Fireworks

Last night we had great seats for the annual fireworks display in our adopted home town.

TV Appearance

I was asked to return to the show that I was on this spring talking about the nursing shortage.  This time I was a "Home Chef".

This is my friend Janne who has also published cookbooks and appears regularly on the show (we also work together).

This is the set where we cooked and baked.  Our cookbook was off having its picture taken so isn't on display here, but it was for the show.

I demonstrated how to make a Torte.  The hostess and host of the show seemed to enjoy it and I've been invited back!

Birthday

My sweet husband surprised me with roses, an ice cream cake and a streamer proclaiming it's my birthday.

Family Reuniion

This family reunion focused our memories on Aunt Esther who passed away in April.  These are a few of her items that now take their place in my home.

Time for reconnecting

Time for some soccer action with Emma and Rachel

Time to stop and smell the flowers

Time for reflection and worship Sunday morning

Time for singing - a long standing family tradition

.

Mom, Joanna, Ruth, Dorcas

Time with imaginative children

Bunko

It was my turn to host Bunko last night.  We had a Slumber Party theme and all guests wore pajamas.

The menu consisted of breakfast items.

Memorial Weekend

We took an extra day off and were able to spend Thursday night through this morning at the cabin.

The Irises were almost all past.  We had a few hanging on for the weekend.

We got our garden planted: basil, rosemary, lemon thyme, lavender, tomato, chives, sweet corn, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers.  Kendall did a great job with the irrigation system, now we just watch it grow.

We also had lots of visitors from our bird and squirrel friends. The weather was perfect and relaxation was in order.

Weekend for Jam

Two batches of Strawberry Jam ready for consumption

Strawberries

Strawberry Jam

Phantom

Last night we attended the local production of Phantom.  It wasn't the best production we've seen at the dinner theater, but the company of Jay and Marilyn made up for it.

Our dessert of fruit and chocolate fondue came with fog effusing from the bottom of the bowl.  Ingenious use of dry ice!

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.