P52 - Week 18 - New Orleans

The last day of the orchestra trip to New Orleans included a bus tour of the city, which in turn included stops at a few not-to-be-missed New Orleans attractions.


The tour took us through the French Quarter and included a stop at the City Park for beignets and cafe au lait. But no trip to "the Big Easy" would be complete without at least one stop at a local cemetery. It's well known that, because NO is a city that was built below sea level, that you cannot bury the deceased. So the cemeteries are full of above-ground crypts instead.

This was a wonderful trip. I enjoyed each and everything we did - the dinner jazz cruise was a true highlight - and all of the amazing food that we got to sample. But I'll be honest, I really didn't want to come on the trip. I volunteered to be a chaperone way back in the fall. And I could not have foreseen the loss of my mom less than 2 weeks before this trip. But, it was really too late to back out. And while *I* didn't want to be on the trip, I was certainly glad that Wonder Boy had the trip as a distraction from all of the family business that had consumed us leading up to the departure date.

But with that said, I have to admit, I think I got every bit as much out of this trip as the Boy.

My mom loved New Orleans and I felt her presence each and every day. I guess things work out the way they are supposed to in the end.

P52 - Week 17 - Soft & Sultry

I found this lovely flower on a trip to Vermillionville Historic Village that was part of the orchestra's spring trip to Louisiana.


When I look at this shot, I wish images could convey aromas! Just imagine the soft, wet air you would expect from rural Louisiana and inhale the almost musky, floral fragrance of this little beauty! It rained on us later in the day, so just imagine the heavy humid air that goes with it. It really was a feast for the senses (especially when you factor in the amazing Cajun lunch spread that came with it!).

P52 - Week 16 - for Nanny

Nanny's memorial service is tomorrow. Yellow roses were her most favorites and these little beauties are blooming just in time to be the centerpiece at the service.


The plan is to plant these pretties in front of the house after the memorial service. I am hoping they will provide a pleasant reminder of our Yellow Rose of Texas each time we pull into the drive way. And since the phrase "home is where Mom is" has always rung true for our family, I'm glad these will represent her at our home.

P52 - Week 15 - Comfort & Cuddles

It's been a tough couple of days for our family. My mom, our dear Nanny, passed away a couple of days ago. Wonder Boy took the news even harder than I had feared he would. But I am relieved that he can find comfort and cuddles from his favorite Puppy Princess.


Both of the dogs have remained close by their Boy as he struggles through this process. I don't think I have ever been more thankful to have them in our lives - and that's saying a lot. I adore my puppy kiddos.

P52 - Week 14 - Snap to It!

I know last week's photo was a soccer share, but I just had to include this one as well.


When the Boy really gets into the groove on the soccer pitch, he snaps his fingers as he moves! It's something he's been doing since his U5 days and it has always tickled me. He snaps with both hands, but when he's really focused, like in this photo, it's his right hand keeping up the snappy pace.

Have I mentioned that I dig this kiddo?

P52 - Week 13 - Soccer Saturday!

Every spring and fall, I count down the days to the start of soccer season and this spring has been no exception to that rule. We're about a month into the rec soccer season here and things are going really well.


The Boy and his teammates got a new set of coaches for this spring and they are doing a BANG UP job with the kiddos! They have the whole team excited about playing. They are currently tied for the top spot in the division and if they can get all of the team to show up to the games, there isn't a team in the division that can defeat them!

As for me, I am enjoying the cool spring weather and the joy of watching my favorite soccer star take the pitch!