Unexpected trip...

Just back from an unexpected trip to New Orleans this week. My brother-in-law passed away last Friday and his funeral was this Wednesday. I say 'unexpected'... but he was 93. My sister (his first wife) passed away back in 1987. She was only 51. 

But despite the sad circumstances, it turned out to be a good visit. I hadn't seen my niece (my sister's oldest child) or her brothers in years (probably the last time was at my own mother's funeral in N.O. back in 2008 - 18 years ago). We text/email, but it's not the same. Seeing their children all grown and adult was wonderful. Hugging them all was wonderful too.

After the funeral, we all went back to the Air-B&B they were staying at in St. Rose. There we ate and talked till late in the evening, swapping stories of time past, people gone, and what all our lives were like now. It was good.

Because of the time crunch, DH and I flew Southwest both ways. We haven't been on a plane together since before Covid. Things have changed. The airports have changed... actually aesthetically for the better. But with all the TSA and security, they ask you to arrive 2-3 hours ahead of your flight time. So, you are left with a lot of time to just hang around. Granted if you want to eat or shop, it's probably good for the airport. We don't do either... just buy a coke and water, possibly a magazine and sit.

Another thing we noticed, we flew on the big new Southwest Boeing 737MAX8 - which has 175 seats (now assigned). Some have extra legroom (you pay for that). Others (ours) are from the wing on back. (row 17 on) Not a problem. I like to be on or behind the wing.

But... what we did notice that the aisle between the seats seemed very narrow (17 inches wide). You have to turn your carry-on the side to get it through. Carry-on maximum size is 24x16x10. Not a problem either, but just wondered how very large people would get through. Maybe that's always been a problem...

Anyway, the flights themselves were fine... no delays, no cancellations. I do love to fly... just don't like the hassle at the airports.

And lastly I'm going to tell you about my cousin (who we stayed with)’s  elderly cat, Teddy. She got him as a rescue after her own 15 year old cat died. Teddy is a domestic shorthair, gray, and about 9 or 10 years old. He is a sweetie! Friendly and loving, and very observant. He watches you very closely, and comes when summoned. 

We were told that his first owner passed away and he found himself at a shelter (for several years). My cousin took him in about a year ago and they have made great companions. Only problem is that he had had surgery previously and recently had to have another operation for some growths... and unfortunately she received his diagnosis of cancer the day of my brother-in-law's funeral. The Vet told her that he may only have another year... but he seems fine, eats well, doesn't seem to be in any pain, and we're hoping they are wrong. (I was told that with 2 of our cats in the past and one lived 10 years, the other 15) So, you never know.

Anyway, here are a few pics of Teddy now... wearing the cone of shame after his second surgery.

new surgery areas

Despite this diagnosis, he is a lucky cat. My cousin spoils him with his favorite foods, several cat trees, scratching posts, toys, etc. And he seems to be responding well to all that love and attention.

Closing this now. We flew back Friday afternoon. It was a bittersweet trip... sad event, but wonderful to see family. 

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your Sunday! 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

(Seeing the Eye Specialist tomorrow... for a visit and consultation)

 

Easter weekend... and a question

Easter 2026 at the Vinyard

Not the best pic of us... but we are together... and that's something. DH is in back with daughter,  and me and son-in-law with oldest granddaughter. Granddaughter is taking the selfie outside the restaurant where we ate Saturday night. I had pecan crusted salmon, with fried spinach, and cauliflower risotto - delicious!  I'd never had risotto before. It's very good!

Here is a pic of youngest granddaughter's Easter 'bucket'. She forgot to return her Easter basket from previous years... so she is stuck with an Easter bucket (ha!). Also she likes weird things.. (somewhat Goth at 13). So, instead of a chocolate Easter bunny, she got a Douglas rat! His name is Ralph Rat and since she collects Douglas dogs, I thought it appropriate (he really is cute). 

It was rainy and cool enough on Sunday to heat up daughter's pot bellied stove in the kitchen... which warmed me up. Daughter graduated in Interior Design and worked as such for a few years, but was offered a job as a Closer at a Title Company and has done this as her major career.... but she's still a Interior Designer at heart. Her house is always filled with holiday decor... right now 'bunnies everywhere'! Here are a few pics:

Bunny mantel at Easter

Close up of Bunny pic (which I love)
which stays all year round

Bunny Easter table

Bunny tree in kitchen

So, that about covers Easter weekend. We did get to walk around Boerne on Saturday, eat lunch there, and shop a few stores. But although the morning was nice, the afternoon was windy and raining.

Youngest son and family didn't come to the hill country this year as they had just returned from Spring Break in New Orleans. And Oldest son and his wife stayed in Mission, Tx - but we all texted or talked on Easter.

Going to close this with some memes I found on my phone that I probably have posted before (forgive me), but really like... so bear with me.

I do this... a lot

I do this a lot too...

one of my favorite activities

and...

... and you are!

... and just a quick question: 

We used to Skype with friends and family. Now Skype is gone. What can we use to video chat now?  I've heard of Google video and Zoom, but have never used either. Any recommendations?

