Jamie and I...off to Frankenmuth - Part 1

So, yes, I am slow in getting this put together. After all, it's been over a week since Jamie and I went on our yearly overnight trip to Frankenmuth. For those of you who don't know Frankenmuth...it's a city across the thumb from us (you do know that Michigan has a thumb, right?) about an hour and a half from where we live. We live on the very east side of the state about where the thumb starts, just across the river from Canada. *I could never move from Michigan. It's so much easier to explain locations when your state is shaped like a mitten!*

The whole town is Bavarian-themed with lots of shopping up and down the quaint sidewalks and eating at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. It is also home to Bronner's the largest Christmas store ever. I'd been there a time or two growing up and then Jamie and I went on our first real trip there during her senior year of high school. A couple of years later when Jamie was a student at Central Michigan University, Frankenmuth became a yearly trip during our school district's mid-winter break when the boys would head up north snowmobiling, my mom and I would head to Frankenmuth to meet Jamie for the weekend. Frankenmuth was the perfect mid-way point between our house and Jamie's college and a tradition was born. We rarely took pictures on those trips and I don't know why. I took my camera one year and we took a few pictures. Somewhere there is a great picture of the three of us with a funny story. Someday I will find that picture and tell the story. Those weekends that Gigi (my mom), Jamie, and I spent were the "funnest" and the funniest and some of the best memories that Jamie and I have of time spent together with my mom. Jamie and I have continued the tradition. For the past several years, my mom was unable to travel and Jamie and I had to go without her, but we did keep her in our hearts when we went. Last year, the weekend after my mom died, Jamie and I took a day trip to Frankenmuth just to feel close to her and remember those special times that we all shared. This year, since money has been an issue for both of us, I told Jamie that we just wouldn't be able to take our trip. Though I did tell her that if she got a teaching job we would definitely go. And guess what?! She was offered a teaching position a few weeks ago. After we got over the excitement and relief and all of those other emotions that followed her two year search for a teaching job...we remembered! A trip to Frankenmuth was happening!

This time, we decided to do it up like tourists and take pictures. We started out with a bang and fizzled a little the second day :-) but I have more than enough to share with you. In two three posts. Yikes! Please humor us...

Jamie told me that I couldn't take a picture of her pumping gas...so I did anyhow. Sneaky, huh? ☺

On the road. I always make Jamie do all the driving. She doesn't mind since I pay for the gas. Isn't she purty in purple?

Look close...yes we find a connection to Laura Ingalls Wilder on every trip we take. This is an exit off I-69 between Port Huron and Flint. ☺

We left Sunday morning and there wasn't a whole lot of traffic going north on I-75.

Look! It's the Santa Bronner's sign. I like to wave at Santa, but Jamie gets upset with me when I do.

Our first stop is always Bronner's. But it says "THIS EXIT" and Jamie is not taking "THIS EXIT". What's going on??

We're taking the other way around. Why is Jamie doing this? She's trying to mess with me. I don't like change! But here...a sign for our hotel. The one that we ALWAYS stay at.

Apparently taking the other way in causes delays and getting stuck behind a...what is it Jamie? That's right! A hay baler. I was quizzing her. She's a smart one though. ☺

So, going this way takes us through town, but again, it messes with my mind. And Raul (my gps has a male voice ☺) was not happy either!

Some day, when I lose weight, I will take a carriage ride. I've been telling Jamie that for many years. *sigh*

So, we haven't even gotten to Bronner's yet and this post is waaay too long. I think this will be a three-part two-day trip. See ya tomorrow at Bronner's!!

The Underwear Challenge

Yes, modest old me is taking on this challenge from Shelly at The Life of a Novice Writer. I'm not as brave and funny as she is but here goes:

1. What do you call your underwear/undergarments? Do you have any commonly used nicknames for them?
Undies, plain and simple.

2. Have you ever had that supposedly common dream of being in a crowded place in only your underwear?
Yes, more times than I like to think about. And it's not a dream, it's a nightmare!

