The Beth Lists
  • Homepage
  • Little Bear's Adventures
  • Diverse Dining List
  • 90 Notable Nights
  • Happy List
  • Quilt Adventure Blog
  • Not So Happy List
  • The Texas Twenty List
  • Mom's Picnic List
  • 18+ Dance Adventures
  • 55 Strangers
  • The Barbie Bucket List
  • 60 Celebrations
  • 57 Celebrations of the Fifties!

Faces in June 2024

6/30/2024

0 Comments

 

13 Charlie Days

Don and I spent almost half of June's days, with this Funny Face.
Picture
Charlie's mom and dad had 2 trips and we did lots of babysitting.

Older Faces

The end of the month was spent with these family faces. 
Picture
It's been 5 years since my sibs and spouses gathered for a Michigan reunion. 

On the Road

The month began with Charlietime. We picked her up in Austin and brought her to our house, for 2 different visits. 4 drives with a 3-year-old and 4 without.
Picture
The Charlie drives were much more entertaining. Lots of singing and endless gleeful announcements, when Charlie spotted water towers, flags and cows!

Hanging Out

Charlie kept us busy, mostly hanging out close to home. 
Cooking, swimming, piano and just a tiny bit of TV. Movie clips from classic musicals! The Grandparents were successful in creating a new Gene Kelly and Esther Williams fan!

Michigan

Don and I left the Texas heat in mid June and flew to Detroit.
Picture
We stayed in an inn, that was once Frederick Sterns' mansion. 
We dined at Mario's, an iconic Italian restaurant that I last enjoyed when I was 16.

St. Clair and Port Huron

We spent a night in a nearly 100-year-old hotel, on the St. Clair River.
Picture
The Inn's river views were entertaining!
Then, we drove further north, to enjoy a peek at Lake Huron. And another epic dining experience, at an 88-year-old restaurant!

Ann Arbor

From Detroit, we headed to Ann Arbor and stayed a night at the Stone Cottage Inn. Next night at The Graduate. It was called "Campus Inn" when I attended my HS prom there, in 1975!
Picture
Picture
Don and I have fond memories of this wonderful college town, since we both lived in Ann Arbor, 50 years ago... a few years before we met in St. Louis. 

Places

Don went to U of M for 2 years. I lived in Ann Arbor the same 2 years, finishing high school.
Our memories are different, but we love going back and exploring. So many wonderful places we both remember. 

People
​
The best part of the visit, was spending time with some special people. I've known Lorie for a half century.
Picture
Picture
It was fun to talk and laugh in person again. We did a lot of that, back in Huron High days!

​My brother Chris and SIL Karen, spent 2 nights with us in Ann Arbor. Chris and I share some fun Ann Arbor memories.
Picture
A lot of them revolve around restaurants!

Food in Michigan

We revisited Ann Arbor's Fleetwood Diner. The last visit for Don and me was in 1980, after we were married.
Picture
Chris took the current photo. We've changed, but the diner has changed little.

​We made a few toasts and enjoyed a few meals, in Ann Arbor...
...before traveling on to the old German town of Frankenmuth.  

Northport

Eventually we made our way to Northport, where we united with our other siblings and spouses.
Picture
We spent time exploring small towns near Lake Michigan and absorbing the cool temps.
Mostly the 8 of us hung out together, along with a few special dogs. Lots of good food and converstaion. I already miss this gang!

We finished up the month of June, with a beautiful sunset.
Picture
Good bye, Michigan! Good bye, June 2024!
​
0 Comments

Surprises in May 2024

5/31/2024

0 Comments

 

Surprise 1
​

The month started with a May Day surprise on the porch!
Picture
Actually not really a surprise. For quite a few years, we've had these "surprise" deliveries from a sweet family that lives nearby. Always a good start to the month!

​Surprise 2

My second surprise was a visit from my daughter and granddaughter, a week before Mother's Day.
Picture
This was going to be a total surprise, but Heidi realized I might better enjoy the weekend visit, if I knew a day or 2 before. Anticipation is part of the fun!

Hanging Out
​
We had a few fun days hanging out at the house and going to brunch and lunch! We pulled in a little Cinco de Mayo celebrating as well!
I didn't take our get-together for granted. I've celebrated 38 Mother's Days and half of them have been long distance. I've learned to adapt to kids living far away, just as my mom did with me... and her mom did with her. 

​Indulged Mom

On the real Mom Day a week later, I enjoyed some more.
Picture
Picture
Surprise flowers and surprise gift certificates from the kids!

Scott and Cha called from California and we gabbed forever. They explained my "Float Spa" gift. A couple weeks later, I spent an hour in a floatation pod with 1,000 pounds of epsom salts! 
Picture
Picture
The air and water was equally warm and music and colors made me feel like I was in dream! A good and relaxing dream, of drifting in space!

Mother's Day Picnic

The rainy weather on Mother's Day was almost comical. Don and I did some of our own celebrating, with some of my favorite fast food.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
I posed at the park with a gator, remembering Mother's Day a year ago when we had a live alligator swimming the lake behind our house!

The Gulf Coast

In mid May, Don and I drove just over an hour to Galveston Island. 
Picture
We spent a couple nights enjoying the coastal resort city, before tourist season.
​
​We stayed at Hotel Lucine, a newly remodeled 1963 motel. 
Picture
We had the hotel pretty much to ourselves. It was nice to see the beach as well as the historic city, before the crowds and heat moved in.

A few photos below show our hotel and restaurants and the Bolivar Ferry.
After 2 nights in Galveston, we hit the road again.

