A colorful garden

Shaun and I had the opportunity to spend some time in the garden with our friend Iris Prins today. When we lived across the street I would spend hours talking and looking at whatever flowers or plants were blooming. Shaun and I arrived to find Iris in her usual place tending her garden.

We spent a while catching up on what has been going on in our lives lately and reminiscing about years gone by. Shaun and Iris had a nice chat while I took a bunch of photos of my favorite flowers in her garden, which are the Black-eyed Susans. They have great color and variety and last most to the summer. I have posted the photos under Iris’ garden.

I moved from Holland four years ago and there are a lot of things I do not miss. I don’t miss the noise, traffic and lack of open space. I do however miss living near my friend Iris and the garden that has almost taken over her whole yard. I miss looking out my front window to view a sea of color in Iris’ garden across the street. The spring would bring tulips and daffodils. Summer would bring my favorite Black-eyed Susans and other treasures of color. Fall would bring chrysanthemums and autumn leaves of color on all the trees. All winter I would think about the beauty of spring coming when the snow melted and Iris’ flowers would be blooming.

I miss the garden and the opportunity to visit my friend and discuss what is going on in our lives and well as what is happening in the world. I enjoyed catching up today and look forward to another visit soon.

It's not a party until something or someone is broke.

Its not a party until something is broke (or so they say). Well this time the broken thing was my hand. It is funny how driving a tent stake through your hand hampers your ability to prepare for a party. I found that doing even the simplest things with the other hand is somewhat cumbersome. The show must go on and it did with a little help from our friends at the pharmaceutical company who makes Motrin. I will appreciate having both hands to make things like cleaning the floor and chopping veggies a simpler process. I am lucky I did not chop off a finger attempting this. I would like to thank everyone for coming and helping me along the way. Not just Saturday but through the years it has taken to come to this point.

Thank you to the following:

Shaun – Thanks for letting me finish my work even though you want to go golfing or play games with me. No more papers we can now play :)

Mom and Dad –Thanks for helping me financially and emotionally with my educational needs. Thanks for having letting Shaun hang out with you guys so I could do homework. Thanks again for getting him to the bus and off even when the cat had to ride along.

Lisa & Joe – Thanks for encouragement and support to accomplish my goals. Thanks for helping me keep Shaun busy so I could do home work. Especially up north when I would have rather hung out with you guys at the water or what ever you were doing.

Shannon- Thanks for listening to all my school issues for all the years it has taken to “get her done” I may still need the sign. Thanks for the Far Side and stuff from all you guys. Don’t worry Lexie I haven’t forgotten your birthday.

All other friends and family thanks for you help :)

It was time to put a finish on a journey that has taken a long time to finish and the hand damage is a reminder that most things in life worth our time are not without some difficulty or pain. I used the party as an excuse to get the house in a little better order and we have started but it’s a good thing you did not open every closet. I should have been more organized while I was going to school however there never seemed to be enough time and there was always a paper to write or a need to spend time doing something more fun with Shaun. Now I need to focus on finding a way to use the education to make my and Shaun’s lives a little better.

Thanks again for the presents and your company Saturday. I had a great time and we don’t need to have a party for you all to come to our house. I know we are all busy but friends and family are the important things we have in this life and we need to enjoy each other. So come on out and enjoy the woods.

Graduation Party

Finally done book learnin’ !!! Now all we need to do is have a celebration to mark the occasion. It is awesome not having a paper or project due when I want to golf or just chill. I won’t have to choose between spending time with Shaun or doing homework. I usually spent time with Shaun and did the work after he went to sleep or got up early before work or on weekend days to catch up. What a relief not having a school hanging over my head all the time.

The house has been a perpetual disaster since starting University of Phoenix. Now I have no excuse for being unorganized with my “extra” time my life should be a little less chaotic. I will need Shaun's help to organize his room. With a party only a few days away I need to get busy getting organized and move on.

The party will be at my house 10521 Pierce Street on Saturday the 17th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm or until the coyotes start to howl.

Driving directions from Holland: Take Waverly (120th) North to Fillmore Turn West (Right) Fillmore to 104th Ave Turn North (Left) 104th to Pierce Turn West (Left) First drive on the Right (Can’t see the house from the road).

Driving directions from Zeeland: Take State (96th) North to Fillmore Turn East (Left) Fillmore to 104th Ave Turn North (Right) 104th to Pierce Turn West (Left) First drive on the Right (Can’t see the house from the road).

Driving directions from Muskegon: Take (31South) To M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) East (Left through Michigan turn) M-45 to 104th Ave Turn South (Right) to Pierce Street Turn West (Right) First drive on the Right (Can’t see the house from the road)


Driving directions from Grand Rapids: M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) through Allendale Continue on M-45 to 104th Ave Turn South (Left) to Pierce Street Turn West (Right) First drive on the Right (Can’t see the house from the road)

Lake Michigan Sunset

It was another great sunset at Lake Michigan. Shaun and I love to go out to the lighthouse and watch the sun set. I would not have believed that the kids would swim on Memorial weekend. Shaun was even in Lake Michigan. It was cold on my feet, however the air was hot and if felt refreshing.

It took a long time but at age 41 I am finally a college graduate. Graduation was a great experience and a relief after a long journey. Now on to other things! Thanks Dad, Lisa, Shaun, and Aniken for coming and sharing an important day in my life.