Colonoscopy - One of Life's Special Experiences

Let's see, this is an "examination of the colon with a colonoscope." It's translated "fun, fun, & more fun." Of course, the one taking the other person is privileged to get up REALLY early, deliver the "target" to the G.I.Lab, and then go back and pick up a groggy person who repeats himself and has sort of a relaxed outlook on life. After a consultation with the doctor and the good news about how things "looked," we're "out of there." We make a stop or two to get "sustenance" to make up for the fasting and all that "delicious" liquid. A few more chauffeured trips and life is now settling back into the usual routine. Important note: give yourself and your loved ones a "gift" and have this procedure done to make sure all is well.

Granddaughter Claire's 4th Birthday Party

Today Claire celebrated her 4th birthday with a party for friends and family. The girl guests came dressed in their various princess costumes and the boy guests were all boy. To the absolute delight of everyone there, Cinderella came. She was beautiful and enchanting and talented and a perfect treat for a little girl who is such a princess in every best way. Cinderella read a story, led some games, taught them a dance, posed for pictures with each child individually, sang two songs, gave Claire a special princess tiara, and left a smiling, happy bunch of kids when she went back to her castle. They all got necklaces, rings, wands, and hair clips. Pizza & Oma's delicious castle cake topped off a perfect day. The smiling parents & excited kids & an oh-so-spectacularly-thrilled-and-happy Claire loved it all!

The Winter Olympics In Vancouver

I love the Olympics, both the Winter and the Summer Games. So, I'm enjoying watching the various events in Vancouver as they unfold. Through the Olympics I discovered curling and I think that it is fascinating to watch. Some might say that it's like watching paint dry, but I think the skill that is demanded and the strategizing that goes on are both fascinating. Across all of the sports, the athletes' personalities in their interviews are both heart-warming and revealing. To love a sport so much that your life is dedicated to this love and to possess the talent that is obviously present are both awe-inspiring. Yes, I'm addicted to the Olympics and I am skiing, snowboarding, skating, and curling with the best of them.

A Fabulous Time Was Had By Almost All

Our family - son, wife and boys; daughter, husband, and 4 children - just spent an almost fabulous long weekend together. For everyone (except for Butch and me) it was a super special time filled with absolutely marvelous, memory-creating times together. If one could choose when to feel yucky, one would NOT pick a rare family "all together" time. But, the great pictures and marvelous blog entries by our daughter and daughter-in-law spell it all out. How wonderful that we'll be able to relive all the highlights as often as we wish. Yes, the Thursday night dinner and visiting and listening to the cousins' playing set the tone that lasted all of our time together. We do love all of them so very much!!

Our Family Is Getting Together!

This weekend our family will all be together for one of our "twice a year" gatherings. With 2 adult children and their spouses and 6 rambunctious kids, this will be one hopping place. The two 6-year-olds and the two almost-4-year-olds love playing together. Their unique personalities mesh quite well and they move a mile-a-minute the whole time. The 9-month-old will wonder what in the world is happening and why it's so noisy, but he's a contented child and will just take it all in. The 11-year-old is such a lovely, caring, patient young woman and she handles it all just fine, too. I can't wait!!!

Mary Poppins at The Ahmanson

Mary Poppins soars over the audience in this delightful version of the play that is currently on stage at the Ahmanson Theater. As we all sang "in our minds" along with the familiar songs, a talented cast brought the story to life once again. It's a not-to-be-missed experience. Yes, I really do have to say it's "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!"

A Day That's A Real Bummer

There are stunningly wonderful days and then there are THOSE days. The world news is focused on the horrific situation in Haiti. Along with the aching sense of loss is the frustration at being able to do so little to help. In the daily routine here are miscues and frustrations and then more of the same. When you think things are totally in the pits, there are happy sounds from a baby, a fun call from a loving and generous friend, the upbeat voice of a young boy, the contagious grin of a little girl, and the expressed affection of family members. How lucky I am! Like Alexander, I realize they even have bad days in Australia. In the midst of the moment or turmoil, it's just sometimes hard to remember that.