Catchin' up here. How do you all post so often? By the time I read a couple posts I have used up all my time. Anyway, some nice doings around here...
$1.29 Daffodils from Trader Joes...have to be a favorite Spring time blessing! Blue and yellow is a favorite kitchen/dining color scheme for me, and matches a lot of my French/Italian pottery, and china tea cups.
We went on a field trip with our home-school group to MUZEO to see the exhibition "Ink and Blood". It was fabulous. This exhibit featured information on Scripture from the Old and New Testament and how it was preserved through thousands of years. We saw 4,000 year old Babylonian clay tablets, 5,000 year old pictographic tablets, 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scroll fragments, First edition English Bibles, and a life size working replica of Gutenberg's printing press with an costumed interpreter. My favorite room was the one about the reformation and translation of the Bible. It was also the one that told about the blood spilt by martyrs, thay gave themselves up to put the scriptures into the common language, print them, and disperse them throughout Europe. The scholars from Oxford said that Tyndale did more for the English Language than any other man, and that Shakespeare would not have had the grasp of the English language without the the Scripture Tyndale translated. It was a fascinating exhibit.
The camera setting was off for this photo, but i liked the red tint...looks artsy to me as David explored this cool fountain.
Signs of Spring all over!
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One afternoon we headed down to "Old Man's beach" with our friend Hannah, for a small surf session. First time out for David since the Fall. The waves were nice, but the wind came up so after walking around the beach, taking some pictures, I sat in the front of the car and did my study for youth group. This beach is nice because the car has a spot right up to the sand.
Hannah was trying out her new board, so had to put on a lot of wax.
A fun weather vane
After surfing they went in for a quick swim. Even with the wet suits it was so cold they came out shivering and put the heater on full blast on the way home.
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A long time ago I mentioned that I inherited a linen press with vintage linens. There are a lot of old linen towels in the bottom drawer that I have been working at soaking and cleaning. A delicate process that takes time and care as I figure the towels are from the 1880's or 1890's. I went on line to learn how to clean them. You can see the signs of age and the stains from being stored a long time. Most came through pretty well. Many took more than one soaking though. A few came out in shreds, and I wondered what I did wrong. On closer inspection, the ones that fell apart had sewn on tags with my MIL's name on them. She had obviously taken them to school or camp with her when she was young, so no doubt they had more wear.
They belonged to my husbands grandmother. Her maiden name was Babaige. So there were a few with a large B, and a lot with LSB her initials.
I finally began my first project this last week as I made my niece Brianna a pillow. I wanted to use one of those large B's for her!
I also looked through my button stash from my MIL, to find a unique old button, and also pulled out my ribbons that I keep in hat boxes.
I used two fresh clean towels to fashion the pillow, and I was so happy with the way it turned out! Don't you love all the trim?
The backside ties closed at the join, so the case can be removed for gentle washing. Now that I have finally taken the plunge and made one, I hope to find the time to sew some more for us and for others in the family.
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I have enjoyed all the trees leafing out again with their new bright green foliage.
David and I went walking through this park on Sunday because we had my mom and Jim's dog for the weekend.
David and Buddy. He is such a sweet dog. He does SHED a ton, so after only 4 days David had to double vacuum the living room and office. Even though Buddy is three years old, and very well behaved my mom is finding him a bit of a handful, so has been wondering if we could take him? We are considering it, but not sure, as our apartment is small and it would involved walking him a lot ( no yard) .
We stopped to visit our friends and their little puppy. He moved too fast so I never got a good shot of the two dogs together.
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Happy Birthday to my sister Mary!!
My mom took us both out to eat at the deck restaurant in Laguna Beach. It is right above the sand, and just lovely. We all had fish tacos and talked, and talked.
The view from our table. Good weather for the Easter visitors this week!
Afterwards we went to my mom's house to visit some more, and look at the view of the surf crashing on the rocks below!
