I do not know where January and February has gone too.
After putting all my Christmas decorations away (which took 2 weeks) I was kinda in a funk. A very special friend died just before Christmas, went to bed and didn't wake up. Gary was only 61 years old and I had worked with him at Amada America and had know him for 32 years. With Christmas and New Years so close to his death they decided to do a Celebration of his Life in January, close to a Show so a lot of the sale personnel would be in town. I went to the Celebration held in the Show Plaza at Amada. It was a wonderful turn out and I got to see so many sales people that I had worked with for 20 years and had not seen in 11 years. It was a beautiful celebration and was bitter sweet.
While I was there the President asked me to come to the show on the following Thursday. So my assistant Ginger and I went. What a reception we got from customers, co-workers and sales personnel - it was great and brought back so many memories.....
They had a wonderful buffet with so many good entrees and side dishes. they also had a sushi bar, oh so good.
I was amazed on the wonderful renovations they did on the Show Plaza. It was 60,000 sq feet of space displaying equipment. When I worked there it was my responsibility to have the Show Plaza in mint condition with the latest equipment for the shows. Oh how I wished they had renovated the show plaza when I worked there. No A/C- One can only dream.... Here are some of the pictures I took while I was there at the show.
I think that I shrunk... what do you think???
I know you think I am over stating the number of humming bird that I have, but look at these pictures. When their feeders get low, they sure let me know. I use about 25 lbs. of sugar a month making their food. I have since cut back on their sugar and they don't seem to mind it. This goes on all day. Refill their feeders daily.
I took s shot when we received hail, but it is hard to see. Lots and lots of rain, but the garden sure loves it and the roses are dancing. I have been able to pick a bouquet of roses each week and some of my Spring flowers are blooming early. I noticed today while I was out looking at my garden that my Cape Jasmine is ready to bloom and that normally blooms in April/May. So everything is very early. However, I did notice that my Mr. Lincoln rose bush has died. I am not going to pull it up as maybe it will recover, I hope.
I have been cleaning out closets, OMG I didn't realize what a mess I had in there, but its going to GW. Way to many dishes and dishes and dishes. Guess what I got for Christmas, yes, your right, dishes for 12 Mary Englebret and they are beautiful. There are salad plates, dessert plates and small bowls. No dinner plates, but I can use a white dinner plate to go with them. Will do a post later.
Seems that I have very little energy due to my thyroid. Need to increase medication. Hopefully I will get more energy soon. I sure fizzle out about 1 p.m. but, I should be thankful as I will be 82 in July.
February 3rd I went to a Chinese New Years Eve Party. What a grand time I had. There was so much good food and fun. There we were tossing the salad with fresh Salmon on it. It is to bring you good luck. Then the food started - a 7 course meal with a big Anniversary Cake. Tour America has been in business for 20 years. Lovely woman- Gloria and her employees love her.
Then the two Dragons came along wanting you to put Red Envelopes into their mouth - that also brings you good luck. The the Sake came with gold flecks in it - also bringing you good luck. They gave everyone a red envelope with a brand new dollar bill in it - again wishing you good luck.....
As you know this is the year of the ROOSTER.
Had lunch with the owners of a bus company that I worked with after I was laid off from Amada. I retired three times LOL. Had a wonderful Italian lunch, since Tony is Italian and so is David. After the bus company went back into hotels and then I retired for good.
Tony and Jill - great people. Always call to go to lunch or dinner when they are in town.
My friend David that talked me into moving to Sunny Southern California
Well folks that's what is going on in my world. Having lunch with a friend tomorrow, we worked together at Amada. It's Soup and Salad at the Olive Garden......
Shaun and Kelly are having a ball skiing every weekend in Tahoe. Shaun's girlfriend has a condo there. Shaun says that Kelly is having a BLAST.
So you all can see that I am still kicking. Going next week to see if I have to have heart surgery, so say a pray that I do't have to have the surgery and can keep on dancing...................
