My Life as a Work in Progress . . .

New House Color

2011-06-29T17:24:00.001-04:00

It's spring time in Old Virginny

2010-04-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

At least here in Arlington on Larrimore street. It has been a BEAUTIFUL start to Spring Break from school. Down on the Tidal Basin the cherry blossoms were at full peak of their bloom last Wednesday when Gracie and I traveled down to see them. I was with them for the Dominion Hills community Easter Egg hunt and for when the Easter bunny came to visit their house on Sunday. We traveled by water taxi across the Potomac to the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor.

JACK and ANNIE and their Magic Tree House

2010-01-31T16:58:00.009-05:00

Gracie LOVES the "Magic Tree House" series of books, has "read" all of them with her parents and me, and I am going to try to make her dolls into the characters Jack and Annie. She already has her Little Gracie doll, which looks like both her and Annie from the book.

There is no boy doll in the American Girl series, but I did find this inexpensive made-in-China knock off on Ebay for a reasonable price. Good thing the price was right because when it (finally!) got here it turned out to be a real mess - a girl doll with the lips painted over sort of yellow color with a big smear of the paint on the cheeks and her hair whacked off in a horrible cut (that is, I am sure, the real reason for the hat in the pictures!).

My first attempt at fixing the bad haircut was almost as bad as the original. But the second attempt was better. After removing all traces of the yellow-paint-over-bright-pink-paint on his lips, the smear of paint on his cheek and putting his glasses on, he was beginning to look more like JACK.

Before he got here I had gone to Goodwill and purchase a load of baby and toddler clothes to recycle into doll clothing.

I made him a shirt from a toddler Polo shirt, a pair of socks from some recycled tennis socks of mine, put on his new high tops and I think he already looks GRAND. He does need some pants, though. Next task - blue jeans.

Jack carries a notebook, pencil, camera and the Magic Book in his backpack, and he looks ready to go on his next adventure!

NEW DOLLY!!!

2010-01-09T14:42:00.008-05:00

My mother thought the new Madame Alexander doll from Avon looked JUST LIKE Gracie Mae, (and to be honest, she does) and couldn't resist sending her to Va. for Christmas.

Gracie loves her new dolly, whom she has name "Little Grace". So I went onto Ebay, looking for patterns for some doll clothes to sew. Little Grace has the same body dimensions as the American Girl dolls, so I was searching for patterns that fit them. I had asked around at work for a doll to borrow to use as a mannequin for fit (and had found one to use). But, while I was on Ebay I came across an auction for this doll, and I couldn't resist!

She is an American Girl doll from the "Just Like Me" line. Now I have my OWN Gracie who will model the clothes I make for Gracie Mae's "Little Grace". I am very pleased.

I found patterns to make a leotard and tights to match Gracie's tumbling outfit, a soccer uniform to mach hers, an artist's smock and a complete set of Disney Princess costumes.

also found some traditional dress patterns, but they are not as appealing to me. Too "not Gracie".

Maeow ABSOLUTELY WANTS to be the center of attention and needs to assert her dominance over Gracie!

Back "home" on Whidbey Island!!!

2009-12-28T10:16:00.002-05:00

In the beautiful (so far!!) sunshine, under the tall trees, with the snowy mountains and sparkling water all around me - it is HEAVENLY!! I forgot my camera yesterday, so I missed all the beautiful shots of the sun shining on the snow capped peaks of Mt. Baker and the Cascades. It will probably rain tomorrow when Trudy comes in for her visit from LA, so I am really bummed. Going to knock around the house today then tonight go to the Clyde for the last night of "New Moon".
Right now the sun is just starting to come up and there is an eagle sitting in one of the tall firs just outside my window and it is screeching and screeching. It sound SO COOL!! I ain't in Michigan anymore!

SNOW DAY THREE!!!

2009-12-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

The sight this morning was really beautiful. The west wind last night had coated everything in the front yard, including the icicles, with a fine dusting of snowflakes. I wish there were some some sun so they would sparkle.

Meanwhile, the icicles on the back eave just continue to grow. I know this is bad, and probably are doing something horrible to the attic or something, but they are so darned pretty looking. Pretty and evil - like some sort of tarantula or snake.

But the backyard looks like a Christmas card - flat white trackless snow, dusted trees and fluffy piles. If it weren't for getting out and high heat bills, this would be nice for weeks!

BLIZZARD WEEK!!

2009-12-10T12:39:00.001-05:00

The first inkling that we had of the impending storm was on Friday, 12/5, when we got dumped on in the morning and school was cancelled (giving us an unexpected long weekend!)

Then the warnings started in again Tuesday morning for a blizzard condition on Wednesday, and we all (including the school district) heeded them. But Wednesday came and went and nothing much happened, except extended blizzard warnings and freezing drizzle. So we all stayed away from school (but not off the roads because they are bare!) It was pretty anticlimactic and people were less than happy. It seems that the National Weather Service really jumped the gun on the warnings by about 12 hours (to be "safe"). This morning, though, was a different story.

Over 350 schools closed, blowing snow, and bad roads.

IT IS ALL VERY PRETTY, BUT I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE OUT IN IT. NEITHER DO THE CATS . . . .

2009-11-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

Link to sewer photos http://web.me.com/judi_bee/JNB_Art_Teacher/My_Albums/Pages/Front_yard_dig.html

The INCREDIBLE SEWER MESS

2009-11-02T19:22:00.004-05:00

It all started a couple of days before I was to leave for the last D.C. trip. I went downstairs to get my laundry out of the washer, and the whole floor around it was covered in sewer backup that had come through the standpipe. I tiptoed through the sludge picked up the laundry and hauled it down to the laundromat so I could finish packing. The horror if it was that I had to walk away and leave it until I came back from the kid's house. The plumber came and looked at it, gave me the HORRIBLE news that it couldn't just be "fixed" and left me standing on my front porch with an estimate and work order for $6000 worth of digging up, plumbing and repair. My whole sewer system, from the house to the street. Oh, lord.. . . .

MONDAY - Home today at 3:00 - the trenchers, diggers and pipe layers have not been here yet, but the cement cutters have been here to cut up sections of the sidewalk and driveway and the plumber left pipe in the garage. Tomorrow must be “the day”. Looking forward anxiously to the end of the week when I will be able to park my car in the garage, do the laundry, wash dishes and poop at home. NOT looking forward to the horrendous bill . . . .

SUNDAY IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINNY

2009-10-28T14:42:00.124-04:00

We end up our day at GREAT COUNTRY FARM outside the little town of Bluemont in Louden County, West Virginia. But we START the day with a big wonderful breakfast of eggs, sausage, salmon (for Gracie) and Maryland Crab Cakes (for ME) at the Silver Diner in Arlington.

Charlie plays the jukebox and gets down busting some moves!

Then it is off to the mountains for some serious pumpkining.

The ride through the countryside is beautiful, though horse country, beautiful homes and fall colors

until we get to the little town of Bluemont and our destination - Great Country Farms (total travel time from Arlington, through DC traffic, about 1 1/2 hours).

