Summer Shows

"The Closer" is my favorite show. The new episodes started last week. I love Kyra Sedgwick. The character she plays is a strong, independent woman with some idiosyncrasies. Makes her character very interesting. But, I would say to the characters that are guilty -- ask for a lawyer before you spill you guts!

I've been also watching the show that comes after this show -- "Raising the Bar". Since I didn't watch this before this season, I'm still trying to figure out the characters. But so far, it is worth watching. I have it DVR'd so I watch it when I get a chance.

In the past few days I've been listening to Michael Jackson music on my ipod and online. It is good to honor his life by listening to his music. I grew up with Michael Jackson. At camp there were always his poster and Donny Osmond's posters up on the walls. Farrah Fawcett was also part of my early years. "Charlies' Angels" was a very popular show. And last, but not least, I stayed up late to watch "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. It has been a sad week regarding these passings, but also a walk back through memory lane.

On another random note, eight other ladies and myself went together to watch "My Sister's Keeper". Most everyone had read Jodi Picoult's book prior to attending the movie. It is definitely a tear jerker. Most of us were disappointed that they altered the ending so drastically from the book. Jodi Picoult's website indicated she had no control over the movie script. I really love Jodi Picoult's books and her ethic dilemmas, twists and turns.

I'm really looking forward to this July 4th holiday and hope you are too. Pictures and stories to share after the festivities ... let's just say antiquing, BBQ, and fireworks are in my future.

Safari

Before my husband left Kenya, the group went on a safari. Kenya is a beautiful country and they saw and were very close to many animals.

My husband is still experiencing some jet lag. Just worn out in the evening. That's his excuse anyway!

We have another group from our church currently in Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip and at the end of June we are sending our youth to Atlanta for our annual youth mission trip.

Our Mission Statement: "Partnering with others to be the presence of Christ at home and around the world."

Mission Work

My husband traveled to Kenya with others from our church as a 3 year mission commitment. This is the 2nd year. The travel is long -- from Detroit they traveled 8 hours to Amsterdam and then another 8 hours to Kenya.

The picture of the community with a lake and mountains in the background is a beautiful area called Lake Navaisha.

The group worked with the House of Hope which is an orphanage. My husband helped build a pigpen. They were also able to provide funds to purchase four pigs for the orphanage.

The last picture is of the children from the orphanage in front of their school The mission group really enjoyed their time with the children (playing, reading books, outdoor games, etc.).

Weekend Picture Diary

More info about the Kenya trip to come.

Family

I visited with my Great Aunt recently so she could meet my granddaughter for the first time. She is my granddaughter's Great, Great, Great Aunt. (my earlier post had one too many Greats for all you blog readers that already read this) Whew! I'm not sure I ever had an aunt or uncle that was that many generations from me.

That's amazing isn't it. I feel very close to this Great Aunt. She helped my mom take care of me when I was a baby and ill for a spell.

She is in her 90's and still lives by herself and doing well. She just lost her elder sister that was in her upper 90's and also has a younger brother alive in good health.

I'm turning 50 this year but if I take after this side of the family, I'm only halfway in my life! The first 50 have been very full. What will I make of the next 50?

Love you Aunt Juanita -- hope you are with us for a long time to come.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Warm Weather

Love the warm weather we are having. Summer time is finally here.

These flowers are on my kitchen table. The yellow flowers are from the field in front of my house and the roses are from my MIL. Gorgeous.

I took a nice walk last night in a beautiful park. Everyone was having fun playing and enjoying family time.