A Cousin Reunion

The day began with an early lunch, gazpacho, which turned out to be a very tasty treat.  Jane had packed lunch for the boys, I had potato chips for them, so everyone was happy as we had our meal before heading out to the parks.



Chris



The first stop was Brush Creek Park where all three grandsons found plenty to do: swings, slides, and all sorts of wonderful gadgets on which to climb.



Jane and Nika



The highlight of the day, however, was the arrival of the Bowen Family. Our park meetings used to happen regularly, but busy schedules have made visits a bit of a challenge.



Taylin, John, Kate, Rylee, Alex and Chris

 What a wonderful day it was!

Tea for Ten

Putting on my best Martha Stewart facade, I found myself wondering why I had volunteered to host a tea when I had never before done anything of the sort. Birthday parties, yes. Cocktail parties, yes. Dinner parties, yes.  Luncheons, yes. A tea?

No.

All I was responsible for was the coffee, tea, lemon water, and fruit; another guest was to provide the pastries. As I gathered up my tea pots, I knew I'd be able to pull it off...not that big a deal, really.  The most difficult part of the job was cleaning the house, getting rid of all the animal fur and dust curls that tend to lurk in the corners of my home. My vacuum and I became best friends in the process.

I picked flowers from the yard and set a pretty table using my Staffordshire Calico Brown, though the cups and saucers, basically unused, needed a major bath to regain their sparkle.

I'm happy to report that the event came off without a hitch.

Mission accomplished!

Mother's Day

Another Mother's Day has come and gone, and I miss my wonderful mom every day. Since she died when she was only 52, we lost many years together; but I am grateful for the years we did have. And all the wonderful memories.

Though a bit reflective, I always manage to have a nice Mother's Day as I am celebrated by my own wonderful daughter. This year was no exception. A fabulous herb kit

 from Smith and Hawken arrived in Thursday's mail. The perfect gift for a gardener! I eagerly filled the pots with soil and sowed the seeds. Then under the grow light the pots went to begin their journey to full-grown plants.

On the day itself, I received a phone call, the next best thing to being together. In fact, as we jumped from topic to topic, it was just like we were right across the table from one another enjoying a tasty brunch.

Lucky me.

The Bounce House Cometh

Chris hams it up!

Birthday celebrations are always exciting, and this one for Alex was no exception. Perhaps the most exciting part of this particular party was the magnificent bounce house plunked in the center of the backyard. The day was filled with somersaults, cartwheels, and back flips - all so very fun to watch.



Yum!

  The colorful cake added a tasty touch to all the merriment. I love that indivdual cupcakes make up this cake, and who doesn't love a Thomas cake?



Alex enjoys his new pool.



There were plenty of gifts, a favorite being this blow-up pool, perfect for the boy who loves to play in water. From the look on his face, it is easy to see that this Birthday Boy is having a wonderful day.

So glad I was there for the fun.

Take It Aweigh

So...here I go again.

The bathroom scale has become my best friend,  better than being my worst enemy...I guess. Yes. We are working together, the scale and I, to erase the holiday weight that just adores me and does not want to leave. I mean, come on: it is almost May, and I still have that Christmas fudge and tasty eggnog hanging about on my hips. And elsewhere.

So, I am exercising more regularly, and my walking shoes are no longer pining away in the back corner of my closet.

I have even taken the radical step of asking for help. Hello, Weight Watchers.

Well, really, I need all the help I can get. I still am that skinny kid who had to drink milkshakes in order to retain weight and who was teased with the name "Broomstick" when  in 6th grade. However, my body has betrayed me and decided to reverse the pre-teen trend, gradually at first, but then with a vengeance once middle age visited. It is what it is.

Funny how things change.

Just Wondering...

Is it in the DNA?

Chris and John, two of my three grandsons

My Brother and I pose for the camera. He has been doing this to me ever since we were children.

Hmmmm. Could be.

Awaiting Spring

Theme Thursday - Greenery

Every year it is the same for me: I look forward to spring with all its newness, a time when my garden begins again putting to rest the winter's gloom, ready to surprise me with brilliant green buds that will soon blossom into jolly splashes of vibrant color. These new, baby hydrangea leaves caught my eye a few days ago, and I look forward to the months  ahead when this same shrub will be filled with pink snowball-like blooms; but, for now, I am enjoying the first signs of renewal and the promise of what is to be.

Thanks, Mother Nature.

See what else is happening at Theme Thursday.