Monday, June 30, 2025

Father's Day 2025


Our Father's Day Supper for Bruce and Avi ended up being a smaller gathering this year because Nick was on call for work, and Jake and Brianna were out of state for a wedding. It was still a pretty good Father's Day, though, and a lovely night for eating supper on the porch. We had brats with chips and beans, potato salad, watermelon, and rhubarb dessert.




The Rhubarb Dessert 

When the Evening Show began (which is when the birds stop by one last time to eat before the dark arrives), four young bunnies showed up to chase each other around the yard. This was entertaining for all of us, but especially for the little boys. At one point, a bunny must have realized that we were watching him, and became very still. I said, "Quick! Everybody freeze!" and Daniel went nuts over that, repeating the expression over and over again. Daniel always loves a good expression, and it's even better if there's a lot of emotion involved! 😂



Interestingly, both Pop Pop and Avi got toys for presents. Aaron and Daniel thought that was pretty good, of course, and then the bubbles and airplanes had to be tried out in the yard. I wonder if this will be a new tradition...

Aaron picked out Pop Pop's present



 

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Wordless Wednesday

 

a feel good puzzle

a healthy breakfast

and peace on the porch

Thursday, June 12, 2025

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!


Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

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 💕

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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