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Monday, September 19, 2016

WHAT SHALL I POST ABOUT ?

Sorry to have taken so long in between posts, but so much has been happening in my life, some good and some not so good.  Lots of health issues.

During the month of June I injured myself hoeing the garden and pulled my hip out of wack.  I was so scared that I needed a hip replacement, so off to the Doctor I went.  I could hardly walk and had to use a walker.  The Doctor was going to give me a steroid shot and when she pulled my shirt up, she exclaimed you have Shingles.  What.... I had the shot,  but, guess again one out of three will get it even with the shot, only not as bad.  I didn't feel anything and only a very small spot.  It was down hill from there.  We had a really hot spell in the 100's and didn't that kick up my COPD.  Along with the antibiotics I was given steroids.  I really hate them and it threw my system out and I couldn't get enough to eat.  I was down for almost three weeks with that.  Then my right shoulder and arm started acting up, back to the Doctor and another steroid shot.  I couldn't even use my computer.  But on to some pictures..........


My Fourth of July tablescape


My Liberty Rooster - he only comes out for 4th of July.


Shaun and Kelly came down on July 2nd, as Shaun was going deep sea fishing out of Newport Harbor for an overnight trip, so Kelly got to stay with grandma, yea.  We had a great time, lots of Uno games with Xeoie (across the street from me).  Kelly and I got her new Kicks, went to the movies and then out to a spaghetti dinner and then Sunday night I got Tony Roma's ribs, Red Robin fries and onion rings and corn on the cob.  For dessert we had strawberry short cake.  A good time was had by all.  

Sunday night Shaun arrived and picked up Kelly and they started home,


Kelly really had a great time going through my material.  I let her pick out whatever she wanted.  She took home a whole tub of material, Shaun just rolled his eyes when he saw it.  LOL

Went up to my son's for my Birthday  and really had a wonderful time.  Silly me took my camera, but forgot to take pictures.  However, I did get a couple of my granddaughter Kelly with Skittles.

I arrive on Sunday, and my son invited a couple friends for dinner.  Wonderful meal - smoked chicken and ribs, wow were they good.  Good conversation, dining al fresco.  Monday, we took Kelly to Horse Camp (this was her third week).  She is in love with horses and has a bank on her desk saving for a horse.  We then drove to Santa Cruz, CA which is on the Pacific and is a beach community looking for a home for me.  I am not moving but I humored him an played along.  He took me back to his home as he had to work from home.

Tuesday, he had to go to work and a friend that I worked with lives up in San Jose and he came and took me to lunch.  We had yummy Italian food and talked for hours.

Since this was my actual Birthday we went out to dinner at a very good local restaurant.  Kelly and I had cheese ravioli with Shrimp in a lovely lemon sauce.  Of course we had to have dessert, my favorite is bread pudding. oh my goodness it was amazing with sauce.


Kelly all dressed to go to Horse Camp - holding Skittles.


You almost see the horses being lead to where they are going to be ridden.

Wednesday, we dropped off Kelly at horse camp and Shaun took me to the airport and I flew home.  I must say I really missed my home and my terrific dogs.  They were so happy to see me.

Now we are into August and met some really good friends that I used to work with.  Michael and Terry are from Ohio so we had dinner with them.


The woman in the red blouse was my assistant and the other lady was my supervisor.


Elsie still works at Amada, but her husband has retired.


Not a great picture, Outback was full and lighting very bad.  This is Michael and Terry.

We really had a great time remembering all the hard work and fun times we had.


My friend Jessie took me to see Grease put on by a wonderful group of actors and actresses.  They really did an amazing job.  This was held at the Buena Park Senior Center, out under the stars.  My Birthday gift from her.  We had such fun evening.

This little trip is from Friday.


Here we are at Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach.  Another Birthday trip (I like getting old LOL)
Just a few pictures we took there acting silly some of the time.  This picture is when you first go into the gardens.



Boy were those pumpkins expensive.


Look at those beautiful mums along with the amazing pumpkins.  All different colors,and shapes.



We are now entering the scarrrrrrrrrry part of Rogers Gardens.  This area was simply amazing.  All the things they though of, unbelievable.  I will let the picture speak for themselves.



A very scary Snow White.....




It was such a BIG clock that actually worked


Little Red Ridding Hood

Oh grandmother what BIG EYES you have............  the wolf growled


My friend Lupe taking a selfie....

Pretty fall tablescape

We went into the gift shop and some of it was closed due to decorating for Christmas.  The Christopher Radko Room was open and I believe it is always open with Christmas ornaments. Here are a few pictures from around that area.



