puddins

2011-05-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this on Tuesday, May 10th, early afternoon. I just received the following update from Karma about our grandson, Antonio:

The surgeon just came to where I was waiting and said that he was all done with Antonio's surgery. He said that he did not have to cut out the bone, but was able to correct it! Which meant- shorter time (in surgery) and less blood loss!! Tonio is in recovery and doing good!! Tomorrow he starts walking!

We are obviously rejoicing that this part of Antonio's journey is over. Now, on to recuperating and healing.

2011-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

He just celebrated his 14th birthday this past Friday, 5/6....it hardly seems possible! He was such an adorable little guy (see photo above, taken when he was three) for a long time.......but somehow, our beloved oldest grandchild, Antonio Felipé Pina, is now taller than his Grandma White!

He was very embarrassed when his female cousin decided she wanted to kiss him....

He loved diving into Grandpa's ice cream cones....

...but today, he is facing back surgery. The orthopedic surgeon will work to correct three hemi-vertebrae Tuesday, May 10th, in a 7-hour surgery session beginning at 7:30 AM Pacific time. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for Antonio, for the doctors who will be performing the surgery, as well as for Karma, Antonio's mother, during the time that Antonio is in the surgery suite as well as the days following during which time she will constantly be at his side.

Thank you for being someone very special to us, and for praying for this precious child of ours!

2011-04-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I added to my blog, but after having dinner with two of our good friends/neighbors this past Wednesday evening, I was convinced I needed to do an update. So, here goes, Debra! :-)

Phil and I flew to Orlando Thursday evening, April 7, and spent last weekend, April 8 - 11, on a cruise to the Bahamas with my younger sister, Teresa (Teecie) Wells, her husband, Phil (Teecie and I have *my* Phil and *her* Phil), and Tee's son, Christopher Harvey. We had a great time just being together for those few shorts days. Our ship, Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas, left Port Canaveral, Florida, at 5 PM Friday, 4/8 (coincidentally, the 7th birthday of our granddaughter, Julia Jo). We had boarded about 1:15 PM, and made our way to the top deck of the ship where we had a wonderful leisurely lunch and also waited for our staterooms to be ready (all staterooms ready for access at 1:30 PM). The five of us enjoyed the time, the food, the view, and a chance to call and sing "Happy Birthday" to Julia Jo. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and exploring with camera in hand.

Soon after our departure from port at 5 PM, we enjoyed a marvelous dinner. (Our seating each evening was at 5:45 PM, and Teecie had arranged ahead of time for the five of us to sit together.) Our ship made its way overnight while we slept to Coco Cay, an island off which the ships from all the major cruise lines anchor for a day and the passengers are "shuttled" back and forth between the ship and dry land. Passengers can take advantage of all the water sports and activities as well as shopping on the island during the day before having to return to the ship for "anchor up" time.

Cruising overnight again landed us in port at Nassau, Bahamas. We decided to exit the ship and join the throngs (from FOUR ships in the port all at the same time). We went on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Nassau, then got into a taxi which drove us to Paradise Island (previously called Hog Island) where the Hotel Atlantis is located. We strolled about the hotel, had lunch outside one of its restaurants, then made our way via taxi back to the ship for the 3:00 PM "anchor up" time. One more night on the ship and we were docked at Port Canaveral. Teecie, Phil and Chris drove us back to the vicinity of the Orlando Airport where we had lunch together prior to our flight back to Chicago.

Well, take a look at the following photos which I was able to take. Some are self-explanatory; others will have a bit of info about who or what is in the picture. (Remember: click on a photo and it will enlarge for better viewing. Then click the BACK arrow in the upper left of your screen to return to the blog.)

2011-04-16T05:50:00.001-07:00

The main "lobby" of the Monarch of the Seas

Below: our stateroom with bright orange life vests (which we put in the closet).

2011-04-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

We were on the top deck and at the front of the ship as it left port. I was intrigued by the pelicans that followed the small boat in the photo above. I gathered that the boat must have "stirred up" the fish in the water, therefore, bringing food to the surface for the pelicans. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it! :-)

These three pelicans acted as escorts. :-)

In the distance, tall structures at Cape Canaveral.

2011-04-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

We're all enjoying our ship's departure as it moves along the channel to the Atlantic. Phil, Teecie and Christopher are in the center of photo. (Have no idea who the gentleman in the right of the photo is. He looks sorta like he's already "three sheets to the wind," doesn't he?)

Island of Coco Cay off which the cruise ships anchor. (By the way, Bill Gates had made arrangements to rent this *entire* island the next day, Sunday, 4/10, so all the cruise lines had to rearrange their itineraries to accommodate this bit of interesting detail.)

Teecie, Chris and Phil (#2) relaxing on deck while anchored off Coco Cay.

A manta or sting ray and some small fish. I took the photo from the ship, looking down at the clear, vivid turquoise water.

2011-04-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Bolero Lounge. Music and dancing in the evenings, but a very nice place to sit, relax, read or chat during the day. Comfy seating on the starboard and port sides of the ship.

Two other cruise ships also anchored off Coco Cay, with passengers enjoying parasailing (they "boarded" those boats at Coco Cay).

2011-04-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

*My* Phil on deck, intently reading his (evidently, intense) mystery novel. :-) (He doesn't get to relax "with abandon" much, so I love to see him with a book in hand.)

Stateroom attendants are readily available to meet every need of a passenger. We were surprised and delighted, upon returning to our cabins each evening, to find cute monkeys or elephants created from our bath towels.