East Texas

We drove the straight & flat roads near the coast, then ended up on hilly, tree-lined highways further north.
Picture
Picture
What a contrast, driving in east Texas. We explored the original route of El Camino Real and walked on trails made by wagons and animals, hundreds of years ago.

Fredonia in Nacogdoches 
​
We stayed at another mid-century modern hotel.
Picture
Despite some major storms, we had a couple of fun days relaxing at the hotel, in the Oldest City in Texas.

Exploring
​

We explored the historic city as well as some towns, just down the road.
After a total of 4 nights away, we returned home feeling like we'd been gone a month!

​Relaxing in Fort Worth

I squeezed in one more Texas trip, later in May.
Picture
This one was to Fort Worth to spend some time with old friends.The 4 of us  hardly needed to leave Christy's home. It was an oasis.

​2 Nights

We needed more than 2 nights to catch up. I miss our monthly book club gatherings, back when we all lived in the same neighborhood. We often used to talk until 2 am. We made it to 1 am, the first night.
We got out a bit for a meal or 2. But my favorite time was hanging out on the patio. Even the drive home with Shari was entertaining, with a "dining adventure" lunch stop, at Kissing Pigs Cafe!

Friends at Home

At the end of the month, Don and I were able to spend an evening with special friends back home.
Picture
This was a month for feeling grateful for family and friends. Some near and some far.
Picture
After a little running around in May, it was nice to be reminded that there are good friends right back here at home. 

Rain and Haze

​The month ended with some rainy days, followed by hazy ones.
Picture
Picture
On the last day of May, the rain and haze cleared. I had another simple surprise, when I noticed the neighborhood kids had finished their last day of school and left a message on the sidewalk!

I love how this month started with a May Day surprise and ended with a surprise message on the sidewalk. Such fun reminders of my own simple childhood! 
​
0 Comments

Smiling Through April

4/30/2024

0 Comments

 

Best April

I can't remember an April that I didn't love. 
Picture
All Aprils have my birthday, but I'm past that! This April was a totally different kind of special. 

"Eclipse Totality Texas"

Early in the month we gathered with the kids at the cabin, to celebrate the total solar eclipse.
Picture
Picture
The gathering was nearly perfect... except we were missing a very important family member. Chali was in California, but she wore her shirt and stayed connected through FaceTime. 

8-21-17 and 4-8-24 

We've been looking forward to this celebration, since the last total eclipse 7 years ago. The first pic shows Don, Scott and Lola the pup in 2017. We watched from a cemetery in Tennessee. The second shows our Texas eclipse!
Picture
Picture
Back in 2017, Scott realized our cabin in Texas would be in the Path of Totality in 2024. We had the perfect place for eclipse viewing, high on the hill above our cabin, overlooking Lake LBJ.

Pre-Eclipse Cabin Time
​
​There were predictions of Eclipse Chaos on Texas roads. 
Picture
We arrived 2 days early, with lots food and drink and entertainment.  No TV at the cabin, but we did have music. The same Eclipse Playlist from 2017, with moon & sun songs!
The temperatures were perfect for hanging out. I tried to ignore weather predictions that called for clouds on April 8!

​Remembering Dad

We used some of our time together, to have a sweet and simple remembrance for my dad. 
Picture
This was the first time we'd been together since my dad's passing in December. Family celebrated with Dad on his 95th birthday, in September, but we never had real closure after his death.

​Raft, Notes & Flowers... Bubbles & Lemonade
​
​There was a stick raft involved and flowers and ashes. The ashes were actually from our written messages, which we burned. 
It felt just right. Charlie didn't understand our farewell exactly, but she knew the raft was for Great Grandpa. Dad would have enjoyed our light and playful celebration.

​April Flowers

April wildflowers and butterflies were in rare form!
Picture
Picture
We did some wildflower appreciating and we did a little wildflower posing.  
​
Eclipse Day April 8

We were equipped  for the day, with our certified eclipse glasses. So were a few animal statues! (Pearl the Squirrels from 2 days earlier!)
Picture
Picture
Our Totality Celebration pretty much lasted all day. Before noon, we packed up our goofy glasses and a cooler with special treats. Path of Totality IPA for the adults. Moon Pies and Sun Chips for all!
On the hill above our cabin, we spent over an hour watching  eclipse drama. There were only a few minutes when the moon totally blocked the sun, but the time before and after was filled with surprises as well. 

Birthday Time

My birthday was on the 9th, but we started celebrating early.
Picture
On the evening of the eclipse, I opened gifts and wore one of them! A Twice in a Lifetime eclipse t-shirt! We toasted with Spellbound Eclipse Chardonnay.
Storms came that night, making us even more appreciative of good eclipse weather! On my real birthday, we had a cozy, stormy morning.  Then a little lunch and antique shopping in small-town Blanco. Then hail and tornado warnings that evening. What a dramatic end to our fun gathering!

Babysitting

A few days after our celebrating, Don and I headed back to Austin, to do some babysitting.
Picture
Charlie smiled big before saying bye to Daddy and Mommy. Don and I had Charlietime, while they attended an out of town wedding.
We happily survived 3 busy days and 4 bedtimes, with this sweet kiddo. Charlie only cried once. That was when she accidentally dropped her bedtime Paci into the toilet. A traumatic (and sort of humorous) moment. 

End of Month Project
​
I'll end the April post, with focus on a comical and cringe-worthy home project. Don assured me his Block and Tackle System would safely get these ancient 10-ton toys down from the attic.
Picture
I had to put all trust in Don and his system, as I guided that toy fridge down those wobbly stairs! Then the stove/sink.
Picture
Crazy that we saved these. Don and I made these toy appliances 30+ years ago. They need a little spiffing up and then we'll see...
​
0 Comments

Marching Through TX, in March 2024

3/31/2024

2 Comments

 

Flowers in Texas

The Bluebonnets appeared this month. A good time to stay in Texas!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Don and I didn't leave the state, but we saw signs of spring all over Texas!
​
Weddings!

