This and That

Just a little update on what we've been doing...

Once again I was able to help the graduating nursing students plan their Pinning ceremony, which was Thursday evening, May 26th. It went well and was very special!

Driving to work at this time of year, I love to drive down the streets that are lined with jacaranda trees! When I open the windows the car is filled with the nice honey scent.

Last Saturday was Igor's last day with us and we took him to Downtown LA. Here he is with David by the side entrance of Phillpe's, where we ate breakfast. We walked from there to the beautiful Union Station, then walked back through Olvera St. on our way to the car. We drove down to 6th and Hope Streets in downtown, the former location of Church of the Open Door, where Biola U. started. It's right next to the big library so we went in and showed him the fabulous children's section which has murals from children's books painted on the walls, among other delights. We continued down Wilshire Blvd. and he really enjoyed seeing all the skyscrapers. We went as far as the Hancock Park neighborhood, which is street after street of mansions. He hopped out of the car and walked along taking pictures and enjoying everything.

We were glad we got to meet Igor and the other students and faculty from Kiev Theological Seminary.

After we got home from LA I took him to church where they participated in a panel and information time that was really interesting. Eric Oldenberg did a great job of choosing questions for each person that helped to highlight something about their life and ministry.

Now that things have settled down I'm back on track in the kitchen, which feels great! Last night we had this yummy salmon with mango salsa, placed on top of cooked baby squash. Mmmmm.

Jim Rynd is retiring from teaching at Biola so he and Laurel invited friends from church and school to come down to San Pedro and the LA Harbor this afternoon, where they have their sailboat docked. He took people for a spin in the bay and they served a great BBQ meal as well. We didn't get there in time for the boat ride but had a nice time visiting with everyone.

I'm enjoying reading "My Life in France," by Julia Child, and am glad I now have some time for that kind of thing. I really relate to all of her "cook bookery" and trying of recipes! I've also been sewing today, clearing out all the various clothes that need alterations. Hooray! I really don't like hemming up things and fixing things... I'd rather make something wonderful and new, so it feels great to get all that out of the way! I might even make myself something to wear, which I haven't done for ages!

David has painted the side door red and we like it! We wanted to do that one first, just to make sure, before we tackle the front door. He's been doing a lot of painting around here, especially on the "Bright side" of the house, and it really looks great!

So, that's the latest from our house... I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Don't work too hard!