Beautiful Santa's


This is the actual Radko room.  I believe the cheapest ornament starts at $25.00 on up into the hundreds.

These trees are stunning, all made from jewelry.


This tells all about the artist - beautiful workmanship.

By this time I was running out of steam, you know that I just turned 81 and it was time to have lunch.
Rogers Gardens opened up a terrific restaurant but were sold out, so we couldn't eat there, but it sure was lovely.

We ended up going to the El Torito for their brunch, which was very good.  I was sure tired when I got home, but what a beautiful day with a terrific friend.  So many wonderful memories were made.

Just a few pictures of my drought garden.


My beautiful Waldo, who is getting old but loves to be in my pictures.  This bush is the ones you see on the freeways here in So CA.  You can't kill them, but so pretty with their flowers.



Thank you all for stopping by and I am so sorry that this is such a long post.  Hope that you all  enjoyed it.

Hoping that you will leave comments as Waldo, Lili and I love reading them.

Mary

Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday
      The Dedicated House ~ Make it Pretty Monday        
    Between Naps On The Porch ~ Metamorphosis Monday
A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday
Coastal Charm ~ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesday


Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson ~ Share Your Cup Thursday
Thoughts of Home on Thursdays @ At Home With Jemm

50 comments:

  1. Hi Mary, I was so excited to see your post in my inbox tonight and also thank you for stopping by and your kind comments today. My arm is getting better so I am able to do a bit more on the computer. I am so behind with visits because of it but little by little I'm getting around.
    I was so sorry to read about your ups and downs with health issues over the summer and so hope you are feeling better now. You sure look great in the photos and a belated Happy Birthday to you on turning 81. What a wonderful summer you enjoyed with family and friends. Your grand is a beautiful girl and good luck to her in her journey with horse riding. Love your garden and Waldo is so adorable. He is such a sweetheart. I know you were happy to get back home to him and Lili.

    Have a great week and continued good health. Take care and happy fall this week.
    Love to you my friend. xoxox I sure missed you!!

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments. It is always wonderful to receive them.

      Waldo is the best. If I go outside he is right there with me anywhere I go in the house he is with me. Always keeping guard. Lili not so much.

      I didn't go into all the medical problems that I have because I didn't want a pity party. Due to the COPD I cannot have surgery only life saving. The cardiology dr found that I have aortic stenosis and I am not a good candidate for surgery. But, there is a new procedure called TRAV where they go up your leg and insert a new valve. I would have to go to Southern CA Univ in LA, but he wants to wait for 6 months and re-do test to see if it has gotten worse. I don't seem to have any problems, so that's good.

      So glad that your hand is doing better, don't over do or you will be back starting all over again.

      Got all my Fall decorations up and will try and do a post at the end of the week.

      Thanks again for you comments, always so good to hear from you.

      Hugs,
      Mary

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  2. Hi Mary! Oh, where do I begin? I'm so sorry your hip was hurting you so badly but glad you didn't have to get it replaced. I had to steroids once and it did a number on me too! I felt like a storm was raging inside me. Oh, poor you! Shingles! I've been blessed with those too. I got them before I was old enough to get the shot. I'd had the shot now so I'm glad to know it may not be so bad if you've had the shot. Now your family times sounds like lots of fun and your little granddaughter is so cute! How nice to get to meet up with friends and rehash olden times. Glad you're home and little Waldo is so cute. We've just gotten back from an almost a month long trip in our RV. I'm totally pooped and will get back to blogging soon. Take care of yourself sweet friend
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. So glad to hear from you Shelia and that you had a wonderful trip in your RV.

      So glad that you liked my post, thought that I would never get it finished.

      I do love that beautiful granddaughter of mine, she is so sweet.

      Have a wonderful week.

      Hugs,
      Maary

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  3. I am tickled to death to see you posting...and you've shown us some amazing photos...I can just feel your love for Kelly...what a blessing our kids and grands are.
    So sorry you've had health problems but let me say...you look fantastic...such a pretty lady. xoxo

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  4. Hi Mary,
    Happy to see your post pop up tonight. Loved seeing all your adventures this summer. Your granddaughter is adorable and how sweet she would love to own a horse some day. Looks like a great birthday celebration for you too. Glad your hip is better and you did not need surgery. Shingles is the pits. Glad you had the shot to lessen the severity and time. Little photo bomber Waldo is too adorable. Hugs to Waldo and Lili from Cooper.
    Have a great new week. Enjoy Mary. Wished you lived closer to get together. Would love to try out some of the el fresco restaurants by you.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such great comments Kris. Let me know if you ever come to LA as I will be there in a heart beat to meet you and would take you everywhere.