March 2024, was a month for weddings! Early in the month we traveled to the Olde Dobbin Station, in Montgomery.
Picture
Picture
It was wonderful to celebrate with my dear friend and neighbor... and Mom-of-the-Bride, Becky!  

​In Houston, I celebrated with my friend Shari, the evening before her son was married.
Picture
Picture
The former home of President and Barbara Bush looked lovely after a rainy day.

Ranch Wedding in Carmine

​Rain also threatened the wedding the next day.
Picture
Picture
Picture
The sun came out just before the ceremony! The nearby animals enjoyed!

​The Mom-of-the Groom looked as spectacular as the setting!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Don and I enjoyed the western decor!
Picture
Picture
We all clearly enjoyed the fun celebration!

Chicken Ranch in Brenham

Attending a wedding, allowed us to have a little extra fun, in the town of Brenham. Don and I stayed with friends at the Dixie Motel!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Luckily most of the property (which began as a chicken farm) has been nicely refurbished. Fun to catch up with Lorrie and John!
​
Aunt Jenni and Aunt Kate

​In mid March, my sister and sister-in-law came to Texas, from Oregon. 
Picture
Picture
We spent a couple days at the cabin, where Kate gave her grand-niece a special gift.
Picture
The flamingo skirt made by Aunt Kate was a hit!  
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
There were some under the weather moments... but it all worked out.
Picture
Picture
The National Park puzzle was completed!

​Hill Country

The 4 of us spent some time traveling around the Hill Country. Fredericksburg had Easter decorations!
Picture
Picture
Sisterdale had a cotton gin and a couple of sisters.

​Gruene had some rain.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
But we had a great meal at the Grist Mill.
​
​Comfort, TX

We took Kate and Jennifer to our favorite small town in Texas.
Picture
Picture
We posed with signs.

And we spent a night at the old Meyer Hotel, from the 1880s.
Picture
Jennifer and I loved seeing our family name, displayed above our dinner table.
Picture
We made use of the porches...
Picture
Picture
Picture
... and swings.

​Hanging Out at Home

​Back in Sugar Land the weather was warm enough for pool time.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The weather was even more perfect for hanging around with paints and books!

Celebrations!
​
​We got in some celebrating. Oscar Night!
Picture
Picture
Kate and Jennifer made an early St. Pat's feast before they departed!

​Don and I had a quiet Easter on the last day of the month.
Picture
Picture
March offered a lot of celebrating, with family and with friends! I'll drink (coffee) to that!
​
2 Comments

All Texas in February 2021

2/29/2024

0 Comments

 

Year of the Dragon!

Don and I celebrated the Lunar New Year at home in Sugar Land, with some good Chinese food and a dragon... and a bear.
Picture
The next day was the Super Bowl and I have no photos and 2 days later was...

Mardi Gras!

We do love a celebration! And so does the Austin fam! So nice to drive only 2.5 hours to celebrate with them. A year ago, they were 2,000 miles away in Oregon. 
Picture
Picture
Don and Heidi cooked up an amazing gumbo.
Picture
No photos of our Sazeracs, but the masks, beads and King Cake were photo-worthy!

Valentine's Day

The main reason we made the trip, was to be there there for Valentine's Day.
Picture
Picture
Heidi got up extra early to make this stylin' 3-year-old a special breakfast. Homemade Poptart and fruit!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
It's a miracle that Miss Independent Girl was willing to put on a festive dress and tiara and pose for a few pics before heading off to school! She seemed excited about her day!

Art in Austin

On the way to Charlie's daycare, we spotted some Valentine art from the road! Made me chuckle!
Picture
In the afternoon, Don and I were back at "school" for a Valentine Party, for 2 and 3 year olds. What a hoot!

Birthday Time!

Then it was time for the next celebration. Valentine's Day was also Charlie's 3rd birthday, so there were presents to open.
Picture
Picture
There was time to play with toys and to eat a a little Indian food. Korma was Char's choice for dinner!

Then it was time to sing and blow out the #3 candle!
Picture
She tackled her Birthday Cheese Cake, with a few techniques.

Flamingos!

It was all about flamingos for the next few days. I loved helping with bath and Charlie loved her new flamingo towel.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
There were flamingo jammies and a hopping flamingo...  
Picture
Picture
There was some dancing with the "furry" pink flamingo puppet!
Picture

​Party!


On Saturday there was a party with friends. The flamingo sweatshirt came off.
Picture
Picture
Charlie romped and climbed and played, (in her favorite her Jimi Hendrix shirt) before pizza and cake.

Home

At home it was fun to watch just a handful of kiddos and adults enjoying the evening.
Picture
I have a feeling these 3 little girls, are going to be amazing independent young women someday.
Picture
Just like their moms! Leigh (L) and Heidi, have been friends since they were about the same age as the daughters. 3 wonderful moms here!

Days of Play

Don and I kept Char home from school for a couple days, so we could play. 
Picture
Picture
So happy the predicted rain held off.

A year ago we celebrated the 2-Year Birthday in Oregon. There was a snow storm.
Picture
Picture
We enjoyed being outside with this little jumper, before heading back home!

Pool Time?

Back home we had work to do. Or workmen to watch. 
Picture
After a few days of demolition, I took a swim in the mess of old tile and coping!

