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!
Sharing with: Love Your Creativity / Mural Monday / Share Your Style / Senior Salon Pit Stop / Friday Face Off
...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.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous Valentine's celebration- love the idea of the book! Nice car too!! Nothing better than celebrating with the grandkids..
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea to look for good things to celebrate, thank you.
ReplyDeleteNice car, Rick. Is it a hybrid?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful smiles! Congratulations to the students!
ReplyDeleteNice 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.
ReplyDeleteIt 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!
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteSO 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
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteLet the good times roll and hope you have more of them. Rick's car is nice and I love the colour.
ReplyDeleteI told Mr. M. that I wouldn't know how to even start these newer cars. Good for the training. There are some very nice things in your life. We have to look at those and hope for the best with the rest. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, the way you and Rick share Hearts Day is indeed special and the meal looked delicious. Agreed that we all need to think of the good things going on all around, not only in our own lives but in the lives of those we care about.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post ... but I hope health-wise you are now feeling a little better.
ReplyDeleteRicks new car looks great,
Your Valentines celebration wonderful,
A big well done to your two wonderful munchkins, you must be so proud.
Enjoy your weekend
All the best Jan
15 yrs. ago, I made nice dinners for us on Valentine's Day. I bought lobsters one year, had the supplier do the cooking, and took them home to serve with linguine and a nice dessert.
ReplyDelete"mostly pretty bad poetry, I might add"
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. I bet it's not though. Share it here!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are all feeling better now.
Congrats to the kiddies on their great grades at school.
The books for the year are a great idea.
Cool looking mural. Take care, enjoy your day!
Your life is filled with fun and creativities
ReplyDeleteYeah for the kiddos on their recognition. Love all the smiles. A wonderful V-Day dinner Rick made for you too. Janice
ReplyDeleteYou always have such wonderful traditions and lovely friends.
ReplyDeleteThe world is crazy but do what you are doing be with friends and live your life as best as you can.
Cathy
Sounds like a wonderful week and such a wonderful Valentine's Day tradition as well Happy new week
ReplyDeleteKathy
That is a pretty color for the car!
ReplyDeleteI like your Valentine's tradition, much nicer than the usual flowers and chocolate. And more memorable.
The things we do for our grandkids...mine are all grown now, in their 20s and 30s, but back in the day, we were kept hopping. Wouldn't have had it any other way. Your two guys look adorable. Those smiles !
Such nice Valentine's traditions! Love the idea of the yearly book - that's great! So nice to get a new car and the color is beautiful. Good to see cars with pretty colors again. For a while it was just gray, white and black everywhere. Having good friends and enjoying nice food and the arts together, and watching those sweet grands grow and thrive are the antidotes to all the chaos right now. Hope you are feeling better. Spring will be here soon. xx
ReplyDeleteUh-oh, training? After 6 years not driving I actually planned to rent a car to drive to Bro´s place... Luckily I have a friend who offered to try before that.
ReplyDeleteNice mural and I love your Valentine´s tradition. The boys are great!
I have to keep busy and do fun and good things to keep me from stressing too. But your good things made me smile. I think you've had a really fun month so far. The play looks great and congrats on the Students of the month recognition. Those boys are getting so handsome! Have a great last week of February. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention your book for Rick this year came out great too!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved your book idea.And I know the JOY of boys and their accomplishments:) WE bought our new cars too.Toyota showrooms were empty.Truly and a 6-8 month wait and this was before you know what.So we are Hondas..again for J.I had to let go of my 12 yr of Fiat..bought a Honda.I miss my mini car so much.
ReplyDeleteWe are set for another 10 yrs:) J feels car prices will escalate.Everything will.Ill stop now:)
What a wonderful Valentine tradition. We let the day go by unnoticed, as we were really too busy with various club events. I hope I can slow down a bit after the exhibit of quilts next month.
ReplyDeleteThe book idea is a good one, and I love your drawings! Charlie -- :(
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing "9 to 5" in the theater with my mom back when it came out. We both loved it -- especially her, as a working woman.
It's good to take stock and think about positive things now and then.
Sorry about some health issues. It looks like a fun time was had by all. Cork poppers, a new car for Rick, seeing a lovely play and enjoying lunch with friends. No glad you are keeping your view on politics to yourself. We all have a different opinion and I do avoid talking politics and religion with friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised your grands are being recognized that way, but it's still great fun to see them with their certificates. I was concerned about that mention of health concerns. I hope you're feeling better, and those are in the past!
ReplyDeleteGreat new car. Yes--smart to buy now, I think.
ReplyDeleteI have been so stressed by politics that it has affected my health these past couple of months.
Your book of your past year is such a beautiful, brilliant idea!
