Robin&Larry

The Monday Menu

- robin

Yesterday was a typical Monday. The sun was out and I felt happy and inspired. Larry was having a very busy day and I had a DR appointment at noon.

Larry typically works from 8:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 depending on what is needed, without taking a lunch break. Ever.

Yesterday I told him that if he could finish up around 5:00, I would have a picnic ready to take to the park. He loved the idea.

At 5:00 we were both ready. I had made turkey sandwiches on croissant rolls. Had crisps, dip and chocolate cake. It was not very healthy but it was so good.

During the picnic dinner, Larry’s phone kept going off. Ping. Ping. Ping, but he ignored the phone while we were at the lake. It was wonderful. (and it was after 5)

Photo- Dax at the picnic

Larry is my favorite person and time with him helps my mind stay sharp and relevant. Plus, getting outside in the spring time air…. well, that is always a good thing.

Larry and I have been picnickers since 1977. I have videos of us picnicking at the Mississippi River (the Memphis side) eating sandwiches and Cheetos cheese balls that were a new invention.

Do you picnic? Maybe it is time to plan a special outing! Even if it is to pick up take away tacos and take them to a local park. You can go alone or with your best friend and take a book or music. Getting away from the TV and news will help your head and heart.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Mornings At The Beach

- robin
Photo: Our view from the lanai
Photo: Breakfast at the beach

Each morning while at the beach, we sat on the lanai and visited. It is not that Larry and I do not talk to each other, in fact we are always chatting, but it is different while we are at the beach.

There is a simplicity while we are away. We can talk, breathe and relax knowing that in the moment, this is as organic as it can possibly get.

My daughter Jamison had surgery while we were 8 hours in the air flying to Kaua’i. {no internet over the ocean} But Jared, her husband kept us informed and all is well.

My Girl, Matilda had ART camp while we were gone and Lauren worked in her Butterfly Garden.

I loved hearing about everyone’s activities and after that we would walk 4 miles to Spouting Horn and back home.

So, this morning, I am home. I am sitting at my work table. No bagels or marmalade and when ze blog is posted, I will read my devotional and paint. There is something about being back home. Its awful.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

It Is Wonderful

- robin
Photo: Libby and Paris Caf’e

I have been missing Libby very much this week. Perhaps it is because I have been struggling with a migraine. Whatever the reason….it always puts me in a thankful mood to have had Libby in my life and to just be me. How blessed have I been?

Blessings come in so many ways. Good and bad. Being thankful for them all, helps me stay centered.

I am also thankful to have the ability to journal like this daily. A BLOG. Who would have thought of this 50 years ago? It is wonderful.

Love you.

Me

Last Week

- robin

Last week, we had the honor of attending Matilda’s ART show at her school. It was amazing. It was genius. It was inspirational. To view the ART of young children and the promise that they hold is truly a gift to grandparents such as Larry and I. The future is golden.

Photo: Matilda and Larry at Matilda’s ART show.

A Matisse painting is worth millions….but being a grandparent is priceless.

Love you.

Me

Que, Sera, Sera

- robin
Photo: Sunday Dinner

On Sunday, Dinner and Movie, Larry and I grilled chickens, made potato salad and bought rolls for dinner. I made an ice cream pie for dessert.

You know that Doris Day has been my favorite actress since I saw one of her movies at a drive in theater, outside Philadelphia, in the early ’60’s. {The movie was Glass Bottom Boat} After her death last week, I planned Sunday dinner around her memory. Yes, we watched Glass Bottom Boat.

We enjoyed our light dinner while we toasted Doris Day and the wonderful entertainer she was. Have you ever seen IT HAPPENED TO JANE? I love Jack Lemon too.

Doris Day did not want a memorial service or to be remembered in any way, but Larry and I remembered her. I loved her. I will forever enjoy her movies and the spirit that she brought.

So in the happy bubbly spirit of the beloved actress…. Que, Sera, Sera.

Love you beyond The Glass Bottom Boat

Me

Mother and Daughter

- robin
Photo: Matilda & Lauren Mothers Day 2019 The Modern Museum-Ft Worth, TX

I took the photo above on Mothers Day. I love how Matilda and Lars are looking at each other. Mothers and daughters have a special bond. It is a secret society. It is a gift from God.

Early this morning, I received an email from France, from a very good friend telling me that her Mother had passed. Madame was 93 years old..She was a renaissance woman. Her husband had been in the French Resistance, she drove race cars. When she was in the states, we would always plan dinner parties. She made the best couscous I ever had. She raised two children alone during very difficult times….and most of all, she was Anne-Marie’s Mother.