Time at Home

​After months of being on the go, it was nice to have more home time in February. I've gotten back to the piano. 
Picture
Instead of getting frustrated with my sloppy skills, I've been creating my own music, instead. Never a mistake if it's all improvised! That clashing note was supposed to be there! 

Old Boxes

I had time for a little memorabilia sorting. I studied my parent's old wedding photos and felt happy instead of sad. Yes, they were divorced. Yes, they have died. But I'm grateful that I witnessed their sweet reunion in 2005. 
Picture
Picture
I found my grandmother's wedding announcement and my great grandmother's wedding invitation. What treasures!

Time to Explore
​
Sometimes I forget that I don't have to go on a trip to explore.  
Picture
With more home-time this month, I discovered this school in Booth, Texas. 
Picture
Just a 15-minute drive from our house! What an amazing property from 1912!

Slow Progress

​Work on the pool progressed with decent February weather.
Picture
Picture
Picture
I was totally entertained through the windows!
Picture
By the end of the month we had fresh plaster, tile and coping.  In March, we'll replace dead plants and get the patio deck refreshed!
Picture
As we end February, it's too cold to swim, but we at least have water to look at!  Cheers to the hot months ahead!
​
0 Comments

Better in January... 2024

1/31/2024

0 Comments

 

Happy at Home!
 

After such a busy and emotional December, we eased into the first day of January. A lazy day starting with Rose Bowl parade. Then we cheered on Michigan. Funny. I don't even like football.
Picture
I didn't have the proper shirt, so I wore Don's old U of M rugby shirt!
Picture
A week later, we dressed up a bit more and went to dinner. It was the night before Michigan played Washington in HOUSTON!  You never know if any celebs will be in town for the National Championship.
Picture
Picture
There was a festive buzz of energy and we kept a look out. No celebs sighted, but we chatted with many people wearing maze and blue. And we ate well.

Getting Out

The beginning of January, offered good weather. I stopped rolling my eyes and played Pickle Ball for the first time. I had to admit, it wasn't dumb, it was fun and I was pooped after 90 minutes.
Picture
Picture
I did a thing I haven't done in a million years. I went clothes shopping with a friend. Shari found a gorgeous Mother of the Groom dress at the Galleria! I love shopping when I'm not the one trying on clothes!

Weather

January weather was lovely, until it wasn't.
Picture
This photo was taken in mid January, the evening before our big freeze. We lost some plants but kept the pipes from freezing.

Cabin Time

We managed to avoid frozen pipes at the cabin, too. Which is very good, since we had visitors!
Picture
Picture
Charlie came to the cabin for the very first time. It was fun to see her reactions as she discovered things. 
Picture
Picture
Rocks!
Picture
Picture
Puzzles and games!

We had a quick lunch outing...
Picture
Picture
Charlie kept busy, but she did pause for some Mommy time.
Picture
Picture
And we all relaxed and stared at the fire. So much better than a TV.

Charlie helped with real cooking... and pretend cooking. 
Picture
Picture
The iron stove was one that her great-great-grandmother played with as a child. It had been a salesman's sample! What a cozy visit.
​

Heading West

​On January 22, Don and I left the cabin and headed west.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
We stayed at a favorite hotel of ours in Van Horn, Texas.

Saguaro Picnic

​We made sure to allow enough to time in Arizona, for a visit to Saguaro National Park.
Picture
What a perfect place for a winter picnic... and posing with cactus characters.

​Quartzsite, AZ
​

So glad we had time to stop and explore this unusual town! 
Picture
Picture
We visited the grave/monument for Hi Jolly. Hi was not a camel, but he was a camel driver from Syria. Hi died in Quartzsite, in 1902. 

2 Nights in Tucson

We spent 2 nights in the same city, which we rarely do while traveling. Lodge of the Desert was a little oasis. It started welcoming guests in the 1930's.
Picture
Picture
Of course we changed it up and stayed the second night at a totally different kind if place. Casino del Sol. "You booked us in a casino, Don?" 
Picture
Picture
But we had fun, jumping from one kind of atmosphere to the next. Slot machines to tiki bars!

Food & Drink in Arizona

I packed a couple of "just in case shirts".  

(click to enlarge)
You never know when you'll need a western shirt, or a tiki shirt.
​
Villa Royale in Palm Springs

The real destination of our road trip was to see our son and daughter in law in CA, So why not stay at the hotel they told us about last year?
Picture
Picture
It was just as heavenly as they described.
Palm Royale was indeed a retro oasis. We lucked out and hit it on their monthly Paella Night! What a feast!

Upper Lake, CA 

​We drove through Upper Lake a few years ago, and were drawn to the old hotel.
Picture
Picture
This time we got to spend a night at the historic Tallman Hotel.

What an evening with dinner and live music at the hotel's restaurant. I even danced with some locals!
​(click to enlarge)
In the morning, we had breakfast along with the musicians, from the night before. Then we hit the road.

The Coast

Big rains were starting to roll in, when we checked into Heritage House, south of Mendocino.
Picture
Picture
We explored the historic property and took in some incredible views, before the rains hit that night. 

​Napa

We had a rainy drive to Napa the next day. Most go to Napa for the wineries. We were content to just stay put near our hotel, which had once been a milling complex. We wandered with umbrellas.
Picture
Picture
We dined at a sweet French restaurant, spotted a curious octopus near the river and saw the sun peek out the next morning.

Sacramento with The Kids!
​
Our meandering road trip was fun, but the real reason for the trip was to see Scott and Chali. It's hard having them so far away! 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Hanging out in their home, is always my favorite. Lola the pooch loves the attention and we get to catch up, without distraction.

But we did get out for walks in the park and we even had a fun trip wandering through the neighborhood hardware store!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
And there was a brunch, at Bacon & Butter. What a name!

