Sister Q

We drove to Yuba City for the funeral service of this sweet lady. She was kind and busy and a very good mother and friend. 

Wes and his friends, Eric, her son and Scott, and Bruce, not pictured, have been friends forever and text most mornings. They are good men, but you know what? There moms were Rockstars. I am so greatful for their kindness and friendship. 

I learned of her death last week on the way to Canada. I knew we had to make every effort to go to this funeral. I felt in my heart. 

So we drove out to California. We picked up my sweet friend Lea Smith. We were sitting on the back row and as people from Yuba City would come in they would recognize and hug us. I didn't see it coming. I didn't know that I would feel that kind of love and emotion from people that I haven't seen in years. 

Without a doubt I needed this funeral. I needed to feel the love of this community. I needed to talk with friends and family. I needed to see the Kuhen family and hug them. My heart was melted today. Thank you Sister Q for sharing with me. 

Oh Canada

We had a great trip to Canada this week. The drive through Montana was beautiful, as always. 

We took the girls shopping. 

We had a trip to Banff. It is indescribabley  stunning. I have missed going there. 

First item on the agenda was a picnic.  The girls are always hungry. 

I have been to Lake Lorraine a few times. It looks the same except there are doook many more people there. We did not get the reservation in time so we went Johnson Lake. It was full of families and people on paddle boards and laughter. 

I love to hike around a lake in Banff.

Norah is my hiking partner. It could be that we are both slow. 

This the halfway point. 

Beautiful views. 

It is common to find wild roses. It was hard

But so worth it. 

Of course there was ice cream from Cow's Ice Cream in Banff. I had a Beaver Tail. 

And we we're off. Such a gift from God. 

Lucy entered a digital art piece in the Stampede. 

Wes and Keith's family went. 

Had a good time.

And found yummy treats. 

Laura and I went to Spruce Meadows for an equestrian competition. We needed some grandma time and despite Wes asking if he could go, we went alone and had a great time. I'm so grateful for this friendship. 

We made it home for the Fourth and I continue to pray (and send emails to) for the leaders of this country. We could learn a lot from Canada about accepting and caring for all. 

God Bless the USA.....

Another Week Another Trip

We have been home a couple of weeks but are getting ready to go on a trip to Canada. 

Keith's family is not comfortable coming here, to the United States of America. They have heard of random ICE stops near the boarder and families being harassed.

What is going on? This is such a wacky and dangerous world we live in.  Any way, I hope that no one looks at my phone. I am not loyal to Donald Trump and my Facebook tells the story. I have found a way to turn off my phone and loss my apps. I hope I don't need to use it. 

I have been enjoying the summer. Going to Physical therapy has made it possible to take walks again. I still go to the pool for Water Aerobics and I have caught up with countless friends for lunch. 

There is always a little sewing going on. I have also made jam. 

It's really the little things that make life sweet. Breakfast outside, working with my flowers and reading.

God Bless this country. We have a Congress that will not do their jobs and the courts fighting to keep checks and balances. Not sure if our independence is going to be a celebration this year. We will be in Canada for the 4th. 

Life is sweet......

Summer Flowers

I love Summer flowers. They make my heart happy. I planted these plants years ago and they were separated, but as time goes by, they have expanded. I think everyday that I should move the Lillies. Truth is, they don't last long. I decided to let them live together. 

I enjoy sitting outside in the morning and planning my day. 

And when it's windy or cold, and we still have those days, I can still look out the window and check out the yard. 

I love to find beauty in my day to day life. I'm thankful that God created this beautiful world. It makes life easier knowing that I can always see His handywork. 

Happy Summer Solstice......

Yuba City

The last few years of visiting Yuba City have been hard and emotionally draining. I needed a trip back that didn't end in tears.

 I missed my friends, my family and the Pacific Ocean. 

We had lunch with my dear friend Lea. I was so happy to see her. We took her to lunch and we talked for an hour or so. When we got up to leave the older lady who sat behind us stopped us and thanked us for our cheerful talk and told us how good it made her feel in this negative world. It made me realize how much we can influence the world. 

We stayed at Allison's. I asked her if she would like to go to the temple. We were sitting in the Celestial room when Allison said, The last time I was here was after Ron and I visited mom. She died later that night. We both had a moment, even a few tears. Was she with us? Maybe, we can only hope. Having a good trip to the temple was something I needed. Good day. 

The Pacific Ocean is beautiful as always. 

Had a nice cold beach day. 

I got cold because of the wind but did venture out for sunset picture. 

 I risked my life to get a picture of the starfish. I have got to use better judgement but I don't. 

Another $50 picnic. The crab was excellent. 

And I found peaches and strawberries at the Farmers Market. 

It was a an excellent trip. 

No drama...

No tears....

Many sweet memories were made.....

So it Begins

There is a Botanical Garden in Ketchem Idaho. We have driven by many times, but yesterday we planned an outing and drove up to check it out. 

First of all, it was a beautiful day.

They had a few areas and it was nicely done. 

These soft furry pinecones were interesting. 

They had a Tibetan prayer wheel, blessed buy the Dalai Lama on a visit to Idaho. I gave it a spin and prayed for peace. 

They had some ponds and flowers.

It was a nice little walk. We grabbed some lunch and headed to my favorite picnic place on the Big Wood Rriver.

Sometimes you need to get out of the valley and enjoy the mountain air. 

The rest of the week was spent on appointments and lunches with friends. 

We are off to California tomorrow. I miss our family and the Pacific Ocean and fresh fruit. 

Happy Summer......

A week with Betty

Callie and Spencer needed a babysitter for a few days so I packed up and hung out with Betty. 

She is a sweet little ball of fun. 

She loves to hold her toes and sit outside and listen to the sounds and look at the pets.

She also loved to stick her tongue out. 

She can almost sit up by herself. 

It was a fun week. She is a very easy baby to take care of. They are lucky to have her. 

Baby rolls.....

Summer days.....