Random Thoughts...Hugs

As a child, did your elders ever seem so big and tall to you. Like they could pick you up and just squeeze the life out of you when they would give you a hug? I loved those hugs. I miss those hugs. And then there is a point in your adult life that you go to hug one of your elders and they seem so fragile and delicate that you squeeze them gently to let them know you love them, but softly enough in order to avoid breaking them.
I have always wondered: When is it that you and your parents meet in the middle, that delicate balance when your hugs are equal? Equal strengths. Equal length. Equal height. What happens when you have your own children, and when do you "meet in the middle"? What about spouses? They are usually the same age and physical fitness level as you. So what's the perfect hug?
I figure, a hug us the shortest distance between two friends...and,
"A hug is a perfect gift. It's one-size fits all and no one minds if you exchange it."
Like I said...random thoughts. Go give someone a hug today. (Not at work, that's "objectionable behavior" if it's unwanted, lol.)

Look Who Popped Open Last Night..

"Good Morning Lilly!"
Click on picture to make bigger.
Aren't God's creations amazing?!

Spinach-Pasta Toss

Prep Time: 5 min; Total Time: 25 min

Ingredients:
1 can (14.5 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked

1 cup water

1 pkg. (9 oz.) baby spinach leaves

1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Italian* Three Cheese Blend

BRING tomatoes, pasta and water to boil in large saucepan; stir. Cover; simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or just until pasta is tender.
ADD 1/2 of spinach; simmer, covered, 2 min. or until wilted. Stir. Repeat with remaining spinach.
SERVE topped with cheese.

(I used Emery's asparagus and mozzarella cheese. We used it as a side dish with Italian-seasoned chicken breasts, but you can also cut the meat up and throw in with the pasta. Mmm-mmm good & fast!)

Words of Wisdom (or just experience)?

"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided." - Casey Stengel

I love Saturdays.

I love Saturdays. I sleep in until 6:30, make a pot of extra-strength coffee, catch up on blogging & emails, and stay in my pjs until 9. We only have 6 television channels, so the Saturday morning shows stink. On the other hand, I get my do-to list prepared for the rest of the day/wkend/week and spend time in the quiet, listening to the birdies instead of telephones and knocks on my door. I just thought I'd share my not-so-deep thought with you. Have a happy weekend. : )

"Honey, Whatcha Doing?"

Do you ever wonder what your husband does outdoors when you're not watching? If he's anything like mine, he's probably building, cleaning, cutting, or moving something. Last year we had sand delivered, and since we didn't use it all, David built an 8' x 8' sand box. You can see how big it is. He did an excellent job @ reinforcing the frame & I think the hardest part was shoveling the 20 truck loads of sand and moving it from point A to point B (see pics L-R). He did it over the weekend of June 6th, but now it's not sitting in the yard anymore. Good job, Hon!

Ahhh! How sweet!

I'm playing catch-up journaling:
During the last week in May, I come to work & unlock my office door. The first thing I notice, even before turning on the light, is this wonderful fragrance in my office. I look over at my desk and there are these beautiful hydrangeas there with a card. I read the card, once, twice, three times and it finally sinks in that they are from my oldest brother Derik (he did sign the card, but it took me by such surprise). In the card, he was congratulating me on my new job I took back in April, saying how proud he was of me. My heart just melted. What an awesome way to start your day. Thank you Derik for being so thoughtful. The ladies at work were there when he dropped them off the night before and were telling me, "...what a nice brother you have", "and handsome too."

Grow Baby Grow

Planted our garden 06/14/2009. Radishes and kohlrabi already poking through. Still have to get the peas & beans in yet (they're soaking in the house for early sprouts). From memory: We have pumpkins, zucchini squash, broccoli, cukes, radishes, yellow onions, green onions, peppers, lettuce, spinach, beans, peas, rutgers tomatoes, carrots, cherry tomatoes, & kohlrabi planted. We stick with what we like and always try something new.

