Happy List

August 2019 - Hanging Near Home

9/5/2019

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Texas Time

It was a hot August in Texas, but we hung in there. We didn't leave the state, once.

We enjoyed some good rainstorms and rainbows, some sunsets and just a couple sunrises.

Volunteering

I dusted off my quilt and got back to my volunteer groups. My first theme was puppets.

Paintings and Statues

I got in a little exploring, outside of Houston.

Fort Worth had an exhibit of Monet's later works. The town of Hutto had hippos. Lots of hippos!

Small Town Dining

Don and I had 4 memorable lunches in 4 small towns. Llano, Fayetteville, Hutto and Columbus.

More Art

We discovered more art while driving Texas highways. We didn't have to leave the car to enjoy the barn art,

Sorting and Shopping

Mostly, this was a month of sorting through junk. Don and I have gotten serious about facing all our stuff. We've been making decisions about what to do with it.

Whenever we got stumped, we took a break and went shopping.

We didn't buy giant chairs or sharks at Gallery Furniture, but we did buy. We also bought a few un-needed items from an antique store... and Goodwill. We are a bad pair. Maybe we'll be better in September.

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July Begins in Michigan 2019

8/2/2019

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U of M Memories

Don and I were in Ann Arbor over the 4th of July. We spent some time wandering campus and remembering. Both of us have strong connections to the town and university, going back to the fall of 1973.

Don was a freshman at U of M, that fall. I had just moved to town, as a high school junior. I spent a lot of time around the university, since my dad was UM faculty and my siblings were UM students. But I never met Don on campus, during the 2 years that we both lived in Ann Arbor. We met a few years later, in St. Louis and bonded over our Ann Arbor memories.

Dining in Ann Arbor

Don and I had only 2 days to enjoy and absorb Ann Arbor. We explored and dined and best of all reunited! My dear, high school friend and her mom, met us for dinner one night.

I last saw saw Lorie, nearly 15 years ago, when moving my daughter into her U of M dorm. It has been about 45 years, since I've seen Lorie's mom. The reunion couldn't have been better. It's impossible to explain in a brief post, just how special it was to see my unique friend, Lorie! I'm so grateful that we 4 had time together.

Heading North

After our short stay in Ann Arbor, Don and I spent a week enjoying the cool breezes and sunny skies in Northern Michigan.

We posed with some of Michigan's farms and beaches.

Food and Drink

We ate German food (and fried chicken) in Frankenmuth. We sampled wines in some of the 100+ Michigan vineyards.

Family!

Best of all, we spent time with family, in Northport! My brother and his wife, opened their home to my other 3 siblings and spouses. We spent some time exploring nearby parks and small towns. But mostly, we enjoyed each other. When you live in 4 different states, you never take these reunions for granted!

Back to Texas

It was hard saying good-bye to Michigan. The weather was sweltering, by the time we returned home to Texas. But this sweet Texas Bambi, standing near the Mickey Mouse cactus, made me happy to be back home.

July was good!

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Springlike June - 2019

7/2/2019

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Beginning in Colorado

We began June in Colorado. After spending the last week of May with snow and mud, we were thrilled to see flowers and leaves on trees.

Meandering Back to Texas

Don and I took 10 days, wandering home, from Breckenridge. We stayed in some curious, luxurious and quirky hotels and motels. We dined in retro cafes and dim saloons. We watched the scenery and seasons change. Best of all, we met interesting people and had fun reunions with good friends and family. And... what a treat to meet and feed the donkeys of Cripple Creek!

Fun Back Home

The rest of June was spent catching up and attending to the chores we've put off for so long. But, we did spend one morning with Van Gogh at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts! What an amazing exhibit... with a some playful, posing at the end!

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Away in May! 2019

6/5/2019

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Gateway to the West

In early May, I flew away from the drenching rains of Sugar Land, to meet up with my dear friend in St. Louis. The old Gateway City, was also swollen from rain.

Busy with Milissa

Milissa came in from Chicago by train and we spent 3 days exploring. We wandered from Union Station to the Arch. We visited the Art Museum and ate Italian food on The Hill. We rode the trolley... drank coffee and martinis... talked and talked and laughed into the night.