3. What is the worst thing you can think of to make underwear out of?
Okay, I have to embarrassingly admit that when I first read this question, my eyes saw "make out of underwear" and I was a little freaked out. I was picturing those animals the maid makes out of towels when you go on a cruise (not that I've ever been), only made out of your underwear and...that was just weird. 

4. If you were a pair of panties what color would you be?
My underwear is boring, but I will just say that my favorite color is pink.

5. Have you ever thrown your underwear at a rock star or celebrity? If so, which ones? If not, which ones?
Ummm...no. That is so not a me kind of thing!

6. You’re out of underwear what do you do?
I don't run out of underwear. I just don't.

7. Are you old enough to remember Underoos? If so, did you have any? Which ones?
I think I'm too old to remember Underoos.

8. If you could have any message printed on your underwear, what would it be?
Well, I did always want days of the week undies. 

9. How many bloggers does it take to put panties on a goat?
Huh? Was that just put there to  make sure I was paying attention?

I guess I'm supposed to pass this challenge on, but I don't want to put anyone on the spot. So, I just ask that if you want to take the challenge go right ahead, but let me know so I can see if your answers were more exciting than mine! 

Gee Thanks!

I met so many great bloggers through the A to Z Challenge back in April. One lovely writer is Claudia over at The story. I always look forward to seeing a new post from her. She writes about her life and she writes for us to enjoy. And I always do enjoy!

And just last week, Claudia gave me an award. I love it and I thank Claudia from the bottom of my heart!

 It means Sweetheart Blog in German!

So here we go:
The Liebster Award is meant to connect us even more and spotlight new bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

Here are the rules:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet – other writers.
5. And best of all – have fun and spread the karma!

I never enjoy the choosing part! I've decided to choose some blogs of five women who are very dear to me, even outside of the blog world, and they are all wonderful writers. They are five Sweethearts to me!

I love these blogs and want to share them with you!
The Fragrance of Sweetgrass - Rebecca hasn't been writing on her blog a whole lot lately, but she's a great writer of life, a great writer of books (she's written two!), and a great friend . Plus she's an expert on all things Laura (Ingalls Wilder).
I'm That Mom - My niece and a mom of six. And that's what she writes about. She's good at the writing and the being a mom of six!
Jasper's Cottage - My friend Jonni, who also started out as a Laura (Ingalls Wilder) friend and means much more to me now. I hope she keeps writing because she always puts a smile on my face (even when I have tear in my eye).
From My Classroom Window - My daughter! I'm hoping that she keeps up with her blog now that she has a new job that I know will keep her very busy. She's good at telling her story and she'll have even more to say now that she has her own classroom!
Single In The Suburbs - Lauri writes about life (and sometimes video blogs!) and mostly her pup. She's a good friend who also started of as a Laura (Ingalls Wilder) friend, but is so much more than that now.

Simple Sunday

Isn't she a cutie?

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Duker-day...Abandoned

So...I've been stuck outside all day and didn't even get to get on the computer till just now. Can you believe it?
My mom and dad left early this morning (I know my mom wanted to take me...) and just got home a little while ago! My mom thought they would be back soon and it was like almost 10 hours till they came back. I kept myself busy and took a few naps, but Sosha isn't even here this weekend to keep me company.

I hate it when my parents go antiquing. Whatever that is, I know one thing - it doesn't involve bringing the most important member of the family any treats. Lucky thing my mom found something tasty to give me with my supper...they owe me big time.

Monday's Musings (2)

Is it Monday again already?

• Jamie and I just got back from our little outing a couple of hours ago. We had a lot of fun - spent a lot of time laughing. Took some pictures and will share another time. I am broke, still full, and exhausted...after only two days!
• I'm seriously too tired to muse...and it's bright and early we're moving the well driller tomorrow so packin' it in early tonight. 
• I'll be back. ☺

Simple Sunday

Jamie and I are off on an adventure. To celebrate her new job, we're headed to our favorite place. Frankenmuth! First stop - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland!! Shopping, eating, and laughing...not necessarily in that order! And as always, a little of missing Gigi (my mom) as some of our best times were spent here with her...