I've been on my plant based/99% vegan diet for about 2 months now. I feel better and think I may have lost some weight even though I haven't actually been weighing myself. I did buy a new scale on Sunday and might start keeping track. Weighing can be dangerous because if I don't lose any weight I can get discouraged and use that as an excuse to eat. Finding all vegan prepared foods can be tricky. You really need to look closely at all the labels on everything which isn't easy for a old person to do. I appreciate Amy's Frozen entrees because they state clearly on the box if it is vegan and I don't actually have to look through a long list of ingredients.
I'm continuing to have a fresh fruit smoothie every morning and a fresh vegetable juice several days a week.

Happy Birthday Bob Dylan

It's hard to believe Bob Dylan is 70 years old today. I can't remember the first time I ever heard him sing but at some point in my life he became my favorite singer/songwriter/artist. I don't know if I could come up with a favorite album or song and I don't associate any of his songs with events in my life like I do with other songs and albums by other artists. Strange that I can remember the first time I heard most Beatles songs and who I was with at the time but don't associate Dylan with anything or anyone. It's like his music was always present in my life.
If I had to pick a few favorite albums, I guess I would pick Bob Dylan at Budokan, Desire, Blonde on Blonde and Blood on the Tracks. I love the lyrics from Forever Young which seem a fitting birthday tribute.

"May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young."

My First Christmas

This picture is of my sister and me with our great aunt Rena Brower. She was my grandmother's older sister on my father's side of the family. Her full name was Rena Evelena Meads Brower and she was born on January 27, 1879.

A Rapture Sign I'd Like To See

Casualties From the War on Terror, 9/11, and the Invasion of Iraq

Interesting graphic from http://www.prosebeforehos.com/government_employee/09/11/perspective-on-911-and-the-invasions-of-iraq-afghanistan/

My Maternal Grandparents

Here are pictures of my maternal grandparents taken on their wedding day in 1908 and then 50 years later in 1958 for their 50th wedding anniversary. My grandmother's name was Mollie Ora Magee Wells and my grandfather's name was James Daniel Wells.
I have wonderful memories of the time I spent with them in the summer in their home in Robstown, Texas. My grandfather and I spent many hours playing checkers and dominos. He also let me come to court with him one time. He was the city judge and I sat behind the judge's bench with him while he presided over the court.

Another picture of my dad, this time with my daughter, probably taken on his boat dock on Lake Livingston.

Family picture

I don't have many pictures of my whole family but here is one I did manage to find.

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad would have been 95 on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). This picture was taken on a trip a few years before he died when we went to Huatulco, Mexico. He loved water, especially the beautiful beaches in Mexico. Over the years we went on many trips together but I believe this was the last one.

Another Beatrice Hat

OK. This one I kind of get. Monarch butterflies...the Monarchy.

Commoners vs. Royalty

Score 1 for the commoners.