Hugs,
Mary, Waldo and Lili
We hope that you have enjoyed this post and we hope you leave a comment.
Wow, Mary! You HAVE been busy! You have lots of friends and you like to have fun! You have an eye for beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe hummingbirds are gorgeous!
Yay for a new post!
Prayers for your appointment with the heart doctor.
Thank you so much for the special prayers. I am hoping that I don't have to have the surgery. They won't pop me open but go up through my groin and replace my aorta valve. If it stays the same I may not have to have it - it doesn't bother me, so we shall see.
DeleteHave a great week and thanks so much for your well wishes.
Hugs,
Mary
Mary, You are a busy girl!! I loved all your photos of your friends! They must know how special you are! ♥
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how many hummingbirds you have visiting!! Your garden looks wonderful and your roses already are gorgeous! Hope everything goes well and no heart surgery! Take care and love always hearing from you. From one Southern California girl to another. Hugs, Jody ♥
Thanks so much for stopping by Jody, always love hearing from you.
DeleteThose humming birds wear me out making their food.
I am so excited that everything looks wonderful in the garden. Lost lots of plants, roses and bushes due to the drought. Waiting to see what the birds left me LOL.
We will have to get together and met, would love that. Maybe half way between.
Have a wonderful time at the Garden Show. I am waiting to go on the ones around here.
Hugs,
Mary
Hello there, Sunshine!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see a post from you, catching us up on all your adventures!
Sorry to hear about your friend's passing. I'm sure he will be missed.
Your presence at all those parties had everyone smiling and clawing at the chance to get a pic with you, I see. You look wonderful, Mary! And as far as shrinking goes, I've also lost some height, due to osteopenia, but have been taking calcium and D3 supplements, hoping it will slow things down.
Your flowers are beautiful! Glad you got some rain, as California needed it. The hummingbirds love their haunt, i.e., your gorgeous garden and its fare for feathered friends.
How lovely that Shaun and Kelly are having such fun in Tahoe; it must be stunning skiing in those surroundings.
Prayers are being sent your way re: your upcoming examination. I sincerely hope surgery will not be on your schedule. In the meantime, keep struttin' your stuff on the dance floor!
Hugs,
Poppy
Thanks so much for stopping by Poppy. I always enjoy hearing from you. So glad that you liked my long post.
ReplyDeleteOff today to have lunch with a lady that is a very good friend and I used to work with her.
We are going to the Olive Garden and have soup and salad. Yum yum, sounds so good, even though the sun is shinning, it's tad chilly outside.
Thanks for my prayers and I am praying that I don't have to have that procedure.
Enjoy your weekend and hoping that you have lots of sunshine....
Hugs,
Mary
Dear Mary, so sorry to hear about your friend. Looks as though you surely have been busy but a fun busy. Good for you and you look wonderful. Hoping you won't have to have any kind of surgery dear Mary. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Cindy. Do appreciate your comments.
DeleteI am hoping also that I do not need the surgery either.
Have a wonderful weekend and hope the weather is god where you are.
Hugs,
Mary
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see all the old coworkers and friends. I bet they really miss you. Love your hummingbirds they are my favorites. Hope all goes well with the heart doctor. Keep me posted. Saying some prayers for you.
Hugs,
Kris
Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you liked the post and my hummingbirds. They are fueling up right now for the night LOL
DeleteHave a great weekend. Are you out house hunting?
Hugs,
Mary
Hi Mary, it is always a treat to receive your new post in my inbox. How wonderful to get together with your coworkers. You had a wonderful career and since you retired I am sure they miss you. So sorry for the loss of your friend. It's always so sad when someone is still fairly young too. All the rain looks great for your garden. My Lincoln rose is not well either. I left it to see if it comes back. We shall see. Wow what wonderful hummers you have at one time on your feeders. Incredible!!
ReplyDeleteLoved your pics!! Have a great rest of the week. Blessings xo
Thanks so much for stopping by, I always love hearing from you and reading your posts.
