Amanda's Boyfriend Mike

He's always been cute and smart and takes wonderful care of my daughter. This picture I took yesterday as we waited for the new Sushi place's Grand Opening captures his sunny personality perfectly. PS: The Sushi place ran out of food before we even got in. Quite the line.

Manassero Farms Strawberries

Another one of the joys of having a place in Southern California is getting fresh Manassero Farms Strawberries. They are amazing. That's why my picture is just empty baskets - we ate them all the minute we got them home. Maybe next time I'll take my picture in the car on the way home from the stand.

My Uncle Emile married a Manassero, my Aunt Inez, one of the classiest women I've ever known. She wore wonderful hats to church and smelled terrific. In the summer, she wore Bermuda shorts and white sleeveless Brooks Brothers style shirts. And short little golf socks. Orange County in the '50's would have made pretty boring reality TV.

Jacaranda Trees

One of the joys of finally having a place to live (although just part time) in Southern California, is the amazing foliage. And one of my favorites is the Jacaranda Tree. When the Jacarandas are in bloom, they have tons of purple flowers. When they aren't, they still display lacy leaves that can be used to make green bridal gowns for your dolls. I also used huge rose thorns for the high heels for my Jan doll's hand crafted shoes.

Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz

Last night was totally fun. Went to the Auld Dubliner Pub in Irvine for the pub quiz with my son Zach, daughter Amanda, her boyfriend Mike, friends Hope and Justin, and Lewis. We finished in the money with a very respectable second place. Who knew the address of the Griffins from the cartoon Family Guy? Yes, Zach did. (31 Spooner Street.) That was from the Prime Numbers round. Also in the Prime Numbers round was a question about Jacquee Harris's late 1990's series. Since "227" was in the '80's, everyone got credit. Darn! And as usual, Amanda rocked the music round and Lewis knew more movie trivia than would seem humanly possible. Mike is the guy for anything Biology (pre-med) and now we all know that an elephant's tusks are teeth, not horns. Justin takes the Engineering and math and Hope is awesome for all general knowledge. In case of a tie, Zach is the secret weapon in a dance off. (Images courtsey of the Geeks Who Drink Website.)

Favorite Card

Just punches, shiny cardstock, and glue.

Graduation Card

Made my daughter a Graduation Card with Roman Numerals (for 2011) that I cut out myself so they would fit together on the card.

Sunday Card

Just a cute Lockhart Window Stamp colored with Copics and mounted on Amuse Cardstock.