"FANCY" DINNER and the THEATRE

                                           Setting the table.

                                           Creating the perfect centerpiece.  Yes, that is a scarf
                                           wrapped around the vase of flowers.   And the stem
                                           of the water glass  is wrapped with sparkly garland.

                                           Handmade place cards always add a nice touch.

                                           And let's not forget a bit of seasonal decoration.

                                           Everything is ready but Papa.  He needs a manicure.
                                      

                                            And his hair needs a little attention too.

                                           We will later discuss the specifics of serving.
                                  
                                           We make a toast to our evening with sparkling
                                            grape juice in Waterford toasting flutes.

  

Our time with our sweet granddaughter Grace is limited so when we are together

we make the most of every moment.   We plan the time around  her and do pretty 

much what she wants to do.  One of her favorite things to do is to have a "fancy"

 dinner.  She enjoys setting and decorating the table and I encourage her be creative

and impose no rules on what she chooses for her tablescape. However, she  does

 know the proper placement for silverware and napkins!  It is sad that much of the 

art of entertaining is a thing of the past so I throughly enjoy sharing this with her.

Perhaps one evening, years from now she will set the table in her own home for a

"fancy" dinner and will think of all the times that she had dinner with her Papa and Mammy!

After a quick photo we went to the theatre to see Treasure Island.

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

The last stop on our two month trip out west was Moab, Utah.  I was exhausted from traveling and sightseeing  and could not wait to get home. Even though our motor coach is fully equipped with all the comforts of home- a dishwasher, washer and dryer and a king-sized bed, it's not home. I tried to talk Jim into bypassing Moab and heading home but we already had reservations and he really wanted to go so I reluctantly agreed.   I am so glad my powers of persuasion are limited!  We loved Arches National Park and did two awesome hikes in one day - we slept well that night!  Our second hike was a Ranger led 3 hour hike in the Fiery Furnace,  a permit only area.  Put this on your to-do list if you are in the area.  One of the things I loved the most was the contrast of color- deep  red-orange rock against a vivid, clear blue sky.  Our next day was a back country tour in a Hummer riding over  steep and  narrow rock cliffs!  Can you believe that there were also lots of folks riding their bikes up these rocks!  I am glad my transportation had a motor.

GIRLS AT THE FARM

When "the girls " are at the farm they endorse wearing helmets, sleeping in and riding 4 wheelers.