Ten Things Thursday

How about some beautiful things in nature?

I have no idea what these are from. I suppose they are seeds, but they sure a cute.

This doesn't seem like it could be real. That many cardinals lined up so perfectly---come on. It must be a painting.

This is an unusual flower/plant.

I have a feeling I might actually have seen some of these, but didn't realize it was an insect. Maybe it's not real either.

Which came first?

I'm not sure I ever realized that the beaks on cardinals were red. But I guess the picture above proves it.

 I don't know about this. It looks like it just might be food dressed up to look like flowers.

I definitely didn't know this. All I've got to say is that's a lot of "picking" to get a jar of cashews. It must take a whole tree for one jar. Maybe they grow on bushes.

Art in nature.

Did you know that Bradford pear trees are so invasive that some places offer a bounty on them. I don't know where that is, but it seems to me, you can just wait them out. They are not long living trees--only about 15 years. And, they are weak trees to boot. They suffer storm damage easily. The flowers are sure pretty.

Words of Wisdom!

Tuesday Thoughts About Robbie and Jordan!

So. About a week ago, Butch and I along with Stephanie, Nicky, Mindy and Justin were here. We were having our first pool day. Kind of late in the season for that, but we've had so much rain--especially on weekends, that we just didn't have a chance. 

Anyway, Mindy brought a new game. Sort of like conversation starters. She asked a question and then we all answered it. Well, one of the questions was something like, "What is the best thing that's happened in your family this year?

I only remember one answer because it was so perfect!! It was Justin who said, "That we've got Robbie "locked down!" OMGosh! What a perfect way to put it!

We love Robbie and are so happy he is going to be part of the family. "Locked down, he is!! He is absolutely perfect for Jordan. 

And we couldn't be happier.

A couple weeks ago, I asked Jordan to send me the story of how they met, the making of the ring and then the proposal. I am getting ready to start her wedding album. 

I was blown away by her writing. I like to think she got it from me! Or more likely, her great Overbrook education! Or actually, although I think you can become a good writer, I think mostly you are born with an innate ability. Whatever, she's "got it!" (FYI you become a good writer by writing! Just do it!)

She has given me permission to share some of it here. Although she gave me permission to edit it, there was not a single mistake--punctuation, spelling or grammar! I am one proud grammy! 

1. How did you and Robbie meet / start dating?

   
   

Robbie and I met during the summer of 2020. It was in July, to be exact. This was smack-dab in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic that took the world by storm. Everyone was on lock-down; there was not much to do, and the usage of dating apps skyrocketed. 

Robbie and I met in real life for the first time after texting each other for about 2 weeks. I brought my adorable dog and faithful companion, Koda, on our first date. I think Robbie fell in love with both me and Koda at first sight! Just joking.

    2. About my engagement ring:

I always knew that I wanted a unique engagement ring. When Robbie and I started discussing getting engaged, I did some research and found a jewelry shop, Artisan LA, which had great reviews. The jeweler who owns the shop and is its lead designer, Julio, specializes in creating engagement rings from non-traditional precious gemstones (gems other than diamonds). Julio is also an expert in making custom rings. ...we decided that this would be the best way for me to get the ring of my dreams. The whole process would take about 6 months from start to finish.

I had made a (very) rough sketch of what I had in mind. I knew that I wanted the center stone to be a ruby, as they are my favorite gemstones, and red is often the color associated with love. I described what I had in mind to Julio. I had asked for the center stone to be the shape of a concave diamond. Initially, Julio told me that it would not be possible, because cutting the stone in that way would dramatically reduce its karat size and waste a lot of the stone. I asked if I could show him a sketch of my idea. After I drew it out for him, Julio realized that it would, indeed, be possible to design a ring like this without losing any of the ruby. The solution? Find a ruby that is cushion-cut (square in shape), and create the setting in the shape of the concave diamond, don’t cut the stone itself to be this shape. Robbie and I both agreed with Julio’s suggestion and gave him the greenlight to get started.

