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.

Home For Rent

The search is on! The neighborhood birds are flocking to my bird houses, going in and out of the entry holes, and discussing the situation with each other. I am not sure quite what they are looking for; some years I make the cut, and other years I don't.

I am hopeful that at least one of my houses will be selected so that I have the fun of watching the nest building and all the activities that follow. Here's hoping...

Some Enchanted Evening

What a night!  Weill Hall, the much touted concert hall modeled after Tanglewood, opened last summer; but I have not set foot inside it until last night, though I have been listening to the ooohs and aaaahs of Sonoma County residents, raving about the beauty and acoustics of the place. Well, it is all true!

The approach to the magnificent hall is very picturesque, not unlike walking the path to Lincoln Center in New York: a showy spectacle of large light-filled windows inviting music lovers to enter. All that is missing is the gurgling fountain.

The hall itself, not to be outdone by the very impressive foyer, is a masterpiece of golden wood, a feast for the eyes. The most amazing feature of this wonderland is the back wall, covered by a curtain last night, which operates like a huge garage door, opening up to reveal a giant green space that becomes lawn seating for summer concerts. I must put that on the agenda for the future.

Big names have been guests at Weill Hall; Yo-Yo Ma played to a sold-out crowd just a couple of weeks ago. How I would have loved to be in that audience, but the tickets were snapped up by season ticket holders, so I lost out. However, because she is not nearly as well known locally as the famed cellist, tickets were available for a concert with Tony Award winner, Barbara Cook, now 85 years old. I'm here to tell you: she can still hit those high notes! I was captivated.

The crowning moment for me was her encore number, John Lennon's Imagine, one of my favorite songs. She put aside her hand mic and walked slowly, holding her cane for support, to the front of the stage.

And sang. Softly. The incredible acoustics carried her voice to every nook and cranny of the hall, and she delivered Lennon's powerful message with the emotional force of an atom bomb. It was stunning.

An enchanted evening, indeed.