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Archive for Travel Man

The Party House – Our Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Renee Spindle

Today is New Year’s Eve, and tomorrow will start the beginning of a New Year, 2013. This is the time of year I love to reflect back on everything that has transpired at the Party House in the course of just one, short year.

We have had numerous birthday parties for the family members who live here locally.

Had a great family event in April at Angels Stadium. Almost everyone in the family was able to make it to an Angels game together. I honestly cannot remember if the Angels won or lost that day, but we had a great time.

Hosted a great dinner party when my sister and her husband were here from Montana in May. Laura showed us how to make her red sauce enchiladas.

A special birthday was celebrated for our baby boy in July. He turned 21.

We actually got to celebrate Travel Man’s birthday on his actual birthday this year. That was a fun, fun time.

October brought us the baby shower celebration for my daughter, Naomi. We had such girly fun that day!!

November brought the arrival of Miss Madison Kay, our second grandchild. What a delight she is. I know I’ve said that before, but I’ll say it again, because I’m her Grandma.

And of course we celebrated Thanksgiving together, and for the first time in a long time my sister, Laura, was able to join us at the dinner table.

Christmas Day was celebrated here with the family. We were delighted to have our nephew, Jim, here for the days festivities. It’s always a little more casual on Christmas Day for us. Dinner was buffet style, with tons and tons of goodies and cookies. A wonderful party ending to 2012.

My parents with almost all of their grandkids!

We are always grateful to be able to host the family events. It’s always a wonder that we can get so many of the kids and their significant others together in the same place at the same time for the same event.

Every year I am equally amazed that even though my husband (aka Travel Man) is on the road for a good amount of time during the year, we are still able to sneak in as many short trips as we do. And before I get to the trips – do you know that my Travel Guy was in the air for well over 160,000 air miles this year? I could not believe that number, I’m still in shock as I am writing this. That’s a lot of travel. I am ever so grateful that he takes such good care of us, and always keep us laughing with his travel stories.

Our trips together this year included-

A trip to the Reagan Library.

A trip to Reno to visit my parents while my Dad was going through some chemo treatments.

A trip to Las Vegas in June (this was the second time), so my daughters and I could attend a Celine Dion concert. Travel man drove us there and home.

A trip to New York in August to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

And a trip to Montana to visit my sister and her husband.

More trips than I could have imagined we would could possibly take this year. Thank you Travel Man. You never cease to amaze me.

And finally, I would like to give a standing ovation to my Dad. My Dad is battling lung cancer (actually he’s kicking it in the butt!). He was told in January of this year, that there were no additional, conventional methods of chemotherapy or radiation available to him that would be helpful in diminishing his tumors. My Dad, he’s a fighter, and he never, ever gives up. He got on the computer, researched some alternative therapies, found a doctor first in Reno, and then in Carlsbad, and never gave up on living. My Mom keeps telling us that since my Dad was an engineer in his working life he just has the mentality that this problem he has needs to be solved, and he’s going to solve it. And by the way my Mom, she’s a rock star. She definitely deserves the “Stand By Your Man Award” for 2012. The love and compassion she shows for my Dad is a priceless gem.

I am completely elated, overjoyed and ecstatic to tell you that because of my Dad’s hard work, perseverance, and his never give up attitude in this year of 2012, his tumors have diminished over 40%!! It is hard to express in words what a wonderful feeling it is that my Dad has seen such a tremendous improvement. It’s happiness, relief, joy, and a great big WHEW! This man, my Dad, has redefined the word perseverance.

It reminds me of my favorite Winston Churchill quote: “Never, never, never, give up.”

From the Party House to yours, wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year, and may all good things come to you and yours in 2013.

2 comments Posted in Around the House, Family, Holidays, Travel Man, Travels

Our Christmas Tree Revamp

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Renee Spindle

Yes we have an artificial tree. Yes, I can put up my tree whenever I choose. Provided I have someone here to help me get it out of the rafters (thanks boys!). My artificial tree has (had) white lights Pre-wired to the branches. Lots of white lights. It’s a really pretty tree even of you don’t put any other decorations on it.

