MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2007

Another nice weekend. Rick and May drove down again for a visit. Aren't we lucky? It's great having them around. We had our usual pizza Friday night. Saturday we went into Costco in Medford. Ron barbequed on Saturday night. He and Rick goofed around chipping in the back yard.

Then on Sunday night we had Rick and May's friends for an Italian dinner. Lots of wine and good food, I hope. This afternoon they all took off to go back to Portland.

A GRAND-KITTY

Here is a little photo of our grandkitty, Boo. He looked so cute when he climbed in among all the paper bags I just had to take his picture. Isn't he adorable? I am sorry I can't find any photos of Farley, Boo's brother. He too is a cutie.

ANOTHER GIRLS' WEEKEND

Last weekend was another girls' weekend for me. I picked up my cousin, Carol and friend, Mary at the Portland airport on Thursday afternoon. Then we drove to Gig Harbor, Washington. The first night my third girlfriend, another Mary, and her husband, Paul, had us stay at their home. Paul made a scrumptious barbequed dinner for us. There was plenty of wine and good conversation to accompany the meal.

On Friday and Saturday nights we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast right on the harbor, called The Maritime Inn. Fireplaces in the rooms and everything else one could wish for. Aside from dining out and shopping (note the adorable sandals that Mary found) we spent the evenings catching up on each other's lives and playing The Girlfriend Game. The game was on sale at a gift shop in Ashland. It consists of simple, but deep questions that provoke great discussions. Once again we had the time of our lives. All that corny stuff that you hear about girlfriends is absolutely true. There is nothing like the treasures they are to me.

MAY'S BIRTHDAY

It has been over a week since May's birthday. Ron and I were happy to be able to drive to Portland and attend May's birthday dinner. Traditionally she gives herself a birthday dinner each year. She seems to love doing this. She is so special.

Ron and I tried to arrive a little bit early and help with the decorations and table setting. Rick had already worked in the yard and May had been working all day at her official job. The food was catered, which was a first for May. Everything was delicious and much fun. There were about 18 adults and two small children in attendence. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

MY PERFECT MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND

I truly felt like a queen this weekend. Saturday Rick and May treated me to a massage at the Shangi-la spa. Was that ever heavenly! Then May and I wandered around shopping, after which we met Rick and Ron at Alex's for wine and appetizers. Back at our we had more wine and pizza. Then we shared our photos from our last Italy trip. It was a fun day.

On Sunday after Mass we went to breakfast at Gheppetto's. Rick and Ron had the traditional eggplant burgers on fragazzi rolls with grilled onions. I had a blackened fish omelette and May a regular hamburger. From there we walked over to the Shakespeare Elizabethean theatre to check on tickets for future reference. Then Rick, May and I went to see THE NAMESAKE. It was a wonderful film.

On our return home Ron barbequed steaks and May made yummy vegetables with Rick's help. The dinner was delicious. Then, guess what?---another movie. Was I in movie heaven or what? We saw NOTES ON A SCANDAL, quite interesting. Rick even attempted to teach Yogi new tricks.

I received a book from Ron called 1000 Places To See Before You Die, a Target gift certificate from Ron and Amy and a scrapbook starting set from Rick and May. (How about that, Candi?) Lisa, Ron and Amy all called. The whole day was a dream. I thank God and everyone who made it that way. I am so blessed!

HONORING ANGELA

Last Friday would have been Angie's 30th birthday. This is always a difficult day for me. I do miss her so. However, in life the love and remembrances of family and friends do ease the pain. Early in the morning flowers arrived from Katie McCabe. She was Angie's best friend in high school. They were really soul mates. Patty, Ronnie, Lisa and Aunt Cosie called. Friends emailed. I even found out via blog that she was toasted back in Indiana. What a great tribute!

Then to top it all off, Rick and May drove south and we went to the Olive Garden for dinner and once again toasted Angie. That was Angie's favorite restaurant. I am so grateful for all this support. I thank you all.

