The Kids' Bicycle

Today was a day to purge the garage as much as possible, including the kids' Schwinn bike. We bought it when we first moved to Crofton, and was not ridden as much as we thought it would, but that's okay. I bought it at the local Family Bike Shop close to 20 years ago, and returned it back in today...and in excellent shape I may add. I told the owner to donate it to a good cause or another kid who may need or want it.

It was really a bittersweet full circle moment of getting rid of the childhood bicycle. So, by giving it back, wasn't it like we rented it for the past 20 years? I kind of think so to tell you the truth.

BSoleille!

Terri

A Grand Rapids Treat - A Frank Lloyd Wright House Restored to Grandeur

After all the festivities of the wedding weekend in Grand Rapids, we had a few hours to kill before heading to the airport. While looking for something else online, we happened to stumble upon a Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) home that was near (enough) where we stayed and decided to take a "looksie."

Since my travel companions nor I have ever entered one of FLW's "masterpieces," it was a win-win destination for the three of us to take in and enjoy. Even better, the tour was FREE, compliments of Steelcase, Inc (manufacturer of office furniture and established as a leader its furniture lines beginning in 1912 in Grand Rapids, MI). Interestingly, FLW "works of art" number about 425, with the majority located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. He was definitely a genius architect and had his hands in all aspects of his designs and buildings, of course, but he was a master at even the smallest details in ALL aspects of the homes and buildings he built.

The house we visited is called the Meyer-May house, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house located in the Heritage Hill area of Grand Rapids, MI. It was built in 1908-1909 and located at 450 Madison Avenue SE. It's considered a fine example of Wright's Prairie School era, and Michigan's Prairie masterpiece. My favorite part of this particular house are the windows, and the way he designed the glass panels, a lot with color components, that cast the light in beautiful arrays around each room. Stunning design for sure! Our tour started in the house next door by watching a 35 minute film on Mr. May; Mr. Wright and the restoration process by Steelcase, Inc., followed by a 40 minute docent led tour of the home.

I believe we three became instant fans of FLW's works and look forward to visiting a few more along our journeys when time and place permit it! Fallingwater (one of the most famous one of his) is definitely on our "bucket list(s)!"

BSoleille! The bright side of a new adventure in visiting a Frank Lloyd designed home!

Terri

Photos of home

Pure Love in Pure Michigan: Wedding of Haley Nelson and Jayme Peńa!

When love is in the air, especially being celebrated on a warm summer's day in Grand Rapids, Michigan, there's nothing like it! This weekend we were lucky enough to travel there and were honored to help in the celebration of the marriage of Haley Nelson to Jayme Peńa. Our family has been friends with the Nelson's for over 33 years, and have known Haley since the day she was born. And just like that...she's all grown up and now married, and we could not be happier for her and her handsome groom. Cheers to you both!

In addition to all the festivities surrounding the wedding, the meeting up with our "old" friends (Gina and Scott) and their families and friends (who many we have not scene in "decades") was also a super sweet treat for us. It seemed everyone was in a very festive and celebratory mood the entire weekend in Pure Michigan.

A huge shout of Thanks to Gina and Scott Nelson, and Becky and Joe Peńa and their families, in creating a perfect wedding celebration for their precious daughter, Haley, and son, Jayme. Pure Love fore sure!

Congratulations to the new bride and groom and wishing you both a lifetime of joy and happiness, and hanging on to the adventure of married life.

BSoleille!

Terri

Photos from the wedding:

Below: Haley and Jayme Peńa

MOB (Mother of the bride) Gina Nelson and me

Bride's brother Ben Nelson and Ryan

Bill, Ben, Ryan and FOB Scott Nelson

Angela Lowder and me (we go way back too)

Posing with Jayme and Haley!

Approximately Exact

This is the name of the craft beer I chose this evening in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Brewer). Isn’t it a cool name? I had to try it based on the name alone.  And...to describe it would be just that, "approximately exact." We are here for a wedding tomorrow for Haley Nelson (daughter of friends we knew in Cleveland, Ohio, for  close to 30 years). So exciting to see how grown up Haley is now and all the kids we know since the day they were born.

I must admit, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is quite the happening place. Cute eateries and craft breweries on every corner of their downtown area, and new buildings mixed in with rehabbed old buildings. Lots of people of all ages enjoying the summer solstice. Sun set close to 10:00pm tonight. I’m so glad we made the trip for sure!

BSoleille!