Four cruise ships in their berths (slips?) in Nassau, waiting for their passengers to return from a day about town.

2011-04-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

What was once a church, now a colorfully painted delicatessen.

Someone's *multi*-million dollar "baby" anchored in the waterway outside the Hotel Atlantis.

2011-04-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

We had lunch of sandwiches from Murray's Delicatessen (part of the Atlantis) that cost $20 each (!), and Christopher had to pay $11.50 for a bottle of water to drink!!

Christopher, still smiling, after drinking that expensive water! ha

2011-04-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

That potato chip Teecie decided to share with the birds cost about 75 cents (ha!)...and that sea gull was the loudest, squawkiest (is that a word?), fussiest thing I've ever seen! (But he only fussed at the other seagulls and NOT at the pigeons all around him.)

Phil (in the distance in the orange shirt) standing in front of our ship, Monarch of the Seas.

2011-04-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Once we returned from Paradise Island and were back on our deck (7), I took this picture of the huge Hotel Atlantis.

2011-04-16T05:32:00.001-07:00

Passengers in line to re-board the ship after evidently having all sorts of fun in Nassau.

After the ship had sailed away from Nassau, all settled in the Bolero Lounge with feet up and books in hand. Ahhhhh! :-)

Teecie and I spent a good part of the afternoon sitting on the deck enjoying the breeze and the quiet ocean "voyage." Wonderfully relaxing, and great to have time to talk and catch up with my little sister. :-)

2011-04-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

At dinner Saturday evening, Apr 9, 2011

2011-01-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Phil and I left SFO (San Francisco International Airport) November 5th, headed for Phoenix so that we could spend a couple of days with our kids there. I took the above photo after our plane took off to the west, then circled around into a southeastly direction toward Arizona. If you'll look closely, you'll see that I've notated the location of the Marriott where we "live" the majority of the time. It sits right at the water's edge, overlooking the SFO runways. Our two-room suite is situated on the front of the building, so I'm able to watch planes land and take off all hours of the day and night.

(Remember: Click on any photo to enlarge, then click the "back" arrow in the upper left corner of your screen to return to the blog.)

I see lots from my seats on airplanes, but this was a first. "Encased" in the plane window by my seat (I would assume during the time the aircraft was being manufactured), between plates of very special window material, is some sort of bug! Below is a close-up. :-)

In the South San Francisco area, some sort of chemicals create different colors of water.

2011-01-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

After our arrival in Phoenix, it was great fun to attend a tag football game the next day in which our oldest grandchild, Antonio (now age 13), participated. He is #12 and, by the way, his team would go on to win the season, *undefeated.* It was quite warm that particular day Phil and I were there. Karma even thought it was hot; with just a tad of exaggeration, she said that it was 724°! (But it was "dry heat!" ha)

Antonio is walking to the sideline where Grandpa White is standing and watching with great pride.

2011-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

As you know, I love letting my grandchildren use my cameras to take pictures. Sometimes, the photos look like they were taken by children, but others are often quite good. Lalo asked if he could take my "little" camera (Olympus S350) and take a picture of Antonio, and I agreed. I took the above photo (with my Nikon D80) as Lalo walked over to where Antonio and his team were gathered on the sideline.

Above and below: Photos taken by Lalo of his big brother, Antonio. I especially love the lower one showing weary Antonio, re-hydrating with water, after the football game was over.

The sweet little photographer, back near his mommy and me, concentrating as he takes a *close* look at the pictures he had taken of Antonio.

2011-01-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

More photos taken by a grandchild....this time, by Julia Jo during our dinner Saturday evening at the Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix.

A lovely stained glass window; ceiling light fixture; Antonio's dinner plate (and he said the food was delicious); and a card (among the dishes) made for Grandpa (note the guitar) by Raquel. :-)

2011-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

Four more photos (definitely unposed) by Julia Jo....and all worth a good laugh.

Karma and Antonio with weird eyes; Grandma's eyes; Grandpa's eyes; Kim, J-P and Paul in various stages of eating. :-)

2011-01-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well, Grandma finally got HER hands on one of the cameras and took some pix! ha Lalo above and below with a birthday gift from his uncle and aunt, Paul and Kim.

I *love* the photo above of the two little cousins who are about 1.5 years apart in age.

Granddaughter, Julia Jo, with her beautiful smile for Grandma's camera. :-)

2011-01-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

The walkway that connects Concourses B & C at Terminal One, O'Hare Airport, Chicago. Phil and I traverse this area, either going or coming, every week. This time we were "going," and would be flying to Orlando for our time with family over Thanksgiving.

Just before going down the escalator in Concourse B to make our way to Concourse C, we saw the United aircraft that now serves as Oprah Winfrey's "Farewell Season" airplane.

Two photos of the view from our timeshare condo at Cypress Harbour, where we stayed for the week while in Florida for Thanksgiving.
We've had a timeshare week at CH since the facility first opened.

2011-01-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

This year, Thanksgiving was celebrated by us Kinlaw "Kids" in Florida where Teecie hosted us all and served a delicious meal! We feel so blessed that Bob, Joyce, Teecie and I love being together, and we do everything we can to make certain we are together for Thanksgiving.

