MORNING SHADOWS

 Good Morning !!

My camilla bush is blooming like crazy.  Its laid a carpet of bright pink on the ground and offered wonderful goodies for the little birds today.                                  The hummers love it too.  Wish I could capture a photo of them as they flit by.

I really love the bright spots  when everything else is dull.

We are still fighting the ickies at our house.  The cough just never seems to go away.  I am so tired of it.  That's why I am enjoying my flowers in the otherwise bleak start to my day.

So...maybe I will have to make some cookies to drown out my "sorrows"

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

INAUGURAL PARADE

 This post is about MY Memories from 64 years ago !

I had the privilege of playing in my award winning high school band.

In 1961 we were chosen through many competitions to march in President Kennedy's Inaugural Parade.

The day before the inauguration there was a monumental blizzard and the temperatures were much like what happened today for the celebration.

When we marched down Pennsylvania Avenue the temps. rose to 32F.  That's very hard on instruments.  Some of our drum skins cracked because they were frozen and our reeds on the wind instruments  wanted to freeze too.

There were many delays and so when it was our time to step off and march it was later in the afternoon.  They made us practically run instead of march because everything was running late.  But we did it with our lungs bursting.  

I have always kicked myself for being so proper and in such strict marching mode that I did not turn my head to see Pres. Kennedy as we passed his observation area.  Others did.  He actually stayed for the entire parade which was a very long time.

The first photo is our official photo in front of the capitol.  I am in the 3rd row up  Standing on the right last person.  All that can be seen of me is my hat plume.  Too short..

This photo is taken from the tv screen so its not too clear.

This is us running, and marching around the corner , with our lungs burning but so excited to be there.

We actually are in really good straight lines considering what we were asked to do.

Lots of practice makes perfect.

This is my memory post and I will not be commenting on anything that is happening today as far as our current inauguration is concerned.  This is not a political post for or against....

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

KIND NEIGHBORS and THE BACKYARD CHALLENGE

 Happy Sunday !!

Our very kind next door neighbors gifted us with some absolutely perfect, sweet delicious Meyer lemons from their tree.

They smell divine and taste that way too.  I love a slice in my water especially.  It does help me drink more than I would otherwise.

I wish you could smell that fragrance today.

Since we have been "out of commission" for so long, our backyard is getting out of hand.  All of our hard work during the summer and fall has now gone to seed.

Here's hoping we can get caught up before things get too far gone for us.

We are suppose to be getting some rain next month.  Sure like to get some weeds dug out before then... but as I said on FaceBook,  my Umph isn't helping get it done!

Our yard is so large that it is daunting sometimes.

Here's to better days ahead.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

GOOD MORNING!

 I sure don't know how the weeks keep getting faster .

It seems it was just the weekend, and now its here again.

Yesterday was a good day for us.

We gathered some money together and went out for brunch.  Nice to just have a date with no worries looming over our heads.

When we came home Dave and I had a long visit via phone with some friends we have known for about 50 years.  Dave used to be Clyde's boss at Sears but the relationship went so far beyond that.  As couples we developed deep friendships.  They have moved to Colorado but we still keep in touch.  I sure wish they lived closer.

Its another day of sunshine and no rain in the forecast.  We do need that wet stuff but since I am going to my caregiving duty in a few...I am glad it isn't gloomy.

Hope your weekend is great too.

WOLF MOON

 As I was taking the garbage out to the curb last night 

I was stunned by the amazing sight I saw.

The Mundane of Life paled by the glorious moon rising at about 5:30 pm.

The sky was beautifully lavender and the moon had a golden glow around it.

I am so thankful I was able to enjoy its beauty.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY QUOTES

 I haven't got much to say this morning.

Nothing dire or particularly troubling,  just the world in general...

But I am looking out my window at another bright, sunny day with the temperatures in the low 40'sF.  I have been watching some robins and lots of little flitty birds doing the "Spring Time Thing".

I guess they don't know what the season is!!  