I do think that things take longer as I get older, but I also realize that my weeks are full because of my schedule:
Home-school my Senior David Teach Anatomy class on Tuesdays Home group hosting on Tuesdays ( that means clean house!) Water Aerobics MWF Teach in Youth Group on W and S Board and Activity director with Home-school Garden at our community vegetable garden plot As well as the usual shopping, laundry, meals and all.
I often have other projects that I never get "around to". I am sure most of you could say that too. My main focus right now is finishing with homeschooling David...only 3 more months!
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I hope to type up my great notes from last Sunday to share with everyone for Easter. We will be going to a Good Friday service, making some food on Saturday, Church on Sunday morning, and going to my sister's on Sunday afternoon to have dinner with family. What are your plans for this weekend/week?
We had a cold storm roll into California from the North this last week. Rain, hail, and lots of snow in the mountains. Bob had taken a couple of days off of work so that we could drive out to the desert and stay, but those plans fell through, and we were discussing various options of what to do, where to drive, and the idea came up to go to the snow. It was a good one!
Looking off the deck there is snow on the coastal mountains, so we know that there will be a lot on the San Bernadino mountains that are an hour and 1/2 away. We called my mom and asked if we could stay overnight in her cabin, quickly packed up, and drove to the mountains. We picked up David's friend, Andrew, on the way.
Out though the canyons, past Irvine lake and over the toll road. You can see our arid hills, and why we are always happy to get some rain. The snowy peaks began to show through the clouds at this point. After driving through some heavy traffic we finally made it out to the mountains.
At the base is Arrowhead conference center, seen on the right. The arrowhead on the hill in the middle is a natural occurrence, it has only been outlined with bushes. It points to the source of a spring, arrowhead water is bottled here. Pretty special.
Only 20 min up the mountain and we are in the snow. Many of the trees were still covered in frost and snow, but with the sunny day it was melting and falling off fast. My mom had lent us her Explorer with 4 wheel drive and new tires, in case we ran into snowy roads, but we were happy to find them all plowed.
Turning off the highway we entered into the woods in the midst of tall pine trees and cabins it is very quiet and so pretty. We were getting pelted with the snow sliding off the trees.
As SOON as they stepped out of the car a snow ball fight began
The cabin.
I drove down to the village to buy a few groceries, while the guys stayed to dig out a parking spot (the plow just left a one lane passage down the street), and shovel the stairs.
There is a great view of Lake Arrowhead from the upper parking lot where I went to shop for dinner and breakfast makings .
Once back at the cabin, I enjoyed the welcome bear, he seemed to be holding his fish above the snow The decks had quite a bit of snow piled up, and it was such nice powdery snow too.
It was good to see the hill looking so nice. A few years ago many of the trees died from a beetle that infested them during a drought. The neighborhood had to have many trees cut down, but it is all looking good now, and nice to know this snow will help soak the ground. We enjoyed the snow around the cabin, the guys slid down on sleds, dug, and burrowed. I just walked around a bit and listened to the blue jays, breathed in the fresh air, walked over to say hi to a neighbor, and made some food. David and Andrew got soaked in the snow, so came in to get warm, and built a great fire in the fireplace. All those cut trees did make for great piles of firewood. We had Spaghetti dinner with meat sauce and salad. Very well received. The young men went out in the dark later, and dug out the back door, made a big heap in the middle of the back deck, and lay in the snow to watch the stars. Bob and I sat by the fire and talked. It was so peaceful.
The next morning we had eggs and bacon, neatened up the cabin, then Bob and the boys drove up the mountain to National Forest area to sled. There are fire roads covered in snow, that make for good open areas to sled down. I stayed back, as my knee wouldn't do well with slogging through the deep snow, but enjoyed the quiet time reading, walking all around the neighborhood, and finishing with the packing up and cleaning. It is so pretty, quiet, and restful here. I could hear the blue jays chatter, the stream down below burbling by as makes its way to the Lake, and so enjoyed the fresh mountain air.
