The Best Mom Ever

Mary Esther Freese Reeder

June 7th, 1929 to February 10, 2007

Funeral - Friday, February 23rd 11:30 A.M., St. Leo's Catholic Church, Fairfax, VA

Arrangements and Burial - Fairfax Memorial Park, Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA

MERRY Xmas....I need a Vacation!!!

Well, we had most of the Reeder brood in Florida for Xmas, since Mom and Dad reside down here folks deciding to travel to the parents for a change. Things were fun. Most people drove down from Virginia, with the exception of Mike, Carol and Brandon who flew (who, unfortunately, had to make a hasty retreat on Xmas day....missed you at dinner!). The kids enjoyed it the most, of course. We had Xmas Eve at my house and Xmas dinner at the Hilton on the beach, which was surprisingly good! My sister Lynda, her husband Mike, and her two adorable sons (my number one nephews!) Matthew and Mitchell stayed with me and Susan....oh, did I mention their dog Boomer too?! Actually, we kept him and Cindy separated, except for the back yard in which they miraculously got along fine. The boys are growing like sprouts and my house looked like a game parlor with the Xbox, Gamecube, gameboy, matchbox racetrack, stuffed animals, pokemon, yugio and figurines all around the place. But, IT WAS WORTH it...they are growing into such great young dudes. Mitchell is now into skateboarding and way to cool to give his Aunt Cathy a kiss on the cheek good bye....pretty soon he'll be talking on the phone to girls and wanting the car keys....ugh!

Andy and Anne (and Rocco of course) stayed with Mom and Dad. Mom said she loved having them because she didn't have to do anything. Anne organized the garage and Andy cooked...I think I'll have to have them down sometime...my garage needs organizing.....teehee.....just kidding guys.

It was great to see everyone lest Jeff, Won Ok and Elizabeth who didn't make the trip.

Best Present: not the $60 basketball jersey for Mitchell, the $50 Game Stop gift card for matthew or the Doodle Pro for Brandon NOPE.....it was the $4 Socker Boppers! Those boys, including little Brandon, just beat the crap out of each other.....ahh.....give little boys inflated boxing gloves and they are amused for hours!

Best Quote: eight year old Matthew, "Aunt Cathy, what does 'alcoholic' mean??".....Aunt Cathy, "Why....what did your Mom and Dad say about me!!!!!".....Matthew, "Huh?...someone just called Homer one on the Simpsons....". Aunt Cathy, "Oh...o.k. then....it is verrrrrryyyyy BBBBBBaaaaddd..."...that is true folks, you can't make stuff like that up.

Best moment: Aunt Cathy teaching a new basketball player, nephew Mitchell, a crossover dribble.... I fell right on my ass...that is right, RIGHT ON MY ASS!!!!! My sister's Lynda and Susan didn't hesitate to laugh their butts off....Mitchell is so polite he hid his face and tried not to laugh. THAT is why I'm going to list MITCHELL as my beneficiary on my health insurance and NOT my mean sisters!!!

I posted some pics from my stinky camera below...gonna have to replace that darn camera...or learn how to use it! More to come!

Double digits and almost eight decades...my GOD!

Happy birthday to two of the best "men" in my life. Today my father, Donald Lewis Reeder turns 78 years old...and my beloved nephew Mitchell Brian Hoag turns the big 1-0!!! They are both important people in my life and I'm just so proud that they both are such cool guys. Mitch had a big sleep over of ten of his closest friends and Susan and I took Dad and Mom out to Meg O'Malley's in Melbourne for his b-day. Here's to many more...pics of Mitch's b-day sleep over to be posted....when his mother (Gwinder) sends them to me...

Lean Mean Wrestling Machine...and Pokemon Trader!?

Had to post these pics of my number one dude, my nephew Matthew. He had his first wrestling match last weekend. He got all hyped up for his three matches and was ripped and ready to go...of course, that didn't stop him from showing off his Pokemon cards to his opponents after the match....aaaahhhhh the sweet innocence of youth....the Knicks and the Nuggets could take some lessons from these boys (read the papers if you don't get it).

Hello!...Hello!...Mickey R U There??

It was great to hear from my good ol' friend Mickey, one of my dearest friends ever. Of course, some things haven't changed since the 4th grade at Westmore or college at George Mason. Mickey's gonna call, so he says...Mickey?
Mickey, I know you read this...so call your ol' pal..wink, wink. I miss you.