One November 21, Phil and I attended the Sunday morning church service with Joyce and Teecie at their church, First Baptist of Mt. Dora, FL. Teecie sings in the choir. The above photo of Teecie (the blond smiling at me) was taken with my little Kodak video camera, so the quality is not what I would like. At least it shows Teecie with the other choir members and in her choir robe! :-)

Meet Feathers, Teecie and Phil's (HER Phil) newest sweet girl. :-)

2011-01-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

One of the Kinlaw Girls, wearing the flower and special scarf given her by one of the other Kinlaw girls (Joyce). :-)

Uncle Phil and our darling Christopher (Teecie's son). :-)

I love these pix of Feathers with her paw on Phil's tummy, as if to say, "I *own* this man!" :-)

2011-01-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Teecie & her country-style home! What more need I say? LOVE being there. :-)

I baked 8 pies for Thanksgiving and, if I say so myself, they were delicious! Pumpkin, apple and pecan.

2011-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Joy and Ken

Brother Bob

Inez and Myrna

Phil

2011-01-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Joyce with her sons, Bart & John Phillips

Everybody in attendance for Thanksgiving at Teecie's, 2010

The Kinlaw Girls, Thanksgiving, 2010

Teecie, Joyce, Bob and Myrna

Thanksgiving, 2010

2010-11-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Remember: Click on any photo to enlarge for easier viewing; click on the left arrow at the very top left of your computer screen to return to blog.

Phil and I spent two weeks in Switzerland in September. He went there for work (of course), and I had the pleasure of traveling there also to keep him company. :-) We recognize that we are greatly blessed with pleasures and opportunities we would not have were it not for Phil's work for IBM and with IBM clients.

Phil's work took place in Basel, Switzerland, where the world headquarters of Roche Int'l are located. (By the way, Roche now owns Genentech in S. San Francisco where Phil is on an engagement presently, and where he has been on several other extended engagements.)

During our time in Basel, we stayed at the Hilton in the center of town.

Cute bed coverings; mattresses that felt like rocks! (And, oh, our aching backs! We could hardly wait to get home to our Select Comfort -- now known as the Sleep Number Bed.)

The view from our window at the Hilton included ground cover that was growing all over the roof of the building located next door to our hotel and other roofs nearby.

2010-11-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

One evening, we took the city train for a short ride (farther than I could walk comfortably due to my knee "issues"), and then walked about two blocks to a Basel restaurant that had been recommended by one of Phil's Roche colleagues. We had a great meal while sitting outdoors, and enjoyed watching the constant parade of shoppers as they walked by.

2010-11-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

As we walked along the streets from the restaurant back to the train stop where we would board the train bound for our stop near the Hilton, we stopped at a window where this creation with the name JW Janvier above it. From what I understand, JW Janvier was responsible for building a steam-powered carousel.

Beautiful steeple, Basel, Switzerland

Very interesting tree canopy, Basel, Switzerland.

This fascinating mechanism, a creation of Jean Tinguely, is just one waterworks sculpture in this particular pool located in the Old Town section of Basel. The sculptures are "animated" by water pipes in constant motion. (There is another pool with lots of other "animated" sculptures on the Roche campus.)

2010-11-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

Once Phil's work at Roche was completed on September 24th , we rented a car and drove to Zurich where we would spend three nights at the Hilton Hotel near the Zurich Airport. Above is a roadway sign...I would say that the translation for flughafen is "airport." :-)

The arrow provides the international translation: Exit :-)

Above and below: a cow outside the Zurich Airport Hilton Hotel. This cow (fiberglass, I suppose?) reminded Phil and me of the cows that have lined the Chicago streets in years past.

2010-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

We spent Friday night, September 24th, at the Zurich Airport Hilton Hotel. The next morning, 9/25, we arose in time to take the shuttle from the hotel to the airport where we caught a train that would take us into Zurich providing us with the above lovely view along the way. We would stay on the same train and travel an additional 3+ hours to Grindelwald, a beautiful town high in the Swiss Alps. We were excited about the fact that we would spend the entire day in Grindelwald with Phil's brother, sister-in-law, sister, and brother-in-law. :-)

PJ smiling at MJ on the train instead of watching the Swiss scenery fly by! :-)

The first house I happened to see from the train with flowerboxes. :-)

In Grindelwald: cowbells, and Impatiens in flowerboxes.

2010-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Amazing view from the home where Paul, Jean, Priss and Neal spent a week, Grindelwald, Switzerland. It's not viewable in this picture because of the clouds, but there is a glacier straight through that "V" between the two mountains in the photo!

Phil with his brother and sister-in-law, Paul & Jean White. Paul and Jean had spent the month of August volunteering at an OM house in Belgium before sightseeing (again) in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

Us'uns, outside the home where Paul & Jean, as well as Priscilla and Neal Hamilton (Phil's sister and brother-in-law), spent a week in Grindelwald. :-)

2010-11-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

Beautiful geraniums, Grindelwald, Switzerland

View from balcony, Grindelwald

Adorable house seen from the home where the Whites and Hamiltons stayed for a week in Grindelwald, Switzerland.

2010-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Looking out the kitchen window of the home where we visited with Phil's siblings, I could see the roof on the house next door. There were "globs" of a sort of moss growing on what appeared to be a slate roof.

It rained the entire day we were with Paul, Jean, Priscilla and Neal in Grindelwald, but the inclement weather only added to the pleasure of visiting and eating indoors. :-) Jean and Priscilla are preparing a delicious lunch for us.

Jean White on the balcony of the Swiss chalet where she and the others stayed for a week, Grindelwald, Switzerland. (Note the flowerboxes.)