Ok, closing now. Thanks for hanging in there!

One more pic:  

feral cats enjoying the Easter grass in back

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

April 1, 2026 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

It's April!!  And Easter is almost here!

I don't have much to say

But...

HAPPY EASTER!!

and since it is also April Fool's Day...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Update on my eye drama... and a bit more

speedy???

Checked in with Eye Surgeon by phone Thursday morning. Told him my eye was still bothering me, tearing a lot, blurry, and had a small bump between my eye and nose. It's been 5 weeks since the stent was taken out. He had me come in, irrigated my eye again,  and said that it was open, not plugged - which is good. Thinks the small lump is just where the sutures were. Told me to put steroid drops in 3-4 times a day for one week, then stop... and see him again in 2-3 weeks. 

So that's where we are...

Also... I've a short funny story. Recently DH and I changed our "departure plans" (not sure what the right word for this is). Basically it's funeral plans without the 'funeral'.  Anyway, the funny part... which wasn't funny at the time... was that the person we changed the plans with was "ghosting" us (ha ha, no pun intended), I had both called and emailed her with no response for about 2 weeks. All we wanted was for her to send us a copy of the new contracts or new arrangements for our files. 

Anyway, I wasn't too worried about it. It's just that on the initial copies that we did have... my name was misspelled and my phone number was incorrect.

But... when I got to thinking about it, why would I care that my name was misspelled when the time came? Also, in that same situation, they certainly wouldn't be calling me... 

Anyway, it was resolved, as when I gave up on calling the agent, I just called the main number and was told that that particular agent was no longer with them... and I was given to another person who immediately sent me copies of the contracts. Problem solved.

*

It is now Saturday morning, March 28th - our grandson who passed away last year would be 19 today... bittersweet thoughts today for a beautiful boy. 💔

*

And... getting ready to leave for our "NO KINGS" protest this morning. It's chilly, so may have to wear a coat... and will post more about it after we get back home. Sometimes there seems like so little we can do to change our present situation... but I know we can attend a PEACEFUL PROTEST (so far this is still legal) and we can VOTE (so far this too is still legal). 

I want so much for AMERICA TO BE KIND AGAIN!

Just back from Protest in our area... HUGE TURNOUT !  Last October there were about 3000 people for that protest, this time looked like 5- 6,000 - not counting all the cars that drove by honking and waving flags. 

Apparently our son went to another given in his area and said it was a great turnout there too...

Here are a few pics: 

 

Enough for today... I need to sit down with a cup of tea and be thankful for peaceful protests. 

One sign I didn't get a picture of said... 

"Are we great yet? Or just embarrassed?"

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

My wandering mind... and an atypical day

Today has been a bit 'atypical'... in that I seem to have accomplished a few things that I've been putting off. It is only 1:30 in the afternoon and already I've cleaned out the cabinet under the sink in the bathroom, organized my writings into completed stories, not completed stories, short stories, essays, poems, thoughts, etc., showered, dressed, and am ready to get on with the next de-cluttering. 

It may not seem like a lot, but believe me... it isn't easy at 80 for me to get a lot done... and it's frustrating. I want to do so much (and so much needs doing) but I tire easily or get distracted. Yes, one can say, there's always tomorrow (but at 80, you can't be sure...).

Anyhow, I'm in the process of putting together all my old writings. I've decided to put them all into a book... not for publishing (well, it will be self-published) but only for me. I've decided to call it either "In Loving Memory (of me)" or  "In Remembrance of a Life" (Title  could/may change later).

And with this agenda, I've been able to get a little further into my decluttering mode. I even took a large Tupperware container of costume jewelry that had belonged to my mother to the Salvation Army recently. It's been sitting in my room for almost 20 years. I'm not much of a jewelry person, but my mother loved jewelry... and I simply could not throw it away (couldn't sell it either). At least this way, possibly someone could enjoy it.

DH and I have been in Texas for 55 years as of this past Sunday (March 15). We moved here from Florida on the Ides of March 1971 during a sandstorm with a 2 yr old son and a 10 month old daughter... and we were both 25 at the time (#3 surprised us in 1973).  

We rented for a few years, then bought a house, then built this house in 1985... a little over 40 years ago. (Kids were 17, 15, and 12 when we built it. Now they are all in their 50's, and married)  So yes, there's a lot of closets, drawers, and cabinets (not to mention attic and garage) that need cleaning out. 

I'm not a hoarder... but I do have trouble throwing out stuff that is either sentimental or still useful. I know the rule: divide it all into "Keep", "Donate", or "Throw out". But what about "May be needed later?" Yes, I know, if you haven't needed it in the last few years, you probably won't... right? 

I have to add this here as I just read it in an article entitled "30 Days to a Decluttered Home" in the AARP Bulletin. These were the first 2 Mistakes they mentioned:

1. Holding on to things because you feel guilty, thinking that a dead person would be mad if you got rid of them. (how true... and probably why I kept my mom's costume jewelry for 20 years)

2. Saving "stuff for someone else" who may never want it - your kids. (True also... to some extent)

Ok, this is getting boring even for me.  Going to say "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" (late, I know) and close. 

