Way Good Day

having fun?

2012-01-07T18:41:00.000-05:00

Hope your first weekend of

is fabulous!

want to go to Paris?

2011-06-20T14:02:00.010-04:00

Jordan of "Oh Happy Day" adventurously moved to France four months ago with her artist hubby and two darling sons. To celebrate her blogs fifth birthday, Jordan has saved her pennies, and Benjamin's, for a lucky reader and companion to travel to her new home in Paris for seven {7!} days to explore and experience the city through her eyes.
Ooo la la!
I would love to be the traveller...and, I would want to take each of you with me;
however, if not me, then I hope it is YOU!
Go to Jordan's blog link to enter.
Bon voyage!

[image: explorarcar.blogspot.com]

are we ever...

2011-02-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

{credit: it's mary ruffle. I adore her!}

you + me

2011-02-14T04:08:00.000-05:00

One day at a time...

2011-02-11T20:01:00.003-05:00

[Not sure credit; please let me know if you know.]

oh happy day!

2011-02-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

Is it ever a way good day!

aak!

2011-02-03T17:55:00.006-05:00

Forgive me my fine feathered friends
whom I adore and appreciate.
I arrived home from school to find your water had frozen.

First thing I did was replace the water
then set out some food.
Mr R is picking up more seed as we speak.
It is critical the small animals have a fresh water
source when the world is frozen.
Please consider tending to your neighborhood creatures--
such a simple service when they bring such joy to our lives.

Notice the little bird tracks--darling!

we need to reach out

2011-02-02T23:14:00.006-05:00

Mr R and I spent the better part of the morning and afternoon calling and checking on many friends and church folks. We are very, very grateful for our heat and safety and more than willing to fling open our doors as wide as they can open to welcome anyone who needs warmth, shelter, a shower, place to eat, sleep and recharge their cell phones as well as their hearts. A place to gather, play games, watch movies or read. A place of warmth and shelter. I really wanted to put the heater in the bathroom and soak for a few hours with a book but that is not what a good shepherd does. We truly love our fellowman and know if our girls were still young and hungry and cold we would hope and pray someone would reach out to us and help as we don't have any relatives in this state. May we each have courage to reach out to all; co-workers, friends and even people we don't know well...or always embrace. It can be uncomfortable but it is so worth bringing relief! Isn't that our purpose, really? To help each other? It then is a way good day...orange color and all.

the long wait

2011-02-02T21:43:00.005-05:00

We had totally prepared for the situation.

There was now nothing we could do but go to bed and wait.
We had food, milk, fully charged cell phones,
fuel for our generator, two vehicles with full tanks of gasoline,
warm blankets and clothes laid out by our beds in case...of anything.

Monday we had called our friends and chatted with neighbors
to ensure all had knowledge of the storm predicted to affect
1/3 of the US population and was headed our way
with not snow but ice.

We offered to get prescriptions, bread, fuel...anything
they needed to prepare their families, homes and pets for the monster storm.
Forty thousand households were without power when we went to bed.
the trees were encased in ice.
Tick, tick, tick.
We finally fell asleep.I awoke at 3:00.
We, so fortunately, still had power but the sound--
CRASH!
Shattering.
It sounded like our world was falling apart.
I bolted out of bed to again look out our window.
I know my jaw literally fell open.
The trees, so burdened with the weight of the ice,
were doing back bends.
Trees were splaying, half of the trees bent over houses, garages
and parked cars in driveways.
I could not see any trees falling but the crashing sounds continued
over and over as if hearing fifty or sixty car accidents with
glass shattering.
Very jarring.
I was so worried about the trees that house the birds.
I love my birds and bunnies.
Every two hours I had been rotating wide, shallow containers
of fresh water and food for them.
Now their world seemed to be crashing down
and with it we, humans, could have gaping holes in our nests,
lose our power and have frozen pipes.
This could be a dire situation for many days.

Finally, after about two hours, I finally fell back asleep.
{after I had sent our family an updated email at 3:12 am}

I awoke again at 5:30.
It must have warmed up a few degrees after all because when I
looked out the window I know my jaw fell open to the the ground
as I beheld ALL the ice was off the trees.
They were all UPRIGHT.
I was amazed.
I truly saw a miracle.
I am teary writing this.
I cried out with gratitude for us, the birds
and all in our community.
Thank you, Heavenly Father.
Thank you, Mother Nature.
Thank you.

My husband knelt by the window on one knee to get a better view,
looked out and echoed, "It really is a miracle."

We realized the shattering sounds were all the ice
slipping off the trees and branches and falling
to the earth.

We weren't totally out of the woods yet as we could lose power
at any moment and it is cold out;
however, it was dawning a more hopeful day.

I did wonder aloud if Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow...or not.
I love winter but this is enough, even for me.

day to night

2011-02-02T20:52:00.002-05:00

This is how much ice we received before the sun set
on the first day of February.
Quite a bit--a quarter to a half inch of ice
encapsulated each twig and branch.

It was pitch black out as we went to bed around 11 pm.
We peeked out the window and were astonished
to see icicles 4-5 inches long frozen to each branch.
{My dear Mr R kindly shone our super strong flashlight
onto the frozen daggers for me to try to get a photo.
Mind you, I had the window open and was
hanging out as the ice was pelting us--thanks love.
I know its not a good, even fair, photo
but it gives you an idea of the severity.}
We quickly turned on the news for an update.
Our weatherman explained they had thought
our temps were going to increase a few degrees after midnight
turning the ice to rain and melting some of the ice.
Unfortunately, he said, it was not to be
and was going to be worse than previously forecast.
He said to be prepared for all the trees to come down due to the weight of the ice
and they would be pulling the power lines down with them.
This storm is so wide spread it could be a few days
before the power would be restored.
Not good!
Currently, pink is not my favorite color.

the second color of February

2011-02-02T12:02:00.002-05:00

This is what I saw on the 5:00 a.m. news --
orange!
*no more pink*
Although orange is not my color of love either at the moment
as it represents winds with gusts
of 30-50 mph for the next thirteen hours.
It could continue to knock down trees and power lines.
We still, very fortunately, have power.
I have lots of phone calls I need to go make!

pink is for February

2011-02-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

Pink is also code for i-c-e.
We have lots and LOTS of pink.
We are forecast for a lot of ice.
Mother Nature, please share gently
rather than generously with us this day.

going to be in the Big Apple tomorrow?

2010-12-03T22:22:00.002-05:00

I wish I was!
I would meet up with you for the
Martha Stewart Holiday Craft sale.

"Dozens of artisans and crafters, including many
Martha Stewart company employees,
will be selling their handmade projects and crafts.
We guarantee you'll find a gift for everyone on your list!"
Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale - Martha Stewart Crafts
12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.

