Army Ball, Mother's Day and stuff...

As expected, Kate had a marvelous time at the Army Ball in North Carolina. Seeing Steve was such a treat and Alex was just as nice in person as on the phone. From going to the movies, to taking them to get their hair done to midnight snacks of Ben & Jerry's a great time was had by all. The Ball itself was, according to Kate, more like a High School dance- with plenty of booze- so it didn't quite live up to Jane Austin's descriptions. But getting all dressed up and being escorted by a handsome and gentlemanly, (and sober!) soldier made up for what was lacking in atmosphere...

Kate and Alex

One major highlight for Kate was the day after the Ball when the guys took the girls to the shooting range! Kate had a blast- ahem- learning to shoot a 9 mm handgun and a Colt 45. In fact, my baby did rather well and fairly impressed those Airborne Infantrymen! Steve declared that she could snipe with the 45 after watching her grouping her shots so nice and tight. Takes after her Momma... Those boys sure know how to show a girl a good time!




Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mother's Day was a whole weekend for me, thanks to my sweet family. Flowers arrived on Saturday, sent by Nathaniel from Hawaii! Such a beautiful arrangement, they are still beautifying the dining room. When he called though, his voice seemed strained, and it turns out that he had broken a finger two days before while playing football! He went to get it checked out and wrapped up. Another vivid reminder that my firstborn is out on his own and taking care of himself now. Wow.


Sunday morning I was surprised by a number of gifts awaiting me outside. Springtime being planting time, and our home being ours, I've been planting things that will last a long time. My dear children helped that cause along by choosing shrubs that I've been eye-ing in others' yards which will now adorn our yard as well! Not only things to plant, but a birdbath for our feathered friends too! We set it right where we can see it from the windows in the front of the house.

...and Whoopie pies too!

Dappled Willow, cute little multi-colored shrub.
Bird Bath!
Scotch Broom, the flowers are a favorite with Hummingbirds and Butterflies.
Azalea with yellow/orange blooms- unusual!

And speaking of our feathered friends, I caught a photo- through the window, of our little neighbors who have moved into the gourd on the lamp post! Isn't he cute?

For dinner Sunday, Bekah made a baked French Toast dish with pecans, which was fabulous! So nice, not just to have a weekend off-duty, but to relax with the kids and enjoy one another. We had made a point to "schedule" absolutely nothing for the weekend so that it didn't fill up with running hither and yon the way most weekends seem to. Relaxing, refreshing and simply nice. Aaaahhh.

Flying Away!

I dropped Kate off at the Harrisburg Airport this morning for her flight to Fayetteville, NC. She is going to the Army Ball at Fort Bragg tomorrow night with a young man to whom she was introduced by our friend, Steve, who is in the Airborne Infantry. Steve and Alex are in the same unit and recently returned from Afghanistan. While there, Steve introduced Alex and Kate via Facebook and before long, Alex asked her to accompany him to the Ball. He even called Jim to ask his permission! Since we know and trust Steve, and he vouches not only for Alex's character, but also his Christian profession, we have sent Kate with our blessings.

Where else in America is a Jane Austin fan to go to attend a Ball?!?! This ought to be a wonderful week for Kate- we can't wait to hear all about it and see the pictures! I'll share some once she is home.