I know this isn't really a St. Pat's Day pic... but it's so darn cute!

One more thing before I close this, I made those British Flapjacks again. These came out great! This recipe is definitely a keeper. I won't post it as Lyle's Golden Syrup (a key ingredient) is probably hard to fine unless you have a British Emporium close by. 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

 

 

Flap Jacks! and no, not the kind you think...

These are just my latest purchase from the British Emporium near us. DH and I watch The British Baking Show on Netflix almost daily. Love it! I have tried several of their bakes (both savory and sweet) and it's an educational (and fun) show to watch (if you like baking). I find Paul and Prue (the host and hostess) a perfect blend of judges. 

Anyway, they recently made something called British Flapjacks  (nothing like what we Americans call Flapjacks). These are similar to granola bars made with oats, butter, brown sugar, and syrup.  Since I eat oatmeal almost every day, I thought I'd try to make these with my gluten free oatmeal. And I did. 

But I first googled if it was OK to use regular pancake syrup or maple syrup to do this... and I was told that I could (could even use honey), but they wouldn't taste the same. Using Lyle's Golden Syrup or Royal Syrup would be best since it has a caramel flavor.  

So DH and I went off to the British Emporium (luckily there is one close by) and bought those items I pictured above.  This is really a cute store and I should have taken pictures there to post... but didn't think of it. 

There are so many other items there I would have loved to get, but it's not cheap and I will curtail my wants till another visit later in the year (there was an adorable Douglas stuffed rat - I know, I know, who wants a rat... but it was so-oo cute). And of course, besides the normal British baking food items, there is also stuff relating to Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry cook books, etc. 

OK, well I made the British Flapjacks and although they taste very good, they came out way too chewy. So I googled if there was any way to fix this. Told to wrap them (as needed) in a wet paper towel and microwave for a few seconds. We did... and it works! Still chewy, but softer and not likely to take out your fillings. They also recommended not cooking as long next time and possibly adding a little flour to the recipe. We'll see.

If you noticed, besides Lyle's Golden Syrup, I also bought some caster sugar (hard to find) and PG tea bags. Caster sugar is just super-fine and best to use in some baking recipes. Also we drank a lot of PG tea when in England years ago... so I just thought I'd revive the memory.

That's it. Hope I didn't bore you too much. If you're not into British stuff or baking, I'm sure this wasn't of much interest. But since I can't do much sketching, painting, or things that take good vision, I have taken to doing more cooking, baking, etc. - experimenting and trying some new things.

My eye is coming along... just not there yet. Think the Eye Specialist said it could take months. 

A few funnies:

Now... know that I also love coffee!  Very much! But to me tea is for comfort and relaxation (it also warms me, I tend to be cold a lot). Coffee is a pick-me-up. So I have coffee usually in the morning... and tea to relax in the afternoon. 

(I find that when I sit still a lot - reading, working on my laptop, etc.  I get cold... icy cold and need a cup of tea or a warm shower to get my body temp back up. Perhaps this is a symptom of Hashimoto -which I do have. Anyone else find this happens to them?)

Well, as usual, thanks for reading. Enjoy your Sunday!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian 

March 1, 2026 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 

Can you believe that March is here already? I went with this white rabbit as he/she seems to be a lucky rabbit... and with St. Patrick's day coming up soon in March, it seemed appropriate. 

I've nothing special to blog about. My eye is still tearing and sore on occasion, still hard to read, but it's only been a week since the doctor took out the stent, so  I'm giving it time... 

When DH and I went to our friend's 80th birthday luncheon about a week ago, she and I were talking about our childhood (born in 1945) and what we remembered about the neighborhood and schools, etc. 

We both lived off Canal Street before the age of 8, but she and I met when my family moved from off Canal Street in New Orleans to Lakeview (an area out by the lakefront... not on it, but only a few blocks away). We were 8 years old... became best friends that lasted through grammar school, high school, and college. Stood in each other's weddings (2 weeks apart), etc., and are still bff's (best friend's forever) at 80. 

Elaine (left) and myself (right) at her wedding

Anyway, I digress.  But what I wanted to post here was a picture of something we both remembered that always brought us joy as children when it came down our street - the Roman Taffy wagon! 

It sold taffy... in long strips (like a candle) wrapped in wax paper, pink, white, and chocolate (I always got chocolate).   

I found this picture in an old book about Louisiana history and cooking. You can see the Street car in the background which we rode to go to downtown Canal Street back in those days. And back then, everyone dressed up to go to Canal Street. Nowadays the streetcars are still working, but no one dresses up... and downtown has gotten a bit shabby... 

Anyway, just wanted to share this tidbit of memory from my childhood. I'm sorry to say that we haven't been back to New Orleans since before the pandemic. Family (mostly cousins now) is still there. I'd hope to go back this summer, but this eye issue stopped that... (maybe in the spring?)

Anyway, wishing everyone a wonderful happy healthy March! And as always, thanks for reading. 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian