Wild animals aren't Beanie Babies

Yellowstone is such a beautiful park with the geysers, hot springs and bison/bear/etc.

Grand Teton is pretty much right next door. Quite different, but still awesome and wonderous.

It is so crazy how people try to pet the WILD animals. Seriously. Our trip out there showed us PLENTY of morons. It was awesome, but quite scary when a bison decided to meander into the road in front of us, then walk along the truck. They are massive creatures. Common sense screams, "Stay away! Keep quiet! DO NOT PET!"

Even further, "Do not let YOUR KIDS pet!" But obviously, visiting National Parks with wild animals IS rocket science.

I'll save the rant for "stay on the walkways" at the hot springs and geysers for another day!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Today in history...2003

Five years ago today, we bought Rick's Honda Magna.

Brand spankin' new. Kinda of an impulse buy. I knew he wanted it, I knew he knew where it was available. It wasn't at all planned to be done that day.

But the stars were aligned, the sun was shining brightly and I caved to the pressure from my excited kids and their father. Like usual!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Today in history...2004

Back in 2004, we took our month-long vaca out West. Today, our 4th day in, we spent the day at Mesa Verde and the Four Corners, while campering in Durango.

There is NOTHING like hearing a thunderstorm in the Durango valleys.
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Today in history...2007

A year ago today, Kar and I were vacationing in Chicago. The much dreamed about train ride that finally happened!

We spent several days in the Windy City and went to the zoo, museums, parks, Navy Pier (overrated) and to see "Wicked" at the Oriental Theatre. We have photos of art and the kidney bean.

We shopped the Mag Mile, ate Chicago cuisine and did goofy stuff. We visited the area where The Fugutive filmed the parade scene. We did other goofy stuff. And we witnessed plenty of goofy stuff there (like the 2 guys having McDonalds for lunch in the middle of street by their satellite trucks.) And we enjoyed the street art.

I took some of Kar's initial senior pics. Actually, I took A LOT of pics there!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

In a few days, the car makers will be releasing their sales numbers.

I'm betting they will be sucky.

So many times this month, I have heard complaints from clients that GM, Chrysler and Ford sales staff are HEAVILY pushing their trucks. The lots are full of them. The big complaint about GM is they only seem to have trucks, Impalas and G6s. The second biggest complaint is GM cars are just ugly.

And buyers are walking away.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Team USA

Anybody else's family think of The Mighty Ducks when they hear "Team USA"?

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

No more hiding

I have decided to send the letter.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

What's in a name?

Once upon a time, I took quite a bit of flack for the name, "Karina."

At least I didn't name my kid, Tu Morrow or Denim or Kyd or Diva. Apple seems almost normal compared to some!

The slideshow is worth it, but they forgot Michael Jackson naming his boys, Prince.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

The perfect graduation party, 2008

It's over. Karina has graduated. My daughter is no longer a high school student, she is a COLLEGE student!

Graduation was fantastic. The grands were there, my favorite brother-in-law and his wife, my sister and her girls and my stepson.

I had planned on going to a restaurant after the ceremony, but Saturday morning, we decided to just do a BBQ at the house instead. Literally, I had 2 hours to shop for food and supplies for 20 guests! Rick was home and mowed the yard and set up the camper, screen tent, etc. But we got it done and done well!

It worked out wonderfully. My father-in-law wasn't in the health to go out to eat. He starts his rigorous cancer treatment this week and will be heading to Karmanos in the next few weeks for stem-cell transplants. We have to worry about him getting sick. Staying at the house and eating burgers, brats and chicken, with no worry of germ transmission, was a huge relief for everyone!

The kids were able to run and scream and do gymnastics. Thanks to our awesome neighbors, they had a pool to use and more kids to chat with. Karina stayed for nearly 4 hours, she finally wanted to go to her boyfriend's party when everyone was leaving! We drove her to his house and then, I showed my sister her way to her hotel.

My parents brought their motorhome and stayed the night in our driveway. They had such a great time chatting with my inlaws! Again, it was WONDERFUL!!!

And I got so many perfect family pics that day... even printed and mailed some Sunday afternoon!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Whirlwind week

This is such a busy week with Karina! Today was her class trip to Cedar Point, tomorrow is picking up her cap and gown, then Honor's Night (with her NHS glory), then baccalaureate, then her boyfriend is being honored with some scouting award and then...

SATURDAY! Graduation Day 2008!

So far, we have about 15 people penciled in to attend her ceremony and the little dinner after. Both sets of grands, Rick's older brother and wife, my favorite nephew and Cody, my sister and her daughters, my favorite uncle and aunt (courtesy of Rick!) And a few of my coworkers.

Those whose presence will be truly missed are Bethany and her parents and Lisa and her family. Nina would be so proud of her! We ALL are!!!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Kris:

I apologize for the out-of-the-blue call today. I do not mean to create havoc in your life. Unfortunately, my daughter has developed a medical condition which necessitates her neurologist and ophthamalogist to know her biological medical history, which includes you.