DeleteThere are times when I really miss working, but it was a very demanding job with lots of travel. It was so good seeing all the people that I worked with.
The hummers are fueling up for the night.
Have a great weekend and so good hearing from you.
Hugs,
Mary
Oh I love Olive Garden and I'm sure the salad and soup was delicious. I like hearing how you still connect with your former cowokers and the good relations you have. I think the older we get the more we shrink! But you looks so glam like in all your pictures. What an interesting way to having good luck stiring the salmon salad.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying that you won't have any surgeries whatsoever. Love and more prayers to you, Mary.
Hugs,
Ping
Thanks so much for stopping by and saying prayers for me. I am hoping that I don't have to have the surgery.
DeleteIt was so good seeing old friends and co=workers.
Have a great weekend Ping.
Hugs,
Mary
Hello Mary, how fun to still stay in touch with all of your old co workers and to nice functions together. It seems like you really do a lot of fun things with all of your friends. I love the photos of the hummingbirds and the beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are doing good and thanks for your update. :) Have a wonderful weekend.
Julie xo
Thanks for stopping by Julie. Yes, it is good seeing old friends and co-workers.
DeleteEveryone wanted to know if I was coming back to work LOL. I said no, I am really retired.
Have a great weekend and hope your weather is nice and warm, ours' is really cold.
Hugs,
Mary
What a fun catch-up post, but I was so sorry to read that you lost a friend at such a young age. Still, to go to sleep and not wake up sure beats a lot of ways to go. I'm so glad you got to see friends and involve yourself in fun activities. I had to laugh at your getting rid of dishes only to get new ones. This is totally me. I have gotten rid of three complete sets of dishes, reasoning that this frees up space for more!
ReplyDeleteHi Pattie, so glad to hear from you.
DeleteMy friend has enough dishes to open up a store, so for my Bday and Christmas she has been giving some beautiful dishes and I love them. But, I just gave away two sets and then she has given me 4 new sets, but only for a service for 4. But the Christmas ones were a service for 12. I really hard a hard time finding a place for them.
When my son comes down he is always going through the house and garage and saying you have to get rid of this junk. I know when I pass he will have a big trash bin and will throw everything away. Oh well, I won't be here to worry about it.
Have a great weekend.
Mary
Mary - Sounds like a lot of celebrating to me! LOL Glad you got to do it all. Will add your health to my prayer list. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thanks so much Judy for stopping and adding me to your pray list. Lots of fun doing things. I need to get cracking and start de-cluttering.
ReplyDeleteHugs to Bella and have a wonderful week in your new home.
Hugs,
Mary
Mary, I have been reading your wonderful blog for awhile now and I wanted you to know that I am praying for your good health.
ReplyDeleteYour roses are so pretty! And I loved the hummingbirds! It is still too cold here for either one, but I'm looking forward to spring's warmer temps.
The photo of you, your son and granddaughter at Christmas in your previous post is so good. Such a good looking family! You need to print that and frame it.
Give your dogs a hug for me. I'm a dog lover and have two myself.
Take care, Mary.
Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad that you,liked the post. I also like that picture of us Christmas Eve. It's been a long time since we took a picture of the three of us together.
DeleteAgain, thanks so much for stopping by.
Hugs,
Mary
I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a long and beautiful friendship and I am sure now you ave a angel on your shoulder looking out for you. :-) Your flower are just stunning. Thanks for letting me know about how much sugar you use for your feeders. I have been thinking on starting to feed hummingbirds and now I know what to expect. LOL
ReplyDeleteI have to fill up their feeders everyday. I have 4 feeders, one in the back yard and three on the front porch, as I do love to watch. They sure let me know when they need more food. LOL
DeleteSince we had rain the grass and flowers are really going to town here. The rose should be in full bloom soon. So much early this year. Although they do bloom all year long. We do not have to cut them way back as we do not get frost.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again for stopping by.
