Boys vs. Girls

I always throught that my children were treated equally....ha.

My son lived with his girlfriend (now wife) for a few years before they married and I was fine with it. Last night my daughter brought her boyfriend home and I had a hard time relaxing my fist from around the butter knife. They aren't living together, but they do spend weekends (and some weeknights) having sleep-overs. True, she is almost 20 years old and I should be over this protective, don't-touch-my-daughter-you-disgusting-pig phase, but I'm not. Will ANY boyfriend ever be good enough, in my eyes?

shel

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad

My father (the world's greatest) turned 80 yesterday. On Saturday. May 9, 2009 we held an "open house" birthday party for him at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln. In lieu of presents, Dad asked for people to bring canned or boxed goods to be donated to DOVE in Clinton. I have three big boxes full of food to deliver tomorrow (IF the rain has stopped; otherwise, no way!) Dad enjoyed talking with old friends and family members. He got a very moving note from his niece Leslie, thanking him for being such a good uncle. She was very eloquent and touched dad and mom's heart with her kindness.

The folks had a 55th wedding anniversary party nearly two years ago. They had the same request...donations for DOVE. After so many years together, they didn't NEED anything else. This is a great idea for celebrations, especially with the poor economy and need in general.

shel
p.s. I found three morel mushrooms and my husband found one. Ya-Hoo! Dad had a feast.

Morel Madness or A Walk in the Woods

What a fabulous day! I had an extra hour this morning so I put on my showman baseball cap, tucked my jeans into my white socks, and pulled on a long-sleeved shirt. With the morel staff in my hand, I headed into the woods. After 45 minutes and several scratches from the %$#@*!! Japanese honeysuckle, I found myself standing in the middle of the path, listening to the birds and admiring the wildflowers. The sweet scent of the Russian olives (very invasive trees) made my head swim. It was the perfect opportunity to talk to God. I asked Him for help in finding at least one mushroom for my father's 80th birthday. (He loves morels.) Then I realized the time and started back home at a quick pace, eager to get to Middletown to see my grandson.

All of the sudden I noticed a morel! It was just a foot off of the path that I was following. Wow. A slow and deliberate search of the immediate area assured me that there was only one...just like I had asked. The prize is currently soaking in salt water, patiently waiting in my refrigerator. Dad will get his mouth-watering treat on Friday.

I wish you all happy hunting.
shel