Mother's Day

I had some time alone in St. Louis before my late flight on Mother's Day. It could have been a little lonely, missing my own kids... while visiting the city where they were born. But I loved my day. I spoke with my kids on the phone and I had a picnic in one of Mom's favorite parks. St. Louis was her home town and I felt like she was right there with me!

Further West

In mid May, Don and I stuffed the car, for a road trip to Colorado. The wind pushed us through West Texas, right into New Mexico. The gusts halted for a moment, one evening in Albuquerque. Then the winds blew us right into Colorado.

Snow in Breckenridge

Inches of snow fell the night before we headed to Breckenridge. Luckily the roads were clear by the time we got close.

Family

Don and I planted ourselves for one week in Breckenridge. (Unusual for us!) Our kids and spouses were able to free up schedules for a quick visit! Even our nephew and his wife came for a night!

Mud and Snow!

Memorial Day was full of flurries and there was a light layer of fresh snow 2 days later. We attempted a muddy hike... and we dreamed of the Tropics, at a local Tiki Bar!

Good-Bye Kids

We didn't have enough time. We never do. But we were all together for a few days and that got the summer started off, just right!

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April in Texas! 2019

5/2/2019

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62nd Birthday at Hamilton Pool

I turned 62 in early April. Nothing special about that, so I had to add some fun.
Don and I grabbed the picnic quilt and headed to Hamilton Pool, just west of Austin. The old "swimming hole" was pretty peaceful on a weekday in April.

Don made it classy, with Mimosas. I made it less classy, with my choice of foods. We food shopped at Buccee's Gas Station/Store... which is a very Texas thing!

Texas Parks

April gave us some good weather for enjoying the parks. Later in the month we visited Enchanted Rock... which is much more enchanting in person than photos. Don and I did some posing with the pink granite.

Road Trip!

The most fun part of April was a whirlwind road trip with our friends Susan and Pat. They were game to have us pick a route that included lots of curious, quirky, historic and fun stops.

Nearly 1,000 Miles

In 5 days, we cover 955 miles. We started near the gulf and circled back to the Hill Country. We hiked and roamed an antique store or two... ate BBQ and sampled Texas wines. We hit towns with wonderful names, like Comfort and Blessing and we gabbed and laughed the whole way! Yay for April and Yay for our fun traveling friends!

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A Simple March - 2019

4/5/2019

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Mardi Gras

This March was a quiet one, compared to last year. Don and I celebrated our own little Mardi Gras, with Hurricanes, Jambalaya and King Cake.

Masks!

I gathered on Fat Tuesday with my senior groups and we went way beyond Mardi Gras masks. Our mask theme turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected... and lot less serious than this photo suggests.

Good Eating

With no travel and no huge events, Don and I had time for some good home cooking. Don smoked pulled pork and made a mountain of blueberry pancakes. My food contribution in March? I bought us a green Krispy Kreme to share on St. Patrick's Day!

Getting Stuff Done

More home time, meant I stopped procrastinating on a few things. I finally scheduled an eye appointment after 8 years and got some progressive glasses. I needed more help than glasses, with some of my sorting jobs. I finally faced the boxes of slides. I pitched plenty, but I also made some incredible finds. Cheers to all the images I didn't know existed!

Haircut Time

About 2 years ago, my post chemo hair was just long enough for a tiny trim. Since that time, I've gone in regularly to get a little help hiding my gray hairs and to get "the burnt ends" snipped off. After 2 years of trimming, I got my first haircut! The curls are really gone now!

I'm ready for April!

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Home-Time, in February 2019

3/1/2019

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Happy Chinese New Year!

We stayed close to home in February! On the 5th, I celebrated the Lunar New Year with my volunteer groups. Then Don and I celebrated in the evening, with our own feast of Chinese food!

Valentine's Day

The weather was warm on Valentine's Day... about the only warm day all month. My neighbor Mara invited friends for brunch. What a spread of food!

