Finally Friday - Tony (a movie)

 Big blockbuster movies rule, but a few little art house projects sneak under the radar. It's over one hundred degrees in TX. It's too hot outside to even enjoy our pool.  Movie matinee time and Tony is a decent "little" film. 

Tony (Dominic Sessa) is a hot headed college kid - arrogant wise acre and so, so green. He ultimately becomes Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential chef extraordinaire). In this movie, he's just Tony. He's lost a summer writing prize, he heads to Providence seeking a girl (Nancy - Emilia Jones), he has no experience, fights and gets kicked out of a restaurant (bounced by hooligan Sal (Leo Woodall) )

. The rest becomes a bit of history as he manages to get on with said fish place under the guidance of Chef (Antonio Banderas).  Chef sees something in Tony, and Tony somehow senses he can learn. He needs the discipline, but he also screws up a lot. Drugs, drinking, carousing - you get a hint of the life Bourdain later wrote about. You also see the camaraderie and the growth of  Tony, his potential. 

Decent acting, interesting coming  of age story, and a nice  cool theater. I was happy for my two hours in a darkened air-conditioned show.  Look for Tony - probably streaming soon near you. 

(It also made me want to rewatch some Anthony Bourdain  shows - the man was so good. So sad he died by suicide) 

 

Whatever Wednesday - RIP Dolly Parton

 I shall confess I was late to the Dolly Parton bandwagon.  I was never a big country music fan. Way back when, in the Ed Sullivan show days, I didn't clamor to stay up to watch her. I was a Motown gal - Diana Ross, etc. 

BUT.  Whitney singing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. Now, that was a wow of a song. 

Dolly in movies - 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias - absolutely

And as I aged, I appreciated reading interviews about  her. Smart, funny, clever, creative.  A superb businesswoman who cared about people. 

Her Inspiration Library  - another WOW of a humble use of her money. The gift of a book to a child opens  a world  of possibilities.  And, of  course, her contribution to science - funding for the COVID vaccine to save lives. 

Dolly Parton - RIP at age 80.   We were lucky to have her around and her legacy will live on - a genuinely good person.   

Monday Moments - American Fantasy by Emma Straub

 Looking for a summer escape? Ahoy - Board the American Fantasy cruise ship for four days with your favorite nineties era boy band. Three thousand screaming women worshipping middle aged dudes.

Emma Straub writes a good tale with American Fantasy.  Annie is fifty, divorced, and signed on to this trip  with her sister. Alas, the sister can't go, so Annie is shocked at herself for starting to enjoy the hype. 

cover blurb - Call it memory. Call it nostalgia. Call it the chemical reaction of hormones, hope, and sexual reawakening.  By the time, Annie meets one of the band members - not just a celebrity but someone in need of a friend - she has accessed a sense of new possibility.

The story is  told from various viewpoints, Annie, boy band dudes, and the managing director of the whole four days. Her tale is rather exhausting - controlling the guys, herding the fans, and making the  magic happen. 

Emma Staub captures the vibe - the passion, the yearning, the dips into the past, and the reality that exists. 

This is a silly, very fun read.  I confess - back in the  day, I'd buy Tiger Beat: I loved David Cassidy, Bobby Sherman, and more.  I could totally get on board this fantasy trip.  

Finally Friday - Shirley Hazard stories

Shirley Hazard (1931-2016) is a renowned author from back in the day. She won the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and more.  I found her Collected Stories at our library sale for only two dollars.  What a lovely treat!

back blurb - These twenty eight stories are masterworks in telescoping focus, ranging from quotidian struggles between beauty and pragmatism to satirical send-ups of international bureaucracy, from the Italian countryside to suburban CT. Hazard's heroes are high-minded romantics who struggle to accommodate their feelings to the twentieth-century world of office jobs and dreary marriages.

Hazard's writing and characters have an old fashioned touch, but in a good way. Her descriptions of world weary people going  about their day, or dreading a dinner party are spot-on.  Sharp  humor, clever dialogue - her writing propels one to keep turning the page. I laughed out loud at times.  One of my favorite sentences was something to the effect that the "woman looked like a resort town in the rain".  Oh my!  Can't you just picture it - bedraggled, a bit rough. 

This book was a gem on sale. I now need to seek out her novels. Quite the find. 

