Wordless Wednesday

 

a fast, comfortable puzzle

a healthy breakfast

peace on the porch

Little Boy Gets His White Belt

When Katie and Jacob were young, I decided to enroll them both in Kung Fu-Wu Shu for Self Defense through National Treasure Kung Fu, directed by Sifu Al Lam and his wife, Sandra. Fast forward to now, Black Belt Mama Katie has enrolled Aaron in the exact same program!

What a thrill it was to walk into the gym and see Sandra, who also recognized me after all these years! So many good memories of the years they attended, with both of them achieving their Black Belts in Kung Fu. And now, Aaron has earned his own White Belt. Things have come full circle!

April Book Club Beauties

The Book Club Beauties met at Mona's on Sunday April 27th, and I should know better than to wait so long to blog about these gatherings because I'm sure I'm probably forgetting some very important details. However, I do know that our get togethers are always a "recharge" of badly needed time together, and we always have fun. 

Our Hostess

A topic I do remember being discussed was that of cataract procedures, and the option of getting multifocal lenses! Can you believe this is now an option?? Mona bravely forged ahead, and is finding out that it is a Very Good Option. I will for sure keep that in mind for my future as I know I'm next in line... Cathy is recovering from her knee procedure, and is looking forward to her next (NOT).

Kat brought a Watergate Cake. I knew the name of the cake had something to do with the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon in the early 1970's, but as to why, I had no idea. According to AI, the base of a Watergate cake has a green pistachio layer that is sometimes hiding nuts, just like there were attempts to hide Nixon's illegal activities. Now we know!

will this pea salad be embraced by the group?

Our next book selection will be Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult, and the plan is meet again at the end of June.

Memorial Day 2025 (Visiting The Family)

Mother's Day 2025

All of the kids came over for a roast beef dinner on Mother's Day, and I now have two more orchids to take care of. I'm thankful that neighborhood friend, Shelley, let me watch over her orchids while they went away on vacation, because with her detailed instruction on how to care for them, I learned a lot and no longer have a fear of killing them.

Flowers for Katie

I made ice cream pie

A solar hummingbird lamp from Jake and Brianna!

From Nick and Katie

I guess orchids like to be close to each other

Bruce took me out to eat at Baker's Ribs the day before, and gave me a new jigsaw puzzle. I've recently started up on puzzles again after taking a break from most of last year. Puzzles are so calming.

yummy lunch special at Baker's Ribs

I thought a lot about Mom, too, it being the first Mother's Day without her to celebrate. I am grateful for the three babies I was gifted with, and I'm happy that they're still in my life. Not all moms have this privilege. 💕

my babies 💕

Lunch With Pa (A Wordless Wednesday)

Did you know, that elephants represent fierce and loyal love in female friendships? 

 

A lovely day to sit under an umbrella and drink tea 

Rhubarb cake ala Patricia

sweetheart

A Mexican Coke with lunch at the Colossal Cafe

Jacob Gets His Masters

Brianna hosted a BBQ last Sunday at their place to celebrate Jake's graduation with his Masters Degree in Machine Learning. Which is a big deal when you already have a full time career going on at the same time! 🎉🎈

Maggie looked pretty in her floppy hat.

The raspberry cream cake 💕

Brianna's mom, Beth, was the grill master, and we were able to meet even more of Brianna's family. Chalk and bubbles helped entertain the little boys, and Brianna's sister Maggie braided dandelions for Pop Pop to wear. Plus the weather was perfect for an afternoon BBQ. People were then wondering what degree Jake would pursue next, but I guess only time will tell.

Tony 💕