Saturday, February 27, 2010

We're back and no longer "winter weary"

We have returned from our winter vacation of a lifetime. But first, I want to make a plug for the best travel agency in our area. Four Seasons Travel in Harlan, Iowa did us well. We've never had a vacation go so well. As none of us six have ever traveled to Hawaii; we put it in Dori's hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Now, we have all suffered from people gloating after they have been to Hawaii.

Please, forgive me because I have became one of them. Sorry!!!

But, I'm not going to talk about how adorable our grandkids are on the beach at Maui. Or the fun at the Luau, or the thrill of whale watching.

My greatest thrill was to be able to enjoy all this with my family. I know many, many people who go on vacations to escape their family. What a blessing to travel with your family and have the greatest of times.

Aloha. (Sorry again, couldn't help myself.)



Wednesday, February 17, 2010

"I'm leaving on a jet plane......"

 "but, I'll know when I get back again." Next week. Early tomorrow morning, Ron, I and daughter Stef with her family are going to Hawaii for a week. We've been planning this forever and we certainly picked a good winter to leave Iowa. We've seen nothing but snow, snow and more snow for months.

Last night I was making out my "to do" list for today. I noticed how things have changed these last few years. It used to be just being sure the camera had fresh batteries. Now I'm spending the day packing (that never changes) but also making sure Ron's phone is charged, my  phone is charged, both of our iPods are newly downloaded and charged. I've got my Kindle downloaded with new books and charged. And, oh yes. the camera's battery is charged. Whew.

I know for sure grandson, Cole, has his DS charged. Can't leave home without it.

Another sign of the times. This is the first I have ever packed one of those weekly pill boxes for myself. That's so gramma doesn't forget her medicine and vitamins.

See you next week.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Rubi J is featured in the Big Apple

A few months ago, I was contacted by a staff writer for Beauty News, New York. They are an online beauty magazine catering to the New York metro area. Patricia, who researches products for tweens, wanted to sample my Animal Tails tees for girls. She liked our concept and, after receiving our product, loved it enough to write about us in the February issue under the Metro Mom and Babies section.

To see the article, go to http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/.

Monday, February 8, 2010

What's a Cerulean Warbler?

That was my question when I first saw this cute Animal Tails organic cotton t-shirt. If I would just stop to think: cerulean is a shade of blue, warbler is a songbird. Simple; a blue songbird.

Because of its declining population, this beautiful little bird is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.












This charming girl's top is Rubi J's current Special of the Day at http://www.rubij.com/. Here's what the hang tag says:
"I live in North America in old deciduous forests, and migrate to the Andes in South America for my summer holidays. I am a real dare devil, I bungee jump out of my nest, and only open my wings when right underneath. I'm into recycling - if I need to remake my nest, I always take the bits of spider web I used to make the first nest.

Male cerulean warblers love to spend the day singing in the tree tops. They help find nesting space by following the females singing softly in a whisper. The male also guards the nest when the female goes off hunting.

My population plummeted in the 1990s, and continues to fall due to felling of forests for coffee plantations. I need the forest to live and feed off all the insects - it would be okay if I liked coffee..... but bugs are my thing!"

The Audubon Society reports a quarter of U.S. birds are in decline. Now for the good news. We can all help. Birds rebound nicely when their environment improves. We can all start our own backyard conservation. Research on the web which birds are common to your area (easy with Google). Then, plant a tree, bush or flowers that attract them. Simple, yet effective. A great project this summer of the kids.

Here's my BBF, Julieanna, at the zoo with her Animal Tails t-shirt and broken arm. She was jumping on the bed and missed. The cast didn't slow her down. She's my little songbird.

Friday, February 5, 2010

A Grandmother's Rambling

This will probably mean nothing to you; but I needed to air my gratitude. I catch myself complaining about this Iowa winter with yet another 5-7 inches today. Whoa! Stop! What was I thinking? I am so blessed.

I have two grandchildren. My wonderful daughter and endearing son-in-law have given Ron and me the most unblievable children to love. Let me try to describe them:
First born, Alex:
One word:
JOY: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness; delightful.
That's my Alex. Her sweetness, her humor, her laugh (or giggle) overwhelms me.
I know I am a better person because she is in my life.





Next; Cole
One word:
ADVENTURE: an unusal and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. That's Cole. I don't need to say more. It's alway a wonderful adventure when I with him.

So, if you ever catch me complaining again; please, just say "Joy" or "Adventure". I'll know what you mean.