University of South Carolina

Son Greg and daughter-in-law Michelle showed us around campus and the state house during our spring visit to Columbia, SC.  Greg is an assistant professor at the University.  Michelle is an engineer with Cummins Diesel and works from home 3/4 of the time, then travels to Minneapolis to work 1/4 of the time.  

Greg talked his grad students into getting Michelle a desk and even an office in his building to do her Cummins work the weeks she "works from home".  It's great they walk to campus together, share lunch breaks, then trek home to their new sanctuary.

This was Bob's first trip to Columbia.  The trip is 1/2 the distance of the trip to Minneapolis from our home.  The ride is about 7 1/2 hours.  The trees and flowers near their home are blooming and it was such a pretty trip.

I scanned and cut the Palmetto tree symbol, the SC state symbol, from a gift bag.  The rooster-the "cock"- is a scan of the large symbol that was painted in a campus street.  The mascot of the University is the "gamecock".  

2016  

Hug an Irishman

When I visited my Mom last week she was feeling low and did not really feel like going out.  I knew she needed to see her friends, so we made our weekly trip to the Tri-Towns Senior Center.  When she got on the elevator, there was a life size inflatable Irishman.  Mom smiled and asked me to take her picture.  She said..........that's all I wanted to do today was "hug an Irishman".

Mom's maiden name is "Mullan". The Mullan ancestors came from Ireland.

March 2016

Palace of Gold

In the early 80s, Bob covered the Palace of Gold at New Vrindaban for USA Today.  Life Magazine described the Hare Krishna Community as "a place where tourists can be amazed".  Soon after, it faded into financial ruin.  Near Moundsville, WV, it's still a place worth visiting.

February Cards

Brandy is an HSC Cafeteria employee-a bright, 30-something mother of 2 girls.  She could work in any position.  The lead inventory control specialist called her "Princess".  I don't think she minded the term.  So for her birthday, I chose pretty pink "princess" type elements.

"This card is sent to you today

With best wished so sincere

To wish you a happy birthday

And love and laughter all year."

 This Valentine is for our son Greg and his lovely wife Michelle.

"This special card 

Is sent your way.

Filled with love

This Valentine's Day."

This card is for the Director of the Senior Center where I take my Mom.  Diana is a lovely lady who had surgery and was off for 5 weeks.  Diana truly helps the senoirs she serves.

"Sending get well wishes

To brighten up your day

Hope they find you happy

And feeling better in every way."

This is the Valentine I made for Mom.

"You are so very special

And this card has come your way.

Loaded with hugs and kisses

Because it's Valentine's Day."

The Valentine for the love of my life, Bob.

"My heart belongs just for you

I've loved you from the start,

Since we met, my world's complete

Through life, we will never part." 

This is the Valentine for our sweet son Chris.

"Valentine wishes are sent to you,

To let you know

How much we love you so."

Our son Greg was 29 on February 23rd.  This is the birthday card for Greg.

"Think of all that you have done

That have made each and every year a memorable one.

Looking to the future may you find it holds in store

So many new experiences of happiness and more."

I volunteered to make thank you cards for the speakers at our annual WV Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meeting in April.  These are the cards, all with food ephemera, and blank on the inside right where the program chair can hand write a note.

 My sister Terry's husband Nelson has a birthday Friday.  He is a prominent business man and attorney.  

"To help you celebrate

This card is sent to say

May good luck and good fortune

Always with you stay.

May you find much joy and happiness

In everything you do.

And in this card is all our love

Sent especially to you."