last week in May 2024...

Hi Everyone! This week was far from boring. It started with Memorial Weekend... which was great as we got together Saturday with old friends and had a really nice time at a restaurant and later back at our house for coffee. 

Sunday and Monday were relatively quiet as we didn't do anything special on Memorial Day except talk and text with our kids and family.

But Tuesday morning we were awakened to sirens going off at 5:30,  high winds and tornado warnings being displayed on our phones. DH and I got up, made some coffee, and put the TV on as well as the weather radio. It was raining hard, some hail, as well as thundering and beaucoup lightning... and continued so for a few hours till the danger past. I had our safe room ready if needed. Luckily, it wasn't. 

However, later after lunch when things had calmed down, we drove around to see if there was any damage in our neighborhood. Lots and lots of large branches down, several big trees split, and one telephone pole almost lying on the ground.  But no damage to houses that we could see... and the power in our area was still on. Later learned that over 600,000plus homes were without power. Granddaughter's school a few blocks down was without power, so school was closed (to her delight).

Thursday we headed out to the Senior Center around 10 am to walk. It was overcast and looked like rain, but thinking it would hold off until after lunch, we decided (after walking) to go to a favorite breakfast place to split a BELT and coffee. But before we got there, the heavens opened up and we got torrential rain. However, inside the cafe was comfy and the BELT was great (if you don't know what a BELT is, it's a bacon, egg, lettuce, and tomato). They make really good ones at this cafe... crispy bacon, fried egg, lots of lettuce and a huge slice of tomato on sour dough bread (which is ok for me to eat even though it's not gluten free).

Today, Friday,  is calm. No rain and a bit of sunshine. I had plans today to make one of my dark chocolate pies, text a few friends, go through the junk mail that's been piling up, work on my book, and make Chicken Fajitas for supper. So far, so good.

the makings for dark chocolate pie

finished dark chocolate pie

... and just had to put this cute pic of kid with kittens up:

and... before I close, I will only say this since I just heard about the 'guilty' verdict. 

...and wow! does it ever say something is not right
whenever this person is around

Wishing you all a happy safe weekend! We will continue to binge- watch Outlander from the beginning. I loved the books and feel they did a really good job with the series. Take care, my friends, and stay safe!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(and just a little reminder: Tomorrow is June 1st... Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!)

 

 

Happy Birthday Dad.... May 25, 1907

my dad

Today, is my dad's birthday.  He was born May 25, 1907 in London, England. He was 7 years old when WW1 started (1914) and 11 when it ended (1918). He used to tell me he remembered seeing bombed out houses... houses with the walls blown out. I never thought to ask where they lived during the bombing... and as a kid, he may not have remembered. 

But in 1918 Grandpa took Grandma, Dad and his 2 younger siblings to America via Ellis Island. They actually sailed across 3 times... 1918,1919, and 1920. Then stayed in 1920 and settled in Jacksonville, Fla. I've often wondered why they moved from England, but I can only guess it was to get away from the ravages of the war. Some family members said that Grandpa needed to get away from the damp climate... but it's just a guess, we'll never really know. 

When dad was 17 he got a job at an Architectural plant in New Orleans and moved the whole family there.  That's where he met mom... and that's where I grew up.

I used to go with him sometimes when he was driving around the the little towns and bayous of Louisiana checking out the stoneware on the churches, etc. We'd sing "Onward Christian Soldiers" in the car.

Dad and his brother (and I think Uncle Gil) built a boat and a fishing camp on Grand Isle. The men and boys would go there to fish. I didn't get to go often as it was a one room camp shared by several bunk beds, a small kitchen area, no bathroom... just a pier over the water. Dad took my brother who didn't really like to fish. I loved to fish, but could only go if no one else was going to be there. It made me mad as a child... really didn't understand why being a girl made a difference. 

Anyway, these are some of my memories of my father... also the aroma of a cigar or pipe tobacco. Dad was a quiet gentle man, a good man. He died at 75 with Cancer... but not from cancer, but from a stroke during his cancer treatment in the hospital. I still miss him. 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

 

 
 

a redo...

This past Mother's Day we were in the Hill country for oldest granddaughter's graduation... but I was wondering this morning what I wrote last Mother's Day. Found it and re-posted it... as the picture and the poem always makes me feel good. 

My mother passed away in 2008, but I wish her 

a Happy Mother's Day today still...  

She was a wonderful mother. We didn't have the same personalities, nor the same likes and dislikes when it came to personal choices, but we loved and respected each other. Mom lived with us for the last 14 years of her life. 

When Alzheimer's became a problem (and I was still working), she went into an Assisted Living facility for a short time, then to a Memory Care Unit. I now regret that I didn't stop working and just take her home - but at the time it didn't seem right for many reasons. Mom passed away due to complications of Alzheimer's within that year. Mom was 94.

And now I want to share with you a poem that I came across a while back that to me embodies motherhood. It's how I felt (and still feel) about becoming a mother for the first time. 

and

Happy Mother's Day!

