2006 April

Chris and I have been on a whirlwind trip of Iowa and North Carolina. I admit not opening my laptop as often as I should be. It's been really nice spending some down time with family that I rarely see.

Today Chris and I are headed up to Asheville, NC to see the Biltmore Estate. We plan on getting together with local geeks or just people that would like to get together - later this evening!

6pm Panera Bread - 1843 Hendersonville Rd – We'd love to meet you if you're in the area! :)) Come join us.

Caught this last night on TLC – the life lessons. I've been cracking up ever since. It's true, we all need to remember most of these life lessons. Write your own  – it looks like TLC is looking for more.

I'm behind a few days in sharing my bits 'o wisdom.

“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

“Many people worry so much about managing their careers, but rarelyspend half that much energy managing their lives. I want to make my life, not just my job,the best it can be. The rest will work itself out.” – Reese Witherspoon

“A smile starts on the lips; a grin spreads to the eyes; a chuckle comes from the belly,but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows and bubbles all around.” – Carolyn Birmingham

  Unfortunately, I can't say I have lots of memories of Mrs. Fran Lamberti, Chris' grandmother, who passed away this morning. I can say the few I have are joyful ones. The last trip we took to Iowa we spent some time with his grandparents. I learned a lot about his family, and the love they share, that day. The day was full of laughter and talk of times past. I posted some pics for you all to see.

  The last trip Joe and Judy (Chris' mom and dad and Fran's daughter 'and son') took to see us in Seattle I learned something from “Nanny” even though she was thousands of miles away. Judy taught me how to crochet.  I was told, with great pride, the needle that she used to teach me with was her mother- Fran Lamberti's. I felt so special that I was privileged to learn with this needle and especially that Judy left it in my hands when she waved goodbye.

  As the proverbial wand of  the Matriarch is passed from one generation to the next - I shall  pause; and give thanks for all the knowledge, love and beauty ”Nanny” has given to us all.  I can't even imagine how many lessons I have and will learn from Judy, that Fran taught her. Grandmothers are precious and this one will be missed terribly.

  I think I'll go get that needle from upstairs and take it back to Judy tonight. I'm not worthy of it, yet.