Among Friends

[Rowan72]

Oh, @cute t - how nice to see you today! 🤗 A special Mother's Day treat. Thanks for stopping by and sharing so much happy news with us! 

Congratulations to your great granddaughter - the graduate - off to college soon with a nursing scholarship!! You must be so proud of her. Those aren’t easily earned, so she's a very devoted student, as well as busy with cheerleading. 👍🏼

Good luck to your great grandson as he transfers from one college to another! 

Sorry your area is so wet and soggy, too. Seems to be a theme for so much of our great nation. Hope it dries out there for Cruise Night, or you'll need to pull the top up on Maybelle. 

God bless you and your precious family! You are always in our thoughts and hearts, too. 💗 Enjoy the rest of your Mother’s Day and come again soon! 

[Rowan72]

@WaJa61 - no dancing stars for us last night. Not visible with the naked eye anyway. Just monsoon type downpours. Our pond is almost over its banks now. I hope our - and mainly, the reservation's - crops don't drown. 

Thankful for prayers answered! The festival wasn’t a washout and many showed. It's never enough, but may put a nice dent in the need. It was so good of Bruce to let them have it there, on his resort property. Nice of you all to volunteer, too! Who ended up in the dunking booth - Reuben? 😆 

Glad you worked that trip to your aunt's into your busy schedule. Sounds as though she needs you there, and we're praying for her strength and comfort. I know she had a whole lifestyle change with the move and her declining heath. It's so hard, and then when needed surgeries are too risky … One can't help but to feel hopeless in this life, while anticipating the Eternal one awaiting a mere heartbeat and breath away. Her name begins with a “C”, right? Want to be certain when adding her to the prayer list. 

See you Friday, my sweet KS! 💗

[agnesann]

To all of you ladies! 💜 May you each be blessed with appreciation from your children, enjoy honoring your moms, or be comforted with good memories of your mothers who now live in the presence of God. 

So sweet to find posts from Issy and cute here today. You ladies have been missed! Happy to know you're both okay and enjoying life! 

Lurky, I'm going to have to check out our local Dillard’s. You always find the nicest things there! Hope you enjoyed the brunch today, if you were able to get there. 

The festival was very successful and the kids, including Jacob had a ball! He did manage to consume more sugar than I realized and couldn’t stop talking all the way home. 😜 He, with Darrell's help, won several prizes. He had to tell his CO granddad all about those during my FT to Mom, who was feeling pretty good today. His surprise gift to me this year is the sweetest ever! It's a book of pressed wildflowers that he gathered about the Blue Ridge on their school field trip. I will treasure this forever!! He and Darrell also gave me the rose bush I've been wanting. Can't wait to plant it in the perfect sunny spot. Now they're both in the kitchen making our dinner. I'll give Darrell your message - thanks! 💜 I love you!! 

[agnesann]

Marcia, I hope you're having fun on the ranch! Can’t wait to hear all about it. The brand name of those towels are Wamsutta (Turkish) and you're welcome! 💜

I'll look into the Bella air-fryer. Sounds like a good one. 

Safe travels home. Glad your weather is better than ours.

Selah - some very pretty finds! I especially love the vertical striped dress and lilac Birks - together. I'm thrilled for your A & U finding that adorable house! Picture perfect and I just love the red. So bright and cheery! Thanks for the fabulous recipe. Now just what occasion can I use as the excuse to bake that? I'll come up with something - no worries and ffft the skepts! 

Can't wait to see y'all on Friday - woot! 💜

Rowan - sorry about the awful weather! I hope your pond doesn’t flood the banks again! It's mostly been cloudy with a few showers here. Thunderstorms predicted for tonight. I still fear the streaky lightning and wish Darrell didn’t have to go to work in it tonight. 