It would normally look like this-

Last Christmas I was having some issues with the lights on the tree shorting out. We bumbled along and made the lights work through the holiday time. When the tree came out for its annual decorating this year Travel Man helped me check the lights as we were assembling the tree. We figured out where there was a bad plug, got it repaired and thought we were golden. All of the lights were working, we were off to a good start.

Until……. the next morning. The entire middle section of lights on the tree had shorted out-again! Problem is once the tree is completely assembled , the branches are fluffed, and the tree is generally looking good it’s a total pain in the toukas to take it apart, and fix anything.

So, we made the executive decision to bypass the white lights all together. The white lights were not going to co-operate, and I had no patience for them. We were not going to take the tree apart, and we had two strings of colored lights to starts us off on the tree re-vamp. That meant we only had to buy three more strings to finish off all of the lights, and my budget could handle that expense. The white lights were unplugged and we put colored led lights on the tree, our collection of ornaments, and last but not least- the tinsel! Yes that’s right we have tinsel on our tree. I’m calling this our retro tree because the tinsel totally brings back childhood memories for myself and Travel Man.

Of course ours kids are divided on the appearance of the tree.

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What happened to the white lights? We changed them up decided to do something different.
Tinsel? Really who uses tinsel? We do. Another change to our traditional Christmas.

Grandson Evan tells me last night, “Grandma, I like the tree this way. It’s really pretty.” Melt my heart. I’ll put colored lights and tinsel on the tree every year just for Evan!

I have to admit I’m a huge fan of the all white lights on the tree. I think it’s because it reminds me of snowy winters in Illinois in a strange round about way. But going retro with this tree has been fun. Colorful, tinsselly fun. Is tinsselly really a word?

So for Christmas 2012, the decorations are complete, and my annual tree revamp is done, and I am happy. Maybe I’ll start doing a different theme for the tree every year. All Santa’s on the tree, or all angels on the tree. Maybe next year we’ll add garland, or the kids favorite garland – colored strings of beads!!

What your favorite Christmas tree theme? And was that a real tree or an artificial tree you put up?

2 comments Posted in Around the House, DIY Projects, Family, Holidays, Travel Man

How can it be December 3rd already?

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Renee Spindle

Hello dear friends and fellow bloggers. It’s been awhile since my last post, and I felt the need to just say hi, and get back into a good writing groove. My writing was definitely sidetracked in the month of November. I have a few stories to catch up on with you all.

Did you have as wonderful a Thanksgiving as my family did? We were fortunate to have my sister here from Montana for Thanksgiving dinner. That does not happen very often, so we were especially happy to have her smiling face as the table. My Mom was beside herself with emotion that day.

We also celebrated the birth day of our second grandchild, a baby girl. This is Evan’s baby sister, Miss Madison. Welcome to your Grandma’s blog, Madison. It was a special day, I’ll give you all of the details in another story.

And the past few weeks have been a rare treat for Travel Man and myself. He has been working from his home office for a few weeks, and it looks like we’ll have him home through Christmas. Everyone keep your fingers crossed please!

Now could someone, anyone explain to me how it got to be December 3rd already? My son will be celebrating his birthday this weekend. How did that date come up so fast? It’s the age-old adage, “Time just flies when you are having fun!”. Or in Renee’s terms, when you’ve been so busy the past few weeks that you finally look at the calendar and it’s time to turn the page to December.

So if your busy getting ready for Christmas, or baking, or making your list and checking it twice make sure you stop and have a latte, or maybe a nap. Happy Monday to you all.

*Photo credits to Hilary and Zachary Juedes.

4 comments Posted in Around the House, Blogging, Family, Travel Man

Top Ten Things I am Thankful for in 2012

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Renee Spindle

This year has been a busy and amazing year

for myself and my family. Since it’s

Thanksgiving, and since my family will be

together celebrating, I wanted to take the

time to share my thankful thoughts for this year.

1) My Dad’s continued improvement with his cancer treatments. He never, never, never gives up. The word perseverance has a whole new meaning for me.

