Debbie's Days

Remembering Carl

2005-04-30T16:24:00.000-04:00

Since I last wrote my son in law's brother Carl died suddenly one Sunday afternoon. We had only met him a couple times-the 1st time at Katy and Doug's wedding. He was certainly the life of the party-very funny and outgoing. He did a dance to Like a Virgin with Katy that I still laugh about-it was hilarious. After he came up to my mom and I and asked (with a bit of fear and trepidation) if we liked the dance And we assured him that we LOVED it-and got a big hug in return. We all feel so badly that we'll never get to know him the way we would have liked! He was talking about having nieces and nephews-and I know he was looking forward to that prospect-of being an uncle!! So sad he'll never see that. At the memorial service-the minister said what a fun-loving person he was and we didn't want to go out crying so she had us do the Hokey-Pokey!! I know some of the people there (esp the man glowering at me from the row in back of me) did not like it at all-but I thought it was quite appropriate and we know that he was watching every minute of it and loving it. So to Carl-sorry you had to leave us so soon and we will miss you!! And every time we hear the Hokey Pokey we will think of you and smile!!

2005-03-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

Me and dad

2005-03-07T18:45:00.000-05:00

Ryan and grandpa

2005-03-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Doug, Katy and grandpa

2005-03-07T18:42:00.000-05:00

Eric with grandpa

2005-03-07T18:41:00.000-05:00

Chris, Amy and Grandpa

2005-03-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

Dad blowing out his candles on his 85th birthday

Is is almost Easter???

2005-03-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

Man, have I ever gotten behind on here-last time I posted it was the day after Christmas and here it is almost Easter! Shame on me!! Well, since my last post we had Eric's 34th birthday on Jan 13th-( I know it is hard to believe that I have a son that age!! I can't believe it either!!) Then on Jan 27th my dad turned 85-another fact I am having a hard time believing. He neither looks or acts 85, thank goodness!! Guess I come from good stock! We had parties for both! Then in Feb. Tim had a week off and we headed up the coast of CT for a couple days of R and R to celebrate Valentine's day and our engagement anniversary (7 years as of Feb 15th) We went to a lovely old B and B and had a wonderful relaxing time. We've also had our share of snowstorms this winter-looks like Tim will be working til the end of June the way it's going!! And another Nor'Easter is on it's way this week!! ARRRGH!! Enough already-am anxiously awaiting Spring, warm temps, sunny skies, can't wait!! I've already bought some hibiscus plants to go in next month-I am optimistic!!

2005-01-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

Tim relaxing

2005-01-03T18:49:00.000-05:00

Ryan and Amy

2005-01-03T18:48:00.000-05:00

Peter, Chloe posing, Grandma and Grandpa

2005-01-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

Amy and me

After Christmas lunch at Amy's

2005-01-03T18:40:00.000-05:00

On the 26th we were invited to Chris' and Amy's for a luncheon. She had quite a crowd-Chris' mom, dad, sister, brother in law, brother and niece plus the 5 of us. She made a yummy pumpkin tortilla soup, broccoli cheese bread, veggies and dip and had Christmas cookies for dessert. I also brought some cranberry and pumpkin breads and cookies and Chris' mom brought shrimp plus traditional Swedish rice pudding. We all had a really nice afternoon visiting and eating!!

2005-01-03T18:39:00.000-05:00

Cuddling

2005-01-03T17:30:00.000-05:00

Ryan, Grandpa and Zach the cat

2005-01-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

Peeking thru the window

2005-01-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

Grandpa, Katy, me and the grandkitties

Dinner at Katy and Doug's

2004-12-31T13:15:00.000-05:00

Had a really nice dinner at Katy and Doug's last night. Love my daughter dearly but she is not the cook in the family-Doug is!! And he did an excellent job. Made Shish-ka-bobs on the grill, rice and peas. It was all so tasty-ate every bite!! For dessert they got a Boston Cream Pie as they knew it was Grandpa's favorite! We gobbled that down too. Katy (who is the baker in the family) brought out her Christmas cookies-and they were also really good!! We had fun chatting and playing with my grand-kitties, Abby and Zach. They have gotten so big and so cute!!

