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Patty’s Photo Session


If anyone is looking for an fun, awesome photographer in Minnesota – be it for two legged or four legged beings – give Barb a call! Our session was wild and crazy (without Steve Martin)! πŸ™‚

Flowers and Cows and Worms – Oh My!


My father-in-law has said that I make things more complicated than they need to be.

Well…

Sometimes I guess I do.

Like when it comes to our yard…

It takes me days to “decorate” our yard and my gardens every year. Β It’s ever evolving in a manner of speaking…new junk = new garden decor. Β Remember the old saying: Β ‘Your garbage may be someone else’s treasure’?

Yes…my yard is living proof. Β I have dilapidated bird houses, old pans, old faucets, a few faded decor items…you name it. Β But they look lovely now! Β I love repurposing things, giving them a new home, and showing them a little love…even though they’re old, faded and worn out (hmmmm…maybe I’m describing myself?). Read more

Because Nice Matters


I have a plaque with this saying on it in my living room as a gentle reminder to my family.

As a Mom of three girls, one of which is 23, one 19 and one 12 (all with Fall birthdays), we have had plenty of female hormones raging in this home. Β Soon we’ll have two out of the teenage years and one just beginning – whew! Β Now add in this perimenopausal Momma to the mix and let’s just say this….poor Tim. Β There’s a reason he loves his woodworking shop as much as he does!

But I digress…

A few of the characteristics I’ve tried to instill in my girls are empathy and kindness. Β We all react to someone else’s attitude – whether it be bad or good. Β Sometimes it’s all too easy to crank back at someone who’s being cranky at us (I’m just as guilty)…but if we can stop ourselves long enough to realize that we don’t know what they may be dealing with – maybe we can deal with it in a different way. Β Maybe a smile, a “Have a good (or better) day”, or even a gentle touch on the arm with an “Are you OK?” can do wonders.

Sometimes all someone needs is to know someone cares.

Be that someone today.

Happy Sunday all!

Patty O

A Day to Celebrate, A Day to Thank Those Who Serve


In the midst of your 4th of July celebrating, I hope you will join me in taking a moment to thank those who have ensured our freedoms and security – our military, police, and firefighters.

I hope you have a FANTASTIC 4th of July…

Be safe, enjoy your family and friends, and may God Bless the USA! Β  Β (Enjoy a little Lee Greenwood)

And one other tradition Tim and I share on the 4th is watching the Boston Pops, here’s our favorite song: Β The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular: Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever (thank you BetsysView)

From my family to yours,

Happy 4th of July!

Patty O

 

But She was Just Talking to Her!!


Read this wonderful story about Marie…

5kidswdisabilities's avatarRaising 5 Kids With Disabilities and Remaining Sane Blog

Indoor Water Parks 1

My job includes coordinating both a summer and winter program for children who are blind and visually impaired. Β Last winter our lovely little group of about 40 went to an indoor water park during February vacation. If you have never been to an indoor (or outdoor for that matter) water park, you are missing one of life’s most wonderful playgrounds with water slides for all ages and skills. My age may indicate I could manage the β€œblack hole”, but my skill kept me in the kiddie area! Β (Ohhhhh! Β The KITTIE pool again!!!) Β  Lounging in the lazy river on a double tube was a great way for staff to keep an eye on their child without letting them float gleefully away amongst the throng of people enjoying the current. A huge water playground centered the park, with slides and little pools and tons of water play, including the huge bucket…

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