2010-11-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

View from the balcony of the chalet, Grindelwald, Switzerland (note the gondola that takes sightseers to the top of the mountain).

Paul and Jean White

Neal and Priscilla Hamilton, Paul and Jean White, Myrna and Phil White

Grindelwald, Switzerland, September 25, 2010

2010-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

"Downtown" Grindelwald, Switzerland

Another fiberglass (?) cow, this one on the sidewalk of Grindelwald.

2010-11-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Grindelwald street and sidewalk

Brothers White with Jean

Building downtown Grindelwald...with, of course, flowerboxes. :-)

We went to a restaurant in town for dinner. Above is a delicious salad that included tomato chunks and tofu that had marinated in a vinaigrette dressing.

After dinner, we returned "home" and spent more time visiting. Paul would kindly take Phil and me to the Grindelwald train station in good time to catch the 9:14 PM train for the 3-hour ride back to Zurich where we would get another train to the Zurich Airport, and then a taxi to the hotel. Whew! Long, but wonderful, special and memorable day! Imagine having to go to Switzerland to see our family members who all live in the USA! ha

2010-11-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

The photo above of Jean White, as well as the three pictures that follow, were all taken by Jean & Paul during their time of sightseeing with Priscilla and Neal in Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

2010-11-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

(4 more photos by Jean White)

2010-09-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Phil and I spent last week (Sept 3 - 10, 2010) in Sedona, Arizona, with our middle daughter, Kimberly Corens, and her family including her parents-in-law. We had a wonderful time with Kim, her husband, Paul, their two children, Julia Jo (6) and Jason-Paul (2), and Paul's parents, Bob & Evelyn Corens.

We had three separate timeshare units at The Sedona Summit. Kimberly graciously prepared all of our (delicious) meals, which was a very special gift to Evelyn and me. Thank you, Kimmer, for all the planning, preparation, and serving!

There are numerous posts with photos that follow. (When you reach the bottom, just click on "Older Posts" because there are more photos of our time in Sedona.)

Please remember that for ease in viewing, just click on a photo; to return to the blog, click on the left arrow at the very top of your screen.

2010-09-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

I love letting our grandchildren use my cameras. I'm always interested to see what will appear each time I download photos after they have spent time taking pictures. These are just four (of many!) that Julia Jo took while we were all together in Sedona. Above: Grandpa White is "posing" stuffed animals for her.........

Above: a lonely little tiger sitting in a king-sized bed.....

Above: Dolly is obedient and smiling....

Above: Grandma White's green toenails. :-)

2010-09-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

I love it!.....Julia takes pictures while her Mommy & Daddy do some silly posing for her. :-)

2010-09-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Practice (above, Julia Jo)....

....makes perfect (Kim)!

JJ, Paul, Kim, J-P....Sedona, AZ

The sun may be bright and warm, but when the air temperature is *cool* for September in Arizona, the act of getting out of the water takes some bravery and quickness in getting to a chaise lounge and covering up with a towel for warmth! (I love you, PJ!) :-)

2010-09-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Julia patiently poses for both grandmas to take photos (of course!). :-)

Julia Jo was very happy as her daddy tossed her in the air over and over again (while both grandpas looked on)...and the smiles on her face will prove it!

2010-09-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Another little Corens "fish," J-P. Notice his smiles in the photos below.

2010-09-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Paul made arrangements for us to travel a short distance to the Rainbow Trout Farm in Sedona so that Julia Jo could fish and, perhaps, catch dinner for all of us. :-)

The drive to the farm was like any other outing in the Sedona area -- spectacular! The red stone, blue sky, and green trees/plants provided amazing sights for our eyes to behold!

Crossing the creek in order to get to the farm.......

The Rainbow Trout Farm, Sedona, AZ

2010-09-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

J-P was asleep when we arrived at the fishing place, but......

......he eventually awakened for all the fun!

2010-09-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Julia Jo fishing with guidance and watchful eye of her Papa Corens.

Squealing with delight at having caught her first trout, Julia let her daddy capture it with a net and then put the fish in the water-filled bucket.

Trout on hook about to be snared by net.

Papa Corens shows Jason-Paul a fish close-up. In the end, we left with seven trout, which Kim grilled and served us for dinner that evening :-)

2010-09-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

We noticed lots of red bugs congregating on some trees at the fish farm, and learned that they are Box Elder bugs who love Box Elder trees.

Above: a rainbow created by the sun shining on the spray emitting from a fountain in the middle of one of the fishing "lakes."

Looking up from the fish farm at a nearby mountain.

I took this photo from our automobile as we left the fish farm and crossed the river on a wooden, open-sided bridge.

2010-09-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

On our way back to the resort from the fishing "expedition," Kim, Julia, Phil and I did a little bit of sightseeing in the Sedona area.

Kim and Julia by a spindly ocotillo bush/plant/tree (??).

2010-09-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple of photos of the magnificent scenery in the Sedona, Arizona area. After those shots are two pictures of the praying mantis that was sitting on the balcony railing our first evening at the resort.

2010-09-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

2010-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Girls' time out....pedicures for Mimi Corens, Julia Jo, Kim, and Grandma White....Sedona, AZ

Green in my favorite color! :-)

JJ *loves* playing with Grandpa White's iPhone. When I asked her how she knew how to do all the things she does on it (change pictures, ringtones, screen saver, and much more), her reply was, "It's easy." Okay.............:-)

I found aprons at a shop at San Francisco International Airport, and decided that "the girls" could use them when they cook!