2004-12-31T12:20:00.000-05:00

Arriving

2004-12-29T18:26:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma opening presents

2004-12-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

Tim and his new stapler

2004-12-29T18:24:00.001-05:00

Grandpa

2004-12-29T18:24:00.000-05:00

Opening presents at Grandma's

2004-12-29T18:23:00.001-05:00

Eric, Freya and Ryan

2004-12-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

Grandma

2004-12-29T18:22:00.001-05:00

Amy

2004-12-29T18:22:00.000-05:00

Chris and his cocoa

2004-12-29T18:21:00.001-05:00

Katy and Doug

2004-12-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

The guys

2004-12-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

The girls, coffee and Ryan

2004-12-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

Eric and Me

2004-12-29T18:18:00.000-05:00

Opening presents

Christmas 2004

2004-12-28T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hi there-hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! We did here in the Matthew's household tho it was a bit different this year! Eric, Amy and Katy all had their own plans for Christmas Eve and was the first year we were not all together that evening! But Tim, Ryan and I did have a nice time-went to the early service which was special. Everyone came to the house the next morning-but it was the 1st morning in over 30 years I didn't have someone jumping on the bed waiting for me to get up. After all the years of complaining about that I feel badly now-and will always miss it!! Anyway, we all did have a wonderful Christmas-we received some great gifts-and had a great time just spending time together as a family!

2004-11-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

Me and Gimpy!!

2004-11-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

Me, Katy and Doug

2004-11-18T14:53:00.001-05:00

Me and Eric

2004-11-18T14:53:00.000-05:00

Me, Amy and Chris

2004-11-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

Ryan and me

My Birthday!!!

2004-11-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

Okay was going to ignore the whole thing-but thought I would just say it was my birthday on Oct 24th-leaving out the age. Just say I'm between 30 and 60!! LOL Despite Tim having a bit of an accident getting my present the day before it turned out to be a pretty good day. The kids were all here and mom made my traditional chicken dinner (have had chicken all of my past __ years!!) It was really yummy too! I even ended up having 2 cakes (just what I needed) Mom made a really yummy mocha cheesecake and then had a carrot cake with apricot mousse from the church. So to say the least we ate a LOT of cake that week. Got lots of nice presents-jewelry, gift certificates, Boyd's bears, clothes, CD's, DVD's, etc. This old lady made out pretty well!!

2004-10-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Doug and Katy

2004-10-21T13:40:00.001-04:00

Katy and Tim

2004-10-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

Katy and Mom

2004-10-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

Katy and Ryan

2004-10-21T13:38:00.001-04:00

Katy, Grandma and Grandpa

2004-10-21T13:38:00.000-04:00

Katy, Eric and Freya

2004-10-21T13:34:00.000-04:00

Katy and Amy

Happy Birthday Katy

2004-10-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Well, today is Katy's 26th birthday!! Seems like yesterday I had her in my arms-she smiled at me the 2nd day she was born. Not a gas smile but a real honest to goodness smile from her heart!! Anyway, we had her party on Sunday-all the gang was here-quite a houseful. She wanted lasagna so that's what I made which I admit tasted yummy!! She got lots of nice gifts-things for the house, gift certificate, make up, leather tote bag -etc. She made out really well!! This weekend Katy and Doug are going on a birthday shopping spree and out to dinner. Tomorrow Katy and I are going to take each other out for our annual birthday lunch and Gayle's jewelry store for a treat for ourselves. After all who deserves it more????

2004-10-12T11:26:00.000-04:00

Tim

2004-10-12T11:25:00.000-04:00

The harvest

2004-10-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

fireplace

2004-10-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

The cobbler

2004-10-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

Church

2004-10-12T11:20:00.001-04:00

On the lake

2004-10-12T11:20:00.000-04:00

ferry on lake

2004-10-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

blacksmith building

2004-10-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

beehive stove

2004-10-12T11:15:00.001-04:00

beautiful foliage

2004-10-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

lovely old home

2004-10-12T11:14:00.000-04:00

Bank

2004-10-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

Covered bridge

Sturbridge

2004-10-12T11:06:00.000-04:00

Well, Tim and I had a wonderful time at Sturbridge for my birthday weekend. Stayed at a really nice place called Sturbridge Country Inn-I read some bad reviews but I don't know why-it was very nice-great room with jacuzzi and fireplace-nice and quiet on the 2nd floor right above the restaurant which was 1st rate!! We went to Sturbridge Village which is one of my favorite places and did some shopping at the many little shops around the Village. It was great to get away and this was one of my best birthday weekends-makes turning...well, never mind....not quite so bad.

2004-09-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

deck and back of my parents place

2004-09-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

back of the house

2004-09-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

My parents in law apartment attached to our house

2004-09-30T09:18:00.000-04:00

Front of my house-

My adorable house!

2004-09-30T09:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few photos of my house! Thought you might like to see them-whoever looks at this blog! I love my little house-with the trees all around it. Love the privacy, peace and quiet!!

2004-09-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

Chris inspecting the gifts!!

2004-09-21T17:01:00.000-04:00

Ryan and Amy-what a face!!

2004-09-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

Amy, Tim and Grandma

2004-09-21T16:58:00.000-04:00

Amy and Mom-

2004-09-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

Doug, Katy and Amy

2004-09-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

Amy, Grandma and Grandpa

Amy's 30th birthday!!

