Oasis is one of Roland’s most favorite breakfast spots. He adores the hostess, the waitresses, and the food. Inspired by Roland’s order of a 2+2+2, I deviated from my standard French Toast and ordered a delicious Mexican half-skillet. We visited about how “culinary” his family is (his word). He said he’s been experimenting with cooking and wants to improve his skills.

We also visited more about Junto, and I sent him the link for my new Junto website as I have hopes of starting one for the grandkids. They are so bright. He told me about some music he’s been enjoying recently (British/Irish rock) by Aphex Twin. He sent me a link. So, I guess we both have homework. Today, I decided to memorialize these meals together in a book for him. My working title is Dining With Roland.

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everyone but me, I had a large Diet Coke before our date and pretty much talked non-stop according to my concerned husband who felt compelled to intervene and suggest I let other people talk. To which Bonnie replied, “It’s sometimes good to listen.” She’s gracious that way which is one of the many, many reasons we love her. And we found another this morning: When her furnace was ruined by flood waters some years back and FEMA refused to give her funds, she burned wood for the winter. Single Mom Super Hero! P.S. Great minds look alike.

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At the Sisterhood’s monthly meeting today, Samantha introduced her soulmates to her trademarked Finger Yoga. It was designed specifically for the Order of the Sisters of Unyielding Love (S.O.U.L.) who experience lots of neuralgia due to excessive organ playing, heavy rosary beading addictions, and rigorous bouts of prayer. Shortly after Finger Yoga’s introduction, it went viral. Today, you can see people doing finger yoga all over the world. We look forward to her next lesson in the ancient Ayurvedic practice of gas lighting. We aren’t sure what it is but she asked us to bring matches and eat 1/2 can of beans 30 minutes before class.

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Lilly’s friend Piper leaves a few houses away from us, so whenever they have a sleep over, they come to visit. Tonight they had to show off their stupendous manicures. The photo couldn’t capture the magnificence. They were like iridescent marbles. And, of course, they had to taste test the Bomb Pops I bought for Lilly’s upcoming patriotic Backyard Olympics Party (on hold due to heavy construction on our road). They caressed the treats with paper towels to protect their nails. So adorable. I love these times with them. Piper even hugs me good-bye like Lilly. They eventually headed home to check on Piper’s rabbit and tree frog. Such busy little zoologists. During our visit, Lilly and Piper told me Piper’s mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I don’t think either understand the implications enough to be alarmed. Lilly hass just gone through this with Mollie, so I think she will be a good and hopeful friend to Piper throughout this healing process.

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Maggie was working a few blocks away at the law office on an ugly divorce case. Things were getting cranky so she excused herself and popped over to snatch me for an impromptu visit to Gilles Custard Stand for a quick reset. Often those unexpected times are the most delightful in their unexpected arising. It was a lovely treat that lovingly punctuated both our afternoons. P.S. Although often repainted, I believe this is the original sign on their roof. The same one I saw on my first visit to Gilles when I was in sixth grade and vacationing with Chris Martell at her cottage.

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Their mother yelled up to Presley and Lilly who were busy with tween fun in their respective bedrooms. “Granny’s here, come give her a hug.” And they ran down excited and happy until I opened my big mouth. “Oh, you are so adorable in your twin outfits. Let me take your picture,” I said as I reached for my phone. They were horrified as each looked at the other’s outfits and protested it was a terrible accident, completely unplanned. “We would never dress alike,” they screamed as they ran away. The their mother insisted they come back down and pose for my photo. Not even fake smiles could be mustered in this disastrous moment. Their eyes squeezed shut in denial as they prayed no one would recognize them. The emotional trauma is palpable. Greatest photo ever! I wonder if they’d let me use it for my photo contest entry.

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Our step-grandson Alex turned nineteen today. He loves chocolate so we got him a big bag of mixed Hershey miniatures. He loves Benjamin Franklin too, so we got him a C-note. Such a great guy. I feel so happy we are family now.