 

Whatever Wednesday - Anxious People by Frederik Backman

 I like Fredrik Backman's writing. He finds the quirkiness in folks and writes interesting stories. Anxious People was not a favorite. It had its moments and was amusing. But I also found it a tad contrived. 

At an apartment open house, a failed bank robber bursts in and takes eight strangers hostage. Ultimately, each person's story emerges, some coincidences occur, and the poor bank robber is a mess unto himself. 

back blurb: Each person carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. As the authorities and the media surround the premises, the reluctant hostages turned allies set in motion an unexpected chain of events. The theme is friendship, forgiveness, and hope - the things that save us, even in the most anxious of times.  

I got this book for $1 at a library sale and I was interested enough to keep turning pages. But then I sorta groaned at a few twists in the tale. I'm going to pass this along - others may love this book.  I don't necessarily need more angst!

Monday Moments - The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

 From the prologue:

Each of us has a private Austen.   Jocelyn's Austen wrote wonderful novels about love and courtship, but never married.  Bernadette's Austen was a comic genius. Prudie's Austen was somber. Allegra would have shelved Austen in  the horror  section. Sylvia was newly divorced and needed to be distracted. And then there was the man Jocelyn invited to the club - Grigg. None of them knew who  Grigg's Austen was. 

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler is amusing, especially if you, the reader, enjoy Jane Austen. You'll enjoy the references and discussions. You'll enjoy the real life that is running alongside the six months of book club meetings.  Marriages are tested. Affairs are begun. Feelings are hurt. And then there's love, gosh darn it. 

cover blurb - This is the novel that Jane Austen might have written had she lived in 2014 California. Sublime social comedy. 

I laughed out loud. I enjoyed this very light summer read.  Another $1 library sale and worth every penny. 

Finally Friday - Euphoria by Lily King

 Euphoria by Lily King has absolutely NOTHING to do with the HBO series Euphoria starring Zendaya. 

I learned this after buying the book for  $1 at my library sale. I  went by title only and I like this author. 

SURPRISE!  ha

cover blurb - Three young, gifted anthropologists in the 1930s are caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens their bonds, careers, and ultimately their lives.  

Studying a tribe on  the Sepik River in  New Guinea, Andrew Bankson is close to suicide. Then the famous Nell Stone and her Aussie husband Fen arrive in the area. He's enthralled and promises to lead them to a new tribe. The TAM are an artistic female led group.  Ultimately their groundbreaking work will make history, but not without sacrifice.

Lily King wrote an intriguing novel based on Margaret Mead. Desire, passion, and possession.  Maybe the book is a bit like the Zendaya show (a few less drugs!)  Good writing. A worthy read. 

Whatever Wednesday - Summer Amusement

A little Wednesday summer amusement. I am currently in DE hanging with my sister. I created this post before leaving.  Here's some summer lovin' - our new flamingo and unicorn floats seem to adore each other. 

And if you remember Christmas 2025, Myles was not happy on Santa's lap.   Well, Summer Santa is not a fave either. 

Poor kid - traumatized by the summer of 2026. 

Hope you folks are not in tears, unless it's tears of joy or laughter. I'm having fun back east. 

Stay cool. Find a pool float!
 

Monday Moments - Ray had his Day

August 1st was Ray's 70th birthday.  That is worthy of another post.  Here's the birthday king ready to celebrate in front of his picture gallery
 

This very yummy cake from Texas Star Bakery had the pickleball theme - Ray's current obsession. He bought himself a new paddle as his birthday treat.  Look out competition!

Over forty people showed up for the pool  party.  Quite the fun crowd.  Everyone enjoyed pizza, wings, margaritas, beer, and plenty of water.

The Texas heat cooperated - it was 98 or so with a good breeze. We did have  plenty of shade, and folks were inside too - playing games like Scattergories. 

Ray had his Day!  

Finally Friday - Not Just a Book Club

cover blurb - Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club... or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb.  
 

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a hoot with strong characters grappling with their roles in the 1960s. 

cover blurb - Cocktails and a discussion of The Feminine Mystique allows the women to see the cracks in the American dream they've been sold. Four very different women share secrets, tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments. This will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy and Viv learn the power of sisterhood during a tumultuous year. 

