04-03-25

 Quick trip up to campus to see the cherry blossoms.  So crowded but so pretty.

04-01-25

 My hair went brown today, no fooling.  Liking my new stylist and salon.

03-30-25

 

Back to the LA Area hanging around waiting to go home tomorrow.

03-29-25

 

Sunnyland was on my list of places to visit.  A free garden space with a mid-century modern building.  

I learned that the couple who owned TV Guide and other enterprises used to live here and host a lot of presidents and famous people.  They donated the property to be used for peace talks.

It also happens to be the location of a temporary Dessert X art installation.  This was was a 30x30 foot pyramid (at the base and for height) where they planted succulents then threw wildflower seeds at it to see what would stick.

03-28-25

 

Guided "Modern and More" bike tour today.

Learned that this shape roof is called butterfly, that this model cost $25,000 to build in 3 weeks.  They quickly popped up all over Palm Springs then the entire construction company family died in a plane crash so that is why Palm Springs is a bubble of not-evolved mid-century modern architecture.

03-27-25

 

Yesterday we drove 3.5 miles up the mountain thinking we would ride the tram and windy weather made us turn around.  Today we tried again and found a ton of people ahead of us, so had over an hour wait.  When we were done sliding around on the snow covered nature paths we got in line to go down just to have two busloads of school trip kids slip in front of us.  The whole day, because what we thought would be a quick outing turned into a good part of the day, we asked aloud "is this worth it?!?"

But the rotating floor of the tram ride, with plenty of dips and rising thrills, and a party bus sing along on the way down, and being up in cooler weather did indeed feel worth it.

The tram fits 80 people, doesn't look that big, does it?

03-26-25

Exploring all that Palm Springs has to offer, from mid century modern architecture, food, art, afternoons poolside, and high winds.

03-25-25

 

Mid Century Modern, here we are!  We made it to Palm Springs, felt like way longer than a two hour flight should feel.  Enjoying the vintage hotel.

03-24-25

 

Much needed SLU walk with some normal routines tonight.

03-23-25

 

After church headed to Mom's for some family time sorting through Grampa's belongings, trinkets, and photos.  Good memories old and new!

03-22-25

 

"What the heck is this?!?"

I had the great honor of giving Poppy girl her first bath today.

03-21-25

 

Allied Awards Ceremony in Bellevue tonight, theme of Enchanted.

Bruce won the President's Award, woo-hoo.  Feels good for Bruce's co-workers recognize how much Bruce is doing to make low income housing work, in his non conventional ways.

03-20-25

 

The day before Poppy was born I start this "You Are My Sunshine" art project for Grampa, using Grama's button selection.  I was so shocked that there were enough yellow buttons, given how much Grama hated the color yellow!

I believe that Grama and Grampa are resting at peace now until the new creation happens.

03-19-25

 

Not loving my new work station, but I do have this view of a Accipiter hawk nest.  That is kinda cool!

03-18-25

 

Weird long day, I'm tired.

Grampa died peacefully in the night.  And the memories come flooding back.

Stayed at the office late to go to a consultation with a new hair stylist... slowly gradually embarking on a new hair journey.

03-17-25

 

A visit to Poppy girl this evening since we have plans the rest of the week... I know I physically can't hold her forever, but I would sure like to try!

03-16-25

 

Darn, no Poppy picture today.

Home again.  I needed to get out of the apartment to not fall asleep, so we finally checked out the museum of illusions.

Trippy place!

03-15-25

 

I wish I had taken more photos of the food, of the cats, and of the parents this week.  But its all about Poppy...

03-14-25

 

This might be my favorite photo.  It isn't perfectly centered, but that adds to the memory of how hard it is to take photos of babies on your lap with one hand while trying really hard not to piss her off.

03-13-25

 

Four generation of Dittman girls.  Poppy had her first book club meeting tonight.  Of course, she stole the show over any book discussions!

03-12-25

 

Another busy day and a lot of tears.  Some for memories of a loss, some for unknown infant upset. It was nice to reminisce over the many years with Grandma Fischer while passing around the newest family member.

03-11-25

Cute little dumpling!

