Great photos!!  Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 06/21 at 10:12 PM

Congratulations Louann & Nadine, how proud you must be and what beautiful families.

Lulubell, you make me nervous, eek!  When I first saw the gator I thought for sure it was stuffed and just a lawn ornament.  I think Captain Hook would NEVER believe there is a friendly gator.

You each look lovely in your silver.

Posted by Marisa on 06/22 at 06:04 AM

these are fun!! congrats to you nadine you’ll do this again in 4 years!!! only it will be high school and college!!!whoo hoo

marissa thanks for sharing the napa shots ..have not been up there in years…

and then the crocodile...wow..hope he’s not a pair of shoes now…

oh yea and everyones hair looks grAyt!!!!

Posted by louann on 06/22 at 06:05 AM

Louann...congrats to you too - what a great looking family! Four years from now when I do it all again I’m sure my hair will be a LOT grayer (and not because I’ve finally gotten rid of all the dyed ends)!

Lulubell...that pink color with your tan and your silver is just beautiful!

Marisa...wish I could see your hair up closer - it looks like it has grown quite a bit. The color is great!

Thanks, Diana, for setting up this new page. Would love to see more photos from everyone!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 06/22 at 06:58 AM

You’re welcome. . . now we’re waiting for more! I love seeing what everybody’s doing in the summer. Proving the point that gray-hairs don’t stay home and stick to their knitting! Ok, there’s nothing wrong with knitting! Don’t write in!

We’re fine tuning this page a little, some of the pics look blurry to me. But while we’re working on it, no need to keep it from view.

PS—oh, that gator’s gotta be a fake! Right, Lulubell???? Either that, or you two are nuts!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/22 at 07:21 AM

Hi Nadine, I’ll try to send an update soon to Second Semester 08.  Thanks for the compliment.

Posted by Marisa on 06/22 at 08:20 AM

Look how much fun everyone is having!!!  These are wonderful pictures!  What beautiful silver sisters I have!!  Thanks for sharing!!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 06/22 at 08:24 AM

Wooow, Such a nice pictures....Congratulations Louann!! Handsome boy...And you too,Nadine:you must be sooo proud too...Lulubell...O my..please be careful,this give me the shivers!And Marisa;what has your hair grown..
Thank you all,very nice to see these pictures.
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 06/22 at 10:33 AM

O,now i see the alligator isnt real..how could i think that it IS real..
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 06/22 at 10:37 AM

Well. . . sometimes things get screwy on a site. The pictures should NOT have appeared back at Café Gray. And only two of the comments wound up there. This particular chat has now been eliminated (sorry, we did lose those two comments relating to this story), but now this is the only Happy Dayz headquarters on the site.

I’ll remind you here what I mentioned there—if your pics include family, make sure you have their permission to send them in. If they include friends, sorry, they will not be posted. Some people change their minds about being on the internet, even if they originally say OK.

As usual, OZ retains sole discretion about what pictures, comments and captions will be included.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/22 at 02:43 PM

Fooey, Goldie and I were having some fun but as Forrest Gump said, “It happens”.

Posted by Marisa on 06/22 at 03:00 PM

Thanks everyone for sharing the great pictures! 

Posted by jules on 06/22 at 03:32 PM

Congratulations Nadine and Louann on those graduations, what beautiful families you both have. It’s great to see you both out and about Marisa and Lulubell....I’m not convinced about a friendly gator either!

Posted by Christie on 06/22 at 04:20 PM

Nadine:  Your daughters are as cute as you (not a surprise!) - what a great picture of all of you! 

Terri

Posted by Tania777 on 06/23 at 04:39 AM

Thanks, Terri! And thank you to everyone else for your wishes and compliments. They are really are as good as they are cute, even if they are not as supportive of my going gray as I would like them to be (but they are coming around!).

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 06/23 at 05:44 AM

Everyone looks great!

Nadine~ good job!  “mom’s hair” did look great! 

Louann~ congrats! isn’t it funny to have to look up at those little guys?

Marisa and Lulu~ great nature shots...although the tree looks a lot safer!  Marisa, your hair has grown so much!

Helen

Posted by Thisyear on 06/23 at 06:34 PM

Diana-
Thanks so much for the article on seaweed hair!!  I just called and ordered the Matrix product to take on vacation!!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 06/24 at 07:08 AM

Marissa,

You look fabulous!

AnaB

Posted by anab on 06/24 at 05:43 PM

Louann and Nadine, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 

Lulubell, ARE YOU CRAZY???????

AnaB

Posted by anab on 06/24 at 05:45 PM

helen...i have to look up to ALL of them now ...and i don’t consider myself a shrimp at 5’7...(if i stand up straight)!!
ahhhh aging....ain’t it graYt???

Posted by louann on 06/24 at 06:53 PM

Ana~ Congrats to you and your daughter.  Your hair looks lovely!  And your daughter is beautiful!  I can definitely see the resemblance to you.

great grays

Posted by Aziza on 06/25 at 08:08 AM

Helen, thanks for the compliment!

Ana, thank you for the congrats and the same to you and your daughter. Your hair looks great and I really like the longer length. Good luck with your move to Florida - can’t wait to see more pics when you get settled (and when we can see your pretty face again!).

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 06/25 at 10:13 AM

Wow, I’m asking everyone to sign their posts with where their pics are and I keep forgetting! Sorry, again!

Nadine
Newbie ‘09 First Semester

Posted by lookingrayt on 06/25 at 10:16 AM

congrats felicia and proud mom too!!! happy road trip ana be safe and check in OFTEN !!!

Posted by louann on 06/25 at 06:44 PM

I just love all the pics here!!  Louann, great shots of you and your family! Your hair seems longer to me, are you growing it out??  Ana you and your Daughter look a lot alike (except for the hair that is) Maybe we will get a chance to meet in Florida this fall (if we are close enough!) Nadine, wow, such lovely girls!  You must have some interesting days with three young ladies around the house, my Husband deserves an award for living in a house full of women for too many years!!  Marisa your hair really seems to have grown out a lot also and the color is so pretty! Do you plan to keep growing??  I can’t wait to see more photos here!

Posted by lulubell on 06/26 at 05:35 AM

Oh Ana, I love this picture.  You’re daughter is beautiful and your hair looks fabulous.  Congratulations on the grad and to the grad.

Thanks for the compliments Ana and Lulubell.  I’m definately going to continue growing out my hair and I’m loving the color - in most lights . 

I’m off to visit my friend in Austin for her birthday.  Gee, anyone would thing I’m a jet setter with how much I’ve been traveling about - Napa, camping, and now this, I wish. Trust me it’s all on a very tight budget, otherwise why on earth would I take three rambunctious boys camping .  There’s a story there but it’ll have to wait for another time.   I’m finally, after almost two weeks, at a point where I’ve stopped fumming (sp?)about it and maybe one day I’ll even laugh about it.

Posted by Marisa on 06/26 at 06:24 AM

Oh Marisa, I can’t wait for you to tell “that” story!  You are welcome!!  I am growing my hair out also and it is at the stage where it pretty much has no apparent style so I am back to hats again!!

Posted by lulubell on 06/26 at 06:53 AM

Hey, Lulubell—welcome back! We missed you and your bubbly comments. Need a hat? Plan a Silver Sisters Meet!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/26 at 10:17 AM

Testing. . .

Posted by Diana Jewell on 06/29 at 04:29 PM

Testing Too!     Hey Marisa, how about the snort lady Please, I need to know!  And about that story............ 

Posted by lulubell on 06/29 at 04:35 PM

Hi everyone
I love the photos. Thank you so much for sharing your family momments with us.

Everyone looks so happy! I love it.

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/29 at 04:55 PM

Hey there Katie, are you having thunderstorms up your way???  We had a dandy just an hour or so ago. 

Posted by lulubell on 06/29 at 05:02 PM

Hi lulubell

No thunderstorms yet. We had some yesterday though.I was in your neck of the woods this weekend. We were in Port Colborne for a 40th birthday. We went golfing Saturday for it. Oh it was gorgeous. Yesterday not so much. Lots of rain tomorrow and for Canada Day to which is a real drag

I love the photo of you and hubby and the gator. Are you crazy woman?

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/29 at 05:36 PM

Patience Lulubell, a girls gotta make dinner and eat after all.  but before I get started - and I really only have time for the snort lady but I’m going to test this first…

Posted by Marisa on 06/29 at 06:03 PM

Oh Goodie!  Welcome to the new Sisters.
I’m going to jump right in… oops guess not, sorry ladies but my stressed out DH just asked me to sit and watch a movie with him.  I was gone all weekend after all.  I promise you’ll get the story soon.  Sorry to tease you.

Posted by Marisa on 06/29 at 06:09 PM

Did you say “patience” Marisa??  I’ll try my best!

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 04:42 AM

Hello Katie, it rained most of the night here and then it was topped of with a thunderstorm early this morning, in fact, it woke me up.  The sun is shining some now.  By the way I need to clear up the speculation on the “Gator” photo.  He is most definitely NOT ALIVE although he really does look as though he is.  The gator is there for tourists who would like a photo opportunity.  My husband and I wanted to take it and send it to the grand kids.

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 04:49 AM

Lulubell

OH BOY I thought he was alive. I am cracking myself up here. DUH mom, as my daughter would say lol lol.

It rained all night here to. My back lawn is pretty long now. It is supposed to rain all evening ( daughter has a soccer game at 9:00 pm tonight) and all day tomorrow for Canada day. SIGH. I have a headache and I can tell it is from the weather pressure

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/30 at 05:19 AM

You aren’t the only one to think it was a real gator Katie, many of our friends and family were fooled also especially the grand kids!  Sorry about your headache, hopefully this rain will make a speedy exit.

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 05:25 AM

Good morning lulubell and Katie!

Glad to hear is wasn’t real, lulubell.  How was your trip?  Do you still have “shadows” following you around?

Katie, sorry to hear about the headache.  I get those type too.  Hope you feel better soon.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 05:27 AM

LOL
Glad to know I am not the only naive person in the bunch. What a great photo and it seems like you have had a lot of fun with it as well.

I think it is supposed to rain until Friday. Oh boy. Our summers just are not like how they used to be that is for sure. Last week was gorgeous though

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/30 at 05:27 AM

Morning Aziza
You snuck in after I posted again.

How are things with you. Do you have a new photo of your longer hair for us yet?

I do not get headaches often so this is bugging me. Oh well. I think I am going to have to cave and take something for it.

Have a great day

Katie

Posted by Katie on 06/30 at 05:28 AM

Good Morning Aziza!  You betcha on the shadow question!  Actually my daughter took them overnight to give us a much needed break and I am picking them up a 11:00 this morning.  So here I sit enjoying the remaining time until I go and get them.  My daughter from Quebec is coming down on Saturday to pick up the little visitor so still a few days of fun!  We had a very nice visit, thanks for asking.  How is your little guy???

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 05:39 AM

No, no longer hair shots.  I’ve been cutting the bottom off to try and get it more the same length, so it really doesn’t look any different.  I don’t like to take medications either if I don’t have too.  I even hate taking my little ole thyroid pill even though I know I have to.  Most of the time headache medicine doesn’t work for me anyway so usually I just grin and bear it.  Hope it works for you.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 05:42 AM

lulubell~ Glad to hear you are having fun with your little ones.  It is nice to have a little break though, isn’t it?  They can be a handful but it’s worth it.  My little honey boy is doing great.  He had his first camping trip over Father’s Day weekend.  I guess he had a great time.  All that sunshine wore him out.  They took some really great pictures.  Looking forward to my newest little honey boy making his arrival in about a month.  Her due date is July 31st but they are keeping an eye on her.  The baby is measuring big and the DR doesn’t want to let her go over.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 05:45 AM

Perhaps she will go early Aziza.  It is always best to let nature take its course, yet it is a good idea to play it safe when dealing with a big baby, I know this from experience.  You must be getting very excited!

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 05:54 AM

Yeah, we really are.  She is the one who lost the twins so they were really nervous when she first got pregnant again.  They had been trying since shortly after losing them and it took them 20 months to finally get pregnant again. So, yeah, we really are excited.  It’s been a long wait.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 06:04 AM

Oh Aziza, I am SO happy for you and your family!!  Please keep me updated during these next several weeks.  I am excited for you!

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 06:22 AM

Thanks, lulubell You can be sure I will be letting everyone know when little Owen finally makes his appearance. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 06:25 AM

You are so welcome Aziza!  Owen, what a great name!  My grandson (6 months old) is named Sebastian......such a big name for such a little boy.  Learning to spell and write his name will be a challenge for him for sure!  They call him” Sebby” but I call him Sebastian.  OK off to pick up the “little ladies” now.  Hopefully I can check in tonight!

Posted by lulubell on 06/30 at 06:35 AM

Sebastian is an awesome name too!  I love it!  This generation certainly doesn’t give plain or boring names to their children, do they?

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 06:42 AM

Have fun with your little ladies I’m sure you will.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 06:46 AM

Good Morning ladies, Aziza I’m so in and out on this site that this is the first I’ve heard of Owen, congratulations.  When is he due? 

You girls keep talking about the rain, we need it desperately.  It’s so hot and dry that we have to water our cement sidewalks because they are shifting from the ground being so dry and a few of them have support beams holding up the weight of the breezeway to our garage.  Last night we were so close, there was wind, thunder and lightning but barely a drizzle.  There’s another chance for isolated showers again today, please pray that we get hit with it.

Posted by Marisa on 06/30 at 07:58 AM

Marisa~ He’s due July 31st.  Thanks!  I know what you mean about no rain.  We’re in the same boat except it’s not so bad regarding the sidewalks.  That must be awful!!  What little rain we’ve gotten has only lasted a few minutes.  Hope you get some soon.........

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 08:05 AM

so here’s the Snort story but the camping story will have to wait because it’s a bit lengthy.

In November I had about 1 of dye free growth, then one inch of stain and the rest was oxidized dye.  Our friends had been moving into their new house all day so keep into account that my friend was very tired.  she normally only has polite things to say or nothing at all. Through my transition so far all she had said was that she was not ready to transition herself.

we had taken them dinner and shared a bottle of wine and after dinner we were sitting on her bed and she was saying that she needed to some how fit in a hair appointment before thanksgiving because her whites were showing.  I replied that I was glad not to have to worry about scheduling that anymore and that even though my hair had grown that no one must really see it because no one has said anything.  Then came the snort, you know the half laugh that you try to stifle?  Anyway everyone here on the site started calling her the Snort Lady.  Needless to say I never mentioned my hair in front of her again, even when she would mention hers.

The reason I brought this up again is because last week we went to dinner before a concert (that her and her DH very generously paid for) and while we were waiting for our meal she said out of the blue, “I need a new picture of you!” “oh” “Yes, every time you call me an old picture comes up and it doesn’t even look like you any more.” so she takes the picture, says it looks good and that’s that, but I’m thinking “oh boy, shat was that really all about?” but I just let it go… until Sunday when we saw each other again and she said “I really like your hair it’s so cute and pretty” “really!” “Yes, I like it a lot.”

Still a little gun shy I just said “Thank you” and ed.

Have a great day all, I’ve got to go.

Posted by Marisa on 06/30 at 08:49 AM

Great story!  You know, alcohol really does loosen up the tongue and people have a tendency to say what they are really thinking.  Sometimes good, sometimes not. Anyway, I’m glad she likes your hair now.  Some people just need time to transition with us.  They don’t see us everyday so it’s a little harder to get used to. It is for us so why shouldn’t it be hard for them.  I really think sometimes it’s better if they DON’T say anything.  As the saying goes, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.

Posted by Aziza on 06/30 at 09:05 AM

Ana!
Congrats and so happy for you. I am gonna miss you!
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 07/01 at 10:10 PM

Lisa & Nadine - I LOVE the green!  Did you plan that?  Anyway, you both look great!

Posted by jules on 07/02 at 03:46 AM

Good Morning Julie,

No, we didn’t plan it - how cool is that?! And we even bought some glass coasters at the glass museum that are the color of Lisa’s top (which is the color on the walls of one of the rooms in our house!).

Thanks for the compliment. My hair was already starting to frizz and grow from the humidity but Lisa’s looked great - straight and silky and her silvers are just beautiful in person.

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 07/02 at 04:46 AM

Nadine - I love that color green!  (Green is my favorite color, if have to pick just one.  ) As I mentioned in another thread, I love orange too… Come to think of it, I love all colors - especially gray! 

Lisa’s silver looks great in a photo, so it must really be stunning in person!

BTW, Nadine, we still don’t get to see your husband.  He must have been behind the camera.

Posted by jules on 07/02 at 04:55 AM

Yes, my husband took the photo so we didn’t have to enlist a stranger or resort to the arm’s length self-portrait! I did have a photo of us together that I was going to have Diana post here too but it wasn’t that good and I just decided to wait until I got a better one. He is all gray and I keep telling him that we will be twins when I am done transitioning!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 07/02 at 05:08 AM

green with envy here!!! never been to the “cape” before!!!
isn’t it amazing how a little color can bring people together!!! great picture!!!!

Posted by louann on 07/02 at 05:30 AM

Okay finally, a quiet moment, quick, the camping story (not really, this took a while).
Introduction:
My best friend Cathie lives in Austin TX, I live in Sugar Land, a suburb of Houston, TX.  From the time we graduated High School until we got married we would meet on occasion for campouts.  We’ve been trying for the past 15+ years to camp together with our kids but it has never worked out until now. 
The Plan:  We will meet Monday, early evening at a private park on the Guadalupe River, take the boys to Schlitterbahn Water Park on Tuesday, Float the river on Wednesday and head home early that evening.  Sounds great right?

The players:
My oldest, 16 today, we’ll call him NW = No way.  For my part this stands for “no way I’m letting you do that, there’s no way you just did that, and from him – “there’s no way I’m doing what you tell me and no way I’m listening to you, I’m doing it anyway, etc.  He can certainly keep things interesting.  Don’t get me wrong, I love him, there’s No Way not to!

His Foreign exchange student friend and our friend from Brazil, 18, I thought it would be a nice parting gift to invite him before he returned home.  We’ll call him TG = Tailgate, as in he follows NW too closely, but normally a good kid.

My youngest, 14, we’ll call him SK.  And I’ll explain that later.

Of course my friend Cathie, we’ve been friends since second grade.  We are supportive and protective of each other.

Her son, my god child, also 14 and he and SK remind us so much of our childhood relationship.  They get along great even when it’s been a year or more since we last got together.  We’ll call him GC = God Child.

And then there’s little ol’ me = ME.

Scene 1 – The Beginning of… something
Before leaving town we stopped by Wal-mart for a few last minute items.  NW and TG went one direction and SK and I in another.  We go to check out and the three boys decide there is something else they want to get with their own money and will meet me back at the car, .  As I’m loading the ice chest I see the boys walking toward me SK with a four pack, NW & TG with a huge case of… MONSTER DRINKS (I should note that I don’t believe they are good for anything) and big conspicuous smiles.

ME, “Umm what’s up guys?” as we are loading into the car.  NW & TG, “We have a great idea.” Smiles ear to ear that are giving me the heebie Geebies (how do you spell that anyway?) ME, “what’s the idea?” NW, “We are going to drink monster drinks all day, each day and not sleep until the ride home!” TG, “Yah, it’s going to be great!” ME, “guys, that’s a bad idea, don’t do it.” NW & TG “awe mom (TG calls me mom, too) It’ll be fine, you worry too much.” I try to reason with them , “guys those drinks are not good for you and besides the park has a curfew of 10:30.” NW, “we won’t bother anyone; we’re going to do it anyway.”

There they sat in the back seat scheming and drinking their monster drinks, as I drove along plotting the disappearance of the troublesome brew occasionally glancing at the four pack resting on the floor between the feet of SK who was riding shotgun.  SK noticed me looking at the drinks, “Mom, I’m sharing mine with GC and I promise we’ll drink them early in the day.” SMART KID! Hence the initials, SK.

Scene 2 – Can’t you hold it?
The total drive should have been about 3.5 hours including one planned stop midway.  At the midway pit stop everyone did what they needed to do and on our way we went.  Later - ME, “about 20 minutes until we reach our destination guys!” We were already on River Road where you can see the river, it’s a winding road and very scenic.  I was certainly ready to get to the camp.  I was tired from driving so I was counting down… “About 15 minutes!” TG, “I’ve got to go.” Me, “no problem, we’re almost there.” TG, “no, I need to go now!”   ME, “What, are you feeling sick?” NW, “I’ve got to go too!” Me, “Can’t you wait guys, we’re almost there?” TG & NW, “No, you need to stop!” I’m thinking that a little distraction is in order… “I’m sure it’s just around the corner so please help me look for it.” NW& TG, ‘Okay, what are we looking for?”
So, I tell them what to look for and start praying that it’s the very next camp, but my dear sweet SK decides he’s going to have a little fun…
SK, “Guys, did you know that XXX (some number) of gallons of water flow over Niagara falls every minute?” There were screams from the back seat, I think you could hear them echoing off the hills.  Me, “HUSH!” SK, “Boy, that river down there sure is flowing.” “I SAID HUSH – PLEASE!” This went on for a while and then there was no salvaging the fact that I had to find the nearest place to stop.

In all the commotion and MY distraction we had overshot our destination by 20 minutes. 

Scene 3 – They did what?
We finally get to camp, pick out our spot and I ask everyone to start unloading while I call my DH to let him know we arrived safe and sound and my friend to see how far away she is and tell her what to look for so she doesn’t pass it like we did.  All 3 boys beg me to go see the river first; it’s just a few yards down the hill.  ME, “fine, go see the river, but just for a few minutes then come back to help.” It’s about 5:30 pm.

What do you know no service.  The park manager came by and saw me with my phone and told me that I’d do better at the top of the hill near the entrance, so off I went.  Did you ever see the movie with Robin Williams where he takes his family on vacation in an RV?  Only he has to work the whole time but hide that fact from his family?  So every time he needs to use his cell phone while out in the country he’s walking around holding it up in the air in order to get a signal?  That was me!  No signal to be found!  After thirty minutes of nothing I headed back down the hill.

I get back to our site and all I see is SK.  ME, “where’s your brother and TG?” SK,”they found a tube and were playing in the river with it.” Huh!  Down the hill I go, to the river (the park is really not that big, about a city block and a half long, but it is a steep hill).  They are nowhere to be found.  Me, “Did they say they were going somewhere?” SK, “Nope, I just went to the restroom and when I got back I didn’t see them.” Hmm, what’s that feeling?  Could it be PANIC!  Keep it together Marisa!  They both know how to swim, you made sure of that.  But wait, even excellent swimmers can get into trouble.  Keep it together!  At least the river is lower than usual and it’s very slow.  No consolation, no phone, it’s getting dark, I can’t leave, I’ve got to keep it together for SK.  So that’s what I do, and the rest is in God’s hands but when they are back in my hands I’m going to make sure they never forget this!

Thirty minutes later – Cathie and GC arrive, halleluiah! I tell her what has happened and she gets back in the car to head down river to look for them and as she’s about to pull out guess who’s headed down the hill toward us?  You got it!

ME, “Where did you go?” NW & TG, “We found this inner tube and started down the river.” NW, “I thought the river looped around and would bring us back here, but then when we realized it just kept going we found a place to get out and walk back on the road” ME, “no river loops around and no one goes out just before dark, and the two of you did not have permission and blah, blah, blah….” Needless to say I was livid, grateful but still livid and this went on for a while. To end it I said that they were to help set up camp and go to bed.  It felt like it was 85 degrees at least, they helped, they started a fire.  At least it kept them out of trouble, or so I thought.

Scene 4 – No Way!  (I promise, this is the end)
I was exhausted!  I could hear boys talking but soon fell asleep.  Cathie, being for warned of the MONSTER plan, told them all to go to bed and stay in their tent, reminding them that there was a park curfew of 10:30. 

