Surprise Party

 Surprise 40th Birthday Party for Mark last night!  Fun night outside by the pool at the Roanoke Elks Lodge.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a few weeks early), Mark!!

Mark and Amy

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Josh and Maria !!

A Gift

I spent a good part of yesterday with my sweet sweet friend, Tricia.  She gifted me with this little work of art and made my heart sing.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Casey and Amanda! 

Sending you love on your 5th Anniversary!  May you have many more years of happiness together!!

♥

Throwback Thursday

July, 1952 ~ 4 years old ~ The old cement retaining wall I am sitting on was right across the street from our house.  This yard had many large buckeye trees and the buckeyes would fall on the sidewalk and we would collect them.  Thinking I would make a lovely buckeye necklace, I pounded a nail through a buckeye and into my hand.  I have a small scar that will forever remind me of the Ohio State Tree.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day ~ A Time To Honor

Bless those who have given

and those who continue to give.

Taco Boy

 Entrance to Taco Boy in Downtown Charleston

 I LOVE the windows ~ panes of thick colored glass.

 Outdoor Patio Wall

 Patio

 Patio

 Catrinas

 Dia de los Muertos

 Restroom walls ~ Covered with maps of Mexico

 Restroom walls ~ Mexican event advertisements

A visit to Taco Boy always puts a smile on my face.

Entrance to Taco Boy at Folly Beach

~~~~~~~

A trip to visit Casey is an automatic visit to Taco Boy ~ he knows I love to go there.  The BEST tacos, frozen margaritas are great, and the decor is authentic Mexican.  Although the Taco Boy at Folly Beach is fun, I prefer the Downtown Charleston one.  I thought I would post some photos of the place since I mention it often.

Coreopsis

 This Coreopsis was one of Mom's very favorite plants.  Her flower garden has not been tended to very well since she left us, so it was looking rather sad and ragged.  We decided to dig it up this Spring and  plant a garden.  I did transplant her azalea bushes and her astilbe plants, but I wanted to put the Coreopsis in a special place where I could see it often.  We planted it in the front flower garden right in front of the porch.  I think she was pleased, and helped it along, because it is flourishing!  I smile and think of Mom every time I see it.

I think she would be happy that we planted a garden in her little corner.  We've tried some new things: peas, looseleaf lettuce, romaine, spinach, green beans, cucumbers, and more.

I see we need to do some weeding.  Don't look.

Throwback Thursday

 Audrey Gayle Gallagher

First Holy Communion, 1955

Sweet Shrine

 While in Vinton, Virginia, on Saturday, I noticed this large beautiful statue as we were traveling down the road.  I had Terry turn around and pull into the parking lot.  This shrine is at the far end of the parking lot, abandoned, and overgrown.  The doors to the little building are locked and bolted.  The statue of Christ is very large and beautiful.  There is a small alcove off to the right side with a statue of the Blessed Virgin inside with some candles.  This shrine is sandwiched between two businesses, showing little sign of care.  It reminds me of the Grotto in Lourdes, France, and it saddens me to see it neglected.  I would love to see the trees trimmed and beautiful flowers planted. It is such a sweet little area for people to stop and say a prayer. 

Queen of May

Mary, Queen of May

I took these photos today at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.  This lovely display has been set up all month because we offer Mary special honor in May. 

Hail holy Queen enthroned above,

Oh Maria.

Hail mother of Mercy and of Love,

Oh Maria.

Throwback Thursday

July - 1952

This photo was taken at the old 6th Street City Pool in Canton, Ohio.  Like many city pools, this one is long gone.  I look VERY happy ~ I loved going swimming. 

Wordless Wednesday

Mother's Day at Folly Beach

I won't forget this Mother's Day.  I had a wonderful fun day with Casey and Amanda.  We went to Folly Beach and soaked up a few rays of sun, I walked along the shore and picked up shells, took many photos, and then we went to Taco Boy for dinner.  Once back home, we took a bunch of trio selfies and laughed until our stomachs hurt.

I am packed and plan to leave in the morning for Virginia.  I will be sad to go, but I'm eager to see Mr. Magic and my dear little Jake.  I had a GREAT visit here in spite of tropical storm Ana giving us a bit of a wet week.  I am not going to wait so long for my next visit.

Goslings

These precious baby geese are following their Momma everywhere she goes.  They are living near the pond across the street from Casey's house so I get to watch them every day.

Throwback Thursday

July, 2008 ~ South Carolina

Since Mother's Day is right around the corner, I thought I would use a photo of Mom for TBT.  This is her sitting in her favorite Garden Center in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  When we lived in SC during the year of 2008, I would take her here often to walk around and look at all the beautiful plants and flowers. I imagine Heaven's flower gardens are keeping her busy and happy. ♥

Fear No Easel

Amanda and I have been wanting to do the "Wine and Paint" thing for quite some time.  We bit the bullet and signed up for "Fear No Easel" tonight (Tuesday).  So, instead of partying somewhere for Cinco de Mayo, we painted!  We talked and laughed while painting the Charleston skyline.  I enjoyed spending this time with my daughter-in-law.

Pam Aries

Met up with friend, Pam Aries, in downtown Charleston today.  It was great to see her.  We could have easily talked all day, but I knew Casey and Amanda were ready to move on.  Might see her again on Friday.  Lisa Plummer, I have two big hugs for you from Pam.  It would be SO fun if we could all get together someday! 

Life is wonderful ~ I have only met Pam twice, but because of facebook, I feel like I've known her forever.

Isle of Palms

Casey, Amanda, and I spent a very enjoyable day on the beach at Isle of Palms yesterday.  The sun was shining brightly, but there was a slight breeze which made for a very comfortable stay on the beach.  It was great to see the ocean again.  I love watching the seagulls and we had a lot of time to visit and laugh.  I plan to visit the beach again before going back home.  Today we are heading to downtown Charleston!