Thirty Five Years Ago

I was seventeen, going on eighteen and one of 400 grads walking across the stage in 1975. I guess everyone remembers some feeling of excitement about their graduation . . . for the first time having a choice about further education, a job or moving on to other things.
Unbeknown to my parents, my boyfriend and I had talked about marriage for quite some time . . . so to me this top of the world feeling had everything to do with those plans. Kind of crazy, but true.

He bought the dress for me . . . I think it was Sweet Sixteen on Fraser St. in Vancouver . . . forty-five dollars, is what I remember. Floral print, empire waist, fully lined (except for the sleeves), a lace overlay on the cross-over bodice and a ruffled hemline.
So, upon graduation, I entered the school of life . . . a job and marriage in the Fall . . . learning about relationships and all that is involved in keeping a home. I hit the domestic scene early, but it has freed me up on this end . . . to go back to school, to travel or just to enjoy the freedom of an empty nest.
Since my own graduation 35 years ago, I’ve had the chance to attend various graduations and observed nieces and daughters as they have made decisions on what to do after high school. But, before that . . . there is always the grad or prom dress to choose . . . isn’t there? I thought I’d go down memory lane and have a look at just a few of these dresses.

My beautiful sister, Monika, in 1979 (she also married her escort)

My niece, Linda, (Grad 1986) was the cutest smiley pigtailed little girl when I was introduced to the family in 1973.

My niece, Pauline (Grad 1990) - I was with her when she bought the dress and she came to our house for pictures. She is a mom of five kids now!

Julene (Grad 1996) - Our first. She won an Acting Award and received a District Scholarship in Music.

Kristal (Grad 1998 ) - our second daughter followed suit ... also chosen for a scholarship in music, which she used toward further education in Oregon.

My niece, Larissa (Grad 2005) is the oldest niece on my side of the family. She is working at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on the Island.

My niece, Rosalynn (Grad 2007) has travelled overseas a few times and is working in a touristy coffee shop/restaurant.

My youngest niece, Carmen (Grad 2008) is engaged to be married and continuing with her education.

These are just a few . . . some mentioned their dresses being out of style etc. Isn’t that the way it goes? You all look beautiful and have still become more beautiful over the years. I just want to say thank you to those of you who were brave enough to allow me to use your pictures.

High in the Colorado Mountains

By now you can guess that this is where we’ve left a piece of our hearts . . .

My H joined me over the Victoria Day long weekend as we continued making some lasting memories. Shaun and Kristal took us down the historic downtown Main Street where we admired the charming original buildings dating back to the 1800’s.

One landmark being, The Grand Strater Hotel, built in 1887.

I took a peek into the Lobby.

And did you know the The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is based here? This could be of interest to a certain someone . . .

I couldn’t help but go into the little French Bakery and check out the goodies there. One day I do want to sit down at one of their tables and actually try a French pastry . . .

just the two of us . . . mother and daughter.

We drove through some old tree-lined streets, checking out the heritage homes . . .

where I couldn’t help but take pictures.

On Sunday afternoon, after meeting many friendly people at the church in the movie theatre, we drove up to a ski resort that reminded us of a mini Whistler.

And . . . as they say . . . what goes up must come down . . . so we did. We came back home to life in the valley . . . where we also have beautiful mountains surrounding us.

Mall Entertainment

We drove to Farmington, New Mexico, about 45 minutes away and the closest place to find a Target and a mall with a maternity store. While Kristal tried on a new wardrobe, I walked through the mall with the kids looking for more interesting things to do... for them.

When mommy was finally done, we took her to a nail place we had seen and made her sit down, soak her feet and enjoy a pedicure. This entertained the kids more than I thought it would... for a bit . . . and then we went back into the mall, just outside the nail place where there was a sitting area. This is where I was surprised by an unexpected show. Check it out.

Eat your Heart Out Paula Deen

Miss Natalie had never heard of Monster Cookies before, but when I told her what I was thinking, she could not get them out of her mind. The next morning she poked her head into the bathroom as I was getting ready and she reminded me... about ... you know... the monster cookies.

After breakfast we went grocery shopping and for a bit of a tour around town. On the way home she turned to me and said, "After lunch Landon is going to take a nap we we are going to make...(in a whisper now) Monster Cookies!"


















Didn't have to show her much...

In fact, I had fun just watching her ...

and posing for the camera person.

Four smarties on each cookie and just a few for the cook.

Her efficiency and self-control were quite inspiring.

That is, until they were baked . . .

to perfection.

Our first high altitude baking experiment was a success!

Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your kitchen, Miss Nat!

A Good Day

Snuggles during Homeward Bound . . .

Go Away Big Green Monster . . . and don't come back until I say so!

All is well in Colorado!

A New State

Our grandkids have come to learn about airplanes and airports very early in life. They go through a stage where they see a plane in the sky and it's obviously Papa and Mimi flying in circles overhead. Then, if we don't live on the plane, we may be living at the airport, where mommy and daddy pick us up and drop us off at their convenience.

It takes a number of trips back and forth, but I'm always happy when they come to understand that we actually live in a house far away.

Now, with their most recent move, our American grands seem yet a little farther away. I know this is only because it's not a direct flight any more. And that is what troubles me because, where before there would be smiling faces all around at the end of the flight . . . now I have that layover or two and maybe a shuttle to think about. And how will I ever know exactly what I will find there?

I can speak. I can read. I don't know why I stress.

I have come to see that (do I dare say?) as an older adult, I am continually being challenged to learn new things . . . oh, and maybe especially so . . . not just in regard to technology, but also in how to get places. I hardly dare drive into Vancouver, but you will find me at an airport in Denver or even Taipei on my way to see my grandchildren. What is that?

I guess it's just a way of life for us. . . and it's all good . . . I will see them soon.