I enjoyed this book a lot, especially considering where things are in 2026 and what direction things are headed for women.  Steps forward, steps backward. It's fiction, but strikes close to the heart of matters. 

p. 337 Margaret's been invited to a gathering headed by Katharine Graham (Washington Post fame). Mrs. Graham says, "This town is all about connections, Margaret, and there's not a woman in this room who isn't worth knowing. Just remember one thing. A friend can give you a leg up to see what's on  the other side of the wall, but you've got to pull yourself over the top. Understand? 

Yep - wise words to remember.  Good trouble!  

Whatever Wednesday - Gone Before Forgotten

 Gone Before Goodbye unites authors Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben in a suspenseful and successful collaboration.  Maggie McCabe, highly skilled and renowned Army combat surgeon, is at a low point. Her medical license is revoked, she's lost her purpose, and takes on a job from a former colleague - an elite plastic surgeon. 

An anonymous client, crazy money, total discretion. What could go wrong?

cover blurb - Maggie does her job in this realm of unspeakable opulence. But when the patient suddenly disappears while still under her care, Maggie must become a fugitive herself - or she will be the next one who is..

gone...before...goodbye. 

Yikes! 

This is a total fun summer pool kind of read. Brain  candy for the summer heat.  Enjoy!

Monday Moments - More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen

More Than  Enough by Anna Quindlen is a good solid read. I love that it's about the fact that your book club knows a lot about you. From book choices to discussions to the after book discussions, Polly Goodman, an English teacher counts on these close friends. The club friends give her an ancestry kit as a joke. She matches with a stranger and that causes Polly to look at family history. Polly learns how friendships can change your life. 

Polly after meeting with Barbara -  Sometimes our minds protect us, but not enough. You walk along with this pain in your head, thinking about things you know, the things you've discovered, the things you've lost, and all those things that run around and around in your mind, like a stone in your shoe. And then everyday life saves you. Weather talk - maybe snow, maybe rain. You go to the laundromat and a neighbor ask if you have detergent. Life happens. 

Anna Quindlen draws you in with her writing and her characters. You are along for Polly's search and solutions to a life mystery. Twists and turns and surprises amidst ordinary life.  Enjoy the journey. 

 

Happy Birthday Weekend Ray

Saturday August 1st is Ray's birthday.  It's a big one - 70!  Dang! 

He asked for a pool party and you all are invited. 

Happy Birthday Ray!  You don't ask for much, so I hope friends (old - the fantasy baseball dudes you've known now for over thirty years) and new ( pickleball crew), plus family all show up to salute you. 

 It's gonna be a hot one, so we'll have cabanas up for shade and fans blowing. The pool will be typical Texas tepid but wet. 

 Food - Ray's chosen Buffalo Wild Wings and Ti  Amos pizza. The margarita machine will be serving up slushy drinks.    And heck yeah - cake!

Cheers and Big Hug

Love

Joanne

Whatever Wednesday - The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

 cover blurb - The Sentence by Louise Erdrich asks what we owe to the living, to the dead, to the reader, and to the book. A small independent bookstore is haunted from November 2019 to November 2020. Flora, an incredibly annoying customer died on All Soul's Day and will not leave. Tookie, the owner, has to solve the haunting plus try to understand a year in Minneapolis full of grief, astonishment, isolation, and furious reckoning. 

Tookie, the bookstore owner, spent time in prison. Her first book from a teacher was a dictionary. She looked up the word "sentence" after being sentenced to sixty years. The word "sentence" sounds so easy and yet proved to be a challenge. 

Erdrich writes of rich characters and complex emotions. It's well written and interesting with the comings and going in a bookstore, with the added bonus of Flora who's seeking  attention by knocking books off shelves, sending signals from her afterlife. There is a lot of emotion  involved, flashbacks to prison time,  plus the Covid year conditions.  Well done!

Monday Moments - The Invite

 I watched an episode of Hot Ones on YouTube and Penelope Cruz was the guest. She was pushing this movie The Invite, and it sounded intriguing.  

Well, it was different, angsty, very all talkie, amusing at times, cringe worthy, and I can't recommend it. 

But - I was interested enough to stay and watch. Does that make sense?  This was a Thursday matinee and there were two other ladies in  the theater. As we were leaving, the one said, "Well, I guess I'm not allowed to pick a movie for awhile."     Ha!

Olivia Wilde directed this and also starred as Angela.  She's married to Joe (Seth Rogan).  She's invited the upstairs neighbors to dinner. Joe is not happy and pretty much promises  to be rude. 

