SPRINGTIME, STORMS, FOOD FESTS AND SURPRISES

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything here. Time seems to really fly by. We've been having our usual Texas weather and I really don't like it!



When you live in Texas, it's either feast or famine when it comes to the weather. There's an old saying here that if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change!After returning from New Mexico where we attended our friend's grandchild's funeral, we've gotten back on that proverbial merry-go-round once again. I'm not complaining. What can be better than friends, fellowship and food!

We got together once again with our friends from Dental School for a nice dinner at Piccolo Mondo.

There's never a dull moment when there three are together. Lou and I just sit and listen to "the boys" exchange stories. They always seem to tell the same old stories and never tire of them. At least we all still have our memories to some extent!

On Thursday we went to Key Elementary School and attended Connor's award program. He won many awards and we are so proud of him. The boys seem to grow up so quickly. Seems like yesterday that he started school and now he's ready for the 4th grade WITH HONORS!

He waited very patiently with his friends for the program to begin. Then the award giving started and he was on the stage for almost every category.

He's a very special young man and we're very blessed to have him for a grandson.

Frank got an award that week as well. He was honored at a luncheon at the hospital for the volunteers. Here he is with his group (he's the cute, young one on the left!) I love them in their matching uniforms ;-)

Then on Friday night of that week we went to a dinner party at the Iker's. The weather was perfect and they had a marquee set up in the back yard so we could enjoy the food and friendship in a very relaxed environment. It was lovely.

This gathering was for the delegates and their spouses of the new Province and it was a beautiful evening.

The next night which was Saturday, we went to the Ashton's for dinner. Our good friends, the Mitchell's were there as well.

Both K and William are the perfect hosts. We began the evening on the portal with cocktails and hors d'oeurves.

After cocktail hour, we went inside for a lovely meal. William loves to cook and he made the most delicious lasagna that I think I have ever tasted. Needless to say, we didn't leave a single bite!

Sunday was the Feast of the Pentecost so we had our annual outdoor church service and gathering at Legacy Park. The service was lovely and very well attended and afterward we had a picnic which the younger ones prepared for us.

On Monday we went back to the school for Ian's program. He did as well as his brother and spent a lot of time on the stage. He even got a special medal for being at the top of his class. Of course as proud grandparents we had to pose with him, but we also wanted to show you this photograph of his Mom and his teachers.

He will be in the 6th grade next year and then on to Junior High. Where on earth has the time gone???

The next night we went to Fort Worth for dinner with our friends, the Pattons, and Canon and Mrs. Heidt. Jo Ann has always been the "Hostess with the Mostess " and cooks like a dream. She makes it seem so effortless.

To top the meal off, she served us this beautiful dessert and it tasted as good as it looks!

Kiwis, blackberries and whipped cream top this lemon tart. Yummy!

I went to lunch on Thursday with an artist friend of mine. She's such a talented young woman and I always enjoy her company. This is a shot that I took of her at work at the Gallery some time ago. She was so busy painting that she wasn't even aware that I had taken her photograph.

We went out again with the Ikers on Tuesday night to Bonnell's. (Do you get the feeling that all we do is eat???) At our age, that's about all we can still do and do well, so why not!) The food is always delicious and we wanted to get together with them one more time before we leave for Santa Fe. I went to school with the owner's sister. In fact, we were sorority sisters. That was a long time ago as well!

Frank went to the baseball game on Wednesday night. He had barely left when a storm came up from out of the blue and it was awful. The trees in our yard were bending over as the winds got up to nearly 70 mph gusts and it looked like it was raining horizontally. We got over 4 inches of rain in a couple of hours. I thought the water in the pool was going to come up over the top. We made the National weather news it was so bad. We live in a high area, so we don't have to contend with flooding, thank goodness! Of course we were also under a tornado warning and I was terrified. I tried to call Papa on his cell but couldn't get in touch with him. All ended well but I hate it when we get this severe weather. I though we'd missed it since we are in June but it is like the old song title, "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year"!! Here are some of the results of that evening.

The ballpark looked like a lake and so did the yards.

Speaking of school and old friends, my best friend all through school's name is Joanna. She and I were inseparable at the time. We were even cheerleaders together. Here are the before and after photographs. We've changed a lot in looks since then, but we're still young at heart.

Her Mother passed away several weeks ago and we decided that it was time that we rekindled that friendship of so long ago. Her Mother was like a second mother to me. I could talk to her about things that I didn't feel I could talk to my own Mother about. Everyone needs someone like that in their lives. Anyway, she and her husband came over last night and we went out for dinner (of course ;-) and had a wonderful visit. We are planning on many more good times together in the near future.

We will have a Family Day tomorrow after we have been to church. Beth and Franklin are hosting this one. I'll post more pictures then. Have a happy week.

XOXO, Pcasso