Oldest son (one who made me a mother for the first time is now 56 years old... hard to believe ) But I still feel the same... age doesn't change anything when it comes to your kids.

Closing this on the note that I'm now using Google's Gemini - their AI Chat. It's definitely interesting. I know many of you may be using it too. I'm a little late to the game, but would love to know your thoughts on it's use (or ChatGPT).

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

a few days in the Hill Country...

We left for Texas A&M in College Station, TX Thursday for our oldest granddaughter's graduation. After the graduation and pictures, we headed over to her friend's apartment for a champagne celebration. Then my daughter, SIL, DH, and myself headed back to our airbnb to rest. I'm sure the girls continued to celebrate through the night.

The next morning we headed back to their place in the Hill Country... (about a 3 hour drive).  Friday we stayed there and had a quiet day just talking, drinking coffee,  and enjoying their Great Dane (Moose), the horses (Hemi and Tootsie), the cats (Gizmo and Penney), turtles, bunnies, and chickens. They also have 3 ponds on their land with huge Koi… 

Moose on porch

Hemi by stall

chicken coup

pond in front yard

I'm posting pics of their front porch because when you sit out there any time of day, there's always a wonderful breeze. I love sitting out there and watching the horses roam.

right side of porch

left side of porch

Saturday morning we went to Beorne, TX - small town about 30 mins away and shopped, ate lunch, and then headed back to the house for coffee and pie. That evening we out to a wonderful restaurant (Oak Vinyard) where we took this selfie and then had our celebratory Mother's Day meal. I had pecan encrusted salmon with fried spinach over Poblano cheese grits (all gluten free and delicious!). I forgot to take pictures of the food... sorry.

And that was our graduation/mother's day get-together!

Coming home Sunday afternoon we hit pouring rain, but arrived safely and  then were surprised to find 2 Swallows inside our house. Grandson was able to catch them and released them outside... but not sure how they got in? We did lose the cap off our chimney a few months ago during a storm... but the fireplace had a glass screen - so not sure how... if that was their entry??

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

what a difference a day makes...

First of all, I'm not complaining (even though it sounds like it). The last few days have been weird. I woke up with an ocular migraine Friday. These little buggers mess up your eyes with bright light and jagged lines. They don't last too long... and are usually gone in about 10-15 minutes (although sometimes they come back). And they are generally accompanied by a dull headache... nothing like the real migraines I had when younger. I guess this could be considered one of the advantages of old age (the progression from full blown to ocular). 

Anyway, the dull headache came and went all day... so we didn't do the errands we'd planned. After a second Tylenol in the afternoon, the headache went away and by evening I slept for several hours on the sofa... and later in bed. But unfortunately this morning I'm still feeling 'unwell'... no headache, just 'off'... something isn't right.  But at 78 (to be 79 in 2 months), I guess it's not unusual to feel 'off' some days. I mean I'm still kickin' and am in general good health... as far as I know (and want to know). 

You know my daughter asked me a question on the phone the other day that made me pause. She asked me if I had something terminal would I want to know? Her doctor was telling her there was a blood test she could take these days that would tell you if you had cancer or some diseases. I said that at her age (54), I might want to know... at mine (78) I don't know... maybe, maybe not.

Anyway, that's been my week. Hope yours has been a little better. 

Also, our oldest granddaughter graduates from A&M this month. She graduated from high school in 2020... that year the graduations were only videoed due to the pandemic. I'm hoping this graduation will go off well. We're so proud of her.

And good news! We have kittens! One of our long time feral mamas brought her 4 kittens to eat and play on the back porch this past week. They were so cute... about 6 weeks old, one black, one white, and 2 Siamese-looking. Here's a pic of one of the Siamese:

kitten on cat tree

This little fellow climbed up on the cat tree... (we have 2 on the back porch). I took this from the inside window. 

And this next video I also took from inside the kitchen's French door as 2 of the kittens were eating:

(Remember to click on the square to enlarge pic... and then 'escape' to get out of video)

This feral cat is such a good mama. She watches those kittens like a hawk. It took her 4 times to get the smallest scariest little one to come on the porch. She kept going back to get him to follow her.  

I know you are thinking we need to catch them and bring them to the Adoption room at the shelter. We used to do this, but not anymore. First of all they're too fast. Second, we're too old and slow. And third, I've seen what it does to the mamas. They walk around for weeks looking for their babies and crying. Can't do it. It breaks my heart.

Anyway, that's my news for today. Life goes on... a bit different for each of us, but perhaps that's good. It keeps things interesting. Enjoy this wonderful spring weather... and all the green! Before we know it summer will be here...  and with it triple digits. 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

May 1, 2024... Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 Hi Guys! It's May 1, 2024 ... another white rabbit day!

(and yes, I'm a bit slow posting it today)

Trying to think of something to add here, but I've got nothing.

 All I can think of is that when I was growing up in Catholic school, this is when we would crown the statue of the Blessed Mother with flowers and sing, 

"Oh Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today

Queen of the angels, Queen of the May"

Hugs (virtual),

Rian