It’s the next day, I wake up excited , we are going to have some fun at Schlitterbahn today and I get to spend the day with my best friend!  The plan is to eat and leave camp by 10:00 am.  What’s the first thing you do in the morning?  Well that’s what I did and when I was headed out of the RR the park manager was there waiting for me.  We’ll call him PM.

PM, “Mam” ME, “Good Morning!” PM, “You and your party need to have your breakfast; pack up your gear and leave.” ME, “what do you mean?” PM, “Are those your boys down by the river?” There they were, I could see them plain as day, NW & TG, and I’m thinking, NO WAY they still did it after what happened last night, NO WAY is it possible to get thrown out of a camp.  Me, “yes” PM, “the ones who stayed up all night?” ME, “let me explain” PM, “the ones with the personal inner tube?” (Yet another park rule broken that I had warned the boys about, no personal floatation devices on the river or in the park)   Me, “yes, I warned them about that.  You are welcome to take it away from them.” PM, “those boys stayed up all night and scared some of the other campers and blah, blah, blah….”

The PM had to go down to the river to talk to the boys and tell them the news, I was afraid that if I went they wouldn’t be coming back up.  Cathie acted as a buffer between me and the 2 boys the rest of the day, smart lady, great friend.  SK & GC had a blast.  I never quite calmed down enough to have a great time but I enjoyed the company of my friend and watching SK & GC have a great time.

Interesting, what it takes to get some people to help.  You never saw two more helpful boys, they helped break down camp and re-set up camp at a different camp site, they followed every rule after that and they went right to bed when told to the next night, they even helped clean up gear and put it all away once we got home.

That’s it.  Sorry it’s so long.

Posted by Marisa on 07/03 at 12:53 AM

Aw Lisa and Nadine you are both even more silver sparkly than the last time we saw you!  I have to say its really great when we silver sisters get to hang out together in person!

Safe and happy July 4th to all!

Dawn

Posted by morningstar on 07/03 at 02:14 AM

Wooow Lisa and Nadine!! Lovely sparkling silvers!
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 07/03 at 05:03 AM

Oh my Marisa   that was some camping adventure!!!  Are you planning another one for next summer??? 

Posted by lulubell on 07/03 at 05:09 AM

marisa
what a fantastic story...i have a NW too he and his cousin could roam around on my sister-in-laws 20 acres (up in the sanata ynez valley ...)only there was no PM around!!! only god knows what the heck they were doing for hours and hours!!! this is why i love boys ...this is why boys/men need girls/women in their lives ....we women are like the PM !!! you know these are the stories that they will talk about FOREVER ...my husband is the youngest of 5 and when his mother was dying and we were all around the hospital and her bedside the stories that they told...FANTASTIC this is one for the history books marisa… they usually have a “label” like “rmember the monster camping trip???

we have a “lice” vacation story....NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!!

ps you are a great writer...i swear i was on that winding road with you!!!

Posted by louann on 07/03 at 06:14 AM

I had girls and let me tell you they came with NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN stories of their own!  Did you say “lice” Louann???  Boy could we swap stories back and forth! My girls were given the initials “WH” and “EV"” for their favourite reply to everything I said....."WHATEVER"

Posted by lulubell on 07/03 at 06:56 AM

Lisa & Nadine What a cute pic.  You look like you’ve been best buddies forever.  Your silvers are so beautiful and you shine with those bright smiles.  Thanks for the pic.

Posted by Marisa on 07/03 at 08:24 AM

As a matter of fact Lulubell, we are planning a campout for next summer.  TG has since returned to Brazil and we coould only hope NW will be busy with a summer job!

Louann, I wish there were a place to hang out near our home where the boys could be boys without getting into trouble.  When we were growing up all of us cousins would meet at grandmas for the summer.  she had a ranch outside of San Antonio and once we finished our chores we would get lost in the great outdoors and not show up back at the house until we were good and tired and down right filthy.  Talk about fun.

My husband lived on the intercoastal canal, bayou, and “lived” in the water paddling from friends house to friends house on a surf board, or he was water skiing.

Kids are almost forced to be boring these days because of all the rules and no where to go and explore.

Posted by Marisa on 07/03 at 08:37 AM

Loved the cast of characters, Marisa! Funny story.  Now.  Bet it wasn’t then. Maybe you can ship NW to visit TG next summer—since they looove to hang out and get into mischief together!

I agree with you about too many rules.  I can understand a campground curfew, but “no personal flotation devices???” Give me a break. I think the PM was too ridiculous about it. Talk to you, yes, remind you of ALL the rules, but then let it go. Kicking you out of the campsite was just a BIT much. Give a man a uniform (I assume he had a snazzy Park Ranger type uniform?), and he thinks he’s in charge. Ha!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/03 at 11:23 AM

lulubel
let’s just say...road trip… head lice ...middle of NOWHERE on our way to relatives ...

how would you feel if an “in law” showed up at your house with head lice??? asking to borrow your sink and washing machine??? she was a better sport about it than i would have been!!!

that is the middle child...the one in the glasses he got it from a batting helmut....

Posted by louann on 07/03 at 11:34 AM

ps these lice...had wings ...swear to the lord above!!!! the miracle??? no one else got it...also we did not have to do anything at home because we were gone for over a week…
also...easy solution for boys....buzz that hair!!!i think andrew was about 9 at the time..(he’s 23 now)...ahhh those were the days my friend we thought they’d never end....that was just one of many stories from THAT road trip....

Posted by louann on 07/03 at 11:37 AM

Marisa~ Loved the retelling of your story.  You are one clever story teller.  I loved the names for your characters, very appropriate.  Kids!  No telling what they will do. One day, you will all laugh about this little “adventure” of yours.  Many, many years from now......... Thanks for sharing.  I agree with Diana, the PM went a little overboard with his “authority”.  I can just see him with his chest all puffed out and hands on his hips laying down the law. 

Posted by Aziza on 07/03 at 11:58 AM

is right, louann.  I’m sure we all have stories from our kids growing up that would test anyone.  Amazing that noone else got the little buggers.  Funny now, not so much back then.  And then, there are the stories we DIDN’T know about until the “kids” are MUCH older and they happen to tell about them at their brother’s wedding reception, at the head table, over the microphone!! Some stories you just really don’t want to know as parents, ever.  But, then of coarse, we were perfect in every way while we were growing up. right?? Never got into trouble?  

Posted by Aziza on 07/03 at 12:25 PM

Well Diana and Aziza, it WAS a private park.  The PM’s uniform consisted of shorts, a wifebeater undershirt and a golf cart .  The no personal flotation device rule is because that’s how they make their money.  They rent the tubes to you and pick you up down river and bring you back. 

The zero tollerance may have been because over the weekend before we got there they had to call the police because some non-resident campers showed up and were casing everyones campsites for what they could heist. So the “freak out” was a bit understandable.  I found this out from other campers as we were packing and they came by curious as to why on earth we would be leaving so soon.

It is a nice campsite with water and electric at each site and clean/hot showers.  Many of the other campgrounds in the area are primitive with only port-o-potties .  We were fortunate to find one with electric at the sites and showers a bit of a hike away, they were cold showers.

In my speach to the boys I told them that there are rules for a reason even if you don’t understand them.  I know this contradicts the too many rules speach but just because we don’t like the rules doesn’t mean we shouldn’t follow them.  Follow the rules and EVERY ONE gets to have fun, don’t and we all have to move to another site and lose precious time at Schlitterbahn.

Louann, lice! I would have freaked!  At least with Monsters, they pee and that’s that. Well, until the next morning, in my case. 

Aziza, I told my son that writing this story - he wasn’t happy about it - is part of the healing process so that I can get to the laughing part.  Just knowing that it’s making him uncomfortable is healing me already !!!    

Posted by Marisa on 07/03 at 12:38 PM

Aziza, I just saw the 2:25 post, he, he, he. I was perfect too.

Posted by Marisa on 07/03 at 12:43 PM

A wifebeater t-shirt?!? That’s tooooo funny!  As for your son, sometimes it’s good to make ‘em squirm.  It’s nice to know that the 2nd half of your camping adventure went well.

Posted by Aziza on 07/03 at 12:59 PM

Lookingrayt, thanks for the very flattering comment in Happy Dayz!!!  I somehow missed it, until just now that is. 

Posted by lulubell on 07/06 at 04:57 AM

Lulubell...You’re most welcome! It’s not easy keeping up with all of the comments. And on that note, thank you to Louann, Dawn, Petra and Marisa for the compliments on the “green” photo! 

And Marisa and Louann - great road trip stories!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 07/06 at 07:32 AM

I love the green photo too Nadine!!  Green is one of my favourite colours, as long as it isn’t my hair, although over the years I did “sport” some greenish highlights!   Those were some interesting shades for sure, almost always accomplished by my “own” attempts at haircolouring!  Glad thats behind me!

Posted by lulubell on 07/06 at 07:41 AM

Greeneyes!! Dara, you look fantastic!!  You look young & radiant enough to be a bride yourself! Beautiful....

And Mr. & Mrs. Oz...talk about some fireworks! You tossing back your gorgeous silver mane for a smooch....I LOVE IT! Fantastically fun blue sparkle top too.  I always knew you were a little “firecracker”!

Posted by Goldie on 07/07 at 01:06 PM

Dara, you look absolutely stunning!!!  You have such a lovely looking family, I love your Mom’s silver!!!  Thanks for sharing such a special time of your life with us!  Oh and let’s talk hair for a moment, your hair, beautiful shade and great style not to mention it looks as if you had professional highlights put in.  Ok one more comment, your dress is just gorgeous!

Posted by lulubell on 07/07 at 02:40 PM

We should all behave more shamelessly, it looks like so much fun!! There’s nothing like a Fourth of July celebration to bring out the smiles!  I’m smiling just looking at the photos.  Thanks for sharing your special time with us Diana!!! 

Posted by lulubell on 07/07 at 02:48 PM

Lulubell, I couldn’t agree with you more! Life is about having fun! If you noticed, my DH’s hair is still only graying at the temples! How can that be??? He’s quite proud of that, although always says he loves the “color” of my hair. So, to all Newbies, if your husband ever doubts your choice, just tell him to wait and see!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/07 at 03:14 PM

How can that be indeed Diana??  My Husband has virtually no gray at all and as I have said before, he will be 67 this August!  He has been an absolute “gem” throughout this entire journey of mine.  I just showed my Husband the photos and he thinks you are extremely attractive, (his exact words) I agree!

Posted by lulubell on 07/07 at 03:23 PM

My hubby shaves his head, but his beard is nearly all white!  It’s beautiful! He asked me once if he should cover it with beard dye. I told him if he dyed his beard, I’d shave my head. He never asked me again! Heee…

Posted by Goldie on 07/07 at 03:30 PM

Dara, Diana, you brought a smile to my face.  I needed a lift today and these pics and stories were just the ticket.  thank you for sharing.

Dara congratulations (again? I’m sure I’ve said it somewhere but maybe not.) on the wedding and your growing, beautiful family also.  You look fantastic, love the “highlights” and the length, wow has it grown.

Diana, what fun!  Sweet, Sassy and Sexy all rolled into one!  I agree with Goldie, gorgeous silver mane for sure!

Goldie, My neighbor, a very nice youngish man dyes his beard and let’s just say, I can tell from across the street, ick.

Posted by Marisa on 07/07 at 03:34 PM

Well, Lulubell, give your hubby a big kiss from me! Wow, nice compliment. Ahhh, if he could only see me in my fuzzy slippers.

And, Goldie—Heeee, indeed. Nix on the “beard dye.” I just saw a photo of Pierce Brosnan (my personal heartthrob), with a pure white beard and dark hair.  Just be glad your hubby shaves his head. It’s a total disconnect. Although, you know, a lot of guys have this.  The white in the beard comes in first. Interesting.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/07 at 03:36 PM

I must admit this is a page I would lurk on, though remaining very quiet, knowing I neeed to get some photos sent in! Now I can actually visit this page without guilt. :o)

Look at you, Diana! Love seeing you smiling and smooching. :o)

Goldie - You are too sweet. I especially like the “young” comment. :o) My husband and I reached the 25 year mark in June and wonder where the years went!

