MSU

Keith is IN! MSU is getting a very bright and talented Freshman this fall.

Unfortunately, because of mess ups with the high school advisor, missed deadlines, miscommunication, Keith will not be in the School of Music this fall. Despite playing 11 instruments, he did not pass an audition that he only had 3 weeks prep for (and there not really being a seat for him) BUT he's going to try again in November. He did audition at Freshman orientation and will be in the Campus Band and will try out for the Basketball pep band in October.

He's on his way - now we just have to wait for the student loans and scholarships to pay for this.

He is so excited! And so are we. It will be weird not having him around, but we got used to Joe being out of the house, so at least we know what to expect. Empty nest is not a real issue for me. I still have a husband and 2 dogs. :) Joe is going to WMU this fall and living in Kalamazoo. They are both so grown up now. I'm very proud of both of them. I look at this as my next phase of growth and developement.

PLUG FOR THE KID...... Joe is going to be in "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Celery Flats Amplitheatre next weekend 7/29 - 7/31 and again the next weekend. Hope everyone gets to see it - should be good.

Sciatica

I'll bet you a dollar to a donut that at one point in your life you have had that clenching pain that radiates from your lumbar spine, across your butt cheek to your hip. If it's really intense, it'll run right down your leg, too. Sound familiar? For most of us, this is a temporary condition that resolves with rest, ibuprofen and a heating pad. But once in awhile, it's worse than that. Especially if you don't take it easy. If you favor the affected side you can make both of your hips hurt. Even worse, you can so irritate the nerves and muscles in your back and hips that a trip to the doctor may be needed. Sometimes, a lumbar disc is the culprit. This could mean additional medications, physical therapy and sometimes even surgery.

As with most conditions, early detection, treatment, following directions and taking responsibility for your health - your state of wellness - is of paramount importance. Take charge. Be your own advocate. Do what's necessary. No whining.

Got it?

Thought for the day: Only you can prevent a pain in the butt.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It's been a hectic few weeks and I'm not sure why. Our party is over, but we've been to at least 2 every weekend since and have another (the last) today.

The landscaping is a never-ending battle for Greg - he just ordered dozens of lillies, callas, and irises as well as decorative grasses. The area he plans to "redo" is our entire northern lot line. We're taking out the fruit tress we planted 10 years ago and putting in a planting bed with tall grasses to block our noisy neighbors. A tall fence would be better, but is very expensive. And Greg won't let me have the gun turrett ;-)

Business is picking up a bit and that creates more work for me as chief cook and bookkeeper. My job at the doctors' office is busy - patients are still patients. Keith has his busy social life plus working at the shop and helping at a farmers market on Saturdays. Joe is in rehearsal for "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Celery Flats Theatre later this summer. Greg has the shop and all his projects at home. Busy, busy, busy.......

Remember summer vacation? What happened? Do we have to retire before summer slows down again?

I hope not.