Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Photo365 Spring 2016

I spent my birthday at Larry's. I had to work late and then had a migration at 10, but in between he made me a nice dinner of chicken and rice. I made a birthday cake--I am not against making and eating my own cake! I took Friday off, and we planned to go to a state park for some hiking but then we procrastinated choosing which park (let's be honest--there are only three or four worth going to in Indiana), and wound staying up pretty local--Mounds. This was good for me, to be happy with just doing something--anything. Not feeling like I'm not living if I'm not seeing something new every day. The point is to be happy with what you do have!

We have been consciously choosing to eat only at home to save money and to give me a chance to widen my culinary skills. We tried to go out to dinner a number of times for my birthday, and we couldn't get in. We finally wound up at an Ethiopian place in Geist, and it was pretty good.

It was a nice weekend. Nice and quiet and fun and reflective.

I went to MI for Mother's Day. I took my mom to the Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Right before my Aunt Gini died two years ago (diagnosed with late stage cancer on Mother's Day; died six weeks later) she lamented that she had always wanted to see botanical gardens. I decided to take my mom for Mother's Day, and it was really nice! It's a great place full of flowers, trees, sculptures, greenhouses, terrariums, waterfalls, and landscaping, as well as one of the finest assortments of works of sculpture in the world.

Later that night, she had a birthday party for me at the house. Earl, Lori, and all four kids came for a barbecue. When everyone sang Happy Birthday, I suddenly felt full of and surrounded by love, and realized that "Happy Birthday to You," is the best song in the world. My mom, as per usual, did not disappoint with her inglorious gag gifts.

Over Easter weekend, I accompanied my mom and dad to look at lake properties--both of which were depressing in my opinion. I suggested he get a nice boat instead, one with a boat slip and that would be easy to use. I figured he would spend the rest of his life *looking* at boats (as he has done with lake houses), but he actually bought one while I was there for Mother's Day. It was really incredible that I was able to share with him some of the thought processes I use to make decisions--and even moreso that he finally pulled the trigger. I am really happy that he has taken this step to further enjoy his retirement.

Here's some pics from this spring:



Abby joins me for a conference call


I made my cake, and I ate it too! This strawberry cake with coconut icing!



Flowers from Larry for my birthday. I know. I take too many photos of flowers he brings me.













Flowers from Larry for my birthday.












Tree face at Mounds state park




Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park



































































Horny Frogs!







Granite boulders. Cool!





























Watched a papa swan get food for mama and baby swan, who waited patiently back in the nest!







Nice sundowner with my Lare


Eagle Creek


Lost waterfall at Shades!


Welcome to my colorful forest!


Flag on Memorial Day at Larry's house



Cut my hair.


Short season for alliums, but how I love them!





Pitcher plants at the botanical gardens. 


Cap'n and his new boat!


One of my mom's insane gag gifts to me! I have it on my wine wrack for good measure.


Trump pinata at David's birthday/dance party!






Raccoon kept us entertained one night at Eagle Creek.





Shades




Why not?


Tree Frog!


Farewell dinner for Duke and Kinga at my house. Fun night of talking, listening to Duke's music, and eating delicious Italian food.


Welcoming my guests!


Early morning swim with Larry


I love the trails in Larry's neighborhood



Cabbage is pretty! What? It is!



I set the table with stuff I found around Larry's house--China, silver, old goblets, candles. Lovely!




Took a walk through Forest Park. This captures Indiana perfectly!




Larry's clematis.


I know! Enough with the flowers already!