Cleveland Rocks!

We are back from Cleveland and getting ready to host the Lakeland Swegle's for Labor Day.  I'm guessing ribs and potato salad--at least I hope so!

The Cleveland trip was fantastic.  We had so many things to do and people to see that I had to create an Excel spreadsheet to keep dates and times straight.  It's not that we are that popular, we are old and need help remembering.

We started our visit with a group birthday dinner.  Bob's birthday is August 11, Donna's birthday is August 13, and mine is August 20.  We went to Glenn Willow Grill, which is a favorite of ours.  Tony got me a new camera, which I just love and can't wait to capture more memories with it. 

What a great looking group...Donna, me, Tony, Rose

Chris, Shannon, Emma and Bob

Emma will be making her first communion next year so this group will have another event to celebrate.  

Next up was sister lunch, or as we are calling it now, "Sista" lunch.  If you've been following the blog, that will make sense to you.  It's always good to get together and harass Lynn.  Fritz took us to AJ's Urban Grill in Westlake.  Since Fritz was on crutches, they gave us a nice table where she could stretch out her "bad" foot (bye, bye bunion!)  As usual, we talked about growing up and things going on in our lives now.  Fritz and I lost contact a while ago.  Life was just too busy and we drifted away.  Recently, we have reconnected and I'm so glad we did.  We have picked up right where we left off and text/talk almost everyday now.  Sometimes goofy stuff, sometimes just talking in general. Like I've always said, Fritz is a hoot!

This is not from our most recent lunch, it's from several years ago,

but I couldn't resist the "Sista's" tag!

Old or young, we always seem to end up in the same order!

And then, finally, the main event.  Seeing the grandkids.  I couldn't get over how much they have changed and grown.  As I said in an earlier blog, Ben was in Seattle, celebrating his birthday, but we got his phone number from Jon and actually got to talk to him for a few minutes.  The reception was really bad, but it was so good to hear his voice.  We have exchanged a few texts and that makes me happy.  He will be 13 on August 29.  We should include him in our August group birthday celebration!!

We met Jon, Sam, Ellie and Zach for pizza and in general goofyness.  It was so much fun to see them laugh and mess around.  The Purdum's got me a beautiful wind chime for my birthday.  It has a bird on top and makes a really pretty sound. 

Sam and Zach play war while we wait for pizza

Ellie  being pretty

Sam showing off his bangin' hair moves

Future Rock Star

Zach finally wins at war!

Ellie take on Papa at arm wrestling!

  

Ellie showing off her fierce, girl power after she takes down Papa!

Sam isn't as powerful...Papa wins this round!

But, they both work together to win!  Papa gives up!

My beautiful wind chime, hanging outside of the lanai

The next day, I met Gordon for drinks at Eddie's Creekside Restaurant.  One thing you have to say about going to Cleveland, we sure eat and drink alot!  Tony spent time with Rose and Donna.  I'm guessing they busted on each other just like we did at "Sista" lunch. 

After that, our niece, Shannon and I met a friend of mine from Key (where Shannon also works.)  Krysten was able to give Shannon some Key career advice and we had a nice time comparing "kid" photos, experiences and memories.  

And then, the next day, I turned 67.  Boy does that number look old!  Fritz, Steve and Joe had us over for dinner and a surprise birthday cake and presents.  I must say, I made out like a bandit for my birthday!!  After that, Fritz, Joe and I washed the kitchen floor!  (Inside joke!!)

I haven't had a birthday cake since Jenna got me one

 way back when we lived in Strongsville.  This was so nice!

Yes, they are!

This was an unexpected gift from Joe to Tony and I for his 

visit with Fritz in July.  So not necessary, but so very nice!

I also fit in shopping time with Donna while Tony spent some time with Rose and Joe.  Bob and I shared some quiet reading time while everyone was at church--that was probably the most relaxing time of the visit.  

We went to see Sarah and Steven's house very quickly and hope to spend more time with them next year.  

All too soon, it was time to go home.  My birthday continued as I got a coffee cup decorated with Coleton, Anthony, Owen and Alex as well as some new pictures of Alex and some nice cards. 

Here's my  new coffee mug with our beautiful grandchildren!

Side 2!!

And so, that was our trip.  It was fun, funny, busy, happy, goofy and wonderful.  Can't wait to go back. 

Going To Cleveland

It's finally time to go to Cleveland and see the grandchildren!  Unfortunately, Ben will be in Seattle visiting his cousins, but we will get to spend some time with Sam, Ellie and Zach.  We can't wait to see them. 

We have stayed busy since our last guests were here and look forwarding to hosting David, Brenda and Alex in September and Rose and Joe in October.  The weather should be really nice in October--not incredibly hot, just a nice, constant cool.  

Right now, the Charlotte Swegle's and the Lakeland Swegle's are sharing a rental house in St. Simons Is, Georgia.  We got some really cute pictures of the 4 kids together.  Alex is doing her best to keep up with (and sometimes surpass) the boys while the adults get some well deserved down time...well, as much down time as you can get with an 18 month old, a 2 year old, a 4 year old and a 7 year old.  