Sorry, I don’t have those wedges. They're very cute, from what I can tell. Looks like something Anu might wear. I don't think the Earth brand soles are spongy or sticky like many Clarks and other brands. They have a better, supportive footbed, too. My few deliveries from here and HSN have been slooow lately. If you're planning to wear them during KS-Fest, I'd order them from Zappos. Free returns there, too. 

Yep! We'll all find out next weekend, and you know I'll have your back. 😁 Hopefully we'll be razzing Chay for being so off the money with his bet! 

What did your boys surprise you with today? 

Becky's here and sends her love to you and the family! 💜

❤️ to all “helloers” from Agnes

[WaJa61]

Hello, Snappy love! 💜

To you and all our friends here. 

Was Sunny up and ready to visit GG on Thursday? Thought about you getting your snuggle time in, and visiting with your DD1 and DDIL. I hope your Mother's Day was just as you wanted it to be, too! 

It was too cool for swimming here, but otherwise all went as planned. After church (they gave us all corsages ~ I wonder what they'll give the dads on Father’s Day) we all gathered at our house and had a nice time. Both sons families and both DDIL's parents, plus one brother who also lives locally. Relaxed, talked, shared family photos and memories of our moms and the kids when they were small. (I have old home movies on VHS, but didn’t drag those out until everyone left. They're very average and most would be bored, but Will and I enjoy them.)

We did get outside, though there were some intermittent showers. Played croquet and badminton with the kids ~ made fools of ourselves ~ which is mandatory once in a while. 😜 We ate too much, opened our gifts and cards... then had dessert! My youngest DIL made a decadent carrot cake. One of the best things I've ever had in my mouth! (Recipe below, ladies.) If I make it as often as I fear; I may be needing those stretch jeans sooner than later! 

I think it's smart to get those things we like and know we'll wear and use in more than one color! Often times, I'm not sure (if ordering online) then later regret not doing just that... after they've sold out. I rotate my wardrobe each spring, here where we have four seasons. That's when I choose what to keep, what to donate and what to toss out. Our church built a second-hand store ~ that's where most things go. Unless there's an emergency situation we know of, or I know someone personally who would appreciate this or that. Some lucky someones will be blessed with your extras ~ wrinkles and all! I’m sure your church does outreach, too. Possibly some of those poor souls who lost everything in the wildfires still need clothing. 

Do you ever watch NOVA on PBS? The most recent episode covered the Paradise fire (among others). Such horrific devastation and the experts in the field were explaining why they believe such mega-disasters will increase all over. I thought of your cousin and his wife. Did they get settled near other kin okay? 

I usually have closed-captioning on when watching any of the British (or Australian, Scottish, Irish, etc.) programming. Some of the varying accents are too thick and strong for my ears, as mine might be to theirs. I haven’t watched the latest episode of Call The Midwife yet. Maybe tonight... if I don't turn in early. I always call it The Midwives, and have to warn Will. He can’t stand it! It's a sappy soap opera, as far as he's concerned. 😄 I'll say, “Maybe there's a game on the other TV. I'm watching the midwives without any groaning in here!” 

Midwifing is very much en vogue around here, including with the water births. Neither of my DILs hired midwives, but I know of several young ladies who have. Everything comes back around again eventually. Or as the Bible says: “There's nothing new under the sun.” Really isn’t ~ technology creates an illusion of newness. My boss, Bruce is retired USAF and shared that with NASA combining with the USAF they're gridding the entire globe out to read/activate microchips. Like an all-seeing eye. 😉 The new 5G will benefit this global tracking system. Sometimes it's hard to see through the smokescreens when advances are purported to be solely for our benefit. The military first created the Internet, and it keeps the economy rolling along, too. Guilty as charged, since I mainly use it for shopping and business. 