Cha Time

And I had some time with Chali!
Picture
She invited me to my very first Sound Bath experience. Soothing, with curious instruments and magical meditation!
​
I finally got to see a movie at Sacramento's old Tower Theatre!
Picture
Picture
I love old theatres and movies and popcorn! Don and Scott were back home, enjoying some football.

Family!

It was a good start to the 2024. A little quiet home-time and then some travel.
Picture
Picture
But, the absolute best part of January was the time spent with The Kids, in Texas and in California. How lucky I feel to have family that we enjoy, so very much. I of course wish we all lived closer. It's especially tough saying good-bye when you'll soon be nearly 2,000 miles apart. But we have a lot of sweet (and fruity) memories to enjoy... until we get together next!
​
0 Comments

Sadness & Joy in December 2023

12/31/2023

0 Comments

 

Dad and Charlie Time

This photo is not from December, but it captures my bittersweet feelings about this past month. I'm so grateful I was able to spend time with the oldest and youngest members of my family...
Picture
December began with focus on Dad. My sister and I spent the first week of the month, at Dad's bedside. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming, sad and touching... so many emotions. When things felt extra tough, I reminded myself that I would be seeing my granddaughter over the holidays. Charlie is the happiest distraction ever. I'm so grateful that Dad was able to have fun with her, 3 months ago.

Dad Time

This is the Happy Blog, so I won't talk about the darkest moments of our time with Dad. The good parts are shown below. 
Picture
Picture
Jennifer and I were nervous as we headed from the airport to the hospital, but we found Dad alert and with a sense of humor. We laughed and said no to a 6-pack of beer. Dad chuckled over some phone videos and smiled to see photos of his kids from the 1960's.
Picture
Picture
After one night in a hotel, we returned to the hospital early and "moved in". Staff brought another couch and extra food. (Jennifer's sling came a couple days later) Dad mostly slept that first full day, but we got our brothers on the phone when he rallied. When we sisters were worn and ready for bed, Dad suddenly woke and surprised us with a stronger voice. He had much to say, as he shared stories for nearly an hour. Jennifer pulled out her iPad wth an album of Dad's childhood photos. The images triggered more memories. He talked about his brothers and his pretty mother and funny memories of Halloween stunts from his youth. He spoke warmly about his childhood dogs, Skippy and Shep.

Final Days

Dad's doctor didn't know how many days he had left. 2-20 is a big span. Dad basically "slept" for the next few days. Jennifer and I slipped away to his assisted living apartment. Staff greeted us warmly. We found "Welcome Back" notes on Dad's door. It was tough breaking the news (especially to his biggest fan, Annie) that he wouldn't be returning.
Picture
Picture
It wasn't easy (physically or emotionally) rushing to clean out Dad's apartment, while he "rested" a few miles away. But we had good moments, when we found old photos and curious books. Annie was excited when we shared his "Obama Box". She reminded us how thrilled she was when she spotted him wearing an "End Racism" hat. 

The hurried job got even tougher, when Jennifer slipped off a stool. After getting a temporary cast at Dad's hospital, we were back at the apartment the next day, quickly finishing up. 

Good Bye Dad

On December 8th, Jennifer and I got a hotel room for the night. A nurse called before 4 am the next morning, to say our father had died. I guess Dad just needed some peace and quiet, from his slumber party daughters...
Picture
We headed to the hospital to say good-bye. There's nothing Happy about that. But the smiling moon and decorations tried to cheer us. And the chilly air seemed to slap me with a shot of courage. I was relieved to step into empty elevators and quiet halls. I was so very glad to have my sister with me, to face the moment we knew was coming. Kisses, hugs, tears...

​Grateful for This One

Jennifer and I tied up loose ends before we headed to the airport. We drove by our grandmother's house and stopped for a quick selfie, near the stone post we used to climb. Daw's house was our anchor, when our family moved frequently. We stayed in her cozy home, whenever we visited our Springfield relatives. So many memories.
Picture
In recent years, Jennifer and I have met up in Springfield numerous times to visit and care for Dad. On December 9, we stood on our favorite corner in Springfield and wondered when we'd ever be together in this town again. I don't like thinking about that. But, I'm glad we snapped the photo. It's a reminder of just how lucky I am to have this sister of mine, who laughed and cried with me for a week... and broke her arm and kept going. Love you Sis!

​Happy Dad Days

I've shared some heavy stuff for a Happy Blog. So here's a slideshow, with happy pictures of Dad. ​
There are a couple photos from when Dad was a boy and others from when he was a young dad. There are photos with grandkids and his 2 great- grandkids. The most recent photos are from his 95th birthday in September. When I feel the saddest, I remember how we all celebrated, so recently! I'm so happy to have those memories.

December Part 2

There was a foggy week between my farewell to Dad and my much needed hello to Charlie. Knowing the the house would be full of energy and happy noise, got me through!
Picture
I brought a grumpy/sad mood and nagging cold home from Springfield, but there was no time to pamper myself. I still had unpacking to do from Europe and I hadn't started shopping or decorating. My lack of patience was evident, when I found myself ranting over ripped wrapping paper or glaring at long Post Office lines. The way I yanked at the vacuum cord as I raced to clean, showed I was not in the holiday spirit. But suddenly it was the 19th and Charlie and her parents changed everything!

Zoo Light Adventure!

We got into the holiday spirit quickly, with an early Christmas gift from Charlie's Uncle Scott and Aunt Cha! Tickets to Houston's Zoo Lights!
It was just what we needed! It was a colorful night, with illuminated creatures and a few real animal sightings! The carousel might have been Charlie's favorite!