Cathertizations, Cardiologists and a Cadillac

Well, most of you know of my medical scare this past month. After complaining to the Doctor during a routine visit of mild chest pain, my life got turned tipsey turvey for a while. I had abnormal EKGs and flunked the nuclear portion of my stress test which indicated a 90% chance of a blockage. I had to go to a Cardiologist and have a cardiac catheterization for a stint to be put in. Turns out, he couldn't find it (OK, stop laughing smart asses, he found my HEART...it was the blockage he couldn't find...I now have definitive proof that I do, indeed, have a heart. No Mom, it didn't have a big crack in it!) and suggested that the other two tests gave false positives....I'm glad about that but wish I didn't have to have a tube stuck up my groin into my heart. They put me on a blood thinner and patted my on the back. I'm left with an unbelievable bruise where they put a clamp on my leg...ugh.

I bought a new (semi used) car to replace the aging Altima. See pics below.



Mom and dad are adjusting slowly, they have found their way to me and Susan's house on there own (both good and bad news....teehee) and are trying to get involved with the Senior Center. We took them gambling on the boat last weekend. I made out like a bandit and couldn't lose...nobody else won, but what do I care.

Cindy is still pooping like crazy!

Theyrrrrreeeeeeee Heeeeeerrrreeeee!

Well, not quite yet. For those who don't know, my parents are relocating to Melbourne, FL from Tucson, AZ Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, because of health problems, they have to move closer to some of their kids so that we can help them out occasionally. And, when choosing among their sprawling brood....Susan and I got trapped...er lucky, I mean (Just kidding mom and dad). I just got back from a trip to Tucson following my sister Pat's trip. Lynda is going out today, then my brother Mike and me again. I will bring them back with me on Sunday the 3rd of September. The idea is that they don't have to be alone. With dad not being able to drive and mom recovering from another small stroke, they need the help. They will stay with me until their moving van gets out here with their stuff.

So, I'm looking forward to the company....lets face it, Susan is kind of boring. Although, for the record, "yes, mom, I know I'm not getting any younger and I know I have no kids". OK?! Now, you never have to bring the subject up again! See their Florida house below.



Hahhahahaha....he even looks sexy in his mug shot! (I don't know why I'm posting this).

MAMA Mia!!

NINE on Ten...if it weren't for the ref...we may have won!!! I'm so proud of the boys from the U.S. They played like finally expected...and then some. And, the boys in blue didn't look so bad either. Could it have been the "miracle maker" candle I burned in homage to the U.S. team (see below)....???or just plain luck?! All I know.....they played great!!

Alberto, Spiders and Czechs, Oh my!

Well, believe it or not we had our first named storm of the hurricane season so far. Alberto was a wimp as far as storms go...but it did give us some much needed rain to help douse the many wild fires that are harassing Florida.

I got the scare of my life a couple of days ago. I had just taken a shower in my very dimly lit bathroom (no power due to the aforementioned storm)....I was drying off and a Spider fell from the top of my head into the sink. Now, I don't know if I picked it up in the Garage while looking for a flashlight or if was in the Shower, or on my towel. All I know is that it was a SPIDER and it was in my HAIR!!!! I was fearful that it was a Brown Recluse, but didn't have the nerve to go look at it for five minutes. I gathered myself and took a good long look at it as it lay stunned and wounded in the sink. I then squashed it and washed it down. I confirmed, after looking it up on the internet, that it was indeed a Brown Recluse...I'll never forget what it looked like. See picture below and try not to get the shivers thinking about this thing crawling, with its two hinged tri-sectioned legs, in your HAIR!!

I was lucky that it didn't bite me....at least I don't think it did. Even if it did, it would have been on my head and we all know that I have nothing up there to damage.

Even more disturbing was Monday's soccer match between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. I've been waiting four years and endured many qualifying matches waiting for this moment as my beloved U.S. squad took on the world in Germany at the World Cup Finals. They played awful...I think the 1967 Fairfax Scramblers (only family gets this one) could have played the Czech's more competitively. The U.S. lost 3-0 and now must face Italy this Saturday in must win game. See dejected U.S. Captain after the Czech game below:

The good news is....they are playing the Italians! Hey, even if the U.S. gets crushed...we get to see the total hotties from Italy play. Their whole team could be models.....you only have to like sexy men, not soccer to enjoy their games!

"Captain Fabio"

Staring 11 against Ghana

Go USA! World Cup 2006

World Cup started on Friday. I've been waiting impatiently for the US's first game on Monday. I'm going into work this weekend so that I can take of Monday at noon to watch our team take on the Czech Republic.

