Remembering

Yesterday, I wanted to scan some photos that I had from my heart surgery in 1998.  I had assembled a binder which contained medical articles about the rare condition I had, all the cards I received while I was in the hospital, and photos that my family had taken while I was recovering in the hospital.  I couldn't find the binder anywhere.  I looked everywhere in the house.  Finally I remembered I put a box out in our garage that had been under our bed.  There!  I found it.


Pulling out the binder I looked at all the cards I had received.  I looked at the photos.  Sometimes it seems like it was just a year ago.  Looking back at the photos, I remembered that I hadn't even known Ern yet.  I was only 21!  14 years ago. 


 I pulled out 3 photos and scanned them:

April - My lifesaver, best friend, hero, living guardian angel.

My dad, mom, and grandma visiting with me during my recuperation.  My mom spent everyday with me at the hospital.  She slept on a fake leather pink chair in my room. And, I think my dad spent the days with me, but went back to mine and April's apartment to sleep, since there was no other place to sleep!   

My mom and dad the day I was able to go home (I spent 5 days in the hospital after my open heart surgery) 

Nature photos

A couple of weeks ago, April, Natalie, Mae, and I were in our backyard.  All of these yellow finches and bluebirds were coming to our fountain to drink water.  The bluebirds in particular were pretty neat to see; especially because there were about 7 at one time drinking from the fountain.  I wasn't able to catch all 7 in a photo, but managed to get one.

But, after looking at my photos on my camera, I thought this one was the greatest.  I caught one of the finches with both wings spread, getting ready to land.

Happy Anniversary

Dear Mom and Dad -

You have been such a wonderful influence over me.  Happy 38th anniversary.  Go for a drive, go out to dinner, and just enjoy the day together.  Love - Me.

Little Ms. Christmas

As with any child, Natalie loves the holidays.  She particularly likes to wear holiday attire.  She received two dresses from my grandma.  Last weekend was mine and April's birthday and she was so excited to get to wear her dress over to my mom and dad's house.  AND, she asked if she could wear the Christmas headband I bought for her a couple of days before.  Here she is...

All I Want for Christmas!

All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth!!!

Recent trip

Here are some photos from our recent weekend trip to Mendocino.  We rented a house through VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner), and liked it a lot.  It was cozy, comfortable, and in a quiet location.  Best of all, we had nice weather when we were there!

Back of the house

Neat eagle carving at the top of the roof.

Front of the house

Living room

Kitchen

Ocean themed bedroom and Natalie loving it!

Our drive to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg

Ern and Natalie after collecting beach glass

Baby Mae in her sheep hat at the beach!

3 Jack-O-Lanterns in 1

Natalie's class went to a pumpkin farm last week and she got to pick out a pumpkin.  She picked out a small one, just the right size for her to carry home on the bus.

On Friday night, rather than carving the little pumpkin, she drew 3 different faces on the pumpkin, then topped it with cotton balls.

Here are her 3 Jack-O-Lanterns in 1: