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.

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