We arrive about the same time the Great Dane Rescue Society does, with their massive doggies. The kids pass on petting to head for the huge Balloon Bounce, and really big bouncing!

There were so many fun activities at the farm, including a rope maze (in which Gracie got "lost" and Chad had to effect a "rescue"). butt wiggle car for Genna and Charlie,

giant tube slides, a pumpkin eating P-Rex dinosaur

a real pumpkin princess

woods to walk through on the way to a nice village of little houses

a horsie made of tires and a cow train for a ride around the Farm.

When we get home we haul out our own pumpkins (not purchased at the Farm, but rather the Safeway for 2-for-one). We end the day by carving almost all of them before I have to catch my plane back to GR, The sunset on the way to national Airport was the perfect cap to a perfect weekend!

BIG SATURDAY IN ARLINGTON

2009-10-28T07:22:00.005-04:00

We start the day with Gracie's soccer game, and when we get there, Charlie immediately does what he does best - climbs to the top of the highest thing he can manage

The kids play under threatening skies, and in spits and spurts of sprinkles, but the actual rain holds off until the game is over. I hold down a chair on the sidelines under a brolly, just in case.

Gracie really seems to like playing soccer, and is pretty good at it. Though they don't actually count their goals at this level, or even (supposedly) keep score, Gracie got two goals and one good assist. Way to go Gracie.

When the game is over there is a "parent tunnel", then treats and drinks for all (including, of course, Charlie), and a good long romp for everyone on the school playground equipment.

When we get home Gracie wants to do her own work on her costume, so I put her to work assembling her concho hat band and belt. I never figured she would stick with it, but she strung the whole band, the belt AND some extra pieces for Charlie to use on his Charlie Horse costume. He was unimpressed with the process and chose instead to BE the drum!

We had to run to the fabric store and when we got there it was pouring rain. Charlie came out, discovered a dowspout that made a gusher of water straight down, and headed for it like he was pulled on a string. the weather was warm, it was only water, it made him very happy, so we just let him go for it!!

About 5:00 the skies began to clear and we made a dash (along with thousands of other parents and costumed kids) to the National Zoo for their annual Boo at the Zoo. Though we have been to many in Lansing, this one proved to truly be the "mother of them all". It was fabulous!

With our treat bags filled to overflowing with candy, prizes and other Halloween "stuff" we head home. It has been quite a night!

And some of us are totally tuckered little goblins!

Friday night at the WHITE HOUSE!!!!!

2009-10-27T13:59:00.006-04:00

One of Genna's friends is a staffer at the White House and she was able to have a private tour of the West Wing arranged for us. This is a very special treat for me, as public tours are only for the East Wing, and for this you really must "know someone"! Well, I DO!!

However, the whole trip is (for me) a punishment for something I must have done in a past life because PHOTOGRAPHY IS FORBIDDEN!!! OMG, I get serious withdrawal symptoms almost immediately!! All of my image-taking has to be confined to the outside of the White House before we go in . . . . .

(our hosts James and Michael of Intergovernmental Affairs)

and the grounds after we complete the tour and come out of the West Wing.

Here we are outside the Visitor's Entrance to the West Wing Lobby. We have just completed our tour ending with the Oval Office itself. We visited the Roosevelt Room with its hallway area FILLED with original George Caitlin paintings and Frederick Remington sculptures. We also stepped into the Rose Garden, though we had to wait until the Marine One Helicopter landed, dropped off (not POTUS but some of his cabinet, including I think, the head of the CIA), then took off again. The First Lady has just made a bunch of new additions to the decor in the Oval office and I was most excited to see lovely examples of Native American pottery including one by Maria Martinez.

We were a very small group on our little tour. There was Genna and me, James' parents from California,

and Michael' friend Lee from the Obama Campaign.

After leaving the Oval Office area the ban on cameras was lifted and I could finally take pictures again.

Here we are going into the White House Press room, where the first thing I spy is Helen Thomas' personal chair.

Lee is a writer, and Genna is GENNA, so this is THEIR element!
This has been quite an evening for me! One I won't soon forget!

Friday soccer practice

2009-10-25T08:01:00.000-04:00

Gracie and I walk back up to school for her practice for her soccer game on Saturday.

Gracie LOVES soccer, and she is pretty good at it!

IN ARLINGTON FOR THE WEEKEND!!

2009-10-23T11:01:00.001-04:00

I left Grand Rapids on Thursday at 4:45 and got into DC at 6:10. I LOVE that flight - an hour and a half, door to door! I was SO HAPPY to see everybody, and they were (I think) happy to see me! Gracie is SO TALL and Charlie is SO BIG! What a difference a month or two makes!

Charlie and Grace enjoy a lilttle time with Dad before Gracie heads off to her school and Charlie heads off to his.

Gracie has learned to "strike a pose" for the camera. Today (Friday) is spirit Day, so she is showing school spirit by wearing her new Ashlawn Elementary Eagles shirt.

At 8:30 Gracie and I start our (very short!) walk over to school. We are joined on the way by her neighbor Eli and his mom.

We get to school just as the colors are being raised by the crossing patrol. This is Gracie's Teacher and this is her room.

Special day today - they are starting with a video on the "big screen". This is the schools interior courtyard, and this is the gym/cafeteria.

NICE WALK TO SCHOOL!

And here is a look round Genna's neighborhood on the walk home. This is their house.

my WHIDBEY ISLAND/MAC COMPUTER DIARY

2009-07-24T18:19:00.025-04:00

Well, I arrived on Whidbey Island on the 20th, and it is the 26th today. I carried with me my brand spanking new Mac Book Pro, and a whole lot of high hopes for being to teach myself how to use it to do things the way I had been doing them on the old PC. YES, I paid for the One-to-One classes, and yes I plan to get right in the middle of them when I get back home on the 6th of August, but, in the meantime, I am pretty much on my own. I have managed, finally, to learn enough to get my blog going again, for which I am very grateful. And I am most proud of having done it by myself, with just a mix of plugging along experimenting and Googling. BUT I HAVE DONE IT!! i think

DAY TRIP up to GREENBANK WINERY and CAFE

This is the Greenbank Winery - home of famous Whidbey's Loganberry Wine, and the best pie in the world at the Greenbank Cafe.

Vintage Whidbey Island - lavender and daisies.

The property also contains a pond complete with geese, and a formal English herb garden.

Sunday on WHIDBEY ISLAND

2009-07-19T20:58:00.012-04:00

I took a dose of Nyquil Cough last night to knock out the beasts fighting in my chest and to quiet my hacking cough. I went OUT LIKE A LIGHT and slept until 8:00 am. Quite a feat for the jet lag day after cross country travel! I woke up rarin' to go but with nothing to do. GREAT FEELING!!
Mom and I drove into the rocking Metropolis of Langley, which qualifies as a real "one horse town"

(okay, it's a TWO horse town, if you count these two beauties and their buddies. They had just walked into town from the County Fairgrounds where they were practicing for the upcoming County 4H fair. They "hitched up" next to our car in the parking lot of the Star Star and ran in for sodas.

