Monday Blooms

Another glorious Monday morning. 

So far this morning, I have washed some clothes, swept the floors, opened all the windows, and sat with my dog Laydee in the backyard sun for half an hour, listening to the chorus of sweet "bird" melodies.

In the front yard, the miniature roses that my dad gifted my mom about 20 years ago are still thriving. I haven't done anything yet to the gardens or the yards. Last year, we covered the areas that were previously filled with weeds with weed cloth and put in rocks. Apart from the Hill of Vinca, which is a mess, there aren't too many areas that have been overtaken by weeds. We have a couple of smaller areas that need to be covered with rocks. We are planning to do something with our front yard, as we neglected it last year while we were working on the back.

My Aloe Vera plant is starting to bloom! 

I haven't had a bloom for 2 years since we cut the huge monstrosity into smaller plants - We have aloe vera all over the place! 

No these are not plantains! 

This is what a blooming Aloe Vera looks like and this was taken a couple of years ago. 

Here is what it looks like. I don't know what happened to the plant growing toward the side like that - maybe moving toward the morning sun? Now wouldn't be a good time to straighten it out. They grow well in the morning sun and then trickled afternoon sun.  Believe it or not, this plant started out as an itty-bitty plant in a pot. They are very hardy—a few years back, when we had some rare snow, and it was covered, it didn't kill it. 

I think everything has bloomed or is blooming. 

Once my schedule settles down, I hope to finally get to some gardening and fixing up the yards. 

Remember I told you all of the growth on Laydees chin? You can see it in this photo. I guess it's like a skin tag. It doesn't seem to bother her - and she's doing well. 

She's refusing to look at me. 

This week, I am attending the last Leaders meeting for this season, as well as our small group. Next week, they will have some testimonies from the Ladies on all of what they learned, etc. This is purely volunteer, and no one has to come, but I plan to go because I love these types of encouraging testimonies. As much as I have enjoyed it all, I am looking forward to a summer break. 

That does it for Monday. 

Talk to you later - 

Debby

 

A Sea Of Cars

I like the displays the owners have in their cars. 

This morning, we visited the civic grounds to admire the cars. However, we found heavy traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, making it more congested than in previous years. I found the sheer number of cars overwhelming. While they were beautiful, it felt like "you've seen one, you've seen them all," given the multitude of cars on display.

We stayed 2 1/2 hours, and I was ready, whereas the husband wanted more...

I mean, how many hoods can you look under? 

I snapped photos of the cars I liked. 

I loved everything about this one, from the tailgate display to the beautiful wood on the sides, white wall tires, and the colors!

I tend to go for the old classic Chevys. 

I believe this is an International Harvester. 

I also like the black matte paint job on this Mustang. 

Sharp!

My eyes always go toward the greens and blues...

This one had one of those dolls - like a pouting child in the back seat. 

My husband goes for the really old cars - and red is his favorite color. 

Nice trailer in back of this one. 

I don't remember what this was, but I liked the unusual way the doors opened. 

The Silver Fox is on the left - Gorgeous! 

I saw a car display that made me nostalgic for the days of drive-in restaurants where roller-skating waitresses served burgers.

Sharp!

The grounds were busy in the morning and even more crowded in the afternoon with even more classic cars coming in.

Music was playing on the loud speakers - 

That yellow one is nice. 

I'm looking down - 

What more can I say? Cars, Cars, Cars...

A green roadster

I got a little fancy here - lining up the raised hoods in this photo. 

 I'm getting a rum dummy with all these car shots...

Loved this trailer better than the car! 

Inside of the little tear drop trailer

Now I thought this was ironic - a classic Mustang in the Tesla charging station!

Not today Tesla Owners - you'll have to charge somewhere else! 

Here's another one...

And here at Charge Point. I wonder how many EV owners complained? 

Wow what a radiant Red. Notice the "cooler" on the passenger window?

During our summer trips to Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio, my father used to rent a cooler from U-Haul that was filled with water and ice cubes. At that time, air conditioning was considered an expensive extra, and we didn't have it until 1968, when my dad purchased his new Chevrolet Impala Super Sport—a two-door car with bucket seats. 

In order to get cool air, Mom had to pull on a strap. However, one time, my mother pulled too hard, causing all the ice and water to pour out on her. We all found it amusing and laughed about it.

Now imagine this scene: you're driving through the desert back into California after a 3 week vacation. You're hot, tired and ready to be home. Not much longer! There is a bag hanging on the outside front of the car, which contained radiator water. Always a challenging situation when your car would overheat, despite having the water bag. We always made the best of it and turned it into a good memory. It's fascinating how even the most challenging situations can become a source of fond memories. This was before coolant in the radiators. 

