Because of this beautiful weather, I have been able to eat breakfast, lunch and even dinner on my front porch.   I love to sit so close to the two clumps of maple trees and watch a variety of birds flit back and forth.  I am always happy to see them drink out of the birdbath.   They have bathed in it but not lately.  I loved to watch the birds bathe in the birdbath in Wes and Deb’s yard and wish more birds liked mine.    They did not even drink from it after the last storm; when I checked, I found that the water had leaves and debris in it so I cleaned it out and gave them fresh water.  So, a few more than been drinking.

Since Monday, I have been taking short walks before breakfast, before lunch and before dinner.   At first looked upon them as necessary exercise but each day enjoy them more.  Yesterday and today saw blue birds – not the noisy  Jays but dear little blue birds.    Think a neighbor down the street has a blue bird house  in their yard.

I love this time of year when the fields have been plowed; when corn is growing;  many Amish food stands with fresh vegetables.   It is always so much fun to go to Middlefield with daughter in law, Tina and my sister, Cheryl.  We make a day of it with several stops along the way.

Of course, this month has had its usual crush of activities.   Most recently, got an e-check on my car and passed.  Yesterday took the car for an oil change and then stopped to get a tag for my license plates.    Plates not need renewing till my birthday in August but now I will not bury the reminder and forget to get on time.   Also read a whole book:  Rainwater by Sandra Brown.     It is on the list of suggested books to read before my book club (Holy Ground) meeting July 20.    I just loved it, especially the ending.    Although a lot of conflict and pain, the ending made it all worth  while.  Do not remember reading any other books written by her by there are a lot of them and I intend to read more.

Feel that I am blessed by God.   Grateful that He guided us to buying this house in this neighborhood.   I have wonderful neighbors, and the area is so beautiful and safe to walk through!

When I was in Florida, Wes helped me set up another blog and get on Facebook.  The latest excitement in my life is that with the help of Matt, Yvonne and Wes, I now have Skype!!!     Pam suggested it so Aud and I could see  one another on callsl; I got the Webcam kit at WalMart; Matt installed most of it; Yvonne helped some (we use cross loop and she can do wonders with that) and Wes guided me through my first couple of calls!!  It is amazing!!  The first call to Wes, I could see the building that is going up on his back lot — see men walking on the rafters!  I had been disappointed that the construction did not start till after I left but God must have heard my wish because I am actually watching it being built!  The second call to Wes, Deb chatted too and showed me a piece of her artwork in which she incorporated some of my writing!  I am so honored and proud to be a part of this piece.   She has been working with en caustics  which is a form of art using hot wax!  It was wonderful to watch her work and see some of the beautiful pieces she makes.  It was so much fun, too, to talk with my nephew, Kevin.   He has such a delightful sense of humor and we laughed a lot.   Hope to chat with him on Skype often.

Still getting organized here at home and striving to keep up my blogs, Facebook, and emails!   Also to get more writing done.

On Saturday it was fun to return to Kumon as I love the kids and the reading, and am surrounded by great people.  Was pleased when several of them welcomed me back.   Had watched the DVD loaned to me by Wes and Deb (The #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency) and returned it to the Solon Post Office.

On Sunday, was pleased to return to singing in the choir at Holy Angels and the love that is in that group.   Also to return to the Divine Mercy prayers in the chapel afterward.     Mutual friend is in a nursing home so dear neighbor, Marilyn, and I went to visit her.  Looks good and optimistic.   Enjoyed light supper at Bob Evans with Marilyn.    Quiet evening with some TV.

Good start today with email, blogs, getting financial information in order.  Was cool last night and I feel refreshed today.  Made several appointments with dentist, medical doctor, eye doctor, ENT to have hearing checked.  Marked calendar for Writers’ group meeting Wednesday night; Women at the Well, Thursday night.   I am grateful for my health, for my dear children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,  siblings, cousins, friends, and for the many opportunities and challenges in my life.   Inspired by the 101 year old woman I met on the plane!  Traveling alone and changing planes — had spent a year and a half with a daughter in Italy and plans to go back.   Amazing, too, that she has a twin sister in New Jersey!  How blessed I was to sit beside her!  Wes and Deb thanked me for overcoming my hesitancy to fly — they are so good and so thoughtful and made this a super visit.  Being able to be with granddaughter, Claire, her husband and Malik and Leila was an added plus. God is good.  All the time.

Wes and Deb got me to the airport on time and we hugged and said goodbye.  Hard not to cry.   Though thunderstorms predicted skies blue and weather good.   Surprised at the height of the clouds — they seem several stories high.  Kept thinking of how much Chris enjoys flying and that I could enjoy it for him.  Saw unusual thin flat bright blue clouds like I have never seen — looked like something out of a Salvador Dali painting.  Finished the last few chapters of book I brought.

