9 Moons Ago

  

On the 25th, our family had a nice evening celebrating my younger brother, Dan’s, birthday. Before everyone arrived, I strung small white lights up all across the dining room ceiling as well as no less than 3 “Happy Birthday” banners which I found in the closet, all in various stages of deterioration. Mom made homemade lasagna and garlic bread, and I helped with the salad. Allison and I also helped Mom with gift-wrapping, with me brilliantly ripping apart a brand new gift bag in the process.

Braving the winter weather, Kathy, Zach and Isaac arrived with the birthday cupcakes, which spelled out “Happy Birthday Dween Dween!” which is how Ike pronounces “Uncle Dan”. Kathy and I couldn’t have picked a better nickname for him if we tried…it’s priceless! We’re constantly sidling up to him with things like, “Hiya Dween Dween! How’s it going?”

We even suffered through a Genesis (his favorite band) CD at dinner time. Isaac even danced to it.. smile and all. Brave little soldier… we all know how hard that must have been for him.

Of course Zach was quick to point out that the intro to one of the songs sounded just like a buffalo dying, and that it also sounded like the CD was skipping because it kept repeating the same sound so many times.

Mom said, “You’d think Dan was turning 30 with all of this hoopla.” Except I don’t think she said “Hoopla”.
But, no, she didn’t swear, she just had another word for hoopla… most likely “hub-bub” or “hullaballoo”.

Sorry to tease you so much Dan. After all, it was a very fun night, lots of good food and drinks, and warm family laughter and love on a cold snowy January evening.

So, now that Dan’s Birthday is over….

. . .it’s time to think about Kaffy’s birthday…


Yeah, she figured it out eventually…

February 4th, Stooge…Rock!

  

Lately, most of my entries have been mainly written as a way to keep in touch with family and friends, and this one is no exception. The only problem is that I haven’t been writing regularly, due to the broken elbow and two lethargy-inducing colds in a row. I think my immune system is shot!
I know this will change, though, so if you’re tired of seeing the same old post half-a-month later, just know that it is a temporary lapse!
And there are plans for a return to artwork, too . . . but one thing at a time!

Here’s a pictorial run-down of my birthday fun, a couple of weeks ago:
Cam bought me some beautiful flowers and a chocolate mud cake cake -and lit 32 candles!!!

(Gotta love the classy 1970′s pitcher!)

Mom and Kathy sent me some great new clothes, and some pictures of my sweet nephew, Isaac.

And, of course, the boys always love to help celebrate!

  

Has it really been that long since my last post? ….I guess it has!

Been having too much fun, I guess! Visited the family last weekend, went to Cafe Umut and the movies with Daniel. (We saw The Lady in the Water, which was great.) Hung out with Ebony and took her shopping. Also swung by Worco to chat with Warren and George. Talked to my family on the phone and received a nice birthday package from home. Got a couple of postcards from overseas, and saw some new pictures of Isaac at the beach, online. I’ve been playing fetch with the dogs and working on some websites..and making dr. appts while postponing others, like those for volunteering. Listening to great music and Sunday Night Safran, and watching The Office. Had fish and chips, and bought a pack of ginger bears as a treat the other night..yum!

Picked up a bad cold from Eb and developed laryngitis, and it’s frustrating to have a broken elbow, but I really can’t complain… things are good!

  

Well, my new banner is up, thanks, in part, to the delightful stripe-y pattern provided by a wonderful whimsical artist, Delphine. I’ve been smitten with her work for the past couple of days, since I stumbled upon her site, and have been checking out all the archives and soaking up inspiration.

Besides her charming illustrations on non dairy diary, and bright, hip patterns for photoshop, she has many fun crafts which you can print out and make. I jumped into the paper crane making straight away. I used to make these a lot and forgot how to, with lack of practice.

I first learned the art back at Moore College of Art when we had students from Japan visiting. They brought us gifts of chopstick holders, and cold packs with cute and funny illustrations on them, and lots of origami paper. I remember the fun we had that week, sitting around a low table in the lounge and learning how to make brightly colored cranes.

Here is my most recent family of birds, resting on top of my mac:

Took a break from gardening today..it was too chilly and wet. But we did manage to squeeze in a game of fetch with the pups! There was yummy bruschetta for lunch, and an easy roast made in the crockpot for dinner, and I think I’ll make some popcorn for a snack! Yum! See ya later….