Remembering Nannie...

It was a year ago today that we lost my grandma, and I just wanted to share with you guys some of the things that made my Nannie so wonderful and what I miss about her.

1. Geraniums and petunias were always on your patio no matter if you lived in Washington, Montana, or Utah.

2. Having sleepovers with you and Poppie in the motor home.

3. Airstream trailers

4. Jean Nate After Bath Perfume.

5. Being wrapped in your soft arms (you always had the softest skin, Nannie).

6. Swedish pancakes bathed in butter and lemon juice with as much sugar as we wanted sprinkled on top.

7. Praying with a scared seven year old while her mommy was in the hospital giving birth to her little brother.

8. The Wind Beneath My Wings

9. Our trip to Disneyland.

10. You calling me "Mandi Honey" "Mandi Dear" or even just "Hey, baby" (You were always one of the very few that could call me "baby" without driving me nuts).

11. The absolute joy you took in playing us Happy Birthday on that little keyboard of yours.

12. Your amazing party planning skills. You made everything a celebration.

13. Your tap dance routine.

14. San Diego

15. Your meatloaf. Try as we, might Mom and I have never been able to replicate it.

16. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. You put on some epic holiday dinners.

17. Even when you were so sick and in excruciating pain, that was still no excuse not to have your hair done,  lipstick applied, nails painted, and best Alfred Dunner ensemble on when you went to your doctor's appointments.

18. Your adventurous, gypsy spirit. You could never stay in one place for very long. Pretty soon your feet would start itching, and you and Poppie were off in your motorhome! Branson, MO, Mitchell, SD, Nova Scotia, Catalina Island, Philadelphia, PA, Yellowstone, and so many more places than I can remember right now.

19. Your smile and laugh.

20. Your love for all your kids, kids in laws, and grandkids.

Nannie, you helped shape me into the woman I've become. Because of you I love to cook. I'm a little bit of a clothes horse. I CANNOT leave the house in less then jeans and decent shirt. I'm proud of my Swedish/German heritage. I have a slightly itchy pair of gypsy feet, and a deep, deep love for my family.

I love you Nannie, and miss you still...