As we approached the airport, the pilot announced that there were thunderstorms to the west (said we were 40 miles and 15 minutes from Akron-Canton Airport) and he would try to beat them.  Do not know how one can speed up a descent but put it in his hands and all was fine.

So happy to see my son, Matt, waiting for me at the luggage pick up area.  Was raining lightly as we walked to the car and there were brief showers off and on as we traveled toward home.  Matt suggested ordering pizza from Guidos and we had it with a side salad and cold beer when we got home.  Was wonderful to relax and have dinner with him and later to sit on the porch and talk.  Helped me to wind down.   He set up the DVD movie that Wes and Deb sent with me since we ran out of time to watch it there; I can mail it back to Netflix from here.   Found two lovely oriental fans that Angie had bought in Hartville for me!  Love them — pleased she knows that my bedroom has oriental decor.     Long day and very very tired!   Wes called to see how plane ride was;  talked with Yvonne, too.  Need to call Chris and Beth.

It was so neat to be able to spend a few hours with Deb in her Art Area on the screened in back porch.   I watched her work on her encaustic art which is so beautiful.    It takes a lot of patience as working with hot wax!   We had such a nice visit as we talked while she worked.    She is a blessing in my life.

In the evening, had wonderful dinner here with Claire, Shaheed, Malik and Leila — a lot of love, a lot of laughter and such  good food prepared by Wes and Deb.  I will store these memories to savor when I am alone at home.

Yesterday started off with Wes and I relaxing on the back porch, enjoying being together and also a nice cup of tea.  After having burritos for lunch, we headed over to Bunny’s house where she, Wes and Malory had a meeting to discuss a new project to bring artists and scientists together to bring awareness to an environmental problem in the area and encourage people to work together to solve it.    It was extremely interesting and I was so proud of what Wes brought to the table; they asked him to become part of the board.    I did not want to intrude so listened till they were almost finished and then Wes began to tell them ab9ut the Storyteller’s Summit and I enthusiastically joined in the conversation.   It was so nice as Malory and Bunny so friendly and inclusive.    Afterward Bunny showed me her studio and also her workshop in the garage. Richard came home and we enjoyed chatting with him before leaving.

We got home shortly before Deb and relaxed a bit before they made a lovely dinner of tempeh, quinoa,  and yellow squash.  We enjoyed it with wine in the living room as we watched another The #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency movie.  These are especially enjoyable for me as they bring the characters in the books to life and now when I read more in the series it will be easier to relate to them.

I have been blessed to be here with Wes and Deb  and to be able to be with my granddaughter, her husband and my two darling great grandchildren.    While Wes went off to Home Depot and Lowes to get quotes for doors and windows for his new building, I took a leisurely shower in a lovely outdoor shower!   That always makes me feel invigorated.

We also had a wonderful Friday with some very welcome rain late afternoon.  Meant that we did not get to the Jazz concert but we did have a lovely evening here with Claire.

Shaheed took me lunch at Joe’s Restaurant today and we had such a wonderful time.   I love him and we enjoy being together.   When we finished lunch,  I rode with him while he picked up Leila at school and they came back here with me to visit a bit with Wes.

Wes has so many projects to do and works a lot in the back lot prepping it for the building that will go there soon.

When Deb got home from work, they made a lovely dinner of pasta, veggies, tofu and pizza.   We ate it with wine in front of the TV where we watched:  The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective (thanks to NetFlick).   Deb and I have read almost all of the books by the author and love them.  It is amazing how well the actors fit the roles!  I then learned that all of the movies we have watched, Wes and Deb have seen before but wanted to share them with me!   I am grateful for their love and thoughtfulness.  They are spoiling me and time going so fast before I leave for home a week from Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Rained last night; bit cooler today and overcast.  Deb had dentist appointment at seven!!!   I slept in and although Wes had breakfast with Deb earlier, he ate a bit with me as well.  It was wonderful to be together on the back porch.   He worked most of the morning on prep work; I did a few dishes; took a few pictures, walked around the back yard.

Around 5, Claire picked me up to go see Malik play in his first football game of the season.   He did really well and made a great tackle.   Claire, Shaheed and I sat by the field (Claire and I in a folding double chair with a huge umbrella over us.  It shaded us but also kept us dry when there was light rain.  Light rain and sunshine at the same time!) .  Leila played with friends.  Afterward we all went to Macaroni Grill for dinner.  I had never been there and I enjoyed the food and being with my loved ones.   This vacation includes a lot of first time experiences!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

It is nice that most mornings start off sweet and slow.  Many times, Wes and Deb have breakfast very early while I sleep in.  When I get up and have my breakfast, Deb is at work and Wes will have a second cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit and we will talk.   Deb takes the newspaper to work with her but they cut the crossword puzzle out and leave for me.   I usually check my emails, Face Book, and work on my blog for a bit each day.  Today, for instance, Wes had a meeting at the college with his boss and they went to lunch together.  I made myself lunch and played on the computer most of the time.  Wes is patiently going over what he originally taught me about blogging that I have sadly neglected.   I am scheduled to leave for home a week from today!

