The Class of '08

Tonight was Spencer's pre-school graduation. He wore his sheep costume and performed his part flawlessly. Bill reminded him that this is not an end, but a beginning and extracted a promise from him that he will continue his education. Will took all the excitement in stride.

Quitcher Complaining!

I have received complaints lately that I need to update my blog. But I don't really have anything exciting to blog about. No one has invited me to join a roller derby team, my local mega church doesn't have a new carousel and I don't have a portfolio to share. So...I will share other people's news.

I have been waiting for Carl to blog about Aubrey's very fun birthday swim party and Aubrey and Spencer's performance group's concert, but it doesn't look like he's going to. So here are some photos to enjoy, courtesy of me.

We had a very fun time at Aubrey's party. After a lovely meal and swimming (or watching swimming) we gathered around the fire pit and toasted marshmallows. Heather, who is always the perfect hostess, had even gone online to order sugar-free marshmallows for our s'mores!

Last Friday night we attended the end of the year concert for Tavaci, the performance group that Aubrey and Spencer participate in. The concert was held at Frontier High School and featured a lot of fun songs and choreography.

I HAVE been doing more than just attend social events. I sewed a blessing dress for Heather's sister-in-law, Naomi. I sewed a sheep costume for Spencer to wear to his pre-school graduation this Friday, and I got my hair cut (very successfully) at someplace other than Supercuts. For the first time in my adult life I have a regular "shop" and a regular "girl". The shop is Contere and my new hairdresser is Emily Watkins (Pensinger). I feel very grown-up.

The Signs of Summer

Bakersfield, California...May 16, 2008

Fresh Picks

One of the great benefits of satellite TV is BBC America. Or the "Beeb" as it is affectionately referred to in the UK. With a long summer of re-runs right around the corner, I recommend many of the viewing delights to be had from across the pond.

If you doubt, then remember that the Brits were responsible for the original versions of both "The Office" and "Trading Spaces," among many others.

Included on our list of current favorites are; "How Clean Is Your House?," "Bargain Hunt," "Cash in the Attic," "Kitchen Nightmares," "Last Restaurant Standing," and "Wire in the Blood," which is based on the mystery novels written by Val McDermid.

The last two aired their season finales this week. Luckily for all of us, "Wire in the Blood" is continuing to broadcast past shows on Sunday afternoons. Each episode is two hours long and features British actor Robson Green as Dr. Tony Hill, a clinical psychologist who teams up with a very no-nonsense police inspector to solve particularly disturbing crimes. I find the show to be very well written (although we have to go back occasionally to try to decipher the accents), less graphic, yet more interesting and compelling than its US equivalents. Another thing that we like about British dramas is that the actors all look like real people rather than like models straight out of an Abercrombie and Fitch catalog.

Robson Green starred in another BBC series, "Rocketman," a highly entertaining show about a widower and his kids, their very eccentric neighbors and their united efforts to build and launch a rocket to put his late wife's ashes into space. I hope they re-broadcast it--watch for it, in case they do!

The subject is "must see TV." What are your recommendations?

Happy Mother's Day!

How did we get to be so lucky? Our twelve fabulous grandchildren are being raised by the four best moms in the world!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, GIRLS!

P.S. My Mother's Day began with a nostalgic blast from the past--slightly under-cooked eggs, toast crumbs all over the counter and a very thoughtful and enthusiastic little chef.

Thank you, Bill!

Fresh Picks

I am starting a new feature on my blog to give me a wider audience for my many opinions. I will be sharing my recommendations for books, movies, web sites, products, and recipes. In return, I will ask you to leave your recommendations in your comments.

For today's pick, I begin with a question. How did generations of humans survive without obsessing over package labels? I used to scoff at such things, but have become a convert. Without going into all the boring medical details, let me just say that what you eat actually DOES have an effect on your health. Who knew????

When Bill is out of town I sometimes experiment with quick and healthy foods. (Not that he doesn't enjoy healthy foods. I just don't experiment on him.) Here is my recommendation for a low-fat, low-carb sandwich.

I believe the recipe is self-explanatory:

Note: I like the double fiber bread because the higher the fiber, the lower the net effective carbs. I like sharp cheese because you can slice it thinner and use less, yet still get a lot of flavor. I like the English cucumbers because they are less bitter, more crunchy and have smaller seeds.



The subject is sandwiches. What are YOUR picks?

Happy Birthday to You!

Birthday season is in full swing in the extended Reed clan. Below is a list of the honorees and their special days. Every one of them adds something special to our family and we love them all to pieces! Feel free to comment on what they each mean to you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

May 2--Heather

May 4--Sarah

May 10--Aubrey

May 23--Jake

Aubrey is turning ten and Jake is turning nine. Out of respect for the elderly we won't reveal the ages of Heather and Sarah.

Who Are Those Skinny People?

I thought you might enjoy a little photo project I am working on:

Hershall and Edith Reed, married April 25, 1944.

He was 21. She was 17.

Louis and Shirleen Gappmayer, married June 18, 1952.

They were both 19.

Bill and Linda Reed, married December 22, 1972.

He was 22. She was 19.