Current Music Raves

I recently bought The Fratelli's Costello Music, a new CD which I love because all the songs are fast. The best song is 'Chelsea Dagger,' and no, I don't know what it means. Also, Todd just ordered the new Maroon 5 album which has not arrived yet, but I am excited to get to hear it; the first single is catchy.
Todd buys music almost daily; recent faves of his include Ray LaMontagne (thanks Stacey) and Plain White Ts and The Format.

Mama's Funeral

Tonight was the visitation for Mama in Brookhaven, and it was great to see so many members of Todd's family. There was a great turnout for a 100 year old who has outlived all her compatriates. I thought I'd upload this photo from 2005 of Mama, taken by a photographer who came to the nursing home and did great portraits of all the residents. He brought all these great props like the fur coat and some feather boas. I should note that Mama never owned a fur coat in her entire life, and she thought this photo was terrible of her (!). But we all liked it.

Rest in Peace, Mama

Todd's 100-year-old grandmother Bonnie (Todd's maternal grandmother) died tonight. We saw her 2 weeks ago on Mother's Day and although she was in some pain, she was still acting relatively normally. We went to see her yesterday because Todd's uncle and aunts had called to say she was deteriorating and had slipped into a coma. She actually responded when Todd came in the room and spoke to her - something the uncle and aunts said she had not done in days. It was touching. I am so glad we went there yesterday. Here she is pictured with her husband Aaron and their son Aaron Jr. back in the 1930s. I'll always remember the last thing she said to us on Mother's Day as we left... "When ya comin' back son?"

Nicole's Shower

Tonight Nicole received some cool gifts, including lots of diapers and some cuddly blue gifts for the son she's expecting in July. Here she is opening a gift from Susan (right), which was all bath-related goodies.

Nicole's Baby Shower

Tonight we had a baby shower for my friend Nicole, whose son is due in July. Caron was nice enough to host it at her home, and we all ate until we were stuffed. Nicole is already stuffed as you can see!

Todd's Birthday

For Todd's birthday last week we invited the gang to new Jackson trendy casual restaurant Sal & Mookie's to celebrate with pizza. Todd's Dad Mike even joined us. For the second year in a row I forgot the camera, so I have no digital preservation of the party.

Sandestin Beachside

One afternoon in Sandestin we went to the beach, which was full of folks enjoying the mild weather like us. The temperatures were in the high 70s and low 80s the entire time; one big reason why my work-related event keeps returning to Sandestin each year on this same week. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella so I was shade secure. The water was too cold for swimming for me, but lots of people were swimming.

Sandestin Bayside

Todd and I were lucky enough to spend May 15-21 at Sandestin Resort in Florida for a work-related event of mine. I only took a few photos with my personal camera - including this gorgeous view from our room of the Choctawhatchee Bay. We also were able to visit with our friends Diane and Sandon who live close by.

Reilly Summer Cut

Todd gave Reilly, our 8 year old orange tabby, a summer cut this week, shaving his back from the collar to the base of the tail. It has reduced his shedding, I think, and Reilly is pleased as punch. Also, I was afraid Todd's electric hair clippers would leave Reilly's hair feeling like stubble, but it's surprisingly soft. Also, I did not participate in the shaving - it was done while I was gone. But now that I see it, I can't say it's a bad thing. Todd left his tummy, legs and head unshaved. :-)

Meridian Riley Center Visit

During my work-related event last weekend, our group went to the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, which is a newly-restored 1890's theatre. We were treated to a reception and then saw country singer Kathy Mattea in concert at the theatre. Here's a group photo I took of everyone in our group before the reception. The photo is taken in a park in downtown Meridian close to the Riley Center. I should mention that this group pictured includes couples from far-flung parts of Mississippi - from Pontotoc to Bay St. Louis to Clarksdale to Picayune.

Newton Depot

The Newton Depot, recently restored, is a landmark we visited. It was the site of a Civil War skirmish during Sherman's march and has been rebuilt more than once. The citizens now host parties and receptions inside the restored depot. We visited on a perfect day because you could smell the ligustrums all over town. Everyone kept saying 'Newton smells good.'

Newton Swing

This is a great handpainted swing in the Secret Garden, and I may copy it in our yard. The garden was vast with little nooks and crannies, several fountains and three bridges, plus a tree house and barn. The owner said it wasn't built in a day, though - the couple have lived there for 35 years and have been doing a little bit at a time.

Newton Trip

Last weekend for a work function I visited the town of Newton Mississippi, as the guests of Leigh Anne and Doug who live there. I was with a group of 2 dozen and we saw some great interesting things - like the Secret Garden Art Studio, owned by Dottie and Andy. It was great to tour the gardens and house.