I don't like the idea of anesthesia ~ never have! I fear it moreso than necessary surgeries. Yes, I'd dread that for my S.C. aunt even if her doctors approved. She suffers as her brother/my daddy did with emphysema (though she never smoked) and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). She's had two strokes and it's destroying her kidneys. Their father suffered from the same. She has lived longer than he did, or my dad, but has low quality of life. She loved nothing more than attending church (and the socials for charity), singing in the choir when she was in better health. Gardening, canning, cooking, baking. Traveling to visit kin. She still sends the birthday cards to everyone and gifts to all the children, but she can no longer do any of the things she once enjoyed. If she feels up to it; Will and I (with DD and our SIL) will take her to her church on the Sunday during our Memorial Day weekend visit. She told me on the phone that she has a lot to tell me and to bring my briefcase. I can only guess... and fear she wants to change some of her final arrangements. Lord, I want no troubles with cousins, please! 🙏 I know the one she lives with is very stern ~ bossy, but responsible. I will do what I can, but I'm dreading that part. She knows I handled everything for both parents as they wished, but there was no disagreement from my siblings on any of it. I could be walking into a hornets nest for all I know. 

That Star! You sure gave her the right nickname... she is always a bright spot in all of our days. Please keep sharing as always, and as you feel up to it. 

Have you used up all of your Cipro yet? I have lost count of the days. If the IVs must be used, I pray it's not until DD2 can stay home with you. Also praying for no troubling side-effects and your peace from the UTIs.

Hoping for some good news on Shirley ~ how welcomed that would be! 

Love you dearly! 

~Joy 💜

[WaJa61]

Super Moist Carrot Cake

Ingredients
* 3 eggs
* 3/4 cup buttermilk
* 3/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 2 cups shredded carrots
* 1 cup flaked coconut
* 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
* 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two or three 8 inch pans, depending on if you are doing a two layer or three layer cake.

2. In your mixer bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix well.

3. Add in your flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix till well blended.

4. Next add your carrots, coconut, crushed pineapple with juice and chopped walnuts. Mix till just blended.

5. Pour into prepared 8 inch cake rounds, bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Check to see if done. If finger lightly pressed in center bounces back it is done.

6. Allow to cool in cake pans. Invert onto cake plate and frost each layer.

Cream Cheese Frosting
1. 1/2 cup butter (softened)
2. 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
3. 1 tsp vanilla extract
4. 1 lb. powdered sugar

Beat the butter and cream cheese until nice and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and sifted powdered sugar and beat until nice and smooth. Test the consistency of the frosting. Too thin? Add powdered sugar 2 tablespoons at a time. Too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk at a time.

Also great as cupcakes! 

[WaJa61]

@LurkyLoo ~ 🤣 Will said, “Are you one of those wacky science-deniers, Ruth? It's not my theory ~ space travel bears it out. Anyway... stop throwing shade my way! A man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do.” 😉

Enjoyed reading about your trip to Pittsburgh! I'm relieved for Erin and her family, if her parents plans can come to fruition.

I won't argue with you, though I must politely agree to disagree... I personally know many more useful little clay pots ~ as cracked as I am! Pleased to meet you, btw. 😍

@DeLaney ~ I'm happy for your mom that she's ready again for family portraits. Babies have that effect on us. Not that they replace our deceased loved ones in our hearts, but we tend to grow new hearts for them to fill. Do it soon! Having that (benign) tumor removed from her bladder maybe has her feeling a bit vulnerable, too. Cuddling with your prayer blanket, etc. during that period... 

You and I are constant packers lately. I don’t like it anymore than @Rowan72... but I'm going to pack our bags early for the Memorial Day weekend trip. I know we have a few casual things and sleepwear at Lindsay's, so it won't be too bad.

I hope y'all had an awesome time on the ranch! Looking forward to the photos when I see you on Sat. I hope it doesn’t rain for Becky and Josh's wedding. Just so annoying when dressed up. The same (wedding) photographer is going to do our family portraits. That's Sarah's sister with her own studio now! She'll capture some nice shots of guests in groups, too. 😍 

Can't wait! If you and Mike can manage it; you're welcome to stay on a bit longer. We won’t be leaving for S.C. until the following Friday. ❤️

@agnesann ~ my “air-fryer” is by Viking, like my range, fridge, microwave, outdoor kitchen, etc. It's a steamer/convection oven/air-frying unit. With whichever brand you choose, always go with Professional grade. Pays off in the long run. 

