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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Two Anniversaries and a Birthday!





Hello Everyone
Paul and I are in Florida celebrating two anniversaries: Our 37th and Yvonne and Dick’s 22nd and Paul’s 61st Birthday. We are having a really nice time. The picture is last night when we went to a wonderful dinner. The food was great and there was a small wedding going on there too. Made the evening very special that way. We got to dance a little and they played a special song just for us. We really had a really nice time. Weather is wonderful and today we are going to the beach just to relax and swim. See everyone soon I hope. Paul and I are flying up to Marquette for Labor Day!

Love
Emily

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Happy Birthday - Dad!


Happy Birthday Dad! You are the best!

May God continue to overflow your life. May you continue to have improved health, cherished times with family and friends, and unexplained joy!

I love you, Tracy

Happy Birthday Debbie!


Happy Birthday Debbie!


I hope it is a wonderful birthday! May God bless you and keep you this year with joy, laughter, and hope!

Love, Tracy

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandma!


I love you very much and so glad that you are my Grandma.




My prayers for you this year are for unexpected joy, strength in hard times, cherished times with Grandpa and the rest of the family, time to rejuvinate!




Love, Tracy

The Cart has arrived!

HI
Well the cart arrived today. Paul and I took it for it's first ride around the area. We went on the route we take for our walks. It was much easier with the cart (lol). We had it painted to match the Corvette. It was a lot of fun and how we are just waiting for all of you to visit and we can take you in all the fun places in Peachtree City. The end of this month on the 27Th will be our one year in Georgia. It has gone by really fast and I think we have made many good friends and really have enjoyed our selfs. Come on down and visit y'all.
Emily

Pete and Emily Visit Royal Oak


I thought you all might enjoy seeing a picture of Pete and his girlfriend, Emily. Pete is standing up in his friend Todd's wedding. I was glad because that meant he and Emily were able to spend a little time with us too!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Hotlanta reaches 104!



Hello Everyone

It has been HOT! It read 104 on the thermostat in the back yard and it is in the shade! I love warm weather but I am even sweating. I have some pictures of the birds in the back yard. We get a lot of cardinals and yellow finches. Thought you would enjoy seeing them. Hope you are all well and keeping cool. I like Tracy’s suggestion ice cream is just what we need to cool us down.

Love
Emily

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Sooner than Later: Nadeau Family Cooks

Well, thanks to Tim, the list is sooner than later! Please e-mail me with the additional recipes that you want to add! Thanks for all your contributions!
Love, Tracy

