Robin Tolbert

Larry’s LOVE COIN

- robin
  • Photo: Larry’s LOVE COIN, after the washer

The large patch of jasmine in front of the house needed trimmed. Larry will not let me do it and the patch is filled with poison ivy, that he is extremely allergic to.

Yesterday, was the day, he trimmed the patch, put his equipment away and comes into the laundry room, where he strips down and puts the clothes into the washer. From there, he goes straight to the shower and gets any poison ivy off of him. I start the washer. It is a well timed process to keep him rash free.

He came running into my work room after his shower, almost in a panic. He had left his coin in the pocket of his pants. The LOVE COIN. The love coin is a sweet thing. It is sterling silver and he carries it everywhere he goes. I gave it to him about 11 years ago and it has had a few close calls. (being lost,etc) I love how he loves it.

Don’t you hate when you do that? Forget something and almost lose it? The panic is indescribable.

I love Larry’s LOVE COIN too.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

I Picked Out A Few Things

- robin

Yesterday was a good day. I got things done and enjoyed myself in the process.

I have been walking. A lot. Larry is my coach and he does not let me get out of anything. I promise that I try. He walks with me each day and we walk 3.5 miles 5 times a week.

I do not weigh myself any longer. I take one vitamin D and have a yogurt each morning. (My endocrinologists’ breakfast suggestion)

Yesterday, after all our exercise and chores were complete, we went to the garden center. The plants were amazing and I picked out a few things for the back garden.

  • Photo: In the back garden

The fire pit is ready for Camp Robi (cooking out hot dogs and s’mores) and the sitting area is the perfect place to cool off after an almost 4 mile walk. Look at the wonderful plants!

I would like to thank everyone who has shared their favorite Camp Songs with me….they are on the camp list. Imagine us singing them around the fire pit!

  • Photo: Mini lilies on the patio

I wish you the happiest of days…..

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Camp Songs and Fire Pits

- robin
Photo: Red Chairs at the fire pit

If you read the blog yesterday, I talked about “the red chairs”….we found them! Who is ready to come over for hot dogs and s’mores by the fire pit? Camp begins next Monday.

It is early Monday morning right now. I have walked 3 1/2 miles, laundry is swirling and I am making the camp Robi schedule. I have the calendar, and patches in front of me but I need help with one of the activities.

Photo: 2020 Patch for Camp Robi

I honestly don’t know why I got this patch. I do not sing nor do I know any campfire songs. PLEASE if you have a favorite camp song share it with us. we will be singing by the fire pit….nightly I guess! (If I do not hear from anyone, I will have to watch the movie, MEATBALLS for ideas!) Please write soon. XOX

Have a wonderful day.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Countdown to Camp Robi

- robin

There are seven days till Camp starts. I have schedules to make and dinners to plan. Activities will be different because Matilda is almost 9 years old now and her interests have changed.

Photo: Camp Rules-Oil on canvas by Larry and Robin

Matilda is a sweetheart. Spending a week with her is always a joy.

Because we have not gone anywhere in one year, Larry is taking a vacation week during camp! I am so excited. He and Matilda have a special relationship and having the week off, he can give her undivided attention.

It is Sunday morning. Larry and I are doing chores around The Cottage and he is out in the garden , watering, spending time in the Zen Garden weeding and just being Larry.

Our church has You Tube Services now. It isn’t very personal…but there is one sweet lady from church who texts me and checks up on us. Her name is Ginger and she is much like her name. Her kindness means the world to me.

I shall say bye on this quiet Sunday Morning. Home Depot has red garden chairs for around the fire pit and don’t you think that they would be perfect for Camp Robi?

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

That Flamingo Summer

- robin
Photo: Flamingo at the Dallas Zoo June 10, 2020

I remember the summer that I had a major growth spurt. We had just moved to a new city. I did not know anyone and my family was distracted with settling into a new house. I felt out of place in a new city and in my body too.

I felt like a flamingo that summer. Tall, gangley and out of place in just about every situation.

The city we moved to, was near my Grandmothers house. As we became settled, my Grandmother called and asked me to lunch. Not my Mother or my sisters, but me. (me! Out of place Robin! Alone without my sisters! I was excited)

The day I had lunch with Grandmother, I remember feeling comfortable. I felt in charge of my long legs and although I had my manners turned on high, (my grandmother was a great lady) I was beginning to finally feel like a real person. Do you think that is an adolescent thing or a “girl” thing?

I think of my Grandmother a lot these days. Now that I am a grandmother, her impact on me is memorable and wonderful.

Who has impacted your life?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Camp Plans

- robin

I am rattling around the house alone this morning, hoping to post about my “yesterday” before I start my busy today.