Poppy was off the UW to get an MRI in the name of science.  Nice to have a chosen visit instead of an unexpected one.

Grandma stayed home to take a nap!

 

03-10-25

 

Night one of looking after Poppy.

She's not exactly in party mode, but she is definitely not asleep either.

I carry the boppy pillow around so I can set her down when I need both of my hands.

03-09-25

 

"Grandma, why are we at the hospital again?"

Sometimes life doesn't go the way we choose.

But we can still find blessings and joy.

Poppy not being a patient is a double edged sword - we have more freedom to take her in and out of the hospital room, but Anastasia has less support from the staff for her care.

03-08-25

 

Happy Bruce at hockey before the Thornton Three had to leave for the hospital.  Still a fun evening, just a big subdued.

03-07-25

 Retreating at Adoration House this weekend.  Love this stain glass outside the prayer room.

03-06-25

 

Office move today.

Happy to finally have a true desk with shelves and drawers after seven years, but sad to move away from the window.

Another chapter, wondering how long this one will last.

03-05-25

 

Hi, ho, hi ho, it's off to church I go.  Happy Ash Wednesday!

03-04-25

 

Poppy time in her poppy clothes!  Grandpa thinks they are coronavirus, but what does he know?!?

03-03-25

 

No visits to Poppy, no visits from Mom, just a quiet Monday night in SLU.

03-02-25

 

Day 2 of hugging on this grandchild.

03-01-25

She's here!  Poppy arrived this morning.  The birth was far from perfect, but she is absolutely perfect!

02-28-25

While I wait, I am caught up on reading goals,  it's Sabbath so I can't get ahead on chores, so I pulled out Grama's button box and started working on a crafty project.

Grama hated orange and yellow with a passion, so I was pleasantly surprised by how many buttons I found in that color family.

There is very little red and green, so anything Christmas themed will need to be white or pink, which I guess is very fitting for Grama.

02-27-25

 

I've had a bad headache all day.  It was a productive day, but I am so tired of waiting!  These non alcoholic drinks have a nice calming effect, and love that it is called a painkiller.

02-26-25

It's official.  My hair stylist of about 5 years is moving to Chicago.  Tonight was my last appointment with her.  I will miss our chats and the eclectic music and the sparkles.  She wrote down my color recipe, but I may be ready to go a different direction.

02-25-25

 

The hospital memorialized Renee's last heartbeat.  Very cool, what a unique keepsake to remember her with.

02-24-25

 

My Valentines boquet is growing strong.  Cut flowers make me think of Renee, who we said good-bye to today.

02-23-25

 It's storming outside and it has been another long day, so dinner was from nearby.  And a slice of coconut cream pie too!

02-22-25

 I was really hoping Penny would come today.  It is a good day, and also Margarita Day.  The special donut at Top Pot this day only is officially new new favorite donut.

02-21-25

 Fridays are for banana stands.  Like that we can see it from our apartment.

02-20-25

 

Still no baby.  We had dinner together while we wait.

02-19-25

 

Office move time.  Today I packed up, cleaned out my locker, and did some cleaning.  My new cubicle has better furniture but a worse view.

02-18-25

 

I'm officially old.

I have been cleaning my Invisalign liners with hydrogen peroxide, but today I used denture cleaner.  

That's old people sh*t.

02-17-25

 

Holiday today, woo hoo.  It was a busy day, but I did sqeeze in a mani and pedi.  The color was bright purple in the bottle, but is subtle enough that I can wear it on my fingers too.  When did these feet get so old?!?

02-16-25

 

Mom and I were able to see a play this afternoon.  It had us talking about it for days.  I was sad the Devil Went Down to Georgia song wasn't played since that was the storyline, but it was fun.

02-15-25

 

Totem Lake walk.

02-14-25

 

Celebrating Valentines Day by building my own boquet on the roof.  Arrive has some nice events.

02-13-25

 

Book club night.  Anastasia is so ready to have this baby!

02-12-25

 

New work water bottle since I shattered the old one.

02-11-25

 

We're expecting a baby soon, and Anastasia is expecting pinwheels after she gives birth.  She's been abstaining from lunchmeat.