During my walk this morning, I was thinking about the special bond mothers and daughters have. There are almost no words to describe the relationship. I miss my Mother often. I am her legacy. {Hope I am doing OK}

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Roses and Split Pea Soup

- robin
Photo: Rose from the garden

The kitchen smells like roses…..the first cut rose from our rose bush is making its existence known. When we lived in Memphis, I had roses in the garden…in Texas, they are more difficult to grow. Fingers crossed for this new rose bush! {the bloom is in a little jar}

Photo: Carrots for the split pea soup

The veggies are chopped and in the Crock Pot …….It is soup night at The Cottage and I wish that you could smell what is cooking. {would you like the recipe?}

Please forgive the short post? I feel tired and frustrated. Today is soup day and I have a lovely sketch on canvas that I wanted to start painting. My body is screaming for exercise and it looks like rain. Again.

I hope that you have the best day and weekend.

Love you.

Me

Some Favorites From The New Camera

- robin

While in London, Larry and I enjoyed just being together. He had given me a new camera before this trip and it was fun using a new lens. I will post a few shots today….just because I adore so many of the photos.

Photo: Our room faced Hyde Park

Photo: We sat for a long time at the Round Pond. The swans were fabulous and people watching, the best.

Photo: Beauty personified.

Photo: We had lunch at Diana’s Playground. We sat at the cafe outside the gates.

Photo: Best lunch ever near Diana’s Playground

Photo: A friend told me about “The Daisy Books” Matilda loves them. We found a bookstore and bought her three of them.

Photo: This is the first, the original Paddington Bear. He lives at Paddington Station.

Photo: We took a short trip up the road.

Photo: Paddington statue watches the trains come and go.

Photo: We saw WICKED {again!!}

Photo: We had tea…..

Photo: Portobello Market was crazy. To many people to shop.

Photo: Diana’s Garden at Kensington Palace..
A woman came up to me crying. She asked if I would take her picture.
I said of course, and asked if she needed a hug.. She said no, but said, I once had what you have as she nodded to Larry.
Larry and I have talked about that woman often. She lost a love and was retracing footsteps.
I wish she had let me hug her.

Happy National Day of prayer….
“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.”~George Herbert~

Love You.

Me

Sweet Memories

- robin
Photo: A shelf in the work room.

I have a head ache this morning. My desk is quiet. Projects are complete. Larry is in Dallas meeting with clients. I finished reading the book club, book. {The Southerners by Edna Lee} The garbage men are out front making a ruckus and the light on my phone is blinking like crazy.

I am day dreamy and sluggish. My attention span is zero. The book shelves by my desk have grabbed my attention. One shelf in particular. The photo is a dog, a dog angel and Eiffel Towers. This was my childhood dog. Lancelot was his name because Mother adored the play Camelot. He was adopted as a puppy in Raleigh North Carolina. {1963-64?} It was around Easter-time after church because I remember my younger sister getting dog poop on her good shoes the day we brought him home. He passed away the year that I married Larry. This is the last photo taken of him in 1977. I still miss his sweet character.

Yesterday Larry and I went to Matilda’s softball game . We went early and took a picnic. The 7-8 year old girls are so much fun to watch. They know the game and try so hard. The game ended in a tie. 11-11.

A few of you, have much going on in your lives. Forgive me for not writing you personal notes…but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

It is Tuesday! I am saying bye for now and off to get some things done. {and maybe walk a few miles?}

Love you beyond all sweet memories.

me

Unicorns And Gargoyles

- robin
Photo: Dedo

Little Dedo is, according to an old story, is a small gargoyle with pointy ears and human-like feet who lives on the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral. When the cathedral was built in 1160, a nun from a tiny convent in Provence disliked the menacing gargoyles that were being placed on top of the building as reminders of the nature of sin and evil. As the daughter of a stone cutter, she had learned the tools of the trade and decided to put them to good use. One day, she disguised herself as a workman, gained entrance to the work site and quickly carved the sculpture from a small block before placing it on the highest roof. The gargoyle remained undiscovered for centuries until a small boy, lost in the labyrinthine roof, stumbled off a ledge and rolled down into the lap of the gargoyle. Since its rediscovery, the creature has been affectionately known as Little Dedo, the gargoyle with the crossed toes. In response, some parents keep a statue of this gargoyle around their house in the hope that it will protect their children.

.Larry and I were introduced to the story of Dedo about 12 years ago and bought a replica of the gargoyle {while in Paris} who sits in our fireplace. He has been part of our every day for a very long time.

This weekend, we went to Scarborough Fair, a Renaissance fair in central Texas It is always interesting at a Ren-Fest, and this year was no exception for we found a Dedo! {and brought him home!}

Photo: The Unicorn

We saw Unicorns and found Dedo! He was a long way from France and we brought him home for the Zen Garden. How can life get any better?

I wish you a day filled with Unicorns and Gargoyles.

Happy Monday.

Love you.

Me