Also married on our wedding day

Pam Anderson and Kid Rock - 2006
Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles - 25 years ago in 1981

The Big day is here - Engagement Party is today!

Well the big day is finally here! This morning, Heather and I are just hanging out before we leave our hair appointments at 11:30. Sean is making a run over to his townhouse to drop off some kitchen supplies for my parents. Then while we are at our appointments, he's gonna do his guy thing and get ready. When we get back, he's taking Heather over to Nora's to help setup...the caterer arrives at 3:00.

The family is all gathering pre-party at 4:00 to do a meet-and-greet. Then all the guest begin to arrive at 5:00 for the festivities. Should be a fun day to remember!

At Tina's work Christmas Party - December 2005

1 Daze - I mean Day - to the Engagement Party

After a good night's sleep (that is to say, it seems Mocha's drama has "passed", pardon the pun), we were up early gain, this time for salon appointments for me and Heather - me for a manicure, her for a pedicure. The jitters have set in, and I rambled-on to my nail tech the whole time and could hardly keep myself (or my hands) still. Just as I was getting started with the manicure, my cellphone ran and it was Sean saying my parents had arrived at my house! FINALLY! So we finished up our beauti-fying and headed back to my house. My parents actually made pretty good time, and great time considering they had to stop in Valdosta to buy new tires. (long story there...). As it is, it seems fortunate timing worked out they way it did, because my brother has had kidney stones the last few days, and they would not have been able to do much together if mt parents had arrived earlier.

So we gathered ourselves up again, and headed off to Sean's townhouse to get my parents settled in. After that, Sean, Heather and I went for - what else again - more food! We went to Champps, which is ironic because that's where Sean and I had our first meeting/date. So of course, cocktails were in order! Hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!

The rest of the day will be odds 'n ends getting ready for the party, and once Sean's family gets into town and checked into their hotel rooms (which should be early evening) we will be going out to meet up with them, and possibly out to dinner. Then it's back to Sean's townhouse to check on my parents, and also drop off a cell phone for them to use, since there's no phone hooked up out there. Then I have to get back home before my crystal carriage (aka the Honda) turns into a pumpkin, because I do need to get my beauty rest - afterall, tomorrow's a big day!

Summer vacation at Timber Bay - July 2006

2 Days to the Engagement Party

We were up bright-and-early to pick up Heather at the airport - her flight was right on time with a 7:19 AM arrival. We went out to Richard Walker's for breakfast. Then we came back home and I briefed Heather on all the party details, and we settled in for a power nap. Sean mowed the lawn and then went out for a haircut. After he got home, we set out again for - what else - more food! Off we went to La Hacienda de Los Fernandes for a pitcher of Sangria and some fine Mexican food.

After that, Heather and I waddled our way through a few stores to look for some jewerly to go with her party outfit. We also stopped at Target - which they don't have in Canada - and she bought some goodies for Josh and Mikaila. I scored the oh-so-elusive target brand White Sangria in a box. YIPPEE! Adult juice box, I say. Perfect for company! Sad to say that once we got home from all that, it was only 8:30pm, but I was pooped and retired for the evening. Heather and Sean stayed up and watched House Hunters on HGTV, and wondered how such dorks could nail such awesomely large properties. Still no word from my parents by the time we turned in - wonder how far they are on they trek up here?

St. Partick's Day - 2006 (see where I got nailed in the head with a plastic shamrock?)

3 Days to the Engagement Party

Big news today is that my mom is not arriving via plane this afternoon, rather my mom & dad left Florida this morning and are driving up for the party. Looks like they'll be here sometime Friday, and will be staying at Sean's townhouse. We may even be able to take them into the city on Monday for an architectural boat tour from Navy Pier.

So that changes activities for today a bit...we're making a grocery run and light cleaning at Sean's house to get it ready for my parents, and contacting the realtor to let her know to put off showings until mid-week next week if possible. Also, Heather arrives early tomorrow morning so we're finishing up cleaning, etc. at our house to get the guest room ready for her.

Drama Dog had us up again last night - this time we got to "sleep in" until 4:30am - but she seems to be getting a little better. Having company around this weekend should perk her up - she loves attention from "peoples"!

The day Sean proposed, just before he popped the question -
on my parents' boat in Florida - January 2006

4 Days to the Engagement Party

Well, the weather forecast for Saturday's party has been back and forth between low-80s-and-mild to high-80s-and-humid. It may still be too early to tell. Either way, it looks like it will be a pleasant evening to take the party outside to the deck. When my mom arrives tomorrow, she'll be pleased to see it's not ALWAYS snowy in Chicago!