Starrett-Lehigh Building
601 West 26th Street
(between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues)
9th Floor

New York, NY 10001

Have a way good time!

p.s. feel free to purchase me anything...
I am sure I would love everything!

December is here!

2010-12-01T19:45:00.005-05:00

I am grateful for magical events!

I'm baaaack and how to make a decision {Ch. 1}

2010-11-30T12:27:00.011-05:00

I am content.
{for today}
It is raining outside...
it would be lovely if it was white fluffy snowflakes piling up,
but I, too, like the rain.
A lot has happened since I last posted.
I went to good ol' New Orleans and healed my lungs.
Realized a few days into July that I hadn't coughed-
time to celebrate, indeed!
I spent one additional month with our girls, regaining my strength and
walking our southern belle grand pup then returned home to a follow-up internal sonogram/ultrasound -- is there a difference?
I didn't need to do this; really, I chose to have it done
to close the chapter entirely on the book of my health happenings of May, June and July.
A new school year calendar was laid out freshly before me.
I wanted to be entirely confident I wasn't going to have a repeat episode of May so I confidently went to my appointment the Friday before school began.
Thunk.
That book was not closed.
Oh, no it was not.
It was thrown wide open when it was discovered I had a new, larger cyst.
Not good.
I have never had one previous to my May episode; thus, my dr thought it a fluke.
Usually a female has ovarian cysts for many, many years; not me.
The technician couldn't believe I wasn't curled up on the floor in a ball of pain.
Ummm, no. I wasn't in any pain at all.
None.
Is that a blessing or a curse?
Hmmmmm.
Hard to decide.
When my dr received my results her office called to set up an appointment to discuss with me my "options". I wondered and pondered what those options would be. I asked many a teacher, friend, neighbor. No one had had an experience like mine, which I did not find comforting. Everyone had either had super heavy periods {not me} or very sporadic periods {not me, as regular as can be}.
I just kept thinking, roll with this, Mari.
Just roll.
A week later I was in the dr's office and she said they were definitely going to take out the cyst.
Okay.
Then I was given the option of having everything taken out.
what?!!
Rewind. Please repeat.
Why.would.I.have.both.my.ovaries.falliopian tubes.utures.and.cervix.removed
when I have totally normal, regular periods?
Oh, the book was open, wide open, with many an unwritten chapter ahead.
But I don't want this book.
I don't want to be a character in this novel.
I don't want to be the leading lady in this role.
No, no, no.
I decline.
I politely decline.
I vehemently decline.

How does one make such a decision?
She, my outstanding dr, that I years ago had waited three years to get into her practice,
stated, "Hormones or cancer."
Excuse me?
She said one needs to make a decision based on their family history; if cancer runs in the family tree, most women opt for everything to be taken out as there isn't a test for ovarian cancer.
I grabbed my right side and resolutely proclaimed,
"I am keeping my right ovary."
Then I inquired, "Why would I have my right ovary taken out
if I will have still have my left one?"
She said, "I am taking out your left ovary no matter what."
I gasped, "You said you were taking out the cyst,
you didn't mention my whole entire left ovary was coming out."
I then grabbed my left side and said, "It could have given me our children."
I absolutely thought sitting on that table I was only going to have my left ovary removed
and we would be done.
She said to take a week and think about it; to talk with my family.
I said they will 100% want me to do what I feel is best for me.
I asked her what I could read, where could I look up the research,
whom should/could I talk with regarding this monumental decision?

She again explained that there is no correct answer.
Each body responds differently and there are no predictors.
One doesn't know how their body will respond.
*this was very, very hard for me to digest*
Give me something to research, people to talk with; some concrete information;
please point me in a direction to understand all this so I can make a decision.
Hormones or cancer.
I declared, "No doubt, God is a man."

My doctor did prove correct in the next six days as I asked anybody
[practically everybody]
what they would do:
left ovary only or the whole she-bang?
If cancer runs in their family, especially women whom have lost a loved one to breast cancer
{and I, incredibly sadly, had my eyes opened in this, so many; far too many, each one is too many!} or a father to cancer they did not hesitate, not even for a second.
They ALWAYS responded to get all of my female organs removed.
No question. No hesitation. Do it.

We have other things in our family tree; but, very, very fortunately, not cancer.
I really was hanging onto my my right ovary...
to have natural menopause.
I cannot emphasize this enough; I was having regular periods on a regular schedule.
I had not had nor experienced any perimenopausal symptoms.
WHY would I have all my organs taken out?
why, why, why?

And...I would experience "traumatic surgical menopause".
My understanding, of course I am not a doctor, but again, my understanding,
is the moment you are on that surgical table and they snip your ovaries,
you experience an abrupt hormone withdrawal
[estrogen, progesterone and testosterone].
Scary.
Not an easy decision to make.
No gradual transition into menopause.
Definitely a life changing decision and obviously no turning back.
Permanent.
And no real answers.

Where oh where is my crystal ball?!

Then, about on day three or four of my decision making week,
our youngest daughter called and said,
"Mom, you are going to go into menopause someday.
It could be gradual or sudden. You don't know that either.
You could have only your left ovary removed and then you could have a cyst grow in your right ovary, as this may be in your system and then you will have to go through another surgery. The greatest risk of surgery, Mom, is anesthesia and opening the body cavity (infection). Why not get it all taken care of now?"
And..."There is no test for ovarian cancer so why not get this taken care of and never have to worry about it?"
I said, "Because cancer does not run in our family. WHY would I do this to myself?"
Then she, with her master's in neuroscience quietly replied, "Mom, you have your sister and your mother and her mother, your maternal grandmother. That is not a large sample size!
Just get this taken care of. Completely."
sigh.
true.

When I returned to my gynecologist seven days later, I replied resolutely,
without hesitation, "I am going to have it all taken out."
Finally a decision.
Dr asked, "Final answer?"
I felt good about it.

Now let's get the show {or surgery} on the road.
Let's do this!

I must mention also, and some may find this embarrassing but I am fine with it because I had no one to discuss all this with so I am putting it all out there for you or anyone you know who may go through this, I also have bladder incontinence. When I was formed in my mother or when ever these things take place, maybe puberty, I have had a tipped uterus.
From the first time I went to a gynecologist before we were married I was told I had a tipped uterus. It has tipped all these years onto my bladder, resulting in my bladder incontinence.

I had asked my dr, Dr E, at the first appointment if I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, could I please also have Dr H, a urogynecologist, fix my bladder? Mrs Dr E had referred me to Mr Dr H three years ago and I had undergone a series of bladder function tests.
Dr H said I definitely needed my bladder reattached.

