Tree roots in the sewer lines

For several years we were being visited and revisited with this plumbing problem. It seems that tree roots kept creeping into the sewer lines by the street and backing up into our downstairs bathroom. Either in late spring or fall we had to call out Mr. Plumber to eel out the pipes every year to the tune of several hundred $$$ each time. So last fall came and went without this usual routine event. I nervously anticipated the nasty event with every flush or shower. Spring arrives and is nearing its end as summer approaches. Still no need for our Plumber friend. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted that we can be rid of this ritual.

So without any scientifical proof or research I have developed a theory that coincides with the arrival of our recent family member. When we got Snickers back in July last year I decided to try flushable kitty litter for convenience sake. I have a sneaking suspicion that something in the kitty litter or in Snickers business is keeping those tree roots from growing into the sewer lines. Whether or not this is factual, it's my story and I'm sticking to it. Nice job Snickers.

Pool's Open!

From this:..............................To this:

The pool looks so inviting now that it is open. I'm just waiting now for mother nature to warm things up a bit before I jump in.

Hi Mom. It's me, Lily.

You came into my world the other day and instantly I knew that you were the human for me. I just couldn't imagine you leaving here without me. So here I am now, ready for you to spoil with hugs and kisses. Mom, you're so snuggly you just make me purrrr. Love Lily.

Karate Tournament Results

This weekend Ben adds three more trophies to his collection. First place forms, 2nd place weapons and 2nd place sparring and 2nd place in Grand Champions (that elusive 6' trophy!). He should be extremely proud of himself for another fine performance. He was up against alot of great competitors.

Sweet Smells of Spring

Childhood memories come wafting in my open window with the sweet scent of lilacs in bloom. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I love being able to let the fresh air in.

Tis the Season

The grass is growing, flowers are blooming and every corner you turn has YARD SALE signs popping up. Time to get in on all the action. I haven't had a yard sale in over 10 years. We started rooting through the closets and crawl space. Holy Moly. I can't get over how much stuff has accumulated. Here are a few things, brass knick knacks, movies, books, Archie comics, toys, clothes, mini trampoline and the list goes on as my livingroom gets taken over.



So hopefully the yard salers will come out in force on Saturday. It's supposed to be a gorgeous day.

Stars in Bloom

Here is the latest and greatest! Another challenging pattern that put me in to a serious bout of procrastination because of how time consuming the piecing was. Soon I will get this up on the frames for quilting. I really love the way the little stars spill out onto the border.

Trifle

Here is a light, easy dessert that is fun to make and the kids love. I've made these for my children's school classes when they have events, bake sales, projects or parties. I like to make them in the little plastic wine glasses so they are individual and easy to serve. Simply layer angel food cake, pudding ( I made some with chocolate and some with vanilla) cherry pie filling, then another layer of cake, cool whip, and a cherry on top. Voila, trifle.

Way down in Kokomo

This weekend's karate tournament took us to Kokomo, Indiana and as the song goes we got there fast and took it slow. Although it was one of the smallest tournaments Ben has competed at, his division was quite large as they grouped the brown and black belts together in his age group. This was a great experience for Ben as he gets closer towards the goal of achieving black belt status. He still placed at the top with a second in forms, 5th in weapons and 4th in sparring. Unfortunately we didn't get it on video. The rules were a bit different than Ben is accustomed to. He had to wear a face mask (which he never has done) and it was the kind that looks like a baseball umps mask...he couldn't see out of it. As well, the rules were extremely rigid with light or no contact. Ben is extremely aggressive in the ring and used to full contact. So, although it doesn't fly in Kokomo, he wowed everyone there with an amazing tornado kick to his opponent (would have gotten him 2 points on any other day) but got him DQ'd. He will always be the #1 karate kid in my eyes!

Another weekend, Another tournament

This weekend's tournament was a 2-day event. After a long drive Friday, Ben competed in the Weapons division and won 1st place. When we got back to the hotel we took in the feature cage match which was rather intense. Today Ben competed in forms and won another 1st place, sparring in his division gave him another 1st, and then he bumped up to the 15-17 year old division to find himself in 1st place again. Competing for grandchampions he was close but not to be this time. The competitors were all so amazing and the tournament ran quickly and smoothly. Way to go my karate kid!