Terri
Photos from the Grand Rapids Brewery.

Throwback Thursday

Since the baseball season is well on its way for 2019; my photo below was taken at the Bowie Baysox game in April of 2002 when the kids were little and had high hopes of catching a foul bowl (notice the baseball gloves in between them that they proudly wore into the stadium that nice spring day).

Looking forward to a game or two more this season. Play ball!

BSoleille!

Terri

Love Those Curves!

As in curved piecing that is. Last week my quilt guild offered a class in curved piecing, and at the last minute, I decided to join in on the fun. The class was taught by quilter/author/teacher Heather Kojan, and it was a definite "skill builder"...especially sewing around curves. Thank goodness that the cotton fabric is cut on the bias so it meshes together quite seamlessly (no pun intended).

And just like anything in life, preparation is half the battle in accomplishing any type of task. Quilting is no different, and really, we typically have to prepare quite a bit while making a quilt; tote or any project we want to actually finish! So, I must admit, I only have one block done, and I'm happy about it, but I am still prepping in finishing the rest of the blocks. I think this will be a sweet quilt when done, and I will share the final project when completed (in between my NeedleOnFull work).

My photos below show how sewists sew on the bias, which looks kind of weird when matching up the two pieces of fabric, but by golly, finishes up beautifully when the curve is followed all the way down (and sewing a wee bit slower than usual helps...a lot). Not to be overlooked is measuring at least three times and cutting once - everyone's goal for sure!

Cheers to the one block...plus many more to follow!

BSoleille!

Terri

Fabulous Flower Power

Rain is everywhere these days, and not always welcome. It sure does a good job "greening" the lawns and gardens (positive thinking), and the flowers get plenty of water...but, it's been a little difficult with all the celebrations happening this spring and summer of 2019. I guess we all have to make the best of it and call it all "liquid sunshine."

Thankfully, the big old sun shined through two weekends ago on Kelleys Island. At a perfect moment in time when I walked up to the edge of one of Jodie Smith's flower gardens, this beautiful iris had the light shining on it "just right." I quickly took a photo of it and wanted to share it. No filter...just that natural sunlight coming off of Lake Erie for this handsome bloom!

BSoleille!

Terri

Justin Kocan Graduation and Happy Father’s Day

The cool rainy weather in Cleveland, Ohio, was never going to damper the spirits of my nephew, Justin Kocan’s, grad party! It was a very quick trip, arrived late yesterday afternoon, and already back on the road home to Maryland. But nevertheless, cheers to and a huge Congratulations goes out to Justin and his graduation class of 2019 from North Royalton High School. A great party (still going on) hosted by my sister Kimberly and husband Jerry! Don’t we all love the food at parties? This was no exception, which included some terrific Polish dishes like kielbasa and sauerkraut, a family favorite.

I would also like to reach out to all the Dads in the world  and wish each and every one a Happy Father’s Day (including my hubby, Bill).

BSoleille!

Terri
Below: Kocan’s ready for their graduation party guests.

Bill taking a much deserved nap, albeit a week early!

Justin the graduate 

Bike Brigade on Kelleys Island

Last weekend we took a lot of photos around the island doing different things with many people. The weather was warm enough and there was an abundance of sunshine for all the festivities of which we were very thankful for all weekend long.

One of the true spirit of Kelleys Island is touring around the whole island, preferably by bicycle. With all roads set at 25 mph, it's easy for people of all ages to tool around from Downtown, to the Glacier Grooves and State Campground to riding along the Lakeshore and to see the many views of Lake Erie at its finest.

The photo below is a group of eight (that's how many bikes we had to go around) that toured the above described areas. And it's always a pleasure to show off the island to a newcomer; Stephens Shafer, who hails from Richmond VA, and now, Washington DC (on the extreme right)! He loved everything about the island...and now we can add another convert to the magic of Kelleys Island just like that!

BSoleille! The bright side of an early morning bike ride: From L-R: Brian Phillips, me, "The Best Daughter", Liz Verrecchia, Jodie Smith, Kimberly Kocan, Jerry Kocan, and Stephens Shafer.

Terri

Happy 32nd Anniversary to Us!

...and just like that (finger click again), 32 years went by in a flash! We love fiercely and have enjoyed the wild ride of marriage since saying; "I do" on June 13, 1987!

Cheers to many more years of wedded bliss!

