SMOKEY SUMMER FORECAST
Here in the San Francisco bay area we are surrounded by the wildfires sparked by both man and nature last week. Sunday morning the skies were bright blue, but we could smell the smoke. By Sunday evening the skies were hazy and since Monday, the weather report has included “smokey” in the forecast.
The brownish haze is not only a sad reminder of the fires and all the damage 
they cause, but a health hazard to people with respiratory problems. It looks like we may see a change in the weather pattern by Friday, which must be good news to all the firefighters – some of whom have been working for 30 days straight. Rain is a lot to ask for during a California summer – but there is the possibility of some showers, and the lightening that accompanies a summer thunderstorm.
We all hope for the best and thank those who work so hard to save properties, lives and our wilderness areas.
Technorati: fire, flames, wildfire, fiirefighter, firefighter gifts, flame pill box, firefighter magnet, rain, thunderstorm, smoke, smokey, weather gifts
Momopalooza – CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
My mom turned 75 last weekend. We had a series of events to celebrate and I called it momopalooza. (That’s grandmapalooza for the grand kids.) Family members flew in and were distributed throughout the local guest rooms (I was lucky enough to host my darling sister-in-law and niece, a recent high school graduate. My brother and other niece are traveling in Australia and missed the party).
Events included a BBQ hosted by my very creative sister. The tables were lovely and she had a m
ister going over the bar area which helped keep us cool in the unseasonable heat. The next day the ladies all went out for manicures and pedicures – there were 14 of us including the youngest grandchildren – we pretty much took over the salon. Then we went off for lunch and embarrassed mom by singing Happy Birthday to her. We had made an appointment for her with the personal shopper at Nordstom, and sent her off to shop with a gift card and a small contingent from the group.
That evening we had a very nice catered dinner at my other sister’s home. She has a beautiful yard with a pool,
so the adults enjoyed cocktails while the kids splashed away. After dinner and yummy cake, we presented mom with a memory book with photos and memories we had all submitted and compiled. The kids were amazed to see how young and beautiful their grandma was.
I think she still is at 75.
For more ideas for gifts check out our Squidoo pages
Technorati: 75th birthday, happy birthday, birthday gifts, birthday party, cocktails, wine, dinner, cake, pedicure, manicure, lunch, splash, pool, swim, memory book, photo book, shopping, graduate, host, hostess gift, family, celebrate
SUMMER SO FAR
We had a very long, cool spring here in California. No need to run the air conditioning helped offset price 
of gas for my car – so no complaints.
I went to Philadelphia to help my daughter move from dorm to rented room, and the heat was waiting for me there. She had a long list of must see places around town – so we traipsed through the hot, humid air to see oldest residential street in the country, Elfreth’s Alley. My visit coincided with the Fete Day, 
which is one of 2 days a year the homes are opened to the public. We enjoyed seeing the way modern families lived in the tiny homes built in 1702!
We also saw The Philadelphia Magic Gardens on South Street. This is a must see for people who love mosaics. It is inspiring and fun to see the “folk art” style of the space. We also attended the First Monday event during which the local art galleries remain open into the evening and a party atmosphere abounds. We had martinis and dinner at a great restaurant called Fork, just one of many good meals we shared.
We hit the thrift stores and borrowed a car to make a Target trip for furnishings and a little air conditioner for her room. (I decided it was a necessity when the overnight low was 87.) We cleaned and organized the 
kitchen, but with 5 college students in the house, I don’t expect that will last long. She is working full time this summer, but when I left, she had a list of little projects she wants to do.
So, one more of my chicks has flown the nest, but I helped feather the new nest and had a good visit and saw some sights. It was a good start for the summer.
Technorati: summer, heat, humidity, Philadelphia, college, Elfreth’s Alley, Magic gardens, flip flips, martinis, chair, furnishings, restaurants, mosaics, flask, card case, ornaments, city lights, travel, art, artist, art galleries
GIFTS FOR DADS, BROTHERS AND THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE
No two men are the same.
If your dad is a sentimental guy and has kept every one of his #1 Father coffee mugs, you’ve got it easy. If he’s not particularly open about his feelings, focus on the things you do know about him. Tune in to his hobbies and interests. Showing Dad that you love him for who he is can be the best gift he gets.
We have what is commonly called a “brag book” or pocket photo album, but in a nice textured metal finish that any man would feel comfortable carrying. I am making one with photos of all (14) grandkids for my dad and having his initials engraved on it. Nothing cutesy like some of the similar products you see on the market.
Most people can use a pill box to tuck into a suitcase, bag or pocket. Choose a nice pill box with a sports or animal theme – or even with weights on it to put in his gym bag. We have a variety of sizes from tiny to
seven day pill holders.
Our flasks have been very popular. We have sent them out with a lot of hunting related designs. We also have flask sets which come with funnel and cup.
For the working guy, consider a business card case. There is a design for every guy – some professional symbols and some classic designs such as the Celtic Knot and Craftsman are very popular for men.
A tricked out money clip with scissors, nail file and knife won’t be allowed on a commercial flight,but it is cool for those everyday uses. Simple money clips are also available for the frequent flier. Personalize for dad with a choice of 100 designs, colors and it’s engrave able, too!
Men may not need a traditional jewelry box, but he does need a place to put his cuff links, watches, rings and all those little odd & ends he likes to keep. Boxes range in size from ring boxes to 8 inch square with layered trays.
Badge reels come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and it is a simple way to remind him 
you are thinking of him while he is at work. Heavy duty reels can hold keys and cell phones, lighter reels hold badges, proxy cars, phone card, etc. Make it unique for your father with over 200 designs. Colorful lanyards also available. Choose a variety of themes for badge reels to suit his every mood.
We have a couple of cases for his iPod. A crushproof case which can hold the earbuds and power cord, and a smaller iPod case for the Nano or MP3 player.
Check out more exciting gift ideas here!.
Technorati: father, dad, brother, man, men, gifts for men, gift for dad, business card case, card holder, flask, flask set, professional gifts, money clip, pocket knofe money clip, brag book, portable photo album, photo case, pill box, pill holder, badge reel, badge holder, wood box, jewelry box, lanyard, iPod case,
