Here is our 2 1/2-year-old grandson Ethan’s message to us this morning when we were on the last leg of our three-day driving trip back from Texas to California. Liz and Ethan met us as we drove into the orange grove, and Liz was happy to let Ethan ride the rest of the way while…
Tag: friends
Thanks for the Visit, Sonny!
Sonny, Nico, and Ray The man on the left in this photo is our dear friend of forty years, Sonny Crawford. He has been visiting us here at the orange grove for the past 8 days and will leave on Wednesday to return to Massachusetts, where his wife and two sons live. Ray met Sonny…
Flash Fiction: Lost and Found
I wrote this a while back, but it’s one of those stories I hold close to my heart. We all feel lost sometimes but then stumble upon a reason we are here. Theresa was tired of feeling lost. She went out to the porch of her house on the lake and stared at the dark…
Family and Friends Arriving!
I am sitting in the living room with Ray, daughter Liz, Jared, our Texas friend and our Utah relatives, nephew Jim and his wife, Karri. JIm’s dad has already gone to bed and so have Jim and Karri’s kids, Eli and Sophie. We are waiting up to greet my Texas niece, Leslie, and her friend,…
Tired but Happy
I have been editing and writing all day today and I am tired now. I saw several students and am wrapping up my online class through Story Circle Network. Plus, I have several high school seniors with college essays that need to be edited, as well. I was up at 5 am working, then took…
Working with Students/ Reconnecting with Friends
I am sitting with my student, George, again for our 2nd quick write. George will be coming twice a week for one hour for the next couple of weeks. This is our plan to get him ready for 6th grade, where he will be required to write a lot in class with a fair amount…
Friends and Distances
Tomorrow Sarah and Luna return to Los Angeles. It has been wonderful having this precious time with them. We had old family friends over tonight who needed to get one last glimpse and snuggle with Luna (and Sarah) before they head back out West. It is times like these that I feel a little sad…
Luna’s Baby Shower
We have just returned from baby Luna’s shower. We hosted this event at Liz’s boyfriend’s parents’ home in Hollywood since their location is central and their living room and dining room are huge. They were gracious to offer their home and we are grateful for their hospitality. We’re also lucky since we had at least…
A Day Full of Family and Friends
We have had a long day today here in Texas – all good – visiting with family and friends from 9 am – midnight. No exaggeration. This is one of the best parts of being in Texas, seeing people we care about. There’s a sense of camaraderie among us that comes from knowing each other for…
Flash Essay: Our Garage Sale or How to Feel Good and Make A Little Money, Too
Our garage sale was a resounding success today. Each of the families who brought items had a handful of cash by the end of the day plus the benefit of a morning and afternoon of genuine camaraderie. We sold most of the items in the sale for fifty cents to a dollar so we sold…
20 Minutes a Day 