Racing Go-Carts With Family

Monday it was the pool....

                                Tuesday it was go-cart riding. 

Another first time thing for me...

The gang takes to the track. The woman in car 23 isn't one of us! 

Look out, we are being passed. Step on the gas.

Car 12 is checking out their competion

Here we come around a curve, the wind in our hair, We are on a roll.

Finally, the cars slow down and it's time for our fun to stop.

The younger ones especially are sad it's over.

No. 26 isn't ready to quit just yet.

Oh... it's over.

And, here we come (Susan and me) down to the finish line.

Likes and Dislikes

For Willy Nilly Friday Five I decided to do a LIKES and DISLIKES post. 

                    1. I like fried green tomatoes especially with Green Goddess aioli. 

2. I dislike wasps. They hurt when they sting. 

3. I like bird watching. I get lots of beautiful photos that way.

4. I dislike workers who climb the cell tower and destroy the osprey nest there. 

5. I like (well, I love) dancing with my grandson. His 27th birthday is today. 

Linking with Willy Nilly Friday

A Wedding Five

As promised in my last post, I will continue on with my granddaughter's wedding for Willy Nilly Friday Five

1. Practicing my dance moves the night before the wedding. I couldn't have had a better dance partner - Grandson Griffin.

2. Bride Brittany and me (the grandmother) all dressed up and ready for the ceremony to begin. Doesn't she look happy and so relaxed. 

3. If you look closely you will see (right in the middle of the blue flower) her Papa and my wedding rings tied to her bouquet with a ribbon. 

4. The bride and groom greeting guests for the reception. If you will notice - his boutonniere is an empty shotgun shell filled with small feathers and a flower. He is an avid bird hunter. 

5. The dance! We had been having beautiful fall weather but the day before it rained and turned off cold. Even though we had a heater in that tent, it was very chilly. The wedding party changed into warm clothes after the ceremony so that they could enjoy the night.

To Have And To Hold - Wedding Preparations.

My granddaughter married the love of her life on Nov. 10th. Beautiful outdoor wedding and reception.... but.... it was in the mid 40s temperature-wise. It was soooo cold! I am linking with Thankful Thursday, Little Things and Share Your Cup. Here's a few casual shots of the wedding.

The wedding took place in the groom's yard on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
                                It was a beautiful setting.

It was a family affair.... Everyone pitched in to help. The arch was made by the bride's father and decorated by her mother.

Tablecloths for the reception had wrinkles.. so Uncle Michael ironed while Grandmother (me) assisted.

Set up of the reception tent begins.. 

A basket of blankets were provided for guests should they get cold.

The reception tables were centered with wrought iron pumpkins filled with tea lights and surrounded by fall leaves and pumpkins... and gold bags of Plantation Peanuts for each guest. 

A quiet moment for bride and her mother, a walk down to the dock, before time for the wedding.

 I will continue with the wedding tale in my Friday Five post. 

Beautiful Bride...

It's such beautiful weather. I am loving it. Church yesterday was good. And, I stopped by Kentucky Fried Chicken, got me some good eating in the drive-thru, and came home. Just a peaceful day.

We are looking forward to a wedding which is coming up soon. Lots of excitement, for sure. This picture, which I am linking to Blue Monday, is of the beautiful bride. Of course, I'd say that... she's my granddaughter!! with her uncle and Mom. The wedding will be outdoors in this setting. More pictures to come, you can bet on that!

Fall and Family

Good Morning, everyone. It certainly feels like Fall this morning, chilly, sun slow to warm, steam lifting off the pond. 

I just love this decoration I found on Pinterest. I have the lantern. I wonder why I have never fixed it up this way for my Fall decor.

I am used to appetizers like cheese sticks, crab bites, nachos, etc. This one was a new one for me. It's three kinds of picked beets served with Granny Smith apple spears. Yummy.

My granddaughter showing her new home and yard to her uncle who was visiting from Alabama. 

When I was in New York visiting back in the summer, I got this cute shot of my grandson headed out to play tennis.

I began with Fall, so I will end with Fall....

Linking with Willy Nilly Friday Five and Friday Photo Journal

A Thankful Life

I am eighty four years old. Yep, 84. How did that happen?

But, you know, I wake up every morning so thankful that God has given me another day to live. I am healthy, happy and full of living so I just want to say to all of you.... get up off your couch, outta your chair, get doing... go about each day filled with gratitude and fun. 

These days it doesn't take much to make me happy... just little things most times. Like spending time with people I enjoy, having some good food, listening to good music, reading, traveling, trying something new. You are not too old... so live a little.