2010-09-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

Julia Jo, age 6....Sedona, AZ

Jason-Paul watching TV....

...and spinning circles on the table top. He's such a climber, he must have Spider Man genes in him!! :-)

2010-09-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Julia Jo playing checkers with her daddy...Sedona, AZ

2010-09-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Tues, 9/7), Maggie, the Critter Lady, came to Sedona Summit, the resort where we are all staying this week. She comes each year, brings her collection of "critters" and lectures on desert critters in Arizona - scorpions, tarantulas, and snakes. In the photo above and below, she is showing us her pet scorpion (????) who "knows" her pheromones so doesn't harm her. Maggie has had this scorpion for two years.

In the photo above, Maggie is showing us Samantha. Julia would later *love* holding Samantha!

Maggie, the Critter Lady, and Julia Jo....Sedona, Arizona

2010-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Maggie introduced two tarantulas for us to enjoy watching as she talked about them. Above are Jack (dark male) and Sweet Pea (obviously, female).

Grandma White decided to hold Sweet Pea while Julia took my picture! (Julia does a fantastic job using, handling and focusing my awesome Nikon D80 camera, which is about as big as she is!)

A child holding the baby tarantula. :-)

2010-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

These four photos show our brave little Julia Jo handling and "adoring" two different snakes which were harmless, of course. (Samantha, above; Cocoa, below.) She's braver than most of us, I would think....although her great-aunt, Teecie, says that Julia Jo gets her bravery from "Aunt Tee," who *loves* snakes!! :-)

Julia Jo did NOT want Critter Time to be over! :-)

2010-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Phil and I spent two wonderful weeks in Florida this past July with our two oldest grandchildren, Antonio and Raquel, Karma's oldest children. This was our third "season" having them join us for some vacation time in Florida, as well as visiting with my sisters, Joyce and Teecie, which is always wonderful for the children and for Phil and me. :-)

Please click on the link below, which will take you to the photo albums of mine which are viewable at Picasa Web Albums. Once you get to my "page," click on the tab at the top left, MY PHOTOS. You will then be able to view all the pictures I have posted there; you will also be able to click on and view the four albums that contain the photos taken during our two weeks in Florida. Their titles all begin with '2010 July.'

http://www.picasaweb.google.com/PuddinsKinlaw

2010-06-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday, June 19, 2010. In light of Father's Day tomorrow, June 20th, Phil and I want to honor the memories of our fathers, N. A. Kinlaw, Jr., and Rev. Paul F. White.

Daddy and Dad were, coincidentally, born the same year. Daddy was born December 12, 1911, and Dad White was born January 23rd of that same year.

Phil and I reflect on the persons we have become and the pathways we have chosen in life, and we thank God for the blessings we have enjoyed as a result, in large part, of the impact and guidance of our dads when we were young.

2010-06-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

N. A. Kinlaw, Jr - young adult

N. A. Kinlaw, Jr. 1977

Sketch of N. A. Kinlaw, Jr. 1979

N. A. Kinlaw, Jr. (in his favorite style cap) circa 1980

1911 - 1984

2010-06-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Paul F. White, Moody Bible Institute graduate, 1938

Paul F. White, Pastor, 1970

Paul F. White, circa 1996, resident, Penney Retirement Community

Paul F. White 1911 - 1997

2010-06-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Aimee

This past weekend was very special for Phil and me as we anticipated the celebration of our 45th wedding anniversary on June 14th. In 1965, Phil graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago on Friday, June 11th. Once all the festivities of that day were completed and we were packed and ready to leave MBI after the school year was over, we all (my family -- Mother, Daddy, Joyce, Teecie and Jerry had driven up from Florida for Phil's graduation and our wedding -- and Phil's family -- Dad and Mom White, and Phil's sister, Priscilla) drove to Phil's home in Ohio. Dad White, a minister, would officiate at our wedding the following Monday evening, June 14, 1965.

In light of the specialness of the 45 years together, Phil and I had made the decision a couple of months ago that we wanted to attend a theater production in Chicago on Friday evening, 6/11. We knew that we would be back in San Francisco on our actual anniversary, so we decided to make our special outing on the 11th while we were home from San Francisco (where Phil is working) for the weekend. We had decided that since we had really enjoyed the movie Billy Elliott several years ago, we would like to see 'Billy Elliott, the Musical" which is currently playing. We invited Aimee to join us for dinner and 'theatuh,' and were delighted when she said she would love to spend the evening with us!

We drove downtown Chicago Friday afternoon in time to pick Aimee up at Moody Church (located north of the Chicago "Loop") where she is employed, and we then made our way to the city's downtown area for a marvelous dinner at Petterino's located near the theater. After dinner, we walked the short distance to the Oriental Theater where the three of us enjoyed the musical and dance presentation in spite of the really strong Irish accents of the actors (which only means that we had some difficulty understanding the actors' words)! The dancing ability of the young star was amazing!

After the performance was over, we dropped Aimee off at one of the commuter trains stations so that she could make her way home, and we drove home to Huntley.

Our neighbors and good friends, Debra (above) and Pat (below) had asked if they could treat us to brunch on Sunday morning, 6/13, at the lovely restaurant, Walleye Grill, located within Sun City Huntley. We met the two of them at the restaurant (definitely *not* a grill but instead a great restaurant) Sunday morning, and thoroughly enjoyed time with them as well as the delicious food available. They also blessed us with special gifts for our anniversary! :-)

Debra took the above picture of Phil and me after brunch at Walleye Grill. We are thankful to have this photo to remind us of our special anniversary weekend!