We walked up 2nd street almost to the post office to a new little place for a GREAT panini sandwich, Useless Bay Coffee Company.

All the vegetables for the sandwiches made in the restaurant are grown in a garden out back. The owner, being from Britain, knows his way around not only a very good sandwich, but a lovely English herb garden as well.

Next door to Useless Bay Coffee is the old Fire Hall, which is now the home to a working glass blowing furnace. They just opened for business a couple of days ago.
Then we head back for home so Mom can putter in her garden.

We had a REALLY GOOD first day, and Luna is pleased. But would like a cookie.

Crazy Las Vegas Airport!!

2009-07-19T13:54:00.003-04:00

OH MY GAWD ! ! This is the AIRPORT in Las Vegas! Surreal.

And we sure as heck don't have posters like this in the Grand Rapids airport!

It's KATHY'S BIRTHDAY!!

2009-07-17T14:54:00.003-04:00

Well, Sunday is, anyway. But we are celebrating it today, a whole gang of us, at Perkins. We had brunch, hugs, laughs, presents and servings of birthday pie!! Very fun!

SATURDAY - back in Rockford, tra la la.

2009-07-14T16:19:00.016-04:00

I am home, tired but happy. Had a WONDERFUL time in California, in spite of the fact that I was in California. But, it was NOT too hot and the traffic was NOT too bad (except for getting VERY lost in pitch black in the mountains on a freeway toll road with no exits or entrances!). I had a GREAT TIME, did SO MUCH COOL STUFF, and came away with tons and tons of photos of things that will make FABULOUS watercolor paintings. Now all I have to do is stay home long enough to paint. Well, okay, that is NOT going to happen since I am off to Seattle on Saturday next. The cats hate me for traveling so much, but oh well . . . . . .

And if THESE aren't enough, there are the SPECTACULAR cloud formations that I saw from the plane wile flying around a thunderstorm over Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, at 37,000 feet, just about sunset. WOWEE WOWEE!!

God as the Master Colorist, Master Artist!

FRIDAY - the GETTY VILLA!!

2009-07-14T12:41:00.015-04:00

Friday we are off to the Getty Villa, a museum of antiquities perched high on a bluff overlooking the pacific Coast Highway and the Malibu coastline.

Getting down to it from Simi Valley requires a hair-raising thrill ride down the twisting, turning two-lane that is Malibu Canyon Road. VERY exciting!
We slide to a stop when we hit the Getty at the beach.

This is such a beautiful place. It is newly re-opened after years of extensive remodeling and it is spectacular. Again, it is seated in a canyon that is quite wild all around it. It is modeled, decorated and landscaped in the style of an ancient Roman villa, befitting the Roman and Greek antiquities that are housed there.

This is the lower entryway marble reflecting pond. Upstairs is the main entry plaza.

Trudy has signed us up for a 3 hour demonstration of the ancient art of gem carving/engraving that is being given by one of the few remaining, gem carvers in the world. He is from Bulgaria, is world famous for his artistry and does extensive work for the Getty.

After the class we wander the grounds. I love the ceilings under the porticos that surround the main courtyard - they are all decorated with individually hand painted flowers.

Everywhere there are marble reflecting ponds and formal gardens, fountains and estuary. The walkways are cool, serence and quiet, even with a lot of people around (which there were not!).

This large reflecting pond is flanked on both sides by formal herb gardens, fruit trees and bronze sculptures.

Traveling along the path on the way out you pass through groves of pines and palms and under grape arbors.

Your last vista as you leave looks over the tree tops of the canyon to the Pacific way below. It is all quite breathtaking. Even though I was so tired I could barely move, and told Trudy that i just couldn't do it, I am so glad she dragged me out! If she hadn't I would have missed this wonderful sight and I would have been soooo sorry I did!

Thursday - Our day at the Laguna Beach ART FESTIVAL

2009-07-13T09:42:00.027-04:00

We get up early and drive down from Simi Valley to Laguna Beach for our day at the three Laguna Festival Art Shows - Art-A-Fair, Sawdusters and Masters. When we reach Laguna (the site of three recent big California wildfires in my recent memory) I am delighted to find that they are controlling their dry brush problem with herds of goats! The main herd is penned (for now - they are moveable) right across from the main art fair, the Masters, and the Irvine Bowl, where the Pageant of the masters is held. Quite a sight and sound!

After I geek for quite a while at the goat herd, we move on in to our first art fair of the day - Art-a-Fair.

We are laughing before we even get started in our day - for some reason Trudy's shoes have exploded! Good thing she brought two pair!

We decide to break for lunch at "Tivoli Too", the restaurant tucked back in the greenery against the hill on the grounds of the fair. We have both always admired it for its absolute beauty and charm, but never had the time to stop there. Today we did, and I am so glad!!

Seated at a little table on the corner of a porch in front of this little house tucked in the back, we are perfectly positioned to enjoy the sights and sounds of a trickling waterfall, birds, butterflies and dragonflies, and all manner of gorgeous flowering plants.

This is Blake, our waiter. He is a genuine California surfer dude, just graduated from college and waiting for his big break into business - as guess what? A SURFING ENTREPENEUR!!

After Art-a-Fair we move up the street to our second stop, the Sawdust art fair, named for its winding pathways of wood chips.

We prowl around Sawdusters for a couple of hours. I didn't buy any art, but I did treat myself to a new set of toe rings I bought the last set when I was here eight years ago and they lasted YEARS before they "died", so it was time.

After Sawduster's we have some time to kill before the Pageant (it starts at dark) so we walk down into Laguna to go to the beach. The weather is still mild and breezy and WONDERFUL.

Lots of tan and beautiful bodies playing beach volleyball, people with silly dogs, all kids of kids and a fair share of California wackos. A typical day at the beach.

At last it is dusk, and time to cross the street from the goats and head back to go to our last art fair, the Festival of the Arts.

This is the oldest of the three, the original Pageant of the Masters fair. It is juried, VERY high end, and the work is suitably outstanding. In the morning it is quite quiet and empty . . . .

. . . . but come evening, leading up to the pageant, the entertainment starts, the wine and champagne begin to flow, and it becomes very lively!

NEXT STOP, THE PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS!!

Thursday, July 9 - PAGEANT of the MASTERS!!

2009-07-13T08:00:00.011-04:00

The Pageant of the Masters is held every year in the summer from just after the 4th of July until the first of September. It is put on outdoors in the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach, CA. Every performance sells out. Since no photography is allowed in the Bowl I am relying on the stock photos that are included in the program for the performance. The show consists of a series of "tableaux vivants", which is French for "living pictures." These are groups of costumed actors in special make-up carefully posed and theatrically lit. Throughout the duration of the display, the actors do not speak or move. Each year the theme of the production changes. This year focused on "The Muses" - the Greek Goddesses of creative inspiration.