 Ding dong - doorbell rings and here's Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penelope Cruz).  They are obviously very cool and exude an exotic flair.  Here's where  Penelope shines - she just pops on the screen. She has the best lines and you can tell Joe is feeling her vibe. 

Well the conversation does take a racy turn....I won't say more. But  the tempo of the movie picked up, the stress of the awkwardness heightened, and let's just say someone might need to move!

Hey - the theater was air-conditioned and I killed two hours. I did laugh out loud at some lines - Seth can be amusing in his delivery.  And thumbs up to Penelope - she is damn hot and a good actress. 

This was my public service announcement for you. 

Finally Friday - Exciting Book Launch for Annalisa Crawford

 PHOTOGRAPHS OF EMILY by Annalisa Crawford

“A ghost, perhaps, is not the spirit of someone who died, it’s the echo of someone who thought they’d lived.”

 

It’s been ten years since Emily lost her life in a tragic accident. For Zeb, that’s meant ten years of crushing guilt and counselling to overcome the image of his girlfriend dying in front of him because of a decision he made.

When multiple witnesses report seeing a ghostly figure in the churchyard where it happened, her family decides to host a memorial to soothe Emily’s restless spirit. Zeb cautiously returns to his estranged hometown for the service, hoping to establish the truth about these sightings.

Unforeseen circumstances compel him to stay longer than planned, and even though he remains skeptical, he finds himself drawn to the churchyard, seeking the elusive ghost.

 

Lives are shattered, grief is stark, and new futures are forged from the embers.

____________________________________________________________________

Doesn't this sound like an excellent read?  I've preordered this on Amazon for my Kindle, and I'm excited to promote it today.  I met Annalisa via blog world and I've enjoyed her writing. She's been kind enough to let me read and advise on  some books, but this one shall be a surprise for me. 

Treat yourself and Happy Weekend everyone.  Support your hard working writers. 

Whatever Wednesday - That's Not How it Happened by Craig Thomas

 Paige ended up a stay at home mom with a Down's Syndrome boy. 

Her husband's screenwriting career took off and she stayed home despite her writing trajectory. 

Then she wrote a memoir about her experience.  The tables turned. 

She was the hot thing.  His career was stalled.  

This is a fiction work that is so "true".  

cover blurb - As  their lives are chewed  up and spit out by the Hollywood machine, triggering old resentments and launching new betrayals, will  any of them even recognize the "inspiring" family in the film to be made. Or will this be the end of them?  

I enjoyed this quick read.  It sounded very fresh and true.  The author made this fiction, but he and his wife did deal with their challenge and lived to tell the tale. It's full of humor and groans.  

I give it a thumbs up. 

Monday Moments - Minions and Monsters

 News is nutso. It's hot and humid. Time for a small escape.  Ray and I ran away to our local movie theater to enjoy a Minions and Monsters matinee. 

And we laughed out loud starting with the opening credits -  a black and white homage to old Hollywood with minions meddling in the middle, and inevitable messing up a scene. So clever.  As old farts, we could pick up on so many references. I loved it. 

The general theme of the movie has school kids at a history museum and learning about James and Henry - minions who made a huge impact on the world. 

As the docent spins the story, we follow the guys as they muddle along in ancient times (reference Cyclops), or look to a Russian warlock to follow, and ultimately they land on a Hollywood set - thinking that the robbers are real. They are hired and are successful until the talkies some along. Minion tongue (all done by Pierre Coffin, the director) doesn't translate.  

So, kicked out - James and Henry decide to make their own monster film. I won't give away more. 

This movie is funny, silly, and dumb in a good way. It's creative and catchy. Ray and I both left giggling and amused. Success!  It was a bright spot on a Tuesday. 

Finally Friday - The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

 New Year's Day - Tasmania. Lexi Villers is a second year medical resident. Everything's going great. 

alas, a helicopter lands.

Her  father and older brother were killed in a skiing accident. 

She is now the heir to the throne. Lexi's grandmother is the Queen of England. 

Lexi returns to England reluctantly.  Her grandmother gives her a year  to make a very important decision.  

Let her scheming uncle claim the throne?

Give it up and be with Jack?

Lexi must chart her own destiny.............The Heir Apparent by  Rebecca Armitage. . It's not obvious what route will be chosen.  Whew!

Whatever Wednesday - The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez

 The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez is a fictional tale of the Panama Canal.  She did her research and brings this huge feat of engineering alive. 