These two have been buddies since they were in grade school. Pretty fun to have a long time friend to goof off with. This was David's first big exercise after having back issues recently. Yay, for some relief from the pain, and lots of fun.
Great to have a buddy to fly through the air with too. A very Calvin and Hobbes sort of photo we thought.
Nice soft snow to land in!
They came back to the cabin to change clothes, load the car, and pick me up before we had to head home. The time went too fast, but it was easy as we didn't have to bring that much with us.
A delightful mini-vacation
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Here at home we are back to spring days with sunshine.
Spring flowers from pots on the deck - purple/blue lavender, red Ranunculus, and white Thalia narcissus.
My sweet, cute, funny little grand-baby, Malachi, turned 1 year old yesterday!
His parents took him to the zoo to see the animals for his special day. I'm looking forward to more pictures as they put them up on FB. Since we are a thousand miles away, we got to share his birthday cake over Skype. It was so fun to see him eat, smash, and scatter his piece of cake.
Springlike weather translates to "all over the map". Never know what you will get, but it is pretty fun. This last week we had rain, hail, thunder and lightening, and then a hot day in the 80's that felt like summer. The Thunder was so loud it set off all the car alarms on our street, and caused David to leap out of the computer chair, roll into the bathroom and pull his pocket knife...he said his brain registered gunshot. Maybe he has been watching too many action movies.
Saddleback mountain was covered in snow right after the rain and hail storm. It quickly melted the next day, but is always fun to see.
Spring is popping out on our deck. There is something so vivid and beautiful about the first flowers, especially these from bulbs.
I enjoyed these plum trees in the church parking lot.
I was blessed to go along with 5 fellows from church on Sunday. Andrew, Jed, and David are out in the cold 58 degree water. David is in a wet suit soaking his sore back, but the other guys just run warm enough to stand the cold water. I only went up to my knees and said, "that's enough!" Jonathan and Jacob are walking down to the pier to get something to eat, though I think people watching and pretty girls have something to do with it too.
Most of the paddle boarders and boats make those rocks their destination. I could hear the seals barking from shore.
I sat and read a whole magazine, and enjoyed the sunshine and the view. It was that perfect temperature, not too hot. For some unknown reason the Fibromyalgia kicked up this week, I have been extra achy, so warmth feels so good to me.
Winter is especially nice at the beach, no crowds!
The water and the reflection on the sand was a wonderful intense blue. This shot shows how far out the rocks are without the zoom.
So peaceful. Later afternoon the guys all walked down the beach as Jonathan offered to treat them to a slice of pizza.
A great bunch of guys.
Afterwards David and I took Jonathan back to the base, as he is a Marine. We were blessed to find the chicken and baked potatoes in the oven when we returned home...thanks to my hubby.
David and I were watching a documentary about Italy the other night after dinner. He suddenly said, "I have got to eat!", and went in the kitchen and made this. They had just shown a family run restaurant that uses all fresh ingredients, and it made him want something similar.
David got a haircut...it had been 6 months! So nice to see that smiling face again. Now he has been wearing a beanie in the morning because his ears are cold. He has been having back pains and spasms, so continuing to go for acupuncture. He also came to the pool and went for a swim the other morning, then sat in the sun til I got out of class. Trying to build him back up again.
Off to see what the local farm stand has to offer. They have the best strawberries, so sell out. I am hoping they still have some today
Our water aerobics class moved to the new pool this week. It is beautiful! When you see it, you might be amazed to know that the class is having a hard time adjusting to the change. Some of the women have been going to the other pool for over 20 years, and change is hard for them. I like the new pool. I do miss driving along the coast and being right next to the beach. I would go back to the other pool if given a chance, but they are doing renovation, and I don't know if they will let us, so I am thankful that I have a pool to go to. This once is about 4 miles up the hill, and with gas prices that hurts. I do get to coast a lot on the way back down! The water is a wonderfully warm 84 degrees in the new pool, like a lagoon, which was great this week as the air is a bit chilly. They have banks of solar panels so perhaps that is how they keep the water so warm.
