Let's Have a Look-See

I just wanted to thank my kids for coming to California last week.  We sure enjoyed spending time with you.  Keith and Lucy... Callie... Courtney.... Richard.... And Scott E.    We missed Todd and Katelyn, but understand.   

The reason we went to California was for a family party. Apparently , it was very tiring for Scott. After their 50th wedding anniversary, I said I would not plan another family event, but I did, because....I just can't help myself. My nephew and his wife made this and it was so cool . Thanks Ryan and Amanda. In my family, 1 cake is not enough, so we went with 3 . There was not a crumb left, so maybe we should have gone with 4 . We felt like movie stars as this group took our picture. And I am so glad they captured the moment, because... I am not planning on planning another party. The long and short of it is that that it takes a lot of work for everyone to get there and I just want to thank everyone for coming. We're so happy you came.

Some people go to the beach and say, "It is so pretty". My family looks at the beach and says, "I want in". So we had a day at the beach. This is the first time Scott has tried the boogie board in a long time. He did okay,    They all went out together.     Callie stayed in for about 3 hours.   She LOVES it.   Wes also loves it, but he didn't have a wet suit, so he couldn't stay as long as usual. Always a smile. Rich does not like to boogie board, but he does dig a great hole. Then he laid in it to get a 'torso tan'.   After a few hours, they were done, and ready for a walk. I was there too. After getting wet taking pictures, walking the shoreline, I sat down and pulled out the Kindle.

One of my favorite parts of summer in Idaho are the butterflies. This one was posing for me. I always tell Rich that when you see a butterfly it is your lucky day,  so I am not sure what it means if you get to take a picture of one of them.

It is my dads 80th birthday today.  I have always liked that his birthday and Fathers Day fall so close. That way I can send a Birthday card and just write Happy Fathers Day or visa verse.  But this year I sent both. My father was born in a little town in Idaho. He was so small that he was kept -in-near-on- the oven. He was the first and only child.  His mother died when he was 8 so his father raised him. He grew up on a farm. He walked to the bus up-hill both ways in the snow. He wore overalls --- everyday. He used an outhouse. And he made it.   Happy Birthday!

Callie sent me this recipe to help me  use some of my rhubarb.   I did not make it with frosting, but I can see that they would be amazing with it.  Also, they would be great with some nuts in them.  Thanks Callie. http://www.beckybakes.net/2011/06/06/rhubarb-coconut-and-white-chocolate-chip-cookies/

I love summer, especially when I am healthy.  My days consists of a morning walk, eating breakfast on the deck (when the weather is good), bugging Rich...one of my favorite activities, watering flowers, reorganizing stuff, and of course an hour or so of sewing. So I started Aunt Verna's Tulips . I had a hard time using the black thread, but it is part of the recreation. I am also planning a baby quilt for Todd and Katelyn's baby.  This is the one I made for the goose and she still likes it.  I am feeling the pressure. I am looking forward to some outings this summer too. Hope you are having a happy summer also.

So humor me while I climb up on my soap box.  I was watching the 60th Jubilee this morning while I was quilting and I had two thoughts.   The royals  have a lot of ponies and their carriages are awesome.  And..... They dress so modestly.  Here is a family that demonstrates that if you really think highly of yourself; you wear modest clothing.  I am always amazed at the beautiful dresses that Kate wears.  You do not have to sacrifice modesty to look amazing and royal.

I wish you could smell these.