Rest in Peace, Cammie.

On Monday, June 4th, I took Cammie to the vet's and had her put down.  Yes, it was incredibly hard.  We've had Cammie for almost 16 years!  She has had a heart condition, which was discovered in January.  My vet thought she might last until March.  But here we were in June and she was still hanging in there.  But, it was clear that it was becoming more and more difficult for her to navigate, so she stayed in her crate most of the time.  She hasn't had it easy.  Her knees would buckle on occasion.  She had cataracts in both eyes and then developed glaucoma.  Her left eye had to be removed (see photo).  She couldn't see out of her remaining eye.  Her hearing slowly deteriorated with time.  But the sweetest dog. Ever.

She was a member of the family.  A Christmas present for Lindsay one year.  She was officially named Camelot.  But then it turned into Cammie. Camararie. The Camster. Cammer. Cam.  And she was loved.

So it is with our pets.  They love us unconditionally and nuzzle themselves into our hearts. There may be an empty spot in her crate.  But she will always be in our hearts.  Forever.

UTAH!

I had the opportunity to spend my birthday weekend with Kristi Hill and her family. I really had a wonderful time. Greg and I flew out together and he was able to visit his siblings and Katy and Mark. The delight of my trip was that it actually snowed while I was there. Snow for my birthday is a rarity.

Kristi

This is the view from Kristi's home. Just love it!

Dusting of snow just for my birthday!

Thanks, Kristi, for spoiling me and making my birthday so special!

Is It Fall Yet???

Can you tell I am excited for Autumn to come with my new blog design? I love this time of year. Never mind that I was born in Autumn. I just love the smells, the sound of crunching leaves, the coolness of the nights, the colors that come alive no other time of year. I realize this day of August 29th that my day-dreaming about the fall is a tad premature, as the weathermen are forecasting temperatures of 103 in a few days. But I am hoping this will be very short lived.

We've had visits from Heidi and Nathan, twice! So I was able to eat up little Landon. He is so sweet and we all love his gorgeous hair.

I have a new calling at church-Nursery Music Leader. I have to admit that I was a tad skeptical at first, but it took only one day with these little darlings to fall in love with them! I think we are all going to have a great time together!

How Sweet It Is...

Sweet Baby James and Carole King

(web shot)

The highlight of my week was seeing these two very special people at the Verizon Center. Greg and I ordered tickets back in March and were thrilled that we were in the second row. We were amazed at how much energy they had and how fantastic they sounded. I actually teared up when they started singing because when I fell in love with them in the 70's their music made such a huge impact on my life. It was then that I developed my deep interest and love for music. I remember using a Carole King song from her Tapestry album (Beautiful) as a topic for a class presentation in Mr. Alvino's 9th grade English class. Funny how you don't forget certain moments in your life...I was so green then, musically. But by the end of senior year I was strumming and singing tunes from the likes of these two. Music still shapes my soul and I am so filled with gratitude for artists who continually inspire me.

Welcome: Landon John Allen

I was going to hold out for a whole year to blog again, just for fun, but couldn't wait when this little boy arrived on May 28th, 2010. Landon John was born to Heidi and Nathan and weighed a whoppin' 5 pounds and 2 ounces. I guess he couldn't wait to get here because Landon came almost a month earlier than expected. Greg and I can't wait to get to the Big Apple to meet the little guy. Isn't he adorable? That's three grandsons for the Allen's.

I admit that I have found it hard to sit down at the computer to blog, as it's been that busy to write. So, since my life has gotten even busier, I figure I'd better just do it.

And, as if my life was not busy enough, I decided to take on a part time job at the Apple store. I am working there part time and other than getting used to standing all the time, I really like it there. The people are great! My co-workers are wonderful and it's so fun sharing my passion for Apple with the customers.

Sweet Luc

We had the privilege of having Matt and Claire's little boy, Luc, stay with us for a few days. What a sweetie! We had a blast celebrating Uncle Chris's birthday yesterday and Luc kept us in stitches with his squinty eye smile and his toe fetish. I think the only thing that Greg and I regretted was that we didn't have enough energy to keep up with him. He sure kept us going, but we loved every minute of it. We hate that we live so far from Luc and his big brother, Theo. Maybe we can convince Matt and Claire to move a little closer to Virginia! ;)

So Ash, what is your opinion of Gainesville's new Chick fil A?

The Beatles at Rehoboth!!!

