yes, camping

without a doubt, if I had to do real camping I would be eaten by a bear. I am completely without skills in this area. But the good thing is that I have no desire to acquire them. We went to a graduation, pig roast and camp out. And decided to be good sports and camp. After many iPhone photos and possibly 5 phone calls to the tent owners and some help the tent was up. John never tent camped and the last time I did it was a canvas tent with a pole in the center. I doubt I had anything to do with putting it up.

We did camp in comfort though with a fan, lamp, table, rug, queen sized blow up mattress, nice linens etc. It even got cool at night. It was a nice time great food, good tunes, fireworks... but in the future I think I'll stick to drawing tents.

(Thanks for the loan of the tent Lois, it was nice and big and very comfy.)

gone camping

No really, I've gone camping. And those who know me know that I don't camp. There has to be a blog post in this somewhere. Happy 4th!

best father's day gift ever

Father's Day was really fun with everyone here for brunch. And this was Matt's gift to John. Totally fun and creative gift.

Top photo: John (23) Matt (4 mos.)

Bottom photo: Matt (35) Jackson (4 mos.) Mustache fake... Photo priceless.

will work for... ah... money....

If you need a handsome polished businessman, a fun-loving traveler, a grandpa or a goofball for print, video, internet or voice work you should hire my husband John at Walks, Talks and Chews Gum.

He also works well with children as he is one himself.

He might also work for golf too. I don't know you'd have to ask him.

betty's alligator purse...

At least I have always thought it was alligator, but what would I know since I am not an animal hide aficionado. My Mom always dressed well. In her day she was a 'purse matches your shoes' kind of fashionista.

I always loved this purse. Normally it is on a bookshelf in the guest room. My friend Janette who was here recently asked why I don't use it. And I had no reason. We had a Valentine's cocktail party to go to and I did use this purse.

And that would have pleased Mom.

jackson ganahl

John and I are grandparents!!!!!!!!! Little Jackson arrived about noon on Monday. Everyone is doing well. They came home from the hospital Wednesday and we were going to go down Thursday. But I have a sinus infection and John has now come down with a cold. So we are going to have to wait. But we talk about him every minute of the day!

(Jackson, we are SO glad you finally got here. And I knew all along that you were a little boy. We can't wait to meet you! kisses, G Mom)

3 cakes... yes 3 birthday cakes...

For some reason John managed to score 3, yes 3 birthday cakes... Mine was the last one and it was lemon and a martha recipe. And it was very good. And on his birthday he got to go roller skating. A good time was had by all.

(photos taken on the iPhone and enhanced in PictureShow.)

Big News!

Rae: I have some news, really exciting news and I have managed to do as I was told and kept it a secret... and so has old Loose Lips Ganahl. Or has he...? maybe everyone already knows...? maybe all of you out there in cyberspace already know and it is purely an afterthought that I share... John: Loose Lips? Just because I "outed" almost all, OK, all my gay friends???? I mean, it was totally an accident. But no, I have been a good secret keeper this time. I have told no one...

Rae:  ... that we we are going to be grandparents! Sometime in late January, Matt and Jen are going to have a baby!

John: I am thinking about a treehouse off our bedroom balcony... and all kinds of things I can teach the little one like golf, the farmer blow, using your body to make unusual sounds... and other stuff that maybe I shouldn't mention or Jen may never let the little one come visit us. But then again, she married Matt and he and Ryan are my direct descendants! So she should know first hand what kind of influence I have been.

Rae: I am more concerned with what I will be called. A friend years ago told me that this was something to give thought to. As she was known as Tractor Grandma, not to be confused with Packer Grandma. Yup, you guessed it. Sue's husband John has his uncle or dad's old tractor and the other grandparents are Packer fans.

So what do you all think? Grandma Kaiser was MY grandma and I don't have gray hair and wear black crepe dresses every day so that can't be it. My Mom was Mutti to the grandkids, so I can't be that or Nana or any grandma sounding name...

I want something fun.

John suggests Babs... but I am not a Babs. My friend Julie is a Babs but not me. I have a friend whose kids call her Cinderella so that one is taken too. Any thoughts?

John:  I hope to be "Papa G" which Ryan's pool playing buddies call me. (Cuz Ryan is just "G") I like it and hope the baby catches on. That said, I can be any old grunt or burp the baby chooses to assign to me.

Rae: I am serious about needing help here. Plz leave suggestions in the comments section... friends, family and total strangers are welcome to weight in. I don't want to end up Font Grandma.

John: First and foremost, I/we are SO happy for Matt and Jen. They will make wonderful parents. Let's hope Jen's good influence can counteract and questionable influences from Papa G, G, and the baby's father! (Gawd, I'm almost hoping it's a girl so the corruption can appear so...unexpected!)  :)  And one last serious note from me...I hope Jen knows, and I'm fairly certain she does, that this child will be in the best of hands with me. No worries, dear.