Day 14/ Out of the teen years

Happy 20th Birthday S2!!

Day 13/Dog Days

It was too hot outside for the garden digging dog and his faithful companion.

Cats Resting

Obviously I need to teach them how to iron and sweep!

Day 12/Pool Time

Working outside can in this kind of weather (heat index of 100) can make one ill. So what to do ? Head down to the pool which is 1/2 mile away. It is cool, spring fed and feels great on a hot day.

Day 11

I looked at the Black Bottom Cupcakes that I made two evenings ago and decided that they were not potluck food. After all, most of us at the dinner are/were preschool teachers and can I say that we really don't like cupcakes. At least not at school. Messy - chocolate being the worst. Then there are the icings. Especially that nasty blue that likes to stain faces.

So I went out and bought more ingredients and decided to put them into a bundt pan. Chocolate first. Cream cheese filling next. Then another layer of chocolate. Decided that 350 would be the temp and pulled it out maybe 40 minutes? later. Let it cool. It came out of the pan perfect. Yipee!

Raspberries went into the blender next. Pureed with a little sugar added. I like the tart taste.


At the party the cake was cut into thin slices with raspberry sauce poured over it. But I could see it on a plate with a drizzle of sauce put onto the plate first and maybe a tiny drizzle over. Then a garnesh of whipped cream (the real stuff) with a sprig of mint and a fresh raspberry.

The photo above shows lunch. A sandwich from one of my favorite places - a gourmet restaurant that is hooked onto a gas station. There is also a mini coffee shop to the side and that is the only place from where I will drink iced coffee.

Day 10/Looking at you

Or at us as the case may be. The boys gave their dad a video camera for the computer so that now we can chat face to face. Right now I'm finding it kind of big brother/creepy. But I will get over it.

Day 9

I have joined a string ensemble - bending to the wishes of my instructor. Shoot me now.

Day 8

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The front garden and my outdoor supervisor.

Day 7

 

 

 

The cleaning of cupboards continues as does the watching of World Cup. Took a break from cleaning and worked on copying/making patterns for future projects.
We had storms south and east of us last night which led to an extraordinary sunset.

Day 6

Some gifts from Africa on the wall. Hand painted picture and hand carved giraffe.

Day 5

I am quickly losing track of time/what day it is. Actually started that over the weekend :-).
Am doing the HUGE job of cleaning out cupboards and putting out new shelf paper.
It will be a long process, even with cat supervision/help.

Day 4

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Drop Cookies



**S1 came across 2 bears on a hike in the National Park on Thursday. Have not seen photos yet. One was in a tree, the other further along the trail. Only the first one noticed him.

Day 3

Day 2/Yes We Can!

Day 1

 

 

More Photos from Africa

June, 4

Dear Son,

You should be in the air and on your way back to the States by now. Actually on your way to Amsterdam.

Yesterday afternoon we had a doozy of a rainstorm. Our house never lost power but it is still out in parts of the city. (We were without air today at work and parts of the school did not have lights). The photos were taken at work this morning. Two of the three parking lots were closed as limbs were gathered and trees cut up. This tree fell right next to the church on top of the maintenance man's car. Did very little damage to the jeep. The branches went around the vehicle except for the very back side. That the guy went out to roll up his windows just before it happened and missed being crushed by the tree was amazing.

Your brother is out of town but will be back for your arrival. He called last night to tell me that as he has seen photos that have been posted by others of Africa that he wanted me to know that you have not been eaten by lions! Ha!

We are awaiting your arrival.

Love, Mom

Alexander McCall Smith and The Double Comfort Safari Club

Absolutely my favorite book of the series. Full of everyday wisdom and delight.

My Current Struggle with the Violin

3rd position is not one of my favorite ways to play.

June 1/ The Double Comfort Safari Club

Dear Son,

I am reading the above book which is by Alexander McCall Smith. An interesting man who, when I met him a couple of years ago at a book signing, wore a kilt. The title of the book however makes me think of you and your adventure.

A quote from the book reminds me of your great grandparents - the one that you are named for and his wife.

"Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni listened politely. He knew that Mma Mateleke had a tendency to talk at great length; indeed, he could always tell when Mma Ramotswe had been to see her friend because she inevitable came back not only exhausted but also disinclined to say very much. "Mma Mateleke has done all my talking for me today," she once said. "I cannot say anything more until tomorrow. Or maybe the day after that. It has all been said."

Your great grandparents called me one day when I was at college. As usual Grandma did most of the talking. Eventually there was a pause and she said "Well Reuben, aren't you going to say anything?" Another pause and then his reply. "There is nothing left to be said."

Cracks me up every time that I think of it.

Love,

Mom