One of the works of art I saw re-created during the pageant was by one of my favorite artists - Maxfield Parrish. Its title is "Morning". It's an oil painting that was done for a 1922 cover of Life magazine.

This is the painting, and this is how it looked re-created on stage by a living model.

To make a living person look like a painting requires special costuming and makeup that visually changes their three-dimensional form into two-dimensional flatness. Quite a feat.

Costumes are made of canvas that is colored to look just like the painting. Then they are strapped into their setting so that they can hold their pose absolutely still for 90 seconds.

Actors (and these are the actors in this photo, not the sculpture!) who portray sculptures are covered in white or grey makeup for marble, or gold, silver or bronze gilt for metallics. Some of the actors are nearly nude except for their make-up (must be a little uncomfortable since the temperature along the beach coast dips down to nearly 50 at night!)

The Pageant of the Masters is one of my very favorite things about a trip to California. It is expensive and hard to get to, but worth every bit of the effort to attend. I am very grateful to my dear friend Trudy for taking me there again this year!!

I can't believe I ASKED to go to a MALL!!!

2009-07-09T00:32:00.008-04:00

Trudy and Andy kept asking me if there was anything in particular I wanted to see or do this week but nothing had caught my fancy. Then we drove past Simi Valley's new Town Center Mall. What an incredible place! To me it appeared to be quintessential California - tile roofs, high on a mountain top surrounded by rocks and sage, stucco walls, palm trees, fantastic architecture, and all in beautiful sunshine-y Pacific coast colors! Even though it is a mall (and I would rather be stood up against a wall and shot than go to a mall), THIS one looked fabulous! I really wanted to see and explore it.

So today, Wednesday, Trudy dutifully drove me up into the hills so we could stroll along the walkways and plazas that make up the outdoor mall.

As we first entered we came upon a wonderful reflection pond full of colorful and HUGE koi fish, swimming among planters full of grasses and flowers. The koi have their own umbrellas for shade.

All along the central courtyard running the length of the mall are little quiet seating areas under the pillars and porticos. It is a little like Italy, I imagine, or Hawaii. Definitely NOT Michigan!

All of the major stores have branches here - from Chico's to Coach. I went into a lot of clothing stores, but for me, being in them just makes me surly and obstinant. However, by contrast, all the fragrances in Bath and Bodyworks made me VERY HAPPY and Trudy and I bought a bunch of little 3 ounce lotions (mine WILL go home on the plane)!

The architecture and attention to detail in the landscaping in this place is quite remarkable.

This is a tile mosiac. The view from the second story of the complex, out across Simi Valley to the mountains on the other side, is breathtaking. Trudy tells me that I ought to see it on a CLEAR day, rather than today, which is apparently hazy. I can't tell . . .

There is a little something here for everyone - fountains and sculpture, a train that runs all through the courtyard, an historic live oak, a dragon . . .

. . . . even parties thrown by the community for the littlest shoppers . . . .

. . . and a foot-splash fountain with giant spittting heads!!
TOMORROW IS THURSDAY - AND THE LAGUNA BEACH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AND THE
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS!!!!

If it's Tuesday it must be MALIBU . . . . .

2009-07-08T22:55:00.010-04:00

Today we head over to Malibu to Duke Kahanamoku's restaurant on the beach. This is one of several - all of the other ones are in Hawaii. Since he was a champion and iconic surfer) the decor is Hawaiian, surfer and very cool, dude.

We score a table by an open window so we can get the full Pacific ocean breeze. We have saved up our appetites for this lunch excursion and order accordingly. First are crab won tons with sweet/sour sauce. Then Trudy has a panko and macadamia nut encrusted halibut. I get coconut shrimp with saffron rice pilaf. Both are served with a wonderful Asian bok choy slaw. We pass on the giant lava-lava ice cream concoction with hot fudge and macadamia nuts running down its sides - we didn't think we would be able to roll ourselves out the door!

On the way out we stop to check out the the deck of the Barefoot Bar. Not only is it inviting, but it comes with its own view of real surfers!! I'm not in Michigan anymore, Toto!!!

Our friend the free-loading gull sends us on our way down to Santa Monica. I check out the Pier way up the beach in the other direction (looks like a long hike to me, but hundreds of people are whizzing by to and from it on bikes, skates, scooters, roller boards, etc, etc, etc.

This year, instead of tramping past all the beachside vendors, we only go a short way past the Ganja Rastafarians selling henna tattoos in from of their hippie-mobiles. Then we scoot down to Venice High School for Trudy's Community Ed Silversmithing class. HUGE CLASS!! 50 people! And a great fully outfitted jewelry making facility. I am jealous, but NO WAY would I drive 72 miles round trip once a week in LA traffic to get to it! Tomorrow we are sticking close to Simi Valley.

TRUDY'S for FOURTH of JULY!!

2009-07-08T22:09:00.007-04:00

I arrive in Simi Valley on July 4th. We see fireworks off in the distance, but mostly it is just a lovely quiet holiday with a bevy of cats and bougainvillea outside the kitchen window in the morning. After a quiet Fourth, while I recover from jet lag, we decide to spend Sunday catching up on our lives. On Monday we go out into her new studio to "play".

This is Twitter and Kuma, the Bear.

Trudy's new jewelry studio is just a few steps outside the comfort of the cool breezes of the screen porch. Mitsu approves. There are two more cats, ZO and Haiku, but they have eluded my camera so far.

To "break in" the new studio we decide to have an "arts and crafts day"making fake dichroic glass opals.

The materials are simple - clear beach glass, iridescent paper and UTEE coating.

We heat the glass in a heating pan, the apply the papers and coating and the UTEE coating. It all melts down to a beautiful opalescent finish.

When the "jewels" are finished they look for all the world like opals!! No indication at all of their humble origins as pieces of clear glass. They will be fun to use in jewelry of some sort!

The next day is Tuesday, and we are headed off for lunch on the beach, a stop in Venice and then Trudy's night silver smithing class.

WHY AM I NOT RICH???

2009-07-01T09:31:00.003-04:00

WHY does the universe dangle sparkling, sexy seductive toys like iPhones and Macbooks in front of my face if it does not intend for me to HAVE them? I have been a very good girl for 63 years. Don't I deserve them????

So sad - one of my four summer trips is now history . . .

2009-06-26T09:55:00.008-04:00

. . . . but it was SO MUCH FUN!! Sorry that it had to end, but every minute of it was filled with some kind of joy -- from laughing kids and "Happy Cake" to quiet moments with a book in a tropical garden deck chair to "smashing crabs on their heads". But, on the UP side, Trudy and I made some plans for what to do when I get to LA next week (yes, NEXT WEEK!). It looks so far like a little Venice Beach/Long Beach on Tuesday, some Malibu Beach on Wednesday, down to Laguna Beach on Thursday. . . . Hmm, I sense a trend here. The best part will be Laguna,

for the Laguna Art Festivals

and PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS!!

