Happy Father's Day!!!
Best wishes to all the dads, especially: Hal, Tony, Wayne, Don, Martin, Henry, Stephen, Geof, Sonny, Scott, Joel, Jim, Andy, Ed, Charles, etc, etc.

I had my last watercolor class on Wednesday the 17th. See my Art link.

Last summer our beloved weather station conked out and even though we tried everything, it just would not revive. We kept it on the window sill, and just kept looking at it, noting the indoor temps, and nothing else. It was as though we had this deer in the headlight look, and did nothing.
I contacted the manufacturer, Maverick Industries in New Jersey, and their service rep was really nice and helpful, but I did nothing. School began, the winter rains came, I did nothing. Spring came, school resumed, I did nothing.
Then one day I said enough. Contacted the rep again, got the ok to return the unit, packed it all up, sent it snail mail, and lo and behold, within 7 days we received a new unit. I opened it, unpacked, assembled it and here it is. I know, the post is a little late, but to prove to myself that this really is here, I took a photo.
Many, many thanks to Elizabeth O. at Maverick Industries. We are so grateful. Bring on the summer and the heat.

Guess what I found today?
I was looking for a garden bench in the local hardware store, and my husband pointed out these funny looking boxes. Yesss! We got some D cell batteries, and these little spikes are going to be installed right outside the house, next to the trees.
Oh, yes, and speaking of the trees? Yesterday, when I was not looking the deer were by...
But, I went online and found some really god-awful homemade stuff I'm going to create in my very own kitchen, and spray, and spray and spray! Life is good.

My nemeses are back!

Happy Birthday, Tony!
May this day be a blessing, relaxing and wonderful for you! You have been the best son-in-law, husband and father. I am sending you a major hug. I love you, Tony.

In addition, today is the real Memorial Day!
I am sending my heartfelt thanks to Shawn M. and Sgt. David T., both of which are trying their best to recover from heinous wounds received in battle.

Living over here, and being way from the sounds and sights of battle, we cannot fully understand or appreciate the will power and determination it takes to do this type of work; then be wounded, and return, only to fight another, totally horrible, depressing battle, adjusting to and surmounting the inflicted physical and emotional damage. It is mind-boggling and scary.
I truly appreciate the gift of a free life offered to me by thousands of men and women whom I have never met. Thank you.

Also, I want to mention my grandson, Cruz, who had his third birthday this last week. Judging from the photo your mom sent, Cruz, I know you had a great time! Hopefully, next year, your grandpa and I can be there to celebrate with you. Happy Belated Birthday!

Memorial Day, May 25, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!