10:10 on the Clock 11/20/1980

My friend V told me clocks and watches are frequently set at 10:10. I looked it up and she’s right. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, not blocking logo on clock face, looks like the clock is smiling- yes there’s a lot out there about the 10:10 setting. Article from Mental Floss here.

November 20, 1980 was a snowy morning. We left home a little after 8 AM. The hospital in Clarion Pennsylvania was barely a block away from our house. It was beginning to snow.

I was told, “oooops baby isn’t in a good position so you could be here all day.”

Guess you heard that declaration, got into a good position, then everything happened fast? You decided you’d surprise us and not wait around for hours.

You were born at 10:10 AM. 

My mom came out from Philadelphia to help. And the next day my dad showed up at the front door unexpectedly. He couldn’t stay home and not drive out the six hours to see you.

Looking at this photo of my mom holding you, I realize my mother (68) is just 5 years younger than I am now. 

When we got home from the hospital there was a handmade wooden cradle in front of the fireplace, made with hand tools by our good friend Shuey. you could turn it over and it was a bench to sit on. Your big brother Mark was so excited to meet you.

Love to you on your birthday, Matthew. 

Love, Ma

At the Little Free Library

Little Free Library

“Dinosaur Egg”in Water

“Not a candy.”She was told

My granddaughter brought it home from fourth grade class Halloween party.

You put it in water and it “hatches”

Not immediately. Has to soak at least overnight

Nothing happens right away
That’s it-I’m not sure I expected life-size
It’s a squishy green rubbery dinosaur toy

Twenty Two Year Old Ribbon for a Two Year Old’s Birthday

I bought this collection of curling ribbon a little more than 22 years ago. The occasion was when we were anticipating our eldest grandchild’s birth. Used it for the baby shower.

The party favors at the baby shower were sugar cookies in cutout animal shapes packed in a white paperboard Chinese food take-out container. I think we curled some ribbon on the metal handles. The red ribbon is low so I guess I used it at Christmas time and I don’t think I adorned those cookies with the red.

Tonight is the birthday Eve for the youngest grandchild’s second birthday tomorrow- November 3rd.

Blowing up balloons, a few streamers, a happy birthday banner in place at the mantel. Cake ingredients at room temperature.

It’s going to be a fun celebration.

Wordless Wednesday

Throwback Thursday

Girl Scout patches found while cleaning today. Yes I spent the night with the Girl Scout troop And I slept in a sleeping bag in the floor!

Oct 11, 2015 Zagreb Croatia

Charlie and Laura meet LEGO Darth Vader
LEGO Friends

Happy 22nd Birthday Anna

Anna is the first grandchild!

How I became a grandmother.

So proud of how hard she works and all oh her swimming and academic accomplishments.

She is beautiful inside and out. She’s just the best person you could ever know.

Playing a song for you today

Twenty on the Twenty First

Pittsburgh visit Sunday August 17th at Duquesne Incline

Twenty years old? Oh my, that happened fast! Happy Birthday Michael.

First posted this collage when Michael turned eleven
(Top left-at your baptism by your namesake
Fr. Michael Joseph Zeps, S.J.  Then your Godfather Joe, Dad, FF Marlene, Uncle Joey again, Aunt Lala-August bday club and your Mom holding you on the bottom)
He is one loveable young man.

At the Museum

I let Charlie set the pace.

We went to the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum today.

He was allowed to touch the Meteorite and the Stalagmite and Yes , I bought him a Dirt Cup with a gummy dinosaur on top

Charlie was a was a terrific museum goer.

In the Reading Room
We are so svelte in this mirrored
Heart Pavilion sculpture by Dan Graham
Hall of Gems snd Minerals
We decided we enjoyed the National Aviary birds who were alive and breathing, more than these stuffed specimens.