This honestly is also what tipped me into choosing to have everything removed; get it completely taken care of, all of it.

Now to schedule the surgery(ies).
Tricky, as each of the two involved surgeons have different surgery days of the week!
Heads up--if your dr's office calls and says they need to reschedule you please try to be patient and understanding!
I knew one of the doctor's was going to have to cancel their patients for that slate of time I would be in surgery. No one wants to upset their patients by changing schedules and both my doctors are sought after as people travel to be treated by them.
Um...both also kind of have big ego's.
They are great at what they do but which one was going to change her or his schedule?

Also....my sister had given me an incredibly generous gift for my birthday back in April; to go to Old Quebec. I had suggested we go in the fall. Everything was a go for us to have our passports stamped on September 19.

This, my second appointment with Dr E, was September 8.

I didn't mention our travel plans as they said I needed to get this surgery done.
I was rolling with it, remember?
No stressing.
Go with the flow.

I thought it may take a week for them to coordinate everything.

Three business days later, Monday, September 13, my two dear friends Linda and Deb, were here visiting with me and as I was explaining all this to them, my cell phone rang.

It was L, the scheduler from Dr E's office, and a former student and she said, "You went after your appointment and had a chest x-ray, mammogram and your blood work. You are cleared for surgery. How about this Thursday?"

What?
Rewind!
This Thursday, as in 60 hours?

I was slightly a flutter.
My mom and sister who were going to take a turn each to fly out and take care of me live on the west coast which involves plane tickets and the purchase thereof. Last minute is expensive.
L said, "I have secured an O.R. and Dr E is on board. WE will not know until we confirm first thing in the morning with Dr H's office."

Was I going to Old Quebec on Sunday, September 19
or to the operating room on Thursday, September 16?

Either way I was packing a bag!

to be continued...

p.s. it is still raining....awaiting a dusting of snow.

have summer off...will travel

2010-06-14T09:26:00.002-04:00

Packing my bags for a trip!
Letting my lungs heal here or there...
time to go there.
I have already sat here, coughing, for four weeks--nuts.
The downside to traveling?
Missing my Mr R!!!

let the good times roll

2010-06-09T15:45:00.002-04:00

If I was going to go camping,
this is my way to enjoy the great outdoors!
Cute, cute!
Fun, fun!

my mom is going to camp

2010-06-07T10:01:00.004-04:00

I told my mom yesterday, "It's like you are packing for summer camp!"

kinda. sorta. to a degree.
She is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow.
I am so proud of her!
She will then go to rehab for two weeks--
that's where the summer camp comparison came in.
Please say a prayer tomorrow for my Mom, Ellie!
Good luck, Mom,
we love, love, love you.

a celebration

2010-06-04T10:01:00.006-04:00

After 18 days my fever has broken!!!
Someone mentioned it is June.
June?!
I am time frozen on May 17.
My voice is weak and I am still coughing a lot
but I have the whole summer ahead to heal as today is the
last day of the academic year.
{obviously I am at home-boo.}
Many have asked what happened.
After a ba-zillion tests, of all varieties,
they believe that while I was severely vomiting
after the ruptured ovarian cyst,
I aspirated particles into my lungs.
An unfortunate side effect I am now experiencing is
my stomach, esophagus and tongue are torn up
from the super strong meds and steroids
making eating. very. painful.
But aren't I lucky this is all it is?
I am indeed.
And for that I am celebrating our bodies;
whatever is going on with them, good and bad,
because it is the only one each of us has.
Come to the party, the table of gratitude, joy and celebration,
and as Kool & The Gang say,
"Bring your good times, and laughter too!"
{And happy summer vacation!}

thank you for your and your famililes sacrifice

2010-05-31T15:29:00.001-04:00

the Arlington ladies

2010-05-29T15:16:00.002-04:00

I think this is amazing.

I, too, want to be an Arlington Lady.
What an honor to honor our fallen heroes.
Their mission: to ensure no solider is buried alone.
The full article is here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37416579/

bumper sticker

2010-05-28T20:55:00.002-04:00

When I went to the doctor this morning,
yes, I am still running a 100.6 fever-ugh-
and was walking in for my appointment,
a lady had this bumper sticker on her vehicle.
I inquired where she had purchased it.
Not that I would have the energy to actually get out of the
car a second time on the way home and purchase one,
But Mr R could on his way home from work.

She replied that she had had them made on Thursday.
I was thrilled!
I want to be sensitive here, but many times I feel people
{including me} don't "get it" if "it" is not in their
region or neighborhood.
That she had taken the initiative and
had them made was a boost for my spirit.
She offered me one and I was lucky a have a few bills
in my wallet to offer her.
She said, "Here, take these and help me share them."

I am not happy with BP.
Is anybody?
NO.
But I also don't want to punish my local gas station,
so it is a fine line, isn't it?
And who knows what else BP makes that I consume.
*I want anybody in the Gulf region who reads my blog
to know we are aware and we do care!*
Anyone want a bumper sticker?

Bill explains...

2010-05-28T01:36:00.010-04:00

I saw this CNN John King interview with Bill Nye, the Science Guy.
Bill, Bill, Bill explains a complicated process,
BP's {naughty word=BP} 'top kill' effort in a simple manner--
thank you Bill.
He also addresses some very important points, so, in his language,
"Please consider the following."

http://johnkingusa.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/bill-nye-i-think-they-ran-out-of-mud/

Can we even wrap our brains around this?

2010-05-28T01:34:00.002-04:00

Disaster.
Tragic.
I am so, so sorry.

front porch gift

2010-05-27T13:03:00.004-04:00

Thank you for all the e-mails and texts inquiring of my progress.
{I did not post for that reason but it sure is nice; thank you.}
I am on the road to recovery but so many attacks on the
body at once is whew, wham bam.
I have always tried to set the example to our girls
to offer specific offers of help rather than the generic,
"Let me know if I can do anything for you."
Gosh, has it been returned ten fold.
Our daughters, my mom and sistah have been wonderful
in their love and support from afar.
Yesterday, these are three texts I received from a darling friend:
"Does a little chicken soup from Panera sound good?"
"Or maybe some fruit...something cold?"
Then came, "Or anything...a fruit smoothie?"
I thanked her so much but replied that
her texts and kindness' were the best treats.
Well....when we stepped out last night to go for yet another sonogram,
I found this container of Gerber Daisies on our porch from her
--what a cheerful, happy gift!
May we all be blessed with caring, kind people
in our lives and may we reach out and extend ourselves likewise.

