Thanks to Elise

Here's a recent photo of the french puppy with Elise. She says that he is very gentle with her, almost sensing something is different. All of our friends who are animal lovers can attest to that...animals know when things are changing. I remember how Stan's dog Blackie always stayed close to Val when people were visiting. They just become very protective. We're looking forward to Elise's visit in 1 week, to help celebrate Elle's birthday. In the meanwhile, the alligator meat just arrived from Cajun Grocer, in plenty of time for Elle's birthday party. It's going to be a New Orleans theme, complete with bourbon chicken and hurricane drinks. Can't wait:)

Hen and Elle relax...

Today has been busy, but enjoyable. The day started with an early morning walk through Lakeside Park, followed by some painting at the Rose Residence rental. At 3:00 Liyah finished her day at Taylor Park pool, and I picked her up so she could join me at work. We made chocolate brownies from scratch, and Italian spaghetti with a side of spinach salad. It was very good, and Aliyah told her Mom later that she had so much fun that now she wished she had a cooking show. Funny. Tomorrow is a busy day...12 hours at work and then back to the rental to paint outdoors when it's cool. Paul and Eva are performing in the pit for 'Fiddler' so I'll be on my own at the rental. On a lighter note, for our 27th. anniversary, Paul and I are attending a Jimmy Buffet concert in Chicago. How fun. We're looking forward to it, and a weekend in Chicago visiting the museum and aquarium.

quiet morning

Paul and I walked early through Lakeside Park. It was very beautiful, and the young deer and baby ducks and geese were everywhere. Afterward we painted at one of the rentals, and hauled old carpeting to the dump. Elise called this afternoon on her way to chorus practice. She is anxious to come to Ellie's 16th. birthday party in 2 weeks. She's also eager to share the news of her pregnancy; now almost half way along. We've lots of plans for when she's here. Today I also spent some 'catching up' time with neighbor Esther, as she returned something of Ellie's from a music department locker. Thanks to Esther. She was one of Elise's favorite teachers (4th. grade) but Elise admits to being more social that year than academic:) I think Esther will agree with that. Esther is expecting a grandchild in August. We hope everything goes well for her grand-daughter.

Happy 30th. to Hannah:)

Let's celebrate tonight with niece Hannah, who is 30 years old. If memory serves, my Mom backed into a street cleaner, in an effort to find Hannah's Dad who was fishing. Jeannine, like me and the Rochon girls, always had super fast labors. Funny the things you remember. When Hannah was born, I was in San Diego with friends Karen and Jane, roller skating in Balboa Park. Hannah was baptized a month later, when I came home...I was very proud to be her Godmother. Best wishes to Hannah today. We love her lots.

Happy Glorious 4th!

What a beautiful weather day we have! Paul and Eva have a wedding this afternoon at Holy Family, followed by the Symphonic Band concert on the gazebo at Lakeside Park tonight. Elle is of course in the band, and Paul and Eva are featured musicians for several patriotic songs. This year I'm bringing some of my clients to the fireworks. Thanks to friend John who offered viewing them from his boat:)

sharing the website

For the local folks from Holy Family, and friends from the Methodist Church, Baptist, (Liyah and Minnie) and the Lutheran Church, I'd like to include James and Elise's website here. Feel free to visit. Love to all in Cyberland.

http://jamesandelise.blogspot.com/

cleaning house

We take a break today from vacation photos to thank friend Kim, Eva, Elle and little Aliyah for helping clean one of our rentals. Tonight we're enjoying grilled blue marlin and a big salad. Yum.