About Me

It all begain with my parents Alfred John Sismey from England and Minetta Rosalyn Bouchard from Winnipeg, Canada. Dad worked at the Ford Company after WWII. They retired to Vero Beach, Florida around 1945.

I was born in 1922 in Winnipeg, Canada. My parents walked across the bridge from Canada to Detroit caring everything they owned and a 1 year old baby named Lorraine. They soon settled in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

In 1940 I graduated from High School and married my High School sweetheart, Clarence Brousseau around 1942. Our marriage only lasted a few years.

I went to work for Greyhound Lines Inc. at the Wyandotte, Michigan office around 1944. I can remember driving the buses and taking the factory workers to and from work at the Ford Company.

I met Marvin McCoy after WWII and soon thereafter we married. I was naturalized in 1948. A few years later Marvin and I went our seperate ways.

I was then married to Charles Grimm in 1952 and helped him raise Bud for the next 10 years.

In 1957 I went to work for Chrysler Corporation in Trenton, Michigan.

Around 1964 I then married Karl Miller, until he passed away in 1968.

Chrysler Corporation transferred me to Cape Kennedy, FL in April of 1968 where I met and married Orlo (Chick) Hoff in 1969. Mom died the following year, and dad in 1974.

Did you know that Chick and I made the Freeport, Bahama Newspaper in 1971? Some friends of ours had a sport fisherman boat and wanted us to go to the Bahamas with them for the Thanksgiving weekend. We left Cape Kennedy around

6:30 am on Friday for a 50 mile trip that should only take 5 hours. Before we set sail the engine was acting up. The guys had it working again around noon, so we figured we had enough time to make the trip. Crusing along at 15mph and no land in sight, the engine began to give us trouble again. The Gulf Stream is not the place to be, with the rough seas and mountains of water 12ft high, however the boat handled well. Around 6pm with the sun setting to the west, Chick radioed for help. We were rescued by the Bahama Air Sea Rescure Unit and in the harbor by 4:00 am on Saturday.

Chick and I eventually moved to the Orlando area. I retired from Chrysler in April of 1980 as a secretary to Plant Director, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. I then went to work for Iveys Departemtn Store in May of 1980 until 1982. Chick and I divorced in 1984.

I moved to Casselberry in 1988 and lived at Summitt Village.

I went to work at Rol Manufacturing in Oviedo in 1989 and was there for 15 years. During my stay at Summitt Village I stayed busy. I was on the Board of Directors, the Chairman for Bingo as well as the Secretary, President of the Association for a short time, Vice President then the Assistant Secretary. I made many friends during my stay at the condo. My last few years there I would help my best friend, Phyllis, when she needed me and sit with our friend Bunny while her daughter, Diane worked in the office.

I have been a member at at Aloma United Methodist Church for the last 30 years. Pastor Jim and Pastor Andy are wonderful men. I enjoyed my days as a volunteer and attending their Bible Study classes lead by Martha Virgina Spivey as well as the Sunday Morning Worship services with my best friend, Phyllis Mills.

I went to Deerfood Manor an Assisted Living Facility in Deland, FL on November 4, 2013 for 4 months. I really enjoyed my time there.

I am now begining a new chaper in my life.

Saturday, March 15, 2014, I moved in with my granddaughter, Dorothy, and her family, which includes husband, Duane, daughter, Lindsey, cat, Bella, and dog, Jack. They live out in the country on an acre with a large pond in the front with lots of wildlife that like to visit. Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, Egrets, Cardnals, Bluejays, Quails, Doves, Turtles, Squirrels, and Rabbits, just to name a few.

Sunday, March 16th, Dorothy and I attended First United Methodist Church in Cocoa. It was a beautiful church with amazing stained glass windows. The members were very kind. Duane put up a bird feeder in the backyard.

Monday, March 17th, I went to meet my new physican, Dr. Guirguis. He is a very nice man. He did a full examination with blood work and listening to my heart and arteries. He had some concern with the arteries in my neck, so I was scheduled for an Ultrasound.

Tuesday, March 18th, Dorothy and I stayed around the house and worked on a puzzle, watched TV, played with the pets and went through some of her coins. (See photos on my Photo Page)

Wednesday, March 19th, we went to the crematory and paid for my pre-planning arraignments. I was very glad to have that taken care of. Dorothy made sure everything in Michigan is taken care of as well.

Then we went to have my Ultrasound done. I don't like the gooie stuff they have to put on my skin to get the picture.

Thursday, March 20th, went to the Florida Historical Society with Dorothy and did some volunteer work. We helped get out the newsletter. Lots of folding and stuffing envelopes. Deanna, Dorothy's sister works there as the Accountant.