gifts of nature

2010-05-25T20:22:00.007-04:00

I am sick.
I have been sick since last Monday; eight (8!) days ago.
No one wants to hear each others bad germs stories
but I will tell you that last Monday
I moved all the elementary students out of the room
in record time before the eruption began
--that is not the visual education a child
needs to gain nor keep in their minds eye.
[I was on the opposite side of the room and no way was there
time for me to get across the room and to the ladies room.]
In all this time alone, as I haven't been able to
read or look at a computer or television screen,
I have had plenty of time to reflect and I am sure grateful for a body.
Being under the weather, fighting a fever for all these days,
sure helps one appreciate their good health.
Cheers to good health.
I have also thought of those disabled or ill with serious diseases
and how much more challenging life is for them
and their caretakers.
Bless all of you and may I be even more patient
in my teaching and in life and more willing to serve you
and walk in your shoes and beside you.
I am grateful for the sweet birds around our home;
their chirping and their songs of communication.
Do birds sing out of joy, just as we may hum or whistle?
I adore our backyard bunnies and the rabbit nest/clutch.
I am grateful for an awesome husband who brings
{and eats with me!} Popsicles.
Even if he took half a day off work...to go golfing!
shhhh; do not tell him I told you that.
Life is good, life is great,
especially when filled with love!
Then it is waaay good.

a third graders public service message

2010-05-14T10:15:00.000-04:00

I adore this painting I saw hanging in the hallway by a third grader.

This group made public service messages in art class.
I truly believe her message,
"Treat others the way you want to be treated."
Notice, too, the latest accessory...ducks!

ditto

2010-05-13T18:26:00.002-04:00

Again.

the tip of the iceberg

2010-05-12T21:17:00.004-04:00

something significantly larger;

colossal even.
{photo one, flickr giladr; photo two, google}

looking into the eyes of a potential storm

2010-05-07T20:57:00.011-04:00

This was on the news last evening, forecasting for today.
"Oh bother," Pooh would say.

Currently this is what is headed our way--until 11 pm,
all that bright orange {not good}.
You can see our states outline if you squint your eyeballs.
[sorry these are so blurry or did you think you need glasses?]

We are now under a severe warning...

and a tornado watch.
Come on and admit it...
a snow storm is much more predictable than this!
Plus, when its snowing,
one can lounge in front of the fire, cuddle, roast marshmallows
and watch the falling snow
rather than huddle in the basement during a tornado
all the while sirens are blaring and the wind and rain
are thrashing around.
And in the former scenario,
Pooh could enjoyably eat honey from his honey jar
and Tigger could be flouncy fun, fun, fun
cuz he's the only one,"Grrrrr."

the fields are ready

2010-05-05T17:00:00.005-04:00

Outside school today, on the way home,
I saw Farmer Brown out in his fields.
{If you look carefully he is on the ground
trying to fix his piece of farm machinery;
a never ending task for farmers.}
Our new school is in the background, to the left--it is huge!
But only a tiny portion shows in this photo.
Out my window, to the left, on the main {country} road to the school,
{I had pulled onto the side rode so as to not hold up any traffic
taking the photo of Farmer Brown--because there is so much traffic
as you can see-lol} another piece of equipment is being
hauled from one field to another a few miles down the road.
A new planting season is upon us!
{if you enjoy fields like we enjoy fields, please notice the curve
at the end corner of the field--love it!}

2010-05-03T21:17:00.001-04:00

Tis Mr. R's birthday week!
{flickr photo by molly_mualla}

learning and knowledge

2010-04-28T17:48:00.002-04:00

Good luck to both our girlies whom each
have a final tomorrow!
*mwah*
{photo, i think, by flickr Clifford}

2010-04-27T20:05:00.001-04:00

Remember this--
very little is needed to make a happy life.
~Marcus Aurelius
{flickr photo}

celebrate the earth

2010-04-22T19:32:00.005-04:00

"The materials of wealth are in the earth, in the seas,
and in their natural and unaided productions.
~Daniel Webster

{photo I took on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu}

for my oldest, with love

2010-04-17T21:55:00.004-04:00

Emily,
You have climbed a mountain the past few months
--such a full plate
{all amazing}
and accomplished it well.
Now, sleep, sleep, sleep until Monday morning.
Shhhh.
We will not text nor call.
Sweet, restful dreams.
LLL
[google image]

number crunching

2010-04-15T23:41:00.005-04:00

Today is a "numbers" day.
Lots of numbers swirling around in pretty heads.
Tax day, yes, for all in America.
For me...
it's my birthday!
Thanks to my Mom and Dad for having me,
loving me, teaching me right from wrong--
not just when it's easy but {hopefully} always or most of the time.
And to be thoughtful, kind and compassionate.
I have much to learn but am grateful for
what I have experienced thus far in this journey of life.
I hope I can continue to find and fulfill the measure of my creation--
whatever that may be.
Celebrate each breathe, day and moment
as each one is a miracle!
{photo by Anthony Peters}

2010-04-12T20:31:00.002-04:00

I adore spring everywhere, but my favorite spot
to welcome and enjoy it each day
is just outside our bedroom window!

goodbye spring {temporarily}

2010-04-08T20:15:00.017-04:00

This is what we saw and heard on our
local television weather/news last night at 10:30.

We were told we would be awoken in the night by these
four elements of the severe weather forecast.

It had been a whopping 85 degrees
so the house was quite warm and due to the impending storm
we could not open the windows.
Who is going to crank on whole house air conditioning
for one evening? No one I know.
So the night was uncomfortably warm and unsettling.
Luckily, when we awoke, the storm had fizzled
on cue over our area, which is just fine!

As I mentioned, it was 85 yesterday; currently 45 degrees,
which is a little chilly after the past few days.
I came home from school, promptly opened the windows for fresh air,
and with that, I am going to take a nap!
[photo three by flickr sakura*aya]

and today...

2010-04-07T23:41:00.006-04:00

A neighborhood flower fashion show!
Pinks were well represented as well as the
show popping oranges.

The first tulips of the season=joy!

And amazingly, the daffodils did not freeze in last weeks snow.
There is beauty all around!

a blossom a day

2010-04-06T23:26:00.002-04:00

I could not believe my eyes!
This photo I took this afternoon is the same tree
I posted first yesterday.
{evidently, warm temperatures induce rapid flowering.}
Beautiful!

Also on today's walk, I discovered fresh, pink buds on these trees.
Spring is blooming!

new beginnings

2010-04-05T22:51:00.002-04:00

On my walk this afternoon after school
I kept stopping and admiring the tree buds,
in all their varieties.

