May 30, 2004
Graduation from Hanover
Tracy graduated from Hanover this weekend.
It was another day of mixed emotions for all of us. How could so much have changed in such a fast four years? A quiet teen who wanted to teach and write childrens' book was transformed into a confident, charming and ever more beautiful young woman whose passion is to perform Shakespeare.
We tried to recreate a moment that dramatically shows how things have changed from our first visit in the fall of 2000, to our last visit at graduation in the spring of 2004.
WOW!!!
Eric --- still very protective of his little sister.
I guess Steve does get some (genetic) credit for a job well-done four times over!!!!
May 27, 2004
Take a hike
Steve and I recently made a quick trip to Las Vegas. As anyone knows who has been there, it really stands out as you fly in. Unfortunately, most people are so bug-eyed over The Strip that sticks up out of nowhere, that they miss the vastly more impressive Red Rock Canyon.
We only had a few hours to hike the many miles of trails, but as the photos attest, the display of wildflowers was incredible! I had no idea that the desert could be so beautiful. Steve was fairly patient with my "Wait! Let me get a picture of this one too. . ." but I'm sure I missed as many flowers as I found.
May 17, 2004
Wildflower walk
It has become tradition to take a wildflower walk every May with our beloved friend (and local wildflower expert) Pat Oppenheim. In years past, she has always blessed us with a personally guided tour --- and quiz --- on all the different wildflowers. This year, she's nursing a broken hip but was still gracious enough to let us enjoy her sanctuary.
We went a little later in May than usual and missed the triumphant display of trillium, but saw an entirely new blanket of wildflowers instead.
Below is the "sugar shack" (where maple syrup was once made) with a blanket of nameless and numberless wildflowers in the foreground. My buddy Rae joined me on the hike and then enjoyed a chat with Pat by the pond.
And . . . believe it or not, Pat usually pays us before we leave --- with fresh produce from the garden!!!
May 16, 2004
I amuse myself
We have a group of 4 couples that get together for dinner every couple of months. This month our hostess challenged our taste buds and culinary skills with an ethnic flare.
I was in charge of the appetizers . . .
May 12, 2004
This little piggy . . .
Can you tell which one is Sarah?!? She was one of the rappin' 3 little pigs in the tonight's spring play at Sacred Heart. She had an oustanding performance --- and snort!!! (She must have learned that from Gramma Jane.)
Rachel also had an outstanding performance as a featured pianist in the prelude and a very animated singer in the chorus.
May 9, 2004
Happy Mother's Day
This was my Mother's Day present from Rae . . . a rockin', rollin', splashin' and spinnin' ride in her new bustin' water Boston Whaler. As you can see, she is concentrating very hard to make certain that I get the best ride possible.
Thank goodness she was still sleeping when my favorite designated driver (Steve) took me for a Mother's Day footin' run down the middle of Lake Tippy at 6 am. Even the fisherman paid their respect and stayed out of my way. That's the way every day should begin!
May 5, 2004
May 2, 2004
Hallelujah . . . It's a Luau
In keeping with our ecclectic lives, we held an ecclectic celebration today.
Rachel celebrated her First Communion today - first with her classmates at Sacred Heart, then in a special ceremony as a family here at home. Rachel baked the bread herself and proudly shared it with us under the wing of Pastor Denny Wilson. We were blessed by the company of Rachel's Godparents, Bill & Krisce Myers, as well as the usuals . . . Gramma Jane, Grampa David, Uncle Rick, Aunt Penny, cousins Samantha and Jeff, Great-Grampa Stands, and Great-Gramma and Grampa Grandstaff.
Then the luau began to celebrate Sarah's 12th birthday!
(Actually, the luau began on Friday night and just ended today!)
It was a busy, blessing-filled May Day weekend.
May 1, 2004
Left out in the cold
Despite the chilly water temps, Sarah and her buddies wanted to tube at Sarah's birthday party yesterday. All but one took the plunge - unintentionally. Even though they wouldn't stay in the water long enough for me to take their picture, they were good sports.
Not pictured: Erin pouting because Sarah got to"ski" before she did!
(About an hour later, I finally got my feet wet for the first time this year. It just doesn't seem right that my daughter should tube before I get to barefoot!)