After the picture-taking was done and we had said our goodbyes to Pat and Debra, we drove the short distance home in order to be ready for the limo that would take us to the airport for our flight to San Francisco.

2010-06-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

We flew from Chicago to San Francisco Sunday afternoon, 6/13, for Phil's next eleven days of work at Genentech where he's been on his (6th ongoing) engagement since the middle of January this year. (He will be here until the end of this year, and we will continue commuting between Chicago and San Francisco, returning home to Illinois only every other weekend.)

Once we had checked in and were settled in our room at the SFO Airport Marriott, there was a knock at our room door. Phil opened the door and found a gentleman from Room Service standing there with a tray containing a bottle of wine, a selection of cheeses, and crackers. When he set the tray down on the desk in our room, he also handed us a card addressed to "Mr. & Mrs. White."

The tray contents and the card were a gift to us from the hotel staff! We were so touched to discover a beautiful anniversary card that had been signed by the front desk and bell staff here at the hotel! I just *had* take a picture (above) of what they wrote on the card with which we were so surprised...and blessed! We then sat down and enjoyed the wine and cheese, and smiled a great deal as we chatted about how blessed we have been to have this "family" at the SFO Marriott (most of them the ages of our daughters).

Last evening, June 14th, which was our actual anniversary, we went to a local restaurant in Burlingame (south of San Francisco) called Kincaid's Bayhouse, and had a wonderful dinner! We first shared a plate of Oysters Rockefeller, and I felt they were the *best* Oysters Rockefeller I've ever had! Phil then had (of course) salmon; I had sea scallops. We didn't order dessert, which was a good thing, because the restaurant surprised us with a delicious crème brulée, which we shared. :-)

We were seated by the window overlooking the bay. The above photo was our view.

PJ paying the bill after our wonderful dinner together. My very own CPA has no problem figuring out the tip! (Smile.)

Once we left the restaurant, we walked the short distance to the paved walkway along the bay where I took the above photo looking westward to Burlingame proper where the SFO Marriott Hotel is located. A seagull was nice enough to fly through my line of sight just as I took the photo. :-)

Phil and I feel continually thankful and amazed to have enjoyed God's blessings on our marriage and our relationship the many years that have ensued since our wedding in 1965. We praise Him for His love for us, and for sustaining the love and faithfulness with which we have blessed one another. It hardly seems like it was 47 years ago that we met and enjoyed "love at first sight!" when we "just happened" to sit side by side during a rehearsal of The Moody Chorale the Fall of 1963!

2010-05-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

You *know* how Phil and I love airplanes! :-) Therefore, I can't help but include the photos in this blog update. The picture above: looking at the horizon through the window on the United 747 aircraft we flew from Chicago to San Francisco Sunday, May 16th.

Above: the 747 from inside the terminal (and there is a sun screen on the window, which creates the distortion you can see).

Photo of the same plane, taken from the tram that runs from the United terminal to the car rental center.

Photo of the tram track, SFO (taken from inside tram).

2010-05-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

View from our hotel window....tide's out; plane taxiing to take-off point.

Above and below: 2 morning sunrises as seen from our hotel room, SFO.

Below: Huge wind harp, which sits atop the highest hill on the Genentech campus. (Phil's on his 5th engagement at Genentech, a biotech firm.) When the wind blows, the harp "sings." :-)

2010-05-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Teecie arrived in San Francisco on Friday morning, May 21st. We went out to dinner Friday evening, and the next day, Saturday, we enjoyed lunch and a long afternoon at Fisherman's Wharf. After lunch at Bubba Gump's on Fisherman's Wharf, Phil and Teecie were willing to "pose" with their feet in Forest Gump's (cemented-in-place) sneakers. :-)

Teecie pointing to shirt she purchased for Christopher, which says, "My mama says I'm special."

Merry-go-round on Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.

2010-05-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Alcatraz Island in background; tour boat, and a sea gull who happened to fly into my shot when I took the picture. :-)

Sea lions, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Coit Tower to the left, Transamerica Building (center), San Francisco.

MKW...Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco...a cold and REALLY windy day! :-)

2010-05-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Teecie hugging the navy statue that has been erected at the rest stop on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Picture taken from the back seat of the car (Phil driving, Tee in front passenger seat) as we drove over the Golden Gate Bridge.

2010-05-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Three photos taken on our drive along the Pacific Coast Highway as we drove from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay.

(Have NO idea what that structure above is!)

View of Golden Gate Bridge from the rest stop at north end of bridge (as we were headed to Sausalito for lunch). :-)

2010-05-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Four photos taken at the rest stop at north end of Golden Gate Bridge.

2010-05-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Four photos taken as we drove southward from San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway last Saturday, May 22nd. Amazingly cold and WINDY!!

2010-05-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

As we drove along Pacific Coast Highway last Saturday, we enjoyed watching those who were wind surfing, such as above...

....and surfing, as in the photos above and below.

California seacoast along the Pacific Coast Highway.

2010-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrating birthdays is always a special event...but celebrating the 13th birthday of any child is very special! Our oldest grandchild, Antonio (a toddler in the photo above), turned 13 on May 6th of this year, and we enjoyed being with him and his family for a couple days this past weekend in order to share in this milestone.

I just have to share some photos of Antonio "along the way," as I find it difficult to believe that so many years have passed since our beloved 'Tonio' was born!

