And yet another wonderfulThanksgving!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and there is so much to think and reflect on. The world seems a bit crazy this year and I have to fight the tendency to dwell on what's happening. Today I was out in a small town and ended up at one of  their local flea markets...again. I have always enjoyed the experience as well as meeting the locals. Over the years I have come to know some of the people in this small East Texas town and  to care about them and their families. I love small town folks.
One thing Texans are known for, is their hugs. Not being native to Texas, it was a bit hard to get used to at first. Having lived in different countries over the years and having to adjust to local customs, I have always been a bit socially challenged in some aspects. After living in France and used to the air kisses from cheek to cheek, Japan threw me for a loop . The customs were so different and I was ever so thankful that someone sat me down and gave me a crash course there.So much to learn!
Today I was reflecting on how much I have have begun to feel Texas is my home and how much I enjoy the warmth and hugging that goes along with it. I have come a log way.
SO, this Thanksgiving, it's not so much about the festivities and food, but all the more about caring for each other in this crazy crazy world. Reach out and show someone you care today. There are so many little ways and such a need!
PS. Someone asked about my post about Laurie Claire Wells being 62. Yes, it has happened. It feels great! I'm thankful.

Laurie Claire Wells at 62

This is for Kaelyn. She was my inspiration in Japan when it gets around to cooking. She loved to watch cooking shows. We spent a lot of time watching Nerdy Nummies and I loved this cake. I have to admit that Laurie Claire Wells, AKA Gramndma, is not know as being on for following a recipe. This cake took me all day. Of course I had to do all the shopping in between and get Teresa at college and take care of the dogs and cook dinner. This is why it took me all day! It was a lot of fun. It is my 62nd year and this Rainbow cake made for a fun birthday and the kids liked it!

Is today a crazy election day or isn't is? At least we are near a close. It was a relief when I was out of the country for 3 weeks and the Japanese really didn't say too much about it all. Actually nothing.
I have been so disappointed by the content of campaign ads and sad to see how far some people will stoop with their character assassination attempts and that people don't stand up and take notice and say "Hey, this has gone too far!"
We teach our children not to lie and cheat and bully each other in schools. What are we missing here? With all they are hitting us with now, I can imagine anyone feeling comfortable relinquishing their lives and freedom to BIGGER government  when they are so dishonest. We, as a people, deserve to be treated with dignity and we must treat others the same.

It has been such a nice thing to get to know Aris. Since Jason has been staying with us again, we have enjoyed seeing more of the two of them. Aris is in college or we'd see more of her. There is such a difference in height between the two and that is just fine with my grandson Jude who has a bit of a crush on her as she is more his size. At 4, he is quite tall.

My Grandkids in Japan

I had a a wonderful visit to Fukuoka, Japan. It was my first trip overseas alone so I was trying to keep it all together with all the changes etc. I loved being back in Japan and with my Grandkids and Titus and Mia. They made it all possible for me.
So much has changed there and it did take me a while to get out of my "shy" mode but I finally did. The people there are still just wonderful. I took early morning walks on the beach nearby and started making friends with the older people that also walked each day.  They even started bringing me little gifts. Japan has Thrift shops now, an abundance of blonde and red haired Japanese people, There were so many small changes but a lot happens in 20 years, I think I just spent the first few days comparing.
My grandaughter loves cooking shows on Youtube and has the earmarks of a future chef. Deren showed me his school and I met his teacher. I marveled at how he speaks and writes Japanese and does so well in school and then comes home to get his homeschooling done in English. He is a very talented child. I was a bit taken back by the fact that kids go all over alone as it's just a lot safer there. I kept thinking, should  they be doing that? It seems kids just are more independant in a way.
I could never get over the fact that kids aren't really belted in the car while driving. That makes me nervous but I really didn't see any accidents while there.
It was hard to take the plane, leaving my wonderful family there and the island that had won my heart. I just wanted to stay longer. I missed my home but it was so hard to leave. I was sniffling and drying my eyes for hours while crossing the Pacific.
Something always happens to redirect me however, I had a window seat and when needing to use the restroom, could not wake the young man next to me. If he was not a Sumo wrestler, he was that size and he was actually taking up part of my seat. I tried to crawl over him, which turned out to be a disaster as I ended up falling and  hopping in the aisle in the dark all tangled up in headphone wires. It was dark and I caused a big stir and everyone had a good laugh.

Well, here are a few pictures.

Happy Autumn days

Just a few pictures of happening around here

with Goldendoodles and such. They do keep us busy!

Bentley and the Texas A/M Guide Dog School Dogs

Bentley is the white Doodle in front. He is about to turn 1 year old this January.