Here’s how things work in Mendota.  On Tuesday of last week, Molly called.  She said “did you know it was Helene’s birthday on Saturday?”  Helene is our mutual friend and neighbor but she has just lived in Mendota about one year (actually one year this coming Saturday), so we don’t have all the details that we have on our neighbors–yet.   In a rural community,  we know a lot about each other. 

I did not know it was Helene’s birthday on Saturday.  I asked Molly how she knew.   “Well….Sarah (her daughter) borrowed a book from Miss Helene and it had a birthday inscription with Saturday’s date.”    Oh.

Most teens would not care or notice an adult’s birthday inscribed in a book, but our thoughtful Sarah did, and a small party was born.   I called neighbors and friends, and everyone showed up with flowers and a side dish.  I made a pasta dish which was not fully cooked.  No one said anything, but no one ate it.  I was proud!

I stayed until everyone was gone to help her clean up.  However, I realized the party was still going on because no party is complete until the cat is through washing her legs while on the serving table.

Beautiful flowers, cold soup, and a refreshing tongue bath on the table.  It works!

A special little person came to the party.  My niece Ari.  She’s actually my niece’s daughter so that makes her a grand niece but that makes her sound big and she’s so tiny, so let’s just say she’s my niece.

And I’m not sure how all this works around to another chalkpaint project, but do you remember the picture that was being taped up and readied to spray with chalkpaint in this post?   I didn’t show you what it became.

Here it is…

I’m trying to memorize Bible verses.  I’ve almost got this one.  It’s harder when you get older, so do not laugh.

And I think that gold lamp is just garish.  Do you think I should spray paint it red?

That stool it is setting on was thrown away at the Mendota dump many years ago.  The top of the stool was almost off.  Paul Baker was there at the time,and he gave it to me to try and give it a few more years before it ended up in the landfill.   Mike tried to restore the top but eventually he replaced it with this little cherry top the same color as my cabinets.  I like it.

And here’s what is at the baseboard beside the stool…

At rat hole!    Every kitchen should have one.