More from Griffis

Garret studied this face naming parts that it was made from
There has been debate whether cougars are found in the wild in our area

Taking a load off

Shady retreat, move over leprechauns

Relaxing after hiking

(Not a flattering picture, but oh well)

Griffis Sculpture Park

Hi there, welcome to the sculpture park

http://www.griffispark.org
Garret ponders, " What is it?"
Stacie comments, "A person sitting with knees drawn up, arms encircling the legs." "Oh."


Stacie is beautiful with or without wings


Nice day for a swim

We chuckled when we came upon this sculpture as someone saw fit that the lady should have some modesty and gave her a flower.

Today was perfect for a visit to the sculpture park- not too warm and a nice breeze. Although Garret had been there before he didn't remember. I enjoyed sharing this little adventure with my son and his girlfriend. I'll share more photos of our artful afternoon next post.

A Sight to See

Garret and his girlfriend Stacie enjoyed spending time together in such a tranquil piece of the world.

Leaving the Nest

We took Garret to Wyotech on March 31 and he was so excited. He never expected to go away to school since he hated it sooo much. School had always created great strife between Garret and I since he was so apathetic towards it. He is smart and can learn anything when he is interested, but most of high school was pure drudgery for him. It tore me up how he just didn't care -when I knew he had so much potential.

If it hadn't been for the alternate schooling program our school district offers he probably would never have graduated. The whole social dynamic, popularity, cliches, - Garret found repulsive. With Wyotech being an automotive repair school the female presence is sparse, so I hope the culture is nothing like high school.

All I can say is i'm proud that my son is finally using his potential. I know he will do well and hope he makes friends.

Campus Visit - Wyotech

We visited the Wyotech campus and I must say I'm impressed. The Blairsville campus opened in 2002 and is very modern. The apartments are not all that large, but Garret will only have to share his bathroom with one other person and his bedroom seems bigger than his at home. It was beautiful weather with sunny skies and temps reaching 70. From Brookville to about 10 miles away the drive was on meandering roads through the mountains. I would like to find an alternate route since in bad weather it could be quite the harrowing drive.

Can't believe in less than 4 weeks he'll be gone. So much to do!

A Little of This and a Little of That

Holy cow I thought the cold would never end! One week ago school was canceled due to extreme cold and today the glorious sun warmed the Earth to a pleasant 44 degrees. This winter has been more like the ones I remember as a child with snow that doesn't turn to slush and disappear within a day. It had been snowing quite often as of late and I can't remember the last time deep snow has lasted so long. Last Saturday I woke to -15 degree temperatures and baked a pie with the last of my frozen blueberries. I lost track of time and my pie was a little crispy around the edges, but who eats that part anyhow! With only a quart of blackberries left in the freezer I hope this summers a better season than last.











Garret was getting some love from Shannon on his 20th birthday on the 13th (and yes he was a Friday the 13th baby). He has received his acceptance letter and informational binder from Wyotech. To see him so excited is a simple pleasure money just can't buy (if only the same could be said about tuition!) This weekend I'll be dealing with the FASFA and come to find out he threw out his taxes because I didn't tell him to save them so why would he (Argh!).

I'm still trying to figure this blogging out. For example my "Holy cow" is underlined but i don't know why and have been unsuccessful at getting rid of it. At least I now know that the last picture loaded is the first one to appear. My previews never look like my published blog so my posts don't look like I want. I don't have time to learn how to edit HTML so, until they upgrade how you produce a post or I become a millonaire and therefore have lots of time on my hands it will just have to do. I wish by blogs were visually more appealing (I'm in awe of some of the blogs i've seen). I also find the voyer aspect quite strange. I'm pretty confident that the only people who look at my blog are my family - after all my blogs are just snippets of my family - I have no niche to write specifically about, no captivating stories to tell, or beautiful photos. I slap my blog together and there it is. Kaylee's art (see cow above, ha-ha) would probably be a blog that strangers would peruse, but i can't even keep up with my own let alone make one of her art. It will probably be funny to look at old blogs after I've done this for awhile.

Hodgepodge

Garret applied to go to tech school for automotive repair and is so excited. Hopefully everything will fall into place and he'll start in April. The financial commitment is very daunting, but I don't want him stuck in a dead end jobs all his life.
Chris and I traveled to Erie to see the orthopedic surgeon. February 3 is the big day for surgery number 2. Hopefully the scar tissue from the first operation won't impede the surgeon from being able to repair the shoulder. Chris is anxious- not looking forward to surgery, but tired of being in pain and wanting to be able to live his life without limitations.
Chris thought it was a little dreary and brought home some sunshine. Several inches of snow have paid us a visit and frigid weather is on the way. I look forward to spring and the longer days, but will enjoy these until then.

Lovable Garret

My son Garret, who still hugs his mom and tells me he loves me. Social introvert, but if he lets you in you see how compassionate he truly is. Doesn't care about the status quo. Does care about the injustice mankind suffers due to prejudice. He has vehement opinions of those who persecute and the intensity of his disgust is evident in his voice when he discusses such topics. Uncle Garret is a role he serves well. He will make a truly loving father someday.