Fun Pics of J&J's Wedding

Introducing Mr & Mrs Parks

David's baby sister got engaged July 4, 2008 & became Mrs Verne Parks on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009. Jen & Jr planned the wedding to perfection. (Red, white, & blue seems fitting since Jr is in the National Guards & considering the date he proposed!) Here are a few pics I would like to share. Click on images to make larger.

Movie

We rented The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night. I highly recommend it. Slightly predictable, but still heart warming and finally a 'different' story. It was originally a 1921 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Here's a quote I stole from the movie that I liked:
"You can be mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the Fates. But when it comes to the end, you have to let go."

Christi the Movie Critic?

So David & I rented a couple of films recently. Here's what I thought: The Grudge 3 = lame. It was like a watered down version of The Grudge meets The Shining. The ending was creative. If you watch how the directors and producers made the movie, the end becomes even more interesting. However it seems to take a long time to get to it.

Underworld 2 (#3 just came out, but we're catching up): highly recommend. If you like Vampire/Ware wolf movies or just action flicks, you'll like this one. My sis-in-law, Jackie, went to #3 and recommended that one as well.
It was scary-movie type of night.

A Picture's Worth...

We miss you, Dad. Love, DeDee Mickey Maki Tiny Little Mouse

Dad's Roses

These are the roses that were sent to Dad's service from his work. Nearly two weeks later, they're still opening up.

Ruby Wren & William Lonny 5/10/2009

"Who can be sad with a baby around?" (Pictures taken @ Dad's after the service. These are the two cousins getting reacquainted.)

Blah-g

It has been one week since my dear Dad's funeral. 10 days since his unexpected passing. We have been blessed with many phone calls and touching sympathy cards. It's really nice knowing how many people Dad effected. I apologize for not posting anything interesting or fun, but I am not interesting or fun at this point in my life. I feel just, oh I don't know, I guess "exhausted" is the best word to describe it. Numb. Empty.

Here, I'll post something to give you a smile:

First celebrity to die of the Swine Flu. (And we all know who the carrier is!)

I wonder if Dad's in Heaven, bugging Jim Hansen to do the Kermet-the-Frog voice. I guess we'll never know, not in this lifetime at least.

Lon J. Maki

Lon J. Maki
April 28, 1947 …#8221; May 5, 2009
Published: Thursday, May 7, 2009 6:09 AM CDT
Lon J. Maki, 62, of Goodland, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing.Lonny was born on April 28, 1947, in Grand Rapids to Imo and Delores (Post) Maki. He grew up in Hibbing and moved to Goodland in his senior year graduating from Nashwauk High School. Following graduation, he entered the Air Force, was stationed in Taiwan and received an honorable discharge after his service.
When he returned home Lonny started to work for Minntac as an electrician apprentice and gained his journeyman status. Lon also worked at Butler Taconite & retired from National Steel in 2003.
He is survived by three children: Derik (Kelly) Schaefer, Troy (Heather) Maki, & Christi (David) Brooks. Two grandchildren Ruby Wren and William Lonny. Mother of his children: Sharon Konen. Brother: Lynn Maki. Niece Elizabeth Combs. Nephew: Eric Maki.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Imo & Delores (Post) Maki and stepfather, Roy Carlson.
Services: Held 2 pm Saturday, May9th 2009 at Goodland Community Center. The Rev. Roger Waid will officiate.

Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, and sent cards.

Prayers Needed

I have a loved one, someone very close to my heart, who is very ill. Please say a prayer for him that he will be blessed with healing and the anointing touch of God. Thank you in advance.

Happy Birthday

Happy 62nd Birthday Dad! We love you!

Mommmacita is Home

My mom came home this past weekend after being gone to South Padre Island since Nov 16, 2008. They had a good time while in Texas and even got to see her sister while she was down there. This is a picture of their Christmas card after a fishing trip. They drove home, hauling a trailer full of their stuff as well as some fish & shrimp they caught. Wish they would have brought the sunshine & warmth with them too. It's only 50-degrees today! Anyhow, welcome home Mom & Earl!