Almond Frosting
Apple Dip
Apricot Nut Bread
As Close to Grandma's Rye Bread as I Can Get
Aunt Ellen's Banana Bread
Aunt Penny's Lime Pie
Baked French Toast
Banana Cake
Bean Casserole
Beef Stroganoff
Best Loved Meat Loaf
Better Than Anything Cake
Big Martha's Meat Loaf
Black & White Cheese Cake Bites
Blueberry Boy Bait
Blueberry Hucklebuckle
Blueberry Shiver
Breakfast Club Baked French Toast
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Salad
Bruschetta
Burrito Bake
Butter Frosting
Buttercream Frosting
Candy Apple Delight Salad
Capital Punishment Chile
Caramel Corn
Caramel Filling
Cardamon Bread
Carol's Everyweek Chicken for Two
Carrot, Avocado, and Cream Nourishing Mask
Carrot-Banana Bread
Cheese and Egg Casserole
Cheesy Potatoes
Cherry Coconut Bars
Almond Frosting
Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Casserole by Grandma Nadeau
Chicken Casserole by Grandma Ulrickson
Chicken Croquettes
Chocolate Chip Cake
Chocolate Chip Cake Bars
Chocolate Chippers- Light bake
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Chocolate Crescent Moon Cookies
Chocolate Muffins
Chocolate Oreo Pudding
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Chocolate-Chunk Oatmeal Cookies with dried cherries
Chop Suey Casserole
Chow Chow
Cinnamon Bread
Cinnamon Ornaments
Cinnamon Rolls
Parkerhouse Rolls
Cordon Bleu Casserole
Corn Bread Taco Bake
Country Peppers
Cranberry Bread
Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry Punch
Cranberry Relish
Cream Cheese Cookies
Butter Frosting
Crepe - the basic recipe
Crepe - the dessert recipe
Crepe - the basic recipe
Daisy Birthday Cake
Date Filled Cookies
Deedee's Salmon Mousse
Dijon Pork Chops
Doggie Bites
Easy Grilled Chicken
Emily's Stuffed Breast of Turkey
English Walnut Fudge
Evelyn's Chicken Casserole
Evelyn's Lasagna
Farmers Casserole New
Fluffy Frosting to go with the Lemon Filling
German Chocolate Cake Filling and Frosting
Good Eats Roast Turkey
Graham Cracker Brown Bread
Grandma Ulrickson's Chicken Casserole
Grandma Ulrickson's Patik Suppe (Potato Soup)
Grandma Ulrickson's Strawberry Shortcake
Grandma's Apps
Grandma's Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Grandma's Pumpkin Pie Crust
Grandma's Seven Layer Bars
Grandma's Sloppy Joes
Grandmas Zuc Bread
Grandsma Ulrickson's Lemon Dessert
Gum Drop Loaves
Ham Balls
Hamburger Pinwheels
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Hot Milk Frosting
Hot Spinach Balls
Joy's Favorite Sugar Cookies
Kahhelwin
Kellogg's Rice Krispie Treats
Key Lime Pie
Lemon Dill Turkey Pitas
Lemon Filling
Fluffy Frosting to go with the Lemon Filling
Lemon Herb Chicken
Light Chicken Parmesan
Low Fat Apple Cobbler
Low Fat Turkey Sloppy Joes
Lowfat Bisquick Muffins
Macaroni & Cheese 101
Make ahead Pizza Dough
Maltese Sausage
Mandarin Orange Cake
Marbelized Peanut Butter Dessert
Marnie Cain's Egg Casserole
Meatballs
Spaghetti Sauce
Meatloaf - Fast and Furious
Mediterranean Tuna Steaks
Merry Sugar Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cakes
Mint Stick Brownies
Mint Stick Frosting
Miracle Cabbage Soup
Molasses and Jam Cookies
Mom's Almond Bars
Almond Frosting
Mom's Toffee Bars
Muddy Buddies
Munising Tried and True Daffodil Cake
New York Cheesecake
Nieman Marcus Cookies
No Bake Cookies
Oatmeal Cake
Oatmeal Raspberry Muffins
Oatmeal, Almond, and Avocado Foot and Hand Scrub
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Orange Dream
Orange-Jicama Salad
Oreo Ice Cream Dessert
Oven Baked French Toast
Oven Fried Coconut Chicken
Parkerhouse Rolls
Parmesan Puff Pastry Straws
Pastitsi Dough
Peanut Blossoms
Peanut Blossoms II
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Peanut Butter Yum Yums
Pecan Danties
Pepparkakor
Phyllo Triangles
Pistachio Dessert
Pizza Crust
Poppy Seed Bread
Pork Sausage Stuffing
Potato Sausage
Potatoes
Potik Kagel (Potato Pancakes)
Pride of Iowa Cookies
Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Cookie Frosting
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Snack Light
Quick and Easy Chicken Casserole
Reuben Balls
Rhubarb Bread
Roast Breast of Turkey with Apple, Apricot, and Currant Stuffing
Rob's Birthday Banana-Apple Bread
Rosemary Focaccia
Saffron Loaves
Sara's Chili
Saucy Chicken
Scotcheroos
Sheppard’s Pie
Sherbet Punch
Shrimp salad
Silly Putty
Skillet Cookies
Skillet Rice Casserole
Snack Pasties
Snickerdoodles
Spaghetti Sauce
Spam Buns
Spanish Rice
Spice-Rubbed Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Gazpacho Soup
Spicy Turkey Chili
Spinach Bread Dip
Star Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Strawberry Spinach Salad Dressing
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans
Stuffed Cabbage
Stuffed Shells
Sugar Cookies
Susie's Cheesy Potatoes
Susie's Potatoes
Swedish Almond Drops
Swedish Cookies
Swedish Meatballs I
Swedish Meatballs II
Swedish Nuts
Sweet Potato Pie
Taco Dip
The Perfect Roast Turkey
Tira Misu
Toasted baguette slice with brie and pumpkin butter
Toffee Bars
Tom Yum Koong Soup
Torte Caire (French Pork Pie)
Tortilla Pie
Tracy's Couscous Salad
Tracy's Spinach Dip
Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli
Turkey Tetrazzini
Whipped Cream-Like Frosting
White Bean Chili (chicken)
Who Loves Ya Baby-Back?
Yummy Gyros
Zucchini Relish

