Sunday at Cindy's

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Baltimore, a lot like yesterday, and I'm looking forward to a slow day at Cindy's house.  We got here so late Friday night and ran out so early Saturday, staying out until very late, that we have not really put any of our stuff away.  There are bags and clutter everywhere in the house.  This morning we will have time to stow it all away and make order out of chaos.  We will also have time to take a nice walk around the neighborhood in the beautiful sunshine, read, watch TV, and listen to the Oriole game.  Nice.

Yesterday was fantastic.  The Keter Shem Tov for Saul and Phyllis was magnificent.  They truly deserved that honor.  I loved watching the choir perform, and they even called me up to join them on the final song. THAT was an unexpected honor for me.  Such joy!

Going up with Lowell and Mark for the first aliyah was also a special joy.  It is a very rare occurrence that Lowell would be on the bima reciting blessings with us.  The last time it happened was probably our own Keter Shem Tov back in 2009.  It was also just so much fun seeing all of our old friends and hugging and kissing what felt like literally EVERYONE in the building!  And, of course, all the old friends wanted to congratulate Lowell and Emily on their engagement.  Those folks watched Lowell grow up, so that was a real treat for them to meet Emily, see the ring, and wish them well.

After the luncheon, we spent the rest of the day their house, playing with their dogs, giving them presents, taking a walk, going out to eat, and watching the musical Company on DVD.  Such fun! 

I also got to see Lowell's new book, Draw a Circle. I took one copy home and read the first story last night before I went to bed.  He is an amazing writer!  His style and sense of story-telling is unique, readable, enjoyable, and thought-provoking.  I can't wait to read the rest of the stories, and I am just SO VERY PROUD of him for this accomplishment.  The book is only available to buy from him right now, but soon it will be available on Amazon as a paperback or a Kindle edition.  I say BUY LOTS OF THEM!! 

Enjoy these pictures from yesterday.

Here's the ring!  Lowell took the three diamonds out of my mother's cocktail ring and had them reset. 

Lowell and his book!

Showing us his new laptop.

Emily with Trillian and Lowell with Ozma on our walk.

Ozma is such a sweet dog.  She loves everybody!

Enjoying a little down time before heading out to dinner.

Playing with dogs!

Lowell, Emily, and Ozma

At Copeland's for dinner.

I think these pictures show how much Lowell looks like Mark.

Toasting the happy couple's engagement.