! Now i need to go read the other posts, getting caught up! xo

Seawashed said...

So happy that you were able to get away for a much needed holiday. It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time. The sun is shining for you this Summer...happy days. xo