We are experiencing unusually high {I think record breaking}
temperatures in the 80's and it has been a joy to be out in the sun!

going for four

2010-04-05T20:04:00.002-04:00

How we loved being Cameron Crazies for two years
while Mr R was in grad school at Duke.
Tonight...
Goooooooo D-U-K-E!!!
{although J had Butler in the final four--congratulations!}
[graphic from duke passion crazy site dukeblueplanet.com]

Dark Friday, Bright Sunday

2010-04-02T08:02:00.022-04:00

"Each of us will have our own Fridays--those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
But, Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, in this life or the next, Sunday will come."

"I think of how dark that Friday was

when Christ was lifted up on the cross.
On that Friday, the Savior of mankind was
humiliated and bruised, abused and reviled.
It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow.
I think of all the days since the beginning of this world's history,
that Friday was the darkest."
"But the doom of that day did not endure.
The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death.
He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.
And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the firstfruit of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence."

"We will all rise from the grave.
Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world,
we will be reunited with those we have cherished. On that day we will know the love of our Heavenly Father and will rejoice that the Messiah overcame all that we can live forever."

Death is not the end of existence.
Because of our beloved Redeemer, we can lift up our voices,
even in the midst of our darkest Fridays, and proclaim,
"O death, where is they sting?
O grave, where is they victory?"
{1 Corinthians 15:55}

"May we live in thanksgiving for the priceless gifts that come to us as sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and for the promise of that bright day when we shall rise triumphant from the grave."

"No matter how dark our Friday, Sunday will come."

"He is Risen!"

This message was shared in our home this past week
by our "Home Teachers",
in our case a father and son from church who every month
visit with our family, see how we are doing and share a spiritual thought.

Of course the message is not new.

But it sure gives us an anchor of faith and hope
and redeeming love, doesn't it?
Happy, glorious Easter!

{material from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, october 2006}
[flickr photos by photomato; bpbp Brian Peterson; F-2]

oh happy day!

2010-04-02T04:02:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

Skiing upon fresh powder today!

And a concert tonight~
celebrate!
Happy Birthday!!!

{flickr photos by butaho, McMormick Kitchens, and trondjs}

I won?! No fooling

2010-04-01T23:19:00.007-04:00

I could hardly believe out of 275 entries
I won a gift certificate for a purse
from designer Aki Takada of Oktak.
To say I am thrilled is an understatement!
Her bags are limited edition, handmade and beautiful.
The question posed:
"What is the most interesting thing one might find
if they snooped inside your handbag?"My response?
"Notes I get to keep when students pass them.
I never read them but they are saucy, I am sure!"
Now the difficult part...
which handbag should I choose?
Which would you choose?

March is a wrap

2010-03-31T22:58:00.010-04:00

It hit 69 degrees today!
Out like a lamb indeed.

Time for some spring cleaning.
Using this

and this

I had our rock beds power washed and re-laid
along with having our sidewalks and driveway power washed.
After school I ran to the store to get the workers some chocolate milk
and they had the above pansies.
Who can resist cheerful, orange pansies?

crutches

2010-03-30T21:51:00.003-04:00

Three and a half weeks after running the New Orleans marathon
and reigning as this years King,
My dear Mr R had surgery last week to remove a bone spur
and shave off part of the bone of his right toe.
I had no idea he had even been in pain!
It was a long weekend but he is doing much better now.

During his surgery, while he was under general anesthesia,
I was taste tasting the varieties of hot chocolate.
Tip # 1
For delicious, creamy, hot chocolate add
two creamers.
{Of course I was thinking of my Mister the entire time.}Tip # 2
This was the nurses experience all the way...
for children or one just out of surgery,
put the straw through the pull tab;
it doesn't swirl around.
Happy healing, my love.
I know you'll be out running and golfing before the
birds hatch their offspring!
{image one google photo}

celebrate!

2010-03-29T16:02:00.003-04:00

It's J's birthday week~
hope it is super fun!

a 180

2010-03-26T23:50:00.003-04:00

How can we go from this

to this
{outside our front door at 1:20 am}
in less than 12 hours at the end of March?
24 degrees tonight--
nuts!

mmmmm

2010-03-25T23:55:00.008-04:00

I shelled some pistachio's and then spied this
gorgeous avocado Mr R had purchased.

As it was lunchtime, I sliced the avocado

toasted half a slice of whole wheat bread,

placed the sliced avocado's on the peanut butter, on the toast

then toasted the addition of the pistachio's with a bottle
of berry pomegranate Italian soda.
Yes, it was waaay good!

10 giant panda cubs, too

2010-03-24T01:08:00.003-04:00

Planning a get-away between May 1 and October 31?
Consider visiting Shanghai's World's Fair.

"What you will find: A giant octopus, an alpine meadow
and an apple-shaped "green city," among dozens of pavilions
in all shapes, colors and sizes featuring a
kaleidoscope of visions for the Expo's theme:
"Better City, Better Life."

You will garner ideas for sustainable urban living as
"giant white funnels will provide shade,
channel sunlight to underground walkways
and collect rainwater for recycling."
All for only $23 (160 yuan) on a non-peak day--
plus airfare to China.
{chinafotopress}

planning for who knows what, but doing!

2010-03-23T15:17:00.011-04:00

We now have a three month supply of:
oatmeal, black beans, rice, dried onions,
carrots, powdered milk {yuck, hope we never need it},
potato flakes, refried beans, flour, sugar, tang-like drink
and...apple slices--yum!
One never knows when one might need these;
I have always thought if the truckers in this country go
on strike we would be Sorry Out of Luck
and Sorry Out of Food.
Who knows why we are counseled to have a supply of food?
I have never earnestly acted upon the counsel;
a little food storage here and there but not a solid,
all around food storage for our family for an extended period of time.
I really couldn't tell you why--lazy? not going to happen to us?
I don't know.
Last week I received a group email to our congregation from one of
our food storage specialists that said, in part:"We are so blessed to have Prophets and inspired Church leaders that have been urging us for over 60 years, to be prepared, to set aside a year's supply of food and to have water. So many struggle to heed this wise council, and so they are encouraging us in an all out effort to do all in our power, without going into debt, to secure a 3 month supply of foods we regularly eat, and some water, in case of natural or other personal disasters.
Consider a trip to the storehouse, to acquire rice, or oats,or refried beans at a very inexpensive price..and incorporate them into your diet. If not that, try buying one extra can of food and put it in a box that you will eventually fill with a month's supply of food that you eat all the time. How exciting it will be as you see your preparations grow, and your peace of mind along with it!"
Something about this just clicked in me!
I had already signed up to volunteer to work at
"The Bishop's Storehouse" yesterday
so I took some money and purchased the cans pictured above
which were left from our congregations cannery assignment this past Saturday.
I am soooooooo happy to have this food storage!
I am now on the band wagon and will share with you as we round out our storage--
**I too want you to be prepared!!!
As I was readying to push the
cart of cans to my car, a group of suited businessmen
were having a tour of the facility.
I asked the man in charge if anyone is allowed
to use the cannery.
He said, "Absolutely! We want all to be prepared!"
I think he said community members can spend up to $1,000
a year and do need to be with a church member.
I spent not even two tenths of that amount yesterday.
**If any of you who read this would like to plan a time
to figure out a food storage plan for yourself and family
I would be thrilled to help you and then schedule
a time to go to our local cannery where we will actually can the items into cans.
As Lori wrote in her e-mail, "We will have a peace of mind!"

spring has sprung!

