Shoes

Who doesn't love shoes !   We need them and they are important to your life..very important.

So, it doens't seem funny that when Dodger ( name has been changed for reasons soon to be evident ) arrives at Costco, it is the first place he stops.   
He often finds a great shoe ( white tennis shoe) and takes it home for a try.

Yes, it works, so he goes back to get a second pair. But wait, now they are not so comfortable so back to Costco and try again.

He is generous and has shared several pair with other guys who wear 10 1/2.   But, when you look in your closet and find 9 pair of white tennis shoes, it is time to let your wife sell them at the garage sale.  And yes,  they sold.

FF to the new week and getting ready for grandson's graduation party. "Well, I know what I am going to wear to the party, but all I have are black tennis shoes "
So off he went to the shoe store.  A little more expensive and ... WHAT?   you bought another pair of black tennis shoes?   

"Oh, I forgot I needed white, and these don't feel good "  They checked the size WHAT? 11 1/2.        " No wonder they don't feel right" 

Now, back to...

Enough said

\ 

A time to celebrate

                             Robin turns 16 !

We have been neighbors for a long time, but this past year Robin has helped bring sunshine in many ways

In the Spring when we added a Mini Free Library to our Cherry Crest neighborhood...

Robin came to help add books and smiles to our gathering

October came too soon and 

Though many visitors bring BOO to our door Robing brought charm 

( and approval to my Belle gown, formerly my friend Judy's bridesmaid dress  )

Another springtime and May baskets need delivery

We started with construction paper.  Candy in the bottom of each paper cone and then lilacs 

Final Delivery... 

That was May

Here comes June 23

Seems every one knows  she loves candy
but
she is an artist, too
and  saved every bit of pretty wrapping 

And Here is our girl.   Sixteen looks good on you Robin 

I live an exciting life 

cookbooks

 

10,000 cookbooks

and much much more

Here is what happened

About two years ago, we had a garage sale. It was the same day as a memorial for a dear friend and I was feeling a bit distracted  

Customers were coming and going.  Hubby was on the scene and so was a gentleman who showed an  interest in wood.

There is almost always a pile of wood in our driveway. It also comes and goes.

The gentleman needed some firewood and a date was made.

Hubby discovered that the Lady of the house loved cookbooks. She has a collection.  A large collection of over 7,000 !

I procrastinate and the Lady leads a busy life, so now almost two years later I have a date with my fellow cookbook lover to view the now almost 10,000 cookbooks. 

The Lady shows us many things.  Dishes, more dishes, crystal and silverware and linens 

Everything has it's  place and is all so orderly 

 Pretty soon we arrive at the library.

It is amazing.   Most of the shelves are in layers, you know, a row in front of  a row.  They are all  well organized, very well organized.  

We visit with the Lady and she shares about her  years of entertaining.  She also sends both  of  us home with one of her own cookbooks  

Adding to my own collection.... not counting them yet 

I live an exciting life.

It happens once a year

 

well maybe more than once a year

you feel a little older...  and people, friends and family, like to let you know

Well this year, very different from last year, and maybe that is why my daughter kept telling me Happy 75th.  She forgot that we had an unusual celebration last year, and in the real world, I am 365 days older. 

putting that aside,   

Let's start with how this celebration week began..

 Friend Martha texted to see how I was spending my day. Since I was contemplating a visit to my daughters garage sale in Kenmore, she suggested meeting for lunch, Birthday lunch.

Who could resist that !

 At the Cottage they serve complimentary bubbly and dessert with a sparkler and the servers singing
 Happy Birthday to you ! 

A celebration like no other
Right in our driveway. When my friend of over 50 years is a little too tired to get out of the car, we bring the refreshments to the car.  

Hoping to find out why the pictures are not coming through.... Very patriotic celebration with my sister and brother in law.   Décor, food, and gifts all red, white and blue ! 
And Lemon meringue pie like our Mother used to bake for my birthday 

On to the real day... Sunday, May  30, 2021

Just a note:  when I was born, a few years ago, Memorial Day was May 30th.  So I never had to go to school or work on my birthday.  How about that !  Then, someone decided that most holidays should fall on Monday, so, for some people, it changed.  For me, I still do not go to school or work on my birthday      

Chase Pancake Corral 
Pecan waffles
and two lovely ladies singing Happy Birthday
and a chorus at the table next to us 

After "church" and before "sing time" 
Delicious chocolate cupcakes 
( yes plural.  ate one, and one to bring home )

 Gift bags, cards and love 

Family celebration at Coho
complementary dessert:  Key Lime Pie ( to take home ) 

Very sweet new neighbor with very sweet chocolate birthday cake
also
announcing the arrival of a new family member in October


But, it is not over yet.

