Just Today

There's a lot going on around here...mostly internal at this point. I'm reflecting on many things and feeling in-between worlds. What feels important to me is just today, not galloping too far ahead of me or behind.

Just today.

Our lucky day

Lucky us! We have a baby visiting for the day. Little Nina is here while her mama has some important business to attend to. What a treat to care for such a sweet young baby. Nina is just ten weeks. Annie has been looking forward to this day since last week. I am surprised and delighted at how well and how much Annie has dotted over her today. She wants to play, feed, walk, burp, sing to and talk to her, and (attempt to) dress her. It's adorable! And Nina seems to love having Annie close by. I've been wearing her in a sling most of the day and she feels wonderful! I can't help but fantasize about adopting a second child, especially watching these two lovebirds, even though Papa and I are so satisfied with our lives and the balance we enjoy with one child. O.K. Nina is waking up again...Gotta go!

Halloway House

My dear friend Lea is a contractor. She's building a small two bedroom colonial style house with a traditional style...all by herself. From framing to roofing, cabinetry to custom finish work! I'm amazed! To top it all off she has three small children under the age of five! She's on a really tight budget too and is counting her pennies just to buy adequate lighting. My hat is off to her. Oh! Did I mention it's a miniature house? Yes, she's a dollhouse contractor, and she's building a 1"= 1" scale miniature house that she has built from the Real Good Toys kit called The Simplicity. I love to watching her process, and I love having a companion in the world of miniatures. Our plan is to have a "Open House" at some point and show our houses to the world. It may be a while. We both have plenty to do. Lea is finishing up this house, and has her next one lined up.

Don't worry, I'll let you know when we're ready.

Tweet Tweet

From the first light day, to the sun setting just now, our day was all about birds. To start, as an Easter surprise, we gave Annie a beautiful pair of yellow canaries. Canaries that she has been talking about and asking for for months. She named the female Daffodil (she's yellow with orange wings, as shown in the above rendering) and the all-yellow male is Dandelion. They are beautiful and she is delighted! Then we walked down by the river and caught a glimpse of the magical Blue Heron, searching through the reeds looking for a meal! Wow! A White Heron was mid-river doing the same. After we walked to the wharf and back, (where we saw a large flock of pelicans flying above our heads) Annie sat down to draw her new birds, and snacked on some deviled eggs (more birds!) that Bill whipped up. Can I mention how happy and satisfied I'm feeling in general these days, and specifically how lovely and sweet our day was? Well, I am feeling happy and peaceful, and for that I am grateful!

Afternoon Easter Party!

Sunny Day + Pizza & Salad + Green Grass + Face Painting + Egg Dying + Giggling + Friends! + Juice Spritzers + A Lot of Chocolate =
Afternoon Easter Party!

Photos from top to bottom- 1.)Papa surprises us with a beautiful cake! 2.) The table is set with party favors. 3.) Chloe and Annie waiting to dig in. 4.) Rinny metamorphising before our eyes! 5.)Alex with roses and cherries in her cheeks. 6.)Anna blossoming! 7.) Annie "Sagwa" the Cherokee-Indian-Chinese Siamese Cat.
Thanks for everything Edie!

Six-Year-Old Molars

Annie has just cut her first big molar. She's been sniffling, her cheeks have been rosy and she seems slightly weepy. I'm reminded of when she started teething when she was about five months old. My sweet baby!

The San Francisco Treat!

I just got back from a four-star, foot-loose and fancy-free, feast of the senses (as well as the palette), birthday weekend in San Francisco with LaLa Pat. Wow! I'm still floating!

Some highlights:

Seeing LaLa coming down the walk at the airport!



Al Fresco breakfast at the farmers market, on the pier at the ferry building .



Catching a gong, fireworks and dancing lion ceremony down a side street in Chinatown.



Delightful service and personal indulgences at the Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf.


Two good laugh attacks. One to tears.



Outstanding wine, asparagus, and desserts at The Slanted Door.



Eating chocolates in bed, resting and chatting.



The weather! Warm, crisp, sunny in the city. Foggy and windy at North Point.



Driving through the Presido with it's amazing views and well kept historic buildings.




Stumbling upon the amazing Masterpieces of French Jewelry show at the Legion of Honor that was so amazing it left me pretty much speechless.




Am I forgetting anything Pat?





Oh yea. It was an unforgettable time...thank you doesn't quite cover it.