Not too much exciting going on today, just a bunch of odds 'n ends. I need to try to stay off my feet today, because my ankle and shin are all bruised and swollen again. [sigh]. Bruises are not what I had in mind for "something blue"! Drama Dog had us up again at 3:30 last night with her nightly case of the runs, so her Pepto regimen begins. Sean and I are both itching for a long, full night's sleep...hopefully uninterrupted slumber is soon to be in our own personal forecasts!


Our Christmas card photo - December 2005

5 Days to the Engagement Party

Drama dog had us up again last night - ugh. Today we confirmed the vendors, and today is also the big day when all the vendor payments came due! Cha-ching! We also stocked up on groceries for company, and dropped Sean's suit off at the cleaners...and guess what what next to the cleaners? DAIRY QUEEN! Sean was a perfect husband-to-be and brought me my favorite - small plain soft serve in a cup. YUM! We received gifts today from Janet and Steve Lane, and also from Sean's boss Eddie and the crew of Sean's co-workers in South Carolina.

In our yard - October 2005

6 Days to the Engagement Party

We were up multiple times with Mocha again last night - she's got some "intestinal distress" which started a few days ago when she ate 3 bananas. After several nights of up-and-down-sleeping with her, we've nicknamed her Drama Dog. It's chicken broth and rice for her today. This morning on the agenda...more bills, more cleaning and more yard work. And then a long afternoon nap on the deck in the sun for all of us!

Superior Nat'l Forest Ranger Station, Ely MN - July 2005

7 Days to the Engagement Party

Today Sean went shopping for the last components of his party outfit. Then, he stopped by Binny's and conveniently they had a beer tasting event. I paid bills - fun, fun! Later we went to the florist to order flowers for the party, and then we went - where else - DAIRY QUEEN! We watched a funny movie last night called The Matador with Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear.

Timber Bay Cookout - July 2005

8 Days to the Engagement Party

Today I got the disposable cameras set for the party and printed "The Mom's Poem" on cue cards. Sean borrowed a video camera. Then Sean and I had to go to the Lake County Courthouse. On our way home we stopped to go shoe shopping for the party.

At Chicago's Chinatown Fire Station where the movie "Backdraft" was filmed - March 2005

9 Days to the Engagement Party

Well, we must be in the home stretch to our fun day because it showed up today in the extended forecast on weather.com.


Our day started out with Sean throwing his back out. He's fine, just needs a little R&R to get the kinks out from his bumpy plane ride yesterday. I - once again - cleaned for company. OK here's what I'm thinking...if they love me, they'll understand the Mocha hair, because I'm frigging DONE cleaning!

Oh, and we have our final count for the party - 45 - so I finished up all the details with the caterer today. We also received gifts from Aunt Carol and Uncle Barry (a second one!), and from Mom Barb's friend Betty.

Atop the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel-March (o my g it was cold!) 2005

10 Days to the Engagement Party

Sean came home from MN around noon, and with a tale to tell about his plane ride home. A thunderstorm line across the state had him bobbing in his seat like our fishing lures at the Timber Bay boat house.

We received our first gift off the gift registry today from Cousin Trina and her family. Also, Sean is now officially a resident at Shorewood Court - he received his first piece of forwarded mail at the new address.

Tina's Work Christmas Party Dec. 2004

11 Days to the Engagement Party

Today I'm cleaning house for when company arrives. Sean's still in MN and comes back tomorrow morning. He's going to a Shutske soccer game tonight! Yesterday we picked out some new dishes, and today I packed up the old ones and made room for the new. Change is fun!

Visiting Sean's Family in Indiana - Summer 2004

12 Days to the Engagement Party

Sean went to MN this morning. I ran errands and sent the photos of Nora's house to the vendors.

We "WOWED THE CROWD" with our karaoke singing at our party before I left for Cuba - June 2004

Photos of "Event Space" - Nora & Pete's Home

Here is a link to some photos of the place where we will be having our July 29 "engagement party".

Link to Photos

13 Days to the Engagement Party

This morning is P&P (Paper and Politics) for Sean and his new HD cable installation.

Later today were off to Nora's house, catching up because its been since February since I've seen her (can that be right?). We're also dropping off the champagne and taking photos of her house for the party vendors.

