Ramirez and Anderson Family: July 2010

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Summertime and the living is easy - NOT!

This is the first day I have actually sat down to play on the computer. We are supposed to be putting up the pool today but with all the storms we have had it is too wet and, as much as I want the pool up, I am grateful for a day to relax. We have had a very busy summer, as usual. On top of it all I am teaching Zumba classes this summer 4 times a week.

Cheri went to Alabama with her boyfriend, Alex, and his family to see his brother. She had a blast. When she got back she continued her job search. She had a hard time finding a job so she has been working for Paul at the schools doing summer clean up. She didn't think she would like it but she is really enjoying the people and only having to work days, Monday through Friday.

Our big project has been the backyard. We put a deck outside of the walkout, a rock wall up to the backyard, a concrete slab stairway, and we are ready for the pool, then a fence and grass. Finally, a backyard for the pups! Everyone has pitched in to work on this yard. I have even had Cheri's boyfriend and Charlie's friends helping out. Alex's parents have offered to come over to help put the pool up too.

My sister, Tara, and her family came through town on their way back from DC and spent the night. I'm sorry to say I only got one picture of them, it was Kirkland. I loved having them even if it was for a few hours.

Janette brought Paul Richard (her grandson) from Denver and we had a blast spoiling him. He went camping, made tamales, saw Toy Story 3 in 3D, went to Cedar Point, and swam in the pond. When Mel did the fireworks Paul Richard said, "This is like a dream come true!" He is a hoot. We always give him an Ohio birthday party because his birthday is in September and we don't get to see him then. He will be 6 on his next birthday.

My brother was in town for a karate competition. Mikey is my Mom's stepson and has been in my life for 30 years. Tara is my Dad's stepdaughter and has been in my life for 35 years. I don't use the "step" anymore with either of them. I also have Johnny, Tracie, and Louie from my Dad, John. It has been 30 some years with them too. I may be an only child, but not really.

I was down in Sarasota, Florida last week for Marta's funeral. It was very emotional and tough on Sue. I took Minnie down there and Gloria and Sam were also there. Florida was hot, but it is hot here too. I loved running in Sue's neighborhood and swimming in the pool. Minnie and I had a few experiences while flying down there. On the way down they had to take some guy off the plane in Atlanta because he went off on a flight attendant, the pilot, and a passenger. Security took him off the plane - scary stuff! On the way back we had a 3 hour layover in Atlanta and some lady asked Minnie and I to watch her brother's ashes while she went to get food. He died in Afghanistan. I'm thinking I would like to stay out of Atlanta - strange town.

This weekend was the Ramirez family reunion. Sue, Gloria, and Jon came in town for it. There were about 150 of us there. Dad has 9 siblings and then there are all the families. Paul and I helped run it. Except for it being hotter than hell, it was fun. We played games, had a pinata, ate great food, and got to see people we never see. It was a loooooong day though. Sue and I made a picture board of our branch of the family and that was fun because I got to see picture from years ago of my family.

My kids were not at the reunion because they had to go to White Cloud and spread Grandma Anderson's ashes. She died this spring and they spread them up with Chuck's ashes. It was good the kids could all get together with Chuck's side of the family but I wish it had been for a better reason.

Romeo is getting HUGE. He is bigger than Cheyenne now. He is the sweetest dog I have ever had. He acts like a 10 year old dog and he is just 6 months old. I had started a blog for him but it wasn't very good. I redid it last night and have decided to do it from his point of view. I think it will be a hoot when I get going on it. If you want to check out my first post go to http://www.romeothenewfie.blogspot.com/ I plan on doing weekly updates of his adventures.

Love you!
Cindy