Francisco is a local fisherman who hates the foreign powers involved. 

His son, Omar, chooses  to work for the canal dig.  Oops -  family drama. 

A  huge contingent of foreign workers arrive - eager for the work, and the money. There's Omar. There's Ada  from Barbados - she needs money for her sister's surgery. 

So many stories.  Henriquez brings this to life through her characters.  

cover blurb: This book explores the intersecting lives of activists, fishmongers, laborers, journalists, neighbors, doctors, and soothsayers.  History carved its course.  Lots to acknowledge in the process. 

A very good read!

Monday Moments - The English Teacher by Lily King

 Vida Avery is one of the best English teachers Fayer Academy has ever seen. She's a fixture. Her son Peter has managed his life.  Now his mother marries, rather impulsively.  He's very happy to have a new dad - Tom Belou - and new siblings.  He seeks a normalcy.   His mother is still adjusting. She's been so accustomed to an isolated life and has protected Peter from so much.  She uses books as a wall. 

The English Teacher by Lily King is really well written.  Vida is a peculiar heroine. You root for her and her new marriage. And then you root for Tom because she is not treating him well.  Peter wants his siblings  to love him, but they still mourn their wonderful mother,  They weren't ready to move on. 

So many emotions in this book.  It is extraordinarily well written, yet  tears at the soul.  

Dang.  Tears.  Heart!  I recommend this for its deep feelings. 

Have tissues ready. 

Finally Friday - It's Primetime Summertime and the heat is on

The heat is on  in  Texas.  Not excessive - just "normal".  But whew!  

Summertime...An' the livin' is easy - Ira Gershwin from Porgy and Bess

Spray on enough bug spray and hammock time is comfortable at 8:30 pm.  A lovely hang out

The hammock sky view. 

1836  Ralph Waldo Emerson  The reason why the world lacks unity, and lies broken and in heaps, is because man is disunited with himself. 

Peace and Love is needed. Ray and  I attended our local fireworks in person.  We walked to the park about an hour ahead of time. The place was packed - a good band was playing, kids were running about, folks were eating, talking, and laughing.  Black, brown, white - any and all just there to enjoy July 4th. 

Everyone was behaving and having fun. Outdoors. Personal interaction. I actually felt the overall good vibe.  We need that every day. 

We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.  Ben Franklin  July 4, 1776.

Are not the mountains, waves, and skies a part of me and my soul, as I of them?   Lord Byron 1812

 

Whatever Wednesday - Random family reunion and more

Look at that - it was the Rabe family 93rd reunion.  Attending was Ray with son Chris, his wife Krystal, his daughter Abby and her son Levi.  Plus son Kevin and his wife Maria with daughters Makyla, Skylar, and Dakota.  

this is all in honor of Ray's great grandmother Rabe. 

Ray's folks at this juncture are physically unable to attend.

I do not attend.  It's too freakin' hot and Ray's busy with cousins, etc.  I host Sangria Saturday poolside at home with dear friends Linda Hoffman and Julie Walters.  Let's just say " All  parties are happy". 

I was blessed a long time ago by Ray's grandmother Ivy.  She said I did enough other family events.

 ( smile emoji)

 

Oh Dallas Wings - so fun.  My friend Trish and I have attended since tickets were $10 and parking was free. 

Now these seats on the 200 level are $60 and parking is $30.  Say what?  Yes - that's nuts.  But we have fun.  Alas, the Minnesota Lynx had all the answers.  Our Paige Bueckers (awesome) and  Azzy Fudd did not.  We lost.  But we had a good time on a Sunday afternoon. 

Can't go wrong with some inspiration from Maya

Carry on everyone. 

Happy July.  We still a democracy?    ................................just checking!!

Monday Moments - David Sedaris Latest

 I love David Sedaris humor.  The man is a gem. He's a national treasure. His humor and observations are priceless. 

I own every book in his career and can chuckle reading any page.

His latest, The Land and Its People, investigates what it means to be a traveler, a brother, a lifelong friend. 

cover blurb - Throughout these essays - at once acerbic and tender, playful and profound - Sedaris shows how much there is to marvel at when you keep your head up and your eyes open, observing warmth - our fascinating human species, and the land we inhabit. 

Trust me - as you read and wonder where he's going with a story, he will zap you with a hilarious final line. 

I  laughed out loud multiple times.      Enjoy.

