One is Silver, The Other Gold

 "Make new friends. . . .
But keep, the old. . .

 One is silver. . . .

 The other gold."

 I think of that song often---I learned it in Girl Scouts.  Coincidentally (or not), my golden "old" friends are from Girl Scouts.  Kathy (with me in front of the fireplace) and Carol above with her daughter and husband were grade school, high school and Girl Scout friends.

One of the best things about being retired is being free to visit with friends whether they are in Texas or Missouri.  This grouping of "new" friends is from church.  The Drakes and Tenapases above have been friends for over 30 years, but my definition of "old" friends are people we've known before 1971 when we married.

As much as I love going out to eat with teacher friends (the first group of photos), "old" friends, church friends (the last group), I just wish it didn't all show on the scale the next day.  So, I guess I'll go to Wellbridge a few more times this week and work out with some of my newest friends---those I've made since I retired.

Kathy's Surprise Birthday Party

 When I first heard about my "little" cousin's surprise birthday party, I thought, "Oh, my little cousin is turning 50."  No. . . .if I'd done the math, I would have realized how old she was going to be. . . .my how time flies.

 We all surprised her at a Holiday Inn---personally, I was surprised to see her Dallas family there.  I'd just seen them a few weeks ago where they'd given her a new iPhone for her birthday.  I assumed it was because they wouldn't be able to make it.
Her daughter-in-law Becki was busier than a one-armed paper hanger, holding baby Delaney and photographing!

Kathy's daughter Sara (with Aunt Mary and Mallory) and daughter-in-law Mary (with Hailey) planned the surprise by all going for pedicures and then going to the Holiday Inn for "wine and cheese tasting".

Kathy was so happy to see Cousin Cheryl (with Charlie) Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill and Uncle Ron (below).  Aunt Mary loves babies so holding her great-great niece Delaney made her day.

 We had a group photo made, but all I have for now is our getting ready for the group photo.

Pictured below are Kathy with all of her children and most of her grandchildren.

I am so happy I was able to celebrate the birthday of one of my dear cousins. . . .I just don't know how she got so old when I am still only 39!

Busy Activity Town

 How many differences can you spot in the two photos above?

Leah once bought an activity "game" at Goodwill.  The kids LOVED it.  We could tell that it was broken, but could not find it on the internet to see what it was supposed to look like.  One came in the first day of our church rummage---in the box.  I couldn't resist buying it ( I eventually took our broken one to the rummage sale) See below for the sounds and movement!

ABC Sale at St. Mark

 Our church, St. Mark Presbyterian, has a wonderful rummage sale each year filling nine rooms including a gym and two areas that were once sanctuaries.  We always get some wonderful items donated like the hall tree above with its original pan.

 We have a lot of furniture, rugs, basekets. . .

 Books of all kinds. . .

Family Reunion McKinney!

 We stayed an extra day to see my nephew Doug, his wife Christi and their daughter Ashleigh.  So, we had another Family Reunion at Leah and Todd's house.  Aunt Jane swept Eli off his feet!

 Eli seems puzzled with how I decorated the study/guest room.

  It was so good to see Christi and Ashleigh!

 Eli played so nicely with Ashleigh!

 Doug and Todd are standing between Leah's sewing nook and the play room.

 Jane loved their big master bedroom.

 Anna and Ashleigh like the master bath.

Touring Anna's room, she was willing to share a doll, a dress but NOT her stroller with Ashleigh.  For more on our visit with the Warrens, hit the "Texas" label to the right.