I think Father's Day might be the perfect time to make @SelahG's cake! If your Darrell’s new diet safely allows it. 

@Rowan72 ~ one of the resort lifeguards volunteered for the dunking booth! He was hilarious and really enjoyed himself.

I don't believe for a second that Daniel and Harper are planning to have the wedding in Belize. Honeymoon, perhaps... He wouldn’t put his elders through so much hassle. Way too thoughtful for that! 

Yes, you have the right aunt; her name is Cynthia. TIA for the prayers. 

Your rooms are ready and waiting... We'll leave a light on for you!

❤️💡❤️

I loved reading about all the nice Mother's Day and other celebrations you ladies have been blessed with! Still waiting to hear what surprise awaited @Q-Anu! 🤗 

Awww... moms! ❤️

Hello to dear @Issy379 and @cute_t!! You both always bring the sunshine, even on a rainy day! 🌞 🌞 Love you lots!! 

@MsLomo ~ hoping you're just busy in good, enjoyable ways, though I miss you when you’re away. 😘 

Be seeing many of you this weekend ~ leaving something to gab about then. Must get back to work now, so have a good week, dear ones. 

~Joy 💜

[Q-Anu]

Hi, friends! Been trying to follow along with your posts, but keep getting sidetracked. 😐 Sorry. 

@agnesann, I'm glad your dermatologist was able to prescribe something to help with the acne. I still get outbreaks, too. Stress and hormones, I think. 

Yeah, my inlaws are still high on the novelty of it all. I hope they'll be content here over the long haul. The long hot Dallas summer should be telling! I'm glad to hear your mom was having a good day when you called. 😁 Jacob FT bombing with your dad cracks me up! Remember when he used to be soooo quiet and awkward around them? He's come a long way, baby! What kind of rose bush did they give you? I can’t do much with roses here. Even the one Nan planted during her visit has died. ☹️

@WaJa61, LMAO! Pierce Brosnan/Col. Sanders!!! That's it, and I'll never unhear it now. Can’t wait to tell Marian. He could do those KFC commercials if his career slumps. 

I'm so sorry about your aunt Cynthia. I hope when you visit, she'll just want to add a few things on that she's acquired since making out her will. Nothing too controversial for her direct relations. I pray they aren’t giving her any grief that could be worsening her health issues. 

My sweet Mother's Day surprise really was a nice one! Logan got us two tickets for the Winspear Opera House for Saturday night. Featuring tenors Michael Fabiano, Bryan Hymel and Matthew Polenzani who performed with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, under the baton of renowned Italian guest conductor Carlo Montanaro. He also reserved us the Medusa suite (Italian Renaissance) at Hotel ZaZa. We dined there at the Dragonfly which offers great vegetarian choices (for me) on their menu. Sunday after breakfast, we shopped the art district where he purchased me a Harding Black porcelain vase to add to my collection.

The kids, under the supervision of my inlaws, cleaned the whole house and did the laundry that I usually do on the weekends. I was so impressed by how well they did it, too! They had also ordered a beautiful Mother's Day bouquet which was awaiting me on the entry table when Logan and I got home early Sunday evening. I couldn’t have wished for a more special weekend, and I don’t know how I'll equal it for Father's Day but I'll try my best! 

I'm thrilled that my oldest sister (the shop-owner in Santa Barbara) traveled to VA to be with Mom, Dad and Nan for the weekend. It tickles me that she's still there, and will be when we arrive there after the wedding and reception. She was the one so against their move, you know....now she loves it there! She can see how it's perfect for the 3 of them. They have been taking her all over sight-seeing. She's sent me tons of photos that I'll save on a CD. 

