HOME FROM FRANCE

Just returned last night from 4 weeks in France. Lots of photos and experiences to share. Taking a few moments to settle in, catch up on laundry, and enjoy my own bed. Home is so, so good.

Fun Kids Road Trip Adventure

From somewhere--no one is quite sure where--JA became obsessed with the idea of "bobbing for apples."

Last week JE's family moved out of their home in Omaha and headed toward their new home in Cincinnati, stopping to spend almost a week with us as they waited for the moving van to deliver their household goods. We weren't sure how many days we'd have together, but it turned into six. Six days of smiles and giggles, hugs and kisses. Lots and lots, and not nearly enough. Six days of flirtatious LC, precocious LE, and rambunctious JA.

When the apple bobbing began, it quickly became clear that there was more to it than JA had imagined. After all it is called bobbing.

What's a grandma to do? When kiddos clearly need a demonstration, a grandma's just got to do what she's got to do!

My hands-on (head-down) demonstration clearly excited JA and terrified LE, resulting in JA literally diving right in. LE decided that she had no need of any apples this afternoon.

JA bobbed for an bit into all the rest of the apples--greatly amused by his own skill and audacity.

The family is driving the final leg of their road trip today. LC's not feeling so good, and they all have a whole bunch of adjusting ahead. But, there's a bunch of enthusiasm in this young family and we're all praying for safe travel and marvelous adventures ahead.

Repurposing

Last summer we traded up from our queen-sized bed to a king--made up from (2) twin extra-long bed frames/mattresses. I pushed for the upgrade because CA can be a blanket hog, and with my sometimes erratic sleep habits I'd become extremely sensitive to bumps-in-the-night.

We've had a headboard dilemma, thinking we'd commission an upholstered headboard once we moved from the main parts of the house redecorating to the master bedroom. Somewhere between then and now I got the idea to re-purpose the antique iron twin bed frame that had been DM's growing up.

Our handy-dandy electrician with his handy-man crew took on the project of converting a headboard and foot board of different heights into the king-sized headboard we desired. I'd asked that they be wall-mounted to alleviate the rattle-rattle I associate with metallic headboards.

So, we're now in the process of choosing fabric for a bed skirt and a few fun pillows. And, the art above the bed is too small, so that requires some re-thinking and possible re-purposing, also.

As for the toss pillows--I'd found white linen napkins a couple of years ago which I've had embroidered with some significant numbers and French phrases. DV is having those made into pillows to use here. And, I'm guessing we'll repeat the bed skirt fabric in a couple of pillows, too.

Everywhere There are Limones...

Unpredictable

Isn't it really the twists and swerves of daily life that keeps it interesting? And, me on my toes.

Instead of entertaining friends on Sunday, I'm flying to Phoenix-Scottsdale with my sister PM. Dad's middle brother has passed away after a rather brief illness, and at the age of 88.

We're sadden, yet quite proud of all RFJ has accomplished in his long life. I remember the great pride my grandparents took in all of his interests and accomplishments. From humble, small town beginnings he served his country in WWII, attained advance degrees in mathematics, raised a fine family, and managed to publish more than a dozen textbooks with a pre-eminent scholastic publisher.

Both of my Dad's brothers have had chronic health issues, while he--the oldest at 90--stays remarkably healthy. (He hates it when we say he's healthy!)

So... JE's family's in Orlando this next week visiting her DM's family, and CA holds down the fort at home (coaching soccer this Spring Break week), while I fly off to AZ (Or, "the desert" as I explained to LE this morning. She's worried about sand storms...)