I hope you enjoyed all the pretty cars. Which one is your favorite? 

 

And then there were two...

Do you remember how I was impatiently waiting for this book to arrive? Well, it finally came, and I have been enjoying it. But, just the other day, my husband went to the mailbox and found another book. I was charged for both books, but I have decided to give the extra book to Foodie since he loves history, and I believe he will enjoy it. It's just crazy how things like this happen sometimes, isn't it?

Not much on the agenda - I'm tired from too much running around today. I went to the butcher, grocery store and the bike shop with Foodie where he purchased a $1100 mountain bike. Glad I am no longer buying his toys! His e-bike doesn't do as well as a mountain bike. Anyway, those wheels are for commuting to work. 

KOOL APRIL NITES

The Cruise

Taken a few years ago - 

The Cruise is happening tonight. According to the news, more than 1500 people from outside California have registered for it this year, making it even bigger than before. Not counting those who are inside California. We won't be able to attend the cruise tonight. If you want to secure a good spot to watch the event, you need to bring your chair out on the sidewalk early in the day. Some people even stay there all day, but that sounds boring to me. As you drive along the route during the day, you will see many empty lawn chairs on the sidewalks. Some businesses mark their grass with tape to prevent people from sitting on it. It used to be easier to claim your spot, but now you have to get there as early as possible.

Tomorrow, we plan to head over to the civic center to see the cars on display.

The good thing is that it brings in a significant amount of revenue to our restaurants, hotels, and boosts the economy. In addition, it brings joy to people. There is a buzz in the air and people are having fun. 

It's only 4:15 but I'm feeling sleepy. I'm going to take a nap and hope to get a second wind later.

Debby

 

Thursdays This and That.

It's already Thursday, and we're at the end of the month again. 

Time flies, doesn't it?

I had a phone meeting with the BSF ADMIN the other day, after playing phone tag for a while. She had sent me all the necessary paperwork and application to fill out beforehand. We had an insightful conversation where she asked me some questions and also invited me to attend the Leaders Meeting for the next two Tuesdays so I could observe what that is like.  I arrived at 8:45 am and was warmly welcomed by everyone. I tagged along with my Group Leader, Jaime. I was impressed by their dedication to staying focused on the main topic and not straying away from the main purpose.  

We spent around 15 minutes praying for every aspect of the ministry and then listened to a message on Reconciliation from John 21. After that, we divided into three groups, consisting of approximately 50 group leaders in total. The groups discussed the questions that they would be facilitating in their respective groups the following day. Since I was not a leader, I simply observed the discussion.

Yesterday, I was asked to observe a different leader's group instead of Jaime's to learn how each woman has her own style. I am planning to do the same next week. I found it interesting and enjoyable. After attending the group study for leaders on Tuesday, I realized that they are all very well-prepared and I will be too, next year. 

We have only two weeks left until the end of this year's study. On the last week, there will be a one-hour session where anyone willing can share how this year's study has enriched them and what they have learned. Then we'll have the summer off till mid-August when the Group Leaders return to prepare for the September start of Revelations. 

While I was initially hesitant to accept this role, I believe I will enjoy it and be blessed by it. I'm excited. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4;13

Yes, my son made it back! Hallelujah!

No, I do not have photos...YET. 

He changed his photo cloud to a platform other than Google Photos, so I don't know what's going on, but he was clearly frustrated. I hope he didn't lose them. 

He described how he saw the forest come alive with the arrival of Spring. Every day, he spotted new sprouts poking through the ground, witnessed turkeys mating, saw hawks swoop down to grab their meal, and even encountered fresh bear tracks and scat. At night, the animals make their sounds.  - he heard coyotes. He didn't see or hear any humans for four days, except for a logging truck he saw from afar. In total, he hiked for 60 miles. The snow was patchy, depending on which side of the mountain was shady or sunny. Surprisingly, he didn't use his tent and instead slept in a hammock because he didn't want to miss the night show of stars. He even saw the full moon during his adventure. One night, it got down to 29 degrees, and he commented on how those hand warmers work very well. He ate well - had plenty of fresh water, and the daytime temps felt like the 80s but were really in the 60s. 

This is what is blooming in my yard - 

The white Irises are spreading...

And then these... I can't describe this color. 

The grape vines are starting to grow. 

I missed most of Kool April Nites. By the evening, I was exhausted and didn't want to be out with more people. Tomorrow evening is the big parade of cars. 

Since I am gone three mornings a week, I am behind on gardening, cleaning, and decorating.  I want to get back into swimming. As an introvert, I enjoy people, but the constant socialization drains me and I need those alone times to rejuvenate. That is what my summer will be like!  

See the resemblance?

They are 4 weeks old. 

Take Care -

Debby