2010-03-22T14:52:00.006-04:00

I have always said I thoroughly enjoy four distinct seasons--
I so appreciate what they each offer us to reflect upon
and I especially love this season of birth and renewal.
All that growth that was taking place during the winter months
that we couldn't see; but now, the courage and vigor of
the bulbs as they push their shoots through the earth
to see the sunshine and share their beauty with us.
Welcome Spring!
{flickr by The Colourguru}

the Jig's up

2010-03-17T00:02:00.002-04:00

May those that love us, love us.

And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.
~Irish Blessing

Love that Irish sense o' humor!
Have a happy green day and may you find
a pot of gold!
{flickr photo by j_jyarbrough}

a tad nippy

2010-03-15T15:47:00.003-04:00

It's freezing here today....brrrr.
Look at this snuggle bunny--warm and cozy!
{flickr photo by Lily Zhu}

spring time tunes

2010-03-12T16:27:00.003-05:00

Birds singing--
melodious!
{flickr photo Mieke VOS Photographics}

warning: *very useful instruction

2010-03-09T23:29:00.001-05:00

I have come across a lot of interesting information on YouTube but this is amongst the best in its practicality. Learn together with your spouse and kids--you will forever be grateful!

2010-03-08T23:09:00.004-05:00

Today was so gorgeous {in the 50's!}
with the sun shining in its glory that
Mr R and I spent an hour this evening working
in a small portion of the yard,
a section where the snow has melted.
The funniest part...washing our hands off in the banks of snow!
The river and all the ponds are still completely frozen.
[flickr photo by Pete O]

the king reigneth

2010-03-05T20:39:00.023-05:00

Marathon day dawns early in the Big Easy...
royalty or not...
7:00 a.m. is the start of the 26.2 mile race.
But the day begins waaay before that!
The King, Mr R this year,
the Queen and their runners,
meaning my hubbie and youngest daughter,
rode upon a rented Mardi Gras float
to the start of the race.
What a cool way to reign!!!
King R then welcomed all the participants to
the Mardi Gras Marathon start line.
But guess what?
Sadly, no photos of it. None of it. I could weep.
The very early pre-dawn hours included a ride
in the back of a police car for Emily and me
but that story will remain unposted.
But we have plenty of other pictures!
So much easier to spot them amongst the days
19,000 runners versus
in New York mingled with 43,000 entrants
or Boston's 38,000 runners.
As a spectator, I loved this race!

Yea!
Our first spotting!
Mile 4
Whoo hoo!

Again, we cheer them on...Mile 17-
sans the neon gloves.
Woot woot!
What was super fun about this marathon were the bands
playing every two miles, enlivening the day
and the runners way.

It was such a beautiful day, 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Not too many spectators were at the six mile loop around
City Park so we had our choice of huge trees to sit under.
Emily and I loved cheering and clapping for all the runners!
You may laugh but it is hard work being a spectator;
walking two miles to the car, rushing to get to the next spot
which is tricky as so many streets are closed and blocked due to the race course,
walking two miles into the park then back out,
moving the car again, etc.
With my knees I felt I had my own mini marathon.
But I know it is nothing compared to the real runners!

Our runners at Mile 23, after the loop in the park-
who dat?!
It had rained very hard for days prior to the race;
therefore, there was a lot of standing water.
Another great thing New Orleans did for the race?
Filled many (most) of the pot holes in their streets.
This city has crazy uneven roads!
Ask J about them at Mile 13.
{an injury at mile 13 and then to continue running
while enduring so. much. pain. for 13.2 more miles
shows stick-to-it-ness!}

Finished and refueling.
What is so funny about this is we didn't realize
there would be table upon table of catered food in the VIP tent,
including king cake.

Floral arrangements on each table; again, Royal treatment!

But the best perk of the entire Royal weekend
with these VIP passes?
Not the gorgeous hotel room they provided us for the weekend,
nor the dinner in a mansion; no, not the
exclusive super swag Mr R received, which is outstanding,
not even the ride upon the float;
no, according to the runners, it was...

the VIP port-a-pots!
No lines--very important;
fully stocked {toilet paper, wipes, powder,
hand sanitizer, really anything a runner would need,
including a sink to wash ones hands!}--all very appreciated.
If you are a marathoner you know many of these facilities
can be filthy and out of TP,
so this was a luxury indeed!

Our Runners with their medals!
Congratulations!!!

After, we feted our King with his own king cake from Sucre!
{Girls, you are sooo fabulous!}

And then we had to say a loving au revoir to our daughters
and this Muffaletta.
What a wonderful, whirlwind of a weekend!
Congratulations to Jessica for running her first marathon!
Mr R, you reigned wonderfully over the
2010 Mardi Gras Marathon.
You will always be my King!

marathon weekend

2010-03-04T17:29:00.007-05:00

We barely made our flight to New Orleans.
We had had a winter storm here last Friday
and the one interchange that kept being announced on the radio
as being totally iced over
with cars in the ditches and blocked by tow trucks hauling them out
was ours. What usually is a thirty minute drive took us 2 1/2 hours.
Thank goodness Mr R knows the back roads
and we had allowed ourselves what we thought was ample time.
As it was, we had to park in ultra short term lot, $2.00 an hour,
in addition to the regular fee. Well worth the price at that point!
We parked next to the building, ran into the airport
and were able to go to the front of the security line
(oh, how nice to travel with an elite status partner)
then walked directly onto the plane and
breathed a very grateful sigh of relief.
The photo above is one of which I am thrilled.
The plane next to us was being de-iced.
{I think that is such a cool chemical process.}
Outside, it was pitch black.
I put my camera in "manual"mode,
adjusted for aperture and F-stops, clicked and viola!
You can actually see the mist from the de-icer hose--
this is not edited; I am learning how to use my camera
and that makes me happy.

Doesn't this look like going through a car wash?
This is when our plane was being de-iced.
That must be a tough job, plane de-icer;
it is freezing outdoors, well below 32 degrees,
and to hold a high pressure hose spraying full force
through a hand held nozzle...
thank you plane de-icers the world over
for your laborious work for our safety.

