Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
We were up around 8:00 am, by which time Mark had already launched himself toward the co-op to meet up with Joe. Meanwhile, Colleen, Mary, and I held a very important board meeting around the table—mostly dedicated to solving the world’s problems and “shooting the bull” with zero actual progress.
By 10:00 am, we decided it was time to become presentable to the public, so we all headed for the showers. Big day ahead: we’re going shopping!! Hide the credit cards!
Of course, we walked in the garden, and I introduced Mary and Colleen to my newest creation, blue oranges. I am going to call them either “Blue-tiful Disaster” or “Blue-berry with Commitment Issues“.
Magnificent!!!
I could NOT resist taking one inside and cutting it open on the kitchen counter!
We are getting ready for an exciting day at the Spring Boutique! With just a $5.00 charitable donation at the door, we explored a vibrant marketplace featuring a variety of small local businesses. The girls discovered unique treasures, including jewelry, trendy clothing, delightful candles, delicious baked goods, stylish home decor, personalized items, and much more. We invited Donna, Amy, Robin, and Colleen to the event. Bob and I will attend the bar next door.
First stop: the Elks. Bob and I settled into the lounge, enjoying what we foolishly believed would be a peaceful break while waiting for the girls to return from their shopping expedition.
Robin and Mary arrived right on schedule… but not to join us. They made a precision strike on our wallets, announced that Phase One of the shopping mission had been a success, and promptly launched Phase Two. Bob and I were left guarding the table, wondering whether to report our wallets missing or accept our role as the expedition’s financial sponsors.
Amy does the “Amy Smile.”
After dinner, we all headed to the OC Mining Company for a steak dinner. High upon the hill overlooking Orange, we had a bird’s eye view while consuming large quantities.
Amy and Colleen.
Robin and Bob joined us for dinner. Robin was tired from shopping, and Bob and I were half in the bag from sampling various Elk wines.
Robin and Bob
The only way I can describe Mary is fiesty! Do we have fun or what?
Just us!
Down the table was the “bald boy”, commonly known as Joe, searching for his favorite raw fish and rice. We told him to look no further; we sent him a can of tuna-flavored cat food and two straws (the closest thing we could find to chopsticks).
Mount Baldy!
The end of the table was laughing, but we know not at what! We have suspicions.
Alex gets along well with the old folks; we are proud of him! In two years, he will be off to college.
I ordered shrimp cocktail, not realizing these critters could have eaten half the fishing boats in Long Beach Harbor. I passed them down and watched them disappear; the shrimp, not the people.
My oh my!!
Why is shrimp cocktail often served hanging around the rim of a glass? Answer: It was designed to be easy for guests to grab while standing and socializing, making it a popular hors d’oeuvre at parties and cocktail receptions.
Being with family is one of life’s greatest blessings. It’s in the laughter around the table, the stories shared, the quiet moments, and the feeling of belonging that remind us what truly matters. Family gives us comfort, joy, support, and memories that stay with us forever.
We are here: Left side: Robin, Bob, Fast Eddie, Amy Colleen. Center: Alex, and Right side, back to front: Mark, Joe, Dianne, Paul, and finally Dr. Mary.
The gang is all here
Mudd Pie, Oh My! It was as high as an elephant’s eye!
Wow
Then, Paul spots the dessert and wrestles it away from Dr. Mary (with little success)
The “chomp” heard around the world.
With tummies overfilled, we headed home, only to hang out on the sofa with the TV on. Colleen and Mark took the Grey Ghost to the Honda dealer as it was acting up. They returned within a few minutes and crashed.