From a distance...there they were! John, Paul, George and Ringo! I could hardly believe my eyes. Playing at Rehoboth Beach, no less! Okay, I knew that a "Beatles" band was playing covers at Rehoboth, so I wanted to get a peek. And, from a distance, they looked pretty doggone cool. They had the suits, the hair, and almost had the sound. But as I got closer to the stage for a photo op, what I saw were four aged men, three of whom had wigs on! It really made me laugh, they tried so hard. But no one could resist dancing to their tunes, even if it was raining. A good time, indeed!

Sheryl Crow

web photo

As you may know, I was able to score a front row seat to Sheryl Crow's concert at Wolf Trap last night. It was really great, okay, incredible! She is one amazing singer and guitar player. Her singing is effortless. Her band members were really, really good! She sang a variety of songs from her Detours CD and oldies, too. When she and her band came out for an encore, the intro to the very last song confused me...didn't sound like any Sheryl Crow song I had heard before. In fact, it sounded like Led Zeppelin! Sure enough, she closed her set with Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll!" They did an amazing job with it and of course everyone was out of their seats rocking along. Did I mention that my ears are still ringing?

One thing I didn't realize about Sheryl (we are on a first name basis, now), is how petite she is. I mean really tiny! When she came over to where I was sitting, I noticed that she was wearing under her jeans, shoes that had about 2 inch platform and spiked heels. Totally cute. Very petite.

While I was thrilled to have a ticket in the front, it wasn't nearly as fun as I thought it would be because I didn't have my sweetie there to share it with me (only one front row ticket was available). Note: concerts are not as fun when you go alone!

Anyway- the other bummer was, before I left for Wolf Trap, I checked the website to see if cameras were allowed. "All cameras are prohibited." Okay, so why chance taking the extra luggage? When I was seated, the usher said, "Be sure not to use your flash, if you take pics!!" What do you mean IF I take pics????? He said that it's up to the artist and tonight cameras were allowed without flash! Grrrrrrrr. It was killing me throughout the show that all I had was my camera phone. The images look like some sort of singer, but pretty sure you wouldn't be able to tell that it was a female, let alone Sheryl Crow! She actually came to stage left a couple of times where my seat was and I could have shaken her hand, she was that close! Let it go, Jean. Let it go.

It was a great experience and I am even more in awe of her talent. Made me want to pull out the 12 string...

In My Back Yard...

I think have known Mary since she was about 12 years old.  We've grown up with her family in the Manassas Second Ward.  Mary is the same age as Lindsay and perhaps that is why I have always held a special place in my heart for her.  

I was honored when she asked if I would take her wedding photos on hers and Tim's special day.  

Mary has said to me on several occasions what a wonderful guy Tim is and what a great husband he is, her eyes getting misty just thinking about him.  I have no doubts that Tim is a catch- you can see it in his eyes.  But it is Tim who is getting one of the sweetest, humblest, loveliest women on this earth.  In other words, I believe that they were made for each other.

Baby Dove

For quite a while now, I have shared a friendship with whom I call, "Mama Dove."  I visited her every day in her home, located right in the middle of our butterfly bush.  Okay, maybe it was a one-sided friendship, but she did tolerate me somewhat.

Today was the first day that I noticed her little family- two baby doves!  Mama took a few minutes long sabbatical and that is when I pulled my camera out to see these cuties.  Two of them, nestled inside their little home, not even chirping yet, but sweet enough to "smile" for the camera!

It's Only Been Four Months!!!

Any guesses as to who this sweet, smiling dog is?



So, yes, it has been 4 months exactly since I have posted. It's been a crazy spring. I have kept myself busy with gardening, more painting, and photography...trying to keep my mind off of my job for next year or lack thereof. But, I think the stress has been alleviated as I found out that I will have a job in the fall, although it won't be what I am currently doing :( It's always hard to change from some thing you love doing to a different type of work. But I am sure that I will love this job as much. I won't be traveling all over Fairfax County as I have been. I have been assigned to work with students with disabilities (yeah) at Annandale High School! I will be working with a colleague that I like and I am sure we will make a good team.

So maybe, since I am feeling better about the future, I will be posting more! Check back and see!

Inauguration Day Memories With Pics!

Greg just came back from being in Utah for a week. As he plans for his trips, I usually have a few lightbulb moments when I'm thinking, "What can I do to the house while he is away?" This time was no different. I schemed for a few weeks about painting the kitchen..what color, can I do it alone or should I recruit some help? So, many days in advance, I picked out the desired color from Lowe's multitude of color swatches. Greg left last Sunday, and on Monday morning, I purchased my paint. I thought I'd try solo at first. I did one section at a time and kept admiring the new look. That inspired me to continue on to the next section.