Tropical Celebration

In the evening, the weather was still warm enough to sit outside. Don made an exotic Lapu Lapu cocktail, for sharing. Then we grilled shrimp kabobs.

Hill Country

Our only travel this month, was 2 nights at the cabin. We spotted our first bluebonnet of the season... at the top of the hill, at sunset.

Stuff!

I spent a good amount of time this month, sorting through old boxes. I got bogged down with old letters and memorabilia. I had a few laughs over old dolls. So many boxes were sent off to donation centers... but I hardly made a dent!

Hollywood

The Academy Awards gave us one more excuse to celebrate. Don and I "dressed" for the occasion and set out a spread of food. We gabbed and laughed throughout the entire awards show, without falling asleep. We vow to see more movies this year.

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January 2019 in The Southeast

2/3/2019

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Georgia

Don and I spent a couple weeks in January, traveling the Southeast. Our only night in Georgia was spent in an historic hotel on Jekyll Island... where I dreamed about living in one of the nearby grand cottages.

South Carolina

On a different island, we met up with our dear friends and once neighbors, The Harts. We spent a few days exploring Hilton Head and nearby Beaufort, while catching up and reminiscing about raising our kids together, in Tulsa.

Food and Shelter in SC

After a week of absorbing the flavors of South Carolina and dreaming about more homes I'd love to own, we headed south.

MLK Day in St. Augustine, Florida

On MLK Day, we were in St. Augustine, where we joined locals in a silent march. We walked on the very route that Dr. King's feet and other peaceful protesters marched, 50+ years ago.

Historic Hotels

Our travels continued in Florida, where we learned more history.

We headed down the coast and up the gulf side, of Florida. Each of our six hotels offered up its own contribution to Florida history. Stock car racing and railroad history... even early film history, before Hollywood!

Sunrise & Sunset

Most of our stays were near water, with sunsets on the gulf and sunrises on the coast. I'm pretty sure I was cold when I took all these photos, but that's okay. I sigh when I see the pictures, I don't shiver!

It was a chilly, but fun January.

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December Celebrations 2018

1/2/2019

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Gathering

December always goes way too fast. I made sure to start on the first day, with a little cookie baking. Throughout the month there was just enough holiday socializing... and plenty of downtime for Christmas movies and books.

Christmas Camping

In early December, Don and I pulled the old "Bambi" out of storage and drove 2 hours to Goliad State Park. The park is home to the old Spanish Mission Espiritu Santo. What a treat to cook dinner outside, then wander up the lit pathway to see the glowing church.

Oregon!

This was our first Christmas, with both of our kids married and living on the west coast. Don and I expected to spend a quiet Christmas in Texas, but the 4 kids came up with a plan. All 6 of us gathered in Portland for 4 festive days of celebrating!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we dined out, high above the twinkling city lights. On Christmas day, we hunkered down in our sweet Airbnb, with clever, humorous and thoughtful gifts... games... movies... food and drink. It couldn't have been better.

Back Home

Don and I ended the year back in Texas, with a spectacular sunset on New Year's Eve. We toasted to the great year we've had, but we didn't get around to resolutions... or even midnight.

But, it was a good December and a good year!

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November in MX & TX

12/2/2018

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Beginning the Month in Mexico

On November first, Don and I spent the evening in Cozumel, experiencing some of the traditions of Dia de Muertos. Days later we experienced a little Mayan history, visiting the ruins on the mainland, at Tulum and Coba.

Sunrise

After the beautiful sunsets in Cozumel, we got to enjoy sunrise on the mainland. The skies in the east were still colorful in the evening, too.

Back in Texas

Back home in Texas, Don and I got back to routine. We still found time for a little exploring, though. One day, we stopped to enjoy murals, on a small town market.

Another day, we checked out a bridge... that is now gone. Floods swept the bridge away a month ago, near our cabin in Sunrise Beach. We were glad to see some signs of rebuilding... eventually.

Thanksgiving

Towards the end of the month, we spent a couple days at the cabin. We celebrated Thanksgiving just ourselves... for the first time in 37 years.