Went on the gambling cruz boat yesterday with Susan and some friends. I met my future husband...Milan from Serbia-Montenegro (he kept saying Yugoslavia...guess he's living in the past). Funny thing, after he left our table, the new dealer was from Croatia....

More later....
PS-Susan ripped up at the black jack table....I only lost 70 dollars, so a victory for me!

Cool Planes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz5I8o9k6Xg

For those of you who wonder what program I work for at at my company, click on the above link which takes you to a short 2 minute video of the Joint Strike Fighter.....

Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Today is my Aunt Louise's birthday. She is more commonly known as 'Weez' to me, my brothers, sisters and cousins. Today Weez is 80, after all these years of her telling us she is eighty....today, she is actually 80! Growing up, even the neighbors and friends called Margaret Louise Freese, born May 2nd, 1926 in Bloomington, IN, simply 'ant weez'. Seriously though, Weez was/is an inspiration to the modern woman. Before her time, Weez graduated from Indiana University with a teaching degree and Math degree. She would later earn her Master's degree way before it was common for women to do so. She entered the world of business and finished her career with the Federal Government's Federal Highway Institute (Dept. of Transportation). I can remember, as a six year old, going with my mom to take her up to the Mr. Donought's in Fairfax to catch the Metro Bus into DC before the sun came up for her commute to work. She moved and lived with us until I was thirteen, and after that, her house was a fun place to spend a Friday night.

So Weez, for the countless comforts and hugs, the rides to soccer practice, the extra cash, the car on friday night, the algebra tutoring, a place to stay, and the fun rides to the beach at Kitty Hawk, NC every summer....thanks, and Happy Birthday!! Love you!

Great Video

O.K., those who really know me and Susan know that we are tilted not so slightly to the left. Although I'm not a big fan of "Pink", I am a fan of the "Indigo Girls" and the message in this video. Just follow the link by clicking on the title above "Great Video".

PATRIOTS, PATRIOTS and Cubs

I just finished a nice long visit in Tucson with my parents. W e went, shopping, gambling and to a couple of ball games. We saw the Rockies, Angels, Diamondbacks and Cubs...Pics to below.

Most memorable line from my dad: When hearing that George Mason beat UNC to go to the sweet 16, "Wouldn't that be great if they went to the final." Cathy, "Right Dad! They would have to beat UConn....ugh!!!! see below

Most memorable line from my Mom: "I keep trying to explain to people, Reeder's aren't alcoholics...we're drunkards, there's a difference!!!"...just an awesome line, no explanation needed.

Wow! that is all I have to say. My own beloved George Mason Patriots are in the Final 4. For those of you who don't know what the "Final 4" is....well, **it on you. Nothing for me to say that the press hasn't already said, so instead, I will leave you with a short biography of the MAN himself...the most famous, yet in-famous Patriot of all time (No, not Jim Larranaga):

George Mason Writings and Biography:

To learn more about George Mason, click on link in the title of this post, "PATRIOTS, PATRIOTS and Cubs".

Adios, Aloha, Alvedisen....

It's a sad week in Melbourne, Heather (a.k.a. crazy girl) is leaving our humble little sea-side town and moving to the hustle and bustle of the big city. O.k., not exactly THE big city, but Orlando is big compared to Melbourne. This small town just isn't hip enough for the young triathlete. She needs to hang with a younger happening crowd that actually goes out after 10 p.m. Now, anyone who knows me...knows that I'm in my REM mode by 10 p.m., so who can blame Heather for splitting. We promise to visit, probably more often than you want, so get the efficiency in Thorton park ready for us ol' foogies....see pic below from our farewell luncheon.

I haven't written in a while, been busy with house stuff. Big thanks to Stu for crawling in my attic and doing some electrical work....I swear when you got soaked after priming my sprinkler pump I DIDN'T laugh as much as Alison did. Of course, you know, if I had my camera handy your drenched likeness would be blessing this very blog. Thanks, you guys rock.

Did some window coverings today, I will post pics of the interior of the house soon....got a party to go to....

Xmas, Family and "My Car's on Fire!!"

Well, I survived Christmas with the Reeder's up north. The drive up went smoothly, made it in fourteen and a half hours...didn't hit traffic until the beltway which immediately reminded me why I moved from there in the first place. Dad and mom looked good, Dad gets around slowly but he looks and sounds better then last September. The nephews and niece are growing like sprouts....see below from left to right, Matthew, Mitchell, Elizabeth and Brandon.