2004-09-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

Wow I can't believe my little girl is 30!! How can that be when I'm only 39??? I think it was a little tough for Amy to turn 30 but all in all she had a good birthday. Her sweet guy, Chris planned a surprise party for her at another friend's house on Sat. night. Surprisingly he pulled it off-she was totally surprised! Had lots of friends there plus, her sister Katy, husband Doug, Chris' sister, her husband Aaron and his brother Peter. She received lots of great presents and had a wonderful time. Then yesterday (the 19th) we had her birthday party here-had a nice dinner (with everyone except Eric who was home sick) and she got MORE nice presents. Her next b'day venture is that she and Chris are flying out to San Diego next week for their long awaited vacation! I'm anxious to see the photos from that trip-and also an anxious for my present from California!! hint-hint!!!

2004-08-13T19:44:00.001-04:00

Another ride

2004-08-13T19:44:00.000-04:00

Ryan on the ride

2004-08-13T19:43:00.001-04:00

Tim putting

2004-08-13T19:43:00.000-04:00

Miniature golf course

2004-08-13T19:42:00.000-04:00

Ryan and Mom

2004-08-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

Main Street Old Orchard Beach

2004-08-13T19:39:00.000-04:00

Our cottage

Maine vacation

2004-08-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

Tim, Ryan and I had a wonderful time up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine from July 30th til Aug 6th. We stayed in a quaint little place called White Lamb Cottages-they were nestled in the pines but only about 100 feet to the ocean. The cottages were on the small size but was plenty big enough for the 3 of us. We managed to go to the beach almost every day-except for the day we had showers and then the day we went to the amusement park and arcade. The night before we came home we went down the beach and watched fireworks-which was lots of fun too. One day we drove up to Freeport and did some shopping then on the way home we stopped at Kittery-and also did some shopping there. Between you and me I like the Kittery outlets better-they're just more up our alley!! We also got to eat in nice seafood restaurants-and Ryan had clam chowder every day we were there-guess the kid is hooked!! Glad we are home-but we're already looking forward to getting back to Maine next summer!!

2004-08-13T19:31:00.000-04:00

KFC for dinner!!

2004-08-13T19:30:00.000-04:00

Ryan's b'day-

2004-07-27T16:49:00.000-04:00

Opening presents

My baby's 13!!!

2004-07-27T12:01:00.000-04:00

That's right Ryan turned 13 on Wed the 21st. Seeing we were going to have his party on Sun. with his brother and sisters he wanted to have McDonald's for lunch and Chinese food for supper so that's what we did!! I have to admit it all tasted good for a change! I gave him his presents on his real b'day-he has been asking for a Playstation 2 so I got that for him, along with a game and a few small Lego kits. He was so excited to get his Playstation but he loved all his gifts Then on Sun. everyone came over and he said he wanted KFC so got that along with an ice cream cake (this is working out quite well for me-haven't had to do much cooking!!) He also got lots of great gifts from Tim, Eric, Amy and Katy-he made out quite well!! So, now we face his 13th year-please all of you pray for me!! LOL Only kidding-Ryan's such a good kid-he was a wonderful baby 13 years ago and he's still a wonderful son!!

2004-07-21T16:48:00.000-04:00

Lovely photo

2004-07-21T16:47:00.000-04:00

Katy boogying with Barb

2004-07-21T16:45:00.001-04:00

The happy couple

2004-07-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

Grandma, Katy and Grandpa

2004-07-21T16:43:00.001-04:00

Grandpa and Grandma kissing!!

2004-07-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

All 3 families

A few more wedding photos

2004-07-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd enter some more wedding photos I got from Katy and Doug-hope you all enjoy them.

2004-07-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

Opening presents

2004-07-21T16:24:00.000-04:00

Doug's camera

2004-07-21T16:23:00.000-04:00

Ryan, Amy and Chris

2004-07-21T16:21:00.000-04:00

Katy and Ryan

2004-07-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

Blowing out the candles

Doug's 30th

2004-07-20T17:28:00.000-04:00

On July 18th Katy had a party for Doug at their house. Wanted to have a picnic but unfortuately it poured so it turned out to be an indoor picnic. Despite the weather we had a really nice time-the food was excellent thanks in part, to Doug's grilling expertise-had hamburgers, barbecued chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, deviled eggs, baked beans, chips and dip, etc. Katy got the best cake-it was chocolate with choc. mousse and cheesecake!! Rich and yummy!!! Doug got lots of neat presents-a digital camera from Katy, also a printer, things for the garden, money, gift certificates and so on. He made out quite well on his big day!! Happy Birthday Doug-may you have many more wonderful years!!

2004-07-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Grand kitty Jack

2004-07-07T18:51:00.000-04:00

Grand kitty Madison