This is the entrance from the parking.
The children's play area that is IN THE POOL. I look forward to taking my grandson here when he visits. Though it might be crazy busy during open hours.
Our aerobics group further in the same pool. It varies in depth from 3'6" to about 4'6". I am usually in the second row. I position myself so I am part way in the water, but my arms are above it for the work-out.
This shows how the water increases in depth as it goes from the play area to the other pool. There is a lap swimming pool behind this one.
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I am having a quiet Saturday morning. I sat and read through my Bible, a devotional, and a couple books I am working on. Then I straightened up the front rooms, went through mail, and organized some of our paperwork and school work. I am going to water plants and bake cookies (after cleaning the kitchen!) next. My husband, Bob, had to go up to his parents property in L.A. We have tenants in the house and two little apartments, and there are some plumbing problems and other things that need attention. He will be working with a plumber and our friend who does handy-man work, so will be gone all day with the car. Dan and Heidi are still here in the States, working and waiting to go back to S. Korea, so they have our little car.
I loved this picture of them that Heidi put up on FB this week.
My little grandson, Malachi, is going to be 1 year old later this month! He is so cute. His mom, Alicia, loaded up all these pics on FB too. Mobil phone pics of everyday life! With kids living elsewhere, I am VERY grateful for the computer. We see him on Skype usually once or twice a week and he is a busy, busy little fellow running around the room as we talk and visit with his mom and dad. It is great fun for this grandmother to see him and tell him I love him. We all wave, make silly noises, and act goofy to try to get his attention. I do want to kiss those plump little cheeks!
One gigantic strawberry!!
Yup, I am in love! Children are such a gift from the Lord. I always enjoy talking to Nick and Alicia too, and hearing about their life. It is a lot like sitting in the room with them, lol, except for the hugging and squeezing part.
I am off to get a few more things done on this beautiful spring day. Have a blessed weekend!
I actually was awake very early about 4AM, read and prayed, and was headed back to bed when I had to take these pictures!
Our friends have a new puppy who is just too too cute. Of course we had to go visit. He is at that perfect rolly polly 8 weeks size.
Hi name is Titus and he is a mix of Australian Shepard and Border collie. I hear he is already hard at work herding the family.
This week's flower is the Calendula. These spring up in our garden plot every spring and are so sunny!
You may very well wonder what is with these blindfolded, begging teens?
They are doing a science project for the science/Fine Arts Fair on taste. They could pick anything they wanted having to do with Anatomy. Being teenagers they picked something that involved EATING.
I am in charge of activities for our homeschool group. This was the last Fair I will put on as David is graduating. It is always a wonderful time sharing art projects, science projects, Bible drills, and performances.
We had two brothers and their sister dance for us
Some music
Poetry reading, reciting, and speeches.
A performance of "A Valentine for Charlie Brown" that was so fun.
Paintings
Block art
Photography
all kinds of science
More art
writing
T-shirts designed and printed by the student.
David reading in the "Sword drill".
It is a rainy afternoon and evening here. I am sipping my hot cup of tea before getting dinner ready and heading out to our Home School faculty meeting. David has been having treatments for his back from an acupuncturist. It has been helping. He is resting it and letting it heal.
I am happy to report that Alicia is doing well, and Baby #2 is about 13 weeks or so along now. The blood clot totally disappeared. Thank you Lord! She is able to be up and about and back to her normal activities again. She and Nick are going to defer his start of Medical School by one semester since the baby is due the end of August and they will be moving to Antigua! He will start in January instead.
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By the time I read a couple posts I have used up all my time. Anyway, some nice doings around here...
The decks had quite a bit of snow piled up, and it was such nice powdery snow too.