Monday, August 06, 2007

Cookbook and a Spicy Gazpacho Soup

Wow - 218 recipes have been entered to the cookbook! I am going to post the list as soon as Tim can help me compile it! (sometime in the next week) In the meantime enjoy this Summertime Staple: Spicy Gazpacho Soup



Spicy Gazpacho Soup
Submitted By :Tracy Nadeau
Serving Size : 6


Amount Measure Ingredient
1 medium peeled cucumber -- seeded and chopped
1 medium green bell pepper -- seeded and chunked
2 whole celery stalks -- chunked
1 medium white onion -- chunked
1 clove of garlic -- peeled
1 1/4 cups low sodium vegetable juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce, hot
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium plum tomato -- seeded and chopped

- - - - - Preparation Method- - - - - - - - - - -
In a food processor, combine the cucumber, pepper, celery, onion and garlic; pulse 8-10 times to break up. Add the vegetable juice, vinegar, pepper sauce and salt; process to a fine dice. Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve, sprinkled with the chopped tomato.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 34 Calories; trace Fat (5.4% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 203mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Other Carbohydrates.


NOTES : My modifications: I process the veggies much more than what they list so that the soup isn't chunky at all. I also add more of the vegetable juice/vinegar/hot pepper sauce mixture per serving. (I like the soup to be red, not green.) And if I'm making a batch to eat over a week, I generally keep the red juice mixture in a separate container than the green veggies and only mix the two right before I eat it.

Friday, August 03, 2007

the Deer are getting bigger!




And now there is four! Today the deer came to visit like they do all the time now. However, there were four fawns. I have seen three together but this is the first time there were four! what a surprise. They are really getting big too. It must be all that corn they get. They are so funny. They now snort or make noise with the dish to let me know they need more corn. When we are on the side of the house and the corn is gone they come around and start to stare at me until I notice them then the keep looking over to the empty dish. I am well trained by them. They really bring a lot of enjoyment to watch. I am enjoying the squirrels too. They now have corn cobs on a bungee cord and it jumps up and down when they get on it. It is reallllllllly entertaining. With the birds, deer , and squirrels I don't need TV. Well all take care
Emily

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Happy Birthday Pete!


A Terrific 25


Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you - Happy birthday dear Peter! Happy Birthday to you! You are LOVED by all of us!!

May God continue to bless you and to watch over you. May you have a life that overflows with Joy and abundance. May you grow closer every day to God - and may you have His Peace that surpasses all understanding.
I love you Pete - Love CC

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Working on the Garage




Hello Everyone
Well this is what I have been doing all weekend. I decided that I was going to epoxy the garage floor for Paul for his Birthday. I have done one side the single stall side. I spent most of yesterday scrubbing the floor and getting all the stuff off. Today I got everything ready and trimmed the sides but because you only have one hour before the paint can't work anymore I asked Paul to roll the stuff on while I put the little chips of color on it. It really looks nice. You can't walk on it for 17 hours then up anything on it for 72 hours and you have to wait for 7 full days before you can put the car on it. Next weekend I will do the other side with the two stalls and the hall way for storage. That will take a little longer but now that I know what I am doing it should be a lot easier. Will hope everyone had a great weekend.
Love
Emily

Friday, July 27, 2007

5'ish miles at Island Lake Recreation Area


Yup, that's me! Carrie invited me to go on a quick 5 mile hike at Island Lake Recreation Area. It was highlighted in her guidebook as an easy 5 mile trail - sort of true - it wasn't a difficult hike - there were hills to climb but we were okay with that. Rather, the trail wasn't exactly 5 miles - more like six - which doesn't sound like a big deal - but my friend was coming over at 8 that night and we had to get home! So an extra mile was a big deal. We made it just in the nick of time. It took us a couple of hours - about 734 mosquito bites (I'm not exaggerating) - and 42 near death collisions with the mountain bikers to get back to the head of the yellow loop trail. It was a great time!


Here are few of the beautiful sites that we saw along the way!


Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Cookbook & Candy Apple Delight

Well - I am closing in on having the recipes entered into the cookbook. When I finish I post a list of all the recipes that I have so that you can send me the ones that you want to include but aren't listed. To keep you all excited about the cookbook - I am going to post a recipe each week! This weeks recipe is a BIG HIT at potlucks - I never bring any home! Candy Apple Delight Salad. I love that this dessert has "salad" in the name! At least it sounds healthy.
Enjoy

Candy Apple Delight Salad
Recipe By :Evelyn Nadeau
Categories : Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient
8 ounces cool whip Lite® -- thawed
16 ounces crushed pineapple -- drained
3 whole granny Smith apple
3 whole snickers candy bar
1/2 cup peanuts

-- Preparation Method--------
Combine cool whip and pinapple in bowl.
Peel, core, and slice apples.
Cut snickers bars into small pieces. Chop peanuts.
Fold all into coop whip mixture.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 266 Calories; 12g Fat (41.8% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 34g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 2mg Cholesterol; 60mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Fruit; 2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.
NOTES : From Grandma Nadeau

Monday, July 23, 2007

I think they call that a "Varmint"!

Oh yes - we have had a few encounters with another kind here at tracy's blue house. It's hard to believe that I am sandwiched in between two major highways, in the middle of the city, and I have Varmints! We have seen quite a few things lurking in the night: skunk, raccoons, opossums, mice, and an occasional rat - yes I said rat.

The question right now is "What on earth did I trap in the garage this week?" I certainly know it had teeth. Apparently, it also has the urge to exercise. Last Thursday I was hopping in my car which was parked in the driveway to go visit my friend Kathy. As I was climbing in I heard a very loud machine like noise - it was really loud and it sounded like it was coming from my garage. What could it be? I pressed the automatic door opener and much to my disbelief - my treadmill was running at full tilt - 10 miles per hour - I was expecting to see smoke come out from underneath the tread. I turned it off and checked the LCD display - it had been on for 3.5 minutes! Holy smokes - what on earth turned that thing on? I unplugged the treadmill to prevent any further events - I can't even imagine the look on that varmint's face when he turned that thing on. I proceeded back to my car and on to my regularly scheduled plan!

Yesterday - Saturday - I was in the garage and noticed a bunch of blue plastic shreds on the ground. I followed the trail to my heavy duty rubbermaid container - the one that had - I say had because there wasn't much left - had the birdseed and grass seed in it. I used the heavy duty container - to keep the varmints out - apparently - it the lid is closed - they'll just find another way in - eat through the container. So after that - I realized I really had a varmint - so Sunday I vowed to clean out the garage. After much procrastination - I started at 3:00 pm!

I parked the cars in the driveway and began tidying up. I love to get that industrial vacuum going - slurping up every cobweb, spider sac, and dirty and disgusting thing that it's path can cross. It feels so satisfying - see you later spider!!! I swept up the little blue shard of plastic and made my way around. Then I began thinking to myself, "who was doing a wood project in the garage - there are wood shavings all over the floor. Wonderful - I guess I'll just vacuum them up with the rest of the mess." I went over to the window to open it and low and behold - more varmint evidence. That varmint must have been trapped in my garage - because he ATE my WINDOW casing - or at least a big chunk of it. That varmint!!!!!!

The folks over here at tracy's blue house now think that the varmint was trapped in the garage, he tried to get out by the window, gave up, and started searching for food. He sniffed out the seed and ate through the container when he couldn't get through it. He felt a little full and decided to take a run on the treadmill until I decided to finally open up the garage door!! What do you think? Crazy, huh?

Raccoon (I saw one sneaking around tonight!), opossum, rat, or squirrel? Let's hope he doesn't return!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

We have baby deer


Hi

We have baby deer. We have two moms and three fawns visit us everyday. In fact they are out there right now! One doe has twins and one has one. The picture is of the twins. All three were out there this morning but they were scared off by the door opening to take a picture. They are really getting bigger each day. We also have many many many birds. I have to fill the bird feeder each day sometimes twice. I will include bird pictures in the future. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the fawns.


Emily

Thought you might like to see the sweater done


Hello All
I thought you would like to see the sweater that I was working on while visiting this 4Th of July. I finished all the hand embroidery and trim. Paul talked me into photographing all my projects to keep a record of them. So those of you that I have done things for I will be asking to take a picture or two to add to the file. He thinks that I lost track of all the things I have made. I think he is right! so I hope you enjoy seeing this one
Emily

Saturday, July 21, 2007

a Yummy U.P. Lunch at Barb's Pasties

Tim, Carrie, and I had a yummy U.P. lunch. We picked up pasties from Barb's Pasties in Clawson. They were yummy but certainly not good as Grandma's!

Concert of Colors and Harry Madness!