OUR LAST DAY ON THE BEACH

2009-06-24T15:52:00.013-04:00

Rehoboth Beach, on the Delaware shore, has a good, old fashioned boardwalk stretching down its length. It also has a good, old fashioned FUNLAND, complete with kiddy rides, taffy, a mechanical fortune teller and (my personal favorite) BUMPER CARS!

Charlie rides the "whee oo, whee oo's" and is the gunner.

Gracie LOVED the very fast race cars.

I can't ride most rides, but I am a sucker for the bumper cars.

After yet another thunderstorm and downpour sent everyone running for shelter, there was a beautiful rainbow across the whole horizon over the ocean.

JUNE 17, 2009 - GRACIE TURNS FIVE!!!

2009-06-24T09:23:00.024-04:00

Gracie celebrates her 5th birthday at the Rehoboth Beach House with all of her family around!

Start with some quick decorating with things from the dollar store, add an ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery (Charlie calls it "Happy Cake!) and some presents (just a FEW), and Gracie is in for a BIG SURPRISE when she comes home from town!

MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUES!! Two for Gracie and two for Charlie!

A real tea set for Gracie from Nana, for Gracie and Nana to share a cup of tea and some tea cookies!

Her hair is SO CUTE in her new hair tie and ponytails, but, as always, it is jerked down to hang long in just a matter of minutes.

Charlie gets, and EATS Nerf balls!

BUBBLES!! and Charlie gets a new truck (wee oo, wee oo!!)
After Mom tries her hand (er, hips) at the new Hula Hoop, we go back down to town for Gracie's special Birthday Dinner. She has requested a restaurant where we can "smash crabs on their heads with a hammer", so we go to "Claws Crab House" in Rehoboth Beach.

While Charlie decides between Bud Light and Newcastle Brown, the waiter brings big sheets of brown paper to cover the table. Then he brings a huge bowl of crab legs and dumps them in the middle of the table with a couple of wooden mallets. And THEN THE FUN BEGINS!! Even Charlie get into the act, tho he is, in reality, just pounding on the table!

Gracie has a ball cracking crabs (and EATING them - she eats a LOT of them). It is a great birthday treat for everyone. Thank you Grampa Jamie and Gramma Cindy!

June 16 - The Rehoboth Beach House

2009-06-23T23:27:00.025-04:00

Genna's friend John graciously offered the use of his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to Genna and Chad and the kids, me, Chad's folks Jamie and Cindy, and his brother and sister Katie and Ed.

John's house is amazing! It has all of the comforts of home, with the addition of being in a stunning spot tucked back from the beach on a canal, surrounded by marsh lands.

My ULTIMATE FAVORITE part of the house is this wonderful screened in porch the runs the length of the marsh side of the house. I spent most of my time parked in a comfortable chair here reading or painting. HEAVENLY!!

The canal behind the house runs out to the Atlantic. The marsh in John's "back yard" is home to all sorts of wildlife, including deer.

The day the kids were supposed to go to the beach was the same day that storms were sweeping all across the midwest and east coast. While Holand, MI was getting 9 inches of rain we got enough to turn the street into a raging river out front. Since it was warm I talked Genna into letting the kids "swim" in the street. They had a ball!

One of the nicest features of the house is a hot water outdoor shower - PERFECT for washing off the sand from the street river, and for getting WARM. After a cozy towel-down the hammock on the sun porch is great for a snuggle.

The sun makes an appearance and the kids are finally able to head out to the shore. The afternoon is warm, and so is the water and everyone enjoys themselves - except for Katie, who burns to a crisp in no time, and Charlie, who HATES walking on the sand (sitting and playing, yes, but sand-on-the-feet-walking, no!)

A very nice day on the Atlantic Shore. it could have been warmer and sunnier, but hey, who are we to complain! It is NOT RAINING!

After the trip to the beach we come home to a family cookout and indoor picnic on the OTHER screen porch/deck (which is also serving as my temporary watercolor studio).

It is so comfy here that Charlie nods right off in the middle of The Swedish Chef!

June 16 - MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE!!!!

2009-06-22T10:37:00.015-04:00

We are going to Deleware by driving back up the coast from Williamsburg, and as we do we pass right by Chincoteague and the Assateague Wildlife Preserve, home of the wild ponies! I am going to be living a lifelong dream of seeing Misty's descendents in the flesh, in the wild! I can now die happy!

After a quick comb-out from beauticians Gracie and Charlie in our motel room we are off down the road to the little town of Chincoteague on the coast. It is the village made famous by Marguerite Henry in her book "Misty of Chincoteague", which has been a favorite of mine since early childhood. We stop at a place called the Pony Centre, where Charlie and Gracie can see and pet tame "wild" ponies, and, of course, purchase almost anything pony-related you can think of.

There was a little foal who looked just like Misty, or Sea Star.

Just be fore we leave for Assateague, the home of the wild ponies, I stop at the grave of one of the actual Misty's grandchildren here at the pony center.

THERE THEY ARE!! Real live wild Chincoteague ponies! Here is a group from one of the bands who live wild on Assateague Island.

We were lucky enough to see this band grazing happily just off the road coming onto the island into the preserve.

Funny! The white marsh birds roost right on the ponie's rumps!

I take a last look across the road at the little band of ponies before we head up the coast for Deleware. Truly, the sight of these little horses in the flesh warms me to the very center of my soul! Thank you, God, for these most precious wild things!

We will miss the Wild Pony Swim at the end of July, and of course, I will still not get MY PONY, but at least I have finally seen MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE (or one of her descendants) in the flesh. I am so happy!

June 15 - OFF TO THE DELAWARE SHORE!!!

2009-06-22T08:48:00.012-04:00

John B., a dear friend of Genna's from the Governor's office and Washington, D.C., who now works for Google, offered us his beautiful house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for the weekend. So that we could all be together Chad's mom and dad, Cindy and Jamie, drove down from Lansing to join us. His sister Katie flew in from Long Beach, California, and his brother Ed flew in from Michigan. It was a real family reunion!

We begin our adventure with a trip down to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. At Williamsburg we catch a quick lunch in the back garden of Chowning's Tavern, and when we come out Charlie is delighted to see the Governor's carriage (or at least the HORSES pulling the carriage!) Then we head over to Busch Garden's for a day at the park, starting with one of the trains.

Our first stop is "Elmo's World" where Charlie just goes crazy in the wading pools and water. We have high hopes that we will have this kind of weather all week, but we suspect not. Gracie is off to the rides . . .

Nana does NOT go on the big rides - the four roller coasters or the log flume ride. WAY too much ride for me. I do go on the Pompeii ride with Grace, though many of the rides she will go on I will NOT.

"Escape from Pompeii" - down the chute and we all get SOAKED!!

Fun on the kiddie rides in Dinosaur Land.

Nana, Gracie and Charlie at the Busch Garden Carrousel.

Sparkling ears at night to end a very fun day at Busch Gardens/Williamsburg!