What followed next was a series of Zoom calls in which Robbie and I reviewed and chose every tiny detail of the ring, even down to the shape of the prongs that would hold the center ruby in place. Julio has a program on his computer that allows him to make 3D images of what the jewelry will look like, so we were able to visualize each little change. After we approved the 3D computer renderings, it was time for Julio to hunt for my center stone. He told us that gem-hunting is his favorite part of the entire process! Julio came back to us with 5 different gemstones to look at and choose from. Robbie and I went in person to see the stones, and we both agreed on a 2.5 karat ruby that was already a beautiful square shape and a deep shade of red. It was so cool to see the stone on its own and be able to hold it in my hand before it turned into my ring!

The last step of the custom ring making process was for Julio to 3D-print plastic versions of my ring for us to review. We came into the shop and I got to try on the plastic models (which I still have, by the way!) in order to get a sense of how the ring would look and feel on my hand. After we approved that, everything from our end was finally done, and all that was left was for Julio to make the actual ring.

It’s worth mentioning that this whole process took only about 2 months total, with us communicating with Julio on a weekly basis. Julio told us that he loved our design so much (because it was so unique!), that he was deeply pulled into his artistic process while creating our ring, to the point that he basically only wanted to work on our project. That’s why it was done so much faster than the 6 month timeline! It made me feel so good to hear that someone else loved my vision just as much as I did, and that they put their all into bringing it to life!

In the end, the ring came out perfect, but I didn’t see it until Robbie proposed.

3. About the proposal:

Robbie and I got engaged in Hakone, Japan, on March 24th, 2025. Hakone was the second city we stayed in during our 2-week vacation through the country. Robbie and I planned the trip to Japan to celebrate both of us turning 30 and to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Hakone is a small hot-spring village about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo. It is the #1 hot-spring destination for both foreign tourists and Japanese people alike. The town has a very sleepy, mystical air to it. Situated in the Mt Fuji National Park, it is a beautifully scenic and romantic spot. We splurged on our hotel there, and upgraded to a room with a private onsen (hot-spring bath).

We stayed in Hakone for 2 nights. On our last day there, we had planned a 5-mile hike that wound up a mountain and passed by a waterfall. Our hike up the mountain was pleasant and peaceful. We were basically the only people out hiking this trail, which you could only access by riding a train up the side of the mountain. It was a beautiful day out; sunny but not too hot.

When we got to the top of the mountain, we found a picnic table to sit down at. Robbie suggested taking out the tripod to get a picture of us. We had used the tripod a few times before this, so nothing about that stood out as unusual to me. After we took the photo, I started walking away. Robbie grabbed my hand, pulled me back, and told me he had something he wanted to ask me. Then, he proceeded to get down on one knee and express his feelings for me and the reasons why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I could tell he was really nervous, which was very cute and endearing, considering we had been dating for nearly 5 years. Of course, I said yes!! (Followed by, “I Choose You” - the best Pokemon reference possible).

Robbie opened the small box and put the ring on my finger. It was my first time seeing the ring; Robbie’s only condition during the ring making process was that I was not to see the finished product until the proposal, to which I happily agreed. The ring was so stunning and sparkled so brightly in the afternoon sunshine. It took my breath away and was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was a magical moment; we were both so happy. ❤️

Afterwards, we hiked down the mountain. I was gazing at my ring most of the time. Once we were back in town, we stopped for dinner at a local sushi restaurant. The sushi was very fresh and delicious. From there, we went back to our hotel to relax and watch anime together. It was truly a perfect day. ❤️

I love this whole story. I love this little girl! And I love Robbie too!

Welcome to the family! We're so glad to have you "locked down!"

  

Monday Mystery

Butch told me about the bird living under our mailbox. I hadn't seen it and, frankly could not imagine how it could possibly fit under there. Then, a couple days ago when I went out for my early morning walk, I rounded the corner where the driveway meets the street--which is where the mailbox is. 