Now painting the walls above the larger cabinets was next to impossible. My arms, even with paint brush in tow, simply didn't reach the back edge. I didn't let that stop me, oh no! Brilliant of all brilliant ideas...I would tape my paintbrush to a long piece of narrow wood. Voila! It really worked! And it looks pretty darn good! By Tuesday evening, I was completely done. So, when people ask me where I was on Inauguration Day, 2009, I will have fond memories of painting my kitchen a bright sunny yellow while watching the inaugural proceedings taking place on TV.

You are wondering what Greg's reaction to this was when he returned? He said simply, "I'm glad I didn't have to paint it!" Indeed.

And A Good Time Was Had By All...

We had such a nice and fun Christmas. My mom was able to fly in from Ohio and celebrate with us. It was so nice to have most of the kids home (Lindsay, Chris, Mark and Katy, and Nathan). We really missed Matt, Claire, Theo and Luc. We understood that Theo hadn't slept for a couple of days before Christmas, he was so excited! It sounds like Matt and Claire probably didn't get much sleep either.

It's always lots of laughs here when the Allen brothers get together, so opening presents together was again, too funny. Mark played Santa and distributed gifts to everyone. Perhaps the most creative wrapping came from Nathan- he wrapped Greg's tie in a tube that was the length of the tie. I think the most fun gift was sent by Matt and Claire and the kids, to Lindsay, Nathan and Chris: each received a small case (12 packs) of candy cigarettes! No one expected that! Here are a few favorite moments:

Mark and his new watch!



Wait, is there a Transformer in the family???



You can't go wrong with a "Y" shirt for Greg.



It appears that Nathan has picked up a new habit. Love those "Lucky's," candy cigs, that is.



Happy Jean got her favorite "signature" cologne, Red Door. You can't tell from the pic, but I am wearing the coolest Lucky Brand earrings that I received from Lindsay. Does she know her mom or what???

More Christmas Pics...

Greg proudly showing his new Columbia University tie.



Grandma Gladys looking great at 87! We are so happy to have her in Virginia with us for Christmas again!



Hmmm...do we have an Aussie in the fam???



Katy with her new "Pretty In Pink" sweater.



Dapper Chris modeling his new pea coat.

Stellar Has A New Buddy...

I bought this HUGE stuffed Bernese Mountain dog for a friend the other day at Costco. Not sure where to store it, I just put him under the tree. I thought it was so funny when I walked by and saw that Stellar decided to use him for a bed. She has been sleeping on him any chance she can get- which is quite a lot, since we know cats sleep all the time!

Fox Trot

If you've read my blog a few times, you know it's no secret that I get excited over pretty much any animal. I love that living in Piedmont, I have found rabbits, deer, hawks and herons, literally in my backyard. It tickles me to see these wonderful creatures. (Okay, I really wasn't tickled to smell a skunk). But I was totally thrilled when, last week, as I was letting the pups out, a fox was hovering around our fir tree! I wished I could have watched him for a little while before he trotted off, but it took no time at all for Sandie to catch his scent and drive him from our yard. Sandie ran the length of 5 neighborhood yards before he decided to come back home. There was no getting Sandie to retreat until he knew the fox was long gone. But it was exciting to see, nonetheless. And I think Sandie felt like a hero as he protected our property! :)

Going With The Flow...

Well, I was about to write that not much has happened in the last couple of weeks. And I guess that is true for the most part. Work has been very busy and I have enjoyed the students in the schools where we have been working. However, there is one big thing weighing on my mind with regard to work. You may have read that there is going to be a BIG budget cut next year in Fairfax County Public Schools. Several positions from my department are going. There's a good chance that my contract will go from 11 month to 10 month, which equates to a cut in pay. Would I take that instead of losing my job? Of course. But I guess the hardest part of all of this is just not knowing! We're not sure when all of the final decisions will be made. I think that no matter what happens, it may be a tough adjustment. So for now, I am trying to be calm and just go with the flow.

I think the sad thing here is that so many people across the country are going through the same thing and my heart truly goes out to them. I read where one guy left the east coast to take a job in the west, only to find out that he was laid off after one day. I pray that our devastating economic situation that is affecting each and every one of us will find recovery soon.

Sweet Love

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Amy Blodgett, the daughter of one of my dearest friends, Diane, and Amy's sweetheart, Joe. I have known Amy since she was about four years old. I couldn't be happier for this sweet couple. It was so wonderful to see two people so in love! Congratulations Amy and Joe!