Saturday "Battle of the Smithsonian"

2009-06-14T14:39:00.006-04:00

Chad's family (Cindy and Jamie from Michigan and Katie from California) arrive today. After they kick around up at the Cathedral grounds and the Farmer's market on the Hill we all stuff ourselves into their van for a trip downtown to see "Night at the Museum - Battle of the Smithsonian AT the Smithsonian, in IMAX. On our way walk through downtown we stop at the US Naval Memorial where Charlie absolultely geeks over all the water.

"Hello Sailorman! Mind if we crawl through your legs?"

The kids were WONDERFUL at the movie. They both sat glued to the screen without a peep all the way through it. And were asleep in their seats before we got home.

Tomorrow we are off to Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.

Friday - GRACIE'S GRADUATION!!

2009-06-14T07:41:00.020-04:00

IT IS GRADUATION TIME IN THE PRE-K SCHOOL!
The graduates assemble, then it is time for Miss Kiesha to "start the show"!

Gracie has issues with her hat (silky hat on her silky hair with no bobby pins).

The graduates sing some special songs, then each of them gets microphone time to tell everone what they want to be when they grow up - Gracie wants to be a writer and write books about dinosaurs, volcanos and tree houses (an homage to the book series that she is WILD about having read to her EVERY night!)

Gracie's preschool is located in and run by the Department of Labor. Her guest graduation speakers were the Chief of Staff of the DOL, and the head of the ALW Union. He gave the graduates books about cows who go on strike for blankets.

Gracie gets her diploma . . . .

then all the parents are invited up on stage to dance in celebration.

Everyone gathers in the classroom for the after graduation reception. Everyone is very polite and sits patiently in their seats!

After tea sandwiches and fruit plate it was time for all the honorees to help cut the cake and eat it!

Gracie and her teachers Miss Belinda and Miss Kiesha.

GRACE ELIZABETH MAE GENT - PRE-K CLASS OF 2009

Thursday at the National Gallery in DC

2009-06-13T14:39:00.013-04:00

After I dropped Gracie at school on Thursday for her Graduation rehearsal I went over to the National Gallery for lunch and to poke around in the art. Happily, there was a lecture on Modern art, the "What, How and Why" of Modern Art. Very interesting, especially in light of the work the Docent was using as examples and references. So very very surreal to see art "for real" and up close and personal. I LOVE IT!!

After looking at the "What, Why and How" of modern art for an hour, even the staircase took on a sculptural form.

It was a great day at the Art Museum, as all Art Museum trips ultimately are!

Here is the chef who made the wonderful cannolis that I was NOT supposed to eat, buy or smuggle out of the cafe in the basement of the Museum. Because I did all of these things, God punished me by making me trip and fall on the sidewalk, in full view of many people on the street in DC, and smash them all to pieces. But they were NOT inedible, and we ate them anyway and they were wonderful.

And here is Nurse Gracie, very concerned, and ministering to here nana with her Dr. Kit. Despite the tender nurturings, and icepacks, my knee and (especially) my elbow are black and blue, swollen and very very sore.

Gracie at the National Arboretum with the Koi

2009-06-03T20:01:00.004-04:00

FRIDAY - April 10 - GRACIE'S SPRING PARTY at SCHOOL

2009-04-13T16:31:00.006-04:00

The weather on thursday and Friday was spectacular. Just in time for Gracie to attend her Spring Party at school (not Easter - Spring, and not Easter Eggs - just eggs!)

Genna and I met at her school (it is in the Department of Labor building).

While we were waiting for the party to start we watched the "passing parade", including a tour that is called "Segs and the City", tourists on Segways.

Then it was time to join the hunt for the eggs out in the playground.

Afterwards it was time to make Spring Butterflies, out of cream cheese filled celery with Oreo halves for wings.

This was a very nice ending to a wonderful vacation. Next stop - 10 days from now, same place different time. The Smithsonian National Craft Show with Trudy!!!

THURSDAY April 9 - CAPITOL TOUR

2009-04-13T15:46:00.007-04:00

Through Senator Levin's office, Genna arranged a tour for me of the Capitol. A nice young student from Hope College doing a three month internship with the Senator's office gave another gal and me a personal tour of the Capitol Building.

After a ride on the little train through the tunnel connecting the Senate Offices with the Capitol we arrived in the new visitor's center (along with THRONGS of other Spring Break visitors).

We all gathered at the feet of the statues given by the states. My favorites were these of King Kamehameha from Hawaii and Sacajewa from North Dakota.

We all met up under the gaze of the marble replica of the bronze statue of "Freedom" who stands on the top of the Capitol dome. Then we atarted off on our tour.

Before we left the rotunda we did what all the tourists do - rub the toe of the bronze statue of George Washington for good luck. I also rubbed the toe of Washington State's statue of Marcus Whitman, just in case!

Stopped for a hushed visit to the hallowed hall of the first chief justices. Impressive. One of my favorites parts of the tour was the basement tunnel under the building. Looks like the tunnels under the White House that they featured in "West Wing".

We made a quick stop back at Senator Levin's office to thank the staff for the tour, then departed out into the brilliant sunshine.

WEDNESDAY - Apr. 08 - POSTAL MUSEUM

2009-04-11T21:13:00.007-04:00

On Tuesday Gracie and I colored eggs so that I could make her the same kind of "Faberge" eggs that I had made when her mom was Gracie's age. First we blew them out so they were empty, then we dried them and dyed them bright colors.

Charlie could not possibly have cared LESS what we did, as long as we kept, cereal, bananas and the "PIG, PIG" coming. He is a GREAT fan of "Olivia", and also of "MOUSE" (Mickey).

The next day I took the Metro into town and picked up Gracie from her school. She wanted to show me her favorite Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Postal Service Museum. I had no idea how to get there but Gracie said she did so off I went, following the directions in downtown D.C. of a 5 year old. She took me from her school in the Department of Labor, past the beautiful Japanese Memorial to WWII Internment, right to her mom's office in the Hall of States. From there, the Postal Museum was right around the corner.

The Postal Museum is mostly an atrium between two buildings filled with hanging mail airplanes, mail carrying railroad cars and this stage coach. And Gracie's favorite part - a walk through a scary tunnel and some woods. Fun!

Genna found us and we all went to the D.C. Brewery pub next door for ice cream before heading home.

MONDAY AT THE HIRSCHORN

2009-04-07T14:47:00.006-04:00

The morning started out so lovely - just a beautiful warm spring day. Genna had the "day off", so after may attempts to pry her away from her computer and phone we finally headed out for downtown to enjoy the sunshine.

We started out at the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden.

A Louise Bourgeois spider (remember the one that came to Meijer Gardens?)

th is This one comes complete with a spring bird's nest!

A Claus Oldenburg.

The fountain with the jumping water (we like to sit around it in the summer).

The Hirschorn Gallery building.

Between the Hirschorn building and the Smithsonian next door there is the most CHARMING garden. It suffered mightely from being trampled during the inaugural, but it seems to be coming back OK.

I think it is going to be a perfect spot for a sack lunch when Trudy comes on her visit.

