Flowers 4/3/09...

Another attempt of the 'Modified Upright Style'. The branches were thicker and made placement into the oasis a bit challenging! We had a smaller class today so each of us did a different style with the same flowers. After the class, she demonstrated making the smaller sized arrangements with last weeks flowers...one of my favorite things to do!

This week has really been a good one. Maybe it is partly the Spring weather and blooming of everything. Seems there are more smiles on the sidewalks...or at least a few less frowns! :-) Yesterday (Monday) I visited my buddies at the local Post-Office. While I was waiting for my turn, the gal I usually speak with came walking in the front door. We did a little greeting then she looked over at her boss and headed for the back of the office. I assumed she was busy and just kept waiting. After about a minute she came back out to the waiting area and pressed 2 candy balls into my hand...gave me a big grin...then gave a serious looks and returned to her desk. She is such a character. When I went up to get the postage she looked at me seriously then raised her eyebrows and grinned. I'm sure she is trying to look professional...but really wanting to chat! (Or least have us try for a little chat!)

I was really pleased this morning when the Treasurer for the Dutch Orange Ball delivered our tickets and orange bow-ties with little bicycles on them....for the guys at the table. They are so cute. I didn't realize it would be such a coordinated affair! When I ran down to fetch the tickets the nice lady said "Here you go...I'm sure you will be wearing something nicer to the ball"...I laughed....then wondered if she was really frightened by my outfit! :-) (I'm sure it was just a little attempt at humor). During the ride up in the elevator I looked at myself and thought I could have presented myself a bit better! :-)

Today (Tuesday) was absolutely beautiful! Went to the AWC (American Women's Club) meeting/coffee morning. The speakers were from all of the various charities that the group supports though the Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop on the US Army Base. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place when the Irish Priest came forward and spoke of starting a group home for mentally challenged adults...and how the group has grown since it's beginnings in the 1970's. Quite a story. One of the other very touching stories came from a Nurse/Nun who stayed after the Korean War and started a Nursing Home/Hospice Program. She even makes the breads for sale from wheat...really from scratch! Of course I bought several little handicrafts, scones, cookies...all kinds of things. Some US Soldiers spoke of their work in some remote orphanages....awesome stuff. I really felt choked up when the Korean boy with CP (I think) came to the front with one of the Nuns and read his poem to the group (in Korean). His poem was one of several that were published in a book that was for sale today. I'm happy to say the poetry books sold out...I'm on the waiting list for a few more...plus the little fellow signed all of the books! I left there feeling even more appreciative of my life....for sure.

After the fun morning we headed off to...can you guess...my favorite Kabob shop!!! ( Julie gave us a lift in her cute little GM/Daewoo car...with 2- tone interior...very cute!) Unfortunately, it was too busy and there was no seating for about 12 of us. We went to another Kabob place with outdoor seating. It wasn't quite as awesome...but very tasty! (And great french fries). After lunch we headed to a jewelry repair shop and the market...I needed some ingredients for the Poppy Chicken Recipe! I'll be substituting yogurt for sour cream...so we will see how it goes! Chris is giving Alberto a ride home from work so I can check his knee.

In summary...I would say this was another 'Red Letter Day'....and I'm thankful!