Look at those beautiful curls in the photo above! I could hardly stand it when they were cut away, and he moved to little-boyhood. But, this must happen....:-)

By the age of three, Tonio already knew how to boot the computer and use it (and the mouse) in the playing of his little learning games. (As you can tell by his expression, he didn't REALLY want to have Grandma take his picture AGAIN!!) :-)

During the four years that Phil and I lived in Arizona, we loved having Antonio and Raquel, his younger sister, come and swim in our pool (and do flips off the side into the water!) They were the only two grandchildren at the time this photo was taken.

Tonio and his younger sister, Raquel. They love the water, which makes this grandma very happy!

2010-05-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, here is he, our precious Antonio, now 13 years of age! He is a kind and loving young man, and we're so proud of him! Not having had sons, Phil and I are experiencing some "firsts" with Antonio, our first grandchild, such as his deepening, changing voice! :-) (If that happened with our girls, I don't remember it.)

Tonio and Aunt Kimmie...and he's about as tall as she is now.

Antonio was very happy to receive a Nintendo Wii game from Grandma and Grandpa White. He will also have to share it (reluctantly, no doubt) with his mother, sister and brother. :-)

Antonio and Grandpa White, May 7, 2010

2010-05-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lalo, Antonio's little brother, caught off-guard. (Grandma's camera is always looking for pictures! ha) Lalo is such a sweet and loving child. I love it when he comes readily to offer hugs!!

Kim and Paul, J-P and JJ

We love it when we get the chance to see Paul's parents, Bob and Evelyn Corens. They were in Phoenix this past weekend, so we were delighted to share Friday dinner, and Saturday lunch, with them.

2010-05-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I always share my camera(s) with the grandchildren when we're together so that they can take pictures of whatever they want; it's then a lot of fun to look through what they've captured once I download the photos from my digital camera.

Either Raquel or JJ took this photo of guitars suspended from the ceiling of Hard Rock Cafe, Phoenix. I love it!

Another photo by Raquel or JJ at Hard Rock Cafe, Phoenix

"Birthday boys," Antonio and Paul (with JJ and J-P), May 7, 2010

Birthday treats were Cake Pops from Mind Over Batter.com, Phoenix! :-)

2010-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

In addition to celebrating Antonio and Paul's birthdays, we also took the opportunity to share Mother's Day on Saturday with Karma (above) and Kim (below).

JJ and Grandma

Happy Mother's Day 2010, Karma and Kim!

(All the photos taken during our time in Phoenix May 7-8 can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/PuddinsKinlaw/PhoenixMay782010BirthdaysMotherSDay?authkey=Gv1sRgCNnCsIvR0of7Ug#)

2010-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have three new albums of photos I've taken during our stays at the San Francisco Airport Marriott since February 14th of this year, and I've posted them in web albums at the Picasa website. They are the first three albums, and the titles all begin with "Our Stay at..." I invite you to view them:

http://picasaweb.google.com/PuddinsKinlaw

2010-03-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

My final posts of photos taken during our recent trip to the British Isles with Dennis and Liz Fledderjohann are of those all taken on our 4-hour train ride from Holyhead, Wales to London. These three pictures are the extreme northwestern coast of Wales before entering England near the city of Chester. (Just remember that you may see reflections in photos due to the sun shining through the train windows.)

2010-03-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

At one point on this particular train journey, the train enters a tunnel and when it comes out of the tunnel, the castle in the above photo is visible. You have to *know* that it's coming, or you'll never have time to get your camera ready for a picture! (Fortunately, Phil told Dennis and me to be ready. Thanks, PJ!)

Wind turbines out in the Irish Sea....

....and in the photos above and below, a long-abandoned ship sitting at the water's edge. Wonder what will ever be done with this thing?

2010-03-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

A NOT uncommon sight, regardless of the mode of transportation (except for when he's the one at the wheel, driving)! ha

Our train stopped at this little station.

One thing we look forward to when taking this particular train trip across England and Wales is the sighting, over and over, of the little houseboats on the canals that run through the Lake Country. Above and below are photos of such houseboats. (The boat in the photo below is NOT sitting in the middle of a field adjacent to a tractor, but is on a canal.) Smile. There will be more photos, but I won't add verbiage. :-)

2010-03-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

We had just left Ireland, the land of the shamrock, so I couldn't resist this photo of a little house in Wales as our train passed by.

Canal, Lake Country, England

Houseboat marina?

2010-03-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Four photos - houseboats on canals.

2010-03-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Final four photos....more houseboats, Lake Country, England

2010-03-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

After a delightful day of travel from Edinburgh to Dublin (via trains and a bus), we checked into the Conrad Hotel Saturday evening, March 13th, where we had a great night of sleep...and enjoyed six of the largest bed pillows (each just *shy* of being a body pillow! ha) we've ever had!