Lulubell - Thanks for your sweet, detailed compliments. I surely am proud of those kids! :o) I’m pretty happy with the husband, too. Yes...I envy my mom’s silver, but I know I have it to look forward to. I like the way this photo shows my higlights matching her overall color.

I’m so proud to be part of this great group of silver ladies enjoying happy days!

Posted by greeneyes on 07/07 at 03:38 PM

Marisa - Sorry to hear you’ve had a down day! Thanks for the congrats and compliments. Your hair is also really growing and getting prettier by the inch! :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/07 at 03:44 PM

Dara, must say that pic of you and your Mom brought tears to my eyes because it was so poignant. I assume it was shot during the service? The emotion on your face said it all. And, yeah, anybody with that chinline is obviously young!
Just a note to all—happy days never end just because your haircolor changes! You can look in the mirror during transitioning and think “It’s all over.” But it’s not. Trust me. Signed, the smoocher.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/07 at 03:51 PM

We have married off two of our 8 children. Each ceremony my husband and I looked at each other with that knowing look...the one where your child goes from man getting married to babe in your arms & back again! 

I was a brunette for the first son, a blond for the second..maybe I’ll be white for the next one!

Yup, Dara..you have fabulous bone structure! (Just like your Mom!)

Posted by Goldie on 07/07 at 04:02 PM

Thanks Dara, I’m glad I’m following your lead to hold out for longer hair.

Diana, another alias?  You smoocher you!

Posted by Marisa on 07/07 at 04:06 PM

Diana - Yes it was during the service. That picture also brings tears to my eyes - and I can promise you I was holding some tears back at the time. It almost seems my mom and I were thinking the same thought by our expressions. I was thinking, “THAT IS MY BABY BOY UP THERE AND I’M GOING TO STOP THIS CEREMONY!!!” hee hee hee… just kidding...well, sort of. By the way, now I know why they took out the line, “If anyone knows why this man and woman should not be joined together - speak now, or forevermore hold your peace.” :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/07 at 04:06 PM

Goldie - Bittersweet is the best word to describe watching your children marry. Tough stuff. :o)

I suppose I’m a mix of my parents. My mom has Cherokee Indian in her and I think that’s where my bone structure came in, though I have my dad’s green eyes, plumper lips and loooong nose. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/07 at 04:14 PM

I have a little Cherokee myself. You are truly beautiful Dara!

Posted by Goldie on 07/07 at 04:17 PM

Ruth, great shot!!!  I love the look of the photo and hey you have some length going on, not to mention some serious silver!!  Is the plan to keep growing???  I could use a “growing buddy” for the “tough” times!     Some day I am going to visit Mt. Rushmore, it is on my “bucket list.”

Posted by lulubell on 07/08 at 04:50 AM

Thanks, Goldie. Hey, I bet we’re long lost relatives. :o)

Ruth - Wow! Your hair has really grown and the color is so pretty.

Posted by greeneyes on 07/08 at 05:34 AM

whooo hooo we have wedding pics!!!!  i was so happy to see all these great pics this am ...lulu i am on my 2nd cup of coffee....

dara your family...lovely… handsome = very proud moment!!!now do tell...what is it like being a M-I-L ?? i love the pic of you and your mom....these are moments captured forever in a picture...cherish them!!!
oh yea and of course your hair looks great ...natural highlights and all!!!

mr and mrs oz....take it behind the curtain please!!!!

seriously love your 4th of july sparkling going on too!!!

ruth...she definitly stands out in THAT crowd!!! what great “head shots”!!!

oh and ms diana...don’t take DH to the old folks home they might ask you if he’s just dropping his mother off…

Posted by louann on 07/08 at 05:39 AM

Good morning Louann, I have re-heated the same cup of coffee too many times this morning!  I shold know better thaan to log on before I finish my first cup.  Head on over to Newbies 09, there is a great “to cut or not to cut” discussion going on!

Posted by lulubell on 07/08 at 05:50 AM

Ok, I do need one good cup of coffee, my spelling has completely fell apart!

Posted by lulubell on 07/08 at 05:52 AM

Thanks, Louann. I finally delivered thanks to your gentle, yet persisitent, nudging. :o)

Being a mother-in-law is not so difficult when the daughter-in-law is making your son a happy guy. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/08 at 05:57 AM

Wow!! Geogeous pics,Dara Diana and Ruth!!
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 07/08 at 07:39 AM

greeneyes~ Beautiful!  Love your hair with it’s natural highlights!  You are one gorgeous lady!  Congrats on the wedding.

As the the MIL question, louann.  I am a MIL twice over.  The things I’ve learned are, keep your mouth shut and I am now most important woman number 2 in my son’s lives.  I was usurped by their wives, as I should be.  While it is difficult to slip to that rank it really does make for a happier marriage for the young couple.  Wish my MIL would have learned that. 

Posted by Aziza on 07/08 at 07:55 AM

Diana~ You little silver smoochy!  Love the photos.  You are one strikingly beautiful woman, love the long cascading silver.  Makes me really miss mine.

Ruth~ awesome photo!  What a great idea to take it at that angle.  Love your silver, it looks great!

Posted by Aziza on 07/08 at 07:58 AM

Thanks, Petra!

Also, thanks to you, Aziza.

Great MIL advice, Aziza! My advice would agree with yours. I don’t give advice or opinions unless asked. I make sure I don’t try to ever manipulate, control, or persuade by my words. It’s their lives...not mine. Do I always agree or approve? NO! But I always love and affirm them in ways I can. I like to say that my son left me for another woman. :o) It can be challenging at times, but there’s nothing we want more than for our children to have great marriages and be great parents to those grandchildren of ours! :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/08 at 09:26 AM

Amen to that, greeneyes

Posted by Aziza on 07/08 at 09:34 AM

Louann… you crack me up! You and Goldie just make me lol ! “...take it behind the curtain” and “the old folks home..” - just priceless! Diana, looks like you had a really fun 4th!

Dara, beautiful photos - thanks for sharing! I’m sure you will be a wonderful MIL. And great advice for us all, although I’m just starting to deal with the dating!

Ruth...great photo and you do get around! You just keep racking up those mini-meets (even if it is with stone dead silvers)!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 07/08 at 09:50 AM

Beautiful photos, ya’ll...everybody looks so good!  Like those smoochy shots too, hot stuff!

Posted by Underneath It All on 07/08 at 10:52 AM

Aziza & Greeneyes- Oh, yea, the MIL learns to shut up & smile ALOT!  (Makes em’ wonder what the joke is!) Yup. Bein’ a MIL twice over like Aziza, I pierced (bite) my tongue long before it was popular!! (Heee..Greeneyes, love the “left me for another woman” comment!)

Ruth! Love the Mt. Rushmore pic! (Thars not gold in them thar’ Black Hills...thars silver!)

Posted by Goldie on 07/08 at 11:42 AM

Actually, I don’t know what I was typing.  I’m a MIL 3 times over.  I guess I just think about it differently with my DIL’s.  I guess I am a MIL to my SIL too!  Funny, but it’s different.  Anyway, yup, keeping quiet and smiling is the best thing to do.  I guess I try to put myself in their place and think about how I would want MY MIL to respond in different situations.  It may still be hard to keep quiet but it’s easier in the long run. Over the years I’ve tried to look at the past with MY inlaws and try to remember what I learned in each situation that didn’t go as well as it could have.  The trick is to learn from it and then not do it with your own kids. It’s funny how I see things differently now that I am older and obviously (tongue in cheek) MUCH wiser.   
Goldie, Love the pierced tongue before it was popular.

Posted by Aziza on 07/08 at 12:11 PM

Nadine - Thanks for your kind remarks. Enjoy these teen-age years with your girls cause they go faster than you can imagine. :o)

Aziza - Sounds as if you’re saying it’s easier to be a MIL to sons-in-law instead of daughters-in-law??? I can definitely see that and do expect things to be easier when my daughter marries. Women are much more complex! :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 07/10 at 06:37 AM

You might say that.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love my DIL’s and they are wonderful.  It can just be a bit more challenging.

Posted by Aziza on 07/10 at 06:46 AM

My two son-in-laws are wonderful, I love them both very much.  Now, I know I wouldn’t want to have my two very out-spoken, stubborn and impatient (don’t know where they got that   and impulsive daughters as daughter-in-laws though!  They too are “gems” as long as things go “their way!” Both of my son-in-laws deserve a medal! So I guess I am saying that son-in-laws are “easier” than daughter-in-laws!

Posted by lulubell on 07/10 at 07:20 AM

So funny, Lulubell! My daughter is quite a handful and I always say her future husband will have to be a saint. :o) Like you, I have NO IDEA where she gets it. hee hee hee…

Posted by greeneyes on 07/10 at 07:33 AM

Greeneyes, she looks like a sweet angel in the wedding photo above!  I forgot to mention that my Husband wins the largest, shiniest medal of all.  He used to say that there was never even one week in a month when he didn’t have to walk around on his tip toes saying sure, no problem, I agree, you look so good in those jeans.......! Girls, what more is left to say!!

Posted by lulubell on 07/10 at 07:53 AM

Hilarious! You’ve got me laughing, Lulubell! :o)

She hides her horns under her curls! :o) Honestly, she’s a sweetie. Usually. :o)

I agree! I also nominate my husband for a medal. :o) The patience of Job!

Posted by greeneyes on 07/10 at 09:40 AM

Aziza, Nadine and Goldie,
Thanks for your cheering section! Mt Rushmore is alot of fun, more than you would think...I think this might lead me to a whole new world of hair color names to explore in the geology arena: besides granite, there’s marble, quartz, hematite,shale....there must be a ton of new ones…

Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 07/11 at 07:12 AM

Lulubell,
I havent’ decided about growing out yet...Its still pretty easy right now...and I am enjoying my bangs...I got it cut recently but right afterwards my stylist said “ maybe we should go longer?” Ha. It was 1/2 inch longer an hour ago!!!

Posted by ruthmgon on 07/11 at 07:23 AM

REALLY...I’M SERIOUS...BELIEVE ME...I COULD NOT TELL A LIE...ESPECIALLY SITTING RIGHT UNDER RUTH AND ABE!!! THAT FISH WAS ABOUT 8 FEET LONGER JUST OFF TO MY RIGHT...yea...ummm...that’s the ticket…

Posted by wtxgray on 07/14 at 04:04 AM

well i don’t know how about your fishy story but from what’s left ...the fish looks like a decent catch...oh yea and look how happy you are with the wind blowing and you don’t have to worry about your roots????

Posted by louann on 07/14 at 05:08 AM

No doubt about THAT, louann!  No wind worries here!  AAhhh...that’s such a wonderful reminder of why I love this site and the support I had during transition!  The end of root worries…among other things…the $$$ I’m saving…the healthier hair…the freedom from chemicals…no scabby scalp…
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 07/14 at 06:21 AM

hey goldie did you ride in any of those planes???

love your “brood” tooo bad you look so happy!!!!

Posted by louann on 07/14 at 12:46 PM

Dede, Great fish!  I agree with louann, oh to not have to worry when the wind blows!  It’s all wind here on the prairies of SD. All day, every day.  Heading to Orlando in August and I’m worried about my head getting wet and all those roots, maybe I’ll go super short?  How short did you go with your hair when you decided you were done coloring?  Linda

Posted by happyhart on 07/14 at 02:33 PM

Ruth, Dede, Goldie, Love the pics, love the hair, love the fun you are having!  Thanks for sharing.

Ruth, you look so presidential!

Dede, cool fish, I’d be smiling from ear to ear also. Love the smile, too.

Goldie, lovely family, I know you are proud of them and you should be.  You look HOT in front of that silver plane.  Love the jacket too.

M

Posted by Marisa on 07/14 at 04:11 PM

Thanks ladies! The fishing was wonderful!  We were in a little village about 70 miles north of San Jose del Cabo that is completely off the grid...only solar panels on the tops of the palapas!  It was GREAT! 

I agree Marisa...Goldie looks HOT...but so do YOU! 

Happyhart, you should go for the chop!!