We've been having some rain storms here lately and Dixie is not happy.  Even taking her doggy marijuana to calm her down, she still shakes and hides when she hears thunder.  I came up with a new place for her; I put one of my shawls on the foot stool in the office, so it closes off the sides and makes it a bit darker.   She seems to feel better when she is down there.  Yesterday, I accidentally locked her in my closet.  She went in there to hide under my wedding dress and I didn't see her.  When Tony got back from working at the golf course, she wasn't there to greet him, which is highly unusual.  That's when I realized she had been  MIA for awhile and went looking for her.  She was glad to get out of my dark closet and be by Tony for protection. 

Tony is staying busy cleaning up the outside of the house in 97 degree weather.  I don't know how he can stand the heat, but he always says, "it has to get done."   He's still going strong at 72!

There is much to do before we leave and I can't wait to get on the road and roll over the miles that separate us from the Cleveland grandchildren. 

The Charlotte Swegle's

Alex, just hangin' with the guys

Alex, wearing one of our outfits!  Looking good!

\

Dixie hiding...

...enjoying the sunshine!

Tony, cleaning the awning before the rain came...

...and here it comes....

...and kept right on going!

.

    

The Next Generation On The Links

This weekend we went to Charlotte to celebrate Coleton's 7th birthday.  

If there is any doubt that time passes quickly by, look at grandchildren.  They go from newborn to real kids in a heartbeat. I can clearly remember looking into Coleton's crib and commenting on how small he was.  He was all eyes with this funny, tilted little nose.  He would watch you like there was a question on his tiny lips that he wanted to ask you.  His first time parents measured each ounce of food, each poop and each burp.  

Fast forward 7 years.  Now Coleton can accurately quote sports statistics, and uses words like, "literally" in his sentences.  He wears glasses and hates to lose at board or card games.  

He showed an interest in golf, probably because his father, grandfather and uncle play, so he got a small plastic starter set a year or so ago.  This year for his birthday, we went in with David and Brenda and got him a real, child's golf set, complete with the bag, the driver and all of the other  clubs.  Tony and Marie bought him a left handed "driver tool" to get him used to the grip.   He loved everything and spent a lot of our visit swinging at golf balls in the backyard.  Very often, he got more loft and distance than I do on the course.  

Just when I was thinking of how grown up he was getting, he came in from the backyard and announced that he had to go to the bathroom and it wasn't just to pee.  TMI, his mother reminded him, as he went into the bathroom near the kitchen.  

As Marie and I continued to talk at the kitchen table, we heard a distinctive "bathroom" noise coming from Coleton.  "Coleton," Marie yelled,"shut the bathroom door."  Coleton responded, "But, I want to be part of the conversation."   After that, he was the conversation. 

We had a nice time in Charlotte.  Tony Jr., made pork chops for dinner--one of Coleton's favorites, and then we had birthday cake.  

Anthony and Owen were lots of fun.  We played Uno and "guess the animal," where we had to act like an animal and have everyone guess what we were.  I tried to hop like a bunny and heard the crunch of cartilage in my knee, so I gave up.   Tony put a small, wooden hammer on top of his head and gave the clue as, "da-dumb, da-dumb, da-dumb."  The kids didn't get that he was a hammer head shark.  I guess "Jaws," isn't a good bedtime movie.  

We hope that this is the start of a new generation of 3 Men and a Bond.  Tony Jr., Coleton and Anthony or Coleton, Anthony and Owen, all golfing together and remembering how they got started.  

We didn't bring Dixie with us, in part, because they just put Tyson down and we didn't think it would be a good idea to have a dog running around.  Instead, she spent the day with her Godparents, Jan and Stu.  She actually went to a birthday party for Jan and Stu's twin grandchildren.  They love Dixie and she was certainly a hit.  Jan sent us a picture of Dixie sitting on the furniture like she owned the place.   Jan and Stu's daughter, Amy, sent a big chicken leg back home for Dixie to have later--she had one while she was there, so of course she needed another one.  This was the first time that Dixie met the children's other grandmother, so she spent a lot of time being cute and getting loved--Dixie, not the grandmother!

And so, we are on to Cleveland next and then David, Brenda and Alex are coming to Leland around Labor Day.  

It's been a busy and fun summer so far.  We can't wait to see the "kids," and everyone in Cleveland. 

Memories from Charlotte and Other Places

Coleton and his golf clubs and bag (not sure why this isn't centered)

Anthony can't wait to get his clubs and be like his brother

Here he is, the newest Swegle golfer on the links!

A good grip...keep your head down....

Owen trying to decide if he should golf....

...but decided that he is happy riding around for now

Anthony being goofy!