      I didn't hurt my hip and it is fine. Just pulled something and with rest it's okay, no problems.

      I was so glad that I got the Shingles shot and the pneumonia new one. At my age I will take all the help I can.

      Again, thanks for stopping by, I always love all your posts and comments. Have a terrific week and hugs to little Cooper. Waldo, Lili and I are praying that he beats cancer.

      Hugs to you dear friend,
      Mary

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  5. My goodness, Mary, what a great post. You did a wonderful job catching us up. My husband had a hip replacement and he did fantastic and was overjoyed with the results. Howard also had a knee replacement and it also went perfectly...he is back to bike riding as usual.
    His brother just had his shoulder replaced and once again, a total success. Not to worry if it must be done because you will do great.
    I was sorry to hear about your health issues. Getting older is not a walk in the park.
    I LOVE Roger's Gardens. My daughter lives just down the street from them AND of course, Fashion Island! Can walk to the beach as well.
    Just so nice to see a post from you. I've drifted away from posting and wish I could get back in the swing. Maybe one day. Loved all the photo's. ALSO...HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend. Mine 80th will be here in about three weeks. Sort of scares me...time is flying by..faster and faster. Take good care my friend,
    Love,
    Mona

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    1. I want to be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday. It's not so bad getting olden.

      I am afraid that surgery is out of the question with COPD, they will only do it on a life saving basis. My hip doesn't bother me anymore and I don't think it was the hip, just pulled something.
      Thanks so much for leaving all the sweet comments and I am so glad that you stopped by. I miss your posts.

      Have a terrific week, Mona.

      Hugs dear friend.

      Mary

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  6. I love your posts because I used to live in Orange County, so I can relate to all the places you talk about. I can travel in my mind with you. But this is not bad at all (Rosarito Beach, Mexico).
    I sure hope you're getting better, and aren't you lucky with those shingles? I mean, you didn't even know you had them! Bertha.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Bertha. I love Rosarito Beach and have been there many many times. In fact it was there at the Rosarito Beach that I feel in love with my ex. So you see it has a special memory for me, he since passed.

      There are certainly lots of places to see and go to in Orange County. Wish that I could go back to Rosarito Beach, but don't drive that much anymore.

      Have a great week.
      Mary

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  7. I do pray you are feeling better Mary! For having so many health related issues, you have definitely been busy! A trooper, you are! Loved visiting all of the great places you shared! Stay healthy and be Blessed! Cindy xo

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Cindy. Yes, I do feel better and hope that it stays that way. Still have a lot of living to do, if the good Lord is willing.

      Have a wonderful week and again thanks so much.

      Mary

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  8. You sure had a lot of health problems to deal with, and still managed to have lots of fun little trips seeing friends and family. I was horse crazy as a child, like your grand daughter. Horse camp sounds perfect for her.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. Yes, after I started feeling better I did get some fun times in.

      Kelly has been taking riding lessons for about 4 years now and they lease a horse. She loves it.

      Have a great week.

      Mary

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  9. What a wonderful post. Full of so many events and great photos. I am sorry that you have had some health issues, but it sounds like you are feeling much better. I think here in Southern California we all feel better when the heat abates and it starts getting cooler. I know that the heat really saps my ability to get much done.

    I know a couple of other people who have developed Shingles even after they had the vaccine, but not as bad as it would have been without the shot.

    It was fun to see all the pictures from Rodger's Gardens sometime I must get myself down there again. If I do go, thanks to your advise, I will try to make a reservation at the restaurant ahead of time.

    So happy to see you posting again. Take care.

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  10. So glad that you enjoyed the post. I just really didn't feel like doing much after I got better, took a long time.

    Let me know if your going to Rogers Gardens alone and I will meet you there. They sure have beautiful things, but very expensive.

    Looking forward to seeing your finished living room.

    Have a wonderful week, maybe we will see some rain tomorrow.

    Mary

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  11. I'm so sorry about your health problems, Mary. The shingles aren't good...my mother had them and I remember her being in a lo of pain. Hope you are feeling better now on all counts.

    Your granddaughter, Kelly, sounds so sweet. I think she really treasured time with you. How I miss board games, I doubt I could ever get my kids to play any with me! lol! You are so busy, I don't know how you do it. And you look wonderful! I love your outfit!

