Day 34 - Spring Fever

Everyone was out sick this week. While it makes for less money, it has freed up time to take walks and hit the treadmill. On wednesday morning, Nora and 16-month old Maddie followed me around while I picked up dog poop, and dragged the trash can to the curb. Scot had left his bike in the driveway, with the trailer still attached. On a whim, I put the two kids in, and rode to the mailbox. And I kept riding.

The temp had to have been 75, and a light breeze was blowing. I sat high and comfy on the cruiser seat. When the air brushed over my skin, it had the same feeling of jumping into a pool on a sweltering day. It felt downright refreshing. The orange trees have just started to blossom, and I swear they are laced with LSD. I'm not sure why that smell is so intoxicating, but to smell it is to be happy. I rode in lazy circles, head in the clouds. I crossed Mountain View road, and checked out nearby neighborhoods. Usually when I ride, I'm riding for speed and a workout, but this was a cruise. Birds were all partaking in the day, creating a cacophony of music from the high trees. I cut down to the greenbelt and passed old ladies and small dogs. I had become oblivious of the kids, and suddenly remembered I wasn't alone on my sensory feast. As I turned for home, Nora begged me to keep biking. Strange request from the child that's always bored and looking for the next adventure. She must have been feeling the magic of the day, too.

Day 33- A Picture You Can't Argue With

Mary and George (Mother and Her Brother)


Mary is 67. George just turned 70. Both were born to parents in their 40's, who died young. "I love my brother!" Mary always says in the same sing-songy way. I see myself in my mom, and in my Uncle George. I see the grandfather I only know from pictures in my Uncle George, and the gentleness Nana possessed in my mom. All of their family is gone now, and has been for over 40 years. They are each others only link to the past. They have a very special bond, and I'm glad they have each other.

Day 32 - Chiwuawua Stereotyping

Hey Gringo, Do not look at me here under this table. This toy, it's Patrick, No? I am begging of you, por favor, to let me indulge in this treat. I simply had to have it. It is my namesake, and me gusto.

Hey, who you calling gordito? So what if If have gained 3 pounds living with you Northerners. I have suffered through mashed potatoes and pot roast. I miss my mama and her tamales. That was living right!

Day 31- Continued... The Wrath of The Mother

Mother, you are adorable. That last blog pic of you was NOT bad. You just had a funny look on your face.
To show you that I meant no harm, and would never intentionally post a bad picture of you, you can stop digging through the photo archives.


Here you go...

Natural Instincts B23- Nutmeg

Day 31- Travel Tuesday - "Priceless"

Upcoming Mexican Riviera Cruise (courtesy Norm and Mary) - $2400

Cruise Essentials - $400

Dog Boarding - $150

Formal OnBoard Dinners With My Family - PRICELESS


Mary on Princess Sapphire Mexican Riviera Cruise, March 2006 .

Day 30- For Your Consideration

From McCormick Ranch Lifestyle Magazine:

McCormick Ranch Family Photo Contest
Share a great photo of your family riding bikes, swimming, or just enjoying life on McCormick Ranch. Please email your photo to the editor by April 20th. Be on the cover of our Summer issue!

From the Editor:

Good morning, Toni!

Thank you so much for the lovely photo. I will let you know if your family is chosen by the end of April.

All the best,

Jane Doe

Founder/Editor

McCormick Ranch Lifestyle

Go Joelle! Go Joelle!

Joelle Massari Photography

Day 29- Magnificent

Nora Ruby chomping on a pretzel


Scot not looking because he had not showered. It's 7 pm and I still haven't.

Everything today was "magnificent." That's because this morning I finally found "Magnificent", U2's new single on YouTube. For weeks, Sirius radio has been playing the single, but I haven't been able to listen to a bootleg copy online. Till today. What a great song. It's soaring vocals, awesome guitar riffs and beautiful lyrics have me peeing my pants. The album is released on Tuesday, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

So today, things were "magnificent." We celebrated Scot's birthday today. A bike ride, steak on the grill, and ice cream cake were on his easy daily agenda. Even laundry folding got a punch from pretzels and beer. What a magnificent way to spend a Sunday.

It was a magnificent 80 degrees, and Maggie is on the mend from a bout of bronchitis. Happy Birthday (tomorrow) Scot. You're 38, but you don't look a day older than when I met you. You were 24 then. Where has the time gone? I love you, you magnificent man.