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.

People Who Give a Darn About the World Around Them

There are a lot of people in Claremont who give a darn about what's happening in our community, what it takes to make it happen, and what they can give individually or by participating in a variety of groups. They all have in common a genuine desire to help others and the realization that "community" happens only when those in it seek the possibilities out there for everyone. Kudos to them! It always fun to see someone new catch the spirit and step up to help. Thanks to all of you.

The BCS National Championship Game

Good things: beloved relatives came and we all had a great time together. We talked, we laughed, we ate, and we loved seeing each other and spending time together. Bad things: Colt McCoy got hurt! Texas lost! Shucky darn!!!

New Year's Resolutions

Okay, I'm all set to go with my New Year's Resolutions. Let's see....(to be continued)

Today Maria, Zac, Claire, and I went to see "Disney On Ice." What a treat! From the very beginning when all of the characters from Cars came out to the final number with Tinker Bell figuring out what she could do best and finally getting her wings, it was a fun-filled, appealing extravaganza with something for everyone. The skaters were very good, they were into what they were doing, and they put on a great show. The costuming was well-done with clever touches and a lot of flowing, beautiful designs. From the skaters there were a lot of smiles and waves for the children in the audience, and that wins over not only the kids, but also the grownups. In the crowd there were a lot of princesses in all of the assorted Disney princess dresses, and the souvenir vendors were right there if you needed a wand or some wings or any of several assorted light twirling contraptions designed to delight any child. Thanks, Disney, for a well-planned show and for a delightful afternoon.