Family visit

20 August 2025: Got to spend some time today with my parents, Erin, Krista, and Isla. We celebrated my dad's 79th birthday a few days early, too.

Nonpareils...

27 July 2025: The first night in our hotel, when the staff did a turn-down service while we were out, they left a rose and two little nonpareil candies on a pillow. Those were Ryan's favorite candy. I teared up as soon as I made the connection. 

Erin, Tara, and I talked about how meaningful it was that our get-together coincided with the anniversary of his death. In fact, we talked about him and much more (some very painful, but also with lots of laughter) all weekend long. 

Sisters' trip, day two...

26 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

From starting off at the Central Market to shopping to visiting Wheatland to a night-time round of mini-golf, we really made the most of our full day together. 

Sisters' trip!

25 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

So much fun to get together with Tara and Erin for a couple of days in Lancaster.

Christmas: Part 2

29 December 2024: Hosted Erin and company, Tara and the boys, and my parents today for Christmas: Part 2. Pretty great time!

(this last one taken--obviously--shortly after everyone left)

Christmas 2024

25 December 2024: Blessed to spend the day with Erin, Eric, and the girls (and the dogs, one of whom was insistent on some face-licking...).

Thanksgiving 2024

28 November 2024: 

[Catch-up post]

So thankful to have these four in my life and for the chance to spend the day with them.

The girls invited me to spend the night and watch Christmas movies with them, which delighted me. We watched Mickey's Christmas Carol, Frosty the Snowman, and Home Alone. Just a really lovely, cozy day. 

"You know, making brownies for a bake sale..."

20 November 2024: The post's title comes from my sister's reply when I asked how her birthday was going. She added, "Does anything say 'Mom in her 40s more than that?'" We laughed about that and then reassured each other that "age is just a number" and then laughed at that.

She might be 44, but she's forever and always my baby sister. 

Street Fest 2024

29 June 2024: What a great day today was! This morning, I had a volunteer shift at Street Fest. Then I can home to meet Erin and the girls, who finally met Jo. That went swimmingly, of course. And we went to Street Fest. Hot as heck, but fun. 

Easter 2024

31 March 2024: Marshmallow Peeps are not my fav, but they helped my carrot cake look good enough to impress some of my *actual* favorite peeps. 

So very blessed to get to spend every Easter with Erin, Eric, and the girls. 

Snow ducks...

19 January 2023: I think Jane got me this duck snowball (?) maker two years ago and I had no chance to use it. Busted it out today for the fresh snow that fell, canceling classes for another day. 

After all these years, when it comes to groups of youngsters, I still think in fives.  

Christmas Eve 2023

24 December 2023: 

[Catch-up post...]

A couple of pictures from the nicest parts of the day...

Thanksgiving 2023

23 November 2023:Some pictures from Thanksgiving at the McNett house.

With Krista and my silly veggie turkey.

Doing the "mashed potato" at dinner.

The chefs with their work.

Art with Isla.

Just hanging with two of my favorite people.

My influence...

14 July 2023: Little trip to NY coming up for Aidan and Colin's graduation parties. Erin and the girls are already up there. Erin sent this dispatch earlier.

I mean, in the long run, my legacy of TV influence on them better be more than this, but I am not ashamed. 

Easter 2023

9 April 2023: 

Thanksgiving 2022

24 November 2022:

Quarantine pop-over...

23 August 2022: My parents are in the area this week and Erin and the girls drove out to have lunch with them today for my dad's birthday. Of course, I couldn't join them, but they all swung by after so we could exchange gifts (my gift for my dad, "Annie and Sugie's" birthday gift for me) and they could drop off a take-out dinner. I stood on the porch in my mask and my parents stood in the driveway, with Erin and the girls on the lawn by the sidewalk. It was nice to see them because (already!) I am feeling a bit lonely. "Over three more days to go?" I said to myself not too long ago?

Of course, I am not alone completely. Had a good phone conversation with Vogel, texts from friends, and Wes is always here. (BabyCat also lives here.)

Speaking of BabyCat, this gift (again, "from" Annie and Sugie) is a custom-made depiction of my reticent little queen. It's a reclaimed slate from a barn in Beverly, MA (where Lucy Larcom is from!).

Bald Eagle State Park

4 July 2022: 

[Catch-up post...]

Got to do some swimming, boating, and tubing. Nice way to spend the 4th when it's hard to feel that great about the country right now.

Spikes Game!

2 July 2022: 

[Catch-up post...]

Little vacation in PA with the McNetts kicked off with my first baseball game since the pandemic. Felt great, even with the Spikes' loss.

Easter 2022

17 April 2022: So incredibly blessed to have Erin, Eric, and the girls nearby every Easter. And today was also Erin and Eric's 12th anniversary.