When we landed in the Louis Armstrong airport,

all the terminals not in use had this photo on the monitor--
so cool!

On Saturday, while our runners were checking in at the
Convention Center, another daughter was studying
and I went shopping on Magazine Street.
Clothes for the "Wee Dat's"

and for the adult "Who Dats" were everywhere--
so awesome!

Spring has definitely sprung in the Crescent City!

What a transition from the two feet of snow in our backyard
to the pink and white flowers in bloom upon the trees--
winter to spring, indeed!
And the blue sky--wowzers.

"Who Dat's" house?
Drew Dat's home!

Any guesses on this one?
It is the new "Real World" house.

And behind this fleur-de-lis fence all decorated for Mardi Gras
and left for marathon enjoyment?

Of course, our favorite place of all...
where our girls and their puppy live!

Hello 03

2010-03-02T22:00:00.001-05:00

March is a tomboy with tousled hair,
a mischievous smile,
mud on her shoes
and a laugh in her voice.
~Hal Borland

r and r

2010-02-26T06:10:00.004-05:00

Flying to New Orleans for the
running and reign of the Roberts Royalty
in the Mardi Gras Marathon.
I think we are going to have a lot of fun!
{they just hope to finish--I am v,v glad I am a sign holder}
[photo by iancowe]

snowflakes

2010-02-25T08:44:00.005-05:00

Thank you, February, for your generous gifts of snow!
We have loved each and every snowstorm,
snow day, snow man and cup of hot chocolate,
with accompanying marshmallows!
{print from sarahjanestudio etsy}

winter races

2010-02-24T16:28:00.024-05:00

We have an entire yard filled with snow and it has me
reflecting back on our favorite canine's Christmas visit.

Tulip meeting one of the dogs next door; or did each of these
black labs think they were seeing a reflection of themselves?

Tulip said where she is from canine friends romp in the dog parks.
"What's up with this fence?"
"Well, let's get on with it."
"Let's play."
Notice T had already been playing as evidenced by the
tell tale snow on her nose and legs.

She pranced to the left, then to the right,

then said, "Come on, I'll show you how it's done."
"Run alongside the fence as fast as you can,

make a fast turn around,

sprint, sprint, sprint,

barrel around the tree,

emerge in an all out run

then fly like the wind."

"Phew," they said.
"you sure can run!"
Tulip said yes, mam, one of her owners is training for a marathon;
therefore, she runs a lot in a place down south where
it doesn't snow and there is Creole and Cajun food.
They inquired if that's what she was looking for
behind the tree.
"No, smelling bunnies."
"Let's run!"

Our black and yellow lab neighbors soon got the hang of it.
They ran over and over and over.
Tulip almost thought she saw her reflection again.

Every time Tulip stopped, they would watch her

intently

then beg her to play.

She happily obliged their every wish.
I say, "Tulip, come back and play in all the snow!"

this, I believe

2010-02-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."
~Anne Bradstreet
{flickr photo by Steffe}

winter flounce

2010-02-19T11:25:00.001-05:00

Have a ruffly weekend!
{tumblr photo}

tunnelling

2010-02-18T11:19:00.004-05:00

Neighbor boy having fun in his
snow fort!

old to new

2010-02-17T18:08:00.006-05:00

Without a pattern, even.
Jennie, you are just the snow woman and Bailey's meow!
{Bailey was the lucky feline recipient of the mouse toy}

king cakes

2010-02-16T11:25:00.007-05:00

Happy Mardi Gras Day!
I like this article about the holiday;
especially the column on its misconceptions.
{flickr photo by Rob & Amy}

love continues

2010-02-15T11:30:00.003-05:00

The magic of romance and the season.

{flickr photo by Imapix}

happy heart day

2010-02-14T11:07:00.006-05:00

As my sweetheart is in Florida for a week long golf trip
we shall be sharing our love today via the telefono.
Possono avere un buco in uno!
Ti amo!
{May you have a hole in one. I love you.}
[illustartaion by etsy Little Brown Dog Studio]

sweetness

2010-02-13T00:42:00.013-05:00

Mmmmm. Mmmm. Mmm.
Need a sweet for your sweet?
Sister, friend or neighbor--
whomever you want to share your love
choose french pistachio nougat made with local farm
fresh cream and butter with raw, organic nuts

or Fleur de Sel, caramel with French sea salt
for a sweet and salty union.
All yumminess can be found in the
etsy shop haveitconfections.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

2010-02-12T00:43:00.002-05:00

Write on your heart that every day
is the best day of the year.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
{tumblr image}

xoxo

2010-02-11T00:02:00.002-05:00

I heart these darling muslin bags!
And the red ribbon used for the drawstrings.
{find them in MinnieMillers etsy shop}

royal treatment

2010-02-10T06:00:00.008-05:00

In almost two weeks time

we will be flying to the Big Easy where
Mr R and our youngest daughter will be running
the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon.
Guess what?!!
You will never believe it-- we almost didn't either.

Royal Treatment

Congratulations to our 2010 King and Queen of Carnival!

Rock'n'Roll Mardi Gras Carnival King

– Steve Roberts of Ohio

As you can see on the link we will have an entire VIP weekend!
Hoo rah!

celebrate!

2010-02-09T16:00:00.001-05:00

My understanding is that various (every?)

krewes are donating a float for the
Saints to ride upon for the
Super Bowl Champions
celebration parade.
Incredibly generous and unprecedented!
I love that this parade was being held
whether they had won or not;
that's the spirit of this city!
Celebrating this team that has lifted and unified these
people who have not only survived but thrived!
This is a text we received from our girls
a few hours ago,
"Sitting in chairs on the side of Poydras Street
at the foot of the Superdome.
This moment is unreal!!!!!!"
It will be quite a celebration--
Cajun food, music and the Who Dat Nation!
They know how to do parades in the Big Easy!
{Live coverage on CNN at 6:00 EST}

mama always knows best!