This is NOT about money. You aren't going to be "hit up" for cash. That could have happened LONG ago, but never did. (Side note: my husband adopted her years ago, so it is impossible anyways.)

My daughter is just a few months from 18. She graduates high school in a few days. She starts college in a few months.

She has a mom and dad who love her VERY much. This isn't about establishing a relationship. You have NO idea how difficult it was to make that call to you. It has been more than 17 years since we even said, "Hello."

Refusing to give info and playing dumb about her won't make your past go away.

We ONLY need medical history from you. Please ask any adoptee or DOCTOR how critical medical history is...

Again, I apologize for interrupting your life. My daughter's health, though, is too important.

sheila

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Remembering Rob Lentz

Rob Lentz was killed on Sunday, June 5, 2005, while riding his motorcycle with several friends. Andrew Samuelson of Swartz Creek did not obey the multiple STOP signs and drove his car directly in front of the three motorcycles that had the right-of-way. Two of the motorcycles barely avoided the crash. Rob was in the front and was not so lucky. Three men left that day. Only two returned home.

We will never forget you, Rob.

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Lists

Favorite chick-flicks
1. How to lose a guy in 10 days
2. Bed of Roses
3. Serendipity
4. Sabrina
5. My big fat greek wedding
6. Sweet Home Alabama
7. The First Wives Club

Coolest things I've done
1. Trip to Chicago via train with Kar
2. Riding around Salt Lake City in a private carriage at dusk
3. Spreak Break in Vegas with Kar
4. Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar in Buckhead with Lisa
5. Month-long vaca with Rick and our 2 teenagers
6. Riding around Mackinac Island in a private carriage
7. Shook the hand of a sitting President with Bethany

Favorite things to collect
1. Sets of china
2. M&Ms
3. Sunflowers
4. Books/movies
5. Stamps (for Kar)
6. Glass Christmas tree ornaments
7. Blazers
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Beginnings and ends

My good friend Rachel, who used to be my boss, delivered her baby minutes ago. Bailey is the first child for Rachel and her husband. (Get this: 20-something MARRIED couple with NO OTHER KIDS! How odd is that?!!?)

Today is Kar's last full day of high school.

My emotions are getting a real workout this week!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

The great catnip field in the sky

Today was heartbreaking.

Dalton, our lovable fat-cat nicknamed "Chubby girl," had to be put down. I took her. I held her. I pet her while the end came. And I cried the whole time.

Late Saturday night, I noticed she was suddenly having difficulty breathing and moving. Sunday, she showed no interest in food or water. She was lethargic. She didn't want to leave the kitchen floor.

A call into our vet (a family friend) in the afternoon prepared me for the worst. We knew she was dying. Throughout the day, I continued to wet her mouth with a syringe. I took her outside and laid her on the patio for some fresh air. And I put her in the grass for the first time.

The miracle recovery never came. Kar begged me to give Dalton another day. I refused to let her suffer another day.

It's not the first time I've put down an animal. As their "momma," I'm always there. Simba was 12 and Juneau was 9 months. Dalton was almost 7 years old.

Dalton was Tux's sister. They were abandoned by their momma probably the day before their eyes opened. Rick called me to come get them, so I loaded the kids in my Jeep and we drove right down. (Gas was still about $1.30 gal then!)

I was their momma, I bottle fed the twins for more than a week in August 2001, getting up in the middle of the night like with babies! I had little scratches all over my arms and legs where they climbed on me. It was literally 2 weeks after I got done doing the same with Dakota! Effortlessly, they moved onto wet food, then solid food. Princess and I taught them to use the litter box.

Rick never wanted to keep Dalton, much to my horror. I refused to let him get rid of her. I'd grown attached. He'd only wanted Tux (a TUXEDO cat), but when Tux turned out to not be so fluffy, Rick lost interest in him, too. Tux is a big mama's boy. Dalton kinda felt shunned because Rick wanted nothing to do with her, but she was so sweet and loving! All the other cats adored her. Unlike the others, she got along with each animal. In her younger days, she'd use Sim and Niko's furry tails as play toys. And they let her.

Usually, though, I'd just see her laying next to Niko.

It was comical to watch Princess (3 lbs) playing mother to Dalton. Dalton looked just like Princess, except Dalton had white paws. And weighed 22 lbs.

Unfortunately, she had issues. Serious issues with food. She ate and ate and ate some more. And it probably killed her.

I miss Dalton's big purr. She could be heard 10 feet away when she was truly happy! She'd see me sitting in my chaise and come waddling through the living room in High Purr Mode. She'd jump up at my feet and walk up my legs to lie on my chest. And she'd lick my nose repeatedly until I pushed her head away. All the while, she'd be purring so loudly we'd have to turn up the TV!

Like with each of our kitties, she had her own distinct personality. She will be remembered fondly and loved still more. Heaven has a big field of catnip for kitties, I'm sure. And Dalton is there.
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)