SUNDAY at the KENNEDY CENTER and the BALLET

2009-04-07T14:10:00.004-04:00

After a BIG day at the zoo (and a nap in the car for both kids) Gracie, Genna and I head back into town for our big event at the Kennedy Center. Genna had gotten us all tickets to The Washington Ballet company's production of "Peter Pan".

The main concourse entry is SO IMPRESSIVE, with all of the hanging flags.

Then there are all of the crystal chandeliers in the foyer, and the bust of John F. Kennedy. Beautiful!

The ballet was delightful - pirates, Pan, flying children and a funny tick tock croc. Costumes and sets were very nice, and Gracie sat thoroughly entranced through it all. Genna says that in the span of just a few weeks she has been to 2 ballets, Disney on Ice and the circus. She has no idea that other kids do NOT live like this!!!

Just as we emerged from the hall the sun was settting spectacularly over the river. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

SUNDAY AT THE ZOO

2009-04-06T06:01:00.011-04:00

Sunday turned out to be too beautiful of a day to stay home. We had planned to go to Hillwool Estate and gardens to see the display of Faberge Eggs, but timing was too tight for getting from there to the ballet, so instead we packed up and headed to the National Zoo. So did EVERYONE ELSE IN D.C., since the weather was so good!

In a TRULY RED LETTER BANNER DAY, we saw the Giant Pandas (who were actually outside, (saving us a two hour wait for the indoor exhibit!), the elephant mama and baby, (and learned about elephant molars!) We saw the Orangotans up and out on their overhead "O" line, a lion who was AWAKE during the day and NOT sleeping
and Prairie Dogs on Parade! Saw a LOT of animals, (for a change) on our zoo trip!!

We enjoyed a cone (messy) before our LONG climb back up to the top of the zoo hill!

SAKURA SAKURA - Cherry Blossom Days

2009-04-04T18:57:00.014-04:00

I left school ONE MINUTE after the bell rang to signal the start of Spring Break, jumped into the car, drove to Lansing, jumped on a plane and got to VA on Wednesday night. Thursday morning Genna went to work, charlie went to school and I took the Metro into to town to pick up Gracie at school. She showed me her play ground . . . .

Her school is in the Department of Labor building and the beautiful, brand new playground is nestled under it right out in the back.

After Gracie had her lunch, Genna met up with us and we all headed over to the National Galler of Art. We started out in the New Wing (the I.M. Pei) where we admired the Calders and Grace told us what she had learned about Mobiles and Stabiles while she was on a field trip there.

We headed off past the Goldsworthy installation

through the amazing light installation on display in the tunnel that seperates the wings

to wonder at seeing the Impressionists up close and personal

under the dome of the Old Wing of the Gallery.

We ended up with a stop at the Canadian Embassy where the large public scupture in the front is by one of my all time favorites, Northwest Coast artist Bill Reid.

Friday afternoon we all headed out to see the Cherry Blossoms on the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin in front of the Jefferson Monument. We were afraid that the wind and rain that was supposed to hit at night would blow away all the blossoms by Saturday. It was WINDY and cloudy, but it did not rain. In fact it was quite pleasant.

Charlie is ALL BOY - swinging on the gates and taking off by himself across the lawn.

Gracie brought along the kite that they had gotten from the Kite Festival last weekend, courtesy of the Swedish Embassy. The strong, blustery wind picked it right up and it soared way up towards the monument top while she sang the kite song from "Mary Poppins"!

When the sun came out between the clouds the trees were magnificent.

Saturday Genna, Gracie and I headed off downtown to the National Cherry Festival Art Market. We hoped to see the Parade and a lot of art, but what we saw was a HUGE CRUSH OF HUMANITY!!! We stayed for a while, but soon it just got to be TOO MUCH and we came back to our little home sweet home.

I did learn to make Japanese paper dolls, though the wind was blowing so hard that we had to hold all the pieces of paper down with our elbows while we did it. Quite tricky!

There was also a fascinating (well to me, anyway) display of N guage trains, complete with a Japanese temple and Godzilla!

When we got back home Genna's college room mate Betsy and her family had arrived for a weekend visit.

Tomorrow we are off to see fabulous Faberge Easter Eggs!!

THEY CAME BACK!

2009-03-21T15:12:00.005-04:00

I woke this morning to a little dusting of cold, spring snow (about which the cats had their panties in a bunch) and I think that the birdies may have taken shelter in the warmth of the spruce tree branches. Anyway, as of 3:15 the temp has risen from 34 to 53 and they are right back at it again. VERY busy and VERY sweet!

Spring Chickadees in my backyard cherry tree . . .

2009-03-21T10:45:00.007-04:00

They showed up four years ago as a nesting pair - picking away at the end of a stump from a cut off branch. They picked and picked, then gave up. They have come back (or SOMEBODY has) every year, but have not stuck around long enough to get the hole big enough for a nest. This year they came back again - determined to make a liveable hole for themselves. I was confident they would stick it out this time . . . . .

They got the hole big enough to get their whole bodies down into it.

Flying away . . . .

But, in the end, they gave up again. They probably found digs they didn't have to work so hard to make "their own". Maybe next year -- or maybe they will come back and give it another go.

NANA AND GRACIE'S SATURDAY

2009-02-22T07:33:00.012-05:00

Saturday turned out to be a much nicer day, almost (but not quite) warm. Genna was off to the White House for National Governor's Convention meetings again. And again, Charlie was NOT HAPPY about it. "Mama, Mama!" turned out she didn't have to leave until 10 so there was time forone more snuggle.

Then Nana and "Miss Metro" headed out to the "tube". Gracie has several tricks that she does getting to the train!

We pop out on the mall before we head to the American History Museum. Here we meet Mama to check out Kermit the frog, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers and have a nice bite of lunch.

After Mama has to meet all the governors for work, Gracie and I head back to the Natural History Museum to see more dinosaurs, and (more importantly) buy her THIRD bag of colored polished stones.

After a good long dig in the dirt it is time to head home for a bath, a story from the Magic Treehouse and bed. Again, it has been a long, LONG day and Nana is pooped (even if Gracie is not!)

Our (FRIGID COLD!!) Day on the Mall

2009-02-21T06:45:00.012-05:00

It's Friday. Mom is off for meetings at the White House, Dad has his work downstair's in his office, Charlie is off to School and Gracie and I are ready to start our Smithsonian Day. She starts by picking her favorite clothes and Nana braiding her hair.

Then Chad ran us down to the Metro for the trip from Ballston to Smithsonian Station. Such an easy trip! Up the escalator, and we pop out at the Sackler.

We run inside the Gallery to get out of the frigid, ferocious winda and cold and spot a sign for a Discovery Children's program for Black History Month called "Brer Bear and the Gullah People". We manage to wangle a ticket left over from all the DC school groups who are attending on field trips. Here is snap of the audience - can you spot Gracie?!

