"Cousins, Cousins, There Were Never Such Devoted Cousins"

Okay, I know the original lyrics say sisters, but I am employing creative license. I particularly like the picture of the cousins and Dad on the bridge on Liz and Larry's farm. The bridge spans a lovely 'water feature' with koi in the pond (really cool ones with markings that make them look like skeletons) and miniature waterfalls and trees that dapple the water... (wait, are there really waterfalls or did I imagine that?).

Got an email from Madeline, with a triumphant announcement: "You shamed me enough! I successfully entered a blog message! Woo Hoo...." She persevered and was able to leave a comment on the blog (on the entry entitled "Gingersnaps and Cousins"). Merci, not that you have a competitive nature or anything, but your younger sister is showing you up, girl!

Good work, Madeline, and welcome to the world of blogging! Next, we'll get you to create a post...

Linda

Wedding Vows and Fireflies

Michelle and Glenn are, I believe, somewhere on a sandy beach in the Dominican Republic. Liz and Larry are, no doubt, still shifting wedding gifts into the back bedroom. The cousins and other guests have all returned home. The wedding was sweet, in a picture-perfect Presbyterian church (I swear I had a little white plastic bank that looked just like it, when I was a kid); the reception was lovely, under a big tent on Liz and Larry's front lawn, with delicious food for days, billions of wish-making stars, and fireflies (don't mock me, Madeline -- they remind me of visits to Grandmother and Aunt Marie's farm...).

And a few of us managed to have a couple of quality moments with cousins, gingersnaps and B&B!

Linda

Gingersnaps and Cousins

Got a note recently from new mommy Amy Fields (new daddy Martin is son of Kathy and John Fields, grandson of Kathleen Martin):

"Linda,
I still haven't figured out how to post, but I've attached a few
pictures. One of Sarah, one with cousin Michelle and one with Aunt
Beck. Sarah is being baptised on Sunday and Martin will get to celebrate his
first father's day! She is smiling at us now and is the perfect
little girl. We can't wait to see everyone at the wedding.
Amy"

Meanwhile, I'm baking gingersnaps at 7 in the morning, to take to Missouri this weekend...

Linda

Not quite the Flower of Scotland -- but close!

Tim and I are very excited that our artichoke plant is blooming! He pointed out to me that it looks like a giant thistle, which he claims reminds him of me and is very appropriate as the flower of Scotland. Since I have previously been likened to a cactus (prickly on the outside, soft inside), I am not offended. But won't he be surprised one day when I come home with purple spikey hair!

Linda