2) Our family tree has expanded. We welcomed our granddaughter into the family almost two weeks ago. She is a beautiful, bouncing baby girl with a proud big brother.

3) The family members that are cancer survivors, and continue to remain in good health. My Grandpa, my Mom, and my baby boy.

4) So glad I got to escape to New York City with Travel Man for our vacation this year. We had a great time. I got to see the Statue of Liberty!! Crossed that one-off of my bucket list.

5) Getting to spend quality time with Evan this past summer. We had a great times at Camp Grandma. Lots of fun times, and good memories.

6) Seeing my sister three times this year. That’s really a great treat as she’s a mountain girl from Montana. Love spending time with her and chatting for hours on end.

7) Ever so thankful that my grandparents are on Skype. I love getting to see them and chat with them. My brother has graciously arranged a few group family calls. These are the treasured family times.

8) So glad that my Travel Man survived his boogie boarding accident with no serious injuries. Seeing him hurt made my stomach churn, and I don’t want to have any repeats. No more boogie boarding for that guy!

9) Watching all of my kids become responsible, hard-working, compassionate, and caring adults. This makes you feel so great as a parent.

10) There is a great amount of thankfulness that we are “The Party House” for our family. We love hosting the birthdays, summer cookouts, holiday dinners. It is such a treat to have everyone gathered for fun times, and good memories. No better place to be.

Wishing you and yours an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving together. If you are cooking and bustling about the kitchen tomorrow be sure and stop, and listen and take in the sights and sounds of your family and friends all around you. It’s a wonderful thing.

4 comments Posted in Around the House, Family, Holidays, Travel Man

10 Things I Loved About Visiting Montana

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Renee Spindle

View of the backyard.

A week or so ago Travel man and I had the opportunity to visit my sister and her husband near Missoula, Montana. The countryside there was breathtaking. Mountain ranges all around us, and a beautiful valley of rolling hills and farmlands. It has been way too long since I have been at my sister’s house, and Travel man’s never been there. We encountered some rain, some snow, and a few rays of sunshine too. The property where my sister lives is very wooded, and right at the base of the Bitterroot Mountain range. Gorgeous, gorgeous views. Unfortunately it was too cloudy for pictures while we were there.

So, in honor of our visit I have put together my top ten list from our Montana travels.

Sleeping for 8-9 hours at a stretch this is unheard of for me!! I normally sleep may 6 hours a night? I was told that this could have been due to the altitude change. I think it’s because The air was so crisp and cool, and I was so relaxed.
Leaferville – we got to see the changing of the leaves the moment we landed in Spokane.
Crisp, crisp cool weather. Highs in the 40’s, lows in the 20’s. It was glorious.
Snow?? Who knew! We drove through a snow storm on our drive from Spokane to Missoula. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen snowflakes so big.
My sister’s cooking – Wow!! Laura is a gourmet cook. We had a Lentil, Beef Stew, homemade coq au vin, and a delicious Butternut Squash Soup. Wonderful, warm delicious meals. Absolutely yummy!
Celebrating the “baby steps” of a major home improvement project. Laura and her husband are having their roof worked on. It’s been very stressful for them, and we helped them to celebrate the small victories of the project moving forward.
Wearing blue jeans, and socks and shoes. Changing up the wardrobe. Instead of the usual crop pants and tank top wardrobe! Oh and I did get to wear the scarf my mom made me too!
Sipping hot coffee and lattes on a chilly Montana morning next to the wood stove. Can you say mega comfort zone?
A couple of gaggles of wild turkeys roaming in the front yard.
Some cute little dear nibbling on some brush, also in the front yard.

These are just a few of my favorite moments from our trip. Of course I delighted in the non-top chatting with my sister. She is definitely a mountain girl, and loves living the country lifestyle. Maybe I’m just a smidge jealous on that front. We did have a wonderful time together, and lucky me my sister’s coming to my house for a visit this week. Just makes me want to jump for joy. Wishing everyone a great week.

What’s your recent, favorite family moment?