Loopie - Joop

For those who can't be in Japan this cherry blossom season...

Lobster Bisque Durk Charcuterie Pan-Roasted Snapper Grilled 'Silver Fern Farms' Ribeye Cauliflower mac and cheese Grilled asparagus Paris Brest Strawberry Semifreddo

An elderly Chinese man had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the man bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the man one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house." The old man smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I...

Someone's looking dapper! Hao-e in navy blue custom suit from Hoi An and me in long round-neck sleeveless dress from Southaven

1st day - Hao-e in Esprit monkey tee and me in Lark and Peony blue/white modern a-line qipao  2nd day - Hao-e in Topman short-sleeved shirt and me in GG5 sundress

Chewbacca - Our 10-year old sable and white Shetland Sheepdog with car sickness and occasional skin problems, answers to "Chewy", also affectionately known as "Bum Bum"

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.