The new place

Closed Thursday - it snowed Saturday 6". Good thing was I got to meet three neighbors who are all very nice.

2012!!!???

Here it is January 19, 2012 already and I haven't written in here in literally months! How quickly time flies...
Had a wonderful Xmas with family which now includes my future daughter-in-law and step-granddaughter, four-legged Belle who is adorable. Kiera doesn't quite agree with me on that but hopefully will in time.
Today was the closing on my house, also here in Hawthorne. I'll do some renovations then (hopefully) rent it out for a year. That gives my dtr and hubby time to decide what they want to do about acquiring more badly-needed space.
Starting off tomorrow with two important men in my life: the plumber and reglazer! And more to follow LOL

Half Way Through November

Can't believe we had snow on the ground for Halloween this year! Cat Monster and Sly Cooper didn't mind though. The leaves have finally turned color and will soon be gone.

A Boy and His Mima's Dog

Andre (5-1/2) and Kiera (1-1/2) are finally at the age where they can play together.

Rainy Day Play

Sophia's rainy day hideout

Tie Dying

Andre's Kindergarten class has a theme every day the other day it was "tie-dye" day. Sophia helped and we made him a tie-dye shirt.

Dancing

Grandkiddies love to dance to the music on Mima's keyboard!

Inside and Outside Animals Residing at Our House

This bunny has taken up residence in the bushes at the front of the house by the steps. Kiera of course prefers to sleep on my (her?) bed.

New York Aquarium in Brooklyn

We had a great time at the aquarium the other day and stopped at Nathan's for the best hot dogs and fries!!

Kindergarten

Andre started Kindergarten Sept 7th. It was raining so they had to line up in the cafeteria with the first and second graders. Very crowded with all the parents. He went off with his class just fine and it's going well.

Hurricane Irene 8.28.11

This my friend's backyard and basement on 8.30.11 after Hurricane Irene Sunday 8.28.11

World Trade Center

Pics taken last week. 4 WTC on the right; Freedom Tower under construction. My friend and I went to lunch at South Street Seaport. The blouse she wore was too hot so she bought a New York T-Shirt. I had my camera. Real tourists!

Lego Animals

We went to the Bronx Zoo last Thursday had a great time. They are having displays of Lego animals just amazing! Can't imagine how much time it took to put them together.

Bunnies

Bunnies chomping on grass in the backyard. They know when Kiera isn't outside.

New fencing

Carl put up our fencing and gates on Monday. Kiera can once again use the backyard - a real plus when it was 100 deg yesterday! We'd both have wilted if we had to go for walks neither of us like the heat. Shaun's shrubs in pots are now safe. Kiera did, however, try to run around the yard with the hose.

Loving Kettlebell Classes

Never thought I'd be able to press two 18 lb bells! Rather proud of myself considering I'm now classified as "geriatric" LOL.

Independence Day 7.4.11

Had a pleasant time at the pool this afternoon w/daughter and grandkiddies. First time we've not gone to the town parade but it was 89 degrees and the pool was calling us. As a senior I pay nothing can't beat that price!

Graduation from Pre-K

Hard to believe my grandson will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. Here he is getting his diploma from Pre-K.

Kiera's Diet

Just when I thought Kiera was doing so well not chewing I found her in the bedroom Monday night having chewed a hole in a sheet, mattress cover and a piece of the comforter...waiting for the pieces to "emerge" or else it's a trip to the vet.

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. Miss my dad and my mom. Every so often something happens and I think how nice it would be to tell them about it. The grandkiddies were playing outside this morning on a new game their mom bought them. It's a water hopscotch - soon as you jump on a square it squirts water. We got soaked it was a lot of fun! Need to get a picture of them playing on it.

Annie's been gone a year today

Can't believe it was a year ago today we had to let our dear sweet Annie go. Still miss her so much. She loved sitting on the deck. The pic of her in the leaves is one of the best.

NorthJersey.com article

This was part of an article about an interview with my kettlebell instructor and his wife, also an instructor, about their training at Jersey Strength Systems. It appeared June 1, 2011. Guess who the grandma is they are talking about...!

While Joe and Melissa have had many success stories over their years as trainers, it’s hard to pick one story that stands out. But they are able to talk about several instances when they've helped people who are serious about their fitness.
"We’ve had great success helping people get back to doing the things they love," said Joe. "For instance, we’ve helped a power lifter and wrestler return to the sports they love through post rehabilitative exercise using kettlebells. We have also used kettlebells to help a 67-year-old grandmother become stronger and more mobile than women half her age. And, we've helped many people improve their confidence by making them stronger and happier with the way their bodies look and feel."

Memorial Day 5.30.11

This morning we went to the Bronx Zoo to meet w/friends of Stef - the mother is a co-worker of hers and the children go to daycare together. As there had been an earlier thunderstorm the monorail was unfortunately not going to run until Noon to give the rail time to dry out. In the high 80's but not too bad under the trees. The children had fun. What a lovely place.

Aerosmith

Not sure if the radio station I listen to is playing "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" because Steven Tyler's on American Idol now but love the song - check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0kFNUP4P4
Diane Warren wrote the song and Aerosmith recorded it for the movie Armageddon (which I've never seen).

Two Years Old Already

One realizes how quickly time passes when you see how quickly the wee ones are growing. Sophia turned two on May 14th. The party was in the backyard she and Andre got to play with cousins and a few friends. The rain held off until the party was over thank goodness!