Out flew the bird, scaring the living daylights out of me!! How in the world can that bird fit under there? 

It's a half inch gap. I tried to look in there to see if there was a nest, but it's so narrow, I couldn't see. It's a mystery for sure!

Speaking of mailboxes, I have always hated this one. I know that seems pretty strong language for a mailbox. But, it's true. Not only is it a hideous color, but it's so random. The h ouse doesn't have yellow shutters or front door, so I just don't understand it. Plus, it's beat up and needs replacing. I guess they thought if they painted it, no one would notice that its beat up. 

Anyway, I get it now! It matches the roses planted there. 

Now I actually like it. I like this picture too. Well, except for the utility poles n the background. Now if I had the awesome editing tools that Butch has on his computer, I could remove them The best I can do is this:

I guess it's better than nothing.

Me on Monday

Sandy and I got spa treatments when we went to the Barnsley Resort last week. I booked myself for one and her for two. She asked why I was only getting one. I told her that I've learned that whenever you make me be still, I fall asleep. I'm tired of falling asleep during facials and massages and missing the whole thing!  You might think it would be hard to sleep if someone is massaging your face--but not for me! I can sleep anywhere. I even fell asleep during a root canal (true story). Seriously, make me be still and close my eyes and I'm out!

That's why I gave up having facials and massages--unless it's reflexology--I can enjoy a good foot massage while sitting in a vibrating chair and reading my book. That's what I signed up for at the resort. Or so I thought.

As it turned out, I've never had a reflexology treatment quite like this. When the masseuse came to get me, I had my book and a cup of water. Then, she took me into one of the dimly lit treatment rooms. I quickly realized that this was to be a reflexology the likes I've never had before. Perhaps my tip-off should have been when she handed me the robe to change in to. I figured that's just what they do. I had on my swimsuit since Sandy and I had planned to hit the pool afterwards. She left the room so I could "unrobe" and get under the blanket on the table. She much have wondered what the heck I thought I was going to do with a book and a cup of water! Now I was feeling kind of stupid.

I disrobed and hopped on the table. Okay, not exactly "hopped" but managed to climb aboard! When Sherry Shelly (her real name--honest to god) returned, she asked if I was warm enough. I knew I was in trouble when she put an eye mask on me. Then she proceeded to mess up my hair with that band thing that makes your bangs stand up. 

She started explaining about how everything in the body is connected to the feet. She was going to find out anything that might be wrong through my feet. She can feel nodules that are like Rice Krispies and know immediately what part of the body is stressed--or something like that.

The first thing she did was lightly rub down my legs (below the knees) and feet with a brush of some sort. I figured she was removing dead skin cells or something. Then she took a very light brush--felt like feathers and brushed me down. I guess that was brushing off the dead skin cells. Next, she started rubbing my feet with the softest touch I've ever felt--almost like not rubbing them at all. And that's all she wrote. 

Yep, I was out and didn't feel a thing. I slept until I felt her put some sort of cap over my hair. Then she sprayed my face with a mist. That woke me up! It was all over in what seemed like mere minutes.

Then Sherry Shelly proceeded to tell me that everything looked good. She felt some nodules near my right two little toes which corresponded to my right shoulder--meaning I have stress in that shoulder--or some such new wave stuff. She told me that there was a puffy spot on the bottom of my foot which signified dehydration. If that's true, I guess it made sense. My appointment was at 10 a.m. and I hadn't had anything to drink yet. 

So, I missed another massage. That's it for me--unless I know I'm getting the type of reflexology that I am familiar with!! 

Scrapbook Saturday

This is Janet's AYM layout for May. I love the punched circles using her flower photos. I'll be doing that sometime for sure!

The challenge for the month was to make a spinner. 

I did a couple of Christmas layouts in May.

Friday Funnies