The cabin has no TV, so we celebrated with a fire and books, puzzles and food. We did however embrace our technology and Skyped with our kids in their new homes out west. It was impossible to feel any gloom about our first Thanksgiving with no kids... when we were suddenly laughing and gabbing on the phone.

Lots to be Thankful for in November!

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Looking Back at October

11/4/2018

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Starting October at Home

We stayed close to home in early October. I had some fun people-time!

I visited my dear barber friend. It was the 2-year anniversary of when he shaved my head. I met a few new folks, who happened to be traveling the US in a covered wagon. I met with my volunteer groups and celebrated a theme of shoes!

October Celebrations

We celebrated Don's birthday and our 39th anniversary, in October. We had some good meals and a foot massage adventure in Houston's Chinatown! We also celebrated our voting rights, by voting early at our local grocery store. The hour in line was part of the fun!

Cozumel, Mexico

Towards the end of the month, we had an easy 2-hour flight to Cozumel. We spent a few days in downtown San Miguel. We loved the quiet evenings best, when the cruise ships were gone. We shared the sunsets and fountains, with mostly locals.

We spent another week at the south end of the island. The resort was lovely, but we preferred the sweet animals over the other guests.

Last Day of October

On Halloween, I missed being home and giving out candy. But we celebrated the day, by putting on scuba "costumes" and diving, at a couple sites.

The hotel had a party at night, so we put on masks and celebrated with some dancing. It was a good way to end the month!

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Celebrating in September 2018

10/1/2018

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Dad's 90th in Springfield, Missouri

On September 2, my dad turned 90. My siblings and I had one more excuse to travel and celebrate. This was our 5th family gathering in 10 months.

My cousin Murray graciously hosted the birthday party at her home. My siblings made the trip to Springfield, just as our family did so often when we were kids... gathering with relatives to feast on my Grandpa's special grilled chicken. This time, Murray's husband grilled Grandpa's chicken and we joined our relatives, singing Happy Birthday!

We added on a little road travel, with our September trip to Springfield.

Longhorns and Jersey Milkers

We stayed at a few interesting places. Some involved cow-like critters. In Ft.Worth, we stayed at the Stockyards Hotel and hung out with a few longhorns. In Missouri we stayed at the Brinkman Farm B&B, where we helped milk Jersey cows and feed calves.

Sleeping in Museums

We also spent a couple nights in Missouri Museums. We were the only guests at the Rockcliffe Mansion in Hannibal. In Kansas City we stayed at the old Savoy, now a 21c Museum/Hotel. The sky blue penguins added a whimsical touch to the hotel's serious art installations.

One More Celebration

At the end of the month, Don and I headed to Fort Worth once again. This time it wasn't a family wedding, but it still felt like family. We were reunited with 2 other couples who were our neighbors, 20 years ago in Oklahoma.

The Kiddos

Seeing Jackson (on the left) as a groom, was a crazy reminder of how time has flown. It's been 20 years, since our 3 families came together regularly, for birthdays, holidays... trick-or-treating, caroling... bubble blowing! Oh how I miss those days. But how lucky that we are we can still celebrate together!

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Starting August, Out West 2018

9/2/2018

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Together in Seattle

August could have been a moping month for me. For the first time, both kids and spouses were living about 2,000 miles away. But on August 3rd, we spent a couple of days together, in Seattle!

Pikes Place Market

Scott and Chali flew in from Sacramento. Heidi and Jamie made the easy drive from Portland.

We had one day to explore a little of downtown. We spent much of it exploring the Market.

Seahurst Beach Park

On another beautiful day, we gathered with my sister's family for yet another wedding celebration. Tobi's ceremony was the 5th wedding that our family has celebrated in 10 months!

Back Home

Scott and Chali flew back to California, then Don and I said good-bye to Heidi and Jamie in their new hometown. As Don and I flew back to Texas, we had a toast to this new chapter.

For the rest of August, we spent time at home. You can't really complain when you live in a sweet city named Sugar Land, where we have great double rainbow sightings!