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Each year for decades, Keith and Tom have enjoyed the Pierce Park Car Show. It is by far Keith’s favorite of the year. Since the park is only a block away from Greg’s house, he joins up for the fun too. Here is the 2023 photo. It is a memorable year, the first time both their 55 Chevies were not road worthy. Keith got as far as Oshkosh and had to turn back. Tom never got his car out of the garage and took his Honda. But the lack of their cars made little difference. It was still an automotive extravaganza and good fun for the boys.

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Lots of food, fun, and friends - dear, lifelong friends. We assembled at the Oakfield Community Center to honor the 70th birthday of Jim Kiser. The desserts were plentiful and unforgettably fabulous. Gee, these people can bake1 Jim graced us with a lovely concert. He gets better every time I hear him. We thought we better get our photo taken with him before he’s a Nashville big shot. It was great to see all the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We have all shared so much over the years. A heartwarming day.

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Life doesn’t get much sweeter than a day with Ada and Morgan, except maybe Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep. We spent a chunk of the day wandering three floors of art largely by self-taught artists with massive lifetime collections made of humble materials. A testament to the indisputable fact that imagination trumps everything when it comes to art. Keith and I have been there many times but it was the first for this duo. I love that Ada got to see more of what her Grandfather Keith and Aunt Tammy were part of during their stint with the Art Center. Love of art is in her genes, both the X and Y chromosomes!

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I loved my first ever smoothie and will never forget it: Strawberry Margarita. So fancy. It was $3.00 smoothies at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Fond du Lac. Kallie loaded up with one to drink (Watermelon Mojito) and one to go (Blueberry Something). I got a sip of all three and was blown away by the refreshing goodness. Kallie invited us to come with her for this little adventure, then swing by Tenorio’s to pick up her Benz with the leaky tire repaired. Any time with her is a joy. Great surprise.

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At the family’s Art Auction we held in April, we were greatly outbid for Morgan’s amazing geometric art, He graciously sold us a print he had back in Madison which he delivered to us today. And as special surprise, he gave us an original piece as well (which I will post when it is back from the framer). In the meantime, here is the prized print we snagged and couldn’t be more elated. What a talent!

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It was a long wait, but eventually the growling of our stomach so terrified the other patrons, the Whispering Orchard tenders were forced to feed us. Oh, my. Some very thick and delicious bacon. Homemade, fresh pressed apple cider, homemade apple jam, seven kinds of french toast. The food was so good, Ada ignored the animal mounts that decorated the dining room. I completely forgot about them and was horrified that I exposed her to such carnage — but she was gracious as a queen and never even mentioned it.

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Morgan and Ada have such a rapport with animals. I think the critters sense their genuine love and deep respect. On our outing to the farmette area of Whispering Orchards, Ada made friends wit! a goat and Morgan with a pony, among numerous other critters that found them irresistible. They revel in nature and even the beasts know a good party when they see it. It was a Love Fest, for sure!

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We were both napping when we were awakened by the house violently shaking. The crew outside had a huge crane tamper they were using to compress six feet of screenings in the gigantic hole they’d dug at the edge of our property. Since our house is basically held together by rotten timber and drywall, I was worried they would blow our house down. After about 30 minutes, we relaxed a little as the incessant vibrating shook us to the core in a surprisingly soothing way. Keith finally got his vibrating recliner, which would rival Maggie’s massage chair. After an hour of destablizing our house, it finally stopped. We don’t know if they’re done, but it was clearly quitting time for the week-end ahead. The water was finally turned back on so I could wash the last load of laundry while Keith swept the basement floor of all the debris and dirt that had been shaken from the floorboards and rafters above. I feel like someone should inspect the structural integrity before we get some wind. But, on the bright side, we have our own “caught in an earthquake” story.

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Mollie surprised us with her homemade Shrimp Corn Chowder for our lunch. She made it as far as the law office where she and Maggie have moved their home offices. I heard “chowder” and ran over to retrieve it. I got to meet Bobby, Dan’s partner. She seemed really nice. Then I headed home to a bowl of wonderful. We thought it was exquisite.

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