Email & The Internet

Email has become an integral part of communication for me and for Butch. It saves time. It connects me with people I haven't seen in as long ago as 50 years or as recently as 25 minutes. It enables me to share humor with friends around the country. It keeps me informed. It brings news from others that brings joy or grief. It opens up my world each day to learn, to share information, to contact friends, and to conduct business for a variety of reasons. I love the pictures I get that acquaint me with the growing families of friends. Did I place online orders for a lot of gifts this year? Yes! Will I do that more this next year? Yes! Do groups I'm in conduct business via email? Yes! Does that help everyone who's involved? Yes! Does it free up time for other things both serious or necessary or just plain fun? Yes! Can I be right there with you in every sense of the word except physically? Yes! Keep sending those emails, friends. I LOVE EMAIL!

A Party at Bath Junkie in Claremont

Today I attended a party at Bath Junkie in Claremont and it was so much fun! A friend had won a party at a fundraiser and a group of us were invited to celebrate with her. The staff had things beautifully set up for us and it was wonderful to sample fragrances and try out products. We played a game guessing the fragrances and it gave us clues to the ones we might want to use. The conversation was fun, the tea party food was delicious, and the items we all purchased for family and friends will make ideal gifts. The store was busy while we were there. If you haven't been, you've missed a treat.

Luke's 1st Birthday Celebration

Luke Jacob Tucker was 1 year old on April 14, 2010, and today was the "Birthday Bash." Family & friends gathered to celebrate the day. The party had a football theme & guests wore football jerseys representing their favorite team. There were two football cakes made by Oma (Eric's mom) and Luke had his own cake to eat & share with Grandpa Butch. Good time, good friends, such cute kids, & a great party = a birthday to remember. Happy Birthday, Luke!

Happy Birthday, Maria!!!

Today is Maria's 34th birthday.  

What a joyous day it was 34 years ago in Lawrence when she arrived. Mark & Claire were excited, too. In those days kids couldn't visit, so they waved "hi" from under a tree in front of Lawrence Memorial. Rachel Christoffersen was born the day before Maria, and Barbara and I became good friends from the very beginning. We referred to ourselves as "the geriatric wing." It was fun to watch the girls grow up together. Maria is a beautiful, fun, loving, super wife & mom, gifted teacher, supportive & caring friend, & involved community & church member. Butch & I are so proud of her and we love her very much!

Dinner & a Movie & a Yogurt Treat with Friends

Dinner with good friends at Cafe Montclair (GOOD food!), "Date Night" movie at the Laemmle (Tina Fey & Steve Carell - gifted actors with great comedic sense & timing), fill-your-own-cup (YES!!!) at Yogurtland, checking out Chico's & O My Sole = a PERFECT EVENING!!!

Zac & Luke in the Fountain at Victoria Gardens

There is nothing like a boy who LOVES playing in the water AND a toddler who discovers the joys of a fountain for the first time. Listen to his screams of delight, along with the screams of others. This fountain is ideal for children and you can see from the number there that it is very popular. What a treat on a warm spring day!

The iPad

I want an iPad. Do I need an iPad? No. But, do I want one? Decidedly YES! What's the appeal? For me it's something completely new that I've not explored. I don't have an iPhone and I don't have a MAC. But, I love computers and all that they can do and all the vistas they can open to all of us who take advantage of what's offered. I love being connected with friends I've not seen in over 40 years who are now as close as next door via the internet. I love email. I love blogs. I love Google and the vast array of information that is so easy to access and the fact that Google is user friendly to pro and novice alike. I love having the ability instantly to look up something and learn the actual facts. I love seeing pictures of family and friends who live close by and in distant places. I love the ease of communication with family, friends, or colleagues as we deal with issues, resolve problems, plan for something, or just share information. I love sharing humor or good news or difficult news with a lot of family and friends with one click. I love the worlds that computers open to us every moment at the touch of a button or the touch of a fingertip. So, I WANT an iPad!!!