~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 07/15 at 05:03 AM

Thank you everyone!  I did not get to fly (waaaaa!) in any of the vintage planes.  They did let my older boys sit in them.  Like their father the have a passion for everything to do with airplanes.  I just like them to fly me to wherever I want to go.  Of course, I couldn’t resist the silver plane…
We had such an interesting entourage (Me, the kids & grandkids) that it caught the attention of a local reporter.  He thinks our pics & story will be in this Sundays paper. Very fun, indeed.

Posted by Goldie on 07/15 at 01:45 PM

Love the new photos everyone. It looks like you are really enjoying the good weather and vacations.

It is fun to come see the new pictures

Katie

Posted by Katie on 07/16 at 10:21 AM

I love the new photos too!  Goldie such a great “family” shot not to mention you in front of that silver airplane wearing that fantastic coat!  You definitely outshine that silver bird! Dede you look so free and happy with your silver hair blowing in the wind, the smile on your face speaks volumes! 

Posted by lulubell on 07/17 at 06:11 AM

Love the new pictures!!!

Diana~ this Happy Dayz segment seems like a year round thing.. Helen

Posted by Thisyear on 07/20 at 06:33 PM

It does??? Well, let’s see, we’ll have to change the motif. Autumn leaves. . . Holiday snowflakes. . . Actually, this is just this year’s replacement for “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/20 at 07:16 PM

Oh Aziza, THANKYOU so much for sharing Owen with us, he is so little and so sweet in his little blue hat!  I am so happy that he is here all safe, sound and snuggly in his grandmother’s arms.  How are the parents doing this morning?? Now about your hair, it has grown so much and the colour is fantastic!  Hey you can be my growing buddy

Posted by lulubell on 07/24 at 05:13 AM

Aziza, You & Owen brought a joyful tear to my eye first thing this morning.  No greater feeling than holding those little angels in your arms for the very first time! And over 8 lbs.! He’s a healthy little duffer! He’s looking up thinkin’; “My Grammie is the prettiest Grammie in the WHOLE world!”

Posted by Goldie on 07/24 at 05:20 AM

ohh he is sooo cute...sometimes i kinda miss those days...SOMETIMES ...i guess that’s when the grandkids step in!!
congrats to you aziza and welcome to he world all our new babes!! we need you!!!

Posted by louann on 07/24 at 05:28 AM

Aziza, he is indeed a looker. What a happy occasion. Congratulations. You make a very pretty and young looking Grandma.

Posted by silvercurl on 07/24 at 05:59 AM

Aziza… Congrats! What a beautiful baby! And you look fantastic - I love your hair - the cut and color are so flattering!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 07/24 at 06:06 AM

Aziza, Congratulations on that beautiful new baby!  What a wonder the are!  I became a grandma last summer (at age 40) and it brought every wonderful feeling back from having my own children come into the world!  What a blessing!  You most certainly are a beautiful Grandma!  Enjoy this sweet time with your new addition… Linda

Posted by happyhart on 07/24 at 06:37 AM

Aziza
Congrats on the arrival of your new grandson. I know you were excited about his arrival. So exciting

OMG I love your hair and the length. You look fabulous

Katie

Posted by Katie on 07/24 at 06:52 AM

lulubell, Goldie, louann, silvercurl, lookingrayt, and happyhart~ Thank you all for the nice compliments and well wishes.  I really debated whether to send in this photo since I had been up since 3:30 AM and had been taking care of my 9 month old little honey boy #1 when my new little honey boy #2 was born.  I had been letting him play with my hair and give me those slobbery face kisses all day long so I feel like my hair was in pretty bad shape and not really the “best” it could have been for this site but I figured oh well, it’s a happy occasion and you all wouldn’t mind. 

lulubell~ Mom and Dad are doing well.  She had worked 2nd shift and got home at 10 PM and her water broke at midnight.  She was pretty tired yesterday.  They were ecstatic and at peace the whole day while waiting for Owen to be born.  (They are the ones who lost the twins 2+ years ago)

Goldie~ Yes, they truly are a blessing, especially after waiting for so long.  You are sweet. 

louann~ I agree, I am glad to be on the Grammy end and not the Mommy end. 

silvercurl~ Thanks for the compliment.  I’ve always been told I look young for my age.

lookingrayt~ thanks.  I’m in the process of trying to figure out my hairstyle.

happyhart~ Congrats to you too!  Yes, there’s nothing like it, it there?  I always say if I’d known how much fun it was to have grandbabies I’d have had them first.   

Katie~ thanks!  You are so sweet.

Posted by Aziza on 07/24 at 06:59 AM

Congratulations Aziza!  What a sweetie, and I love your hair, you’re gorgeous.

Posted by Marisa on 07/24 at 07:00 AM

Marisa~ thanks! You are very kind.

Posted by Aziza on 07/24 at 07:06 AM

Aziza - Congratulations!  You don’t look nearly old enough to be a grandmother!  I love how your hair has grown and it makes the color look even more fabulous.  You look absolutely beautiful!

Posted by jules on 07/24 at 08:54 AM

Aawwww, thanks Jules!  I nearly 52 but I don’t feel like it.  BTW, YOUR hair looks FABULOUS!!  I love the cut on you!  I am so excited and happy for you.  I’m so glad you and your DH love it.

Posted by Aziza on 07/24 at 09:02 AM

yea lulu pretty in pink!!!
silver goblets and “shades” remember the whose hiding behind those foster grants???

enjoy the sun you look radiant!!

Posted by louann on 07/26 at 04:44 PM

Bottoms up, Lulubell!  Silver on silver, one of my favorite combos! You’re darling!

Posted by Goldie on 07/26 at 04:45 PM

I do remember that saying Louann!  The story behind the sunglasses goes as such......I was in Baby Gap looking for the summer deals (and there are so many!) and I found the sunglasses in a big bin for $1.99!!  They are supposed to be shaped like a butterfly.  They are actually for my oldest grandaughter but I just had to “ham” it up simply because they are silver!  Now the wineglasses I just love, now I have to drink more wine which is a OK because red wine is SO good for us   ......better than hairdye at least   Thanks for the lovely compliment!

Posted by lulubell on 07/27 at 05:44 AM

Bottoms up it is Goldie!  Speaking of darlings (thanks for saying that ) it turns out that Grannie’s Inn won’t be hosting all the little darlings after all.  The sun came out in Ottawa and Quebec City so the summer vacationers are going camping after all.  Thanks to all who did the “sun dance” now they can have some real fun!!  There is a huge water-park at the campground and countless other activities for the little ones to take part in!!  So much better for them!

Posted by lulubell on 07/27 at 05:53 AM

Oh nooo, Lulubell, you have to keep those silver sunglasses! They are perfect on you. Get your oldest granddaughter another pair!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/27 at 05:58 AM

I just may do that Diana! I do feel a little overwhelmed by them but I can overcome that........heck, I DO stand out when I wear them! 

Posted by lulubell on 07/27 at 06:12 AM

lulubell~ Pink and silver do look great on you.  Again, I LOVE your hair!  You are such a cute little pixie of a woman.  Love the wine goblets too!

Posted by Aziza on 07/27 at 09:02 AM

Aziza, you are a gorgeous grandma, that’s for sure. I think just being a grandma brings something special to us. I can’t imagine not having the wee ones, even though they’re almost 4 and 6 now, they are so much a part of my life. I won’t be surprised if people will think you are his mommy at some point when you have him out by yourself.
Lulubell, your hair looks great with the added length. Everyone contemplating growing and I’m finally set with the short cut. I’ve done the long hair and this is just WAY easy.

Posted by sallee on 07/27 at 10:27 AM

sallee~ Oh, you are so sweet!  Yes, I agree, “grandmahood” does bring that special glow to us. I can ride on it for days after spending time with them.  And you, can wear your hair long or short and you look fantastic.

Posted by Aziza on 07/27 at 10:31 AM

lulubell

I love the length of your hair, the colour and the curl. It looks fabulous. Love the glasses and the glass to. Amazing how silver becomes our best friend now.

How long have you been letting your hair go since you cut it so short. I cannot wait til mine is longer. It needs to be a little softer.

Katie

Posted by Katie on 07/28 at 03:54 AM

Good Morning Katie, thanks for the lovely compliment!  I got my “down to the wood” pixie on December 22nd 2008 which got rid of ALL the colour (and almost all my hair ) I let it grow out until mid-April, then I decided to go for a shape-up which pretty much put me back to where I was in December.  My stylist did leave the top longer in order to help with the grow out.  That is why my hair looks much longer on top compared to the sides and back.  I will eventually start to trim the bottom to reach my goal of mostly one length with some sight layering.  I am going to bet that you will notice a difference in the length of your hair in two weeks I know I did with both cuts!  By the end of August you will see a huge difference!

Posted by lulubell on 07/28 at 05:29 AM

Sallee, hello again!  I know what you mean....I start to grow out my crop just as so many others start showing up with adorable pixies!  Thanks for the nice “words” they really help to keep me motivated!

Posted by lulubell on 07/28 at 05:34 AM

Lulubell, you look like you are having so much fun.  You look fab in your sunglasses with your gorgeous silvery curls but you might want to consider getting a pair for you to keep. They suite you.

Sallee, Hi, cute cut in members.  It’s such a big difference but long or short you look great.

Posted by Marisa on 07/28 at 12:37 PM

Thanks Marisa, I was having fun and I just may keep the sunglasses. 

Posted by lulubell on 07/28 at 02:02 PM

I recognize her for sure!  Each morning I browse through all of the galleries looking for updates.  Betsyhope, your hair is lovely and the room looks so elegant.  I need to go to a function like that just for an excuse to get all “glammed up!”

Posted by lulubell on 08/12 at 06:24 AM

lulubell, great to hear that you recognized me! It was a beautiful wedding and fun getting all glammed up for it!
It was worth the journey.  Thanks for noticing it all!

betsyhope

Posted by betsyhope on 08/12 at 07:37 AM

Besty- I have always loved you pic as a “Gallery Girl”...those pearls are divine!  You continue to be elegantly beautiful in this latest wedding picture.  Thanks for sharing!

Posted by Goldie on 08/12 at 08:21 AM

Goldie,
thanks so much for the lovely compliment.  Those pearls are one of my favorite things! Betsyhope

Posted by betsyhope on 08/12 at 10:05 AM

Oh, yes, I love pearls!  Nothing says Grace Kelly chic like a string of pearls!  You do them well, Betsy!

Posted by Goldie on 08/12 at 10:08 AM

lulubell

Thanks I really am noticing a difference already. It still has a long way to go. I notice more I have a few tips with colour on them. HMMMMMMMMM. I am just going to let them grow until I need a real trim. That should take care of them.

Betsy love the photo. You look great. I cannot wait to have my hair that length it looks so soft and feminine

Katie

Posted by Katie on 08/12 at 11:02 AM

Betsy~ You showcase what the term “elegance” means.  You look devine in your silver halo and LBD! 

Posted by Aziza on 08/12 at 11:11 AM

Katie~ What happened with your DD at her appt yesterday????Was she able to go home or did they have to admit her?

Posted by Aziza on 08/12 at 11:13 AM

Goldie, Katie, Aziza, thanks so much for your compliments.
Pearls, LBD, isn’t that what it’s all about! 

Thank you again for your kind words!
betsyhope

Posted by betsyhope on 08/12 at 11:36 AM

i remember your picture too...how fun to hear/see you again!!!
what a lovely wedding...what a nice reason to go to england!!

Posted by louann on 08/12 at 01:50 PM

Very pretty Betsy and what a beautiful setting.

Posted by Marisa on 08/12 at 07:40 PM

louann, great to know I am remembered!  Absolutely, a terrific reason for a trip to spend time with relatives and friends.  It was great fun!

Maria, thank you so much and yes, the setting was unbelievable, an estate in the countryside of the UK.  Just spectacular.  Well worth the trip!

Posted by betsyhope on 08/13 at 05:45 AM

Grayincali, lovely photo of you and your sweet daughter.  She has inherited your beautiful smile!  Love your shiny, silvery hair!!

Posted by lulubell on 08/23 at 06:16 AM

Grayincali- How lovely! Like mother, like daughter..simply adorable!!

