Expect the unexpected!

We were attending a luncheon to celebrate the 45th. anniversary of my  friend and classmate, Loretta Orpilla.
We attended Immaculate High School and have kept in touch.
She had her wedding party (all who were still living) including altar boy, flower girl and ring bearer, and of course, her husband, Carlos.
I wondered why I was invited then remembered that I sang for the wedding.
It was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Basil Café in Embassy Suites. This is located on West Valley Highway and not too far from our home.

It was 11:00 a.m. at communion time. I was getting nervous so  decided to exit. I placed  my choir book under my arm,
received the Eucharist and left. I put my robe away and hurried out to meet Joe. We walked over to the parking garage feeling good. Joe wiggled out of the parking place and headed down to the next level. As we continued to exit the garage a car backed out and crashed into the side of the truck!
We spoke to him, he gave us his card and asked us to call later in the evening because of a prior engagement.
Again we were on our way hoping we would arrive on time.
On time?  After all that, we arrived  at 11:30a.m.. The place was closed until noon!

We went into the Embassy Suites, sat down, waited until I recognized one of Loretta's cousins, Ben Laigo. I had never met him, but there was enough of a family resemblance that I was comfortable asking if he was there for Loretta & Carlos.

Loretta is from a fantastic family, loving, Intelligent, interesting and fun.
 It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with them.

Loretta is caring for a brother who is living with severe developmental problems. He is interesting to
watch, loves to eat food  and  drink coffee.  He kept staring at me and I wanted to know what he was thinking.  Loretta is waiting for his caregiver to return. In the meantime she is taking care of all his needs.  I call her Saint Loretta.

All in all it was a fun day. Good friends, good food, what more  does a person need.

P.S. They kept asking me to sing. ( no piano, no sheet music to follow, yikes)  I decided to give it a try. I sang Anniversary Waltz. Ben helped me with the words.
I guess it was OK. when I was finished, Carlos yelled out, "Martha, you still got it".

Another out of body experience!

Fresh Fig Bread

We have a fig tree that giveth a plenty.  When I get tired of pigging out on the oh so delicious figs I chop & freeze. The recipe calls for liquid poured over figs. I use grape juice.
One of the problems with the bread is it is impossible to double the recipe.
 I decided to prepare ingredients for three loaves and mix one at a time. I used the Cuisinart to mix dry ingredients. I mixed each one and put it in separate bowl. Then I put sugar in separate  bowls, eggs oil and vanilla in separate bowls  etc. You get the idea.
Filled pans sat while I did the next. I managed to get all three pans in the oven in less than 5 minutes.

I know this is boring to anyone but me but the good news!  The bread raiseth!

I was great while it lasted!

Joe is having trouble with his printer so decided to try to print photos on mine. It worked for a while and was such fun then printer lost power. We tried checking all the plugs but to no avail.

Some random photos of some of my favorite things.

                                                Joe enjoying the tearoom

                                               When we had a great garden

                                             Cape Perpetua

 

Cape Perpetua

 

. Joe may figure it out but not today. I have practice and want to relax for a time. Reading a manual is not my idea of fun or relaxation.

Rest In Peace Lennie

One of my favorite photos of Lennie and  Betty Minardo, Godparents of our son James.

We have  fond memories of Lennie.   He was a great cook and very generous with his culinary
treasures. We love you Lennie.

Betty, Lennie and James

June 25 1967

Thankgiving 2014

This is the first Thanksgiving that I did absolutely nothing in the way of food preparation. Liz was in charge and prepared a sumptuous feast.  All family contributed as well as our friends Michelle, Chinh and Kenny.
It is always difficult to take photos at a family gathering but I'll post my effort.

                                       Svetlana and Liz

                                      Chinh   Kenny and Michelle

                                         Steve Mackenzie and John H.

                                         Nancy and Steve     Mother and Step- father of John H.

                                          John Mackenzie and Mom

                                          Mike MacKenzie

                                       Joe Mackenzie  the third

                                   Zoey relaxing on her cousins Alex & Sami
                          Sergiu on left     Kenny being used as a head rest for Z

 

Joe

 

 

The After Party entertainment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenny and Zoe

 

 

In Search of a blossom

Since Liz continues to post photos of beautiful flowers, I decided to walk around the yard to see if I have missed a blossom.
As you will see, my feeble attempt was a failure. I did find some primroses blooming under maple leaves but they are not exactly worth a photo. This has never stopped me before, so enjoy my nothings!

Family Ravioli Night