Is Christmas Over?

Holidays came and they zipped right on by...

we had a good time and mostly stayed in the kitchen!

 (Some things never change)

Banana Peal was very popular.

Frannie, Bella, Rich and Leslie

Eddie and Rhonda

Janna and David

An Old Irish Blessing

What a week

The tsunami's devastation in Japan is still unfolding.

My old friend lost her battle with cancer. She was too young.

My niece is back in the hospital after her simple knee surgery. 

Pulmonary embolisms developed in Kristi's lungs. Small ones, so we are optimistic.

My dear friend has a husband in such stress with Crone's disease.

Another friend is having terrible back problems. 

And honestly, there is such a long list of challenges and concerns among my friends.

We all can use a blessing or a comfort this week.

Ella's Special Friends

Just a note today to honor one of my bea-t-ful cousins.  

This is Jazmine -  totally ESS.

Jaz is bilingual. I kid you not! 

 Sigh, my parents didn't start with Spanish when I was a child.

Jaz has a lovely home life as well. Toys and Treats galore!

She does suffer occasional Springer  moods.

As a victim myself - I feel your pain sista.

Jaz has a fine fishing life in the summer - she loves the high country.

 She also loves parties and all festive occasions.

Jaz has a closet full of designer collars, too! Her mom makes them!

Paws up Jaz!

Your friend, Ella

Astonishing Sweater

My talented friends! It's enough to make me want to quit trying to sew or knit - only kidding!! The darling, complicated sweater above was made by Jo Anna. She will yell at me, but I had to show it off. From the details you can imagine how many colors she carried across the back. Just thinking about the chart makes me tremble. Can you even imagine the retail cost of such a sweater? This woman knows no fear with her projects! If I am not mistaken the sweater was made for her sister's grandson. The parents worked for DOT - you see those men at work! (If I am wrong, Jo Anna can comment with a correction. LOL)

Here comes the segue....I bet that little boy, wearing the sweater, would love seeing the tortoises. Because the DD was out of town, I babysat (from oldest to youngest) Francis, Bonnie and Lift-Kit (formerly known as Lucky.) Lift-Kit is so named because she walks high off the ground and does a great big lift-up when she is irritated. At my house she climbed right out of the baby compound and lived with the grown ups. The box turtles and the tortoises pay no attention to each other.

My linen skirt and blouse look great together. DD even borrowed the whole outfit. Ohhhhh, nice compliment.

While out to lunch with my talented girl friends - look who I spotted at Postino's bar! Ah, ha! Can you name the cute couple?