Tonight I had the opportunity to visit with some friends who went on the South Africa trip this year. We ate went to Mexicantown in downtown Detroit for dinner at Los Galanes Restaurant. We all had the buffet - boy was I stuffed - tamales, enchilades, beans, veggies, tortillas! It was delicious. We then went to Orchestra Hall for the Concert of Colors. I went last year to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo who is a phenomenal group!! They were featured on Paul Simon's Graceland album. Anyhow, tonight we saw Hugh Masekela who is a South African jazz artist who participated in the Graceland album but is most noted for his song Grazing in the Grass . He actually played jazz in Detroit at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in his early days.

The concert was quite late and we stopped back at my friend Shelly's house afterward - so I was driving home and was able to see the Harry Potter Madness unfold. I passed several bookstores on my way home and there were lines circling around them - just to get the final book of the series called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As I rode through downtown Royal Oak - I saw many people walking home with their books! It was a riot to see at 12:15 AM - that's right - it's just past midnight!! The reviews are already coming out and they are of course - raving. My friend Carrie is at Borders with our librarian friend, Kathy, to get Kathy's copy. Carrie - pre-ordered and is guaranteed to have her copy in the mailbox tomorrow. I am not necessarily crazy about Potter - not really for - not completely against Potter - but I am glad that it has ignited the fever to read. It is my feeling that reading is a KEY element to educational success. Part of me, though, has to wonder what this world would be like if folks were as "crazy" and "excited" about getting a copy of the Bible. I do believe - this world would be a different place!!

Well that's all for now - it's late out.
p.s. I added lots of recipes to the cookbook today!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Tracy's Pick!




I thought I'd share with you about the daily devotional book that was recently given to me: Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman, Edited by James Reimann. I have been reading it every day (at least trying to) and have really been refreshed by these streams. You can check out some of the entries at back to the Bible.


Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Tourtière: research for the family cookbook

So I have been working on the cookbook (thanks Debbie - for getting me going on that again). I was looking at some of the edits we had made and I came to Carol's wonderful beef and pork pastry dish. I had titled the recipe as "French Tourteries" from Carol's notes but as we came to that recipe when we were doing the edits, we decided that it was torte "care". Somewhere deep in my mind it was aunt "CAR"ol's torte! What a wild imagination. Anyhow - Linda and I wrote sp? next to the "Tourteries" and rewrote something like "Torteccaire". Have we just been pronouncing this wrongly? So what is it? a Teries or Care?

Here is an interesting blog posting about tourtière.
And an interesting CBC radio show debating the wonderful world of Tourteries.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

First Fruits . . . make that vegetables!


Top:Herb Garden
Bottom:Tomatillo

Top:Green Peppers,Zucchini, Cucumber
Bottom:Purple cone flowers

I love July because the first vegetables start coming in. So far this year we have English cucumbers (they are delicious), zucchini, and green peppers. In addition, we moved the herbs to the planter attached to the garage so they aren't getting full sun all the time - and wow - they are growing out of control. The guinea pigs love it because they have fresh parsley and basil to munch on. The weather here has finally cooled off - it is very pleasant now - low humidity and 70 degrees F! Hooray I hope you are all doing well - I would love to hear from you!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

what season are you?

Find out what season you are by following the link below and then let us know!


You Belong in Fall



Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...

You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings

Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

Sunday, July 08, 2007

New Family Photos

We had a chance to take some pictures this past week.


Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Happy 4th of July

Dear God - Please watch and keep over our country. We long to preserve the freedom we have to freely worship You here. Turn our hearts toward You - and shine Your face upon us. Amen

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Fathers. . .



Hello Everyone - It has been a LONG and TIRING week. I am leaving today for South Africa. There are 18 people on our team who are going to serve the Zulu people of South Africa. We have been preparing since January this year and now have 54 bags to check in and 18 more to carry on loaded with many generous donations of medicine and medical supplies. I am so thankful even if it has mean some really late nights. It is such a privilege for me to go and I am so thankful to all of you who supported me in so many ways.

The only BIG bummer about going on this trip at this time is that I am going to miss FATHER's DAY. I know that we have some of the BEST FATHER's a Family could ever have. They are loving, supportive, kind, generous, provide good counsel, love to have fun, and well . . . they are so many things I could say.


I am overflowing with thankfulness for my Dad, my Grandpa, and my uncles. They are so so so special to me. Love you, Tracy

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Tim's new job

I accepted a new teaching position as Director of Bands at Rochester High School in Rochester, MI.