Terri

Quilter-Teacher-Author Heather Kojan

Due to all the excitement with "The Best Daughter" (recently engaged) and travels to Ohio, I haven't sewn or quilted in several days. Sew...it was good to get back to brass tax and attend the guild meeting tonight where we had a guest speaker and trunk show with quilter, Heather Kojan.

Heather has been quilting for over 30 years, and has perfected her style of quilting by making modern quilts; and with that, became the founder of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild in 2010. Her trunk show began with her modest beginner quilts (we all have to start somewhere!); to the beautiful quilts she makes today. Many of her quilts are in various publications and she teaches her methods all over the country (and at guilds and retreats).

A class on curved piecing is tomorrow at our meeting place, and I plan on taking it (on a whim I might add) and learn a new technique, or two, or at least I hope to! I had to race back home from the meeting to select fabrics from my stash to be ready (no worries, my stash of fabric did not disappoint for the selections I needed to make!).

BSoleille!

Terri

Below: Heather, and "quilt holders and folders" Misty Cole and Janet Freitag.

Heather Kojan and her modern quilts! 

And Just Like That (click your fingers)....

A little girl is all grown up and engaged to be married! The first photo was taken in 1996 on Kelleys Island, Ohio, during the 1 mile fun run for kids ("The Best Daughter" was four years old). And then, just like that, 23 years later that photo was "recreated" this past Sunday virtually near the exact same spot! Thankful beyond words for the entire weekend, and Scot and Jodie Smith for hosting a large crowd for the special occasion and Race Weekend!

BSoleille!

Terri

Kelleys Island Races

It's always fun to cap off the weekend with either a 5K or 10K race on Kelleys Island, especially when both races have their courses run along the shoreline. Viewing the glimmering waters and boats spread out in Lake Erie make it a stellar day for sure (and the temperature was perfect for a Sunday morning run).

Our gang was split in folks running/walking both races, and everyone had a good time doing their best. I was thankful to enjoy the journey of covering 3.1 miles...and got second place in my age group!

BSoleille!

Terri

Photos of the start with my sister Kimberly, nephews Brandon Kocan and Alex Tomoff and friends Sergei, Natasha and Max (all a part of our gang and running the 5K).

Our gang

Brian Phillips, Brandon Kocan, Olivia and Ryan

1

Medalists in various age groups in the 5K and 10K races!
Olivia, me, Linda Misencik, Beth Tomoff (Birthday Girl!!!), Bill, Mark Misencik, Scot Smith, Brian Phillips and Sergei K.

She Said, "YES!"

Kelleys Island, Ohio, has always been a happy place for me and my family, and this weekend, it just got a wee bit happier with the exciting news of "The Best Daughter"getting engaged to her betrothed, Brian Phillips! Everyone was "in" on the news, except "The Best Daughter," so her surprise on the proposal was very sweet and pure joy! We are so happy for Brian and Olivia as they move ahead and plan for the future, which in itself, is exciting for both families.

A huge THANK YOU to Jodie and Scot Smith for hosting this beautiful event at their lovely home (with live entertainment)! And what event can't go without food? So another huge THANK YOU to Ryan Tomoff and Carol and Dick Smith for catering a delicious dinner for all (pulled pork and wings and a huge Italian Dinner!)  We are so appreciative for the family and friends who were able to celebrate the engagement weekend, culminating with the 5K and 10K races tomorrow morning!

BSoleille! The bright side of love and a beautiful engagement in one of "The Best Daughter's" happy place.

Terri

I hope you will enjoy the photos of this wonderful day for our family. Below; the proposal (photo taken in the house with a screen in the window cause we weren't sure if it was going to be "the moment").

Brian and Olivia

Family and Friends helping with the celebration.

Our family!

Well, we did need the champagne...

Love at Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island Sunset

On the point on Kelley’s Island, Ohio, with a perfect sunset. Enough said today!

BSoleille!
Terri

Let the weekend begin...

Wingmaster to the BBQ

One has to start very early in the morning to "properly" smoke pulled pork on the Traeger (and chicken wings yesterday) to get a jump start on the upcoming weekend on Kelleys Island, Ohio. Wingman Ryan didn't disappoint as he rose with the sun to start the day long process of tenderly working with the meat. Thankfully, he loves to cook this way, and took the day in stride with meticulously maintaining proper temperatures and brining the meat with his "secret combinations" of various vinegars and spices. The strong flavors wafting from the meat had to turn some heads in the neighborhood in our direction because it smelled sooo good!

BSoleille! The bright side of a "grill master" making delicious food on the "barbie."