Then we're off to Karla's house, catching up because its been since May or early June since we've seen her and Bill. We're also helping Bill with his computer and Ipod, and borrowing a card box from Karla.

The World is Our Oyster - Downtown Chicago - Sept. 2004
(Click to enlarge...is that a UFO in the background?)

14 Days to the Engagement Party

Today we got the cable and high speed internet installed. (YIPPEE! Faster blogging and ebaying!) I gots my hair did, and Sean unpacked from the move a bit more. We went for a very nice dinner together, celebrating only 2 weeks to "The Engagement Party", and relaxing before things get too busy as we prepare for our big, fun day!

We got feedback on a showing at Sean's townhouse...one buyer said it was the most reasonably priced TH they saw, and were very interested but opted for a unit farther south to shorten their commute. We're getting warmer! The best wedding gift we could get would be a very strong offer and a firm closing date.

View from Our Room at the Hotel Burnham-Christmas 2003

15 Days to the Engagement Party

Good News - Sean's townhouse had 3 showings in the last 2 days. We're hoping for some more activity...and a closing around Labor Day. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Today I finished "The Moms' Poem", and am finalizing the harpist's song list (we're requesting Green Day for Nephews Michael and Jack), chipping away (literally) at the yard, and doin' laundry for Sean's trip to Minnesota on Monday. Yep, that's right, he's headed back to MN, this time on business. But he'll get a little R&R with the Shutske family while he's there which will be like an extension of his Timber Bay trip.

At the Christkindlmarket on State Street in Chicago-Christmas 2003

16 Days to the Engagement Party

Today we updated the RSVP list (we're up to 42 attending!) and the gift registry. I also beauty-fied the yard for when company comes in...no joke, we had 5-foot-plus-tall weeds when we got back from vacation. 3 hrs in the yard today and I'm only about 1/4 done with yanking the buggers. YIKES! Maybe I can hire a neighborhood kid to help me.

On the steps of the Field Museum - Chicago Air and Water Show Sept. 2004

17 Days to the Engagment Party

Today we updated the RSVP list (we're up to 36 attending!) and picked out a few songs for the harpist. I also shopped for jewelry.

Halloween Costume Party at the Curragh Oct. 2003

18 Days to the Engagement Party

Today we bought thank you cards. We received gifts from Grandma Bower and Aunt Carol & Uncle Barry Swinehart, and cards from Betty & Don, and Uncle Dale & Louise Bower.

Tina's Work Christmas Party Dec. 2003

Sweet Home Chicago

Well, we made it home yesterday...we made fairly good time at about 7 hours. We were scott free clocking 6plus until we hit the Illinois border, where the first 3 toll stations on I-90 are under construction and bursting to accommodate all the weekend traffic in a mere 2 lanes. "Welcome to Chicago, pay our toll to cover our construction costs, then sit in our construction traffic for which your toll is $1.60 each station, thank you very much." hmmmm, I did not miss the hub-ub of Chicago backups. And I noticed not one of the exits from the border to our exit had a Dairy Queen. I'll need to write the governor about that.

We arrived at Sean's, our long awaited pitstop. All was in good order with the house, and looks like we even had a showing while we were away. Bad news was that Sean's car battery was as dead as a doornail...second time that's happened in a span of a few months. Nothing was left on or open, so it's a mystery. So we have our work cut out for us tonight, heading back to that part of town, disassembling the battery connections, heaving it in to the Honda "hatchback", and returning it back to Sears. So much for a DieHard, but luckily DieHard carries a good warranty to hopefully we won't have to buy a new one again.

Last night I did 'bout 3 loads of laundry, then my foot and my eyelids gave out. I slipped on my Timber Bay t-shirt and hopped into bed. Ahhhh, nothing like coming home to your own bed after a vacation. Especially since Sean and I shared a double size for 10 days. I didn't feel his kicks even once last night.

We returned the rental SUV at 7:30 this morning, pumping it full of $3.27 per gallon gas. Whoa - gas jumped about 40c per gallon since we left. Must be because of the 4th of July holiday week. I sure hope it comes back down...[The ubiquitious] "they" keep it pretty high here in the summer because a lot of people drive to Michigan and Wisconsin for weekend getaways. It usually dives back down about 20c after school starts and the moms have a lot more errands to do. Then after the first snow comes, it's back up another 20c for "special" freeze-free gas. Maybe we'll have a hybrid by then.

