SPRING HAS SPRUNG...

And we have a few early blossoms to show for it. The warm weather is very welcome after the long, tough winter we had this year.

Even Sue's birthday flowers have bloomed and stayed beautiful for two weeks.
TO CATCH UP WITH OTHER NEWS...

Denny is well settled into his new schedule and is always ready to hop the bus when it arrives. We have also found a very dependable caretaker to be with him when he arrives home every afternoon. All is well with our happy little man and he is pushing the bounds of his independence all the time.
THE BLOOD DRIVE WAS A SUCCESS...

Thanks to all who donated and helped us make our numbers. This handsome young man is a fine example of our community-minded citizens who made the sacrifice for little more than nutter-butters and juice. Thanks Mike, and others.

OF COURSE WE HAVE BEEN KEEPING WELL AT HOME, TOO...

We celebrated Sue's birthday with a big family-and-more lunch at her favorite local restaurant. The food was good and the fun was better. It was great to have so many family and friends there to share the day.

As an extra birthday bonus Sue got her car back from the repair shop and Joe and his guys did a GREAT job. If you missed the story, Sue had damage to the whole drivers side of her car when a lady accidentally back into her while she was leaving Victoria's house. The car looks as good as ever and after a little tuneup to go along with the repairs her little hot rod is like new again!

AND OF COURSE THE GRANDKIDS...

Noah, Aaron and Grampa' paid a visit to the firing range and had a good time. Aaron has his rifle shooting merit badge and is a very safe and capable marksman. Noah was very attentive and shot quite well for a first-timer. We will be going again soon.

 Rachel continues to produce wonderful stories and poems. Visit Victoria's Facebook page to see a couple of recent poems that our star author posted this week.

Eve and Granpa' still spend saturday mornings together as often as possible. This week was another Kids Workshop so we were there, bright and early.
 Eve built her project, which this month is a race car, and then we had a race.

Eve managed to win her race, beating the car built by the store pro and raced by her granddaughter. We were very pleased with our efforts.

So, for this entry into my BLOG it can be said that we are all doing well and that we are looking forward to a warm spring and summer.

Until next time, I'll be seein' ya'...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY...

We all gathered on Saturday to wish our man a happy birthday and have a little party with family and friends...

 We hung out the birthday flag...

 The kids made a poster to help decorate, inside...

 ...and outside. Eve was very determined to see that Denny had a great day.

 Victoria set about making a special cake for her brother...

 ... with help from Michael and a few others.

 The cake is styled to look like the van Denny rides to school. It may be a simple change in our schedule, but it's also a very big deal for Denny. The cake was great and enjoyed by all.

  Next, we gathered for the gifts! The crowd had a lot of fun with the unique gifts that are traditional Denny favorites. A 12 pack of Dr. Pepper, some Hostess cupcakes, Reese's pieces and other treats were shared along with some very nice, new, fluffy towels for the birthday boy's bathroom closet.

Denny also got a spiffy new haircut. Thanks Alice, he looks great. It was also a great chance for a photo op with the rest of the family.

All in all, a good day and a great party. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY...
Until next time, I'll be seein' ya'...

SNOW DAY...

Here in the sunny south we don't get snow very often. When we do, it is usually does not amount to much and melts away quickly. Not this time!

 The big, wet, fluffy flakes began Sunday evening and piled up pretty fast.

 By morning we had about 6 inches of snow. The unfortunate part was that we also got a steady mix of sleet that worked under the snow and became solid ice.

    If you walked or drove on this surface you broke through the crust and got no traction. Caution was required to get up the hill and off our street.

   It was really beautiful, despite the 25 degree temperature.

FOR THE REST OF THE DAY...

  I just enjoyed time at home with family. I made a big pot of storm stew and we relaxed and enjoyed the tasty warmth while watching old movies and staying warm under a blanket on the sofa.
  Tomorrow we have been told that ice will be a major problem. The county has already canceled school, the public transit will not be running buses until late and we are already planning to be home with our boy.
  Until next time, stay warm and I'll be seein' ya'...