Dad before.

My dad hasn't been feeling too well lately, and will not be improving. This is the big thing that is going on in our family. I am blessed to have two parents at my age, (54) and have long appreciated it. My parents have been married since they were 18.

I want to post about this without offending a family member who objected to a post I made in June. I took the offending post down even though I did not feel it was disrespectful at all. I didn't want to offend. I still don't want to offend, but I have to post.

God is good, and he is bringing our family together in different ways in this situation. Dad is comfortable, for the most part, and will be staying at home as long as we can keep him there. I won't discuss the health details too much because my family member objects.

Blessings in this situation:

Big families are good. Brothers and sisters to share ideas, rescources, and time.
It's nice to have your family while you are young. You have more time with your children.

I'm back

I've been mulling over things and I've decided to resume blogging. I've had a lot going on in my life, and my blog has fallen by the wayside, as I've tried to figure things out.

So, you'll be hearing from me again.

Grow it in a Pot: Zucchini

I"m having a lot of fun with my "garden" this year. As you know, the growing season is very short in the mountains, and even though I tried to grow veggies something always happened. You know. Animal problems. Animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, or my own dogs would eat or dig up the plants. Or we'd get an unexpected frost.


But now I don't live in the mountains. I live in a canyon. With a real backyard. I've excited to be able to try again.

I began in March by planting Burpeee seeds in those little pellet pots. The germinated and thrived. I transferred them to big pots, filled with Miracle Grow Potting soil. I have to tell you that Miracle Grow it the best, if you don't have your own compost going.

On Monday I harvested enough fresh tender young zucchini for our family dinner with friends. I enjoy watching these vegetables grow, and I'm reminded that God created all life, and I'm thankful that He created gardens!

Roses for Mother's Day

I took these pictures this morning to share with you all.

A Mother's Day Basket

I was playing around with my photobooth program on my IMac again, and took a picture of a basket that I painted and had fired. It's a nice brown color, but I did it in sepia. Anyway, I'm filling it with something to give my mom for Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day, and Don't Drink Too Much!

I just had to say that! A really sweet parent (her son is in another first grade class), wished me a happy Mother's Day as she left school. She added, "Don't drink too much." Now, I don't drink. I am really puzzled by this. Do people consider Mother's Day a drinking holiday?


We finished up the Mother's Day gifts and cards, got them wrapped up, and sent home. The children loved making presents for their moms. I'm sure that the mother's will enjoy them!

This has been such a busy week for me. I've been in state mandated math training for the last three days. I think it that it has been worthwhile, but prepping and planning for the sub has taken me time each day after school. I have two days of training left to complete, and I'll be finished!

This week the children will make picture frames to give to their moms on Mother's Day. I have 40 pictures to edit and get printed today. I'm having the first graders paint and decorate wooden frames. Today I'll make a couple of samples to show the children.


I haven't been feeling well for the last week to two, and I think that it could be allergies, or a virus. I went to my hematologist for a six month "check up" appointment yesterday and he referred me for a couple of CT scans with contrast. I am thinking that I do not really need the scans. I appreciate his ordering them. Once you go through the type of "incident" that I did with the hypercoagulation which caused a DVT, Pulmonary embolisms, and hemorrhagic stroke, it is easy to be a little concerned about things. I am on Warfarin for the rest of my life.

I realized this yesterday evening that my stroke happened on Mother's Day in 2007. Next week will be the second anniversary.


I want to spent the gift of time that God has given me wisely. I want to show His love to those people around me, and care for my family.

I promise some fun posts soon!

It's Warming UP!

I'm trying not to miss the mountains. The weather there this time of year is usually so nice.


The thermometer in my backyard read 95 today in the shade. My house is air conditioned. We are quite comfortable at home. I have tile floors downstairs, which seem to keep the house cooler. I suspect that the water in the pool will be a good temperature for swimming before too long. I enjoy going outside at sunset and soaking my feet in the refreshing water while the sun dips lower and lower. Chloe and Riggley always come outside with me and enjoy investigating whatever they find. I have several large tubs of vegetables growing, mostly squash, tomatoes of various types, and onions. I also have herbs. I am enjoying this part of living "down the hill."


This week I'll go to the Los Angeles Zoo with my First Grade class. We've been discussing animals, and the children are a counting down the days until we go. Such excitement! We only go on one field trip each year, and the children have been looking forward to this for a long time.


I took pictures of these blooming flowers last year. I love the gardens at the zoo.



And of course, here is a Gorilla. I'm going to show this picture to my students tomorrow morning. I'll crop it a little so that the gorilla is bigger.

Baby David & Family

One of my students had a heart transplant as a toddler. He's been a happy boy and is doing well in school. He loves to run and play during recess, and I have often thought that having him in my class this year has been a special blessing. The only thing that I notice about him is that he constantly wears his coat. He gets cold easily, and keeps his coat on all day long.

His mother had another baby in November, and the doctors thought at first that everything was fine. They thought that baby David's heart was normal. The family rejoiced and brought their new son home. In March while we were off track things changed. Baby David got sick. Mom came to me yesterday to tell me that her baby, David, has fallen ill with a heart failing heart and is now on a Transplant waiting list. He has been on the waiting list for a heart for the last 23 days.

Mom is spending much of her time in the hospital and is concerned about her other two sons. Grandma is helping out at home, but the boys aren't wanting to go to school and are not happy at home. I think that going to school has helped them. Everything is "normal" there, with friends to talk to and work to do.


Please pray for this family and Baby David. Please pray that a donor heart will be found for him.

Oak Trees

Before my little trip to the San Fransico area, I was spending a lot of time working up at the mountain house. It's hard getting things packed up in a three level house with fairly steep stairs. The black bags you can see in this picture all were full of things for the Goodwill. They are gone now. We'll be back up there this Saturday working again.



When I need a break, I can go outside and look at the beautiful view. We had tree trimmers out and cleared out a lot of branches on the old California Oak trees that surround the house.

The view is so peaceful during this time of year. The lake beach will open on Memorial Day weekend, and then we'll hear the children's laughter as they go down the waterslide and frolic in the cool water.

And when I need a little cheer, I can think about Sarah. She is growing up happy and healthy.

More pictures!

I couldn't resist adding a couple more of my favorites!

Happy Birthday, Sarah Michelle!

I was so blessed to be able to go and visit my granddaughter for her birthday.  She is walking and is just so sweet, happy, smart, and is truly a joy! 

She is full of lovely smiles, and is walking well for a little one who is just now a year old!