    I hope the weather cools off and you get some rain. And thanks so much for your visits. So many happy things going on in my life but I, too, have those health ups and downs. Comes with age. :(

    Jane

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  12. Oh Jane so good to hear from you and all your sweet comments. I love playing board games with Kelly, we always have so much fun. And she is quite the seamstress, Is making her own clothes. Goes to the Good Will and buy something she likes and comes home and re-designs it.She sure had fun going through all my fabric. We fill up a plastic tub and I thought my son was going to faint when he arrived to pick her up LOL.

    I think maybe we might get some rain tomorrow, I have my fingers and toes crossed.

    I hope you are feeling better Jane, please take care of yourself and don't over do out at the Lake House, I know you are anxious to get everything in order, but be safe.

    Again, thanks so much for stopping by. I always enjoy your posts and comments.

    Hugs
    Mary

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  13. Hi Mary! Aw! You have a lot of fun, don't you? I'm so sorry that you had so many health issues to deal with but you look great! You sound happy! I BET the doggies were delighted to see you when you returned. I couldn't see some of the pictures but I love the ones I could see.
    Take care! Happy birthday (celebrate all month!)

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    1. Sorry that you couldn't see some of the pictures, they looked okay when I finished the post. Thanks so much for stopping by, always love to hear from you.

      You have to have some fun because as we get olden, you never know if we can get about and have fun.

      Have a great rest of the week.

      Mary

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  14. It's good to see you back, Mary. I'm so sorry to hear about your hip -- never fun to be in pain. But it looks like with the "rain" comes some "sun" with good family visits and great friendships. And shopping never hurts! I really do love that Radko tree. I have some of his ornaments and they are exquisite -- seeing the whole tree must have been a joy!

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    1. So good to hear from you Jeanie. The hip is fine now that I am not using the hoe and digging in the garden.
      The Radko ornaments were simply stunning. When my son got married I started giving them one ornament each Christmas, so they had a very nice collection. When the granddaughter came along and she was about 2, there she was taking them off the tree and throwing them into the fireplace. So the rest were moved up higher on the tree.
      I don't know how many she broke. Funny now, but not then LOL
      Great to hear from you.
      Mary

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  15. Hi Mary, I'm so sorry about your health so glad you back on track, your post was so nice look like you have nice time with your family ,Waldo look happy to have Mimi back home take care and have blessing day
    Thank you so mush for your lovely comments on my Fall part 2.
    Blessing
    Isora
    XOX

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  16. Thanks so much for stopping by Isora and leaving your sweet comments.
    Have a great rest of the week.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  17. Hello Mary, again a Happy Birthday to you!! :) So sorry to hear about all of the health issues you had going on. I do hope you are feeling better. Sounds like you had a great time with your son and granddaughter to celebrate your birthday. It must of been fun going to dinner with your old work friends. How nice to go to the gardens too. I love those mums, pumpkins, and the Halloween decorations. Your garden looks nice and Waldo is so adorable. Do take care and it was so nice to hear from you!!
    Hugs, Julie

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Julie, always glad to receive your sweet comments. I'm hanging in there and i think I will feel better when the weather cools off some.

      Have a great weekend.

      Hugs,
      Mary

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  18. Happy Belated Birthday Mary!! Sounds like you had a great one! Waldo is so cute. Tell Lili that Bella says hello.

    Judy

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    1. Thanks so much Judy, it's always so good to hear from you. Have a great rest of the week.
      Mary

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  19. Happy Birthday, sweet lady. You have certainly been having good times for yourself. Good for you. I love seeing Waldo's sweet old face. So cute. I had to laugh, everytime we go to Santa Cruz to see our daughter she always has an ad for a modular home for sale in her area. She is bound and determined that we are moving back there! Maybe we could be roomies!!! That place is so expensive any more, I don't think we could afford it again. I can't believe you had the shingles, I had the shot too and so far I haven't had them but that is a bit scary. Hope you are feeling better..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy

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  20. I am afraid that it is way to expensive for me and I am not going anywhere as long as I have my dogs, because I am not giving them up, After they pass I may just move into a Retirement Center. Time will tell
    Thanks so much for stopping by. Always great to receive you comments and read your post.
    Enjoy the rest of the week.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  21. Mary, I wondered where you were! Oh dear....I hope you are doing much better now. Bless your heart! Enjoyed all the wonderful pictures and Happy late birthday! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Cindy and leaving comments and Birthday wishes.

