The Book Report

When I began this book, I was very skeptical.  It seemed like such a weird plot.  But I pressed on because it had been highly recommended, and Friends, I loved this book.  It is really about the wisdom of those who have lived a long life...their lessons learned that I am just starting to understand after a half a century of living. And it is about letting our experienced loved ones choose their own destiny because they know way more than we do.

I love Addie Moore:

"I made up my mind I'm not going to pay attention to what people think.  I've done that too long--all my life.  I'm not going to live that way anymore."

This book sure made me think about my own aging parents.... they still have so very much to give and I still have so very much to learn.

Healing Garden

We had a beautiful sunny and 70 weekend in KC...so, Friends, I headed for the garden....one of my favorite places on earth.  As I dug in the dirt, I thought of my treatment season of 2013 when I wasn't allowed to work in that sacred space.  Thank You, God, for letting that chemo work, and for letting me heal.

If you are having to stay out of your garden this season, hang in there.  You will be well soon.  That chemo is vicious, but it works.

Good People

Yesterday, instead of taking these two for their  evening walk, Big T and I went to hear a survivor, Joe Dittmar speak.  He was on the 105th floor of the north tower on 9-11.  In his telling, he focuses on all the good people that he encountered that day...their selfless acts of courage.  That is what he wants us to know and remember most.  

 Those who helped me survive-- took me to chemo and radiation,  brought my family dinner, prayed for me... my nurses, my doctors, my family, my friends...their acts of kindness are what I, too, remember most.  

Easter 2017

Four of our five were home for Easter.  I would like to thank my darling daughter-in-law, S, for letting T come to KC while she was busy saving lives in Nashville.  We all love you, S and missed you!

I also want to thank P,  who came from NYC,  and did NOT show up empty handed. 

We played a little golf

dyed a lot of eggs

 ran a  family 5K (OK.... the dogs and I walked)

enjoyed the sun

and poor B did a lot of studying.

They searched for eggs

with no help from the Easter Bunny.

Do they come for the egg hunt?

Do they come for the BBQ?

Do they come for family?

 As long as they come....

Happy Easter, Friends!

Happy Holy Thursday

The pool is open.

The fridge is stocked.

The eggs are filled.

We are ready...

...and waiting.

I am the newest member of the Little Big Town Fan Club

After work on Friday, Big T and I headed to a fundraiser for a very important organization.

The Boys and Girls Clubs in KC provide  positive places for our area's youth to go after school, and tons of opportunities while they are there. So, even though we were pretty tired after a long week, we headed to what ended up being an awesome evening.

This event started as most fundraisers do: silent auction, dinner, live auction.  But then Little Big Town came on stage and...WOW.  I had no idea.  Half way through hits like Pontoon, Better Man and  Girl Crush... they had a question and answer session with some of the kids from the Girls and Boys Club, where they gave incredibly sage, encouraging advice.  They talked about trust, hard work, and never giving up.  I was so impressed by their honesty and genuine care for these youth....AND by the fact that Karen and Kimberley are 47 and they look...like...30.  

Michigan and Palm Desert...with two beautiful daughters in between

Friends, I came closer to becoming an A-Lister on Southwest this past week.  Flying with my post treatment body is never easy, but I might be getting better at it.

  Our first stop was up North....where I obsessed over what size exterior lights to use.  And I think that backplate is too high?

Do you even like this light?

Or maybe this one?  Or maybe I should just let the decorator do her job.

Next up was ND....we cheered B on in the Holy Half, took her to Target, did her laundry, fed her....the usual.  Evil Czech Brewery has deliciously fresh farm to table food.

When I asked Big T if he liked the brew, he asked me if that was a trick question...

Next stop was C in Chicago.  We took her to Home Goods and Trader Joe's, then fed her....again, the usual.  I highly recommend Three Arts Club of Chicago -- relaxing ambiance with excellent food.  Go.  Get the Gem Lettuce Salad. Enjoy.

Next up...Southern California.  We stopped in Palm Springs where I did some very important shopping...

They give you a lot of free samples....and how cute is this original shop?   I hope the Easter Bunny bought some Divinity from Sees because it is amazing.

Our last stop was Palm Desert. This place is  absolutely lovely.

I spent some time here, while Big T played a lot of golf.  I was so happy.

Can you see how close the Santa Rosa Mountains are?  The views were incredible, and the bungalows were super cute and cozy.  If I had been more relaxed, I would have been horizontal.

We were fortunate to see a "Super Bloom" in this uniquely beautiful desert.  We had a wonderful trip.  Life is good. So many blessings...