My Grama's Soul

I have had a grand time celebrating my birthday this month.  Since I am now a lady of a certain age....I always buy my own gifts.  It lets my wonderful husband off the hook and lets me get exactly what my heart desires. This year.....it is the beautiful Suzanni in the  pictures both above and below.  I chose this one because of the magnificent colors.  It was made in 1988 and I purchased it from a vendor in Morocco.  It is actually a wall hanging...but I will use it for everything from a chair cover to a table cloth.  I actually remove it each morning when we have our coffee while reading the paper.  I love colorful textiles...in fact I have numerous Kanthas I have collected over the years.  You can see an example of these on the orange cover on the chair and the gold Kantha on the desk in front of the window.  They are so versatile and you can change the feeling in a room in an instant.   We also are planning to take a little trip down Tucson way to a sweet

JUST SAYIN' Me.....

This photo, of my son, was taken  a few years ago.  He was so very healthy here...had been working out like crazy and was eating really well and taking care of himself.  He has been gone a little over two years now and I still miss him every day. This morning...when I realized what day this was I did a little trip down memory lane and remembered the day he was born.  I was only 20 years old, much too young to be having a child of my own.  He dad was just a year older...he was also too young.  When I think back over the years of my son's brief life I try to remember only the good times...in fact I think I have purposely blocked out the bad.   His love of music and animals is always something that brings me solace when I get a little sad about his passing.  He was a gifted drummer and never saw an animal he did not love.  His heart was as big as gold... although he did not have much to share with anyone...he would have given you the shirt off his back if you had asked f

I have not been in the blogging world for quite some time now.  I have missed it and I have occasionally visited various friends here.  It does seem that this summer's events have really put a damper on who I normally am.   As most of you know....we moved in late July....a downsize which we love..but was SO VERY MUCH WORK.  Unpacked in about 5 weeks.  I mean everything...pictures on the walls everything organized for living. THEN....on August 26th my wonderful soulmate had some very serious colon surgery.  We are not "spring chickens" any longer so recovery has been a slow process for him.  And, it seems, for me also.  LOL LOL Perhaps there is a tad bit of depression going on....but I plan on snapping out of it and getting back with the business of life. Speaking of which.....tomorrow is my birthday.  Nothing big planned, although we are going to be going on a little trip for a week or so with our traveling friends.  Looking forward to that.

I turn 67 today.....and actually I feel better as the years accumulate.  Since I've gotten older I actually have decided that I will celebrate each day during the month of October...just being grateful for being healthy and alive.   I hope each one of you who follow this little blog of mine celebrate each day along with me.... Here are some of the things I have planned for my birthday month: 1.  Listing our current home the end of the first week in November.  We are pretty excited to be moving into a little smaller spot as it means less work and maintenance.  We just want to be able to live more and work less.  Although we still have not found our new spot.....we know it is out there.   2.  Taking a 15 day cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Budapest.  We will visit 5 countries along the way.  One of the stops will be in the place I was born....Nuremberg, Germany.  My  family  left Germany right after the war...when I was quite young.  Memories are almos

Yes....October 3rd is the day I was  born.  Was born in Germany.....right after the war....as my father was stationed there. Came to the states when I was around 3 or 4 years old...and have never returned to Germany...although I would like to someday. You know it is interesting.....I don't feel 66...oh I have a few aches and pains...but in my head I'm still the youthful woman who looked forward to a life full of promise and adventure.....and I am so very grateful that that wish has been fulfilled. O.K. enough about my birthday....let's see a few photos of where we have been. These shots were taken along the road through Wyoming heading down to Colorado. Stayed in Fort Collins Colorado for a few days.  It is home to Colorado State University and while driving through the University spotted this spectacular sight. Can you believe this feast for the eyes. Here are a few close shots.... I will tell you....that fie

This is his card...... CUTE huh??? lol lol Happy birthday honey..... HUGS, JO

We are still traveling south to home in Az.  Have met lots of wonderful people and seen lots of beautiful spots along the way.  The above pic was taken of a fellow blogger.....aka http://justcallmejake.blogspot.com We met up in Park City, Utah....one of my favorite spots in the country.  We got to know one another a little better which was a wonderful treat.  If you get a chance....stop by her blog....she is one FUNNY WOMAN!! See the lovely bird necklace around my neck..... Vicki....aka....Jake.....gave me this little gift on our meeting.....she is so very thoughtful. ~~~~~~~~~ Here are some more shots around the area and heading south to Colorado....Autumn is in full swing in this part of the country and it is such a thrill for Brad and I to see all the fall color. These shots were all taken between Utah and Colorado.  We crossed over Monarch Pass....and the continental divide. The visitor center above is completely covered in snow during the winter m

Happy birthday dear USA.......Happy birthday to you..... Ok....for the next celebration Another birthday to celebrate....my beautiful Daughter Shannon....Yep...she was born on the 4th of July....and she HAS BEEN a firecracker for sure!!!! Here she is with her beautiful son....this was taken over 7 years ago...He also is a July baby and he will soon be 8.  Oh how the time has flown . Happy birthday...Shannon....we love you, Mom and Brad Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone, Jo Photos: tinywhitedaises~tumbler