Both the boys getting student of the month! I'm still smiling over here--lol! :) :)
Rick’s new car looks really nice! Your Valentine’s celebration must have been wonderful. The boys are darling and congratulations to them. I hope you are feeling better, Jeanie. Take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteSounds great 👍
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new car; it's beautiful! It sounds like you have some really fabulous grandsons.
ReplyDeleteI am lovin' Rick's new Toyota Camry. What a striking color! The crepes look delicious, and how creative that you make a book detailing your year together. The turkey chili looks really good too. Yaaay for the kids getting Student of the Month! How pleased I was when my kids received that award in their school days. I still have them. I always love your home posts, Jeanie, they make my heart smile. Your home always exudes charm, and says "welcome" to me.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Aw, the munchkins are so adorable and it sounds like they are learning and doing well in school. I love Rick's new car. I'm partial to the Toyota Camry though I've never owned one myself. I think it's a smart idea to buy before the prices surely will go up. I'm sorry to hear it's been a difficult few weeks but I'm happy you've had some good days and memories too. Not the least of which is your VD celebration. Much love. xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Rick on the new car, it's very nice. I like your Valentine's tradition, the crepes a la reine look great. The grandkids are growing up into responsible little people. Hope you are feeling better Jeanie. Sadly your country's politics or rather the President's words are worrying everyone around the world. I's scary, so much is rapidly changing...
ReplyDeleteThe Valentine's Day tradition is wonderful. I love those 4 pages from the book that you've shared. Aww, this is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love that you and Maya were at the same production! What a small world! And congrats to your adorable grandsons. How nice that you were able to attend! That was a wise decision to buy a car now before tariffs hit. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie :)
ReplyDeleteI love Rick's new car and your happy occasion photos. Love the one with your proud daughter and you with your clever grand-childen.
Take care, these are stressful times we are living in.
All the best
Sonjia.
I’m so happy you’re finding joy. I love the mural.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
I'm sorry to hear you haven't been well and yes our world is very shaky right now. I'm so glad you had wonderful moments in the mix. And that biker on the mural looks just like Rick!:) I love that you make him a book every Valentine Day:)
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy, which is good. The kids have grown so much. Always nice to see them. Good luck with the Camry. David traded his in for a Hyundai Tucson SUV, which he says is a much better car than the Camry.
ReplyDeleteIn times like these, it's always helpful to notice all the good things we still enjoy. I love Rick's new car -- prompted me to look at the new Camry lineup as well -- and that color is fabulous! And I'm so glad you've had the chance to spend time with the grandkids (and for such an awesome occasion -- yay!) and friends. And I especially love the way you & Rick celebrate Valentine's Day -- the illustrated books you make are so beautiful, and the meals he makes look so delicious... it all looks like a fabulous collaboration!
ReplyDeleteWe have sun today! Hope you are enjoying it, too!
Testing
ReplyDeleteIt helps me so much to list the things that are going well!
ReplyDeleteThose paintings are lovely! What a wonderful gift.
I enjoyed all your photos! Congratulations to your grandsons. I love your Valentine traditions. My hubby usually sends me flowers and I cook a speicla dinner for him. We are eating primarily a Mediterranean diet these days so lots of vegetables, whole grains and beans so I amde a special soup.I am also distressed by recent government events and waver between trying not to lest it get me ill and fighting back.
ReplyDeleteYay on the new car. I got mine a few years ago and while it took a while to get used to I know love all the bells and whistles.. couldn't imagine going back to my mini van.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely Valentine's Day tradition.
Congratulations to Cameron and Carson! The paintings in your book are really good. What a special way to celebrate Valentines Day.
ReplyDeleteOh, don't the Cameron and Carson look so proud absolutely cute! Well done them. I bet they will remember that honour when they are older I wish we had established a valentine tradition when I read about the things you do. Too late to establish one now I guess. But at least I did make a card! Murals can really brighten you up sometimes. I love the ones where you can stand and look at all the details, or which create a fun landscape to lose yourself in for a while.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun post! Love Rick's new car, pretty color. I think your Valentine book gift is a wonderful idea and someone cooking dinner for me, a fabulous valentine. Congrats to the two little ones, so nice seeing kiddos being so smart.Hard to believe it's almost March!
ReplyDeleteCongrats with the new car and the munchkins. Proud Grandma for sure.
ReplyDeleteNo comments re politics from me (Canadian here).
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Love your book of your and Rick's year! And Crepes a la Reine is a particular favorite of mine, and Rick's looks like perfection!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you shared this with FFO. I love this gathering you have.
ReplyDeleteI love that book you made for Rick and I think your V day meal was fabulous.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you’ve had a mix of challenges and lovely moments. I hope your health improves soon. The Cork Poppers gathering and your Valentine's tradition sound so heartwarming — especially the homemade book! And congrats to Rick on the new car. Wishing you brighter days ahead.
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