Our Charlotte boys

Dixie hanging out at her Godparent's Daughter's House

Celebrating being home

Catching up with Mommy and Daddy 

Being as Goofy as Anthony

Being Cute

  

The Boys Are Back In Town

It was an exciting weekend here in Leland as the 3 Men and A Bond Golf Tournament took place on Sunday.  Tiger and Phil both backed out.  They said they couldn't take the heat...but was it the heat or the competition?  The weather was brutal, but has been all over and everyone seemed used to it.   Prior to the tournament, I analyzed each golfer and their chance at taking the trophy.

First up, Tony Jr., he has youth on his side and is in great shape, except for some occasional back pain.  He is a born competitor and sportsman.  Add on to that, he is hungry for a win.  He hasn't had the trophy for a while and getting his butt kicked by a senior golfer has got to an ego bust.  On the downside, he hasn't played any golf in a while and his personal life is a wild party--that could hurt him.  Watch out for this guy, though, he will start off slow and all of a sudden will be in striking distance before you know what hit you. 

Next, David.  While significantly younger than the senior on the tour,   middle age is on his horizon.  That could slow him down.   His physical condition is good due to regular indoor foot races and gymnastics with his future caddy, Alex. His mental status is geared to win.    This is the guy who wants it bad and that could trump the other two on the tour.  He hasn't played much golf, but when he's on his game, look out.  He's calculating, analytical and can really get distance on the ball.  He could be the wild card in this match. 

Finally, Tony Sr., he is the current keeper of the trophy and is holding on tight.  He likes the look of it in his house and is proud to tell people the history.  He will not go out without a fight.   He is the senior on the tour, but his condition is good.  He works at the golf course, plays once a week and this is his home course, so he has a significant advantage.  His real advantage, however, is his mind game.  He comes across as a nice, unassuming guy just looking to have fun.    Look out, his fun could land you in sand traps and water.   He is a strong competitor and will finish in the top two. 

Take a look at our golfers:

Before taking the first tee, Tony, Tony and David with the 

coveted trophy in front of them

Here's what it's all about

David, Tony, the current Champion with the trophy and Tony at the turn

SO, WHO WON?????

Was it the young,  upcoming golf giant, Tony Jr, hungry no more

OR, WAS IT.....

Was it David, the wild card? 

OR, IS THE WINNER......

Tony, the Senior!!!!

YES!!!, The senior pulled it off again and beat the cubs!  He beat Tony Jr by a small margin  with David just a few strokes behind.  The trophy comes home....the trophy comes home.  People in Leland are dancing in the streets!

This was a tournament.  This one will go into the books as a great one.

Stay tuned to the golf channel for highlights on this exciting match!!!

SISTA, SISTA'S

When Sarah and Steven got married, I was asked to be a reader at the ceremony. 

I was given a passage from Corinthians that started...."Brothers and Sisters....."  I did the reading, I looked down at Sarah and Steven and I saw hope and promise.

At the end of the service, my sister, Lynn said, "how come we were raised in the same house, by the same parents, but you pronounce the word, "sister," as "sista" and I don't.  

Hmmm.   

This week, my "sista," Fritz came down to see us with her son, Joe.  What a good time we had.  We haven't seen Joe in a while, but, we truly enjoyed the time we spent together. 

Fritz and I visited a mansion, had lunch, watched our favorite TV shows, played cards and talked liked we haven't done in years.  

Fritz and I have a fun sister  relationship.  We spent most of our young years sharing a bedroom, that included sharing secrets, sharing parental frustrations, sharing school challenges in learning and sharing "the stuff"  that comes with youth.  

Years later, when Bill died, Fritz stepped up to the plate and told my parents that she was going to live with Jenna and I to help us get through the tough times.   She had a great job and I was struggling with money issues as I waited for the Texas State Board of Insurance to rule on my application for benefits.   Fritz took care of us.  For that period of my life, she was the big "sista."  She was my hero.

I was her maid of honor and Jenna was like a daughter to her.  We share memories of "Elton Jenna," wearing big sun glasses in the front seat of the car and "The Divine Miss M," the 3 year old redhead singing with an attitude.  

And so, my sista and I had fun.  Tony and Joe spent some quality time together at the beach.  Fritz and Joe cooked a meal for Tony and I and we all played "Cards Against Humanity," and laughed so hard at the silly answers we came up with.   We looked at model homes here in Compass Pointe and told the real estate agents that Fritz was thinking of moving down here.  There we were walking through houses worth $600K, like we could afford that!!  What fun. 

We took a river cruise, Fritz, Joe and Tony maneuvered the Lazy River and we just got back to basics.  We ate and ate and ate, not to mention, we drank  It was a nice visit. 

Sharing cooking secrets

Saying hello to her cooking fan base!

The serious chef!!

Tony on the Lazy River

Hot, hot, hot on the river cruise....just look at my hair!

Cruising the Cape Fear River, Joe, Tony, Fritz and Me

"Little Joe" and Fritz

Fritz telling us she is deaf.  Joe telling us she is goofy!

Me, Joe and my drippy hair

Joe, Fritz and Tony, on the river

Heading back to Leland to play cards and goof off