Talking Books: The Annual Bookaccino Gathering

It has finally happened.

Larry and I are home for awhile! 

I am very thankful that I am feeling so well 

and 

that we have the opportunity to travel,

but I am so happy to be HOME!

There are paintings to create and dresses to design.

Dinner parties to plan and  Granddaughters to babysit.

Home Sweet Home.

This past weekend I spent in San Antonio.

The best book group in the world had their annual gathering.

We shopped, talked books, ate, talked books,

went to a Texas Rock concert, talked books, strolled the river, 

talked books,

drank a lot of fun drinks and did I say talk books?

I was sad when  it was time to come home.

Here is my favorite photo of the trip,

Judy {my pink sister} 

Is holding a drink that is big as her entire head...

It was a fun time.

I cannot wait till next year.

Happy Labor Day.

Enjoy your moments.

Love you,

Me

Reinventing A Sunflower Garden

Yesterday, I went to my sunflower garden.

There were two new plants coming up.

Only TWO!

Last year 30 mammoths grew there.

 The birds must have eaten and ran.

{smile}

After realizing that the garden was void of seedlings,

I ordered a pound of mammoth seeds from my favorite seed vendor.

Doesn't that sound like alot?

I am always disappointed when a pound arrives

and it is so much less than I imagined.

They will arrive today or tomorrow,

and

on Easter Sunday I will plant

the seeds as a sign of renewal and love.

A longtime friend from my book group(Bookaccino)passed away yesterday.

The world was once aglow with her energy and positive attitude.

Today the world will be a little quieter without Fleur.

Rest well Lovely Flower.

You will be missed terribly.

Love you.

Me

Bookgroup, Stalkers and Sisters

In June, I blogged about Westminster Abby. My wonderful trip and schedules. "The Stalker" stole my blog topic and thought that he would change a thousand years of tradition, or just make us hear his shady opinion about it. In August I blogged about the sermon at our little church on Kauai. Since it was the anniversary of statehood, the topic was The Golden Rule. My Sister stole that topic and tried to put "her own" spin on it. How on earth can you "spin" the golden rule? A good friend and I reunited after many years. She is an EX student of mine and our communication was strictly online. It seems all my recipes, art and ideas, she stole. One day Lauren called me, and said that she had found a new template site for my blog and suggested that I change things up a bit. I said, if I change it, the next day N**** will change hers. AND she did! ( she then moved on to copy from Lauren's friends) My online book group is filled with the most amazing people. I had a longtime friend in the group, I use the term friend, gingerly. This person took and took, not really sharing the essence of friendship even as it should be online. Members of my book group, if you would like this persons SN, email me. I am shaking the cob webs out of the closet! The Internet has been around for a long time and afforded people many opportunities to share and learn. BUT it will never replace going on adventures of your own. No one wants to hear re-vamped blogs, rewritten to make you feel warm and fuzzy. Go to the park, a movie, be a REAL friend. Life is so amazing away from your desk! Love you. Me

Moments in Philadelphia/ A Weekend to Remember

We arrived and drove the busy streets to the hotel.

I was home.

We pulled into the hotel.

It was busy, people coming and going.

Parked the car. (got a great price on the rental) After checking in, and going up to our room... I wanted to curl up on the bed and read! Room 710. Perfect! Friday night: We had guests come to dinner at the hotel. They arrived early, so we visited in the sitting room of our room. Dinner at the Lacroix. Special moments indeed. Saturday Morning: Collegeville. Paying respects to my Aunt, Uncle & Grandparents.

The names above are not my family names.

I will keep the names and photos private.

Sticky Buns with walnuts for breakfast.

Eaten right out of the container with a fork. The morning was beautiful, birds were singing. We took drive..... and remembered.

Around lunchtime, we went to SPECK'S and bought lunch. Hoagies, chips and sodas. We were going on a picnic. We had our lunch at Valley Forge. The day was lovely..... A picnic at Valley Forge. Can you imagine that? We drove through Valley Forge after lunch. ( Thank you Ranger Troutman for the kindness. Your photo's turned out great) Larry loved using his new camera. Saturday Night: We met my book group at their hotel. After a short visit, we strolled the streets, to a nice restaurant, where we talked, ate, teased and had a lovely evening. I shall remember these days for a long time.... Seeing people I adore, Philadelphia! Being spoiled, and OH! The food. Sunday Morning: We got up early, and drove to New Jersey. We had breakfast at the Freeway Diner. Larry ate scrapple. ( the hot dog of breakfast meat) and I had eggs and bacon. We had to pay to go back to Philly and the airport. Crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge always thrills me. Bye Philly. Until next time, I will hold all of these special moments in my heart. Love you. Me

The Book Group

~~~

The hotel Lobby was busy.

When I looked beyond groups of people,

I saw them!

Jdils and Shatzy, curled up

in oversize leather chairs.

They where chatting, and then looked up.

It is then when Larry and I were welcomed

like long lost friends.

From that moment on,

meeting, strolling the streets of Philadelphia,

visiting over cocktails,

enjoying an excellent meal,

and finally as dessert was served,

I realized that soon this moment would be over.

We did not spend enough time with

My Beloved Book Group.

These same people have inspired me over the years,

shared book titles,

supported me during cancer treatments,

and

are the most wonderful caring people

on the Internet.

How much energy does it take to be kind to someone?

A quick hello in an Instant message?

An email of concern when you are worried?

The answer is Zero.

It is because of THESE friends,

I have discovered who the fly by night

Internet friends are.

You know the ones,

half personal information,

or lies.

Their life cloaked with a veil of mystery.

There is not time for wann-bee Internet friends.

The ones that "PLAY" but have no heart.

~~~

Last Saturday night,

a charming restaurant

wonderful people,

perfect meal

and moments to remember.

Jdils, Shatzy, Jerry, SSilver,

Halobear1, Rebafan4life & Sam I am!

Conneticut Yank & Sonoko

Thank you for helping make my weekend so very special.

To those of you who could not make it,

I missed you,

and perhaps one day we will all meet

and share, in person, the bond that we share online.

~~~~

I love you.

Me