Then we are off on our trek WAY up to the Capitol end of the Mall to the Native American Museum meet Mom for lunch (at the BEST Smithsonian cafe, Mitsitan - fry bread, buffalo chili, planked salmon, squash soup - yum!!)

Gracie liked the Navaho story teller dolls. Nana liked the beautiful clay vessels!

After lunch Mama is off to the White House and Grace and I head out back down the Mall.Along the way we pass the pool in front of the National Archives, where they are ICE SKATING! In the SOUTH! That is how cold it is! The wind is cutting us through like a knife, but Gracie is being very brave and keeps going, although she is "freezing to death, Nana".
At last we reach the Natural History Museum, where we blow into the Fossil Cafe to share a mug of hot chocolate, warming our bones among the dinosaur bones.

We check out mummies and dinosaurs and the whale and fish, and Nana's favorite thing - THE HOPE DIAMOND (I hope I get it someday!)

Then we are off the Metro for the trip home and some dinner and MadagascarII while we wait for Mom to come home from her NGA meetings. WOW, what a day! Gracie was the Energizer Bunny, but Nana is half to totally DEAD!!

A BLUSTERY DAY

2009-02-19T16:07:00.007-05:00

I don't know what speeds the wind is gusting to outside, but the windows are rattling and I can feel the house shaking. If this were Michigan, or if it were dark and raining, I would be running for shelter. However, the sun is shining brilliantly and it looks (deceptively) warm (NOT). I would not like to be trying to land in a plane in this!!

We started out the morning with Gracie setting up a very long and complex tea party for her Pretty Ponies.

Then, after a trip to the (as Genna puts it) Singles Bar grocery store, we came back to have lunch. Then Gracie decided to play on the computer for a while, then she dragged out the Twister game, and her Dad to play it (Nana cdertainly couldn't do it, I could barely spin the spinner!

Tomorrow we are off to MUSEUMS!!

FEBRUARY IN VIRGINIA

2009-02-19T10:32:00.006-05:00

Well, long time no write! But here I am in Arlington with Genna, Chad, Gracie Mae, Charlie, Toby and sickly old Floyd. I am having a great time with Gracie this morning - Charlie is off to school. I got "home" last night at 7:00 after a very uneventful (thank goodness) flight from Grand Rapids (which is getting snowed under, I think). After Gracie put on a little ballet perfomance, the family settled in for a little WII (Chad steers the wheel and the kids watch the Mario cars race).

It's a sad day at my house today . . .

2008-11-15T14:34:00.019-05:00

Today my old friend of 12 1/2 years, Pasha the Puddy Potentate, came to the end of his time with me and his friends Mae and Beezum. Veterinarian Dr. Marshall confirmed what I already suspected (but was dreading). I made the decision to relieve his suffering before the diabetes that was quickly taking him down could progress any further. His once soft, furry, rotund body was becoming a shell - trapping his spirit and reducing life to longer and longer periods of slumber. He could no longer jump up into his chair or travel to and from his spot under the back yard cedar tree, or walk more that a few steps without exhaustion.

The illness made his appetite voracious, but he could not get enough nutrition to counteract the sugar count that should have been 100, but was over 400. He had lost more than 1/3 of his pudgy body weight and most of the muscle mass in his rear legs was gone. His beautiful soft fur was dull and lifeless. In truth (and denial) I had only taken him in to the vet to reassure myself that he was healthy, but a quick exam and a glucose test confirmed what I already knew. After a short consultation on his probable remaining time and quality of life the inevitable was clear. He went to sleep purring and snoring peacefully in my arms.

Monday afternoon he will join old friends Annie and Spike, (whose own final journey has been "frozen in time" for years) and they will go together to Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetary for cremation

Pasha had many, many shortcomings (deplorable litter box habits, a house full of shed white fur, bad breath and farts), but I will really miss him. He was not only the mysterious source of my snoring couch but also my sweet, fat, "Teddy Bear Bed Buddy".

Genna on KEITH OLBERMAN on MSNBC!!

2008-11-09T05:45:00.013-05:00

Okay, so she is only a head in the crowd of staffers and aides in the back of the room, but THERE SHE IS ON NATIONAL T.V.!! And I can tell by where she looking just what she is doing - texting on that accursed Blackberry (which she did use to take the picture below, by the way)

Genna: my WOMAN IN WASHINGTON!! (and in Chicago)

2008-11-08T19:23:00.012-05:00

Friday, November 7, Chicago, my little girl, my baby Genna, was standing just off camera at President-elect Barack Obama's press conference with his transition team, which included her boss, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Genna flew from Washington to Lansing to join the Governor, then they jetted off to Illinois. There she staffed while the Gov met with President Obama in his Chicago headquarters.

Just the weekend before Gracie Mae and I had visited her D.C. office in the Hall of States in the Labor Department complex, where she heads the Governor's Washington bureau.

WOW!! Time really gets away!!

2008-11-08T15:40:00.008-05:00

I traveled to Arlington on the 30th, just in time to enjoy Halloween weekend with Genna, Chad and the kids. The week before they had gone to the birthday party for the Navy, and a neighborhood costume parade. When I got there we walked on the beautiful nature trails, had Halloween and spent the day in Alexandria on the Patomac. It was a PERFECT visit!

A BIRTH-day

2008-10-26T16:05:00.008-04:00

So it was just about this time of day 36 years ago (1972) that I was lying in a bed in William Beaumont Hospital in Southfield, Michigan praying that the next few hours would NOT bring me a baby boy. I wanted a little girl SO BADLY! My prayers were anwered. Not her dad's, unfortunately, for he had to take home the tiny litle hockey stick that he had brought to the maternity ward (just in case!) Genevieve Kathryn Beaudoin came into the world as sweet as a rose and as bright as a new penny. I had such high hopes and aspirations for her then, and she has never, ever disappointed me. Looking back on my life I know that SHE was the reason for my union with her father, whatever our outcome was. She is a birthday present to me every year on this date. I am so very lucky. I can't find any pictures of her as a baby (Genna took home all of the old baby albums), but I do have these from when she was just Gracie's age . . . in Oak Park . . . with her great friend Patsy.

This is December 1976 - she was 4 1/2 - just Gracie's age now.

This is Easter 1977.

Here are the girls learning to roller skate. Complete with pillows and hockey helmets!!
Playing dress-up and being "Little Orphan Annie".

So the BIG choice for Halloween - Batman or the Vampy Witch??

Naw. . . . as always for Genna "IT'S BEST TO BE THE QUEEN!!!"

Gracie now lives in a "SWING STATE!!"

2008-10-23T06:33:00.003-04:00

Genna posted this picture on her Facebook page of Gracie on the tire swing next door to her house. I chided her about the fact that Gracie has braids in her hair, and I was SURE that I was the only one who ever braided it, but she assured me that "No, Mom. I am NOT the worst mother ever, and I can and do comb and braid her hair!!" She looks so BIG in this photo! And so OLD. I am so looking forward to seeing her at Halloween. She will be Dorothy, and Charlie will be the flying monkey (if he is not too big for the costume!!)