I have been pretty distressed about things going on in our country and our world and while I try to steer clear of politics here, I might have a couple of things to say before returning to the London posts again. And, if has been a very rough month health-wise. But there have been some good things, too. Like our recent Cork Poppers gathering, which I wrote about HERE.
The week before last, I accompanied Rick to go get his new car -- a Toyota Camry. He figured he'd better do it before prices skyrocket later this year.
After picking it up and getting a little bit of training, we stopped for lunch. A nearby sports store had this wonderful mural so I though I might finally have something for Mural Monday!
We had a lovely, quiet Valentine's Day. Our tradition is that Rick prepares a lovely dinner and I make him a book summarizing our year. This year he outdid himself with Crepes a la Reine and a marvelous wine, courtesy of son Greg's Christmas shopping.
Most of those books I've made in the past have been poetry about events in our year (mostly pretty bad poetry, I might add.) This year I just painted some memories. Here are a few pages. (Please note, portraits don't resemble the real person and these pix were shot in terrible light. Oh well.)
I had a lovely dinner with a good friend, after which we went to see the musical "9 to 5" by our university's theatre department. It was great fun and good to see "live" theatre. Those kids have talent! (Photo from MSU Department of Theatre).
The next day, lunch with two dear friends -- hours of just talking non-stop about everything under the sun. Turkey chili, Rick's bread, best ice cream sandwiches ever for dessert. Treasured times.
And then there was this! After a harrowing drive that took an hour forty-five minutes to go what is usually barely over an hour, I met up with Molly to see our two favorite munchkins receive Student of the Month recognition at their school for their grades!
The theme for this month's criteria was "Responsibility" and I loved hearing that these two guys were being responsible in their classrooms.
Needless to say, a proud gran and a proud mom had big smiles! It's things like this that get me through the challenges of our daily life! Hoping you have some good things like this, too!
10 comments:
...getting a little bit of training on a new vehicle can a culture shock! Last June I bought a new Ford Maverick and I still need training. The Team Active Cycling and Fitness' mural is fabulous. Stay warm and well.
What a fabulous Valentine's celebration- love the idea of the book! Nice car too!! Nothing better than celebrating with the grandkids..
It's a great idea to look for good things to celebrate, thank you.
Nice car, Rick. Is it a hybrid?
Beautiful smiles! Congratulations to the students!
Nice wheels snd book. The crepes look perfect.
May
Hello Jeanie, a lovely post! Rick’s new car is wonderful! That’s a great mural too. Love the tradition you two have. I hope you are feeling much better in health. Live performances are always fun as well as get togethers with friends. Seeing you with your family and those two darling grandsons was a treat. I share your concerns over what’s going on here and abroad, and though I don’t say anything on my blog, I have commented when others have mentioned on theirs. It’s all very disturbing.
It sounds like you've had quite the mix of experiences lately, filled with both challenges and joyful moments. It's completely understandable to feel distressed about the world; it's a lot to process. I'm glad to hear that you have had some bright spots, like the Cork Poppers gathering and the lovely Valentine's Day dinner with Rick. Those crepes sound amazing!
Your tradition of creating a yearly book for Rick is such a beautiful way to reflect on your time together, even if the poetry is a bit rough! The painted memories sound like a creative twist.
Seeing the kids receive their Student of the Month recognition must have been such a proud moment for you! Celebrating those little victories can really help lift our spirits.
I hope the coming weeks bring you more good moments and some peace of mind. What are you looking forward to as spring approaches?
He is quite the chef. Your V tradition is a good one.
SO many good things in this post... but I'm blown away by your smiles in the final frames and the watercolors and crepes earlier... <3 <3
What a missed opportunity not connecting at 9 to 5! But I know there'll be other opportunities since I daresay we have a fair amount in common.
Also, I'm in awe of how amazing that slice of bread looks--the "crumb" seems impeccable!
Looks like you've had a wonderful week. I like Rick's new wheels!
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