and its May

May is a great month for us. We both celebrate our Birthdays which makes dining out easy to plan. We are taking a trip to Oregon in a couple of weeks which I am looking forward to. Finally Chris will meet my longtime friend Cindy. Cindy and I went to College together many years ago in Hawaii. She stayed in Hawaii for many years following College and then moved back to Oregon as a single Mom. The in-laws have moved to one hour away instead of six. Time will tell how this new chapter in our lives unfold. My biggest fear is them showing up unannounced or expected and haha we are here. Things are better between us and we have all come a long ways but still there are challenges. I expect there always will be. My mom is the same as life marches on around her. She likes where she lives and asks me every time I see her how I found out about the place. Its hard for her to understand that there wasnt a choice. I had to place her in the first bed available and it happened to be the best place for her. I am so thankful for the care she gets and that it makes her happy. My brother was in town last week so I met him for breakfast. I hardly know him anymore. He used to be Mr. reliable but has changed into Mr I dont know who you are anymore. Welcome to May.

Happy Birthday Derek

36 years ago I got the news that I was an Aunt for the very first time! I was living in Hawaii and the phone call came late at night. Such excitement. My parents were over the moon. Derek grew up to be a really wonderful young man. He was quiet, smart, wise beyond his years and passionate about life. We had just wished him a happy birthday last year and a few days later received the news that he was dead. Such a tragedy. I miss him very much. Happy Birthday Derek, love auntie j.

Celebration

Off to one of my favorite places on earth. Some of my earliest childhood memories are here with my mom and dad, skipping rocks across the lake, riding the logs, climbing the side of the mountain, smelling the hot springs that come from nearby. This place has come to be my safe place, a place to go when things werent going right but also a place to go to celebrate special events. Last September when my dear friend Becky came from Hawaii to be my attendant I took her to this place. It was a beautiful sunny and she loved it. Not easy to impress someone who lives in Hawaii but she was impressed. We ate at the German restaurant and she kept saying how much her mom and dad would love it. I forgot they spent several years of their military career in Germany. So we are off this weekend. Celebrating 13 years of my NOT SMOKING. definitely worth it.

some things never change

church has gone to the dogs

went to church. saw some old friends. met some new ones.

going to the 15th anniversary of the church where we met. looking forward to seeing some old friends. the pastor is the one who introduced us and 9 years later married us.

Happy New Year!