Friday, March 21st, Shirley came over for a visit and went with Dorothy and I to see the Dr Guirguis. He said that my right artery in my neck is 90-95% blocked and my left artery is 50% blocked. I am scheduled to have a CT Angiogram on Wednesday, March 26th. That way we will have a more accurate reading of the arteries.

Saturday, March 22nd, very relaxing day, worked on the puzzle, typed on my laptop, wrote some letters and watched Jack bury a milkbone in the backyard.

Went to dinner at my favorite resturant, Bob Evans in Melbourne. The whole gang went, Dorothy, Duane, Lindsey, Brittany, her boyfriend, Grayson and me.

Sunday, March 23rd, Dorothy and I visted Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island. I really, really liked this church. It has very homie atomsphere. The Pastor is from Lincoln Park, Michigan, so he and I had alot to talk about. Plus, he and his wife use to go to a church in Deland. I plan to revisit this church soon.

We have been working on my family tree, this is what we have so far:

Step-son, Duane (Ella) Grimm, Olive Hill, KY; nieces, Sandra (Bob) Humphrey, and Judy (Jim) Alred, both from Flat Rock, MI; step-daughters, Pat Jackson (passed away 12-6-12), Shirley Bass of Deland, FL, and Valerie Bennett, of Dunedin, FL, and step-son, David (Faye) Hoff of Inverness, FL.

Step-grandchildren: Robert Duane Grimm, Robin Russell, Lorraine Gess, Neil Grimm, Deanna Runyan, Dorothy Dickey, Jonathan and Brian Bass, Corey and Levi Hoff, Kim Hauter and Jacque Bennett.

Step-great-grandchildren: Joseph Duane & Kyle Grimm, Charles & Conrad Grimm, Jared, Paul & Robin Gess, Cameron Grimm, Randall & Ryan Hauter, Joshua Bennett, Brittany and Lindsey Dickey, Steven Runyan, Carter Bass, Sydney Hoff, Bryson and Peyton Hoff.

Step-great-great-grandchildren, Matt & Dalton Grimm.

Monday, March 24th, Took Lindsey's cat, Bella to visit great-grandaughter Brittany and her cat Remi. She is living in Pat's house. Brittany has taken good care of Pat's house and property.

Angiogram was rescheduled for Tuesday, March 25th.

Tuesday, March 25th, worked on the puzzle some more on the back porch this morning.

Had my Angiogram done today. Everything went great. Set appointment with Dr. Guirguis for Thursday, March 27th to check my blood to make sure all the dye is out of my system. We hope to get the results from the Angiogram at that time also.

The Vascular Specialist called and Dr. Badgett wants to see me Tuesday, April 1st.

Wednesday, March 26th, Slept in today since we had no appointments. My puzzle is almost done. It is a nice country scene, with cows, chickens and sheep. Saw a Bluejay in the backyard, eating birdseed that was put on the doghouse, close to the birdfeeder. Sorted some coins.

Thursday, March 27th, Went to appointment today. However, they only took blood. They want to make sure the dye is out of my system before I can take some of my medications. The good news is that I finally got a prem. (see picture under my photos) We took Jack to get his nails trimmed. He did great. Reminded me of some of the animals I would see when I voulunteered at a vetrenary office in the mid 50's. I finished the puzzle, and helped Dorothy sort more coins.

Friday, March 28th, Slept in this morning. Helped peel eggs for egg salad sandwiches for lunch. Eggs came from neighbors hens. After lunch we went to get a puzzle at the Used Book Store in Cocoa Village. A short stop at Wal-Mart and Publix, Took a 2 hour nap, then started on the new puzzle. Ended the day watching Giligan's Island.

Saturday, March 29th, Very rainy day today. I had the run of the house today for a couple of hours. Dorothy worked at the florist and Duane ran some errands. Our Saturday family dinner was at Boston Market in Melbourne. Alot has changed in Melbourne, since I was last down there.

Sunday March 30th, We went to church today at Grace United Methodist on Merritt Island again. Everyone was very friendly and they remembered our names. Duane and I watched Golf most of the day. Lindsey got home from her Spring Break in GA. She brought me back 2 beautiful Teal Bracelets. Bella really missed her as did I.

Monday, March 31st, What a beautiful Morning! Dorothy and I met Duane for lunch at Panda Express. Then she surprised me and drove me by the house I use to live in, in Titusville. Then we saw an Albino Squirrel. It was so neat looking. (see my photos) Took a 2 hour nap today. I feel so refreshed when I get up. Brittany brought us her tip coins and we went through them, she had $106.57 in change from her tips.

