July 13, 2006

Well, The floor in the living room is done and we are just adding mud to the fireplace which is a slow and laborious job as I have no idea how to do it. But, as requested I have included a photo. The floor is so beautiful and feels really good on the feet. I included a photo of the fireplace last Christmas before the sledgehammer arrived.

Last night we went with friends Tiffany, Jessica and Robert Barr down to Laguna Beach. It was a fabulous night to swim in the ocean. The water was supremely clear. JohnE saw a leopard shark and I saw a skate and lots of fish. JohnE stepped on a skate or something that gave him a bit of a sting. It wasn't too bad though. We ate Chicken, potatoes and coleslaw--it was all very yummy. It was really fun. It is so nice to have friends to hang out with and be able to call and have conversations with. I love my friends! The Barrs are really great. It is especially nice that JE & Robert have so much in common.

Sunday we drove my Gram up to New Port Beach to the Bennett's 55th wedding anniversary, her old neighbor of 20+ years ago. She had a great time visiting and catching up with quite a number of old friends. It was just so fun to hang out with her. She is such a neat lady, so full of vim! I had been a little worry about being in the car with her for 2 hours and not knowing what to say. But she and I just have so much fun together. I love to chat and laugh with her. I think she gets a bit lonely. Gramp sleeps so much and his mind is starting to slip. I feel so sad for Gram, 86 years old and the care giver to her 90 year old husband. She has been his get up and go all their 65 years together. I am glad they moved into their retirement community. They have a lot of friends there and a bit of a support group. I love to go visiting. She sent me a card recently that said, "We love you two so much." This is not something said lightly with her and I am so honored to be loved by this woman.

I grew up not really knowing my grandparents. The feud between my mother and my father's parents is still thriving. I say, don't involve me, I love you both. The privilege of really knowing my grands started 2 and a half years ago when JohnE got a job here in southern California. At the time they were living in the Meadows. It was fun to visit them there. We've had Christmas with them more in the past few years than with my parents! ( I have includes a photo from Christmas, 2005.) I just have absolutely loved getting to know them. Gram is so supportive and vivacious. Gramp loves funny little party jokes. They love to laugh. I love them.