Drum Beats

You know those kids that we say " March to the beat of their own drum"? That would be our granddaughter Lucy. Doesn't your mail delivery happen in pj's, hard hat and Mickey Mouse face mask?

Vivian And The Third Generation

Brooklyn asked if he could take his cousins for a spin. "Don't worry Poppi, I will treat Vivian gently".

I have posted several times about Vivian our beloved Volvo. I told MeMa, pregnant with our first born and a non driver that I would buy her any car if she would get her license. I was about to start my new career which would leave her home alone with a newborn. She said she already "picked her out". Enter Vivian. She made so many trips to the family cabin that she could probably make on her own. She made every soccer and little league practice and games for both of our sons, family holidays, fishing trips. You name it she has hauled it. Since my retirement she has become my transportation, so the bond has strengthened between us. 

Brooklyn was quite surprised when I handed him the key and said, "Keep her under forty." Turning away, I then told him, "Someday I might even open the garage door." That look on his face is priceless.

Pleasantly Stepping Into The Past

Fairley's Pharmacy is a pleasant step back into our past when most pharmacies had a soda fountain. Patrons could indulge in sinful delights such as the milkshakes  MeMa and the "Little Terrorist's" Lucy and Taeya are sampling. Sad, when establishments like this disappear making it harder for us to give a glimpse of a simpler time to the younger generation. I remember plopping 25 cents and getting the same size drink that I just paid $3.00 apiece for. But if that keeps this dinosaur around for my grandchildren to enjoy, then sign me up!

MeMa's Retirement Party

Parties at Menagerie Manor require MeMa's talent in flower selection and design.

Beds received fresh black compost after being meticulously weeded

I prayed to the garden gods that MeMa's favorite agapanthus would hold their blooms for the party

They did and they tossed in my favorites, hydrangeas. 

I can't have too many, my entire collection were all started from cuttings. And they put on a radiant display.

I broke my promise of not buying any more plants but couldn't pass on this new variety of lambs ears.

Plants tumbled out of the greenhouse into the many pots and containers waiting for their moment to add to the festivities. 

So many pots 

So so many 

Banners to be hung.

Color in every corner.

All the work finished, the party girl grabs a few moments to herself......

....guess she meant it.

The caterer arrived about ten minutes before the first guest arrived 

MeMa made the first cut 

"Her is to slow" according to little Lucy, so the duty was transferred to quicker hands.

Taeya approved cake

Eldest granddaughter Aungelle and my gathering of carnivorous plants sat and caught flies.

Beginning Another Chapter

I am in my second year of retirement and am enjoying the hell out of it. Shortly after the close of the school year MeMa retired as well, I am so proud of her and thankful to have her start this next adventure with me.
She was so exhausted by the long hours towards the end and I so wanted to celebrate her

achievement , but I knew a night out on the town was out. So when she got home she was greeted with a quiet dinner party for two in the hidden garden.

                                            With a sinful desert from her favorite chocolatier

At the graduation ceremonies she received the prestigious Franklin Award for her outstanding devotion and commitment to Franklin High School

One of the many gifts she received was this wheelbarrow hand painted by the art department with logos of the different schools she has worked at in her career, they also included many hidden Mickey's.