My World

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Last week our grandson and his parents were visiting.
We had a great time and now you get to see some of the pictures!

(Himself with the menu)

One evening we went to the Rain Forest Restaurant.
We were surrounded by animated animals.
Every 20 minutes there was a rain storm.
No water, but the lights flashed like lightening with plenty of sound effects.

The monkeys made monkey sounds.

The tigers growled every now and then.

The elephants raised their tusks and flapped their ears.

But it was Tracy the Talking Tree that HIMSELF really liked.

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Joy!

I Took A Nap!

(Himself at the Children's Museum)

I took a nap today! We both were exhausted. We really enjoyed our visit with the kids and HIMSELF, but keeping up with a 3 1/2 year old is real work. Easy to forget how much work it is. We could make a fortune if we could harness his energy! HIMSELF is a very lucky little boy. He has parents who love him. We are very proud of all of them.

I'm trying to catch up with all of you. My class at Joggles with Carla Sonheim has ended. I'm busily watching Super Nova and Spill It videos and just started a class I'm really excited about:
Point and Shoot Journaling. A big box arrived from Herrschners filled with yarn for several Halloween projects I want to do and all my book making materials have arrived. I don’t know where to start! Do I flip a coin? My fingers are itching to start something, but I still have the counted cross stitch to finish. I’m thinking that stopping, taking a deep breath, putting my feet up and relaxing might just be the perfect place to begin!

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(From Google images and ASU)

Do you know the Moon Festival? It is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Asian people and dates back over 3,000 years.
This year the date was October 3. It is a date that parallels the autumn and spring equinoxes, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest and comes in the fall around the time of our Harvest Moon. The traditional food is the moon cake of which there are many different varieties.
It is the stories of the Moon Festival that I love. The one about the rabbit in the moon is my favorite. In this legend, three fairy sages transformed themselves into pitiful old men and begged for something to eat from a fox, a monkey and a rabbit. The fox and the monkey both had food to give to the old men, but the rabbit, empty-handed, offered his own flesh instead, jumping into a blazing fire to cook himself. The sages were so touched by the rabbit's sacrifice that they let him live in the Moon Palace where he became the "Jade Rabbit." The next time you see the full moon, be sure to wave at the rabbit!
Then there is the story of the Moon Cake. During the Yuan dynasty (A.D.1280-1368) China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty (A.D.960-1280) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Backed into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644). Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.
Just a little trivia for you. I love legends and stories. Our shared histories and cultures are all so rich. We know so little about each other. It is nice to know more.

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It's a good thing I'm retired.
I have some time to play with my new goodies!

Joy to You!

He's Coming!

THE grandson is coming for a visit with his mom (Mr. Dragon's daughter), and dad. We are excited. It is always a delight to see and visit with all of them. We usually travel to Seattle, but this year they are coming here. His mom has had some medical problems and she's seeing a few doctors here. We get to visit, entertain, run, play, laugh and enjoy. I bet we sleep well every night, too!

I wanted to let you know as it will probably be a little quiet around Twisty Lane while HIMSELF is here. I'm also doing what Mr. Dragon calls my *visiting lecturer* gig on Tuesday (the same day HIMSELF arrives). I'll be talking with docents at the museum about the new Arts of India Gallery ... for two hours or until my voice gives out ... whichever comes first!

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In other big news, Mr. Dragon broke 100 for the first time since returning to golf. This important event took place on Saturday. He's been smiling a lot, but I still have asked that all golfing equipment be removed from the dining room table.

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It has been sad around here since Rocky's passing, but a special aromatherapy has helped. Perhaps it is one of Snap's Rules: When you are sad, make soup! First I made my favorite (it's so quick and easy) , then the chowder again and lastly a split pea soup that was just too close to perfect for words. I promise to share the recipe when I have a moment or two. (Shame on me for teasing.)

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Lastly, we picked up Rocky's ashes from our veterinarian. He assured us, once again, that there was nothing we could have done. For some reason, it was more important for Rocky to be on the other side than with us, but, oh, how it still hurts and how we miss the little guy ... all of us ... Mr. Dragon, Moi, Riley and Teddy.

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So, until next week ... JOY!