Wish I could capture them with my camera but they are just too darn fast and skittish, so I guess we will just have to pretend...😌

Had a decent night's sleep...paid some bills and now I am cruising "Blogdom."

Hope all is well with you.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES

 I just can't imagine being in the devastation happening in Southern California right now.

We have known people in both this fire and the ones we had a few years ago up in our area of Northern California.

Its difficult to understand the feelings of those involved.  Watching it on the news is one thing ( which allows us to remove ourselves from the whole thing.) and its another to know friends personally involved.

What does one do?

I find I really can't watch too much of it.  It just eats away at me.

What can I do?  Contribute to a reputable charity like Convoy of Hope that gets in there and does practical help and of course pray for all those involved.

Then I have to look out my "office" window and see God's magnificent creation and feel the peace that passes all understanding.

Always be Thankful

Always be Kind

WE ARE OKAY !

 Many of you have been asking if we are okay.

Yes we are ...

The terrible Firestorms in Southern California have caused so much devastation.

We are 400 miles from those infernos.  

Prayers for those that have lost loved ones and so many have lost their homes and property.

The Santa Anna winds are violent and relentless, coming in and blowing and gusting at between 80 to 100 miles per hour !!!  

So. Cal. has had so little rain and moisture that everything is a tinderbox.

I know several friends that live down in that area.  I am praying they are alright.

Thanks for asking and just continue to keep everyone in your prayers.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY HERE AND THERE

 Here's to Monday!!

It's the start of another week of the new year.

Today I felt like posting some random, hither and thither thoughts that have no rhyme or reason  ....  other than I just felt like it .... 👀😏😜

What to do with leftover ham?  

Why make a pot pie for dinner ... we have been battling colds and general yuckiness so I wanted something simple that would work for several meals.

When I went to make it I found I only had one tube of crescent rolls in the fridge.  That will only make the bottom crust of the pie.  What to do?

I made my mix of meat, gravy and veggies and spread it in the pan... got out my frozen Tater Tots and sprinkled them on top and Wah-la..my "pie" was ready.  It was so yummy and only took minutes to bake.

Easy Peasy... my kind of meal.

So Good !

At last we have sold a few more things on eBay.

The first was a faux fur hat to a lovely lady in Wisconsin, just in time for their Freeze.

Next is an Awaji pottery Japanese vase.  We think this was acquired by Dave's folks when they were stationed in Hawaii in the 1930's.                                              The vase has a bamboo wrap and the iconic colors of that era.  Its not my style and so we are glad it is going to someone who will enjoy it.  It is out of our storage so its a win/win for everyone.

And a last random thought for today.

I saw this sign many, many years ago when we were working a Trade Show in New Orleans.  It intrigued me , so I snapped it for posterity.

I guess my post today is about as random as they come

It is what it is ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

I "HEART" ALL OF YOU !

 I really do "HEART" all of you...

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes for Dave.

He was so pleased to read them.

So today is my second oldest granddaughter's birthday.  

Its hard for me to believe that she is 25.

I know we always say it 

BUT  ... 

How does time go so fast?

Amanda is lovely, talented and has such integrity.  

We just love her to pieces.

Oh the places you will go !!

Oh the things you will accomplish !!

Up, Up and Away !!

Ready ... 

Set ...

Go !!!

The world is at your feet.

Happy Birthday My Sweet Amanda

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and HAPPY NEW YEAR

 It's hard to believe that it is now 2025 !

What a year we just passed through...

I am ready for a fresh start, and I know Dave is too

Happy Birthday Dave...

You show your now 83 years well !!

We are looking forward to having our "kids" over for a birthday lunch today.

Hopefully I will snap a photo or two...

The new year is starting out with rain and kind of blah...

But that's okay because there is SonShine in my soul.

Always Be Grateful

Always Be Kind

CHRISTMAS DAY 2024

 Christmas Day dawned damp and chilly.