Terri

Photo is Ryan prepping the start of the long day of cooking the meat...

Organizing? the Garbage?

The county we live in, Anne Arundel County in Maryland, has quite an extensive waste management program and recycling program that is really quite excellent. I really "love" going to the "dump", or more aptly named, the Millersville Landfill (the one I go to) and Recycling Center. It's really amazing how much garbage there is on a daily basis from our family, let alone the county we live in, the state, and then the entire nation. It hurts the head to think about all the stuff we throw out, and then how much there is on a daily basis from 7 billion people!!! Egads!

Can you even imagine? There are so many barges on the waterways around the globe that are trying to figure out where to go with all the waste, that closer to home, it may seem that we get lulled into not seeing where it all goes if you have curbside pick-up (on a weekly basis ideally). It's when we venture out to get rid of the "bigger trash" that it all "crystallizes", or at least for me.

Truly, we are thankful for the pick up service we have living in my county, but will be more mindful on the waste generated each day.

BSoleille!

Terri

Pheen Family Fun

Our "girls" have spread out across the USA, but a few families from "The Best Daughter's" youth soccer team continue to get together when we can. Ten years goes by in the flash since those days where we spent every weekend and most holidays together for several years. For those of you whose kids played any sport (or still play), you know of what I "speak", or more aptly, write here. The "team" becomes family for quite some time, and I/we wouldn’t have changed it for anything. Good times for sure!

Tonight was one of those nights that three families (parents) were able to get together and enjoy each other's company, and catch up on our lives. Of course, we all have "moved on", but still love to talk soccer (USMNT and USWNT and our favorite, EPL). The USA Women's National Team will be playing in the World Cup in France starting later this month (US vs. Thailand on June 11th at 3:00pm start time), and you bet we will all be watching and cheering on the home team!

BSoleille! The bright side of dinner at Yellowfin on the South River, Edgewater, Maryland, with Patty and Tom Gitlin and Angie and John Kozlowski!

Terri

#CelebratingOthers with Tracy's Kids "SmileStone" Video

Tracy's Kids is an Art Therapy program for kids with cancer including their siblings and other family members. It's been going for over 20 years now, and it all started from humble beginnings with Tracy Councill at Georgetown University Hospital with limited art supplies but a huge heart to help kids fighting incredible cancer diagnoses, like Ryan back in the day.

Ryan, and family, met Tracy and her program in 1996 on 2 Bles at Georgetown. Tracy was an incredible influence on Ryan and showed exactly how art therapy can help kids facing scary testing, chemotherapy treatments and blood transfusions that was a daily occurrence for Ryan when first diagnosed at age 2 and beyond.

Today, founder and president of Tracy's Kids, Matt Gerson, released the below video on the $6 million milestone (Smilestone...) to thank the many supporters of this unbelievable program. This included mailing checks for Art Therapy programs to eight different clinics. These funds help pay for Art Therapist salaries and art supplies to help nearly 5,000 patients a year cope with the emotional toll imposed by the disease and its treatment. And the best part of this program; its FREE of charge to all the patients and their families they serve!

Please take a few minutes (3:04) to view this outstanding video. Ryan Tomoff is at the 1:25 mark and  counts seeing the Washington Capitals once or twice a year as one of his favorite programs thatTK's offers today! All the kids did an incredible job showing their appreciation for Tracy's Kids! Bravo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6-ByD3nX1g

BSoleille! The bright side of the Celebration Video of Tracy's Kids!

Terri

Photo of Tracy and Ryan at the TK's Red Carpet Event in Washington, DC

Can We Be Giddy on New Appliances?

First world problems are when our "convenient" appliances go belly-up and no longer work. Since "things" go in threes, I hope we are done with replacing appliances for awhile (microwave a couple of weeks ago, and washer and dryer today.) I/we feel very thankful that they can be replaced, but I've got to admit, son Ryan and I were giddy this afternoon when he started washing everything dirty from his room (it was a lot!).

So, can we really be giddy about a washer that works properly, and a dryer that doesn't take two hours to dry a small load? That's what we were living with, and it "worked"...until it didn't. I must also admit, we really had to be patient with our dryer...

I believe the answer is a resounding "yes" on getting new appliances (Kenmore). I also hope they will work consistently well for the next 15-20 years (is that too much wishful thinking?).

BSoleille! The bright side of ushering in a new era of a washer and dryer.

Terri

Now, from the looks of this photo, we "need" new shelving....