Friday, December 04, 2009

International Border Crossing

Another part of my childhood included International Border Crossings between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Mom and Dad had friends who lived in Windsor and the surrounding areas, so a Saturday or Sunday trip over was a common occurrence.

This video is of an Ambassador Bridge crossing. I remember the little green toll booths, car inspection, and more than a few times the inspector saying he would keep me until my family came back through to head home! Although I know now that he was only joking, back then I must say it made me very nervous. (Government officials for either Country were serious business!)

I can remember the bridge shaking when traffic was heavy and always wanting to take the tunnel instead. Dad would tell stories of playing on the bridge when he was young. Foot traffic was allowed then and he would fly paper airplanes from the bridge or try to drop bouncy balls on the passing ships. He and his friends probably were the ones responsible for foot traffic being stopped!

Monday, November 30, 2009

While I'm glancing back at the 70s...

This was my dream car! I can remember climbing into the driver's seat of a 1974 Javelin in the AMC showroom and dreaming of that far off day of actually having a driver's license. I thought this car was the most amazing machine ever built.

My family spent a lot of time (and I do mean a lot!) in various car dealer showrooms and car lots. To say my dad loved cars is an understatement. No mistaking his being from Detroit. For whatever reason, he got on a kick for American Motors cars. We ended up owning a red Hornet Sportabout as our family car; but I never lost the feeling of climbing into the Javelin and falling in love ... with a car.

Guess I'm my Daddy's girl. :)

Friday, November 27, 2009

Memories of Thanksgiving Past

This was part of my Thanksgiving Day in 1973!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Cookie Recipe from a non-cookie baker

I've never been good at making cookies, but my life changed after discovering this easy recipe. Enjoy this one for quick holiday treats.

1 box cake mix (your choice)
1 egg
1 stick butter melted
Optional ingredients according to your tastes: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, caramel bites, raisins, etc. options really are limitless

Blend all ingredients. Form into balls and place on cookie sheets. Flatten with spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy! (dough can also be frozen for baking at a later date)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

It's Christmas Time

The sun is shining brightly here in Tennessee. The temps will be mild today. Not exactly Christmas time weather, but today the festivities begin nonetheless. The house goes through a major cleaning (well, maybe minor, at least there will be a general straightening of things.) The tree goes up, decorations brought out, star on top of the tree - not sure who's turn it is is this year, but it's safe to say I'm the only member of the family who still needs a chair to reach the top :). Christmas music is playing in the background, pumpkin bread may or may not go into the oven, but at least the candles will lend a holiday scent to the atmosphere.

Even though my girls are grown, our household still loves the wonder and magic of Christmas. No toys have been under the tree in years. (Video games don't count, do they?) Everyone will sleep a little later on Christmas morning than say, 10 years ago. Our faith is our family foundation and holidays always help us to refocus and bring balance back to our hectic lives.

Please don't think I've by-passed Thanksgiving though. Our holiday season really begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and we celebrate life, love, family, and our faith throughout the year. The holidays just help us focus a little more on home and hearth. (We could probably back the time frame up to Halloween to be honest.) Thanksgiving morning I will be up early to put the turkey in the oven and enjoy a cup of coffee and quiet time before everyone else gathers for the parades. Then it's off to my in-laws home for a larger family gathering. I tend to miss my parents more than ever at the holidays. I can't believe they both have been gone for 10+ years now.

Still trying to talk my brother in to going home to the D for skating at Campus Martius Park.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Well done!

If you haven't had a chance to watch "Glee" you're missing something great! Enjoy.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy the fun!