An all day celebration

Getting close 

kitchen and...

Yes, this is a real house with a real family and today a celebration is happening.      Happy Birthday to Me. 

Now a step outside....

As beautiful outside as inside

A place for grandchildren to play

And then it is time to leave...


along the ferry ride home,   another view 

Still room for more celebration...

No, no dessert this time, but fun view from our window

Large boats

Medium boats

Small boat

Very small boat 

Fun boat   ( they all waved and waved 

Sails boats

people helping 

more helping 

people talking to the animals 

retired people and ...

peddling back home 

Good Night Seattle  

Mother's Day

I can't remember my first Mother's Day,  44 years ago, but I do remember my first Mother's Day as a grandma.
That was 11 years ago.  That means my oldest grandchild is 11.
That was my first Mother's Day without my own Mother.


But today is Mother's Day 2017.
Some time ago our oldest daughter started hosted this day.
Makes me feel very happy.

Hubby always makes breakfast on Sunday.  Today we shared a tartlet that my Octogenarian friend, Lady Z sent home with me last night.
Yum.

Hubby surprised me with a beautiful hanging basket and Bartell's gift card, and amusing greeting card  !!

One child is out of town and sure enough, she called. Hubby answered the phone.   We had 20 minutes before we needed to head out the door for Sunday School .  Five minutes into their conversation I thought I better take my Bible to the car along with the things that I need to drop off for Lady Z ( which I forgot yesterday ).

  I also made a quick  powder room stop.

That is when things started to get ..tricky?...
I had carefully dressed in my favorite Maui skirt and matching blue shoes .  It is a long and full skirt and  ...do I need to draw a picture of what happened?

I dashed upstairs, skirtless.  grabbed a drab but  fun long skirt, and sparkling shoes.
It is now 10 minutes before take off and hubby is still yakking.

I point to my watch and look frantic.
He got the message

We had our 10 minute chat.
For some reason, when I said goodbye,  my eyes started to swim
Was it because their  house no longer has a place for us to stay
( but yes, maybe out in the RV )
Was it because she was driving and talking on the phone at the same time
( it is legal in their state)
Was it because...NO.
STOP. Do not go there.

It is Mother's Day and I have much to be thankful for.

In Sunday school, someone wanted to sing a melody they did not know...guess who was the only one who knew.?
Singing solos  is not easy, especially for an alto.
( ok. just for you Roman )

Off to Maple valley for our traditional Mother's Day celebration
( thank you Sug )

It is barely noon and I am already feeling tired. 

We have arrived.. 

Delicious tri tip dinner  ( and much, much more )

A very sweet and sentimental card

A bouquet from SIL  ( Son in law ) becoming a tradition

Hanging basket from favorite oldest son  ( tradition ) 

A very special day.
Thank you, one and all

And thanks be to God who gives us all things richly to enjoy

And I did 

surprises !

We decided to go to the British Pantry for dinner
    ( my Octogenarian friend Lady Z who does not like to have her picture taken )

Lady Z is from Scotland and was excited to be in that British Isles atmosphere.

I was excited to have an evening with my friend. She is very wise, very kind, very honest ( and sometimes that hurts a tiny bit ) and ok, she is stubborn !  

But I are not going to talk about the things we were talking about I are going to talk about a little act of kindness. There is another name for it, but I can't think of it right now  ( You tell me and I will send you a treat  :)   )

Here is what happened.   
A very cute and happy waitress, Sierra, took our dinner order and Lady Z decided to have some Crabbie Ginger Beer.   I thought that sounded fun, so I order some too.  She was very familiar with Crabbie, and since she had to go to Vancouver, B.C. to get it, she was surprised and happy to have a glass tonight. 

I have never had Ginger Beer, but now I can say I have tried it. It is a little sweet and refreshing.  We were enjoying our dinner when Sierra came by our table and said

" the couple in the corner just paid for your Crabbie "

What? Where are they?  Why?        Sierra just smiled and sure enjoy, when the bill came, no charge for beverages.  

And we were all smiles.  

And I was all smiles as I took Lady Z back home.   I usually stay for a little visit, but I told her I had plans to get back home where my sister was coming to spend the night. So, she sent me home with a tartlet she had made for our evening treat,  and the "May basket"  she had refreshed with muffins and chocolates.   I usually bring my grandkids around on May Day with a little basket of flowers and candy, but this year, I skipped it.  It was rainy and no grandkids were available.  

So, this morning we are having coffee and May Day treats from a very special lady.

Muffins, one blueberry, and  one chocolate chip 

Lesson :  Do NOT forget to bring a May Basket to Lady Z next year, rain or shine.


I am full

I am happy

I am blessed