We had arranged ahead of time for a rental car in Dublin. We knew that we wanted to make at least one "day trip" while there, so Sunday March 14th, the four of us took a taxi from the hotel to the rental facility where we were surprised with a Jaguar Hatchback (automatic transmission, btw) waiting for us. Phil usually gets vehicle upgrades because of the large number of car rentals he has yearly with Hertz (due to his travels with IBM), but never to a Jaguar....and we didn't even *know* that Jaguars made hatchbacks! :-) I don't even need to tell you that Phil *really* enjoyed the day! ha

Dennis took the above photo (from the back seat) of Phil's hands on the steering wheel of the car while Phil drove on an expressway from Dublin (east coast port city) across Ireland to Galway (west coast). Once we arrived in Galway and began our drive southward (headed to the Cliffs of Moher), we didn't have much to say other than exclamations such as, "Oh, my goodness!" "Oh, how beautiful!" We soon found that words were insufficient, so our utterances dwindled to, "Oh, ooh, ooooh, ah, "and such as we stared out windows, and I often yelled "Stop!" to Phil so that Dennis & I could get the *perfect* pictures. (Phil's used to that, by the way! ha)

I won't bother you with verbiage about most of the photos. Suffice it to say that both Dennis and I sat in the car, poised with cameras in hand, ready to capture the sights (such as the castle-type structure...and we actually got out of the car and walked back a distance to get pictures of this place) and abundantly beautiful & memorable scenery of western Ireland.

While paused at a red light....moss on stones.....

Colorful buildings behind ancient stone fence....

2010-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Stone........so much stone.....

...and I absolutely LOVE these photos which I took of the roadway as we drove along!

2010-03-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

We came to a pasture with lots of black-faced sheep, so Phil pulled off the road and right next to the fence so that we could get pictures. When the sheep and lambs saw us, they all started moving toward where we were, baaing as they came. (They thought we were there to feed them, evidently.) I was fascinated by the differing registers of sound as they all baaed....basses (deep!), sopranos, altos, and babies baaing....all at the same time! How I wish I could have recorded that sound!

Mother is insistently baaing...baby stands near.

Oh, those adorable babies, their baggy skin showing, evidently freshly shorn (lambswool, you know?).

Ah, what a way to eat! :-)

2010-03-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

As we drove southward along the coast, we soon arrived at Black Head, a huge linear mound of limestone to our immediate left. To our right were the sights in these four photos. Stone, stone, stone....immense. Phil and Dennis walked down to rocky (sounds redundant, doesn't it?) shoreline. I zoomed to get the above photo.

The stone fence had an opening that tiny people could squeeze through! ha

In the very center of the above photo and near the water, you can see some light beige color. I zoomed in to get the bottom photo, and you can still barely see that there is a small patch of pasture there with a flock of sheep grazing. :-) (Click on the photo to enlarge, then click the "Back" arrow in the top left corner of your computer screen to return to the blog format.)

2010-03-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fledderjohanns, the west coast of Ireland.

Phil and Myrna, west coast of Ireland.

Dennis picked up pieces of Irish rock for Liz and me. :-)

Phil & the Fledderjohanns, and the Jaguar Hatchback, stopped at Black Head, on the west coast of Ireland.

2010-03-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Roadway, western Ireland: (Clydesdale) horse-drawn carriage....

Hillside with stone fences.....

House with thatched roof, stone fence, and chickens...

mountainous limestone...and someone's favorite color is turquoise!

2010-03-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Sharing the road...:-)

"Phil, Stop!" :-)
(Too pretty to pass up!)

And we stopped again a little farther along....

Oh....just so beautiful...stone fence outside cemetery with steel gate!

2010-03-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Stone fence and narrow road leading to tower with modern windows, as you will see.

2010-03-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Finally, we reached the famous Cliffs of Moher. Phil took these four beautiful photos!

Afternoon sun on the ocean and the cliffs in shadow.

2010-03-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just love these reminders of our drive in western Ireland....on these "main" roads!

Thickets of briars and brambles on both sides of the roadway.

Rolling hills; stone fences.

Western Ireland near the Cliffs of Moher.

2010-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

As we made our way eastward, heading back to Dublin, we found the colorful doors in every town.

We stopped in Ennis (Inis), Ireland, and parked where that white van is in the photo above. Walked across the street to SuperMac for a sandwich "to go." The establishment (colors and menu) reminded us somewhat of MacDonald's.

When I got out of the car so that we could go across the street to SuperMac, I saw the statue (in the above photo) with birds sitting on it, and decided to take a picture....and then the birds just happened to fly away, allowing me to capture the photo below. :-)

2010-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

The next day, March 15th, Dennis and Liz did some sightseeing in Dublin while Phil and I rested in our hotel room. We got out in time to do a little shopping (Blarney Woolen Mills, being one of the places) before meeting the Fledderjohanns for dinner. The above photo: Fledderjohanns on the streets of Dublin, Ireland.

Above: Phil and Dennis -- below: Liz and Myrna

Dinner downtown Dublin, which included a delicious soup and hearty bread!

Oh, and did I mention CHOCOLATE brownies for dessert????

Phil in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, Ireland, prior to our departure Tuesday morning, 3/16.

2010-03-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Do you remember me describing those six huge pillows on our bed at the Conrad??? :-)

Lobby, Conrad Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

Massive table, lobby of Conrad Hotel

Photo of a Dublin bridge as we rode in the taxi to the ferry port for our trip across the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead, Wales.

2010-03-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Irish Ferries ferry we enjoyed on our trip across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales, where we would catch a train for our 4-hour trip across Wales and England to London.

Inside the Irish Ferries ferry

The four birds in the above photo flew alongside our ferry for several minutes before finally overtaking and passing us up! :-)

2010-03-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

We had extra time between our arrival at Holyhead and our train departure, so Phil arranged for a taxi to drive us around so that we could see Holyhead, Wales. The kind gentleman, Allen, treated us to beautiful sites and also took us to the Treaddur Bay Hotel where we all enjoyed lovely bowls of soup and (again) hearty wholegrain bread. Yum!

Welsh sign for "Elderly People" -- Henoed