Who Will

Photo: Jamison and Larry on veterans Day 2019

Veterans Day was wonderful. Here is one more photo I found on the camera. It has been quite a year and we are all here to smile and enjoy the day.

As 2019 begins to wind down, what will you reflect on? Change? Who will you contact? Who will you Love? Who will you reach out to lend a helping hand to? Who will you pray for? This is my “to-do” list for the holidays. What does your to-do list look like?

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

Veterans Day 2019

Yesterday, was a good day. We had the chance to thank the veterans in our life, who have helped shape this country.

Our granddaughter Matilda, invited us to her school program. It was outstanding.

Photo: Matilda at her schools veterans Day Program

Matilda’s aunt Jamison was also invited to speak….it was so sweet.

Photo: Jamison sharing Air Force stories

The third grade, made “floats” and presented a great program honoring our servicemen over the years.

Photo: Third grade Veterans Day Program

Then….the family went out to lunch. It was perfection.

Photo: Lunch with the family.

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

Love Is Something

SWAN: a large waterbird with a long flexible neck, short legs, webbed feet, a broad bill, and typically all-white plumage.

I wear a sterling silver swan necklace every day. Larry bought it for me, one beautiful night while we were in Pennsylvania.

We were walking to dinner, a lovely stroll along the the Delaware River. A swan family made themselves known to us in a sweet, charming way.

After meeting the swans, we took a detour before dinner, to a jewelry boutique…where Larry bought me a medallion that a antique swan stamp had been pressed into the silver. I wear it most days.

Photo: My swan necklace. About 8 years old.

It reminds me of a wonderful evening, the love of my life and that in some odd way, that swans represent many good things to me.

Larry also bought a swan for our house. It sits on the mantle…

Photo: The Mantle swan

Yesterday, while I was making a gift {quilt} and Larry was straightening up, he brought the big swan to me. He asked if I remembered that he had written on the bottom of the swan. I cannot believe that I had forgotten….

Photo: This is written on the bottom of the swan. Annie Sullivan is the woman who was Helen Keller’s teacher.

I love this quote. I love that life can be seen in such a positive way no matter what is happening in our life. I love that swans mate for life and protect their familys with every ounce of their being.

Photo: I found this quote online….

If gracefulness is an expression of our soul…. I believe that I have some work to do.

I wish you a day filled with grace and devotion.

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

B J Thomas

Many years ago, Larry and I were invited to a private party hosted by a restaurant group here in Dallas. It was in 1990 and my daughters were so young, Mother babysat while we went to a party! ( such a rare event!}

The party was very special, very fancy and very Texan. One hundred of us enjoyed dinner, wine and music. The opening musician was B J Thomas. He was opening for….get this Willie Nelson. In a small Dallas dining room Larry and I saw, B J Thomas.

It is no secret that I am not particularly a Willie fan, but B J Thomas……can you hear me sigh?

Ever since that night so long ago, I looked for B J in concert. Till this week, I never saw anything. So last night guess who we saw?

Photo: Treasured tickets

Before the concert, Larry and I went to dinner….it was lovely to spend this time with him.

We talked a lot about things happening in our life… had a wonderful dinner and then….it was concert time.

Photo: Mr B J Thomas is 77 years old now and has been married for 50 years!

Mr Thomas did not disappoint. He sang all of the songs that he is known for and many extra from his time while recording in Memphis. It was a wonderful evening. I will remember it for a very long time.

I guess another bucket list item has been checked off my list. How awesome is that?

Love you beyond Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Me

Looking Up

Yesterday, I started a painting. It felt good opening tubes of oil paints and putting pigment on canvas. When a person starts a painting, it is unknown how important the painting will be.

Just like when I woke up today. Who knows what today will hold. Will it be a day to remember, or just one of the many that make up the tapestry of who we are.

Photo: London 2019

What inspires you? What do you “do” when inspired?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

November Odds and Ends

In my mind, I cannot believe that it is November. I love November. It is the beautiful transition between Autumn and Winter.

It is the month where you are TOLD to be thankful, when in reality we should be this thankful all year long.

The soundtrack for November, {in my mind} is the soundtrack to Cider House Rules by Rachel Portman. I just added it on music of the week. {on the side bar}

Larry and I have postponed our French trip for this year. It was a difficult decision, for personal reasons, it is for the best. {The best part of this is….we will go to Paris in 2020, in the spring time. Can you hear me sigh?}

I flipped one of my calendars this week….I love it!

Photo: Novembers calendar

My favorite quote is…”Manners Maketh The Man”… That means take your hat off indoors gentlemen!

So, Larry and I will be home. No Paris. No London. {this is the second time in 24 years that we have missed our trip} Thanksgiving and black Friday are my most un-favorite holidays of all. {We need to be thankful all year!!! Not just one day.}

What do you do to make a holiday of greed, one of special moments and content hearts?

Love you beyond the turkey.

Me

What Else Is There?

Photo: We cheated and ate chocolate cake.

On Sunday, after a lovely morning, I prepared Sunday dinner and a movie…yesterday, I forgot to share about dessert. YES! Oh yes. The Chocolate cake.

What is it about chocolate cake that makes a moment a celebration?

We toasted to a few imporant things on Sunday. Life, love, great food. What else is there? {let me know?}

Love you beyond the “Turtle Cake” from Whole Foods.

Me

First Weekend In November

Photo: Larry and I had Sausage and Biscuit for breakfast and then walked 4 miles at the Dallas Zoo. It was 9 am and empty at the zoo.
Photo: After the zoo, we went to the garden center and bought cabbages and pansies for the containers on the patio
Photo: After planting plants, Larry and I went Michael’s and Joann’s. I did not buy anything but saw this book and took a photo of it and sent it to Matilda.
Photo: We came home and I made dinner. This photo is awful and I promise that dinner was delicious! Pork loin and smashed red potatoes.
Photo: we drank Champagne with dinner. It was time to toast the love and joy that we have shared over the years.

Happy new month. Can you imagine the wonderful things that await us this November?

Love you beyond the gross snake house at the zoo.

Me

Yay

Yesterday, Larry and I were invited to Trick OR Treat at Southwest Airlines Corp offices in Dallas. It was the most wonderful experience for us.

Jamison and was part of a group costume. The Adams Family. It was amazing and the won first prize in their department.

Of course I dressed as Paddington Bear. Larry was himself. Halloween was a quiet day after returning from Southwest Airlines. We ate roasted chicken, salad, and watched TV. Maybe next year I will host a party! {it sounds like fun}

Today is filled with chores and then we have reservations for dinner in Dallas. Larry and I observe sober October every year. Tonight I can have a glass of wine. Happy November. Yay.

Photo: Jamison as Morticia Adams with her team at Southwest Airlines

I am not sure how I feel about November. I will tell you next week.

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

Red Wellie Boots

Photo: Renoir exhibit-Ft Worth Texas

Larry and I visited this painting last weekend. The cat was enchanting. We were mesmerized. Isn’t it amazing how a painting can touch us? What touches you?

***

I learned last night that a dear friend, her husband and two sweet dogs evacuated their home in CA. Fire was very near and they did the very wise thing by packing and leaving. Please dear reader, join me in sending calming thoughts, prayers and love to all California residents, first responders and anyone who might be in harms way.

***

I dressed this morning in my Halloween costume. Each year I wear my costume all day. Perhaps I am to old to do that but in some crazy way, it inspires me.

Photo: Part of my Halloween costume.

Have a good day. Happy Halloween.

Love you beyond my red Wellington boots.

Me