We had a nice time getting re-acquainted with John Wilson and his wife Trisha. Ryan got some good advice for “how to survive the military”. Then Ryan and Owen got dropped off at Knotts Berry Farm for the day. Karsten, Christine and I went to a sculpture garden and the Cerritos Library which was fabulous. A Lovely sunny day in LA, but too much traffic!

I’m here in Long Beach this week watching Ryan compete at the National Junior Olympics. He was fantastic and is now ranking # 7 in the nation. He’ll be competing in the finals now. Very exciting for him.

Mark and I joined Dena and her dad for a trip to Woodland, WA to see the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden. Only a few sprinkles of rain, but the lilacs were past their prime and so we missed enjoying the heavenly scent of lilacs. It was still a lovely outing and Dena bought me two lilac starts for my garden. So many varieties to choose from. I got a “Congo” lilac and a “Nadezhda” lilac. I can’t wait to see them bloom in my back yard!

My good friend Lori and I went to see the NW Quilt show last week at the Portland Expo Center. We saw so many beautiful quilts that inspire me for my next sewing project. Now I have to decide whether to tackle a king size bedspread or begin some smaller project. Here are some photos from this years show, plus many of my favorites from previous shows.

Today I received the most beautiful flower arrangement from Karsten, Christine, Ryan and Tyler. A picture doesn’t do justice because you can’t smell how heavenly it is. It was made and delivered by our local florist in North Plains, Robinsons Inc. I have such wonderful kids! Thank you all.

Spring is here at last and the garden is sprouting thanks to frequent showers. We just got back from visiting Dena in Davis, CA and attending her graduation ceremony. She is now officially Dr. Dena Grossenbacher. We had a lovely time and enjoyed the warm sunny weather of California. Here’s a short video of her graduation.