 

Betty came with a rose from her garden 
and Minnie in Sparkles  

Linda brought bouquets
and chocolates 

Sally fed me with Key Lime pie 
and sent me home with a potted azalea 

A celebration
complete with cake and many decorations 
napkins
candles and ribbons 
seashell globe 
and a bouquet
Janet outdid herself
and she couldn't even stay for a bite 

I live an exciting life   

memories

 

Memories are made of this  

not just for Marti ( but especially for you ♥ )

 Timely Blessings on our back porch 

The message on the back of " Sharon" is gone, but it also was from Bob and Marti

You can view it...posted 8/18/17...or you can trust me.

Saying goodbye, but

 

Ninety + one 

Special lady  

 Celebrated her 90th with just a few of her many many friends

Part of my life for  60 +  years 

Starting with Chapter one:       In the early '60's  I started babysitting for four of the McCoy children. They were living in that cute log cabin near Lake Washington. That was before they started coming to  our Beacon Hill meeting room.   ( How I met them is another story )   I was there the night that Layle was born, that stands out as special memory.   Life was busy for Bel. She set an example for me that I will always hold on to.   Not sure when the move came to the big house on Beacon Hill ( ?) but  I am sure that I had dinner around that table more than once, In fact, I remember opening our wedding gift there. 

Chapter two:  l971  we got married and a whole new world began.  We keep our friendship going but at a different level.   The McCoy household now ..Grant, Scott, Joyce, Sarah, Layle, Vauna and Merry Merry.    I cannot say them as fast or with the second name, like Bel, but those names roll off my tongue very easily.    The Tanner household grew too.  Our families were together every Sunday, and Wednesday evening, now in Kirkland.  I could look across the room and always see a smile on Bel's face. 

McCoy weddings were a special event  ( yes I do love weddings ) and two stand out.  Sarah wore my  dress for her wedding garment.   Another wedding, I was one of two friends that Bel picked out to come to the ceremony.  

Chapter three;   Now our kids were all pretty much grown up and the four of us, Sam and Bel, Darrell and me,  went out to dinner and  a "travel adventure" about 6 times a year.  In those days, the World Cavalcade shared movies the professional folks made of places around the world.   We had great times together.  Bel and I had time to talk, one on one, and share stuff ..  Telling anything and everything and feeling safe. 

Chapter four:  Sort of a misty line when life's shifted... Bel was always very close to her family. Especially those girls.  I loved seeing pictures of them gathered for a birthday or maybe no reason at all, except for good food.  Pretty sure all the daughters got that gift. But she only  loved dark chocolate. (that is another story )  I was blessed to spend time around that little table at her last address and yes, brought home a bouquet and cookies.   ( have the macaroon recipe in her handwriting in my recipe file )   Those times were always sprinkled with laughter, scripture and maybe a few tears.   Bel was genuine. She really loved people.  She really loved the Lord. And I know she really loved me.

Final chapter;  Due to the restrictions in 2020, I did not see Bel very much after her birthday.  We played  Words With Friends,  and chatted now and then on the phone.  I can't remember the last time I hugged her  ( though I hugged Merry Merry at West Port !  in January - no masks) 
 But, the last time I saw her, she was reclining and her eyes were closed.  I sang a few hymns to her, tucked a little teddy bear in her hand  and said goodbye.        A few days later she was lifted up to glory.   It was her time, though hard not to be sad.   There is great comfort knowing that I will be joining her when my time comes.

The Memorial was so personal, so Bel.  Well done !  
No I did not get to attend, my Anita represented our family, but the message was on line, And we have listened more than once. 

My tribute to Bel is as much a family story, but that was Bel, family , family together,  so loved.

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden those that are falling and strengthened the feeble knees.   Job 4;3 & 4 

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

John 3:16 For God so loved that world ( you and me ) that he gave his only Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him has everlasting life

Blessed to call her my friend 

another fun day

 Fun times in the laundry room

Yes, last month it was a tumble off the dryer, not in it

Okay, not so fun, but very glad I did not break any bones.  Just bounced off the wall and onto the floor. knocked a few things off the wall ( must have been using my head ) and slowed the progress with my arm and leg and... well, no blood.

Made quite a loud crashing noise....me on the floor with clothes rack, wall plaque and... hubby comes around the corner.... are you all right ?

What was my answer?    You don't want to know.

Then today.  With the change of seasons ..we have two in our part of the country.  So I was washing up some winter things to store and when I opened the washer... guess what was there?

A very nice, large, brown, wooden Nordstrom hanger.   Who knew we needed a clean hanger for my now clean winter jacket?   Well now I know

and now you know   

I live an exciting life