DAVID IV

How is this for a blesssing? Last Wednesday when Ron and I stopped by the Central Coast David IV was born. Here are some pics, none of which do him justice. He is perfectly beautiful. Here he is only one hour old. He didn't even have his first bath yet. Still, I was certain that you all would like to see my Dad's precious namesake.

FIRE IN L. A.

Just a quick post to show the smoke from the Griffith Park fire as we saw it driving to Glendale. From Tessie's house it was much more dramatic. But this shows it behind Glendale Memorial which is at least 3 miles. Ron and Rick were born at this hospital.

CONFIRMATION IN PORTLAND

What a wonderful weekend I just experienced! Last January Cristinia, Amy's future sister-in-law invited me to be her sponsor for Confirmation. Confirmation is when a person decides to fully accept the Catholic faith as a mature Christian. I am so honored to have been Cristinia's sponsor.

So last Thursday I flew to Portland. Amy and Cristinia picked me up at the airport. Flying into Portland was such an exhilarating experience. Looking out the window at the endless green beneath me as we flew over Oregon made me think of the Land of Oz. There were shades of green I never knew existed. Anyway once we landed I couldn't stop commenting on the dogwoods, rhodendrons, azaleas. Flowers of so many varieties bloomed or were about to burst forth everywhere I looked. Amy's garden alone could fill a plant magazine with beauty. I've included a picture of the front of Ron and Amy's house.

Anyway we went to brunch at Viola's (a precious little restaurant) before we headed back to the house. Amy and I visited most of the afternoon. Thursday night there was a potluck for the group from Christina's church, St Rita's. I went with Cristina and Aaron and was able to meet Deacon Don and some of Cristina's friends.

On Friday Amy and I took a long walk and had some coffee at Starbuck's. I went for lunch with Rick and May at a sweet and delicious Mexican restaurant that is owned by their friend, Marsala's, aunt. From there the three of us ran around to Target and the Grotto looking for gifts. By the time I got back to Ron and Amy's I had little time to help Amy prepare for the after-confirmation party.

The Confirmation was truly beautiful. Cristina is truly beautiful, inside and out. I was so moved by all the confirmandi's. They were young and old, male and female and from all ethnic backgrounds. Some of the Mass was in Spanish. The entire service was quite impressive. Afterward we had a get together at the house (graciously provided by Amy and Ron). It was perfect.

Saturday morning Amy, Ron and I took another delightful walk and ended up having breakfast at Bumblekiss. Delicious! Amy and Ron had french toast and I had a spinach, sun-dried tomato, yum-yum scramble. Too too good. After that I spent the rest of the morning reading and then Ronnie showed me a movie on his new huge screen TV. In the evening we celebrated Cinco di Mayo by having dinner at a Tex Mex restaurant with Rick and May. That was followed by another movie at Ron and Amy's. Am I having fun or what?

Sunday was another special day. I was invited to attend a First Communion of one of Marsala's little daughters, Paloma. As anyone who knows me knows I love the Church sacrament thing. It is so special to me. Ten little angels received Holy Eucharist for the first time. How precious!

Rick, May and I left the church and went for Vietnamese food before I went to the airport. When I went to change planes in L.A. I was offered a free United ticket because they had overbooked the flight from L.A. to Palm Springs. So by waiting for the next plane I earned a free airline ticket. Good for me!

My kids showed me such a beautiful weekend. I am so grateful for them. I just love visiting them.

THE FAMILY REMEMBERS DAD

Four children, twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Not bad rewards for a life well lived.

My Dad's family gathered to honor his memory and the weekend was perfect. The only one missing was Lisa in Italy. She joined us by way of a beautiful letter that was read at the ceremony at Montana de Oro. The Marines came out, played taps and presented the family with an American flag.

We spent our time at Patty's and Scott's remembering Dad and all his wonderful sayings. We shared our memories of our life in his presence with joy and laughter. We ended the weekend with some wine tasting at the Letitia Winery. Once again we loved being together supporting each other. What would we do without this amazing family? Thanks, Mom and Dad, for leaving us this most precious of gifts.