      Have a great weekend.
      Mary

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  22. So sorry to hear of all your health issues! I can relate and sympathize with you. We wait for the good days and then enjoy ourselves, right? It looks like you did just that this summer!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. Hope you have a terrific weekend.
      Mary

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  23. Mary, so sorry to read that you've had health problems, but you seem to have a great attitude, and I believe attitude goes a long way toward healing. Your 4th looked like fun and so did your trip to visit your son. You have had a lot of birthday celebrating going on. Belated happy birthday to you. I had fun seeing the garden center. All of the Halloween and Christmas decorations got me into the holiday mood. That flowering shrub is gorgeous. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Yes, I sure did have a great Bday and fun times afterwards.

      I love going to Rogers Gardens, but it is so expensive, but some wonderful ideas. Will have to go back the first of October to see all the stunning Christmas decorations.

      Hope that little guy of yours is doing great.

      Mary

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  24. I'm so sorry you had so many health issues lately, but this catch-up post was fun, like seeing all seasons in once!

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  25. Oh Mary, I am terribly sorry for just learning of all your health issues. I feel terrible sweet friend. I pray for your speedy recovery. It all sounds extremely painful.

    It gives me happiness to see that you had family and friends with you. It looks like you had lots of fun with your loved ones.

    Blessings,

    Janet

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  26. Thank you so much for stopping by Janet and leaving such sweet comments. Thank God that I am feeling better, thought I was never going to be well again, but God is good.

    Have a wonderful week.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  27. Mary, I'm so sorry you had shingles. My grandma had them once and it was bad. The home health dr. tried to get my stepmom to get the vaccine the other day for $85. Wow. I'm going to tell her you got it anyway. I'm sorry about your hip. The rest of the Summer looks great. Hugs.

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  28. Oh my Mary...lots of things going on and the Shingles on top of that!.....I had them and it was not fun at all...they started out by my arm and shoulder being really sore..it was the precursor...So glad you are enjoying your son and Kelly....and Happy Birthday by the way....maybe we will be hearing about you relocating close to your son????....Great to catch up with you and all of your activities...hope you feel better soon!!!

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  29. Mary, my goodness, so much to comment on! Firstly, so glad to hear that you are feeling better after such health challenges! Happy belated birthday to you, my friend! So many celebrations in honour of your special day; they all sound wonderful. Kelly sure looks happy to have spent some quality time with her grandma. Hmm...wonder what she will create with that material she got from you.

    Already doing the seasonal exhibitions, I see. Those must be exhausting; so much to take in, right? In any event, you look FABULOUS; 81 years young!!

    Happy Autumn, sweet friend!

    Hugs,
    Poppy

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  30. Wow, Mary - You certainly had a lot going on the past few months. I loved your 4th of July tablescape and especially the Rooster! So sorry to hear about your health issues, but sounds like you're much better now. I read your entire post and loved all the photos, too. I got a kick out of this part: "By this time I was running out of steam, you know that I just turned 81 and..." Oh my gosh! I almost laughed out loud! I'm 63 and just reading about your busy day made me tired! :) Happy belated birthday...and I love your doggies! And thanks for the times you've commented on my blog, too. Have a lovely week!

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  31. Hi Mary, hope you are doing well, feeling good and enjoying the fall season. I enjoyed your post again and seeing your wonderful photos. Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comment. Hope you have a great rest of the week and happy October. Sending hugs your way. xo

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  32. Hi Mary, hope you are doing well, feeling good and enjoying the fall season. I enjoyed your post again and seeing your wonderful photos. Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comment. Hope you have a great rest of the week and happy October. Sending hugs your way. xo

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  33. Have no idea how I missed this post..It's so colorful..and yousure know how to live:)
    Ihope you are so much better.

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  34. Mary, you're back! I'm so sorry you injured your hip and that you've been feeling poorly lately. That Fourth of July rooster is delightful. I'm glad you got to spend time with your granddaughter and did fun things with her on your visit. Skittles is so cute. I do hope she gets a horse someday, as I also love horses. Yes, I'm very familiar with Santa Cruz; a fun place to visit and the ocean is beautiful. Sounds like a fun Grease performance you went to. That's one of my favorite shows. Rogers Gardens looks charming, and I'd love to have seen all the Halloween goodies there. It looks incredible. I love that picture of you by the big clock, Mary. So glad you did a post again. I missed you, my friend.

    ~Sheri

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  35. Great to hear from you, Mary. So sorry to hear you had shingles and other issues. Hope you are much better now.Sounds like you had a great time with grandchildren and celebrating your birthday with a number of people. That's the way to do it. Have a birthday week or month instead of just one day.
    I appreciate your visit about my cruise. You should consider one.It was wonderful. Have a great week. Finally, we have some fall weather. Cooler and very nice. We have warm days in Alabama. Hope your weather is nice.

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  36. Hope you are doing okay♥ Love all the beauty in your photos ♥

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