Keeping Grandkids

There may be a lot of special things to do in the world, but keeping your grandchildren has got to rank right up there at the top. This year we're keeping Luke who's 5 1/2 months old and Zac, who's almost 6 years old. Their mom drops them off 2 or 3 days each week on her way to school and to take Claire, age 3 1/2, to daycare. Why isn't Claire in "Grandparent Daycare"? Because Claire is a very social little girl and playing with others her age is VERY APPEALING to her. In fact, she has told her mother that sometimes she picks her up too early in the afternoon. Luke's a doll and he spends the day with us. Of course, his day revolves around smiling and eating and sleeping and smiling and eating and sleeping again, and some playtime thrown in around those other key events. Butch walks Zac to and from Kindergarten each day and they both love that experience. Zac talks nonstop both ways and Butch is getting a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an almost-6-year-old. Do we love it? You betcha! It's a special moment in time that we wouldn't trade for anything. Well, for sure we'd trade for world peace and a fair and equitable health care program for everyone, and some days maybe for ears that could better hear young voices, and for muscles that didn't "moan" and joints that didn't pop when carrying a big baby around. We only wish our other grandsons lived close by, so that we could spend more time with them, too!

Organ Concert at Claremont UCC

Today, JAMES WALKER, the Organist at All Saints Church in Pasadena, presented a concert at the Claremont UCC. His program included music by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bach, Persichetti, James Hopkins, Widor, and Dupre. James Hopkins, the composer of one of the selections, "Notas de España," was in the audience. Mr. Walker is a nationally-recognized concert organist and his solo recitals have been broadcast on National Public Radio. If you have the opportunity to hear Mr. Walker, don't miss it. Today's concert was an excellent performance of well-chosen pieces and it was "music for the soul."

Kindergarten Begins!

Today local schools opened and our oldest California grandson went off to Kindergarten. His grandpa walked him to his new school. He had met the teacher at an Open House yesterday and today he held Grandpa's hand tightly and talked excitedly about making new friends. Grandpa took a lot of pictures and got instructions about EXACTLY where he was to stand when he came to pick him up. After disappearing into the classroom, he came zipping back out to get Grandpa. He needed just a bit more assurance. Yes, Grandpa waited at THE spot and out came a happy camper. He liked the teacher a lot and he reported that there were a lot of GIRLS. He's excited about tomorrow.

"Legally Blonde," The Musical

Today some friends and I saw "Legally Blonde," The Musical. It's an absolute delight. If you loved the movie, either the first time you saw it in the theater or any one of the jillion times it's been on TV, you will love this show. The lines and musical numbers that work so well in a stage musical add a fun dimension to the whole production. Don't miss it when it comes to your area.

Mark's & Susan's 9th Anniversary

In 2000 a lot of family and friends gathered to celebrate Susan's and Mark's wedding on September 2. It was super hot, but it didn't matter. We were all together. It was a great celebration - lots of family, lots of friends, lots of love, and lots of fun. Unbeatable! Now they have Andrew and Thomas to celebrate with them. Congratulations, Mark & Susan. And, much love from all of us.

A Good Time Was Had By All

Sometimes it just clicks to get away with friends for a weekend. Three of us had a conference & the other three just came for fun. After an afternoon of a mini-spa treat for some and work for others, we all met for dinner. The conversation was interesting, animated, engaging, funny, open, and heartwarming. Today's wind down and wrap up was informative and engaging. The company was unbeatable. Thanks, friends, for making it a glorious weekend.

August 18, 2009: Celebrating Our Wedding Anniversary

Today Butch and I celebrated our 47th Wedding Anniversary. We shared cards that were both funny and sentimental, we toured Eric's new classroom at Claremont High, we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, we talked about life in general and what the future holds, and we told each other once again how much we love each other. A sentimental day? Yes, but it was filled with joy and memories of times that I wouldn't have missed for the world. Would I change anything? Oh, yes. Claire would be with us in body and not just in spirit. But all the girls with "Claire" in their names keep her alive for us. We celebrate Mark & Maria and their families and we feel blessed by our extended families and "baggy relatives," as my mother used to say. Life is good indeed.