Hugs,
Mary
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Mary!!! I am happy to see that you had a great time with your old co-workers at both places!...You certainly keep very busy with your social life and your gorgeous gardens! So nice that Shaun and Kelly are having a great time each weekend skiing!....good for them!!! Have a great week Mary!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Shirley. So glad that you liked the post. I don't post very often as it is hard for me to change things around the house. I can move things around like I used to. Old age LOL.
DeleteHave a great weekend Shirley.
Mary
Hope you do not have to have the surgery..and the appointment went well....
DeleteHi Mary! I'm so sorry to hear of your friend passing away. What a celebration you had with your old company! I'm sure you were a very valued employee! You sure do keep yourself busy. Loved seeing all of the fun times you're having. Of course I'll be praying for you not to have heart surgery! You take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
thanks so much for stopping by Shelia. I am so glad that you liked the post. Hope the grands are doing fine and that your winter wasn't to bad.
DeleteHave a great weekend.
Hugs,
Mary
Hi mar I posted a comment hope it got through loved The post the flowers the birdies llook so pretty. Nice to see Amanda. It looks so different. Hope your knee is better soon phyllis
ReplyDeleteI see one comment went through oh well love you See you soon. Phyllis
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by - see you soon.
ReplyDeleteI just found you.....you keep on goin/ and doing what you are doing. At 82, you are a marvel.
ReplyDeleteJo
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jo. Glad you like the post.
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Mary
Hi Mary~
ReplyDeleteI love that little purse!You look great..oh God bless me to be able to do all you do..even now!
I agree with the above poster..you're a little California marvel..
I love that your blooms and birds hold so much interest for you as well as friends and outings.
Your ME dishes sound like a PRIZE.
I am going to Google:)
Re your friend,very young and very very sad..but if I could pick a way..that would be my way.My sympathies to you..
I am wishing for your good health also:)
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments. I love reading them.
DeleteMy little purse I got at Ross's and it is a Betsy Johnson purse and I only paid $9.99 for it. I love carrying it, doesn't hurt my old shoulders LOL.
So glad that you liked the post. I feel if I don't use it, I loose it and I sure don't want to be sitting around in a wheel chair.
What a wonderful way to go, although he was to young and what a great man. I sure hope that's the way I pass.
We are having 80+ weather and I am loving it. It cools off at night so you can sleep.
Enjoy your weekend and hopefully your weather will warm up.
Mary
It sounds like you've had a lot of happenings going on in February and March, Mary. Oh my, look at all those hummingbirds! What a sight that must be for you. I know they love the sugar water, but I think they are coming to visit YOU haha! That's great that you've been de-cluttering and clearing out your closets. It's nice to give some stuff away that we don't really use any more. I've been doing the same. Mary, all the rain has been so good for your Roses. They are beautiful. Love that vibrant Pink color. Those dragon costumes are something else.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see you posted again. Have a wonderful weekend, Mary. You look lovely in these pictures with your friends.
love, ~Sheri
I forgot to say how sorry I am that you lost your dear friend from work. That's always hard, especially since you've known him for 32 years. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you tonight. love, ~Sheri
DeleteMary, I know you keep so busy and that seems to be good for you. You are looking very sassy and good. You have had lovely times with all your old friends and co-workers. I'm so glad you are keeping active. Your garden is looking beautiful and I am very envious of your pretty roses. I had no idea you might have heart surgery. Is this a new condition? I certainly hope you don't have to, and will be thinking good thoughts for you, my friend..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I just wanted to tell you that it's been raining all week off and on in Nor Cal, and wondering if it's raining at all in So Cal? I wonder if it's the last pour of the season? ~Sheri
ReplyDeleteBy the time Christmas comes around I am so ready to put it all up and store it back for another year. So sorry to hear about your friend. It is sad to lose someone you care about esp that time of year. I love hummingbirds. It is almost time for them to start showing up here in Nashville TN. I love to photograph them. Great post. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Pam. So glad that you liked my post and hummingbirds.
DeleteHave a great weekend.
Mary
Dear Mary
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear the loss of your work friend Gary - way too young at 61.