@Rowan72 and @SelahG, I'm happy you both found such pretty things at the sale prices! I hope they arrive in time for you to wear them during ks-fest! The house your aunt and uncle have agreed on is just precious. Best wishes to them with the land deal. Ro', I don't own those Earth wedges - know zip about them, sorry.

@DeLaney, are you home yet? Sent you a photo txt and hoping all is well! Marian seems to be taking things in stride - even the recent flooding down there. The VNS has been the greatest blessing to her and her boys' lives. 😊 TY again, oh brilliant one! 

Hello to Issy, cute, Lurky, Snappy, MsLomo, bathina, Hilo, Gloria & all! Can't address everybody this time - my break's ending.

Love,

Anu

[agnesann]

Thanks, @WaJa61! I don't know when Darrell saw your air-fryer combo unit by Viking. It must be outdoors in Will's kitchen, but that's the one he wants. I'm sure it's pricey, although well worth it. I would like to have it in time for Father's Day since he really doesn't need or want anything else. I mean, I'll make him a special dinner and all. I would like to SEE such a high end product in person, but I would have to order this direct from them online, right? I wonder if it would even fit on the small stand where our old air-fryer sat? Or maybe he could build something and leave it (covered) on the deck with his gas grill., if it's made for outdoor use. Don't make any mention of it to him, please! If I can manage it, I want it to be a surprise. 

Good gosh! Another delectable looking cake! 😱 You know my weakness for pineapple. I'll have to make it at least once. Maybe when Dad visits again in Aug. 

@Q-Anu - you weren't kidding! THAT was such a nice surprise for your Mother's Day. I know how much you enjoy the opera, and he doesn't, so how very sweet of Logan. Romantic, too! 💗 Your kids also out did themselves and your in-laws were generous to stay over with them, supervise, and give you two a special date weekend! 

Mine is a tea hybrid heirloom rose -  "Dark Night." 

Supposed to do well in this area - super resistant. I first saw one in the gardens at Monticello. Fell head over heels in love with it there. 

Sorry the one your Nan planted died. 😢 

Hey, maybe your sister will plan to move near to your parents! It's such a gorgeous area. Then.....we'll have to get you out here, too! 😃

Waving to everyone and sending my love! ❤️

[WaJa61]

🤗 @Q-Anu ~ here you are! You must still be up on cloud 9 after that Mother’s Day surprise weekend! Bravo, Logan, Nathan, Mia and your inlaws!

👏👏👏👏👏

Happy about the update on Marian and her sons, too! 

How nice of your oldest sister to stay on until you arrive! Good for her ~ coming to peace and gladness over your parent’s and Nan's decision to move. It's a long distance for her to travel, and being the oldest... she's sure to feel protective, if not a bit responsible for their well-being. Just going by how our oldest son is, so I could be way off. 

I havent heard from Marcia either, since their trip to the ranch. Hoping she's just busy in her practice, with the babies and preparing for this weekend. 

Getting kind of worried about dear Snappy... I so hope she's not sick from the UTI again, and that Shirley is managing okay with the radiation treatments. 🙏🙏

Thanks for your prayers, Anu. I hope you're right and that's all aunt Cynthia will be asking of me, but something about her tone makes me fear the worst. Keeping in mind how ill she is, how the strokes have affected her and she is quite likely clinically depressed now. I had planned to only visit, try to comfort and uplift her. Take her to church and maybe out to lunch. Then do any chores she might need attending to. I'm not her executor or anything. Her oldest daughter is. Don't want to step on any toes of those caring for her daily ~ hands-on, full-time ~ knowing what that is from my own experiences. Trusting I'll see no signs of neglect or (gasp) abuse. I'm praying for guidance, but not feeling much at peace about this yet. Keeping this in mind also...

You have a bright and beautiful rest of the week, too. We're all looking so forward to your family's arrival! 💜