Make Shift Sunday

Brain cancer is...

 ...enjoying Sunday on Monday.

Because we had a bonus day in the mountains, Zach declared our Monday a Make Shift Sunday.  Namely, we grilled sausages and settled in for our Game of Thrones episode.

As you see, above, birthday season continues.  These fabulous aprons arrived today and, we are sure, made the grilled sausages even tastier.

Team D is the best!

One More Day!

Brain cancer is...

...taking a bonus day.

We were all packed up and ready to head down the mountain when Zach texted us, planting the sweet seed of an idea to stay one more day.  By the time we finished breakfast, it was decided.  We're staying!


On our lake walk, Darrell requested that we take the photo, above.  We were standing on the point at the lake where we took the photo for the first post in this blog, 548 posts ago (click here). 


After that original photo in 2016 we headed straight to the emergency room and Life 1.0 ended.  Who knew then how many happy days, how much laughter, how many great memories to be created with the people we love were in store for us? Thanks, everyone, for being a part of Life 2.0, which ended too, and Life 3.0 as well.  How many bonus days is that?


Happy Bonus Sunday!

Big Bear Lake Some More

Brain cancer is...

...not as scary as Darrell the Bear.

We had a great day near and on the lake. Every second was good. It was awesome to see people out and about, finding time to enjoy.

Here is a video link.



We hope you are having a similarly enjoyable Saturday.

More Friends. More Fun.

Brain cancer is...

...waking up happy.

Mr. Great Attitude Darrell woke up this morning uttering the words, "I am so happy!"  It would have been such a charming moment IF he weren't saying these words at 6 a.m.  Could you just give us mere mortals a rest, Big D?

Nonetheless, we drove up the mountain and are enjoying a great weekend in Fawnskin with the Szabos, Beth and Geoff.

Here's the video link for our great day.

Happy Weekend, Friends!

Epic Birthday for Andi

Brain cancer is...

 

 

...surrounded by so many loving people!

What a day! If you haven't had an epic birthday and you have a hankering for one, text me.  I have firsthand experience.  I can make it happen.

Here's the video of the day.

 

 Alternative YouTube Link

The 5.5 mile run went well.  The humidity did not stop me.  I had a chase car and a crowd (um, three people and a dog) at the finish line.  There was an egg hunt and a birthday haiku poetry slam on the patio.  Snaps.

The 55 push ups?  Done!  Target trip? A fav.  Art supplies and Black Bear Diner too.  

Upon arrival home, we had been "birthdayed" (which is apparently a verb, much like "Eastered.") Super hero birthday!  Above is a sneak peek of the many thoughtful goodies for the day.  Thank you so much, friends.  Call us if you ever need rescuing.  We've got the gear.  And the attitude.

Zach and I made art, Darrell and I went on a date, and we are declaring this day celebrating another trip around the sun one deserving of love and gratitude.

Thanks everyone for your happy thoughts expressed through cards, emails, texts, and actions.   

Fifty five is fantastic. Whatever your year, we hope it's fantastic too!

How Big Can Happiness Be?

Brain cancer is...

...the portal to bigger things.

CSUF summer session ends, and birthday season begins.

Yesterday Andi said goodbye to Block 22, who brought doughnuts, bread, flowers, and awesome ideas.  Big moments.  Today Andi said goodbye to Block 21--also with yummy things, more great ideas, and additionally a surprise video (click here). So many fortifying memories, so many tears...all for the next generations.

Today we finished Birthday Season Days 1 and 2.  What could be better than to see another day on Earth with people of great intelligence, dedication and optimism? How big can happiness be?

Oh, maybe this:  Above you see Birthday Season Round Three.  Left to right:  Andi, LuAnn, Gordon, Gary, Katrina, Levon, and Darrell.  How much happier could we be other than spending a couple of hours together with family, sharing good food and great stories?

Our hearts are full (Swollen? Engorged?  What's the medical term?) with how many good people are doing great things for the world.

If ONLY I didn't need to get up in the morning and run 5.5 miles and do 55 push ups.  Ugh.

Darrell:  Happy Bonus Birthday Season #1.

Let's see how big happiness can be.

All our love.

It [Almost] Never Rains in Southern California

Brain cancer is...

...staying dry.

Although summer thunderstorms are common in many regions, they are atypical in the OC and surrounding areas.

Here, Darrell and Mousse listen to the thunder and await the rain.

Next, it really came! Here's the view, looking straight up.

Alternative You Tube Video Link

Finally, here's Darrell cursing the--freshly washed--rain splattered car while keeping his head dry.

Sorry about your cars, So Californians!  Thanks rain!