I've just turned 75yrs and I'm still working three days a week but I've now reached the low energy levels - nothing I do changes it!
My daughter and family in France are coming home to New Zealand in June - then I will be far too busy to carry on working!
I love the photos of you taken at the Amada gatherings - you look gorgeous and well loved by your old colleagues!
Gorgeous Spring flowers too!
Good luck with your heart check up - I'll keep my prayers going for you and keep in touch.
God Bless and happy days dear Mary.
Shane :)
Good Morning Mary,
ReplyDeleteI hope this finds you doing well and that your check up for your heart went good.
You have been busy and I must say that I love your style and outfit.
I can only imagine the plethora of feelings that you had with your visit to the company and old friends.
Wow! Those hummingbirds are enjoying your birdfeeder. I am still feeding our Cardinals even though there is plenty of them to eat now.
Wishing you a happy day today,
Jemma
I enjoyed this post so much. You have been very busy. I hope
Thanks so much for stopping by Jemma. My Dr appointment is next Wednesday, didn't feel good on Monday, so I rescheduled until next Wednesday.
DeleteHave a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.
Hugs,
Mary
Hi Mary :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you lost your friend. 61 is way too young, but it's never easy, no matter what age, to lose someone you care about.
It's lovely that you were able to revisit your old work friends. And that Chinese party looked like something else! What fun!
I can't believe how many hummingbirds you have! It makes me think I need a feeder for them too :)
Thank you so much for your lovely comments!
Have a lovely weekend and good luck with your doctor appointment.
rue
Hi Mary, I wanted to stop by to tell you how much I appreciate your prayers for my surgery last Monday. Diana posted a prayer request on her blog and I am full of gratitude! I am slowly recovering but wanted you to know how very much I appreciate you thinking of me. :-) You have a lovely blog, looking forward to following along and getting to know you better.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
It is sad to lose a long time friend. My husband of 45 years died suddenly last year, so I know heart break first hand. Your hummers love you I can tell, and I like your celebrations with friends and food and good luck dragon.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Mary, you are a busy lady. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. Loss is hard! It sounds like you have had a grand time, and very busy visiting, luncheons, and more visiting with good people you have come in contact with throughout your beautiful life. You are in my prayers, I hope you don't need heart surgery, but what ever needs to be done to keep you healthy and living a good life. I am glad you have been receiving so much moisture in California. The earth has been so dry. It was the same in Utah but not quite as bad. We had a lot of snow and now it is April and we are getting lots of April showers. It is a blessing. I always love reading your comments when you stop by my blog. What a wonderful blogging friend you are. I wish I lived close, and I would go through your Goodwill stash before you gave it away!!!! (Like I need more stuff). LOL! I hope you have a blessed Easter. Keep me posted on how things go with your health concerns with your heart. Hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are one busy lady with lots going on! Thanks for sharing and I'm sorry to hear about your dear friend's passing. Losing someone close is never good. Your roses are beautiful. I'm ready for mine to start looking alive but it's still too cold. My tulips are just about ready to bloom though. I love that you feed those cute hummingbirds, they obviously love it too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Saimi
Happy Easter to you, dear friend. I was at the rose garden this morning, and they are already blooming, a whole garden of them with all different colors. I always think of you and roses, so thought I'd share that. : )
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Hi Mary! I miss your posts! I hope you are feeling well. Are you ready for hot weather in your neck of the woods?
ReplyDeleteHello Mary- thank you for commenting on my post at Ron's Uptown Acorn What Makes Me Happy Series! It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm envious that you have already had roses blooming! My one rose bush is greening up but it will be a little bit before I see a rose. I had a Mr. Lincoln rose that died off many years ago. I wonder if I should have waited a bit longer to see if it was going to come alive. Did yours make it back? All the events you have attended have been big on good food! That's amazing how many hummingbirds you get! That's a lot of sugar you've been going through but the reward of seeing those delicate birds is worth it! They'll be heading up north here sometime later in May.
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