Dining Out

We had 9 days together, so we were able to fit in a few restaurant outings.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Dumplings and lollipops were a hit, at Mori Sushi!

Schnitzel and live music at Rudi Lechner's!  (click to enlarge)
Don was in heaven with his boot-of-beer!
Picture
Picture
Charlie loved the music! Alpenhorn and accordion! She tipped well.

Home-cooking

There were no Christmas cookies in the house until Heidi arrived. 
Picture
The house was filled with wonderful smells every day!
We ate well!!
​
Ready For Christmas

​On Christmas Eve the stockings were hung. We were missing Scott and Chali's stockings this year. But happy to know they were with family, in Thailand.
Picture
Picture
The Christmas Crab was also hanging and ready to be worn! You never know who might get crabby and need to wear the plastic crab necklace!
Charlie was up and ready at 7. We all wore jammies, all day long. Some of us added hats, when the sun poured through the windows and made us squint through gift opening.

9 Days

I'm so grateful that we had so many days together. I needed some festive distraction.
There was time for the park and the piano. Lots of time for play. I needed that.

Skippy

I loved the happy distraction, but I also loved the precious reminders of Dad, throughout the holidays. Charlie for some reason wanted me to read the "Skippy" book to her, numerous times a day. After a couple of days, Charlie was "reading" it to me.
Picture
Picture
This is the book that my dad made for his grandkids in 1989. (My brother did the illustrations) It's the story of a boy, whose dog is missing. Every time I read the story, I remembered Dad when he last spoke in the hospital and talked about his dog Skippy. I never grew tired of reading this story over the holidays. 

Good-Bye 2023

The month began with Dad... and my sister. A good portion of December was spent with Charlie and her wonderful parents.
Picture
The last day of the month and year, was spent with just Don. It was peaceful and lovely. We sat near the fire pit with champagne. I feel very lucky to have had his never-ending support, this month... and always.
​
0 Comments

Playing Tourist in November 2023

11/30/2023

0 Comments

 

Museum & Lunch

When Don's sister visited in early November, we had lunch and visited the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
Picture
We dined near the museum, at a cafe table that reminded me of Paris... which was exciting since Don and I (just days before) booked a spontaneous trip to Paris 

Art Near Home

With Jane, we practiced being traveling tourists at the museum.  
Picture
Picture
Picture
We walked some miles seeing numerous exhibits at the museum!​

​Museums & Galleries

The very next day we were off to Austin where we joined family and played tourist a little bit more. 
Picture
Picture
Weather was lousy, but the Thinkery Museum for kiddos was a blast!

​
​More Art

Jane and I enjoyed touring some studios and galleries.
Picture
"Austin's Studio Tour" festival, gave us a chance to meet artists in their own studios.

Best Entertainment

Besides galleries and museums, there was time for Charlie's last soccer match. 
Picture
And there was time to hang out at the house. Coloring, puzzling and hamming it up a bit! ❤️

​Paris

​By November 22nd, Don and I were suddenly in Paris! Our last visit was 24 years ago.
Picture
It was a last minute decision, since we had no holiday plans and flight costs were low!

Fouquet's

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Fouquet's, just like we did in 1999.
Picture
Years ago, Don and the kids studied the brass plates on the walkway, looking for the names of famous visitors. This time, I posed on the red carpet. Things looked a lot more decorated!

Eating Through Paris

We ate a lot. Food and drink always tastes better in lovely settings, like Fouquet's and Musee d'Orsay and Hotel Bristol.
We ate inside quaint cafes and at a tiny outside table in Montmarte, watching the artists, paint and sell. 

Walking Through Paris

Although we Uber-ed a couple times, we mostly walked. And walked and walked.
That's how you burn off all the French food!

Museum Time

We only had 4 days in Paris, so we chose Musee d'Orsay over the Louvre. We loved seeing the classics, like  Degas' Little Dancer. 
But we also love the grand building itself and the stunning views from windows!

Strasbourg, France

​I'd barely heard of Strasbourg, until the day after we decided to go to Paris.
Picture
I woke up and peeked at Instagram and saw a mind-blowing reel, showing magical images of the old city's annual Christmas Markets. We booked 2 nights in the storybook town, on the border of Germany.

Night Market

There are numerous Christmas Markets in Old Strasbourg, all just steps from our hotel.
At night we bundled and joined the crowds. Ate pretzels and German sausage and hot wine, as we wandered.

Exploring

​In the early morning, it was easier to see the old village without crowds. 
I meandered and found us some wonderful restaurants... we returned and ate some memorable meals!

Zurich

A quick trip to Paris had been the plan. But when we realized we could fly out of Zurich, we added 2 nights.
We had one full  day with sunshine, in Zurich.

Food & Drink Adventures

While wandering, we did come across some fun dining options. Our lunch at the ritzy Baur au Lac Hotel, was heavenly.
Walking back from lunch, we discovered the Conelli Circus, floating over the water. The circus was almost over, but we were welcomed into the bar and enjoyed coffee. A perfect dinner of Swiss Fondu in our hotel, on our last night! 

Old Zurich

The best part of Zurich was the sweet old town area. We stayed in a centuries old, hotel. Hotel Adler was just steps away from quaint shops and churches and lovely old fountains.  
On the morning before departing, the snow began to fall and we made it to the airport before big traffic issues.

Christmas in November!

