In Search Of Spring!

 I awoke to the sound of thunder and bright flashes of lightning on Sunday morning.

Guess Shirley and my late breakfast plans just flew out the window. 

                                                  The weather did clear up. 

We had a nice early lunch at Panera Bread. Catching up on the latest with the two of us. 

                                     Then we set off in search of some signs of spring. 

Neither of us had our cameras! When will We ever learn to not leave the house without them!!!

                               Cell phones sufficed. Here is a portion of what Shirley took.

I sat in the car. We were on some pretty uneven ground and at my age, I can't trust my feet on unevenness. 

                                                     BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

The tulip that Grandson Chris had given me is bringing me great joy these days.

Just look how pretty it is!

Lobsters On The Loose

 

So much of my life now is encased in memories. With the pandemic and not having social outings to look forward to that has helped put me in this frame of mind. And, too, I am going through all my pictures (and believe me they count in the thousands and thousands) making sure each is identified, dated, etc. 

So, memories flood my mind. 

Like the time a big box was delivered at our door. Susan had said 'open it right away'.

Well, there was something live in there!!!! I could hear the scratching and crawling around. 

                                     Box said Maine Lobsters. 

I was not going to open that box and have lobsters crawling out and running all over the place. I'm scared of crawly things. 

Luckily we had recently moved next door to Shirley and John. I picked up the telephone and yelled,

                        'Help... I need Chris to come open this box'. 

So, grandson Chris came running. He wasn't a scaried cat like his grandmother! 

So, here we are with lobsters, live ones! And, I am supposed to do something with them. But, What!!!

Chris is an excellent cook so he got the job as chef. Shirley and John brought over some steak. With Chris manning the stove, we all had a wonderful surf and turf dinner that night. 

We've never gotten another gift like that... thank goodness! Chris doesn't live next door anymore.  

Fortune's Rocks

                                           What I'm Reading

To begin with I could not get into this book. I'd read Anita Shreve before but for some reason I couldn't figure out where she was going with this character, Olympia. But, I persevered and suddenly it was like I could not read fast enough to find out what was happening next. 

I don't want it to be a spoiler for you so won't tell you much. Time frame: turn of the century (1899-1900s) and this 15 year old girl makes a decision that changes her life and those around her. 

I got deep into the book and liked how she was moving along to alter what had happened to her and then she ups and does something else stupid. (at least in my eyes) and it made me so angry. That's not how I wanted it to go. But, I still have about 1/4 of the book to go yet so I will continue on. That girl had better make me happy again!! 

I like happy endings. This book has had so many twists and turns and surprises. Glad I stuck with it. 

St. Patrick's Day

 

'tis a wee bit of an Irish wish for ye t'day. 

In 1996 my oldest daughter, Marie and I flew to Ireland where we joined a bus trip, touring the Irish countryside and the cities, as well.

It was a grand time. Once in a lifetime... and one I will never forget. 

I just thought I'd share some of our photos from that trip.

Our trip riding in a jarvey.

Peat bogs are spongy.. here I am bouncing

up and down on a peat bog.

Cliffs of Moher. Beautiful Irish lad playing hauntingly beautiful melodies

Here's wishing a Happy St. Patrick's day to all who are Irish and all those who wish they were! 

I Love Paris..... in the Springtime.

 I knew that I needed to get rid of some of my 'old fashioned stuff' and get more up to date. Shirley said to me, 'Mom, I know you miss Paris and you can't go so why don't you bring a little bit of Paris into your living room?'

Well, that did it!! I have begun making some changes. Still have more to do. 

                Before                                                 After

 

I've always wanted something sitting on the floor by my tv console. The sliding glass doors are there and it just needed something....                                                    Here's what I chose. 

I used to have a heavy, dark color fruit painting over my couch. Then I brought in a Kinkade painting that just didn't do anything. Too blue/gray, cold, wintery look. 

This, when it is framed, is gonna brighten up that spot.

It reminds me of what I love about Paris. The sidewalk cafes, the flower vendors along the sidewalk, Now if I could just add a musican to play some French music.

Hey. All I gotta do is say 'Alexa' play some French music and I've got it. 

Perfect!

Tulips and Tomatoes, oh my!!

 It's been an interesting week... 

Not too much going on but just enough to keep me going....

My daughter and grandson came one day and brought me goodies. Chris had picked me up a potted tulip. He knows I miss flowers blooming. Wasn't he thoughtful? I can't wait to see what color they are.

Shirley brought me tomatoes and grapes. I have been enjoying some great BLTs. 

Another day Shirley and hubby John came bringing my favorite chicken sandwich. Chic-fil-a, of course with Cherry Coke to drink. 

Then John put together an end table I had ordered to go by my recliner. 

What a difference that made. 

I miss, so much, the ability to just get out and go!

But, soon. With my vaccines over with, I feel more at ease but will remain cautious. 

Guess that's the highlights of this week. 

Hope your week has been a good one.