We slept in a bit and made our way over to our son and daughter in laws home for a full day of "grazing" and gift giving.  It was different than our usual tradition of everyone coming here for the day.  But it was great to mix it up a bit anyway.

We had a yummy brunch which I failed to take any pictures of..homemade cinnamon rolls by Amanda and a delicious egg casserole which Sigrid made.

While things were getting ready we went out in the backyard to see the horses that are boarded in the field behind the homes.  (not Steve's horses).  These horses are retired work horses and have literally been put out to pasture for the rest of their lives.  They aren't pets and some are very skittish of people.

One brave soul wanted a carrot and so came up to the fence.

After our brunch we moved on to the gifts.  Its always a fun time for all.

It seemed that jackets and coats were the major gift this year.

Amanda's collar was so big ..she disappeared in it.

Sigrid got a beautiful jacket too.

Steve got a cozy jacket too.

To explain the next picture...

Dave brought over a plate and hid it at their house when we had our family Christmas party last Sunday.  It just became part of the decorations.

Well,...

Guess what Dave got as a gift on Christmas morning???

It was wrapped so beautifully...

Too funny...

I guess he was found out  so to speak..

We were so glad that our friend Karen could come over for the afternoon and dinner time.  Her mom's caregiver came to stay so Karen could have some time for herself.

She had gotten a new phone and was getting help with some of the apps.

We all looked like the cartoons about everybody playing with their phones instead of talking to each other.

After playing some games and just chatting it was time to eat again..

It was such a lovely table setting and we were treated like we were in a restaurant.

Our order was taken and we were served.

This to me was a GIFT in itself.

Prime Rib, done to perfection ... yummy potatoes... creamed corn that was to die for, Caesar salad, artichokes, special sausages, jello with bananas, and chocolate pie for dessert.  YUM !

A meal fit for a king

We are truly blessed and at the end we were able to FaceTime with our other son and family.

My heart was and is very full.

And now on to a new year...2025...

A WONDERFUL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT

 Yesterday we went to our daughter in laws side of the family Christmas annual party.

It was so much fun to be together again.

There were 40 of us gathered together, including the 2 newest babies.  That always makes it more fun.

I'm so glad that Sigrid and Steve have the kind of home that can accommodate that kind of crowd for a sit down dinner.

They always rearrange the furniture and there was plenty of elbow room too.

5 tables of 8...pretty awesome.

Its a planned potluck buffet with a lot of the standard Norwegian traditional foods.

I failed to get photos of most of the food due to the hoards of people digging in.

The roast pork is always the big hit of the meal.  It was huge.

Here are Sigrid's brother, Mort and his wife (who is our niece, Wendy) cutting the monster.  It took over 9 hours to slow roast.  Mort was up at 3:30AM getting it ready to roast..

While waiting for some of the family to arrive, everybody sat around and caught up with Life.

My Hubby Dave and Sigrid's brother Bernard having a great conversation.

Dave visiting with Greta who is Sigrid's cousin and so Dave has been given the honor of being Greta's uncle.

Great food and wonderful company.

After our meal we always have a very wild "White Elephant" gift exchange.

Lots of laughter and teasing going on.

The newest member of the family.

Little Leila and her cousin Neil.

Then comes the big highlight of the evening.

Santa comes to visit and until the "kids" are married they are destined to sit on Santa's lap and get a small gift.  There is always plenty of "horse-play" involved.

But this year there was an added attraction of the Grinch trying to out-do Santa.

No one knew he was coming and it was quite hilarious.

One of the cousin's daughters has a wonderful boyfriend now.  Dillon was the first to have to sit on the Grinch's lap.  I think he may have wondered about this crazy family and what he had gotten himself into..

I didn't get many photos of the various kids and their gifts.  I was in the corner and sometimes there was a body in front of me. Buts its ok.  I got plenty of laughs peaking around them.

I'm so glad that Willow was brave enough to sit on Grinch's lap and chatted with he and Santa.

It was such a fun evening and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

So the 2024 Christmas party is in the books.

Looking forward to next year.