The author, Lisa Genova, chose the perfect title for her novel. This is a story of a 50 year-old woman who hoped her memory lapses and mild incidents of confusion were a result of entering menopause, but learned instead that she was entering early onset Alzheimer's disease. The story is told, as long as it can be, from her viewpoint. She was a brilliant scholar, a Harvard professor, devoted to the study of linguistics, words.....words that she would gradually lose. The title was so meaningful to me; however, because Alice did not lose herself. Yes, she became a different Alice, but she was still Alice and blessed were those around her who still realized who she was.

Bon Appetit !!

I just finished reading Julia Child's memoir, My Life in France. She was in her early 90's when she collaborated with her great nephew-in-law, Alex Prud'homme to produce this book, and it is amazing how many details she recalled about her life in Paris, Marseille, Germany, Norway, and Provence. I was amazed at how diligently she had worked on Mastering the Art of French Cooking...the research, the testing of recipes, and the writing....without a word processor!

I wasn't always sure if Julia and I would have been good friends; she sometimes said some things about people that took me by surprise. I did love her dedication and her enthusiam for mastering French cooking. I think the reader has to remember that she is telling about things that happened many years ago when the world was rapidly changing, and she is being very honest about her own feelings about it all.

I had read the book written by the young Julie on which the recent movie is also based and had not liked it at all; I don't think I even finished it. I did enjoy Julia Child's book very much; I now want to Netflix "Julie and Julia" and watch it again.

This is one of several books I picked up last week with a gift card from my son and daughter-in-law. Thank you Karen and Andy!

Ready for 2010

I have not blogged in months and; since part of the reason I blog is to save these memories for myself, I do want to review our Christmas. It was really a great Christmas; it seemed more peaceful, more relaxed than usual and I am still enjoying it. The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is my favorite week of the year always.
It is always fun to join the Ghost of Christmas Past and remember. On my sofa table I tried to select pictures of the children and grandchildren to remind us all of the joyful times we have shared.

Our first Christmas event was Cole's Christmas program at church. He is the angelic young man on the back row looking straight ahead.

Here is Cole with his cousin, Preston. I wanted you to see the adorable shirt he made at school. Cole is a fantastic young craftsman; he really seems to enjoy working with his hands. He does art work, makes fantastic things out of boxes, and LOVES creating paper airplanes.

Santa Claus was definitely the star of the season for Madison. She is visiting with him here at Georgian Place where her great grandmother lives. She saw him again with Granddaddy at Kiwanis and ran into him several times in stores. It really was magical.

I just happen to love this goofy shot of Christopher at Aunt Alice's Christmas village. Don't know what was so funny, but this is a candid shot that is so hard to get from him these days.

Again, at Aunt Alice's, cousins watching a movie.

As you might guess, Oren added so much excitement to Christmas this year. He even learned to say Santa Claus. Here is with one of the several "pup pups" he received.

I almost did not put this little tree anywhere this Christmas, but then remembered that Madison was the perfect age to enjoy a tree with Pinocchio. I don't really think he is a Christmas icon, but I picked up these little ornaments on trips to Italy so they bring back great memories.

I hope the holidays were joyous for all of you and that all of us can keep the peace of Christmas in our hearts all year.

Fun at the Beach

We had a wonderful week at Cape San Blas, Florida, in July. Different family members came and went throughout the week, but we had a couple of days when we were all together. My pictures are in a crazy order, but I hope they show how much fun we had. Christopher took the Wii, and Cole out bowled everyone. Here he is showing Madison his technique. He is quite the teacher; she learned to roll strikes before the week was over.

They had a wonderful time with oysters, of all things!

We went to the bay one day, and this red sea horse was the most exciting find. Elizabeth gets to claim that.

A big crab for Cole

The bay was a great adventure. Cole has been quite a few times, but it was an exciting first for Madison.

The most beautiful baby on the beach

Andy and Oren.

Christopher decided to be in charge of the pancakes one morning, and here he shows off his pancake in which his grandfather professed to see the face of Jesus. Christopher decided to eat it instead of selling it on EBay.

You are never too young, or

too old to play in the sand.

Cole gave granddaddy lessons, also.

Oren had watched everyone else on the kayak all day, and he had to explore.

It was a wonderful week. We all dream of going back.

You guessed right, didn't you?

Yes, this one is ours. Now, the name is the issue. I like Martha. Her coloring reminds me of Martha from the children's book series Martha Speaks. My grandson, Cole, likes the TV series based on the books. Al likes Muffin...ugh, too prissy! I have a feeling she will have to learn to respond to both. Stay tuned.

Want a puppy anyone?

Immediate disclaimer...THEY ARE NOT MINE! These puppies belong to Elizabeth and Calvin's cocker, Angel. There are seven of them, and five supposedly have homes planned already. I think the Brownlees will keep one of them. Al wants one, I don't; stay tuned.

Don't worry; water spots on bricks are from a shower that morning...not the puppies.

Busy Spring Season

Can you think of a better way to spend a springtime afternoon? Oren is a precious boy.

This does not look like the best place to let your grandbaby play, but he stayed entertained there for a long time.

Cole can "pop a wheelie" and stop on a dime. He has always been the king of riding toys.

Cole has played 3rd baseman quite a bit this spring. He has also made several runs for his team!

Madison enjoyed the camraderie of T-ball...can you see her in the middle cheering? BUT...

when it came to playing...she was blessed with a very gentle, patient coach. If you can click on a picture and enlarge it, you need to do so with this one.

I am late posting pictures from Christopher's induction into the Junior Beta Club at Arlington Christian School. We were very proud of what he had achieved. Here he is with some good buddies.

As usual he did not want to have his picture made. He needed to rush and be with all those buddies!

Each of these children are a joy to us in their own special way. It just gets better and better!