Just Thirty-five Years Ago Today

Song - Happy Birthday Swing by the Lucky Seven

My oldest son Andy turns 35 today............wasn't it just last week that he was blowing out the candles on his second birthday cake?

Andy has always been a hard worker.  Here he is helping me dig and water in the vegetable garden.

 And happily helping his dad build something with a large piece of lumber!

Andy has always enjoyed fishing............except that when he was younger he wasn't to keen on touching them!!!

Andy loves to cook..............

.....and always makes us a heartfelt meal!

 He is my barefoot entrepreneur.....

 As well as a kind older brother!

 Andy has always been athletic whether it is golf, swimming, hiking, baseball or water polo.

And a loyal Giants fan.........

He is handsome and funny............

And he has always been a ladies man..............

I'm not Joking.............................

Until he met Ashley.......

Now he only has eyes for her!

And occasionally his mama....

Thank you Andy for being a kind, loving man who is fun to be near.

I am so happy that you are in our lives!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"Your birthday reminds me 

of the old Chinese Scholar:

Yung No Mo"

 --unknown

Birthday Boy!

Song - Forever Young by Rod Stewart

Yesterday, July 27th was my oldest son's birthday and we will be celebrating tonight at our house with a BBQ.  Hopefully it won't be too hot and we can eat outside!!  Mr. B is making a huge Paella dish for the occasion.

He was the sweetest little boy growing up and now as an adult, he is still sweet, fun, interesting, thoughtful, entertaining, smart, creative & I could go on forever........

I just want to know one thing Andy.....just how did 34 years go by so quickly?

Happy, Happy Birthday!!! 

"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, 

eat slowly and lie about your age."

 --Lucille Ball

Radiant Heart

Song - "These Are the Days" by Van Morrison

Last Saturday my future daughter-in-law's family threw an engagement party at a local park for Andy and Ashley.

Toasts were made....

Some kissing may have occurred.......

Prime spots were reserved for Bocce Ball.....

Games were enjoyed.....

Families spent time together.....

Some delicious margarita's were enjoyed.....

MOG and MOB got to hug the happy groom-to-be.....

Babies were held.......

Welcome to the world Nicholas! Four weeks old!......

Ashley, my mom & "Reverend" Jodi got to visit....

MOB, FOG and the "Reverend" enjoy the sunny day....

My mom made mini apple pie's for dessert.....yumm.....

Love and Laughter were ever present.....

Now I am off to cry some happy tears for these two dear ones!

Congratulations Andy and Ashley.

Furry things.....

Song - Hug You, Squeeze You by Stevie Ray Vaughan


We all need something cozy to enjoy at times....

Mika snuggling with her new Christmas-furry-squeeky-donkey.

Ashley snuggling with my furry hatted son, Andy.

(Mr. B said hatted is a real word)!!!

Hope you have a furry Sunday!

“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.

Even longer,' Pooh answered.” 

 --A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Santa Cruzin'

Song - Under the Boadwalk by The Drifters

My parents bought a sweet little cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains about 35 years ago.

It is in an incredible Redwood forest with a covered bridge nearby that you walk through to get to Grandma's Beach.  It has survived earthquakes and floods.

Dad & his brother on the river next to the Boardwalk

It is a sentimental place for them as my father spent his summers camping near the beach as a young boy and my parents would go there while dating.

Friends and family (Mom & dad are on the far right)

My mom & Duchess the dog & Dad's family

When they bought the cabin it was in desperate need of some love and care.  It is a beautiful log cabin, with wood floors and large windows.

Dad & Mom at Aptos

My dad's parents - Violet & John (and Duchess) in Santa Cruz

My parents have faithfully worked on her over the last 35 years and not only restored her to her former beauty but added a lot of extra's! Sheet rock and skylights (which is much needed in a dark Redwood forest), a dormer for the kids to sleep in, they extended the deck, added a workshop for my dad and countless other wonderful features. Many, many years of hard work, but they have a lot of fun there as well.   A lot of new friendships were made and a lot of grandchildren rode in the "Grandma's Beach Express" wagon to the river's swimming hole.

Andy & Katie at Grandma's Beach

After 35 years in such a moist environment, the deck now needs replacing by the next generation.  We all have such fond memories of our time at the cabin that it is a joy to be able to "give back" a little to both the cabin and my parents.

TJ kicking out the deck railing

Andy b. helping to demolish

A rare photo op of Mr. B during the demolition

The foundation piers being set

So for Memorial Day weekend, our family will happily work together on restoring the deck that we have enjoyed for so many years.  Some will cook and some will hammer but it will be time well spent.....together!

Thanks to Mom & Dad for providing us this little spot of heaven!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." – John Burroughs