Every time I see mom I'm reminded that I am a "chip off the ol' block". I act more and more like her everyday...which when I was younger used to bother me. As I've matured (o.k. stop laughing I don't mean mentally mature, but you know...older) I've come to take being just like mom as a compliment. I don't think any children could ask for more devoted parents then what we have. See picture of me and the queen mother below.

Now, I'm no mechanic but when my car started smoking from the hood about 40 miles into Georgia on the way back, I figured something was not right. A small fire caused by a broken AC belt melting against the compressor was the culprit. Luckily "Sweet Daddy", complete with mechanics shirt with the aforementioned name patch and missing front teeth, convinced me that that particular belt is uneeded and, as long as I kept the AC off, I could drive the car safely. He was much nicer and honest than the idiots at AAA and we were lucky to run into Sweet Daddy from Georgia. I don't think he appreciated Cindy nipping at him, though..she is such an ingrate!

Graduation with a Hangover

I finally finished my Master's degree and graduated yesterday. Thanks to the Champagne provided by Susan Friday night, I was forced to attend the ceremony with a slight hangover. I made it through and didn't trip on stage. Susan got me some balloons, but we had to put them in her room because they spook Cindy too much.....it's allllllll about Cindy. I'm in there somewhere with the group up front with the red and silver hoods...

La Casa de Cathy

Susan at La Casa






















I close on the 30th...948 NW Highland Ave., Palm Bay, FL

A Lot Going On

Wow...so much going on in my life. I'm finishing up my paper, with all of Dad's edits. Thanks Dad for your help!! I was disappointed to see that you did your mark ups in black pen and not the dreaded red...argh. Graduation is set for the 17th, same day as Mitchell and Dad's birthday...can you believe little Champ is going to be NINE!!!!!

Susan is going back to school, finally....she is taking a math class to start. She took a placement test and we studied for it all weekend. It was funny. Neither of us has done algebra in a long time so we were like dumb and dumber...X2+y3-(-6y)=y3X2...or something like that...teehee.

Also am closing on my new house on the 30th...pictures to come. It will be nice for Cindy to have a yard and for Susan and I to have some space. I love her and all....but jeez....and the cat's need their own domicile too...I keep trying to push butternut out the window with the broken screen but that damn cat is too fat to flop. The other day I threw a plastic bag in Susan's room and told the cats to crawl in it...one actually obliged (see picture above), but to my dismay Susan came in and cut a hole in it so she could breathe...almost got away with it....

Work has been swamped as well, not the usual holiday slow downs. So, I've been too busy to post.

A and I went to the Brevard Community College men's basketball game last night after having a few (wink) cocktails. They were playing a team(Central FL CC) that has a recruit going my alma matter next year, GMU. He looked awesome and it was a good game. Thanks to the Creighton coach and the Daytona CC coach (go KState), who we sat near, for their explanation of some calls and the conversation. Nice guys....

H, I'm going to call Patrick....I swear.

L, keep your head up.....he sounds just like JE....not worth your time.

Losses, Victory and Memories that never die!

Last Saturday I ventured up to Beef O'Brady's in Melbourne to meet Heather and Monica for some college football and beer. Heather has been on a mission ;) ....her friends Patrick and Sponge Bob...I mean Brian, showed up and the evening started out fun, but, I couldn't hold in my anger as the Hokies looked like a high school football team against the hated Hurricanes of Miami. I had to leave in the third quarter as the room full of Miami allumni was too much for me to take. I didn't know who was going to cry first, me because of the dismal play of the Hokies or Patrick because of his loss....I like your friends Heather, very nice...what does my friend Patrick (pictured above) have that your friend doesn't??

Alas, my anger and disappointment was relieved the following day as my beloved Redskins beat the E-A-G-L-E-S! (right, in Philly they are so creative with their cheers), on sunday night. I only wish I were still living in Philly so that I could enjoy the victory even more.

Florida Tech men's basketball started (local Div. II) school, Alison and I went to their game last night....except for the missed show boat dunks, the team actually looks decent this year...looking forward to watching them. Of course, being the dirty older women we are, we were picking out the cutest guys, butts...etc. Hey, why else do you think that women like sports so much?! Love those baseball pants...teehee. See Below.

Still working on my paper for my final act at school. I plan on graduating next month. I'm preparing a draft to send to Dad in Tucson so he can mark it up with his red pencil.....just got a chill....the memories...the dreaded red pencil! Quote from Dad to a 14 year old Cathy, "How many times do I have to tell you that "alot" is not a word, it is "a lot". Cathy: "I don't know....a thousand!". Dad: "Don't be a smart alec". Things haven't changed alot since then (pun intended) I'm still a smart alec....hahaha.