Voice of Science

We love listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson speak and this time was even better - 

 

 the first 2000 people (including us!!) 

 

 

received a free, hand-signed copy of his new book, "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry."

 

Almost the entire 4,300 seat Dolby Theater was sold out, which was no surprise. 

 

The man is intelligent, funny, personable and makes science accessible to even the science-challenged (me, sometimes). Plus, he's a voice of reason and logic in these crazy anti-science days. 

 

LA traffic was kind to us  - 

 

we arrived at the Dolby before 5:00, which gave us plenty of time for a leisurely dinner, 

 

 

 a stroll along Hollywood Blvd to check out the crazies stars, 

 

and to admire the beautiful architecture in the home of the Academy Awards. A perfect evening. 

Life Skills

Pop has been teaching Leanne to shuffle cards. Life skills, people.

Movie Night

Our local theater has begun offering a free showing of older movies about once a month. The first was Wizard of Oz - Leia's all-time favorite movie - and tonight we saw Princess Bride, a family favorite. 

 

Even Jac enjoyed the show (the baby headphones lasted about halfway through the movie before Jac decided she was done.) Thanks, Roxy Stadium 11!

 

Leanne is still weaving,

 

slow and steady.

 

She needs to finish this week since I need the loom for a class next weekend. And she's  already talking about her next project . . .

Baby Beluga

Hubby's latest scheme plan is starting to come together. 

 

For almost two years, he's been dreaming of getting a long-wheelbase passenger van and converting the interior so we can take long road trips in comfort. Neither of us wants an RV or camper - been there, done that, didn't like it.

 

So when a 2015 Ford Transit 12-passenger van showed up in ads at a local dealer, we packed up JacJac and headed over.

 

And found out the van was sold. Disappointed, we headed for home only to get a call an hour later that the deal had fallen through and the van was available after all.

 

Several hours*, and a test drive later, Baby Beluga was ours.

 

Hubby plans to replace the last three rows of seats with four captain's chairs, a fridge and table,

 

plus add a small bathroom in the very back. 

 

That will give us enough seating when Rachel's family comes to visit or if we take the little girls on an overnight trip. So many possibilities! 

* Jac was happy and cooperative the entire time we were at the dealership. I can't imagine any of our other kids or grandkids contentedly sitting around for 3+ hours. She's such a good-natured sweetheart.

School Dayz

Hooray for fantastic parents and happy grandkids. 

 

Friday was Harry Potter Day at Leia's school. Mary spent the previous night putting this wizardly costume together - including the owl on Leia's head. Soooo awesome.

Poor Rachel had this exchange with her 10-year-old daughter Thursday night:

Addy: Hey mom, tomorrow is Dress for Your Dream Job Day. I would like to be a park ranger. Anyway, goodnight!

Me:😳

Never doubt that Rachel is up for a challenge. A Cricut machine,

 

a souvenir Junior Ranger badge,

 

and a trip by Dad to Sportsmans Warehouse at 8:30 pm,

 

equals one very happy Addison.

Fairy Garden

Marie put together a fairy garden for us this week,

 

using succulents

 

and various items 

 

she and her dad 

 

have been collecting for months.

 

So adorable.

 

And a great use for a small space 

 

that's right outside our kitchen window.

 

As a bonus, she also planted succulents in the waterless-because-of-drought fountain we found years ago at a small store in Little Rock CA.

 

But best of all? 

 

She's setting up a drip irrigation system so we won't need to remember to water.

 

That Marie is a pretty smart cookie. (And the plants might actually survive.)

Please Don't Die - Outdoor Edition

Spring + black thumb = annual desire to plant things and watch them die hope they survive.

 

This year we're trying potted plants.

 

Marie recommended geraniums begonias for the shaded porch

 

and colorful pansies for the sunny yard,

 

along with hanging baskets with strawberries 

 

and more geraniums. 

 

The rose tree hubby planted last year - and has sole responsibility for, which is probably why it's still alive - is producing flowers like crazy. 

 

Nice to know something can survive us!

 

Hoping For The Best - Indoor Edition

Look what was waiting for us on the sidewalk in front of Home Goods this weekend.

 

I don't have a good track record when it comes to growing things, but every spring I get the bug to plant, plant, plant!

 

This year, the little girls and I decided to try our hand at succulents and - miracle of miracles - they are doing well. 

 

 So well, in fact, that I was running out of places to put them, especially the ones that need to be out of Lily Cat's reach. She loves to nibble on some and dig up others. Soooo (not) helpful.

 

 

My new found treasure should keep them out of her reach and look good doing it. Now if I can just remember to water . . . .

Speech Tourney

Tonight was Leia's first speech tournament.

 

She and her partner have have been practicing a shortened version of  "No Mirrors In My Nana's House" for weeks. 

 

They made it through the first two rounds,

 

as did their classmates,

 

but weren't selected to participate in the final awards round.

  Leia's personal cheering section

Leia was bummed but I think she enjoyed the experience overall. 

 

 

I'm betting this won't be her last speech tourney.