Tag Archives: susan magnolia

July 2024


When we returned from Los Angeles Emma began swim lessons.


Spotted amazing posters at Oaklandish.


We toured a new school in the redwoods.


Emma went to the dentist and then we got yummy ice cream at Curbside Creamery.


Many days were spent at Roberts pool.


We tried on dresses at J.Crew but of course ended up buying a dress at the thrift store instead.


We met a neighbor cat and became cat sitters for another cat who lives down the street.

some pics from February

January and February are not my favorite. However February’s pink flowered covered trees help tremendously!

A rainy walk.

Candlelight makes interiors nicer. This was an afternoon electricity black out.

We decided to get rid of our TV and put up a bunch of artwork on this wall again.

A valentine’s themed park day was a highlight.

A trip to the bakery.

More rain. Lots and lots of rain.

Thankful for the magnolias.

lately in January

We visited the Oakland museum with Gene and saw the Creative Growth exhibit of local artists.

We hung out a few times with Cindy and she made us yummy food.

Emma helped Robert in the Bonsai garden.

Quince at the Bonsai Garden.

We had a mini date at the local brewery the 2 Pitchers.

Once we brought Emma and discovered Friday nights are popular with families.

First magnolias at the Gardens of Lake Merritt.

Emma being a super reader.

Tracking state quarters.

December 2023

So much happens in December. We made crafts and knitted, made spiced nuts and carefully wrapped gifts. We ice skated and ate meals with friends and family and had so much fun that I did not take any pictures at all. Still, I am so glad that I continue to share a few photos here to help me remember. And I know this is true at the end of every month but somehow at the years end I really want to hold it all and not let it go. This blog has preserved the sweetest moments for me to look back on. It is my heart on the internet. Thank you for visiting.

We brought Hugo, our Norfolk Pine inside and decorated our apartment for Christmas.

We attended a concert at the Paramount called “Let Us Break Bread” that honored Tina Turner. It was a lot of fun and totally worth it even in our top floor balcony seats.

We flew to Los Angeles to visit family.

Emma and Grandpa. We stay in Grandpa’s living room and watch old movies with him every day.

There were many old photo albums to look at and I snapped so many photos of my Mom. I still wear her blue shirt. 🙂

We had a wonderful time with family, delivering and opening presents and sipping prosecco (me) at the huge Christmas Eve party. Lots of sweets, yummy food and good conversation.


Stocking treats for me.


Here is Emma sporting a new shirt and jewelry and eating blueberries on Christmas day. Such a lucky kid.

After Christmas we are eager to return home to maiki.

We walked around the lake and visited the library in Chinatown.

Spent the last day of the year in Dimond park by Sausal creek with friends.