New Home

So here is a first look at my new digs. Haven't moved in yet, but I can't wait. I have tons of plants to move into the yard.

The End of An Era

Nick finished his sophomore year at Southern Virginia U and LoRen and I picked him up at San Francisco Int'l Airport and it felt like a strange time warp since we picked him up last year almost to the same hour of the day.


My Baby


Desi graduated from Fresno High last night, so ending 16 years of Freemans at that institution, and 25 years in Fresno Unified School District (I'm not even going to count college.) I'm so proud of her - it's been a long High School Road for Des. It seems weird not to have any more concerts, conferences, bake sales, fund runs, plays, forgotten books/homework, field trips, back to school shopping, or any of the rest. Although as Michele pointed out last night "In 10 years it'll be Aaron down there graduating!"

Ali and Christian

Ali and Christian were sealed on May 7th. They were so lucky to be able to have a ring ceremony at Ralph and Linda's home. Their back yard was the perfect setting and the weather couldn't have been better
The Most Beautiful Bride!


A few days after the wedding I left for Victorville. A little town in the high dessert. I was doing production work (driving) for the San Bernardino County Fair.
CCR played and I was in heaven.

We had a good time at Desi's graduation. Although Aaron did state that it was more boring than he thought it would be.



OK - these pictures aren't exactly in the best chronological order, but I'm sure you can figure it out

Changes

You get up, go to work, live your life, and before you know it 2 months has gone by and it seems that everything in your life has changed. Jonny has gone back to Germany, Desi is graduating from High School and has already moved out. I'm helping out some friends by giving them a place to stay (the room Jonny had) while they look for a place to live. And with one call from a friend I am getting ready to move once again.
I have been praying, meditating, and using the power of positive thinking to be able to get above my financial woes. I've been blessed with more work than I've had in years, and now, something that I set in motion several years ago by a chance comment to one of my best friends has come to fruition. I'll be moving into a small 2 bedroom Tudor in downtown Fresno that is only half of what I pay now. Don't get me wrong - I love the house I live in now, and I have had the best landlord that was ever created. But this is a move that seems to be sent from heaven.
Pictures to follow

The Last 5 Weeks in Pictures

I'll start with some pics of Desi and Jonny on the set of The Pirates of Penzance


A random Keystone Cop

We took a trip to Pismo and Avila for the day, stopping at Madonna Inn for breakfast on the way - a tradition started by Lowie and me a couple of years ago



I got to take Aaron to a Cub Scout outing - building a race car -
Aaron did the whole thing by himself!




Now for some (not all) shots of Ali's shower - photos courtesy of Desi and Elsie








This is today - Spent the day in the yard weeding and mowing

Gigi isn't angry, I just happened to capture her at the end of a sneeze

Here's my pretty girl!

And her brother Quinn, an Akita/Shepard mix with a wonky ear

Everything is green and healthy after all the rain

The Asparagus Fern is reviving as it does every spring

See the new fence border I put in to prevent dogs from using the Asparagus Fern as a bed?

Iris buds - I really didn't think I'd get any of these to flower this year - yay!

And this Nasturtium is growing back beautifully after a "helpful" friend
pulled most of it out last year thinking it was a weed
even the shamrocks are doing well
I love the way Lilies look almost artificial

There are 2 small Japanese Maples that survived the winter outside in this pot

As did this larger sapling

Just my dirty feet after spending the day in the yard!

DAD

Happy Birthday to...

Kelley
Mr From Hawaii
Ooze on out
You have guilt written all over your face
GMR Salesman of the Year
Dead Brudda Gang
Ben Nye makeup model
Shark Fisherman
Spam eater
Mr Bizzaro, and the reason we're the way we are.

I hope that wherever you are the beaches are sunny and the buffet never closes.

Ali's getting Married

Yes, this little pixie.

Happy Birthday Mom

This time of year Mom is always on my mind. Halloween, the World Series, every holiday at her house, and especially her birthday. She would have been 83 this year. She would still be doing her own yardwork, she would still be hosting every holiday - and we all would come - and she would still be my best friend. I miss her so much sometimes it's like a physical pain. She would be so proud of her great grand children, and so much in love with them. Michele reminds me of her so completely it's scary.
I spent the day doing Mom things... helped out at a Renaissance Faire, worked on costumes for "The Sound of Music", and even talked to Fanny. After all that I came home and wished she was still here (I'm selfish that way) and even cried a little. I always felt like I was special to her, but she made every one of us feel that way.
I was very lucky to have such a great mother.
Happy Birthday Mom!