Luke & Elmo

Luke absolutely loves Elmo! He watches with rapt attention whenever Elmo appears on "Sesame Street." So Grandma RoRo thought it would be a great idea to take Luke to Border's to see Elmo. Our nearest Border's store had sent an email advertising this fun event with Elmo and favors, etc. "Perfect!" I thought. So Luke, Butch and I went to the local Border's which was jammed with people because this is one of the stores that Border's is closing. Where was Elmo? He wasn't there! Was Luke upset? No! Was RoRo a bit perturbed? Yes! But, when I realized that he was just thrilled to see pictures of Elmo on the event poster that was still up at kid's eye level in the Children's Department, then all was okay. He promptly found a couple of buses to carry around, along with small books about specific vehicles and the books have wheels. Could I remove these from his arms? No! So, I led a "stuffed arms" little boy through the store to find a basket to carry our "treasures" in. Would he put his items in the basket? No! So, we looked around the children's area, found a few more Elmo items, and we went up to get in the long line to check out. Luke was having the best time carrying his two yellow buses and the books and was content to check everything out as the line slowly moved forward. People were enchanted with him because he was obviously so enjoying clutching his items and looking at the people and the other items within view. Fortunately, I was able to remove a price label from one bus in order for the cashier to use it to ring up both buses. Does every child need TWO small metal yellow buses? No! But, would you want to remove one from the clutches of a 22 month old in a crowded store? If so, you are braver than I. Luke possesses this high pitched scream capability that can shatter glass and can reach levels that can only be heard by passing planes. This tendency can be silenced by a pacifier. He was such a happy camper that even thinking about ONLY one bus just wasn't a possibility a grandmother would even consider. So, off we went to Claire's birthday party with our Elmo loot safely bagged for Luke's birthday and some later gifting. Oh, yes, only one yellow bus actually went home with Luke. I did a quick change between the other bus and a red truck Luke had in the car. Grandmothers weren't born yesterday or even the day before that! Fun day! Fun time! Happy little boy! P.S. You're wondering how we "lost" Grandpa Butch? He disappeared after handing Luke one stuffed animal to clutch and seeing how happy he was exploring everything. Hmmm!

Luke - The "No Grass Growing Under My Feet" Kid

Some kids are laid back and take life as it comes. That's Luke. Does he have asthma? Yes. Does it slow him down? Only when he feels really yucky. Does he like to watch Elmo on TV? Yes. Can he hold his own mask when the nebulizer is running? Yes, indeed! His mom had set him up where we usually do his treatments when he's at our house. I was surprised that she walked out of the room when I could already hear the nebulizer running. "Oh," she said, "he can hold it himself." I quickly went in to hold him and hold the mask. Nothing doing! Yes, he would sit in my lap to watch Elmo, BUT he would also hold the mask. After the treatment finished, he got down, handed me the mask, walked to the bedroom next door where the baby bed is, waited for me to lift him into the bed, laid down the small colored glass pebbles he had been carrying, closed his eyes, and off he went for his afternoon nap. What an amazing, absolutely delightful 22 month old little boy!

My Favorite Yardman

Butch loves to work in the yard. He likes to see the grass neatly mowed and the edges sharply trimmed. He spends a lot of times picking up "sticky balls," as our grandchildren call them, when they fall off the tree in the front yard. Yes, Claremont has "street trees," and our street has the (mis)fortune of having Liquid Amber trees as THE street tree. So each yard is blessed with one of the prolific "sticky ball" producers. They also have other problems - invasive root systems that can destroy plumbing, break-up sidewalks, lift walkways until they are hazardous to pedestrians, and totally eliminate going barefoot on the lawns or sidewalks anywhere around them. So, here is a photo of his nemesis and a recent "American Gothic"-like picture of him at work. He's thrilled that he has been able to find a good use for a "snow shovel" in Southern California.

Happy Birthday, Claire!

"Dancing Claire" is 5 years old today. While she's pictured here in one of her favorite princess dresses, last night we celebrated with her and her family, and we gave her a fancy dress in her favorite color - pink. She had picked it out on the internet and her mom and I were lucky to find it at a store nearby. She is absolutely enchanted with it. The look on her face made it all worthwhile. In addition, we got her a pink blouse and some leggings to go with it. She is now re-pinked for the end of winter/the beginning of spring. As we told her, we were there when you were born and we're so happy to be celebrating with you at the 5 year mark. She is a delightful, dramatic, happy little girl who so enjoys everything and everyone. Hooray for Claire!

I Hab a Cold In My Heab, Face, Nos, Eyes, Froat = My Hol Body!

My eyes are watering because they feel so itchy. My nose is either stopped up or running. My throat is scratchy. I feel SWELL! But, I know it will pass in a week or 7 days, as the saying goes. I'll try not to share it!

Valentine's Day 2011

Here's wishing everyone a "Happy Valentine's Day." Enjoy your time with your family and friends. Celebrate all of the people you love by telling them how important they are to you. For me, my family and friends are the sources of love and support and caring and all of the "feel good" aspects of my life. And, of course, there's chocolate. THIS truly sums it all up - good family, good friends both near & far, good experiences working with groups who care about people and about those things both seen and unseen that will make for a better life for others, and much love. I am richly blessed!

Party Parade 2011

The Claremont Community Foundation's Party Parade booklets are arriving in the mail throughout the city and to friends in surrounding communities. As so aptly put on the Foundation's website, "The Claremont Community Foundation invites you to become a part of a wonderful Claremont tradition that embodies the true meaning of 'community' -- people from all walks of life coming together, getting to know each other better, and working cooperatively to keep our community strong and healthy.

We are pleased to offer our 15th annual series of hosted special events. There is something for everyone here, from the youngest child to the seniors among us. Come with family, with companions, or by yourself -- you'll meet new and interesting folks, share food, fun, friendship -- and be a part of fund raising for a great cause!"

You can dine with friends at a variety of dinners, taste and learn about wines and cheeses, ride your bike to Puddingstone for a gourmet picnic, sample an array of delicious soups, discover the value of family treasures, yell "Bunco!" when you win, watch the Long Beach Gran Prix from a balcony high above the route, rock and roll with the Ravelers, meet with book lovers to share great reads, watch a magic show, tour local gardens to learn about Urban Farming, explore the concept of "play" at the Scripps Ceramic Annual, and find an art chair JUST for you.

I can't wait for the parties to begin!