Rochester High School has approximately 1800 students and is one of three schools in Rochester. It was built in 1955 and renovated in 2002.

Rochester is home of the Falcons; blue and white are our colors. The band program has over 200 students in 3 concert bands and a marching band.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure especially starting at the end of July when I take the band to marching band camp on the campus of Michigan State.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

For Better or For Worse!

Today's For Better or For Worse reminded me so much of Grandpa. I thought you all might enjoy reading it as well. Click here to read!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

It was a "Memorial" Weekend

How wonderful it was to spend time with the family in Ishpeming.

Grandpa gave us a chance to all get together - unfortunately it was in the hospital!
I was amazed at how well Grandpa managed the surgery. He even kissed "Kimber" his O.R. nurse on the cheek as he was being wheeled into the O.R.

I am continuing to pray for Grandpa's continued healing and that everyone who takes care of Grandpa on a daily/weekly basis is energized and filled with hope!

Tracy

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Ryan!

Happy Birthday to Sarah!

I hope that you both had a fantastic day!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Flower Day!



Today we had a wonderful day at the Eastern Market in downtown Detroit. It was flower day and we did a thorough walk-around and purchased vegetables, perennials, and some of my favorite annuals. We arrived at about 6:15 am and we parked at Ernst Hotel Supply Company again - just $5 - and easy access back and forth from the flower vendors. The pig is a painting on one of the buildings where we looked for flowers. It always cracks me up! Our group photos - myself, carrie, alli, and sarah and the second picture carrie, alli, tim, and sarah. We had a great time. Tim, Carrie, and I made a hearty breakfast afteward (eggs, bacon, potatoes) and then fell fast asleep. Afterwards we prepared the flower beds by amending the soil. We are going to plant everything over the next couple of weeks - keeping a close watch on frost advisories. Hooray for Flower Day!



Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother Day - you are all such special moms!

Grandma, Emily, Carol, Debbie, Addy, and Joy!!

Love to you all!
Tracy

Busy Mothers Day



Hello Everyone
It has been a beautiful warm Mother's Day. I miss the kids but everyone called and they sent flowers. I have really enjoyed the day. Paul and I did some yard work. We planted a Hydrangea and a Fox Glove. The picture is of the Fox Glove. We saw them on the table at the restaurant we ate at Friday. They are really unusual and very pretty. I also put together a water rock garden I have been thinking about. Paul helped dig the hole for the tub and I did the rest. I really like it and love hearing the water when we sit in the screen room. Hope all is well with everyone and Happy Mother's day to you all!

Love
Emily

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Silver Clouds


Tim, Carrie, and I had fun last Thursday making "silver clouds" on the grill. (Bisquick, marshmallows, and peppermint patties) It was a great start to what is feeling more and more like summer!

Mom, Dad, Tim, and Pete are planning on visiting Grandma and Grandpa over Memorial Weekend. We are really looking forward to seeing them!

Monday, May 07, 2007

'Master' Tim moves to Royal Oak

Hope everyone is well. Just wanted to let you know that Tim graduated with his Master's in Music Conducting from MSU this past Friday. I will post some pictures soon. We are so proud of all that he has accomplished.

He is also moving into my little blue house for the summer or until he finds a new full time position. Prayers for Tim right now are (1) to sell his condo in Bay City (2) to find a really good high school band instructor position that is near a university.

Hope to hear from you all soon.
Love, Tracy

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Hello Everyone

I was going through some of my computer files looking for something and came across this interesting list I saved. I thought it would be fun to share it with all of you. It is a list of how to's I hope you find them helpful.

Love
Emily

This is "Good" stuff ! Sure hope you can "Mezmerize" all of it.
Who knew?How many of these did you know about?
A sealed envelope - put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmm..m...) ======================================================
Use empty toilet paper rolls to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. ======================================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. T hey won't refreeze. (Wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
======================================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out. ======================================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!). ======================================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt blue!) .... rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way! ======================================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body? LOL ======================================================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak. =====================================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. =====================================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linens. ======================================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. ======================================================
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm! =====================================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop. ======================================================
Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains. ======================================================
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. ======================================================
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar (no salt) to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Leftover wine? What's that?! :)=====================================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, everywhere.... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself. ======================================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. =====================================================

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer: =====================================================
Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China. =====================================================
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. =====================================================
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
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Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). ======================================================
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water. ======================================================