TIFFANY'S 25TH BIRTHDAY

Birthday Greetings to our beautiful Granddaughter,Tiffany! She and her husband, Jordan, are in Seattle visiting her Dad, Randy. I just received a message from her stating they were having a very special time and were on their way for a birthday dinner. Knowing Randy, I know it will be at a terrific place on the water. This is Jordan's first trip to Seattle, so they have been enjoying all the sights and sounds.

They will be returning to Elverta, CA. later today where they manage a large storage complex. Tiffany has brought us so much joy throughout the years.....being our only Granddaughter has made her very special. It is hard to have her living far away, but we always want what is best for her and we live with the choices.

Again, Happy Birthday dear Tiffany. Know that you are loved very much and we are here for you. Come and see us soon.
You help make me a very Blessed Arizona Gramma.

Shari's Birthday '09

Wow seems like many of our family and friends events peak in June, July and August. Today, we celebrated Shari's birthday. 46 years ago I remember giving birth to a very tiny little girl that beat all odds for survival.....today she is a tall, beautiful and strong Godly woman, who is such a blessing to us and to so many others.

Tom, Rob and Ted showered her with a peaceful day and much love. They enjoyed brunch out and went to the theater. In the evening we all gathered for dinner and the boys helped her blow out the candles. Again, Mom's potato salad and baked beans were requested and Tom was chef of the grill.

Last night Tom's father hosted a birthday dinner for Shari at McGraws Cantina....a very western place that the boys love. Thanks Rod for a special evening

Since my Parkinson's days....Shari has completely stepped up to the plate and has all our family holidays and events at her home. I am so blessed to have a daughter who so willingly takes this responsibility. I remember having to do this at a young age when my Mother had severe rheumatoid arthritis and she turned the reins over to me. The Lord knew my future and gave me an awesome daughter to carry on our family traditions.

Thank you Shari for being so special.....my heart is full of love and I remain a very blessed and thankful
Arizona Gramma

FATHER'S DAY '09

How special to have the men in my life to be honored today. My husband, Wayne, Shari's husband Tom.....Tom's father Rod, Randy from afar, and of course, two boys who will probably be Father's in the future.

Wayne and I began Father's Day on a lazy note. However, we did go out for brunch and then home to put our feet up and read the papers and enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning. We had previously made the much requested "Mom's potato salad"and it was packed on ice to take to Shari's. Our Yorkie, Molly, just seems to know when we talk about Shari and the boys and she is one excited dog....so she was packed in her travel bag to head out the door.

We enjoyed grilled hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and all the trimmings. Shari served cake and homemade applesauce served over icecream. The boys were so proud of pictures they had made for their Dad and each Grandpa.... and put into beautiful frames so they can easily be changed with each event.....and Tom and both Grandpa's left with beautiful new shirts.

We are thankful for the faithful men in our life and the examples they are to their children.

Birthday Club

Last week was Georgeann's birthday and, as usual, we celebrated with food, fun and lots of laughs. Georgeann is a very special friend, as we do many things together. We celebrated her birthday on the patio of Old Pubelo Grille on one of our awesome Tucson's warm evenings. This picture certainly does not begin to describe this beautiful patio, which is lined with lighted tall palm trees and flowing fountains. Our summer evenings are beyond description - you just stay inside during the heat of the day, which is easy when you know you have a fantastic evening ahead of you.

Georgeann's gorgeous foothills home was my last large design project before retiring with Parkinson's and she has remained a very close personal friend. We share a lot of fun and many concerns together. We always know we are just a phone call away and we keep the e-mails flying. They have a beautiful second home in Laguna Beach, CA. that overlooks the ocean. Her husband, Verne is retired and has a top of the line 'Rod Shop' in Tucson, which is the envy of most men. He recently finished a roadster (one of many) that is a show stopper.

We love our Birthday Club dinners and this evening was no exception. After all of our laughter, fun and fellowship and an evening spent with special friends, I know that I remain a very blessed Arizona Gramma.

Old Friends that are like family

My heart was so full the other evening when our former Everson neighbor, Michael Leidecker and his partner, Trevor, invited Shari, Wayne and me to have poolside dinner at the beautiful La Paloma Resort. Actually it is Dr. Leidecker now and I am so proud of him!! Mike's Mother, Steff, was the Manager of both of my Everson and then the Lynden Hallmark Stores, so Michael was always part of the scene, plus as our neighbor he was at our house a lot. His parents own Nooksack Valley Disposal.

I actually felt like part of my family had just returned home!! After graduating from High School, Mike travelled with "Up With People"....first as a performer and then was on staff for many years. Back to College he went and now has his Doctorate.... The good news is he will be returning to Tucson next month for a reunion with Up With People. We are looking forward to being a guest when they perform.

We were so impressed with Trevor, who is an Optometrist in Portland. A super neat guy who is easy to love.

Mike's sister, Chris, was also with Up with People and we were honored to be her host family when they travelled to Tucson....this was many years ago, but still a vivid and special memory for me.

Rob and Teddy enjoyed the beautiful pool at La Paloma the entire evening, as we relaxed, visited, ate and enjoyed another incredible, awesome Tucson evening.

Thanks guys for a great evening....Love to you from a blessed Arizona Gramma

Summer Parties

The heat of the summer is one of my favorite times in the Desert. Our mornings are so warm, fresh and beautiful and our evenings are beyond awesome. It is easy to stay out of the mid day heat as we know we are going to have a glorious evening to enjoy. Summer evenings are also the time that entertaining and parties take place. Our Snowbirds and winter visitors just don't know what they are missing!

We recently enjoyed celebrating our close friend Eileen's birthday with a delicious dinner on the patio of Vivance' Restaurant....an upscale Italian place.....an incredible evening with excellent food, fun, laughter and fellowship. Eileen is one of the top Realtors in Tucson and as I have described her in the past....always the "Hostess with the Mostess". This is our famous Birthday Club that meets and we have some amazing stories that could be told (but I won't) and laughter is high on the agenda. We are faithful friends that are always there for each other.

A few days after celebrating Eileen's birthday......Steve and Eileen invited a few couples over to their lovely home for a BBQ.
Another warm beautiful evening spent on the patio around the pool. You could literally sit outside all night without a sweater....just too glorious to describe. Steve has to be the "King of BBQ Ribs", as they are always the best fall off the bone ribs around. Thank you Steve and Eileen for another awesome evening.

Pictures from the top: Eileen - the birthday girl. Friends enjoying the evening. Bottom picture: Wayne and Georgeann.