We flew home on the last day of November, feeling like the Christmas holidays were in full swing!
Picture
Picture
Picture
All 3 cities surprised us with festive decor! We finished up the month happy... and cold! Ready for some Texas warmth!
​
0 Comments

Gathering in Fun Places... in October 2023

10/31/2023

0 Comments

 

Birthdays in Austin

We don't need excuses to gather, but we let 2 October birthdays nudge us towards a little reunion.
Picture
Picture
Picture
We celebrated Heidi and Don's birthdays, over the first weekend of the month.

Been a While

In recent years, we've managed to get our gang together... in many places.
This was the first time we've all been together in Austin, since both of these young couples got married over 5 years ago. Cheers to that!

Celebrating with Food

We had a fun birthday dinner outing...
Lots of good food and lots of lingering.

Hanging at the House

We spent a lot of the time hanging out at Heidi & Jamie's house.
After months of sizzling hot weather, we had a pleasant-coolish weekend.

Hanging at the Pumpkin Patch

It was perfect weather for visiting a pumpkin patch.
Picture
At just over 2 1/2, Charlie was the perfect age. Actually we all were.

Chicago
​
A few days later, Don and I met up in Chicago, with Heidi.
Picture
Picture
Chicago weather was not ideal, but it was cozy in our little hotel.
Picture
Picture
Our schedule (and lots of rain) didn't allow us much time for exploring... but we had fun.
Picture
Picture
We managed to squeeze in a few good eats... plus a very important (pretend) phone call.
Picture
Picture
We were able to sample some Polish pierogi, in the neighborhood where Don's Polish grandparents once lived.

Why Chicago?

We made the trip to Chicago, for a happy reason. Heidi's friend since preschool, was getting married.
Picture
Picture
Nathalie's mom (Milissa) and I have been friends since the 1990's.
Picture
Picture
Two special evenings...
Picture
Picture
And lots of smiles. These 2 haven't changed much!

​Exploring Iowa
​
Heidi flew back to Texas and Don and I spent 6 days exploring Iowa, in a rental car.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
I loved my view from the passenger seat, spotting changing colors and curious barns. Fields of dry cornstalks.. an Amish buggy!

6 Nights

Don and I have our own childhood memories of Iowa. I lived in Grinnell till age 10. Don grew up visiting relatives in Iowa. We spent 6 days traveling around the state, staying in interesting places.
Picture
Picture
We had popcorn in Perry and met a pup in Decorah.
Picture
Picture
We had breakfast in old Dubuque and I read books overlooking the Mississippi River.

Pleasant Places

We stayed in mostly small towns and a couple small-ish cities. 
The slideshow above shows the places we stayed and the wandering we did nearby.

​Cheers 


Every evening, we relaxed in a new place. We had a relaxed poolside toast in Iowa City. We had a riverside drink, overlooking the Mississippi.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
We sipped wine looking down over Main Street in Dubuque and said "Cheers to our 44th Anniversary", in Hotel Pattee's library! 

Grinnell

On October 20th, I dropped Don off at the Des Moines airport and headed for Grinnell.
Picture
I was excited-nervous about reuniting with my old buddies Joanna and Debbie for a couple days, in the town where I lived my first 10 years.

1967 and 2023

I remember the day Debbie's dad took the photo on the left. My family was getting ready to move to Florida.
Picture
Deb and Jo no longer live in Grinnell, but Jo's stepmom does. She took our photo when we stopped in for a glass of wine.

​Wandering

It was wonderful to wander the old college campus and parks and neighborhoods, where we used to ride our bikes.
Picture
We stayed in Hotel Grinnell, which used to be Grinnell's Junior High.
Picture
Picture
Debbie and Joanna have memories of walking the halls as students, in the 100 year old building. I don't think they ever enjoyed a Margarita in this building until 2023.
Picture
Picture
We regressed to the kids we were in 1967, with candy cigarettes and Bugles... comic books and troll dolls..

We wore the "Not Now" ties (used for door signs) and took our candy cigarettes and water glasses into the halls to misbehave.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
A very nice staff member humored us and snapped some photos.

Catching Up

It was fun to compare childhood memories.
Picture
But it was also special to get caught up as adults. There was a lot of catching up to do.

Wandering in Grinnell

I wish I had more photos of Grinnell from when I was a child. I made sure to take many, when we explored. 

Summer Street

I borrowed one of the hotel bikes before I left town and rode down my old street. I knocked lightly on the door of what had once been "the yellow house". No answer, but I was just happy to stand on my favorite porch!
Picture
Picture
My Grinnell visit was a good trip down memory lane. I'm so glad I was able to reconnect with old friends and to reconnect with my 10-year-old self a little bit!  I may have changed in 56 years, but I still love a good sweatshirt!

Halloween

​We spent the end of the month enjoying home!  We ate some healthy food on Halloween... lots of candy and chili, too! 
Picture
I Facetimed with poor little Charlie who was sick on Halloween. She helped me decide which pumpkin to carve. You can tell which one she picked.
Picture
Sadly, not a single trick-or-treater rang our bell. So we'll be eating a lot more candy in November!
​
0 Comments

Family & Friends in September 2023

9/30/2023

0 Comments

 

Dad's 95th Birthday 
​
In the beginning of September we gathered in Springfield, to celebrate Dad's 95th!
Picture
Dad is pictured above, with his 4 kids and spouses, 3 of his grandkids, his great-granddaughter and her daddy. Over Labor Day weekend, the 12 of us traveled from 6 states to celebrate with Dad in Missouri.

The Meyer Clan

On the second of September we gathered with more family at my cousin's.  Dad was born in Springfield exactly 95 years before.  
Picture
Most of the Meyer gang still live in Springfield, where Dad grew up. Since I've never lived in town with relatives, it boggles my mind (in a wonderful way) to see all these connected people, in one place!

