Spot the difference?

Fresh paint on the ceiling...fresh paint on the wall...

Can you spot anything else new?

Not the color.

The paint is exactly the same color as it was before.

Okay. some changes are pretty subtle.

Let me know if you spot them.

Thanksgiving

Company's here! It's a Holiday!

Let's get fancy.

We'll have nimble young fingers creatively fold napkins.

Each place setting will be a work of art.

We'll toast the holiday that brings the family together.

We'll delight in the surprise appearance of the Indy Duo.

Granddad will enjoy special visits,

and lots of conversation.

The cook and the host will have a fantastic time.

And we will all be ready for a wonderful winter holiday season!

A bit of perspective

My mother is on my mind around the time of her birthday in November.

She would have been 101 this year.

I went looking for a photograph of the two of us together, and found that there aren't many.

(I was usually the one behind the camera and she usually avoided being in front of it.)

I did find this photo of us, sitting on a wall in Brown County, in the fall of 1971.

It was a shock to realize that my mother in this picture is younger than I am now.

Oh true, true, what seemed so old then 

just seems younger and younger these days.

The 95th

It is not everyday that someone turns 95.

Granddad could hardly believe it himself.

He spent the week before his birthday asking:

 "Now, how old will I be on my birthday?"

"How old do you think you are?" I'd ask.

He always answered, "16!"

The event was marked in style - starting with a crown for the King of the Day.

Mimi brought a square balloon to tie on the wheelchair.

Granddad was amused and pleased to have so many Skype calls.

He really felt as if you all were right with him.

He enjoyed hugs,

and birthday cake,

and company,

and presents.

It was a fine Birthday Eve party!

On the actual Birthday Day, there was a candlelit dinner with soft music, more presents, deeply appreciated company -- and a tasty tender STEAK.  

Now the crown is put away for the next birthday,

but Granddad has a new hat to wear all year.

Thanks to everyone who made his 95th a great occasion!

Another Year Older

If it's October, it's time for a picnic with Mimi.

This year we went to Lake Monroe, and there really was more on that table than you see in this picture!

Only the first leaves were turning and falling, but it felt like fall anyway.

If it's October, it's time for a get-together with Hoosier Kitty -

(there was a sumptious breakfast involved but not pictured)

If it's October, it's time to visit the lake

and hike with a friend, even if it was pouring down rain.

If it's October, it's time for the Romantic Man 

to bring roses and take me out to dinner.

If it's October, it's time for a few unexpected treats --

flowers, visits, phone calls..

If it's October, it must be time for my birthday!

Reunited

They were very patient, the Boston Gentleman and the Sidekick cat.

Sure, they had a good time at the Spa.

But they were always on the lookout.

Whenever a car pulled up they wondered if it would be their Real People.

This weekend their patience was rewarded.

The Boston Gentleman was beside himself.

Hugs! Kisses! 

The Real People came to take them home!

Ah, we are so glad that the Boys are happy.

But it must be said that our house is awfully quiet without them.

Travelling around town with the Boston Gentleman

"I've been out LOTS in the new car", says The Boston Gentleman.

"Did I tell you that I LOVE riding in the car?

Anywhere!

Even just in the driveway.

But I've gone some interesting places this week.

I went to see the Old Guy in his new digs.

He liked seeing the new car.

He liked seeing me better.

And there were treats!

The Old Guy and I agree that there should always be treats.

Another day I went to get my nails done at the Spa.

I love getting my pedicures!

And I found something I really really really want.

It's BETTER than treats!

Look at that little face.

Come on, let's take one home, please please please?

It would be so much fun!"

"You didn't take me" says the Sidekick Cat.

"I'm right here, ready to go.

It's so unfair."

Quick glance back at Lotus weekend

There has been so much going on that I haven't told you about Lotus weekend!

The Ohio Cousins have made a tradition to come for this world Music Festival and we were delighted to have them again this year.

The Festival is more than the music, although there was plenty of that and very enjoyable too.

In fact, here is the first bit of music we heard - that fearless goldfinch eating seeds only a few feet away from the gathering crowds.

We began with a downtown feast at Uptown, 

  and then did the traditional hopping from venue to venue to catch a bit of a dozen sets -- here a Hungarian group gets set up in one of the hosting churches.

And when we were early for the Irish set at the theater, no worries --

waiting just gave everyone a chance to check their email.

Two nights of music..

and two days of exploring our town.

Got to visit the Farmer's Market

and talk to the vendors about the delicious fresh veggies we brought home.

Have to make a trip to Nashville...wait - haven't I taken this picture before??

Really, in the same store with the same couch.

The trip to Lake Monroe was a highlight

and we tasted the first ripe persimmons of the year.

So summer is ended and autumn begun.

New Car Sing Along

"Take me riding in your car -car

Take me riding in your car -car

Take me for a ride, take me for a ride,

Riding in the car-car.

Climb, climb rattle on the front seat

Spree spry spraddle on the back seat

Front seat, back seat,

Riding in my car.

I'm gonna let you blow the horn,

I'm gonna let you blow the horn

oooohgah!  oooohgah!

Riding in my car.

Engine it goes brooom, broooom,

Engine it goes broooom, brooom,

Front seat, back seat,

Riding in my car.

I'm gonna zoom you home again,

I'm gonna zoom you home again,

Brooom, brooom, broooob brroooom ,

I'll take you riding in my car"

(Song by Woody Guthrie, although you may remember the Peter, Paul and Mary version better.

Modelling by the Boston Gentleman.)