Day of Service

 I stayed out at Amy's after her birthday for a Saturday full of service.  First up was the city cleanup.  We planted new trees and spread mulch in parkways.  

Then, it was back to Amy's to "spruce up" their back yard.  Weeding and getting ready for some new sod along with new plants in the planters.

Final service of the day was to serve dinner at a fund raiser for a non prophet for Alzheimer's respite care. That was especially meaningful because of mom's dementia and the care she needed.   It made me realize how lucky we were to have each other. 

 

Happy Birthday Amy

 Even though Amy's birthday was the 26th, we celebrated it on Friday with dinner at the Lazy Dog and then home for presents and cake.  I can't believe she is 44 years old!  It was just yesterday that she was a little girl, chubby cheeks and all.

Monday's Memory--Mom's Birdhouse

 

Because of the new extension, the birdhouse that Todd made for mom had to go.  

This was a Christmas present for mom way back in 2001.  It's so old that I don't have digital copies of the pictures, only actual photos in my scrapbooks.  Anyway, this birdhouse has been hanging from the fence extension for over 20 years.  It was never successful as a bird house.  I mean, no one has ever lived or made a nest in it.  In fact, the picture with the little bird at the front is as close as anyone ever got!!  We even put seed in each apartment hoping to lure a tenant.  No luck!!  But, it has always been a thing of beauty and a reminder of Todd's great service and love for his grandma.

House Reno--extension

 I can't remember when we originally put the extension on the backyard wall, but I know it was done by Dave, so...maybe 45 years ago?!  And I know that some time later, we replaced the fiberglass panels because the old ones were getting chipped and cracked.  Well, the time had come.  The old wood support posts were so termite eaten that I really don't know how they were still holding up the panels.  

Two days later and we now have a beautiful vinyl extension that won't need repair or upkeep.  And it's beautiful.

Easter Breakfast

 Our annual Easter breakfast at the park was great.  It was sunny and warm, the food was wonderful, the kids enjoyed badminton, and the adults had a good time chatting and getting caught up with each other's lives.  Gale's sister, Tammy, was able to join us before she made a move to Maine.  I'm so grateful for family and long standing traditions that bring us together.

Spamilton

 I had such a fun night with my good friend, Barbara Davis and her mother-in-law.  Dinner of delicious tacos and the a show at the Carpenter Theater.  Spamilton is a parody of Hamilton and Lin Manuel Miranda.  It was so funny and so delightful.  I had a smile on my face the entire time!  Thanks Barb for the fun time.

Go Ducks

 Mark and Kris couldn't use their season tickets to the Duck's game, so Carson drove down and went with me.  He spent a good portion of it trying to explain what icing was.  The Duck's lost, but there was a pretty good fight where punches were thrown!!