Aunt Esther's Funeral

We celebrated the life of Aunt Esther this week as we said good bye.

A sprig of Lily-of-the-Valley on each napkin at the fellowship lunch following the funeral

 

Lilacs from 4 states graced the tables in glass baskets (thanks Lois).  The colors and aroma were wonderful!

We also celebrated life by spending time with those we don't see as often as we would like.

 

Lois, Dorcas, Anne, Me

My gal Rachel and me

Emma and her gal Lois

 Evan, growing up so fast!

Julie and Noah

Urbane, dapper as ever

Asa and Pa.  YES!!  Pancakes with a smiley face!

Lois dropped me at the Pittsburgh airport on her way home.  Jason was getting off a flight from Atlanta about 2 hours from my scheduled departure time, so we hung out for a bit before I went through security, Jason got his rental car and Lois headed home.

AM Arizona

"Fast-paced, fun and informative...with news and views from all over our state...that's AM Arizona, weekday mornings at 10:00 AM on AZTV7/Cable 13!"

This morning a co-worker and I appeared on the Arizona morning show to discuss the nursing shortage - is there really one?  We had 3 segments separated by commercial breaks.

Outside the studios

With the shows hosts - Lou and Tonya (me and Jennifer)

Remembering Aunt Esther

We received word this morning that Aunt Esther passed away during the night.

This picture was taken about 2 years ago at a family reunion.  She is singing with her sisters, something we love to do as a family.

Oh the memories of a dear person.  This is a dress that Mom made for me from fabric she  had sent from Germany.

One of the things I remember is the Torte she would bring to family gatherings on the farm.  She gave me the original pan many years ago, and I have the tray that she often served it on.  The serving tray is rusty, and the torte pan isn't in pristine condition, but I cherish them.

The recipe is in the cookbook, of course - "My Sister's Recipes".

I had to make one today; I used blueberries and strawberries.

Another pleasure she introduced us to was Nutella - a German treat.  Yummy, and seemed so 'worldly' to a young girl!

Evan

We were happy to have Evan back for a short visit this week.  Don't you love the hair?!

Patio Curtains

I'm really enjoying my new patio curtains!

Roses

I was pleasantly surprised today by my fellow nurse executives when they presented me with roses for my contribution to the regional team the past year.

Sunday Dinner

It was a lovely day for lunch outside and family visitingI'm holding Kendall's cousin's daughter, Ava.

I enjoyed the daffodils, they remind me of spring in Maryland


Hamburgers on the grill

Great conversation
Kendall, his mom (Donna) and his cousin, Rebecca visiting from Iowa

Everyone enjoying themselves

Lola Faye, Bob, Tom (Rebecca's husband)

Donna Mae

Kendall's mom showing Lola Faye (her sister) and Rebecca (Lola Faye's granddaughter) how to make pretty eggs for Easter.

The Suite Life

Last night we were privileged to be able to watch a Suns basketball game from a suite. Let me tell you - that's the way to go! Fridge and Ice Cooler; Private Bathroom
Big Screen TVs

Oh yes, the game

Our Suite Mates

The view looking out

Remodel

Within the past month and before our March visitors arrived we did a quick remodel in the basement. Out with the white bathroom and green and peach family room! We like the results.

front room of the bathroom, before
after

tub and shower, before


tub gone and a walk-in shower, after

family room, before

family room, after

before

after

Max's Birthday

Last night we gathered to celebrate a significant birthday of Kendall's' cousin Max. The men hung out at home with pizza while the ladies hit the town. The Birthday Girl
Paparazzi

Alice (Max's Mom & Kendall's Aunt from Goshen, IN), Darlene (from Goshen, IN), Marilyn (Phoenix), Max (Denver), Me, Dierdre (Phoenix), Donna (Kendall's Mom, Hesston KS), Darla (Phoenix), Joy (Minot, ND) and Marge (Bloomington, IL)

Yummy!

Great bread with olive oil and basil

Chocolate pieces for dessert

Marge and Barry in Town

It was great to have Marge and Barry in town and we were able to spend Sunday with them. We made a quick trip to the cabin and got to see snow again.

Babysitting

Friday evening I picked up this little guy from daycare after work. His Momma is a friend from work. We enjoyed his company for about 5 hours until he headed back home.

Visit from Friends

So nice to have Sue, Jenell and Doug here for an overnight visit from IL.

Rainbow

There was a beautiful double rainbow in the NE sky on my way home from work this evening. This is in front of the house after the intensity is waining.