                                                   Here I am boating with my son.

Take time to enjoy your grandchildren. Having a game of Scrabble with my grandson.

Try something new... Here is my grandson and his girlfriend helping me set up a new Instagram account where I encourage us older folks to live life to the fullest. I am an active Blogger, Facebook user, have Pinterest and Instagram. So, I dabble a bit in the tech world. 

Don't be afraid to step through a new door. You might be surprised at what you find on the other side.

Joining with Thankful Thursday and Little Things

A Bright Light in Our Lives

This post is being linked to Tom's Willy Nilly Friday Five.

1. When my youngest daughter's son, Owen, was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Autism. This was in 1994 and autism was something that few people were familiar with. The diagnosis devastated the family, as you might well imagine.

2.  In 1998 Owen's parents hosted their first celebrity golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for the organization they had started - Autism Coalition.  This year, 2018, they celebrated the 20th year of hosting this tournament in which they have raised over 15 million dollars. During those early years their small organization had grown so big it merged with a couple other smaller groups and Autism Speaks was the end results of that.

3. After the golf tournament last month, a local magazine featured the Murrays as their cover story. There is the cover of the magazine. The story was inside.

4. The family recently vacationed in Nantucket, a favorite place of Owen's. He loves lobster and I understand that he had his fill. But, his favorite, favorite place in the whole wide world is Walt Disney World. Maybe he can go there soon.

Owen playing the the surf in Nantucket when he was a little guy.

5. And, Owen now with his adoring Mom.

Fun Girl Time

After a VERY quiet fourth

(alone all day and I couldn't even see the fireworks from my balcony. The dang trees had grown too tall)

                                              I greet this day with thanksgiving.

                                            It's the little things I am thankful for.

I just had a wonderful visit from my 'baby' daughter, Susan. She drove down from New York to stay for a long weekend. So thankful for her gentle spirit, her undying love, her grace and beauty.

Daughter Shirley had a birthday so we 'gals' (two of my daughters, a granddaughter and me) went to Bone Fish and had a whale of a good time. What a way to celebrate.

Joining with Thankful Thursday and Little Things

April Five

Hello to everyone... and especially Tom. Thank you, Tom, for taking over the Willy Nilly meme. The five thingy just has fit me from day one and I look for great things moving forward!

#1. It's April. How did it get to be April so quickly this year? I think it was just yesterday that I was sleeping through the fireworks and celebrations welcoming 2018. I must have slept through a lot, come to think about it. So, here's to spring, April fools, Earth day and whatever else this month has to offer.

#2. April is Autism Awareness Month. My grandson, Owen, has autism. And, he and his family is featured in a short video. I hope you will click HERE and take a look at an incredible bunch of folks, (well, yes, I can brag on them if I want to.. they are mine!)

#3. I was out at my daughters the other day and took this picture. Maple (now what do you call that thing) lying on a plank surface. I just loved the position, the color, the artsy look. And, I may have to paint that very picture.

#4. I love jelly beans but I tell you, I am just about jelly beaned out since Easter. I think everyone is giving away their leftovers and I must look like a good candidate! 

#5. There's only one goose on the pond. There was another guy hanging around and one day the two guys got into a big fight and she left with the other goose. He looks lonely, doesn't he? Well, I can relate to that. 

Meet Owen M.

Today is Thankful Thursday and Little Things

Since April is Autism Awareness Month, I'd like to introduce you to a part of my family. My grandson Owen has autism. He's a smart young man unable to express his ability or use it to make his life good. He's a sweet, loving guy. He just wants to be part of this world and that is why I am posting this. Please watch the video. That's my daughter and her family and a brief glimpse into their life with autism.

Most people don't know about autism. They have heard about it, but they don't really understand how it affects the person who has it, the family who cares for and loves them or the people they come in contact with. Like I say, please watch the video.

I am so thankful for Owen, for what he has taught us, for the impact he's had on our lives. I am so thankful that I am his Grandma. Happy Birthday, Owen (April 12th)

Christmas Past

Christmas has passed. 

Time for quiet, rest and reflection.

After all the buying, wrapping, secrets and surprises, Saturday came about filled with family and fun.

Five children from ages 4-7

and 8 adults to scurry about after them!!

Playtime in the yard.

And, in the house. 

Opening gifts.

and then everyone went home!!

Christmas comes... it's Monday morning and I drive back up to my daughter and son-in-laws for a very quiet time of breakfast and opening gifts, just us adults. 

Just the four of us. It was very pleasant and we enjoyed watching each other open gifts. 

Then I drove home, went to bed and napped and napped.

A wonderful Christmas!