catching up: winter activities

As faithful readers have noticed...and commented - I don't post as often as I once did. I do, however, still carry my camera with me everywhere I go and take lots of pictures.  The winter months were filled with lots of time with girlfriends.

For New Year's Eve, my friend Lily and I had a night on the town. We had a nice dinner at a Thai restaurant, then headed to a late night improv comedy show. Along the way Lily found a guy who sold blinking 2012 eyeglasses and negotiated for a couple. Hands down the glasses were the hit of the night. We got LOTS of attention walking down the street with these on - people would stop and talk with us, or yell out car windows, etc. I have learned the secret to making friends with strangers on New Year's Eve - blinky glasses...who knew?

The next day we walked the town and happened upon an Occupier's camp. We talked with a few different people; none seemed to have the same story of why they were there. I assume the lack of a clear objective is problematic for a movement that wants to bring about change, but decided it unnecessary to point that out during our visit. A nice group of ladies came with lunch for the campers, that is when we made our exit.

There were also a couple of ice skating adventures. This one was outdoors and included s'mores over an open flame. The other was indoor and amounted to chaos. I hope to repeat the outdoor adventure next year.

There was also the welcoming of new life - Naomi and her beautiful mother Joyce. I enjoy hangin' with these two as often as possible.

Spring season and spring activities have arrived. I thought you might still like to see some of the photos from winter events and the people who make life a joyful journey.

just Sheri, blessed with great friendships

Aloe Vera - edible?

I learned something positively fascinating last week. My friend Vy came over with food one night. She cooked a fabulous dinner like she owned the place (at least the kitchen) and I got to be treated like a spoiled guest. Yeah, she's wonderful.

So, she had a drink I had never heard of...an Aloe drink. Made from the plant Aloe Vera. Imagine my surprise. I only thought aloe was something you rubbed on sunburned skin. Boy was I wrong!

Vy told me the drink is good for the skin. Apparently there are some Asian dishes where they also cook with it.  I must admit I NEVER considered eating Aloe Vera. Aren't there little spiky things on the leaves? Who wants to put that in their mouth?

When I posted this discovery on Facebook, I also learned it is good for upset stomachs too. Really? I thought the remedy for that was Sprite.

Anyway, I learn something new from Vy all the time. Thanks, girl, for expanding my horizons and teaching me things I wouldn't know without our friendship.

just Sheri, a life-long learner

home away from home

For those who don't know, I was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  If you have never had the pleasure of visiting - you are missing out!  The tag line for this state capital is: City Different...and it lives up to that.  On my recent visit I mentioned to my family that one of the things I love about New Mexico is it is hard to tell the homeless people from the millionaires. There are plenty of both, and they seem to have a similar style - disheveled hair, wrinkled, cotton clothing, and sandals. This isn't the only thing I love about New Mexico.

New Mexico is a part of who I am. It is where I was raised. Where I graduated from college. Where I go back to visit often. It holds such a special place in my heart that I decided to dedicate a room in our house to my "homeland."

After it was done I asked Kenyon what he thought. He said, "it looks like New Mexico." Mission accomplished - though I don't think I had told him that was what I was going for, which is even better.

We still have lots of empty spaces, but one room has made some progress.

just Sheri,  amateur decorator

In loving memory: Adra Irene Gettemy

Last week I attended the funeral of my adopted grandma - Adra Irene Gettemy. Known to me as Grandma Gettemy. I will always remember her for her hospitality and generosity. Grandma Gettemy had a long life - she was 97 years old. She had a good life - married for 60 years to a man she loved and alive long enough to be known by some of her great-grandchildren.

Her last few years were characterized by pain, discomfort and discontent. She was ready to go. While she will be missed dearly, the memorial service was a celebration of a life well-lived.

just Sheri, hoping I've met my quota of funerals for a while

blog neglect

An unintended side-effect of blog neglect is a long-standing technology issue. In all the years of blogger use, this was my first issue. For faithful readers, I have discovered (and fixed) the reason for the gray box and missing side-bar. Welcome back to a fully functional blog!

Now, I bet you are thinking...when is she going to post frequently again? That is yet to be determined.