Friday, April 21, 2023

FOTO FRIDAY: DEVASTATION

FOTO FRIDAY  this week has to do with what I came home to after Atlanta. Arkansas is known as the Natural State filled with beautiful hills, parks and outdoor sports.


Little Rock now has a new face, pockmarked by the devastation left by the tornado which touched down for 40 seconds in different parts of my hometown.  It also somehow missed my brother in Leawood and my Dad in the Heights.

This scene is 3 blocks from my house. To say I feel lucky is an understatement. This used to be filled with green trees and homes. This is all that remains now...




Friday, April 14, 2023

FOTO FRIDAY: DALLAS BLOOMS




FOTO FRIDAYS
: One of my most favorite Dallas Arboretum photos was the kismet of being part of a quinceƱera photo shoot. As the botanical blooms were striking, this young lady is just beginning her blooming ... the juxtaposition of a girl becoming a woman as her American Girl doll dons the same gown... 


Last week's FOTO FRIDAY was SMILE

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

TUESDAY TUNES: HELLO from DALLAS

 TUESDAY TUNES is Lionel Ritchie's HELLO sung by American Idol contestant Olivia

HELLO

Sunday, April 9, 2023

FOTO FRIDAY: SMILE

 FOTO FRIDAY: I always get a big kick at this item in the store at this time of the year and of course, I buy it.

 Check out the cap lettering. Not only is it GMO...




Last week's FOTO FRIDAY was taken in Atlanta with the grand's Kindergarten class. These kids loved this field trip and so did Bubbe...













Saturday, April 8, 2023

TBT: ZOOMING THE SEDER IN 2020

 It's difficult to believe 3 years ago from Chaseburg we zoomed our holiday meal of the Passover Seder with the Shermans in Atlanta, Little Rock. Dallas, Boston and San Francisco.

My heart was full having the whole family together...



Wednesday, April 5, 2023

MONDAY MUSINGS & MORE THIS WEDNESDAY: BACK IN THE COULEE ,HOTLANTA & HOME

Returning to what was once was home can be a mixed bag of emotions. The scenery is the same in the Coulee and Wisconsin weather definitely has not changed. 7 degrees one morning. Smile. My new coat is not only getting a workout but is greatly appreciated. 

The Midwest's fifth season, Road Construction, is in full force making  major arteries one lane and creating detours. But there were changes...

Changes in my old habits have also occurred like Jazzercise classes  being broadcast live and  have moved from the old church basement to a new building with a carpeted floor.  New eateries.

Attending Sabbath services at the synagogue now always has police presence due to the rise of antisemitism. Then due to COVID there is also a mask policy when 15 or more congregants to wear masks which actually I appreciated knowing I have a Dad that really has a difficult time with any cold.

With a week break inbetween it was then off to a 5 day family extravaganza in Atlanta as I think 4 birthdays were recognized along with a Baby naming. Let them eat cake. Let's see: Oreo Cookie, Rice Krispie, Sponge and Hungry Caterpillar. 

Guess I won't have to miss dessert during this week of Passover. SO Thankful to have in-town family with whom to celebrate. 

Yep, a different kind of repair also awaited me back in Little Rock Sunday night as utility crews have worked tirelessly clearing debris, fixing downed power lines from a tornado which touched down on Little Rock's westside in addition to Cammack Village, my childhood neighborhood and also across the river.

I don't know how the path of the tornado decided to miss my home. Devastation lurks 3 blocks away...  

Memories fade until jolted again. PTSD of the floods Mother Nature has sent my way in the past... 

Thankful all my friends are safe and I still have a roof over my head which many are missing... 

We will survive but as hearts know we will never be the same...

TUESDAY TUNES: STRONGER

Tuesday Tunes pick became clear which of my 3 song picks this week's had to be... Sam Feldt and Keesha's STRONGER These lyrics speak loud and clear. if you wanna get stronger...

Having lived through a 1000-year flood and seeing the havoc left behind I feel your pain. Mother Nature can be harsh. 

To all of you facing rebuilding your homes, my heart goes out to all of you. On days when you feel can't do anymore, take it day by day.