Yesterday, I had to make dicisions about….drum roll….Camp Robi. Is it really time? Will there be enough activities to do with what is happening in the world today? Will I have the energy to amuse an 8 year old for one week?

With Larry’s assistance, I made decisions on this years uniform and started our schedule.

Photo: Camp Uniform

I am having to work around locations that are open. Some of our favorite places are still closed due to the Covid-19. It is making things a bit difficult/different, but we can do this and my time with my Matilda is going to be wonderful.

This is year 5 for Camp Robi. I am looking forward to new and exciting activities this year and have the feeling that Matilda is going to teach me a thing or two, for instance, she is completely in love with TiK-Tok and a video game Terraria. I don’t think it will happen, but if by chance you see me dancing on Tik-Tok….it isn’t me.


Yesterday was a blessing to me. Planning camp and spending Larry’s lunch hour shopping for camp clothes. I focused on what is good, instead of watching friends take pot shots at each other on social media.

I think that (some people) should be ashamed. They are posting and preaching about love and acceptance, but the first time someone says something that they disagree with they become confrontational, rude and filled with self righteousness. It is an interesting commentary on human nature.

Life is precious. May your today be one of love, kindness…and the Golden Rule.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

3 THINGS

- robin

I went onto the patio at 5 this morning. The rain was soft and I could hear raindrops falling onto the leaves of the huge mulberry tree. Then I went back to the big bed. I am having trouble sleeping, are you?

There are 3 THINGS on my GOAL list for today, one is to straighten my book shelves. Keep-donate-throw away- many cook books. Cook books are like friends to me and I don’t like parting with any of them. I have a feeling that I will not get this certain goal completed today.

Photo: Dining room shelves

Photo: On top of my treasured recipe box, is a jar of rocks given to me by Matilda! ( the best recipes go into this box that I have had since moving to Texas.)
Photo: Lenox spice rack

I have many, many spice racks. The one above is dated, 1989 and it is the newest one I own. On my list is to dust the spice racks. I doubt that will get done today, much like the cook books.

The third thing on my list is to take apart the TEXAS jigsaw puzzle.

Photo: The Texas Puzzle

That has be the most boring chore in the world. Taking apart a puzzle. Oh my gosh.

I will close now, say a bientot and …work on a canvas I started and that is not even part of the 3 THINGS list.

What can I say? You have to follow your heart.

Love you beyond the moon.

me

Robin’s Wednesday Challenge~Something Funny

- robin

This is absolutely what happened. I was sitting at my desk thinking of FUN things that have happened in my world. I pulled up all of my photo files and whispered to myself: Just pick one. Use that one of the photos in the file for the blog today.

Here we go. I do not even know what year this was. The darn costumes make me laugh and Matilda looks adorable.

Photo: Halloween with Robin, Matilda and Larry

Larry could not stand this costume and said the gnome looked like a dirty old man because his eyes are at boob level. Anyone want to borrow the old gnome man costume next year? It is hilariously creepy in a troll sort of way!

I challenge you to share something funny. With me, a friend, your spouse, on FaceBook or Instagram or you can even email me. If you do, please tag me? I need a good laugh today.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Love Actually-OF COURSE!

- robin

Easter Sunday was a joy. Larry and I had mimosas and scones at the lake. We saw ONE man. {he was far away from us}

Photo: Easter morning. Breakfast at the lake.

Photo: Mini Chocolate Chip Scones. Thank you Rosemary for the recipe.

Photo: A small visitor joined us at breakfast.

Photo: Easter Breakfast.

We came home to watch Andrea Bocelli’s live concert, put potatoes in the oven and then went for a drive. We drove to the country and talked, we laughed and we were sad too. What an odd Easter. After our drive…{we stopped no where and saw no one…….} we came home to fix Sunday dinner.

Larry set the table, I made dinner and we had no movie for this week. Larry turned on the TV, and said, Look it is our holiday movie. Of Course, LOVE ACTUALLY was on. That movie always makes me smile. I think that God sends it to me at certain times of my life.

Photo: Sunday, Dinner and Movie
Photo: Larry’s Grasshopper Pie

We had baked potatoes, asparagus, and rib eye steaks. Larry’s Grasshopper pie was for dessert and of course, Love Actually was our movie. So, Dear Ones….from Larry and Me to you, here is your smile of the day.

Photo: Have a smile

Love you beyond Hugh Grant. Well maybe not.

Me

Brahms and Ax

- robin

This Saturday is quiet. Larry is in the back garden working and I am listing to Emanuel Ax {my FAVORITE} and Brahms as I start a new canvas.

I have seem Mr Ax a number of times…and he is a special talent indeed. Today I share him with you…Sit back, close your eyes and listen. Mr Ax and his piano are amazing…..

Larry and I wish you a day filled joy. I am off to paint.

Much much love…beyond the moon.

Me