(PS - I  saw him once at a public reading - This was a bucket list item.  He is hysterical and gives it his all live in performance. )

Finally Friday - July 4th Weekend

 Well, 250 years of the United States of America

Here's my table decor

Are we, America, going to survive?

I actually question if we can survive the current presidency.   I am at a WTF question mark. 

On a side note, the whole World Cup joy has brought me joy.  Get rid of politics and crap - people are people are people.  I've learned this from travel.  Folks are kind, thoughtful, and generous in real life situations.

Folks  discovering Buc-cees, Taco Bell, BBQ, and more in Texas - it's been joyously fabulous. 

so, we'll see if the Great American Experiment can survive the current crap administration and carry on. 

I'm now going to re-watch Hamilton for the zillionth time on  Disney+

Cheers, fireworks, pool float, hot dogs, hamburgers, and family time. 

Enjoy and all the best to YOU!!!

Whatever Wednesday - GOOOOAAAL

Greetings.   When I went to see SASSY MAMAS at the Jubilee Theater in Fort Worth, I visited Sundance Square ahead of time.  Very fun.  The soccer ball sculptures were on display

The fountains were rising and kids were enjoying the water. Folks were taking pics with these very cool soccer ball  sculptures. 

Colorful joy. A band was playing.  A big screen showed a soccer/ football game, and families  were enjoying a free Fort Worth afternoon  (well....there was parking prices.....never free now)

 All in  all  - it  was a ball.   World  Cup fever, baby!!!

Monday Moments - Sassy Mamas

 Saturday, June 20th, I treated myself to some local theater.  I love the Jubilee and they do not disappoint. 

SASSY  MAMAS was hysterical.  Written by Celeste Bedford Walker.  Directed by Davian Jackson. 

cast - The Key Ladies   

 Jo Billie - Crystal Williams

Mary - Pattra Smith

Wilhelmina - Deon Sanders

Side pieces - the guys.   Colby - Christopher Hill,   LaDonte - Jacobie Thornton, Wes - Brian Gibson

OMG - These ladies were looking for love for various reasons.   It took a bit, some struggle, some misunderstandings....

But they found the right connections. 

Very funny.  Well-acted. The ladies were fine.  The men were HOT.

We all laughed

Awesome Saturday matinee.  Support Your Local Theater.    Truly

Finally Friday - Summer Malaise

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm actually at a Silver Sneakers class as you read this.  The instructor, Terry, is incredibly fit and funny, so when he says, "You can do one more...", you actually believe him and do it.   Whew!

But, often, my brain says - c'mon, stop, go sit, read, lay down, what are you doing?, why?

I am SO sick of thinking about meals.  This happens every summer.  Yes, I get hungry.  Yes, we must eat.

But I hate planning meals.  Ray is brilliant at grilling and we do well.  But I think the prices of food right now is making me hate it.  Don't fret.  We can afford to eat.  It's the principal of it all. 

Arrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

That's my random Friday post.  Thank you for reading.  I hope you have some fun ahead. 

it's  Sangria Saturday with friends.  We shall float poolside, chat like crazy, drink Sangria, and eat snacky foods.   It's a tradition with Linda H. and Julie (Shout out, ladies)

Sunday, I'm going to a Dallas Wings basketball game with a long time friend, Trish.

I am very fortunate in fun and friends.    Cheers, all - call an old friend and catch up. 

(Meanwhile, Ray finishes his Pickleball League - please win, please win, please win

Then he heads to his family reunion...enjoy BBQ and whatever in the country)   Rah!
 

Whatever Wednesday - a grand finale of POPS Lego art

A rose by any other name....

Dragon  fly

A real heron.  He's accustomed to people and happy to pose

a zebra loose in Fort Worth.  He's enjoying his spot in the Botanic Gardens.  Almost hypnotizing. 

You could see the lion  from across the gardens.  Talk about POPS!

 and my Ray dodo meets a real Lego dodo. 

A fitting finale to our walking tour of the  Fort worth botanic gardens.  I hope you  enjoyed the stroll. 

Fresh air and fun for the eyes.  Summer joy is in your town - venture  forth and enjoy. 

Monday Moments - surprises around every corner

It was not that long ago that I posted our Costa Rica pic of the red-eyed tree frog.  Now here's a colorful Lego version. 

You can almost hear this woodpecker

Deer and fawn

Proud stag

Sly fox (almost looks on the move)

and where's the yard crew?