Tuesday, April 1st, Went to the Vascular Surgeon today. Dr. Badgett is a very nice man from Detroit, as am I, we had alot to talk about. My Carotid Artery is 90% blocked. He will be performing a Endarterectomy in about 3 - 4 weeks. I must first go to the Cardiologist to have a stress test. I do not qualify for a Stent. Paitents over the age of 80 are at higher risk of Stroke during the Stent proceedure. I am now waiting to get an appointment time from the Cardiologist. My stay at Wuesthoff

Hospital in Rockledge should only be 2 days. He explained the surgery to me and even showed me pictures. I am okay with this.

Wednesday, April 2nd, Had a great night. Bella slept by my head for about 2 hours. I watched Jack bury his milkbone that I gave him. I really enjoy having the pets. Except for when Bella picks up my puzzle pieces and tosses them on the floor. Watched Andy Griffin with Dorothy. Now I'm off to bed.

Thursday, April 3rd, Saw 2 Cardinals on the birdfeeder today. A male and a felmale. The male flew away, and we got a picutre of the felmale (see photo page). Cardiologist called today and we are working on getting an appointment for next week. I'll keep you posted. We are having Easter Dinner at Deanna's house on Merritt Island. She is a real good cook.

Friday, April 4th, The Cardiologist called today, my appointment is Wednesday, Apirl 9th. I have to do a stress test, then they will schedule me for the surgery.

Bella and I worked on the puzzle today, (see Photo page) I helped Dorothy in the kitchen today. It was nice being able to help her. Brittany came over when she got off work at the Post Office. I was glad to see her. She is so busy with college and 2 jobs.

Saturday, April 5th, Had a good day. Watched Golf with Duane. Worked on my puzzle, it is a little hard with all the sky, however it has a beautiful Eagle in the middle. Went to Cracker Barrel for our Family Dinner tonight. It was delightful.

Sunday, April 6th, Went to Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island. Talked with the Pastor, he is putting me on the prayer chain for my upcoming Dr. visits. Went by Deanna's for a visit after church, she lives on the Island. My new neighbor Lorene came over for a visit. Watched Golf while Lindsey shreded papers, then I worked on the puzzle some.

Monday, April 7th, Today was a glorious day. Thanks to my Aloma United Methodist Church friends Martha Virgina, Jennie Brown and Cindy McIntire for a lovely visit (see Photo page) Dorothy and I prepared lunch for them. We spotted birds on the feeder (see Photo page) I showed them the puzzle I have been working on, the coins that I have sorted, they enjoyed seeing my new pets, Bella & Jack.

Tuesday, April 8th, Slept in til 8am today. We went to lunch with Brittany and her friend Jenna at Carrabba's on Merritt Island. While on the Island, we went by to see Pastor Corbin at Grace UMC. He prayed with us and helped ease my mind about the stress test tomorrow. Lindsey and I finished the Eagle puzzle today.

Wednesday, April 9th, Saw Cardiologist today. Really liked him alot. Had an EKG done and he asked me lots of questions. Dr. Johnson said that since my EKG was normal and I have no chest pain or shortness of breath that I am clear for surgery. Dr. Badgett's office is checking the schedule for the operating room at Wuesthoff Hospital and will get back with me on a date for my surgery. Dorothy and I had lunch at Olive Garden (see photo page), then we went and got me a new puzzle with cats all over it.

Friday, April 11, Dr. Johnson's office called today. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, April 28th. I have to be at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge at 5:00 am. I will be there for no more than 2 days.

We took Bella over to Brittany's to play with Remi. They got along really well. After dinner Dorothy and I watched "Summer Stock" Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.

Sunday, April 13, Had a great Weekend. Went to Church this morning. It was a clear beautiful morning. Watched Golf with Duane. We did our Family Dinner Night at Sonny's.

Tuesday, April 15, Hope you all got your taxes done. Bought a new puzzle that has a country town on it. Went to Publix with Dorothy and got some exercise pushing the cart. I have an appointment tomorrow at Wuesthoff at the Ambulatory Care Center to get Pre-Registered.

Thursday, April 17, Yesterday at Pre-Registration went good. I go back on Friday, April 25th to complete the Type & Screen portion of the Pre-Registration.

Dorothy and I went to the port and took a tour of the Exploration Tower. While there we tried surfing. (See Photo Page) It is a beautiful building. Lindsey's Prom is going to be on the 4th floor next week.

I have been busy working on my laptop.

Sunday, April 20, Happy Easter to everyone. It was a great service this morning at church. Worked on my puzzle for a bit. Went to Deanna's for Easter Dinner. She is an excellent cook. It was a great family dinner. Lindsey and I had our picture taken with the neighbor's Easter Bunny (See Photo Page)

Thursday, April 20th Volunteered at The Florida Historical Society this morning. Dorothy and I did alot of shreading. (See Photo Page)

Then Deanna took us to Olive Garden. Almost finished my cat puzzle. Tomorrow I go Wuesthoff for a type and screen. One more step towards my surgery Monday.

See "My Blog" for more updates.