Sunday, September 21, 2008

Ain't Misbehavin'



Thursday evening Roland and went to a performance at the Clarence Brown Theater on UT campus. We were entertained by the 1930s composer, Fats Waller's music. He wrote popular songs like Ain't Misbehavin', Your Feet's Too Big, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter--and many more. I was surprised by how many of his songs I was familiar with. These were songs I learned as a child, but had no idea where they came from! The songs were all performed by five vocalists--what a stupendous show! If you ever get the opportunity to see this musical, I highly recommend it. To see Fats perform some of his own music, go to You Tube. You'll be glad you did!

Friday, September 19, 2008

For the Love of the Game Boy



At last, I remembered to give Michael his t-shirt lovingly created for him by his older brother, Brian. (Brian had given it to me while I was visiting in Utah to pass along to his "buddy".) As you can see it fits just swell and Michael feels very loved in it. He is also confident that his friends will think he's the coolest dude at UT.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

I'm gonna miss . . . .

I'm gonna miss the syndicated column by Jeff Opdyke entitled "Love and Money" that's been published in the Knoxville News Sentinel for the past six years. They shared "with millions of readers every week the good, the bad and sometimes ugly sides of (their) financial life. (They) opened (their) pocketbook to inspection in the hopes that (their) experiences with money, and the problems (they) faced and the solutions (they) arrived at, might help others confronting similar circumstances." And who doesn't face similar circumstances?? And all too often we feel that financial matters are too personal to talk about. (Sometimes even with our spouse!) As Roland says, "Needs are so different for each individual." Well, if you've never had the chance to read this informative and entertaining column, here's a link to one: http://online.wsj.com/article/love_and_money.html (You'll have to copy and paste it.)

I see that Jeff Opdyke has a book out "Love and Money". It'd be a great book to have, but I kinda liked it in the small dose of a weekly article.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Naomi visits Knoxville


Naomi and her parents came to stay in Knoxville with us for a short time this summer. While they were here, I got to enjoy doing the fun things a nanna loves to do with her grand daughter. This was the day we went to the library together, Naomi discovered catepillars and took one for a walk, and she posed for pictures with the statues at the Farragut Park. She's my delight!

Summer Vacation


This summer Roland and I vacationed to Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and Denver. We had such a wonderful time. Here you can see Cathy standing in front of Delicate Arch. I really didn't realize how massive it was until I saw this picture of me standing there in front of it!! The hike to up the this arch was fantastic. We got up early so it wouldn't be unbearably hot. One of the most intriguing things to me about Arches is the quietness of the place. I didn't know that stillness could be so very pleasant.

Happy Birthday!


It was great having Whitney home this summer and we always enjoy Emily's visits. They're not as frequent as when she lived here in Knoxville, but since Manchester is 2-3 hours away, we cant complain. They both were home to share a birthday cake. Wouldn't it be nice if it could happen every year?? (You got have a dream!) In August Emily turned 27 and Whitney turned 24. We ate the traditional chocolate cookie sheet cake that's been a favorite of our family--the very one that my mom made regularly when I was growing up.

Utah-tah . . . new home of Whitney, Brian and Norma


I rode out to Provo, Utah with Whitney in late August. She's back at BYU. We had two 15-hour days of driving before arriving at Norma and Brian's new home. Brian is just a 12 minute walk from his office on campus! We had a weenie roast in their side yard. (no backyard, but they're grateful--less mowing and upkeep!); went on a hike up in Provo Canyon, ate lots of good Latino food, visited with Cousin Alisa and met her partner and new baby; and I got to go to IKEA for the first time--and much, much more! In this picture you see Brian, Norma and Whitney at IKEA. I thank each of them for showing their mamma such a splendid time!

Mango Season!


Upon arriving home from Utah, Roland had purchased six big and beautiful mangoes for our eating pleasure. They were ripe and ready. That was Wednesday. Now, on Saturday, they're gone. Roland went out once more in the great wilderness of Kroger and selected more. We are very happy and wish you were here to enjoy them with us. He bought quite a few and we'll have to eat them fast--too bad. (Not really!)