2010-02-09T13:33:00.013-05:00

Yesterday, on the way home from school,

I pulled off to the side of a snow covered street
in our neighborhood
to allow emergency vehicles pass me by.
And what a fleet it was...
led by an ambulance,
followed by one, two, three, four (4!) firetrucks
{one of which was a huge ladder truck}
caboosed by a Fire Battalion SUV.
I quickly said a prayer for whomever sent for them.
After they were safely well past me I continued on--
to realize they had turned onto our court.It turned out a neighbors house had a gas leak.
As our court was completely full, stem to stern,
of emergency vehicles
I obviously couldn't get home.
I was told by one of the fire fighters I could park my car
on the side street and walk to my house.
Oh dear.
I was not prepared...at all!
In my Saints celebratory wear,
I was wearing these shoes--
not conducive to walking our snow packed slippery street.What had I been thinking?
Obviously, I hadn't been.
When we finally were allowed down our cul de sac,
after our neighbors house was deemed safe,
the first thing I did,
was put my Uggs on my feetthen added my extra pair of boots
to my trunk of emergency gear which includes
a heavy coat, gloves, water and a snack,
a scraper, flares, a container of kitty litter
{for traction} and a small shovel.
My mother will cringe when she reads thisbut I want you to be prepared!
I thought I was but not as fully as I could be
and now am--rest assured Mom.
And thank you for the boots!
**mwah**
{photo one by flickr jeisimmons}

record breaker

2010-02-08T16:16:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl 44 is the most watched program
in television history--
WOW!!!!
{AP photo}

dem Saints

2010-02-07T22:50:00.006-05:00

SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!
{AP photo}

XLIV

2010-02-07T08:12:00.007-05:00

The Super Bowl!!!!!
Geaux Saints!!!!!!!!!!

more mail love

2010-02-06T15:30:00.004-05:00

A note I popped in our mailbox this morning
for our Saturday delivery lady.
It says good luck to her team {the Colts}
but that I hope The Saints win tomorrow.
More importantly, I thank her for delivering our mail
in such wintry conditions and to travel safely!
Thank you, Mr R for shoveling a wide swath
in front of our box so she can deliver the mail!

winter blues?

2010-02-06T10:26:00.006-05:00

Need an injection of color to brighten you up?
Bid on this intensely hued pair of chairs-
I would be picking these up...if I lived in Australia.

mail love

2010-02-05T22:57:00.003-05:00

On our front porch, under the snow,
was a surprise FedEx delivery.
Our New Orleanian lovelies sent us these t-shirts.
Who dat?!
Thank you!

yip, yip, yip

2010-02-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

Our lamp post when I arrived home from
an early release from the school day!
Joy!
I then shoveled our driveway and sidewalks.
Fun!
Thank you snow fairies.

hurrah!

2010-02-03T16:08:00.004-05:00

Even more exciting yesterday than the snow,
which is incredibly hard to top,
was Emily's fantastic news.
Congratulations!!!
So many doors opening...all in a row.
Whoot whoot!

beautiful whiteness

2010-02-03T15:48:00.003-05:00

Ohhhh...it was so fun to awaken yesterday,
Groundhog Day,
to a surprise half inch of snow!
I say, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it SNOW!"
It is winter after all.
{flickr photo by ~aspidistra~}

to the groundhog

2010-02-02T00:02:00.005-05:00

Will you
Won't you
See your shadow?

Will it
Won't it
Really matter?

Do you
Don't you
Grin to see

People
Take you
Seriously?

Happy Groundhog Day!
{both google images}

welcome...

2010-02-01T23:12:00.003-05:00

month of

{flickr photo by jallas}

2010-01-31T21:46:00.002-05:00

You were wonderful to our family; wonderful.
Thank you!
{google image}

2010-01-29T16:22:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Emily
on your elected position!!!!

Running of the...Brides

2010-01-28T22:23:00.007-05:00

Ran a quick errand to Filene's late this evening
and saw this signand then all these wedding dresses
{1300 - 2500 from which to choose}.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 29
is the "Running of the Brides" event in our city.
Read all about it here.
A mother and daughter (from Michigan) started the line
outside the store...
it currently is 12 degrees and forecast to dip to 7 degrees tonight.
If you don't want to freeze your hiney, but hope to purchase a dress,
the doors open at 8 am.
What to expect?
"Customers run full speed to the racks;

they grab as many dresses as their arms will hold.
It takes less than sixty seconds for the racks
to be stripped bare; the record is 36 seconds."
Good luck, indeed!

and...

2010-01-27T17:24:00.006-05:00

Thoroughly enjoyed this post by our oldest daughter.

Love when the athletic and art worlds merge
to make spirited wagers on the Super Bowl
so the winning city can enjoy a
visiting piece of work from the losing city's museum.
Geaux Saints!
The Fifth Plague of Egypt by Joseph Turner
currently in the IMA
{Indianapolis Museum of Art}

community

2010-01-27T15:54:00.007-05:00

I am moved to tears by this post by our youngest daughter

about the New Orleans community and The Saints.
I agree that winning the Super Bowl would be great but feel
that Sunday's win in the Super Dome,
with the home crowd,
was so healing, so inspiring, so thrilling
I don't see how any win this season could top it.
Good luck in the Super Bowl but for now, right now...
bask in the JOY of community!
{a photo I took this summer at the market in the Big Easy}

deafening in the dome!

2010-01-24T23:26:00.010-05:00

Oh yea baby!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
Those players ARE the Saints...
they play for a city, a region, a state;
not themselves!!!!!!!!!
The Who Dats are in the Super Bowl!!!!
{photo one by flickr no, I have no idea;
photo two by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images}

2010-01-20T17:28:00.004-05:00

Thinking of books and the library reminded me...
the week before Christmas Mr R went to our public library
to get some novels we had reserved.
As he located them, he noticed
Jessica's best high school friend Lindsay R's
family had some hardcovers on the same hold shelf.
Mr R pulled out their reserve slip and wrote,
"Merry Christmas! Happy reading!
Love, our family's names"
Clever and creative!
{flickr photo by omoo}

snuggle in with a book

2010-01-19T19:11:00.019-05:00

Did you set a goal to read more this year?

In this family we are all pretty prolific readers--
books, magazines, newspapers...whatever.
You can download a nifty icon to declare your support of the
printed word in the digital era.
Want a real treat for you and your family?
Go get yourself a library card!
I can pretty much guarantee you will have a way good time.
{via pretty pretty paper blogspot}

2010-01-16T13:20:00.003-05:00

May we continue to care.
May we continue to share.
With all people~
the Haitians with immediate desperate needs
and those in our own midst we may not have seen before;
may we be more aware, sensitive, kind and generous.
{beautiful photo by flickr ajax8055}

2010-01-14T15:22:00.005-05:00

I am thrilled we can twitter or text funds
to aid the Haitians in this horrible disaster.
To donate $10, text HAITI to 90999.
[It will be charged to your cell phone account.]
Of course, you can donate as many times as you wish!
For more information, read this CNN article.
Our family has directly seen the Red Cross in action
{September 11 and Hurricane Katrina}
and 100% fully support them and their efforts.
Or go directly to the American Red Cross website
to make a generous donation.
[photo by flickr IFRC/Eric Quintero; Haiti Earthquake, 2010]

2010-01-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

Emily
Welcome back from your trip!
Exciting phone call received and opportunities ahead!
Good luck!
Lll
{photo, obviously, from shutterstock.com}