I was successful in ignoring - while we were on vacation - that I had an entire house to unpack when I got home, since Sean moved in just days before we left. And I was successful in ignoring that I left a trail of ice packs, foot stools, and pillow props from my ankle accident left to clean up. And last night I was successful in ignoring the coolers, groceries, and laundry left to unload, unsort, clean and restock. Crap. I have the post-vacation blues. I'm usually gleeful about unpacking back at home, but I'm used to unpacking for one, this time there's just sooooooooo much to do with a move unpack AND a vacation unpack. But I guess it is back to work, since I have company arriving in two weeks for "the engagement party". Think they'll notice if don't do any cleaning at all? I'm growing to like the mocha-dust-bunnies on the stairs' carpet, maybe they will too.

More Vacation Goodies

Check out more vacation photos and stories from the family's blogs at:

muffinman28.blogspot.com
Nephew Mike's Blog

timber-bay.blogspot.com
Bro-In-Law John's Blog

Also click June and July Archives on right for all my VayCay stories and photos.

On the Road Again

You're not gonna forget to pack me, are you?

We woke up this morning to thunderstorms and rain at Timber Bay. We packed up the cabin and the rental SUV. We talked to Ron and Beth as we checked out at the office, and seems the campers in Cabin 12 are thinking they will return...they'll confirm in January 2007, when the deposits are due. Darnit, 'cuz we caught mouse number 2 in our cabin's kitchen yesterday...not sure about returning to Cabin 8 next year, so we'll have to see what others might be available in January. Time to hit the road (by the time we did, the skies had cleared to be perfectly sunny). Next stop, Kate's house in Champlin.

We drove through Embarass and the Iron Range in Virginia and Elevelth, and past the Laurentian Divide Recreation Area and Lookout Mountain and the Hockey Hall of Fame. Of course, our trek included a stop a Dairy Queen (no no no, not for us...for the D.O.G....it's all about the dog). We arrived at Kate's around 2:30. As historically, it's blazing hot here the day after Timber Bay...near 90 degrees.

Tonight, not sure what's on the agenda, but there's been talk of a movie (Superman?) or games. Mocha inevitably will be entertaining herself by staring at Butterscotch, the hampster, and gracing us with her non-stop-scramble-your-brains-puppy-bark. We begin part 2 of the drive tomorrow morning...about 8 hours ahead of us! ONWARD!

P.S. Today marks 3 weeks till our "engagement party"! Can't wait!

VayCay-Final Day

This morning we got up and went for a run in the kayaks - Sean, Mike, Kate, me and G'ma Barb. We paddled into the shallows and glided past a huge osprey nest. The osprey even greeted us with a fly over our kayaks. Coming back to TB, the wind was against us and is was a hard run but all made it. Mike even celebrated by purposefully tipping his kayak (he said he was "practicing kayak safety") in the TB harbour.

Today is our final day at the cabins. All are enjoying the outdoors today, as it is bright and sunny and in the lower 80s with a steady 10-15 mph wind. Just enough to keep the heat off.

We are all reminiscent and sad to see our final day arrive. I don't know why but it always seems illogical that vacation days pass twice as fast as regular days at home. (Shouldn't the doldrum days of employment go by like lightening?)

Even Mocha seems saddened as our vacation comes to an end

We're already planning next year's trip. Sean checked with the office to see if we can get Cabin 12 for next year. It is adjacent to the Shutske family's cabin, and has an open floorplan and is more updated inside. It also has a "yard" where we can set up chairs and Mocha's tieout. Of course we'd love to get enough fellow campers together so that we could rent the Bear Trap - it has its own dock and beach on the lake. We'll see what happens...

Tonight we're off to the Hideaway for a pizza meal tradition.

Campin' in the Moonlight

John, Mike and Jack decided to head off for a little adventure, and set they up a tent at a remote campsite to have a little nighttime fun. In the afternoon, John and Sean took the boat out to the site and checked out the area, trails, potty-site, etc. Sean came back talking about how cool this campsite was, on a point at the water's edge, out in the middle of Birch Lake. You have to camp in designated areas here, and looks like John found the best spot available.

After dinner, the family "redded up" the boat, loaded up the overnight gear and headed off to drop off the campers.

The soon-to-be-newlyweds on board

Sean was right, it was a really cool place to pitch a tent, right at a rocky point.

Camp Site - click for detail

The boys looked like they were in for a lot of fun on their camping adventure.