Posted by Goldie on 08/23 at 06:50 AM

Thanks Diana, Lulubell and Goldie!  I am know I’m biased but I do agree that little miss Sarah has a beautiful smile!  I must also mention that I am constantly amazed at how my new hair color can look dramatically different depending on the lighting!  I think we all notice that ... right?  Mine looks so dark in this pic and it has been looking darker to me lately ... in this pic it must be the cloudy sky!  Even my dad who has a full head of very white hair says that along the way his hair has looked very different from day to day depending on the lighting.  I am so glad I have continued to stick with the color even when second thoughts have come to mind.  All it takes is a look around at some of the monotone hair that looks other-worldly under bright lights and I have to smile.  I look forward to the continued evolution of my silvery-brown and I certainly don’t miss the itchy, burning scalp and watering nose and eyes one bit!

Posted by grayincali on 08/23 at 11:37 AM

Suzanne/grayincali~ Absolutely precious photo! thanks for sharing. I think my darkness is similar to yours, although my hair is straight, except for some wave in the very back since I was pregnant w/my daughter 22 yrs ago. Funny stylist used to insist I had an old perm causing the waves.

Posted by Flower on 08/27 at 06:26 AM

Thanks, Flower.  I just saw your comment today.  Funny about the waves ... my hair is really more wavy than curly since I had kids so I know what you mean about hair changing due to pregnancy.  If I use the right styling aid and products I can wear it curly, wavy or straight. 

So, any new pics of you I should check out?  I saw you looking very cute sporting your headband look!

Posted by grayincali on 09/08 at 02:10 PM

Suzanne/grayincali~ Glad your parents were able to visit. When I get out to CA to visit my family I’ll let you and Louann know.
I just have the before/after pics on my album page, but need an update of the new cut done on 8/27. I don’t fuss about the transition as much since it is growing and obvious I stopped coloring. Although I’ll surprise some people tonight at the high school when I attend ‘Curriculum Night’. I only see some parents once a year

Posted by Flower on 09/09 at 07:05 AM

please let us know when you are in town flower…

Posted by louann on 09/09 at 04:12 PM

Oh Nadine, I have tears in my eyes, real tears.  What a lovely photo of you and your Husband, he looks so happy and well.  Just look at that door all decorated for his homecoming, he is sure to continue feeling more and more like himself with such a loving family surrounding him. Now about you and your silvery hair, wow, looking good and quite a bit longer also!!  Tell us about your Hubby’s shirt with all the different bottles and mugs of beer on it!! I NEED a shirt like that for my Husband!! One more question....who has the most silver, you our your Hubby

Posted by lulubell on 09/20 at 12:06 PM

Nadine so glad that you husband is home!  My prayers for a quick recovery.

Posted by grayme on 09/20 at 12:40 PM

Grayme - Thank you so much for your prayers! He is coming along slowly but surely. Tomorrow is his first visit to the cardiologist and he will most likely be starting cardiac rehab in the next week or two.

Lulubell - I had tears in my eyes too when I first saw the door. I brought our daughters back home five days before DH was discharged because they had to start school and then I went back down to the hospital (1.5 hours away - I stayed with my sister who was only 20 minutes away). I had no idea that they had decorated the door like that. They also decorated the den. DH was just speechless when he saw the door and then he was all smiles. I just took it down the other day. I would have left it up but DH said it was enough (it was up for 3 weeks!). Now about the beer shirt - I think I might have gotten it at Kohls (do you have that store in Canada?) but it was quite a number of years ago. DH used to be a beer salesman so I couldn’t pass it up!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 09/20 at 04:03 PM

No KOHLS here in Canada Nadine, but plenty in Florida!!  That shirt pretty much sums up my Husband, so I will keep an eye out for one or at least one that is similar. I hope your Husband’s first visit to his cardiologist goes well.

Posted by lulubell on 09/20 at 04:12 PM

everyone looks happy and healthy nadine ...cardiac rehab here he comes!! 
and both of you look radiant with all that truly magnificant SILVER !!!
thanks for sharing!

Posted by louann on 09/21 at 05:26 AM

That’s just the sweetest picture Nadine! So great that he’s back home with you & the kids!

Posted by Goldie on 09/21 at 06:12 AM

Nadine~ I am so happy to hear your DH is finally home and on the mend.  What sweet girls you have to do such a special homecoming for their Dad.  Very touching indeed.  Wishing continued good health and recovery for your DH. BTW, your hair looks fantastic.  Love your updated photo on the other page. 

Posted by Aziza on 09/22 at 07:20 AM

Nadine
I too am glad that your hubby is on the mend. You must all be so happy he is home. I love the photo. Your girls are so cute.

You can really see the gray now it looks wonderful

Katie

Posted by Katie on 09/25 at 10:10 AM

Butterflydream!!! What a little doll you are!! And Munich...how utterly fabulous to go there for a class!  No worries about the dating thing sweetie...looking as darling as you do....that love of your life will come (probably when you least expect it).  In the meantime, continue to embrace this life you love, you look beautiful doing it!

Posted by Goldie on 10/08 at 05:19 PM

Maria, how adorable!  What fun!  I lofve your silver hair and your fun silver outfit.  Way to go!

Posted by Marisa on 10/08 at 06:16 PM

Butterflydream~ You are adorable in your dirndl and you have such a fantastic smile.  Your whole face just lights up.  Looks like you had a great time!

Posted by Aziza on 10/08 at 07:32 PM

Thanks, gals! It is so great to feel the gal-power on this site. Woo hoo! And Goldie, that’s a lovely thought; I really appreciate it. Unexpected love is all around us if we’re open to it.

Posted by butterfly_dream on 10/08 at 07:44 PM

Hey Maria, you look so funny,and what is your hair long!?
I missed you and have many times thought: where is our butterflydream? Glad to see you.
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 10/10 at 12:12 AM

Oh Suzanne, could you be any prettier? You look like a movie star, seriously. And how sweet is Luke?

Posted by Christie on 10/29 at 06:40 PM

I should add, I hope you are all feeling well again, how is the ear infection? I hope it’s all cleared up now.

Posted by Christie on 10/29 at 06:47 PM

Christie ... how sweet. 

We are finally doing better but not 100%.  Hope you are all feeling better too!

Speaking of movie stars, I had some star sightings today.  There happens to be a lot of filming in the neighborhood where I live for t.v. shows, commercials, films and such.  Today there were two shoots going on.  One for CSI Miami and the other for Criminal Minds.  I love Criminal Minds in spite of the creepy subject matter ... it’s original and really well written.  So, I walked out in front of my house and you could see the set location from my front yard.  And then here comes the black SUV they use on the show with 4 of the characters in it getting in place for a take.  I am so going to try to get a pic with them tomorrow b/c they’ll be here again.  Now wouldn’t that be fun for happy dayz?  I just hope I don’t blind them with my silvers!

Posted by grayincali on 10/29 at 07:00 PM

ohhh suzanne criminal minds that and ncis...mentalist...my fave shows....
enjoy the fanfare!!

Posted by louann on 10/29 at 08:00 PM

Louann .... I bet you see a lot of that kind of thing too up in your neck of the woods.  I’m about to go watch my dvr and catch up on tonight’s episode of Flash Forward ... loving that show too.

Posted by grayincali on 10/29 at 08:04 PM

i “flew” by the lst 2 new pics on this page ...so sorry… maria, love the colors in your german “gear”...silver from top to bottom with a splash of red...nice…
ahh suzanne how cute is your little guy...halloween is a fun holiday....( i enjoyed it more AFTER we got the costumes figured out) mr and mrs skywalker look pretty nice too…

Posted by louann on 10/30 at 05:18 AM

Suzanne- (aka-"Silva Lining” heee...) When in doubt of how stunning you are, take out this picture & remember.  And...may the “silver force” be with you! (What a cutie pie your Star Wars hero is! And his Dad!)

Posted by Goldie on 10/30 at 06:08 AM

Catherine,
What a blast!!  Love creative way you have embraced your inner skunk!  All I have is some ghost earrings and some halloween socks, but my mood is festive!

Beth/Shine-On

Posted by shine-on on 10/31 at 11:31 AM

Catherine- You are adorable even in a skunk costume!!

Posted by Goldie on 10/31 at 12:01 PM

fantastic.....you are the hit on the halloween parade!!!and if any one makes any comments about your “skunk stripe” just spray ‘em!!!!

Posted by louann on 10/31 at 12:24 PM

Catherine .... love the skunk stripe!  Wear it with pride!

Posted by grayincali on 10/31 at 12:29 PM

Soooo cute Catherine!!!

I wish I had thought of it last year when I was definitely sporty a skunk stripe of my own.

Have fun tonight everyone!

AnaB

Posted by anab on 10/31 at 01:01 PM

sporting, I meant to say (ugh!)

Posted by anab on 10/31 at 01:02 PM

More lovely new photos to enjoy.  You all look great!! 

Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 11/10 at 12:34 PM

Barbara, that is such a beautiful, beautiful baby boy!  The photo is just lovely, I can tell how much you adore him!  Thanks so much for sharing your sweet nephew with us, I can’t stop smiling, babies do that to me!

Posted by lulubell on 11/18 at 05:46 PM

Barbara, I’m smiling too and ditto to everything lulubell just said ! He is just precious. And your hair looks fantastic too! Hope you get to spend lots of time with him - enjoy every minute of it.

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 11/18 at 06:03 PM

Awww ... Barbara, that is such a sweet photo of both you and your beautiful nephew!  He’s a real cutie!  They always look so angelic when they are sleeping!

Posted by grayincali on 11/18 at 08:22 PM

Oh Barbara! What a gift those little babes are!

BTW- your hair looks very lovely in the photo!!

Posted by Goldie on 11/18 at 09:10 PM

Hi Barbara,WHAT a sweety.....Brings back memories from my own boys....
Petra.

PS:lovely hair too!

Posted by catweezle on 11/18 at 11:48 PM

ohhhhh i love these pics Aauntie barbara ....it takes me BAAAAAAAAAAAACK...enjoy soon he will be running around looking for bugs under bricks…
oh yea the hair??? fab!! 

Posted by louann on 11/19 at 06:28 AM

Barbara~ What a lovely photo!  Little Joshua is such a cutie.  Just enjoyed your latest pics on FB.  He’s a keeper for sure!  As louann said, enjoy these cuddle moments.  He’ll be on the go sooner than you know!  My little honey boy #1 just split open his lower lip for the second time in 1 week!  Curious lttle one that he is.  Your hair is so gorgeous!! A great inspiration for all of us.

Posted by Aziza on 11/19 at 07:37 AM

Dear Lulubell, Nadine, Grayincali, Goldie, Petra, Louann and Aziza,

Many, many thanks for your lovely comments regarding my beautiful nephew. They’re magical times when I’m with him.  I’ve no kids of the human kind (2 dogs and 5 cats though) and this baby is so special. 

I bought him some tee shirts and bibs that say, “If you think I’m cute, you should see my Aunt”.  What a crack up! 

Now here’s a bit of luck.  My sister is going back to work in the beginning of January.  She asked me if I’d like to care for Joshua for about 1/2 a day once a week.  Like duh. 

I’ve included many pics of my new man on FB and realized just how difficult it is to choose one picture over another. 

Yeah, bugs under bricks ... I love that expression.

Cuddling with him is the best. Singing and chatting bring such remarkable smiles, squeals and cooing.  Sigh.

I spent about 6 hours with him yesterday while my sister was doing her chores. It was the best! After changing his diaper, I changed clothes.  I attempted to put his leg in the sleeve. 

Have a great weekend,
Auntie Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:07 PM

Dear Aziza, thanks for the compliment about my hair.  I usually put it up when I’m with him.

How’s your little honey boy #1’s lip??

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:10 PM

Hey Louann, Many thanks to you for your kind compliment about my hair.  It was a good hair day!
Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:11 PM

Hi Petra,
Thanks!!! 
How old are your boys?  How many do you have?

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:13 PM

Goldie,
Thank you very much!  Don’t you have 8 kids?  What is the age range?  Sheesh.  I’m getting tire just imagining what that is like. 

