Sunday, June 1, 2014

June! Time to Return to Blogland!

 Life has taken some twists and turns as usual over the last few months.  Just look at this drive we took!  That's pretty much how it's been as we've navigated our second year in California. Beautiful, unpredictable, but always somehow finding our way home at the end.




I'm not going to attempt to catch you up on EVERYTHING, but I will just go over some of the highlights today and then perhaps in later posts show you some more pictures of  Mr. T's and my adventures.

I got new glasses! They automatically tint in the sun. Yes, there is an official name for that, I forget it at the moment.


We've been to some fun and beautiful places!

Self-explanatory

Ski-lift ride down from Mt. Baldy - my terrified phone picture :-)

Drive to Lake Tahoe - Definitely a post in itself!

THEY are still the same...




 I'm almost 12!


Darcy and Dexter living the life with The Maven

I'm still teaching my Japanese students along with my able Teaching Assistant, Bumby.


Stanley took over TA duties for a few days went I went to stay with him after a scary incident - another post, but he's okay now.  And a good teaching assistant, although his Japanese is rusty.


See? Better!


I'm eating "clean". Trying to, anyway. Another post-worthy endeavour at some point.


Trying to improve the looks and comfort of 'the old place'. Love these 'Poofs!


Still visiting Vintage places and dreaming...


Best twist and turn?  This, hands down!


One year out from surgery! Doing great. Recently took training to become a Peer Counselor/Advocate within the California Mental Health system. Passed with flying colors, is applying for jobs in her exciting, new field and has an interview next week!

What a difference a year makes!

I'll take those twists and turns as long as they lead to something better ahead.

Big hug to my special friend, Sandie at Chatty Crone.  Hope you get to read this because it means I'm thinking about you, my blue, Ball Jar friend!

And a big hug to all my friends and family who have been patient while The Boston Lady learns her new computer, adjusts to life and keeps on, keeping on.

(Oh, and I had to quit the dog walking job. Hated leaving those hounds, but something had to give!)






11 comments:

Decor To Adore said...

So glad you're back. We at DTA manor have missed your shenanigans.

Love the new glasses.

So, so proud of that darling girl.
My mom worked in the M.H. industry for over 30 years and found it to be very fulfilling.

I currently feel like Panda in photo 7 due to jet lag. :)

Mr. Connor said...

Wow ~back in full force. Panda is going to spend the WHOLE month celebrating a birthday. What a dog. Everything looks good and a great time was had by all. Been very busy I see. Glasses ~ photo-ray ~ at least they used to called that . take some getting used to. Worked very well for your younger brother ~ I did not like tehm at all.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann!
It's so nice to see your new post, and I'll be looking forward to the coming posts, when you are ready to tell the stories of...Stanley's story, it's good to see he IS better; and the ride to Tahoe; and eating clean...I always am interested in new ideas for healthy eating...(and your fridge does look clean as well as tempting; and hmmm...well the skilift ride does look exciting.
But, yes! the Maven's story is wonderful, and surely best, one year after surgery, with a new certificate, and training to work in her chosen field. And she looks wonderful, and happy!
You also look wonderful, and nice glasses indeed, and I still like the story of how your lost glasses from the packing for your trip west, were found.
The pets look good, and Panda looks perfect for 12. It's good to see Bumby is enjoying her role as assistant to you in your work of tutor to your Japanese students. Are you learning Japanese, Ann as your tutor, I wonder?
It's nice to see your post Ann, and I will look forward to reading further posts!
All the best to you, and your whole family.
Brenda

Anonymous said...

So very nice to read an update from you. Congrats to the Maven! I look forward to seeing more posts from you. I've been an absent blogger since March also. Love to you, sweet Ann.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Lovely to hear an update on your life - being busy is good!

Razmataz said...

Good to see you back. Congrats to the Maven and good luck sent her way to secure a job in her field.

Unknown said...

WELCOME BACK.
I'm sooooo proud of Wendy's accomplishments.
All of you over there are some real troopers.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Sounds like life is good, Ann! Fun travels and photos...and a big congrats to your daughter!! Cute photo of you!

the cape on the corner said...

oh my gosh, yay to see a post from you! it sounds like you've been busy! i love your new transition shades (yes, that's what they're called) and glad the pets are all doing ok. and yay for the maven's career move-what does that advocate actually entail? i am a huge advocate for advocacy (hmmm) since i am one, too!

Chatty Crone said...

I am an old bell jar - lol - love it. Gee you shared a lot. The glasses are transitions. I love how well the animals get along together. Whose dog is that big one? And congrats to Maven. Do you know Japanese? Thanks for all your prayers. Keep blogging. Sandie

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Cute glasses. Your trip have been fun, glad you enjoyed them. Love all the pictures of your babies. Glad Stanley is doing better. Eating clean is so awesome...way to go!
I'm so happy for The Maven. Glad your back.....
Debby