Latest pictures of the grandkids

We'll be heading to Augusta this weekend and I'll get to hug these sweet angels.

Cuteness Overload

That face!! That hair!! He's too adorable for words.

Who need ICE?

Let me explain...many years ago, there was some graffiti on a wall near campus. That phrase was a reference to Nancy Reagan--that's how long ago it was. These days it has a different meaning. My friend invited me to join her in a protest near an ICE facility in Cary. I'm just doing my duty, fighting the good fight, even if it is meaningless gesture. Got to do what you got to do.

Peace Walk

The group of Buddhist Monks from Texas arrived in PBO last night. I went to hear them talk, or rather, tried to hear them...the crowd was large (by PBO standards). I was actually very happy to see so many people come out to greet them. I went out this morning to see the procession. I parked at Tops and walked across the highway to get a few pictures. The fact that so many people want to see these monks, who really are just bringing attention to the need for peace and compassion, shows how spiritually desperate this nation is for a positive message. I didn't get to see Aloka. I think their dog was riding in the RV. Smart dog.

Helena

I'm a little behind here...Helena was born Jan 8 at 3:30am. I was hoping she would arrive on Jan 7, which is mom's birthday, but she did arrive eventually, safe and sound. Mom and baby did well. Miguel and I drove to Augusta on Jan 6. I stayed overnight at Bert's; Mike stayed in the hotel. Hotels are way cheaper there than they were in DC, BTW. We helped get the boys to school and Milo off to daycare. They are such good kids. What a blessing. Bert and baby came home Friday and we got back home about 5. Poor Sophie missed us. She gets so nervous. Crazy old dog. I think Clawdia missed me, too, but it's hard to tell with her. Now it's back to the usual routine.

Cathy Jones

Not too long ago Ricky informed us that his wife Cathy was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. Then the next text stated she had stage 4 bladder cancer with metastasis to the stomach. She went home with hospice. She passed away yesterday. I feel very sad for Ricky. He has endured a lot of losses the past few years--more than his share. I am so glad we were able to get together during the reunion in Alamogordo.

Book Nook

Finally finished the book nook. The kit was amazingly detailed, but not too difficult to put together. However, I didn't wire it, so there are no lights. Lights would have really taken it to the next level, but it required a skill level beyond my own.

New Mexico Sunset

Old Friends

50 years is a long time.

The old home

Went by the old house. It's completely different now, of course. We were hoping to go inside but the current owner is a paranoid freak. We surreptitiously dropped the ashes and marked the spot with a rock.

More from Alamogordo

View from Dog Canyon, south of town. Beautiful day! And a picture in front of the high school with their "new" tiger. I was told they replaced the tiger because the old one was really a panther.

Trip to New Mexico

Taumi, Wegman and I left for NM Sept 21. We drove across country to attend the Alamogordo Senior High School 50th reunion. We departed from Mebane and arrived late afternoon Sept 22. We stayed at an airBnB on Juniper Street, near Wegman's old home and around the corner from where Kristi lived.

Latest Baby Picture

It's Helena! She has the appropriate number of fingers and toes, all parts are accounted for. Mama and baby are doing fine.

Grandboys Collage

All the grandchildren

The whole crew was here. What a blessing! Even though it was a noisy, busy weekend. Bert stopped in for a couple nights on her way to their new home in GA. Calvin will join her there later and bring the dogs. This was our last chance for who knows how long to get all of them together in one place. Also, here is the first picture of the newest grandbaby. A GIRL this time! Yay! Very exciting. Baby Girl is due in January.

Update

Summer break is over for Jon's boys. They went back to school this week. They attend a year round school. And Milo! looking adorable with his hair combed out. He still has all those lovely curls, they are just slicked back for this photo.

Italian Ice and Fellowship

Relief Society social. We had ice cream and Italian Ice at Jeremiah's. I had a pina colada ice. Very good and sweet. The rain stopped long enough for us to eat and chat.

The Bostons at home

Mike and I rented a car (since all of ours are junky) and made the grueling drive up to DC to visit the Bostons one last time before they move to their new assignment in GA. The big news--Bert is pregnant! And we found out later it's a GIRL! After 5 grandsons, my first granddaughter. We are all just over the moon. The boys are excited to get a baby sister. Baby is due early January. Bert and the boys will be visiting here at the end of July on their way to Augusta. I'll go with them so I can corral the boys while she does a walk through on the rental house and sign the papers. The boys are actually starting the school the following week. Never a dull moment with that crew. Things around here are pretty quiet. It's too hot to go out and do anything. We've had a lot of wildlife visiting us lately. Besides the usual birds (lots of different birds), squirrels, deer and rabbits...we now have a racoon and a couple of stray cats. And we feed them all. I love that I am surrounded by NATURE. It's wonderful.

2025 Spring Fling

I worked in the office last Week, Wednesday and Thursday. The out of state people flew/drove in for the company wide Spring festival. It was a lot of fun. Since almost everyone works from home now, it was nice to get together and see people I never get to see anymore.

Ladies who lunch

I was able to sneak away from the computer for a few minutes to have lunch with some friends from church. We met at the Belted Goat at Fearrington Village. The weather was mild and lovely, so we were able to eat outside. I had an excellent salad with roasted brussel spouts, sweet potatoes, dates and an interesting dressing. They are all such nice people. I would have liked to have hung out a bit longer, but duty calls. Back to the grind.