More Changes

This past week we found out that the foundation I work for is laying off almost one-third of its staff, my sweetie and immediate supervisor included. This is the only time in its 55+ year history that they have had to do this. Working with the homeless, they know how devastating losing one's job can be. So the severance packages are really generous.

But, to tell you about the quality of the people I work with... I know that many of them are worried about their loss of jobs... but, they are even more worried about the clients they are leaving behind. Several very vital and key programs are being eliminated. We work with the poorest of the poor and we offer some of the best services, in terms of in-depth work, caring, and kindness, to our clients. It is truly heart breaking. I am so glad that my sweetie and I have each other.

Grateful

I think I have two of the world's cutest nephews! This picture was taken yesterday... baby Gray (on the left) is six months old today. He's one big boy... weighing just 5 lbs less than his 2 year old brother! I have said this a million times and will say it millions of times again... I am so very happy that they are part of my life.

Sweeeeeet!

My sweetie and I are in Nevada City celebrating Passover with my mom, my brother Michael & his partner Richard. We had a very low key Passover dinner with all of our favorite foods on Friday night. Michael invited a friend from work & her two adorable teenagers to join us for dinner. The kids were so much fun. They had never been to a Passover Dinner before, and bravely tried all of our foods. Liked them too! They also taught us all about raising and selling pigs. This city gurl never knew how much money you could make from one pig!

Yesterday, we talked to our Boulder family who had just returned from a week's vacation. Even though they were away for just a week it felt like six weeks! There's not much that squeezes my heart like, "I love Aunt Sissy" and the sound of my nephews giggling in the background.

We have had such a wonderful, relaxing time here. Its warm, quiet, and easy with lots of good food to eat. We get lots of dog loving and naps! Aaaaaahhh! Paradise!

Babysitting Duty

Yesterday while placing my jar of sun tea outside on my balcony, I accidentally startled two baby mourning doves who were hiding under my chair. They startled me too. Scared, one bird flew off right away while the other one fretted about trying to fly before she was finally able to wobble off to the nearby tree.

When I checked later they were back. The two baby doves sitting together shoulder to shoulder, beak to beak just like they were in a nest. Four eyes watching me... so very cute. As the sun was setting the momma bird came back for them and off they went. The one bird taking her time and finally wobbling off.

They were back early again this morning. Carefully hidden under my chair... nesting together shoulder to shoulder. And as I write this, the momma bird came back and fed them. I am happy to babysit these sweet ones anytime... just doing my part for Earth Day I guess.

Change...

is inevitable. Wow, its been a long time since I blogged! My camera broke eliminating my ability to upload pictures, but I thought I would write anyway.

After seven years of using art and activities as a tool for change... my job was eliminated. However, the foundation placed me as a social worker working with the same ladies. I am receiving a lot of support from staff and residents so I think it will work out just fine. I have to say that I am thrilled to still have a job and health benefits during these very uncertain economic times. I know a lot of people aren't as fortunate.

I Made This Too!

This is a knitted neck scarf. It was really fun to knit... so much so that I am going to knit another one in white. The pattern is from knitty.com and can be found here.

Guess Who...

I get so see this weekend? Yep, Colton turns two years old this Sunday. I am flying out to celebrate his birthday. My mom went out today, Brooke's mom arrives tomorrow, and my brother Michael and I arrive on Saturday. I can barely believe that this sweet boy is already two.

I am also really excited about seeing this cutie pie because he has changed so much since November. He was only three weeks old then, but now at 3 months, he is giggling and cooing!

I can't wait to see everyone: the boys, Brooke, Ryan, my mom and Michael, and Brooke's mom too! I am in auntie heaven!