YUM and then some......

June 15th was the official opening of Trader Joe's in The Woodlands, TX.  I was in Seattle at that time so I missed the grand opening.  Today, being a beautiful Sunday, I decided to make the trip.  Good parking karma so I knew it was going to be great shopping.  Picked up some delish veggies, fruits, hand soap, dip and a couple of new shopping bags.  The store looks almost like all the other Trader Joe's that I have been to.  Several in LA, Seattle, Tucson, Columbus, OH.  Can't wait to go again  but will definitely make sure it is not a Sunday (I thought it was grand opening today, there were so many folks). 

London 2012

The Olympics have started.  After several weeks of tv blitz, last nights opening ceremonies were spectacular.  I learned more about London in 4 hours than I ever did in school.  In May 1981 I made a "business" trip to the UK.  During that time, I was a ceramist/potter with a studio in H'town.  A paint company I did business with invited me to visit their factory in Stoke on Trent.  To go to Stoke, I had to arrive in London and take the train.  While in London though, I did all the tourist attractions, met some interesting people and had a great time.  My time in Stoke was incredible.  A beautiful small community with several manufacturing companies, pottery and china shops and it's share of pubs and  souvenir shops.  It was also the month before Charles and Diane were to marry.  From all the media coverage in the weeks preceding the opening of the ceremonies there was all types of London scenes.  It was like looking at snapshots I had taken and pleasant memories. 

Nice day in the neighborhood

I love having a day off, with nothing to do except have fun.  After watching several Grey's Anatomy, some baking was next on the agenda.  Had some bottles of Shiner's Bock in the fridge and thought I had better make good use of it.  Several loaves of beer bread are now at various neighbors and a couple of slices held out for moi.  The cookies are from a recipe I saw at darling daughters home in LA and added my own touches to them.  Quite yummy and sugar free and flour free.  I really enjoy baking and my neighbors are always willing to be recipients of my efforts.  From my little book, bottoms up, a cheeky look at life, by Sean Keogh, I will leave you with this thought for today "If you think things can't get any worse, you have no imagination."  Those go out to some of my buddies in their struggles with tough times.  Be strong.  from one who has been there....:-)

Cath Lab Work in Progress

Finally, after a long wait,  they have begun redoing the Cath Lab Family Waiting Room.  New paint, new furniture and today (Tues.) the new art work should arrive.  Still missing about 10 more chairs, as late yesterday afternoon I had people sitting on the floor (youngsters that was).  We strive to not only do our best for the patients, but to make the families and friends waiting during the procedures, comfortable and at home.  For many, it's a stressful wait and our new look should help make the time easier..  I enjoy volunteering so much, it has become a very important part of my life and I am grateful that I have the time to do it.  When people ask about volunteering, my stock answer is "I get so much more than I give" out of volunteering and it's not just a phrase, it's the truth!

California visit

A few of the sights in LA.  From the morning glory's on the fence in the rear of  K & J's apartment to the lights and "seen about town" photos, fresh berries and the local Farmer's Market, to the great picture J had done of K as the warrior bride.  The weather was perfect and at the Hancock Park Yard Sale of all Sales, I picked up a book bottoms up, a cheeky look at life.  Animal photos with quotes that I really thought were great.  Today's though "Life is a football game with everyone offside and no referee".  Make it a great day! 

Would you believe?

I finally located my old blog, after much aggravation, frustration,  spending way 2 much time and starting a new blog....During the night, I awoke with an idea...."where could my blog have gone"? Lo and behold, this early a.m. I decided to give it one more shot.  Since my last blogging - I have traveled to Seattle for my grandson's graduation and to LA to see my daughter and son-in-laws new digs.  Not sure if I am going to keep this blog going or not, but I just HAD to blog on it today.  I'll keep you posted.  WHEW!  what relief. 

As seen from the dentist chair

A visit to the dentist is really not that much fun; however, the examining room that I usually am placed in was taken so they moved me to a different room.  I love this room because patients of Dr. T's send and have sent him postcards from all over the world.  I never tire of looking at them and wondering about the folks who have been on the different trips.  A lifetime of trips.  Makes the trip into H'town almost worth a postcard.