Patrice and the gnome

It was time for the gnome to continue his journey.

I've been wanting to redecorate my living room, but the gnome's been perched on the bookshelf behind the couch, watching my every move. Also, he's very heavy.

So now he can live with Patrice and Tim, and she can pass him along at the next milestone birthday — which we think might be a couple of years away unless we add new people to the group.

On Monday, we had a mellow celebration with nachos, potato skins, cupcakes, cosmos, and gumballs — all good birthday treats. There were cards and gifts and a few off-color jokes, which we explained to Shappy.

And though we kept it low key per the birthday girl's request, apparently a lot of people at tennis said "Happy FIFTIETH birthday!" Not so low key.

Good thing Patrice has a good sense of humor. Happy birthday, Partner!

Three things at BeadStyle

It's a busy week here at work.

First, I wanted to share my newest cover design. I've always loved Lucite, so it was a no-brainer to do something colorful for May. (Well, maybe not quite a no-brainer, as I tend to over-deliberate on everything.) I'm also becoming a fan of orange and yellow and am trying to work them into my wardrobe without looking like a pumpkin or bumblebee.

Another new thing: I've got an online column about jewelry. Check out my first "Naomi knows" at BeadStyle's Bead Room.

Last, it's my eight-year anniversary at Kalmbach this Thursday. I will be maniacally baking cupcakes and navigating the challenges of cream cheese frosting. I could really use some help with the frosting (too runny!), so send any tips my way.

Jewelry and gelato

On Friday, Kelsey and I taught jewelry making classes on High-Interest Day at Washington Elementary.

It was fun and a bit easier than last year, when everyone got done stringing at the same time and we had to finish a bunch of necklaces in just a few minutes.

Fortunately we had the brilliant idea of finishing one end of the wire before we handed out the kits — which saved time and resulted in fewer dropped beads.

Still, the kids kept us busy.

One of the first things we heard: "I didn't want jewelry! I wanted gelato."

After we introduced ourselves, one of the boys raised his hand. "I need help," he said.

Also overheard:

"These look like marbles. I'm just sayin'."

"Are you a senior?" (This to Kelsey, of course, not me.)

And my personal favorite, as a fourth grader laid down in the corner:
"Do you have nap time?" (No.) "Then why do you have an awesome carpet?"

Good thing kids are resilient and move on from disappointments like dropped beads and no gelato. Everyone — including Kelsey, Jenna, and me — had a great time, just like last year.

Afterward, Kelsey and I had lunch in the gym: sandwiches, chips, and dessert — caramel sea salt gelato.

Glorious weather

Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in southern California.

But it was all blue skies last Thursday when Gloria and I had lunch on the patio at the Bonaventure.

So here's one last photo of my trip: being in downtown L.A. in record-breaking heat (92 degrees). We enjoyed our chicken salads before realizing how hot it was.

Visiting family in California

On my one-day visit to northern California, my Aunty Dorothy and I went to lunch with my Aunty Mishi and Uncle Min.

Mishi and Min are 94 years old. Aunty has trouble with things we take for granted — her hearing isn't so good and she needs help walking.

But she still has her appetite. She loved the California rolls and shrimp tempura, and she laughed about eating the extra rice.

Back in L.A., Yukie and I went to The Counter, a build-your-own burger place, with our cousin Kay and her husband, Wayne.

It was an evening of burgers, fries, onion rings, and good conversation.

Congrats, Kay and Wayne! And Wayne, welcome to the family.