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July... East to West

8/6/2018

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Canada Day

July began in the east, with a Canada Day Celebration in Ottawa. We spent two days joining in the festivities. Food, music, boat rides, people watching and lots of wandering!

Leaving Texas

In the second half of July, Don and I headed west on a road trip to Oregon. Our daughter and son-in-law took a different route in their rented moving truck. We drove their car and meandered to Portland. We laughed our way through Amarillo, Texas.

Utah

We sighed through Utah. The weather felt heavenly.

New Mexico

We dined and drank in Santa Fe. I squeezed in a prayer at the oldest church in the U.S. Our son was taking the California bar, that day.

Colorado

We mingled with the locals in Durango. We watched pies being auctioned (for charity) for $700. and we pigged out at breakfast, at the Durango Diner.

Idaho

We spent more than one night, visiting my brother and his wife in Boise. What a beautiful city and what lovely people.

Oregon

We made it to Oregon at the end of the month. We were able to help Heidi and Jamie unload the truck at their new apartment. We were also able to help them try out the Tiki Bar, within walking distance. You can't beat that!

Portland is so far away... but Don and I love road trips!

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June Reunions

7/2/2018

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Andy & Casey's Wedding at Lake George, NY

June's most memorable event was the wedding of our nephew. The setting at Sagamore Hotel was stunning and even the rain on wedding day couldn't dampen spirits. The storms halted just in time for the ceremony, adding extra drama and celebration!

Family

This was the third wedding in just over a half year that involved our family. Don and I have been getting spoiled, gathering with our out-of-town relatives, who are scattered over the States.

We also enjoyed the extra perk of spending a little time with our own kids. We don't take these gatherings for granted anymore. This time next month, both couples will be living far away, in states on the west coast.

Sibling Road Trip

After the wedding, Don and I spent a week traveling with my brother, sister and spouses. We meandered around upstate New York in the Adirondacks and then on to Vermont.

Place to Place

We 6 left the glamorous Sagamore and lugged our bags into historic hotels, castles and inns in a number of small towns. We packed in lots of exploring, dining, reflecting and laughing along the way.

End of Month Reunions

In Burlington, Vermont I met up with my old childhood friend Diane. She gathered with my family for drinks and I shared dinner at her son's home... I fell in love with her delightful granddaughters!

On the last day of June, Don and I crossed the border and met Don's sister in Ottawa. We explored a beautiful garden with Jane and Dick, before hitting the city for Canada Day celebrations!

The month of June was a special one! Lots of reuniting! Lots of exploring!

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May Day to Memorial Day!

6/2/2018

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Early May

We had no big weddings or graduations this May, but we found ways to celebrate. Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby landed on the same day. Sometimes that requires a costume change.

Celebrating Houston's Art

In mid May I had one of those perfect days with lunch and a museum visit. Houston's Museum of Art had some fun surprises. What fun to witness a new bamboo exhibit being installed AND to catch my first glimpse of the new shiny Cloud Column!

Mother's Day

It was a treat having Heidi home for Mother's Day. We had pool time, games and a lovely dinner out. We avoided the Sunday Brunch crowds and enjoyed some lox and bagels and home!

International Fun!

Don and I hit the Polish Festival one weekend and I danced at a Greek Festival a couple weeks later. One evening, I learned the Hula with a great group of women. And then there was the usual mix of international dining. I love Houston's diversity.

The Royal Wedding

Don and I cheated and taped Harry and Meghan's wedding on the 19th. At the last minute we grabbed the Royal Doulton china, some fake flowers off a shelf and we toasted some English muffins... and made our own event. The wedding ended up delighting us more than we ever expected!

Memorial Day Weekend

It was 100 degrees at Lake LBJ, over the holiday weekend. Don and I walked 2 miles to get to the annual BBQ picnic. We amused ourselves along the way, posing with odd mailboxes.

Cooling Off

After the messy bbq feast, children ran towards the firetrucks and played in a sea of suds!

Back Home

The day after Memorial Day we headed home and found 24 baby ducks in our own neighborhood lake. What a perfect ending to the month of May.

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Festive April

5/2/2018

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April Fool's Easter!

The first day of April began with a pretty sunrise and a lingering full moon. Don and I had an Easter breakfast picnic at Pecan Park.

Turning 61

Just over a week later, I celebrated my birthday with a trip to the zoo and a ride on the carousel. I finished up my year of acting like a 6-year-old. (That's how I coped with turning 60 last year... by removing the zero)

Road Trip to Springfield

Ten days later, I was in the car headed towards Springfield, Missouri. I met up with my sister and we spent the week clearing out our dad's apartment and helping Dad with his transition to assisted living. I gave myself a reward on the drive home... with stops on Route 66.

Dressing Up!

The day after returning home, it was time for another wedding! Scott's childhood friend, Suraj was getting married. Don and I were thrilled to have Scott and Chali home for a few days, but we were also delighted to attend the spectacular celebration of Suraj and his bride, Amie. Festive music, clothing, foods and dance! What a memorable way to end the month!

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A Wonderful March!

4/2/2018

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My Daughter Got Married

Heidi became a bride and a wife and Jamie became a husband and my son-in-law! It was a good month!

Friends of the Bride

My memories of March 2018, will focus mostly on 3 or 4 days. I loved spending time with some of Heidi's most special friends. I've known some of these girls since they were in preschool or when they were first teenagers. It was wonderful seeing the childhood friends and post college friends enjoying each other and later, pitching in to help on the big day.

Family

The wedding weekend brought Heidi's aunts and uncles and cousins from 6 different states. I'm so glad to know there's one more wedding coming up in June, so we get to do this gathering thing again! (Yay, for Andy and Casey, top left)

Friends

Selfishly I got to steal a little time with a few of my dear friends.

Best of All... The Wedding

Thanks to my sister, I have some photos of the wedding... while we wait for the photographer's shots. She captured so many moments.

Thanks to my bro for grabbing the camera and getting a shot of Jennifer & Kate.

So March is done. No more wedding wondering. No more keeping fingers crossed for good weather. No more anticipation about what the memories will be. We know now and the memories are pretty perfect!

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The Focus in February 2018

3/1/2018

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Upcoming Wedding

Houston had a particularly gray February, but there wasn't time to notice. I started the month focussing on the March wedding! A bridal shower brought Heidi to town! The incredibly fun and festive gathering was hosted by my dear book club friends of nearly 20 years!

Road Trip

February was not the ideal time to attempt a Texas to California trip, but we had a good excuse. In mid-February, Scott and Chali packed up their apartment in New Orleans and headed for their new home in Sacramento. Don and I offered to drive one of the cars. We meandered and arrived a few days after them.

The Move

Don and I had a couple days to "help" in Sacramento, but the furniture hadn't arrived. We spent a little time in their cute rental house, which held one blow up mattress and a dog bed. But mostly we used the time to get out and explore. It's hard when your "kids" move so far away, but it helps that we now can visualize their home, neighborhood and city.

Rainbow!

The morning before flying home, it snowed in Sacramento. But, we escaped the weather and enjoyed some green and a rainbow just over an hour away in Sonoma.

I'm assuming that rainbow is good sign! Heidi and Jamie's wedding will go well and Scott and Chali will have a smooth transition to their new home!

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January 2018... Travel & Home

2/2/2018

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Starting the Year in Thailand

On January first, the Zienty and Temple families flew from Bangkok to Krabi in Southern Thailand. Our group of 9 spent 4 days relaxing at the beach, before heading back to Bangkok. It was a pretty perfect way to start the year.

Back in Texas

After 3 amazing weeks spending time in Thailand with our son's new family, we headed back to good old Texas.

These photos may look like I'm making fun of my state, but actually I love these images. I've always enjoyed the scenery on highway 71 between Houston and Austin. I made the drive alone in mid January, to meet up with my daughter and daughter-in-law for a wedding shower weekend. I loved stopping with my camera.

Heidi and Chali in Austin

Chali flew in from New Orleans and we joined Heidi at her bridal shower on Saturday. We also made use of every spare moment before and after... walking, talking, dining, drinking and even a little salon-ing... if that's a word. Love these girls!

Back to Routine

It was an good month, despite a stubborn cold, some jet-lag and icy weather. I made one resolution... MORE DANCING and I'm trying. There was even a nice end to the month, with a full blue moon! I can't complain.

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Unforgettable December 2017

1/2/2018

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Sugar-Coating in Sugar Land, Texas

We started off in early December, with a little snow drama! What a treat to wake up to a soft, white blanket of snow!

Celebrating in Austin

On a quick trip to Austin, I lucked out with a brief Santa encounter on South Congress.

That was before Don and I changed into our mod clothes for a different celebration.

A Mod, Co-Ed Shower

Luckily the weather didn't feel Christmassy when we joined Heidi and Jamie at a Mod 1960's Fondue Yard Party. Their wedding isn't until March, but it's never too early to start celebrating.

New Orleans

In mid-December we headed for New Orleans to attend Chali's Tulane MSW graduation. After a couple days of Nola-style celebrating, it was time to pack for Thailand.

First Morning in Thailand

Flight delays had some of us arriving in the wee hours on Christmas Eve. After a couple hours of sleep we woke to our first morning in Thailand... and Chali & Scott's morning wedding. Evidently birthdates and the times of birth, determine when a wedding should take place.

Before we knew it, the Temple's family home had been transformed. The Buddhist Monks had arrived and the wedding ceremony had begun.

Christmas Eve Wedding

The wedding excitement kept jet-lag from taking over. After the morning ceremony and feast, we headed off to explore the neighborhood walkways and canals.

Staying Alert

By the evening, we taxied into the city, to an area that Chali described as Bourbon Street of Bangkok. We wandered the crowded streets, stopping for drinks and food here and there. Non-stop activity after nearly 2 days of travel, made it easy to sleep that night.

Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning, we wandered down to have a traditional Thai breakfast at one of the roadside stands. The owners were delighted to see the Temple family and their houseguests. Some of the restaurant family had been involved in the wedding preparations, so there was lots of greeting and photo snapping...

Exploring Bangkok

In the week that followed Christmas, we toured temples and markets. We enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya and we flew to the old city of Chiang Mai.

Elephant Sanctuary

One rainy day, we drove from Chiang Mai and spent time in the mountains, with these beautiful beasts. We fed them bananas and sugar cane. Then we joined the elephants in a swampy pond and scrubbed them down with handfuls of cold, gooey mud. Then we used pans and scooped river water to clean their mud-caked bodies.

New Year's

We ended the December and the year 2017, back at the house in Bangkok. We dined across the street at a restaurant, beside the canal. Then we returned to the house for champagne. Poor Jamie missed our toasts. He was sick in bed, but came around the next day. What an amazing month... and really what an amazing year.

Cheers to 2017! Eager to see what's ahead in 2018!

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What a November!

12/1/2017

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Scott & Chali's Texas Hill Country Wedding

We lucked out with perfect weather for the rehearsal dinner at Salt Lick BBQ. The cozy, casual bbq joint was the perfect place to reunite with family and friends, who had come from all parts of the country.

Wedding at Vista West Ranch

On wedding day, the weather was again spectacular, for the outdoor ceremony. Food and dancing in the rustic/elegant barn, followed. Seeing these two dance to "Home" put a huge smile on my face.

Families

I wish I had photos of all the family groups that came (from so many states) and shared this special celebration. This photo is a special one, though. I feel so lucky that Scott and Chali are now married and we have new family now!

What a Happy November!

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Best of October

11/1/2017

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Celebrations!

Don and I spent all of October near home. We celebrated Heidi's birthday, Don's birthday and our 38th anniversary. I've always loved October.

Wedding Prep

With Scott and Chali's wedding coming up in November, there was a lot of focus on the celebration ahead. We chatted with Scott & Cha on the phone a lot. I played with flowers & photos. Don and I worked very hard sampling wines and TX BBQ! And, even though I hate shopping, I got help and advice from friends which lead me to a mom-of-groom outfit, that I'm actually excited about.

Reunion in Richmond

I made sure to celebrate the month of October with a special reunion, down the road in Richmond. A year ago I had a hair shaving adventure in A.D.'s barber shop. There wasn't much hair to get rid of that day, since I had just finished chemo. But A.D. treated me like a queen and got my head silky smooth... ready to grow new hair! It was fun to be back in his cozy shop, where I introduced him to Don and showed off my hair.
Last Day of October

Halloween night was a disappointment for the trick-or-treaters, with rain showers in Houston. Having the Astros playing in the 6th game of the World Series, also took the focus from Halloween.

But, I was at the ready at dusk, with a hideous mask in case the doorbell rang. After a while I was pretty sure we were going to have our very first Halloween with no visitors. But, then, the doorbell rang. It was the UPS driver... assuring me he needed no more candy. Eventually, I got some Halloween fun with 3 doorbell rings and 6 adorable little costumes.

Best of all Houston won the series... but that was actually on November 1st. Oh well, I’m cheating a bit on my October post.

Go Astros!

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Highlights of September

10/3/2017

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California
September started with lots of worries from Hurricane Harvey... but it ended with a trip to Northern California.

There were vineyards in Sonoma.

There were stunning parks... some with trees and some with cliffs.

There were some critter encounters.

There was a round barn and a Hitchcock schoolhouse.

And there were some beautiful hikes, with some special people!

It turned out to be a good month.

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Best of August 2017

9/1/2017

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The Eclipse

On August 21, we made it to Pikeville, Tennessee in time for the Great American Eclipse! Don and I traveled a total of 1842 miles (with detour to pick up Scott in New Orleans) from TX to TN and back! We made up ridiculous eclipse songs and limericks. We enjoyed Moon Pies and Sun Chips. And we hoped the skies would stay clear!

Before noon, we found a town in the Path of Totality with a welcoming cemetery. Other enthused locals and eclipse travelers gathered on blankets and lawn chairs. We enjoyed a picnic and shared extra eclipse glasses with the working lawn crew. Finally, we applauded with giddy glee, and removed our glasses to look up at the moon covered sun! The 2.5 minutes was worth 2 days of driving!

Hurricane Harvey

Hurricanes have no place in a Happy Blog, unless your house doesn't end up flooding after a mandatory evacuation! It all started the day we returned from the Eclipse Trip.

We returned to Sugar Land, the day Harvey was headed towards Texas. Days after landfall, the rising Brazos River became a serious threat and we scrambled to evacuate. After 4 anxious days, we were allowed to move back to our dry home.

I will always remember August 2017, as the month that brought us a spectacular eclipse and a devastating flood. We cheered for the eclipse. We cheered to get home. Now it's September and time to help those who are not cheering.

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Happy List

I started this blog, by thinking about the things that make me laugh and smile. My "Photo a Day" posting began on May 27, 2016. I had just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and I found I could keep things positive, by sharing some of my favorite photographs. Some were silly and made me laugh. Others were just pleasant or peaceful. After 7 months, I was ready to move on. I had finished chemo and radiation and it was time to focus on other things.

Best of the Month!

On January 1, 2017, I stopped the daily posts and began a monthly practice. At the end of each month, I look back at all the things I enjoyed. Then I share some photos, along with a few words. I'm grateful every day, that my life has returned to normal. Each month, I take some time to think about the best experiences or happiest moments in the weeks before. Still trying to keep it positive!

August 2019 - Hanging Near Home

July Begins in Michigan 2019

Springlike June - 2019

Away in May! 2019

April in Texas! 2019

A Simple March - 2019

Home-Time, in February 2019

January 2019 in The Southeast

December Celebrations 2018

November in MX & TX

Looking Back at October

Celebrating in September 2018

Starting August, Out West 2018

July... East to West

June Reunions

May Day to Memorial Day!

Festive April

A Wonderful March!

The Focus in February 2018

January 2018... Travel & Home

Unforgettable December 2017

What a November!

Best of October

Highlights of September

Best of August 2017

Happy List

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