I’ve got to get a picture taken of my instead of by me!!  Josh and I make quite a dashing couple…

Auntie Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:17 PM

Nadine, you and your three girls look just so lovely in the picture here.  You must be very proud of them. 

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/20 at 04:20 PM

Hi Barbara, i have two sons;a 14 year and a 17 year old…
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 11/21 at 04:57 AM

Barbara, Thank you for the compliment! Yes, they do make me very proud - that is when they are not aggravating me !

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 11/21 at 07:30 AM

Oh Nadine,

That’s what kids are for - the tsuris and the nachas. 

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 11/21 at 09:03 PM

Chrissy~ Absolutely gorgeous!!  That blue really makes your silvers sparkle.  A beautiful color for you!

Posted by Aziza on 12/21 at 09:14 AM

Chrissy - You look absolutely gorgeous!  Blue is definitely your color!

Posted by grayme on 12/21 at 09:29 AM

Chrissy, I have to agree with Aziza and grayme, you look absolutely gorgeous and yes, blue is for you!!  Dazzling!!

Posted by lulubell on 12/21 at 01:30 PM

Chrissy, WOW, what a great picture! You silver looks beautiful.

Posted by Chrysalis on 12/21 at 03:26 PM

You look fantastic, Chrissy!
Your hair is lovely and all of the blue just accentuates the color!
Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 12/21 at 06:09 PM

Oh Chrissy I just LOVE love love you in Blue!

Posted by Shelby B on 12/21 at 07:06 PM

Chrissy,

Your beautiful silver hair and your blue eyes paired with the beautiful shades of blue you are wearing are so lovely!!  You must have received heaps of compliments!

Suzanne

Posted by grayincali on 12/21 at 08:30 PM

Chrissy - Had to add my compliments! You truly wear blue very well. Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing the picture. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 12/22 at 07:44 AM

Oh, thankyou all very much for the compliments!
You’ve made my day!

Posted by Chrissy on 12/22 at 10:57 AM

chrissy i have been so busy i had not checked this page in a while and poof...there you are!! i say ditto to all the above...blue is certainly your color! your eyes just pop!! and of course the silver ....well no comment necessary

Posted by louann on 12/29 at 07:51 AM

Aw, thanks louann!

Posted by Chrissy on 12/29 at 09:20 AM

Barbara/Baboo, Love the picture of you and your DH.  You look like a perfectly NATURAL couple.

Posted by Chrysalis on 02/24 at 06:23 AM

Barbara/Baboo - great picture. I have to say that hair like yours with the beautiful curl has led me to perm my hair every so often over the last 25 years. Gorgeous! Great inspiration for those with naturally curly hair in transition.

Posted by Mary Elizabeth on 02/24 at 10:49 AM

The couple that GRAYS together stays together....
pathetic i know but you both look very nice !!

Posted by louann on 02/24 at 03:07 PM

Thank you Mary Elizabth. My sister and I used to take turns on the ironing board to try and get it straight.  The lawn is always greener on the other side, as they say!
The curls did however make it easy to transition because the new growth was very well hidden by the curls.

Posted by Baboo on 02/25 at 11:12 AM

Barbara/Baboo,
What a lovely and attractive couple you are!  Your hair is perfect!!

(another) Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 02/25 at 03:41 PM

Thanks so much, Barbara! Wish the gray would come in whiter but will be happy for now that there are no more dye jobs and roots to deal with!  This is a terrific website with lots of nice people and great information.  Thanks to all.

Posted by Baboo on 03/03 at 10:52 AM

lisa congrats....you look gorgeous...dare i say a “blushing” bride?!!!

Posted by louann on 03/20 at 07:00 PM

Beautiful Lisa, congratulations! So elegant looking.

Posted by Christie on 03/20 at 09:33 PM

Hello Lisa!!  Oh my, you look so beautiful and Grant looks so very handsome! CONGRATULATIONS to the both of you!  I will always remember meeting you and Grant at IKEA and thinking to myself .......... what a great couple they make.  Grant is such a “nice guy!” Thanks for sending in the photos, seeing them “made my day!”

Posted by lulubell on 03/21 at 06:51 AM

Thanks Louann & Christie!  I felt lovely...but it all happened so fast...thank goodness we have some photos!

Lulu:  Thanks for the kind words.  He is such a nice guy--best kind to marry

Posted by newbie2 on 03/21 at 07:32 AM

Congratulations Lisa, you look gorgeous! Your hair looks super, and you make a lovely couple!

Posted by Chrissy on 03/21 at 08:41 AM

Lisa,

You made for a gorgeous bride and you and your new husband look terrific together!  Congratulations!

Posted by grayincali on 03/21 at 01:30 PM

Thanks Chrissy & Suzanne for the compliments!

Posted by newbie2 on 03/21 at 01:54 PM

Lisa,
What beautiful pictures. You all look wonderful!  Blessings on your new life!
Beth/Shine-on

Posted by shine-on on 03/21 at 02:19 PM

Lisa/Newbie2 Congratulations! Beautiful bride and groom! Love your hair!!

Posted by liza1512 on 03/22 at 01:22 PM

Oh Lisa, these are lovely wedding pictures!  What a classic beauty you are!

Posted by Goldie on 03/22 at 05:38 PM

Absolutely beautiful, Lisa!  Your hair and dress are gorgeous.  What a lovely couple you two make.  Congratulations and best wishes for a blessed and joy filled life together.

Posted by Aziza on 03/22 at 06:07 PM

Shine-on, Liza, Goldie, and Aziza:  Thanks, ladies, for your comments.  Your good wishes mean so much to me!

I was very proud to be a new bride with silver hair, and I didn’t feel the least bit old that day!

Posted by newbie2 on 03/23 at 06:22 AM

Diana, thanks for posting the photo of my grandaughter and I so quickly, she is going to be thrilled to see herself here on GGLG! I told her I was going to send it to you and she was very excited.  She was with me every step of the way during my transition! I can’t get over how dark my hair looks in the photo, it really is amazing how it looks completely different from day to day!!

Posted by lulubell on 04/13 at 05:23 AM

tell your granddaughter she is a “celebrity” now!!! she is adorable....and look how long your hair has gotten!!! how long is it “wet”????
you both look wonderfully happy!!

Posted by louann on 04/13 at 05:40 AM

I’ll tell her, Louann! Thanks, she will be tickled when she reads that you think she is adorable! When my hair is wet it looks much, much longer, something most curly girls can identify with.

Posted by lulubell on 04/13 at 06:01 AM

ohh diana i just clicked on the blue like you said and here i am ...watch out lulubell i may catch up with you on the number of comments now!!!

Posted by louann on 04/13 at 06:05 AM

Just as I clicked over to see Lulubell and her darling grandaughter, the sun burst through the clouds....how appropriate!!  You look as beautiful and happy as ever lulubell!!

Posted by Goldie on 04/13 at 06:35 AM

Thanks, Goldie! You have such a “warm way” with words, really, that was a lovely thing to say.

Posted by lulubell on 04/13 at 06:43 AM

Oh, here the comments are.  That’s interesting. If you click on the official Happy Dayz link on the homepage, you see the comments.  If you click at Who’s Sayin’ What Where, you don’t.  Okay, bear with us.  Always takes a few tries to work out the bugs.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/13 at 06:51 AM

Lulubell, you look lovely, and so happy, and so does your granddaughter! What a super photo!

Posted by Chrissy on 04/13 at 08:48 AM

Oh lulubell!  What a delightful photo!  Two beauties, for sure.  You look so happy and comfortable all snuggled in.  Love your hair!!!  Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Your granddaughter has such a beautiful smile.

Posted by Aziza on 04/13 at 11:16 AM

Thank-you Chrissy, we were both very happy that day!

Posted by lulubell on 04/13 at 12:15 PM

Aziza, thanks so much, I have had a smile on my face since I arrived back home.  Florida is lovely, but home is where I’m happiest!

Posted by lulubell on 04/13 at 12:18 PM

Welcome home, lulubell! What a wonderful picture...great smiles on the two of you. And I love the silver sunglasses ...can’t believe how much your hair has grown since the earlier pic on this page with the silver glasses (wine and sun). It looks fabulous!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 04/13 at 01:04 PM

Thanks Nadine, it’s so good to be back home again! I just read your “positive” comment on Facebook a few minutes ago, and I can only imagine how lovely you must have looked.  Your hair is the hair that we all want and wish for. How is your husband feeling??

Posted by lulubell on 04/14 at 04:58 PM

Thanks, lulubell....you are so sweet! My hair has been looking so good lately, if I may say so myself . And the photos don’t even do it justice. And even my girls keep complimenting me on it so you know it must be looking good! I didn’t realize you were on Facebook (I just signed up when I became the Great Gray of the Day last month). I didn’t think I saw you...I have to go look now.

My husband is doing great, thanks so much for asking. He just had a follow-up echo and got a great report...his heart function went from way below normal to normal. He had a pacemaker check today and the technician couldn’t believe how well he is doing.

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 04/14 at 05:15 PM

Oh Nadine, that is “wonderful” news, you both must be so relieved. I am not on Facebook, I de-activated my account some time ago. I just visit the GGLG Facebook page each day to stay up to date. 

Posted by lulubell on 04/14 at 05:23 PM

Okay, I thought I was going crazy because you know you were one of the first ones that I looked for when I set up my account. I didn’t know that I could visit the page without having an account, but I am having so much fun connecting with old friends that I am not sorry that I did!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 04/14 at 05:26 PM

Nope, your sane:lol:  Nadine!! If your check out the bottom, lower right section of the Homepage you will see.......

join us on facebook

Where there’s more talk, more fans, more of everything!
http://www.facebook.com

All I do is click and just like magic I’m there!

Posted by lulubell on 04/14 at 05:39 PM

Well, I guess it’s true that you learn something new every day!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 04/14 at 06:04 PM

Lulubell, you and your granddaughter look adorable.  I can only imagine how much you missed each other. 

Wow, you hair has grown.  You look lovely!

Thanks for the facebook tip.  I learned something new also.

Nadine, i love your hair also.

M

Posted by Marisa on 04/14 at 06:39 PM

Thanks so much Marisa! We do miss each other very much and it is always so exciting to come home and see how much she has grown.  She always has so much to tell me.......she leads a very exciting life! (for a nine year old!)

Posted by lulubell on 04/15 at 05:37 PM

Lulubell--great photo of your and your granddaughter--thanks for sharing! How are you liking your hair this length?  I absolutely love it on you.  Gives you a bit of a Bohemian vibe (a compliment, in my books).

Posted by newbie2 on 05/01 at 06:40 AM

I am LOVING it Lisa!! Bohemian vibe is certainly a compliment in my books, thanks so much!! It is always so nice to hear from you!

Posted by lulubell on 05/01 at 09:23 AM

Oh my, reddy to gray, you and your your daughters are so lovely, and just look at those smiles! The photos are absolutely delightful, thanks so much for sharing them with all of us!

Posted by lulubell on 06/01 at 05:02 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention just how lovely your outfits are, very pretty!!

Posted by lulubell on 06/01 at 05:04 PM

brandygirl76 - Love the pic.!!

Posted by grayme on 06/13 at 10:52 AM

reddy to gray, Congrats to your DD on getting her nursing pin!  That’s awesome.  How wonderful that our older DD could fly in to help celebrate.  You can certainly tell who your DD’s get their good looks from.  They are lovely!  And I agree, beautiful smiles!

Posted by Aziza on 06/21 at 07:13 AM

Brandygirl76~ You look lovely and what a handsome sidekick.  How lucky for you to meet up with Kris!  I’ve always thought he was such a good looker!  Such fun!

Posted by Aziza on 06/21 at 07:15 AM

love the new pics ...brenda with kris..nice...reddy with your girls ..nice!! and grandma aziza...congrats…

Posted by louann on 06/21 at 07:46 AM

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words about my girlz and me.  My older daughter Kim called Melissa “Graduation Barbie” but after a night on a party bus Mel was a bit more subdued at the Mother’s Day brunch.  Now that I’m a (temporary) blonde during transitioning at least I look somewhat like their mum!  Never really did as a redhead!