Awake at 7 and we all had cereal and tea on the front porch.  Read the paper. Started our day.  They went for a power walk while Wes started computer for me and I checked and sent emails and worked on my blog.  Have discussed Face Book with him and he will get me started while I am here.   Every day is an adventure.  Deb just brought me a beautiful magnolia blossom; remember that she gave Yvonne and me some when we visited here and we enjoyed them on the dashboard for miles.  Deb so sweet and thoughtful.   Wes so loving and helpful.  What a blessing to be with these dear ones!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Wes went to Mass with me early.  Sort of laid-back day.  Around 5 went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner and did a bit of shopping at the mall.  Arrived on time 6 p.m. when doors opened for Roller Derby!   A girls’ team from Gainesville – Gainesville Roller Rebels – competed against a girls’ from southern Florida – Bradentucky Bombers.  I had never seen a Roller Derby before and this was exciting and fun.  The girls are great skaters and very competitive.  Most people sat on the floor to watch though some of us brought folding chairs.  Claire, Malik and Leila were also there – Claire so absolutely beautiful!   Wes sat on the edge of the floor and took pictures; Deb and I sat on a folding chair behind him and some others.  My granddaughter, Claire and my son, Wes are photographing the girls and creating a calendar for them and very excited about it. Was pleasantly surprised when Mike Foley, Asst. Dean of Communications and Journalism at UF (he had been in charge of the Summit that Wes and I went to) sat beside me and his wife beside him.  I greeted him and we discussed what a success the Summit had been.    He invited me to sit in on a class of his in October where Roy Peter Clark will speak!   Sorry I cannot do that but hope that I can attend the next Summit in 2011.

Michael Connelly - Storytellers Summit at UF 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Wes made breakfast and we left the house around nine for a full day of sessions.  There was so much!  It started with a major author speaking in the auditorium; Wes and I had front row seats.    I had purchased one of his books in Savanna and read it. He is one of my daughter, Beth’s favorite authors (and she reads like 40 books a week). He was interesting; afterwards I asked him to autograph the book to Beth.  He did and I did not notice that he wrote Beth: Hang tough, which is a phrase from his book. Wes also took pictures of him and me so that I can send them to Beth.  He actually emailed the pictures to Beth and she was elated.  Said she was green with envy at my having met the author and getting an autograph.  Did not tell her it was to her!  Need to mail as soon as I can.

One of the sessions was on getting an agent and very informative and helpful.  I got a card from the agent who gave the talk and asked her whether I should find an agent locally, and she said that the publishers are in NY so get one there -  in fact, send something to her!   So do I have an agent even though I have not submitted anything yet!!!!  Exciting!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Another jam packed day of fun and learning.  Highlights were getting that autograph for Beth, getting an agent, the session by Lane DeGregory,  who was so funny, interesting and informative and gave a handout that will help me at home,  (I met her later in the rest room and she encouraged me to keep writing!) plus the final speaker Roy Peter Clark who wrote Writing Tools and also gave out a handout.  Wes and I both ordered his book and I took copious notes of the whole weekend. We said goodbye to the event videographer and he said he would post the authors’ presentations on the Summit blog.

Although this was a wonderful weekend of receiving a lot of valuable information and to laughing so much as the authors told stories from their lives, to go over each and every session would be boring to others.     For several years I have been going to the Storytellers Festival in TN with dear friends and thought nothing could top that but this Storytellers Summit with Wes was even better!! Perhaps because we sat beside each other during so many of the sessions and could turn to one another to laugh or nod about something we agreed on.   The days were magical and food for thought and discussion long afterward.

As if this is not enough, on Saturday after the summit, we picked up Deb and went to their friend, Lynne’s house for a party celebrating her move to NYC and her new job which she loves very, very much.  Have been to other parties at her house and knew many of the people; everyone brought food and this was so much fun.  She urged me to visit her when I get to NYC (after thought: perhaps when I see my agent?)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Quiet day.

Grandson-in-law, Shaheed dropped by to say hello and we had a really nice visit.   In the evening, we had a nice dinner at home and then watched movie:  Sunshine Cleaners.   In the past, often ate dinner while watching movie.  Good thing we did not do that tonight as this was about a couple of girls who started a cleaning business and cleaned crime scenes!   Some pretty graphic scenes!