First Grade & First Soccer

Today was a big day! Escorted by Grandpa Butch (the picture taker) Zac became a first grader. Dressed in her favorite color pink (pants & socks & highlights on the Disney shirt), Claire went to her first soccer practice. Exciting times lie ahead!

"They're In School & We're Not" Luncheon

Today we had our 4th annual "They're In School & We're Not" Luncheon for the retired staff members of the school where we all worked. We talked and laughed and talked some more and ate delicious food prepared by the hostess and her husband. It was a treat to see everyone. There were people who retired years ago and others who retired just last year. We always plan this event to take place on THE day that classes begin at our "old" school. We signed cards for some who could not be there due to illness and the hostess told us about others who are working or vacationing. We all signed a poster for the current staff to wish them a fantastic school year. As those of you who've taught know, the friendships that grow and the bonds that are made so often are for a lifetime. Both the men and the women who gathered today are like family. That is wonderfully heartwarming and very special, indeed!

Anniversary # 48

Butch and I have been married for 48 years today. It is fun to remember all of the great times and significant events and wonderful friends that have been scattered generously throughout our 60 years of friendship. Mark and Maria and their families are such a glorious part of our lives. Gosh, we so love them and their children. Claire is a beloved part of our lives still and she lives on in our memories, in the memories so many of you have shared with us, and within those special girls named "Claire." They all grace our lives. We are still in touch with people that we knew way back when and with so many people that we've known and loved through the years. Thanks to all of you for all that you have given to us. We are blessed indeed!

My New iPad

I Love my New iPad!!! It has been a life saver since I had hand surgery. The light touch with the onscreen keyboard is even perfect for my "delicate" hand. HOORAY! Thanks, Apple, for such a neat device. Now all I have to do is learn how to upload a picture from Google Images when using an iPad. I think my desktop computer is upset because today it won't connect to the Internet. Big bummer!!! But my intrepid iPad was up and running without any problem. How nice! I've got a question or ten for a MAC expert friend, but I'm learning more every day.

Hand Surgery and the "Pain" Thereof

On Friday I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand performed by a super surgeon who operated a few years ago on my left hand. That was not a biggie because my left hand balances my body image and holds things for my right hand. It is the ideal "helper" hand. Now the right hand is another matter. My right hand is my NUMERO UNO, El Capitan, and the Head Honcho. Right now it is lending its pointer finger for typing help, and the bandage is hitting the keys and adding extra letters here and there. This outpatient procedure is an easy-to-do one when you have a good facility close by, and Casa Colina has one of those. Butch and I arrived at 8 a.m. and were home by 11 a.m. Guy, a friend from church, literally held my hand for "The Hand Man," as this orthopedic surgeon is known, just as Guy held it a few years ago. How nice! The result is a big bandage, no pain, a relatively rapid recovery, no visible scar (if my left hand is any example), and a "new" hand that is free from tingling and burning sensations and sometimes pain and numbness. Butch is taking good care of me, and I figure that the fact that I can't do a LOT of things will all work out in the long run. Through the "magic" of TV I'm learning how to prepare new recipes/dishes, how to redo my yard, how to redecorate, how to type with one finger, how to surf through the channels to find something that doesn't involve all sorts of violence (wayyy too many channels) or ignorance/"horse's tailness" (political news channels), and that may provide evocative insights (those same news channels) or just plain fun (selected channels). Friends have called and emailed and brought things by, and my far away family has called and my nearby family has been by to check me AND my bandage out. My new iPad works well with one finger typing, so I can't complain too much. Life is good! Right now though, it is wrapped in a big bandage, I'm on the computer, and Butch is outside painting in the full sun because it's evidently some sort of "man ritual." Go figure!

My Birthday = One of the "Big" Ones

At last I am "older than dirt." This was a familiar saying when I was growing up and now I'm there!

Friends from near and far sent cards. My brother David and his wife Melanie & my brother Tom and his wife Kathy called, and so did my nephew Tom. The birthday group here had our always fun monthly celebration at The Los. Another birthday group had dinner to celebrate Larry's, Janet's, Joe's, and my birthdays. Facebook friends from all over and from nearby posted birthday wishes. It was all delightful!

Mark & his family came from Kansas and Maria and her crew were all here ready & waiting for them. The kids (and the adults) so enjoy each other's company and they were an absolute delight to watch. They swam & played & swam some more. We went to SeaWorld, to Victoria Gardens to eat at P.F.Chang's (love those lemon scallops) and watch the kids run through the fountain, to LA on the Metrolink to eat at a good restaurant on Olvera Street, and a couple of times we all had treats at Yogurtland. At SeaWorld we all wore our wonderful "Be Good To People" t-shirts that we got from our friends Krissy & Augie. Thanks so much! Check out their site. It's got fabulous stuff & is spreading such a good message.

My friend Linda from Boston sent one of her fabulous fabric postcard wishing me a happy birthday and that was such a delightful surprise. Thank you so very much, Linda!

My friend Nell made a wonderful table runner that looks like half of a juicy red watermelon complete with seeds. It's sitting in splendor on the table for all to see. Thank you so very much, Nell.


My family gave me an iPad! I've received and sent email and I've played some games. Even "more mature dogs" can learn new tricks. Of course, Mark was a huge help in getting it all set up and ready to go. Thanks, Mark.

I feel totally "birthday-ed" and I loved every minute of it. Thank you, one and all, from the bottom of my heart.