Posted by reddy to gray on 06/21 at 01:22 PM

Oooh Brandy Girl 76, Kris K. was just in Pittsburgh and how I wish I’d gotten a cool snap of him like yours!  About 25 years ago, I was boarding a jet on the tarmac in Maui, and Kris was directly in front of me in line, so I got to see his cute butt all the way up the steps!  But this view is definitely better!

Posted by reddy to gray on 06/21 at 01:26 PM

Aziza,
I don’t know who is prettier, you or Johannah Faith (what a lovely name)!  I think it’s a tie.  Much happiness to you both!  Girls are SO much fun!

Posted by reddy to gray on 06/21 at 01:27 PM

And lulubell, your granddaughter is adorable!  How happy you both look.  (I’m a slow learner, it takes me a while to scroll down all the pix… )

Posted by reddy to gray on 06/21 at 01:32 PM

Awww, reddy to gray, you are so sweet.  We love her name too, it was a complete surprise.  We thought they had a couple of other names all picked out.  Thank you for the compliment.  Lucky you to be following Kris K., front or back. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/21 at 03:45 PM

Aziza,

What a lovely picture of you and your new granddaughter.  Hugs to you both.

Posted by Chrysalis on 06/22 at 05:17 AM

Thanks, Chrysalis!  You are very kind.

Posted by Aziza on 06/22 at 08:38 AM

lulubell~ She is absolutely gorgeous and so are you!  Love your pony-tude that you have going on!  That down to the wood look is a far distant thing of the past.  And don’t even get me started on those gorgeous curls!  You lucky silver sister!  You look fantastic! 

Posted by Aziza on 06/23 at 07:14 AM

lulubell, I remember you also have an 18 month old grandbaby. My little honey boy #1 is 20 months older that little Johannah.  So we’ve got 2 grandbabies very close in age.  My DD is expecting in October. Any more babies on the way for you? I think we could start something here......
‘Coarse, I can’t forget little O, honey boy #2, who’s 11 months old, he’s kind of stuck in the middle but he’s a big boy, so he’d blend in. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/23 at 07:23 AM

Aziza and Lulubell, what lovely pictures of yourselves and your grandbabies! Congratulations to all of you on a safe and happy homecoming!

Posted by Chrissy on 06/23 at 07:33 AM

Lulubell,

Love your curls, but then I say that everytime I see your picture, but I love them just the same. And Violet May doesn’t look have bad either What a precious picture.

Posted by Chrysalis on 06/23 at 08:26 AM

I just love browsing the pictures and stories on this site! What fun seeing so many variations of our silvery tresses! The grandbabies are adorable; I’m a grandma too! Yes, I’ve loved Kris Kristofferson forever ... 3rd time I’ve actually met him. A funny note ... a woman from the concert came running over to me ...seeing my hair from a distance, she thought I was Emmylou Harris! 

Posted by BrandyGirl on 06/23 at 07:02 PM

lulubell...that baby is adorable!!! love her name...love the “tude"…
all is looking great!

Posted by louann on 06/24 at 02:29 AM

Love these latest photos!  Lulu, your granddaughter is beautiful...you must be very proud.  And very happy with your longer hair.  It’s coming in soooo nicely! 

Aziza, you are just beaming in this photo with your beautiful first grandbaby.  Great picture.

BrandyGirl76:  Love the colour of your hair.  How cool that someone thought you were Emmylou...that’s quite a compliment!

Posted by newbie2 on 06/24 at 03:43 AM

Thanks so much Aziza! I do have an 18month old grandson, in fact, he is Violet’s “OLDER” brother, and last, but not least, there’s my 9 year old grandaughter.....all in one family......now there’s a busy house!!

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 05:58 AM

Thanks, Chrissy! All is well!!

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:00 AM

Chrysalis, thank-you! You can comment on my curls as often as you like, it is so nice to have them back again!

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:02 AM

Hello Louann! Yep, I’m “doin the tude!” Thanks, we love the name Violet!

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:03 AM

Lisa (newbie2) it is always so good to hear from you!! Thanks, I “am” so proud, being a gramma is my life’s work,   and probably will be for some time!! I really do love my longer hair, I just wasn’t “me” with the pixie.

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:07 AM

lulubell, that’s what I thought.  It does make for a very busy household.  How’s that 18 month old liking his little sister?  Brady (honey boy #1) is loving his baby sister.  He’s always hugging, kissing, patting, and signing “I love you” to her.  It’s so cute.  We wondered how he would do since he’s still so young but he seems to be doing just fine. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/24 at 06:09 AM

Chrissy, BrandyGirl76, and newbie2~ Thanks so much!

newbie2~ actually this is my first girl grandbaby.  I
have 2 little boy grandbabies also. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/24 at 06:13 AM

BrandyGirl, thanks and WELCOME to the grandma club! You’ll have to send in a photo of your adorable little one(s)!

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:17 AM

Aziza, he seems “slightly amused” at times but, for the most part, he doesn’t really acknowledge her. My daughter did find an apple in the cradle (with a few bites out of it! )

Posted by lulubell on 06/24 at 06:21 AM

Aziza--lucky you!  Your third grandbaby. I hope to be so lucky someday (at least 10 years from now--my boys are only 17)

Posted by newbie2 on 06/24 at 07:25 AM

Oh, too funny, lulubell!  My oldest was so mad at me when his brother was born.  He wouldn’t even acknowledge me when my MIL brought him up to the hospital.  But, he eventually got over it.    I guess he just didn’t want to share.

Posted by Aziza on 06/24 at 07:29 AM

Thanks newbie2.  I’ve got another grandson on the way due to make an appearance sometime in October, my DD’s first. 

Posted by Aziza on 06/24 at 07:31 AM

love your mini meet pic lindyk and reddy....you both look fab!
love looking at the pics of everyone...keep em comming!

Posted by louann on 06/30 at 06:24 AM

Louann, just look at you!! I love these photos, you look so happy and lovely!! Your hair is gorgeous, so thick and silvery! Great family photos indeed!! Happy Dayz for sure!

Posted by lulubell on 07/06 at 03:49 PM

thanks lulubell...where have you been??? hope all is well with you and yours!…
we had fun...saw a more than GREAT gray at that deb ball...and i could not even guess her age(young looking probably in her late 40’s)...she was lovely and very approachable… very “sophisticated” with her lovely black and white stripe dress and her pewter hair pulled back into a “flip” with adorable black glasses...(in other words she was tiny and petite and lovely probably like our fearless leader!)i haven’t been in a long dress since my wedding ...so this was kind of like an adult prom where these people could “show off their daughters”!!! at least my friends daughter had a handsome escort!!!(just being a mom)

Posted by louann on 07/06 at 04:15 PM

You’re welcome Louann, It sounds like you had a wonderful time!! I have my two grandaughters staying with me (for the last two weeks, in fact ) so there has been very little “ME” time until now.  They’re watching a movie while I sit and type. I haven’t been in a long dress for years, unless you count those flowery “hippie” skirts with flowers and lace......I love those!

Posted by lulubell on 07/06 at 04:23 PM

louann~ Fantastic family photo!  You are flanked by 2 handsome men!  I love the photo of you and Jim also.  You look just lovely in your grays too.  You look so svelte and like you are with your best friend.  I love that photo!

lulubell~ How fun for you to be able to spend an extended period of time with your granddaughters.  How’s that new grandbaby doing?

Posted by Aziza on 07/15 at 10:33 AM

Hi Aziza! Yes it was fun, busy, but fun! Little Violet Mae is growing in leaps and bounds, many cute smiles now! How is life in your little part of the world? You surely must be busy also.

Posted by lulubell on 07/16 at 07:13 AM

Yes, our little Johannah is full of smiles too.  Life is very busy with 3 little ones.  Big boy, Owen, will be 1 next Friday.  His Mama and Daddy have a big party planned for him.  Should be lots of fun. Sure don’t want to rush the summer but we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of our DD’s baby in October. The more grandbabies the merrier.  My DH is adjusting to his new job.  Lots of new challenges.  My parents are still looking to sell their house.  Never a dull moment in this household.    But, that’s what keeps life interesting, right? 

Posted by Aziza on 07/16 at 07:25 AM

HA HA!! RIGHT!! WONDERFUL.... a new little one for you.....something for me to look forward to this Fall!  Be sure to send a photo for the Happy Dayz Page! You are so blessed, Aziza....life is good!

Posted by lulubell on 07/16 at 08:13 AM

Yes, lulubell, we are in a season of blessings and life is indeed good.  It’s been a long time coming.  These last few years life has not always been pleasant to us.  It makes us cherish and appreciate what we do have so much more, as I know you know as well.  It is better to focus on the good....
Happy weekend, everyone!

Posted by Aziza on 07/16 at 09:20 AM

thanks aziza...we had fun fun fun… it’s fun to see the 19 yr old clean up “good”...jim and i had a nice get away in this very quaint coastal town…

c’mon ladies..let’s see YOUR HAPPY DAYS!!!

Posted by louann on 07/18 at 06:24 PM

jade and barb nice picture! both of you are looking great!!

Posted by louann on 08/11 at 05:38 AM

This page really is Happy!  From babies (awww..you know how I love babies) and stunning G-mas (Aziza & Lulubell) to Louann’s fantastic smile & lovely family....

Jade & Barb what a darling pic...and the Oregon sunshine is divine!

Posted by Goldie on 08/11 at 07:44 AM

lindyk and reddy, jade and Barb~ You all look so fabulous!  How wonderful that you live close enough for mini meets. Gotta say I’m a tad bit envious.  I’m really looking forward to Vegas and the big silverfest.  It’s sure to be fun, fun, fun!

Posted by Aziza on 08/11 at 07:52 AM

I know the feeling Aziza!  Sometimes I have a hard time going to sleep at night thinking of all of you who I will finally meet in Vegas!

Posted by Goldie on 08/11 at 07:56 AM

jade~ After seeing your gorgeous hair here in Happy dayz, I’ve gotta ask!  What are you using on your hair to keep it so sparkling white.  I don’t see even a hint of yellowing!  I’m noticing that as mine gets longer the outer layer is not as crisply white as the underneath. In fact when I pull some underneath hair up to the top to compare, I really notice a difference. I’m getting a little nervous about it.  I really don’t want to cut.  What’s your secret???

Posted by Aziza on 08/11 at 07:57 AM

Hear, hear Goldie!  So, what was the surprise from your sister???

Posted by Aziza on 08/11 at 08:00 AM

Oooo...I’ll post it over on the Palazzo/Vegas page!

Posted by Goldie on 08/11 at 08:14 AM

Yes Jade, pray tell your secret to keeping the yellow at bay.  You and Barb look terrific!

Posted by leenbean on 08/11 at 09:06 AM

Nadine - you have a beautiful family and your hair is gorgeous!!

Posted by deedee54 on 08/11 at 11:47 AM

Nadine - you look gorgeous!

Posted by grayme on 08/11 at 01:49 PM

Hubba-hubba Nadine!  You look fantastic!!

Posted by Goldie on 08/11 at 01:54 PM

Thanks deedee57, grayme, and Goldie! I had to make sure that my hair looked its best as I had last seen most of my cousins last year at this time when I was in the middle of my transition. But I got no comments on my hair at all, either good or bad. Maybe that means they just accepted it like any other color which is what we all want in the long run anyway, right? Well, a couple of compliments would have been nice but I know where to come for those - lol!

Nadine

Posted by lookingrayt on 08/11 at 06:56 PM

nadine what a great picture!! looks like christmas card” material!!!
as far as the “no comment”...how big of a reunion was it?
i have learned just because I LOVE my hair doesn’t mean everyone else is going to run up to me and tell me how much they love it too!!! ha ha… i guess this is when we have to repeat “it’s not about me”....dang i say !!!!!

BUT let me just say this nadine ...your hair looks FANTASTIC and there is no ignoring it that is for sure!!

jade...your hair is shining nicely in that oregon sunshine! hope you will be in vegas… so you can share your shiny hair secrets with us!

Posted by louann on 08/16 at 05:47 AM