Mother's Day and May Fun

I am so blessed to have my Mom and Mother in Law in town. We had them over for Mother's day for dinner and it was so nice. I was able to use my New England Ironstone Liberty Blue China I have been collecting for a few years. I figured I could host for this day and make it whatever I wanted. I made a bouquet for my mom at the demonstration garden in Loomis which I helped with fundrasing(Master Gardeners) for that garden. I made another flower arrangement from fresh flowers we got at a bridal shower for my friend's daughter. I was asked at that shower to put together some flowers for two of my friends to take home. One told me I should teach arranging on Youtube, I thought about it for a miniute then discounted the idea! It turned out to be a lovely time that week with flowers all around. there was goodness for the celebration. I love that Rah Rah brought her guacamole and rolls. I made clam chowder for this and then later made it with a better consistency for a bunko group I substituted for. I cannot believe how kind everyone is around here. I go to book group and hosted this month. We covered two books "Gone before Goodbye" and "Dear Mr. Knightley". We all talked and laughed and they stayed late at my house which made me so happy. I love that I still have Celia and Spencer still around town. Spencer liked to go swimming for two seconds at the grandparents house and its a great routine. Joe came to visit this month and we relaxed for quite a while in my parents pool. I loved hearing the waterfall that flows into the pool and feeling that the water was warm made it all even better. With Joe we had clam chowder again at Pier 39 as Celia and I picked him up from the SF airport for a visit. We had fun going to book stores and visiting our favortie places to eat. We had family time and I loved having him around to tell us all about protein and hearing the compliments the grandparents gave him on his gym/weight loss muscle gaining journey. Celia and I got to go to the All American Rejects concert at Thunder Mountain Casino. We thought it was only for 21 and older, but Brian told us to check it out and we learned that one can be younger if with someone older. I am glad we went. There were new songs and we had a fun ride on a little tram from the parking lot that felt pretty fancy. That band and may not be coming around again any time soon, but we took advantage of the moment and made a good memory. Things have been challenging in many areas lately, but I believe we have to look for the positive and things are going well too. I feel blessed and hopeful for greater things to come this year.

Blessed Boat Ride

I was enjoying visiting Oahu again. I felt like I had been so recently that I did not need to do the touristy stuff. I had my routines of walking the coves with my Dad in the mornings and hot-tubing at night. I often talked to people in the hot tub and they were locals enjoying Koolina and they had fun ideas for what to do around town that was extra special. I was so glad we visited the temple on the east side of the island. I felt quite a bit of peace there on the south side of the temple where there was so much nature and things looks undisturbed. The area is so lush and besides the bell, it was quiet. The right side of the temple had shopping and I did not feel the same peace there. We visited botanical gardens and made pearl jewerly on the trip and had so much fun relaxing. The highlight for me was the boat ride. We took a sunset cruise from Honolulu and sailed a bit while we enjoyed the deep blue waters. It was very calm and I was so relaxed and happy. I want to be a sailor now, but only if it could be so calm. I did get to see a whale show up and move quite quickly through the water. I saw the tail and all the spouting of water as it came up for air. It was a special moment. We also got to see a string quartet play at an old church in town and that was pretty neat too. There were delays with the flight and nothing was perfect, but the time there was appreciated and I feel so blessed.

Encore and Valentine's

I can't believe I got to go back to see The Killers this month, but much closer up! The girls and I went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Wheatland and had floor tickets. I was soo excited! I knew I would get a concert t-shirt there so I decided to wear my Yellowcard shirt I had recently bought. I'm glad I did. Emmy's friend saw the yellowccard shirt and then saw Emmy and came up to us. He works there and was able to give Celia some water when she took a break. I felt so grateful that Celia was getting attention while I was throughly enjoying the concert. Celia's friend was there too and she got to see her breifly which was so fun! The girls and I prepped for the concert by getting some see through purses and backpacks at Target and eating In N OUt on the way. Brandon was weairng a red suit which was perfect for this hard rock casino. I loved his rendtition of The Man and pretty much the whole concert. He sang Be Still and it was sooo touching! I feel so blessed to have that experience and to have Emmy come to town for it. There was a cold going around right before the concert and I had it for a few days. I think I was spared from having it soo long by getting my flu shot. I was healthy and fine by the time it was time to go to the concert. I told my mom we'd do a raincheck for Valentines's day at her house. We ended up seeing my folks for for Thai for lunch. We came home to soo many flowers and chocolate from Brian. We were truly spoiled and we loved it. I saw Spence and sent home valentines for the Utah boys. I've felt a lot of love an encouragement through some harder time and I can't say I'm grateful enough!I had a root canal and a CT Scan. but I can say I'm good and doing wonderful now.

Im so glad I got a chance to see the KIllers again , but in California!

Fun in the New Year

This new year was packed with more fun in the beggining than usual. I was excited to have the thought of going to see "The Killers" in Vegas in my mind for the whole month. Emmy figured out the code for presale tickets to be encore. SHe is such a smarty! First though, Onder and Celine had a belated Christmas party at this beautiful, fancy, modern and delicious resturantand I was excited all month with anticipation. I love going with them to have several course meals. I think they are better dinners than the whole KJ Christmas parties we went to for years. I always was excited when Brian would bring home a flyer with information for a work party. It is a time for me to dress up! I wore my high heels and its fun to have and occasion to go out at night and make a concerted effort to be cute. The evening was wonderful and we had a great time. I'm glad with what I chose to eat and I feel so blessed to participate and meet new friends. "The Killers" in Las Vegas were fantastic. I loved running around town with Emmy eating at many places and shopping around. We got a lot of steps napped in the middle and went out again after changing shoes and learned to use the monorail! The breakfasts we had I found on Maps with 4.7 ratings and theywere so good! I was worried I'd miss my flight but it was delayed so I had all the time in the world. The Lions were exciting and I was getting a little close to Winston and looking him in his eye, He lunged forward with a tiny growl and set me in my place. I was spooked and gave him the respect he demanded. Apparently, you don't look a predator in the eyes. I am learning still at my age, but I hoping to be so much more careful than I have ever been. Life is good and seeing Spence and having Celia at home has been a blessing. Time is flying by, but I can't wait to see what this year Brings! Yay, 2025!