Hats and Cake

All felt amazingly relaxed, as we gathered on a lovely day. Food, Family... party hats for some!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
There were little ones for Dad to watch. Cake to sing around. And a quick "speech" by Chris, that made Dad laugh!

Birthday Party Slideshow

This slideshow gives a glimpse of the fun. 
It was a pleasant lunchtime gathering. We made sure to get a photo of Dad and his kids, before the party broke up.
Picture
Springfield is Dad's hometown, not ours. However, my siblings and I have fond memories of yearly visits to see relatives in the town.

Cherry and Pickwick in Springfield

​We 4 kids grew up in many in different towns. I feel like I remember more street names from Springfield, than anywhere I've lived. Our young mom once lived on Pickwick. Our young dad worked at a grocery store on Cherry.
Picture
Today, the neighborhood near this sign, is a fun and hopping area. We  made this neighborhood our home for a few days, while we visited.

Cherry Street Grocery

​When I was little, I thought it was so cool that my dad had worked at a grocery store as a teen. The old Cherry Street Grocery, is now a gift shop. 
Picture
Picture
Above the shop, there are now 2 Airbnb rentals called Pickwick Places. A few of us stayed there. Right above Dad's old store!

Cherry Street House

The rest of us stayed a few doors down at this adorable rental, sitting right on Cherry Street.
Picture
We have no history with this house. But having a porch brought back memories of the porch games from childhood. Kitty in the Corner!
Picture
Picture
It felt like home, having a porch and sofas and a dinner table, to gather around,
Picture
The evening before Dad's birthday, we gathered with party hats...
Picture
... and we toasted to the Birthday Boy.

Having a backyard also made it feel like we had gone back in time.
Picture
Picture
My brother Chris, grilled up the same bbq chicken recipe that my Grandpa Meyer used years ago.

Cherry Street Slideshow
 
Here are more photos of hanging out at the Cherry Street House.
No explanations needed.

Springfield Highlights

We had a few days, to hit some favorite places. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Steak n Shake is always a must.

Great Grandpa's Place

We had no idea how 2 1/2 year old Charlie would be with her Great G
randpa.
Picture
Picture
First of all she managed to call him Great Grandpa, which is a mouthful. And she was more than happy to go along with Great Grandpa's playful games and teasing.
Picture
Picture
Heidi and Scott got in their own poses before saying good-bye.

Exploring with Scott

Before taking Scott to the airport, we fit in a neighborhood run together. Scott ran slow for me and we made some little stops... at a small park.
Picture
Picture
Then, Scott posed with the rock pillar in front of his great grandmother's old house. I remember when I was finally big enough to climb it.

More Relatives

At Scott's request we stopped to see the graves of my mom and her relatives.
Picture
Picture
It was a sweet visit, until a thunderstorm forced us to dash back to the car. 

From Springfield to Eureka Springs, AR

Don and I departed Springfield, the day after Labor Day. We drove home to Texas, making a stop for the night in Arkansas.
Picture
Picture
It's always nice to see the curious Ozark town, when it's quiet, after a busy holiday weekend. 

Nola in Arkansas

​We stayed at the old New Orleans Hotel.
Picture
Picture
Eureka Springs always reminds me of New Orleans, with its wrought iron balconies.
Picture
Picture
We didn't have a room on the balcony-lined front. Instead we had a room on the back with a sunporch, looking out at the spiral, iron fire escape!

Cheers!

Like Nola, Eureka Springs often has a bit of a noisy, party vibe going on. Mostly with motorcycles coming through.
Picture
We enjoyed a drink in the hotel's Voodoo Lounge. It was quiet, (unlike Nola) and that suited us just fine. We toasted to a good birthday celebration.

One More Visit

Don and I made one more quick trip in late September. 
Picture
Picture
It's nice to be only 2.5 hours from Austin. We had a good visit with this little girl and her parents.
Picture
Picture
Char loves round things, like soccer balls and pumpkins.
Picture
Picture
And she loves dressing up! It's not even October!

Friends

September was also a month for seeing some special (unrelated) people. My childhood friend Diane, came to Houston for work and we met up at her hotel.
Picture
Picture
I brought along some old dolls to amuse us. It's been 58 years since we were next door neighbors. I was 8 then and that's about how I acted, when I spilled my red wine all over my lap! Honestly, I had only 2 sips before that mess!

Friends Nearby

We also saw some friends who don't live so far away. 
Picture
Pat and Susan made me laugh, but I spilled no wine.

Texas "Reunion"

At the end of the month, my college friend Martha and her hubby Bill visited from Colorado.  
Picture
We got in the Texas spirit with some western bandanas for our photo. (goofy glasses, candy necklaces and leis in the past) My stomach muscles were sore after our 24 hour visit!

September Skies

As the month came close to the end, I caught some beautiful skies.
Picture
At the lake, we saw eerie clouds before an evening storm. The sky was glowing in the morning.
Picture
From our backyard at home, I caught the full moon in the morning and the sunset in the evening. A good way to end a full month!
​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>
    Picture

    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. After 7 months, I stopped the daily habit and aimed for monthly posts. 

    ​Now, at the end of each month, I look back at all the things I enjoyed in the weeks before. I share some photos, along with a few words. It's a good reminder to myself, to feel grateful every day. 

    Archives

    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Homepage
  • Little Bear's Adventures
  • Diverse Dining List
  • 90 Notable Nights
  • Happy List
  • Quilt Adventure Blog
  • Not So Happy List
  • The Texas Twenty List
  • Mom's Picnic List
  • 18+ Dance Adventures
  • 55 Strangers
  • The Barbie Bucket List
  • 60 Celebrations
  • 57 Celebrations of the Fifties!