Framed Flowers!

If you look at freedflowers.com  you will find over 150 close-up flower photos.  You pick a flower and send it to someone important. . .and no charge and no strings attached.  Recently,  we visited a friend who was recovering in care a facility.  I gave him a web card.  He found someone with a computer and enjoyed my flower photos so much he asked me to pursue large framed photos for his home. Several months later,  he came to our home and we went thru all my rose photos.  He picked the two shown.  Now it was up to me to find a provider.  The photos for our home were printed 22 X 28 by Office Depot for about $10 each. I then had to matte and frame them!  For Al,  I needed a provider that would print and frame at reasonable prices.  There are lots to chose from on the net!  We decided on Easy Canvas Prints.  He agreed on the Red Rose 24 X 36 printed on canvas and wood framed and the Yellow Rose 22 X 24 on canvas, wrapped around a 1 1/2 raw wood frame. . .all for $143 freight free.

I was very anxious to see the quality since my files only 6000 pixels each.  When they arrived, he called with excitement and was very pleased with the results!  (click on photo to enlarge)

Texas Go Go

If your lucky,  you might find Roly and Candy at home!  Usually their in Texas but recently the whole gang spent the holidays in Breckenridge, CO and presently spring break on the Gulf coast fishing. The new boat handles most Gulf waves with ease and carefulness. . .between the beautiful
fish catches.  Nice Sheep Heads and Red Snappers make for great catching and especially great eating!  Beyond the good times with family,  they are filling their memory baskets with wonderful family times, the enjoyments of old age!!!  (Click on photos to enlarge)

Christmas in Colorado

When graduating from Hi-School,  Tyler decided to explore the West in search of lots of snow!  He landed in Colorado,  hiked up Pikes Peek ed at all the snow and after 4 years of college at 5000 ft above sea level,  decided to reside in Vail.  Now as an authority of snow pak,  he persuaded his entire family to spend Christmas with him in Breckenridge!  and close to a dog sled park!  The photo is the whole gang with a few dogs!  Who would ever think you could find Alaska in Colorado!  They all survived with lots of smiles! (click on photo to enlarge)

Scary Texas

Face paint is a great way to hide and can happen on Halloween or anytime in Texas! Not sure if no-front-teeth Alice and Annie managed to keep these beautiful masks for school or day care. In the meantime,  Grandpa Roly treats the family often with a new cooking gizmo.  You have a soup moat on the outer edge with a 10 inch diameter grill in the center.  Everyone is on their own with vegetables and strips of steak and fish to cook, then eat or drop in the community soup bowl. Everyone eats at their own pace and cooks what they like.  A fun experience for all ages! We got to enjoy this feast on our recent trip to Texas! plus a little basketball to see if the old man had lost his touch! yes, it went in!  Thanks, Texas! (click on photo to enlarge)

Traveling Legs!

I thought and thought. . .could we make another trip to the Midwest?  If air travel plans went easy, it would be a heavenly sign.  My first call to United made the arrangements easy,  that is, super easy!
Then the time seemed to stand still. I reminded myself,  one day at a time!  Now, a month later,  we made it and managed to see all the family and several special friends!  It's amazing how fast all those wonderful moments became wonderful memories!  I don't know where to begin so I just put off this assignment of giving you a glimpse of our super trip!  Traveling Michigan and Indiana,  we had to explain the Cadillac Escalade supplied by cousin Charlie! a very comfortable ride!  But in Texas,  we traveled by boat as you note! and yes, I really did catch the only keeper this time out and I think it was a 10 pounder even thought Roly wouldn't weigh it!  Everywhere we went everyone prepared gluten free meals!  What a treat and exceptional flavors and fellowship. You will note,  Evan, Blake, and Roly - Kim, Tom & Tammy, Rick,  and  Holly and Joe.  We had a great time with high school and college friends and our many wonderful family friends in Michigan.  I have laid aside my picture taking assignment of the past and will be relying on all your phone photos for the future!
Blessings to All!     (click on photos to enlarge)

August - Birthday Month

Payton joined the Texas Birthday Gang but decided to celebrate in Ireland while Joe, Zack, Blake and Evan partied with the "Longhorns".  Of course, Texas cousins, Alice and Annie, joined in the fun.  The old men don't pose for photos anymore but the kids do! But age doesn't keep us from enjoying birthday remembrances.  After all, it's our special day and all of us are special!  Congratulations to all you August birthday specials! (click on photos to enlarge.)

The Grass is always greener in Ireland

Jana and Payton decided to make a quick trip to Ireland and as you can see, the color green is everywhere.  We haven't heard much but the photos look like fun and a wonderful time!  

(click on photo to enlarge)