Jack and Mike

Another Lazy Day

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
----Henry David Thoreau

Lake View from Our Cabin

Thoreau wanted to get the most from his life by determining what was really important, and he did that by removing himself from his regular life in Concord, Massachusetts. One side of this was economic: he reduced his material needs by living simply, so that he would not have to spend much time supporting a lifestyle that he did not need or care about. The other side was spiritual, not unlike the spiritual retreats of eastern and western religions.

And it worked. Thoreau liked it so much that he lived in his cabin for more than two years, and came back with a great story. He worked on this story for several years afterwards until it became Walden.

I'm Unstoppable

I'm off the crutches and walking everywhere - I'm SO on the move, no photos to show yet today!

No big plans...had breakfast in Ely, did our laundry in Babbitt. Sean went to the beach in the afternoon. Tonight - the grown-ups play rummy! Grandma Barb made pepper-steak for dinner.

The Mouse that Rocked the House

For the Fourth of July, we went to Ely for The Parade of Candy...for a little town, they sure do have a huge candy budget! We then went to the Chocolate Moose for lunch (I had cherry rhubarb pie - yum). Sean and I dropped in Brandenburg Gallery and coveted the photographs we wish we could afford to put on our walls (Blue Birch Grove and Early Snow).

Most importantly, today I was able to WALK - first with one crutch only, and then by the end of the day with no crutch. FREEDOM! When we got back to TB, we celebrated by braving the super steep hill going down to the lake, and went down to the dock where we tried to snag the elusive Northern living under the boat house. No luck on bites, but our bait was spooked a few times, and that kinda action kept Sean and I entertained enough.

John and Nellie at the boathouse

Grandma Barb Fishin'

Happy Dog Nellie takes a swim

Quiet night in the cabin, watched the Boston fireworks on TV (why why why were Dr. Phil and his wife hosting that?). Sean and Mocha bonded over leftover bratwurst.

Oh, are you eating? I hadn't noticed...I was just resting my head.

Ok, maybe I did notice. That sure looks good.

About mid-early-morning a noisy little mouse in our kitchen decided to wake us up. Ok, it woke me up, and I woke Sean up. Surprisingly, Huntress McGee didn't budge...what's up with that?

A Real Live Vacation Day

Quiet day today...I read a book cover to cover, got my all time high score at FlipWords, and watched hummingbirds at the feeder. Mocha chased "chippers" on the deck. Sean went to the beach and eat steak at the Shutzske picnic at the overlook.

Hummingbird feeder

Mocha on chipmunk patrol

Hard to distract her from the hunt

Big day, little shoe

Still on crutches, but wearing my regular shoes!

Today we're off to Ely to the wireless store to see if they have cell phone charger - seems we left ours when we pit-stopped at Kate's.

After that, we headed into Babbitt for part 2 of Peter Mitchell Days - today's the big Babbitt parade. When we met up with Kate, John and Barb, we caught them sneaking more pie at the Lutheran Church Pie Social. No one can resist a good homemade pie crust.

The parade was "a hoot" with several imported beauty queens, one band that traveled about 60 miles to be there, and the Babbitt Mayor in an old, rusty La Baron convertible. Oh and let's not forget the Ely Klown Band.

Are you Mr. or Mrs. Peter Mitchell?

Starting off the day today still on crutches, but we've realized that Sean and I brought the same brand/style of sneakers. I can't fit into my shoes yet, but I can fit into his mens' size 9s! And he thought our matching outfits were corny! Sure it looks like a clown shoe, but that's a perfectly fitting for what we have planned today...

The Town of Babbitt is holding its annual Peter Mitchell Days festival, so we went into town to check it out. Next to Zup's, there was a carnival set up boasting THE WORLD'S LARGEST TRAVELING FERRIS WHEEL. We headed for the Bingo Tent, Brats Tent and the Beer Tent, in that order. Michael was the only bingo winner, taking in a few bucks. Our bingo caller was very professional, yet sported his very own style of plumber's crack.

After several heated rounds of classic and coverall bingo, we headed across the street for the Lutheran Church's Pie Social. All the grandmas were there serving their pie and I was in dessert heaven. I opted for the sour cream raisin pie, figuring I'd never have the opportunity to find that again! Is was more like a custard pie with a thick and sweet layers of oh-so-perfect meringue.

That night we took the boat out to watch the Babbitt fireworks from the water. Ron from Timber Bay was one of the fireworks show organizers. I was impressed with the length and selection of the fireworks for such a small town. It was great to hear the town cheering from their boats after the Grande Finale.

Still on crutches today - good thing we have FlipWords and an internet connection!