spring musings.....

With the abundant rain this winter comes the abundant blossoms. It is a flowery feast for the eyes everywhere you go.What's a spring without peeps? They made themselves at home in the backyard.

Peeps by the pool .

This is a toilet paper tree just starting to bloom....very rare.

Lattice peeps.

A rare rear peep at peeps. This shot replicates some that I have taken at the Lind family reunion at the park in Greeley.

I saved this for last because it means the most to me. These Iris rhizomes(?) are very old. These were my grandma Hatchers, my mom's mom, from her garden. She was a prolific flower grower. When she passed away and they sold the house, I took all the white ones I could get and have been taking care of them for over twenty years. I think these could easily be thiry to forty years old, maybe even older. I have moved them many times around the yard but the last move this winter seems to be the best. They are flourishing. As long as I see them I will always think of grandma Hatcher, I spent many hours of my youth with her in the garden and aviary. Happy times.

Happy Birthday Lyle!

Today is Lyle's Special day. He is never much for elaborate birthday celebrations in his honor. We had a quiet dinner, went to a couple of stores for groceries and school supplies, then to Hacienda to visit his dad and get laundry. Woo Woo! We are now relaxing with Huell Howser's California Gold and Americal Idol. That's about all the excitement we get!
Lyle's cards sport a variety of styles. But, no matter how simple he likes to have things, he is an amazing man! People who are close to him, know his talents, humor, skills, cooking, and creativity. He is an inspiration to me and I love him a lot! Happy Birthday Lyle! You the man!

Nate in town for Cats!

It was great to have Nate in town for a couple of days. We had Cats tickets for Tuesday night. Lyle had had a hard day with cement work, so Nate escorted me to the Saroyan Theater in Fresno. It was a good show, although Nate said it was typical for an 80's audience. He really was unsure of missing "plot" for cat behaviors and attitudes...but he got through it!
I love live theater. I am amazed at talent and abilities of the people on stage. The dance was fabulous, voices were strong, and the acting is always amazing. Nate was just warming up here. Unfortunately, he was not called up on stage. Thanks for going with me Nate! Love ya!

Happy 11th Anniversary Clayton and Darlene!

Yesterday, this cute couple celebrated another milestone...11 years together! They have been great company and a help to each other. They have shared each other's families and enjoyed the grand and great grand kids together. There special moments together this year were spent at the nursing home, as Clayton's legs just aren't dependable. It has been a rough road this past week through the hospital then to Hacienda on Thursday for Clayton. We pray God's Blessing on both of their lives. They are wonderful parents. We love you!

Ya sure we love our ABBA.....

Saw Mama Mia last night, for the second time in about a year and a half. We love this show! I may go back and sit in one of the cheap seats before the run ends. It is the most lively, feel good show that you can see live. It makes you smile ear to ear. The actress that played Donna, the mother, we had seen years ago as Fantine in Les Mis. She could really fill the theater with her voice. One of the fathers was the guy that plays Electricity in the Propane ads on TV. He could really sing. Overall the quality of the voices was high and the dancing very good. Made friends with the conductor and just had a great evening. Adjo allesamman.

Baby Addison Turns One

Addison had her first birthday party last Saturday, March 1st. She was a perfect 1 year old princess! There were no tears and a great time was had by all! Along with the cake, wonderful Italian food was enjoyed by everyone. Addison was a perfect honoree. Addison loves to play with her toys! She shared with the other 10-12 little friends that wandered throughout all the adults.
Sheryl and Danny glow with joy as they look at their beautiful little girl. You can tell, she is the joy of their life. When Danny prayed for her, he expressed his greatful heart to God for the tremendous blessing God had given them in Addison. (I loved his prayer!)
Addison enjoyed her own cake while people gathered around to look, laugh, and take pictures.

The house and back yard were full of friends and relatives. The bounce house was entertaining for young and old...(If you can call Geoff...old!)
Sheryl had to do most of the unwraps because Addison was busy with the toys and her friends. She received wonderful toys, books, and clothes.
It was a great day for the Little Princess!
Happy 1st Birthday Addison! We love you!

DARE Hockey with 6th Graders '08

For the several years, Officer Dillon has allowed me the pleasure of chaperoning the outstanding 6th grade students to the Fresno Falcon Hockey Game reward trip. This year, I had 9 students from Hamilton Elementary. They were a great group! Only one had ever been to a hockey game before. When we got to the Save Mart Center there were fun things to collect, prizes to win, food and souvenirs to buy. Little Ceaser had a good time posing with some of my girls.We were in Row S. We got free shopping bags and blow-up clappers. The game was fun to watch but Cincinnati Cyclones beat the Fresno Falcons 2 to 1. After the game, the gang gathered around the giant bulldog for some pictures. C

We had a great time on Leap Year Day. We got back to JFK to meet the parents at 11:15 pm. This was way past Ashley Brown's 8:30 bedtime...she announced! This was a very special trip because Officer Dillon will retire in about 90 days. He has been a great DARE Officer for our community. This blog's for you Officer Mark Dillon!