Older but better...?: April 2026

Thursday, April 30, 2026

a hodge podge of thoughts and ideas...

Having been busy these last few weeks with visiting in the Hill Country, the unexpected trip to N.O., daughter and son-in-law coming home for a few days, learning to accept my new eye's condition, etc., I haven't had much time to think about things (or read)... as sometimes you just 'go with the flow' and do what needs doing.

Can't say I haven't enjoyed all of it... even the unexpected visit to N.O. for a family funeral, but now it looks like I may have a few weeks to just 'be'... and 'think' (and read!). That may sound weird, but perhaps I am a bit weird. To be truthful, I've always thought weird or eccentric was kind of interesting... definitely not boring (now there is a thing as "too weird" - that I don't care for).

Today I'm back to typing my children's short stories onto the computer so that I can eventually upload them into my book "In Remembrance of Me" (for my family). It will contain my stories, poems, thoughts, essays, and maybe even a few sketches and watercolors.

Since I know so little about my grandparents - having never thought to ask when they (or other family members) were still around to ask, I thought I'd leave some account of my life for those who might be interested (or not).

Also, I still need to put away Easter... or at least the baskets, plastic eggs, and a few other things that are still hanging around. I did take the "Happy Easter!" from my door a while back.

And I may need to make some Brown Butter Coffee syrup as well as some Turbinado Vanilla Sugar and some Power/Energy Balls to have on hand... and to put in my friend's upcoming birthday bag. These are all great and I can post the recipes - or just google.

Our little raccoon that comes by every night between 9 and 10 is still making his appearance. Here's a short video I made of him the other night. We have begun to call him "George Cooney".

(Don't forget to hit the little square button to make the video larger)

...and I will close this rambling post with a recommendation to watch The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair... which is streaming on Prime. It's one of the best shows we've watched in a long time.

And a few memes:

I do this...

it takes me a while in the morning...

I do this too...

As always, thanks for reading...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Sunday, April 19, 2026

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)

Thursday, April 9, 2026

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: