Best Surprises in April 2025

4/30/2025

April Elephants

What a fun surprise to learn about a magical art installation, traveling the country.

The Great Elephant Migration came to Houston for the entire month of April.

A herd of 100 life-sized elephant statues, was created in India. They came to Houston's Hermann Park on April first.

April Birthday

I love having a spring birthday! Sometimes I go for a picnic.

This year, I chose a visit to Houston's Hermann Park, to see 100 elephants!

Birthday Weather

One of the best gifts you can get on your birthday, is perfect weather. Mother Nature gifted me with blue skies and pleasant temps on April 9th.

It was such a treat wandering through the herd. Every elephant was different. There were mamas and babies... trunks lifted high, trunks curled low. All made from the lantana weed, which has caused problems for the elephant population in India.

Lunch at Hotel ZaZa

After walking all morning we ate on the dining terrace, at nearby Hotel ZaZa.

I had an elephant sized chicken sandwich! Just right!

Mini Celebrations

I was perfectly content to have my birthday evening at home.

A card with fireworks is always a plus.

2 Messages

My daughter actually gave me this container of stars, 8 years ago on my 60th.

She wrote down 60 happy memories on strips of paper and folded them into stars. After admiring the colorful display for 8 years, I decided to to open 2 on my birthday this year. Maybe I'll open 3 on my next. ??

I was reminded of 2 sweet memories that Heidi and I share... 1 involved John Mayor concerts and the other was a crazy bobsledding memory!

Lounging with Colorful Chairs and Mugs!

Weather stayed lovely into the evening. Don and I sat out back and I enjoyed my coral colored rocking chair, with matching wine cup.

The next day I did a little yard work and made use of my new crazy pink drink chiller, which matched the oleanders.

The next day I relaxed with a lavender cup and read my new book, The Secret Lives of Colors. Now Instead of starting each day with depressing TV news, I'll choose a color and read about its history!

Walks and Ice Cream

I've been craving ice cream. I set out with my friend Shari to earn some ice cream.

First we walked 3 miles. I wonder why there are fewer wildflowers this year? Maybe this heron ate them all.

It was noon when we finished. Why not have ice cream for lunch? Why not have pistachio with Butterfinger crumbles?

Work

I accomplished no outstanding artistic projects in April. But I did learn a new task. I learned how to use the chainsaw. Good-bye to 2 dead ligustrums.

I also made a yard discovery. I found a tiny magnolia tree, growing beneath one of our bushes. Thanks to our neighbor's enormous tree. I transplanted it and we'll see if it lives.

Bookcase Mystery

It was actually on April Fools Day, that I noticed something very odd. This is how my whimsically cluttered bookcase usually looks.

My granddaughter and I are the only ones who ever go near this nutty display of treasures. But Charlie hasn't been in town since Christmas. Plus, she can barely reach the third shelf and the mischief was spotted on the 5th shelf.

Poltergeist

I was jolted when I spotted the wooden fisherman on the upper shelf. I hollered to Don and he assured me. No, he had not perched the little fisherman on the seat of the antique toy tractor! No, he hadn't unglued the wooden guy from his boat on the second shelf.

I began to notice other odd changes. I won't waste time explaining just how crazy this was or how much time I wasted trying to solve the mystery, I'll just assume, (since neither Don nor I are sleepwalkers) that we have a playful Poltergeist living in our home!

Easter Friends

Just as we did 9 years ago, I enjoyed a get-together with 3 Good Friends on Good Friday. Years ago we had dinner and shared stories about childhood Easters, in Hungary, Germany, Argentina.... and Iowa!

This year we had lunch in an Afghan restaurant and once again talked about Easter traditions, in our different cultures. My favorite story was one about Easter Monday. In Hungary young boys knock on doors, spray girls with perfume and recite poetry! How fun is that?

Easter

Easter at home wasn't much.

Just egg sandwiches for breakfast, along with jellybeans.

Earth Day 2025

On Earth Day we had better weather. I admired all the flowers I saw blooming in our yard.

As I wandered the yard, I remembered the very first Earth Day in 1970. My 7th grade class spent a day cleaning litter and waving signs protesting pollution.

Roots & Branches

In the afternoon, I went for a run thinking I could pick up litter if I saw any. I actually knew I'd see nothing on my route. But I admired the amazing trees in our neighborhood.

I cheered on the spring growth and all the new leaves! I was amused by some amazing roots, that took me back to childhood, How I loved playing with my Troll dolls and making little rooms for them in the roots.

I paused at the park and scratched my head over some new playground equipment.

Then I realized it wasn't for kiddos, it was for very fit adults. Fitter than me.

First Dip!

By the time I got back from my Earth Day run, I was hot enough for our barely warm pool.

First dip of the season was in grand style. I wore my running clothes.

RIP Pope Francis

I found myself deeply saddened by the loss of Pope Francis. I remember 12 years ago, seeing a tiny TV in a music shop in Chile. The shop owner and others gathered around to absorb the exciting news of the Latin American Pope.

Thinking about Pope Francis brought back memories of other pope sightings. I've seen 3 in my life. All sort of by accident. Pope Francis is the one I most admired.

Charlie Time

Towards the end of the month, Don and I packed the car full, for our 6 week adventure to California.

First stop was Austin, to soak up some time with Charlie and her parents,

It's hard knowing we won't see these guys for a while!

We had a little fun with Charlie friends at school... and after dance class. Yay for dancers and donuts!

Road Trip!

Then we were California bound! Our plan was to arrive in Sacramento a week before our new granddaughter's due date.

We had a nice stop in Van Horn, TX.

We have a thing for the old El Capitan Hotel, way out near the border.

Arizona

Before we reached Phoenix, we got news that kept us glued to the phone. It was Monday and Scott and Chali were already at the hospital! We were to arrive Thursday. Baby Nora was expected in 8 days!

We ate in our hotel room and waited on news. I wore the stone necklace that I've worn on every important day, before and throughout their pregnancy.

So-Cal

We shortened our route and by Tuesday we were in Southern California. Baby Nora was taking her time to greet the world.

We stopped for a date shake and meal in Indio, before checking into a Palm Springs Motel.

We ordered pizza at the motel and stayed near phones.

The evening skies were lovely. A little before 8 pm I looked up at the sky and smiled.

There was a tiny illuminated smile, floating above the palms and mountains. A NORA MOON, I decided. Surely she'll be born tonight?

Welcome Nora!

At 4:17 am on Wednesday morning, I heard from Scott. Nora would be there soon. We had a long drive, but made it to the hospital in the late afternoon.