NYC visit

I just returned from spending four days in New York City. A friend organized the trip for me and eight other women. I had met two of them before this. Where to start? Maybe with my three favorite events. I saw the production of "Wicked". I thought it was on par with "Phantom of the Opera" Loved it, especially the surprise ending. Loved the story itself, the actors voices, the special effects, etc. Secondly we had a three hour food tasting and cultural walking tour of Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking district. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the area. Thirdly was my walk in Central Park. Stopped in "Strawberry Fields" and listened to a group playing Beatles songs. Strawberry Fields is a part of the park dedicated to John Lennon. It is just across the street from the place he was killed.

Of course we were in the midst of the waves of people on the streets, unending streams of yellow cabs, and persistent street vendors. It was Gay Pride Week and the soccer games were going on so that added interest to everything. It all was such a contrast to "the sticks" but I loved it.

Some pictures will follow, I promise.

Guests at a birthday party

Yesterday we attended a birthday party of a two year old (Kyla's cousin). Kyla and Bryce were both in attendance. Bryce showed everyone how to enjoy a cupcake.

The uninvited guests were these ducks. The mother duck made her nest just outside the front door of the house were the party was. The ducks hatched as we watched. What a treat.

I let this one go

When our children were young their father told them that as parents we were like a big ship in the ocean. They were like a small boat being towed behind us. We would occasionally throw "care packages" to them. The packages were the advice for living that we were giving them. Sometimes they would let the package drift away and other times they would grab it.

I was reminded of this today when working on a project. I am screwing down the subflooring in the bathroom and two closets. I had watched Gerry so I knew how to adjust the torque, charge the batteries and figure out where the joists were under the subflooring that I needed to screw into. However, I did not pay attention to how he removed the bit from the drill. I wore one down and could not figure out how to put a new one in. Guess I let that "care package" drift by.

Two weeks without Hubby

The last two weeks have been both relaxing and exhausting for me. Gerry has been in Utah and Colorado on a motorcycle adventure. I do enjoy my time alone because I can do things on my own schedule. For example, if I want to paint for a few hours from 9 to 11 pm I do. Meal time is not on a regular schedule. I have gone out for dinner with friends, watched a movie (The Blind Side), and done some excruciating hard yard work.

On the subject of painting, I thought I was finished with all but the accent walls, but decided to add a third coat to the bed room walls because if a couple irregularities. Yesterday I purchased plants to put together several planters. The problem is that I cannot move them once they are filled, so have to put them in the final location before filling. See I do need Gerry around. Seriously, it is good for us to have time apart, but I do miss him. In my next blog I will try to post some pictures of his trip.

It's strawberry time

I was able to make the most perfect jam from the most perfect strawberries. Tonight I will freeze four more quarts (whole or with sugar) and on Wednesday make a strawberry pie. Yum!

My family visit

In the middle of May I flew to Minnesota to visit my Mom and siblings. I took a few pictures that may be of interest to some of my readers.

Bryon (nephew), Shelby, Wanda, Ethan

Maxine (sis), Kelly, Patrick (nephew)

Sue (sis-in law), Ed (Bro), Shelby (their granddaughter)

Khris, George (bro), David (his son) and David's sister

Siblings and Mom: Maxine, Marge, Mom, Ruth, me, Harry