HR and I live in Savannah, home of one of the country’s largest (and rowdiest) St. Patrick’s Day Parades. We live directly on the parade route, which sounds terrific, and I suppose it was for the first couple of years.
But the parade (and even the days before) soon became somewhat of a headache, at least for us. Very party-oriented folks heavy drinking, property destroying.
So anyway, Robert and I get out of Dodge for a few days.
This year, we escaped to Magnolia Springs State Park and one of their cottages, a couple of hours north of us.
We didn’t have a parade, but we did have peace.
And color.
That’s Robert in the distance, talking to the clouds, I believe. 
Here’s my first post for Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday blog category.
Daughter Amy and grandson Daniel in NYC over the weekend for Masquerade. An immersive Phantom of the Opera show.
From the opera’s website: “Step into the world’s most haunting love story in a new production of Phantom of the Opera. Masquerade – the world’s first immersive musical.”
I texted Amy and asked how it was. Her reply: “Amazing! Also they kept picking Daniel and me out to do little things. 😂”
Photos above taken with iPhone 16 Pro.
Coincidentally, Daniel played the part of Raoul in Savannah Children’s Theatre’s production of Phantom a few years ago.
1. These gorgeous Paperwhite Narcissus jewels blooming in the yard of the old farmhouse (in January!) where Robert and I are staying while our kitchen and living room get a renovation.
2. Daughter Amy and her Hubby Scott being named one of Savannah’s “Power Couples” in the current issue of Savannah Magazine.
Old Proud Dad
3. Simplicity.
The older I get, the simpler I desire my life to be.
1. This photo I snapped yesterday of an elderly couple, holding hands and walking into Walmart. For some reason, it sort of melted my heart for a moment.
Even in Christmas colors! 
2. Robert and I attending last night‘s annual Christmas tree lighting at the Jepsen Center for the Arts here in downtown Savannah.
The event featured a Fabulous Harpist (who we have seen at another downtown event or two).
And here’s Robert bothering her while she’s trying to perform.
TIB (Truth in Blogging): They were chatting, and she was excitedly telling Robert about how she unexpectedly started getting email checks for her work that somehow made its way … to Russia! TMI?
Look, The Clauses! (Is that how you spell their plural last name?)
I think she was the real Mrs. Claus. Robert apparently did too. I got HR a quick part-time job, taking festive photos of other revelers.
3. The good-feeling ability to be excited about seasonal changes and holidays. I know that it’s a blessing because many people are not happy at this time of year.
4. Beautiful Camelias, the “Winter Rose,” blooming all over downtown Savannah.
Hiding behind a courtyard wall
5. Beautifully delicious coffee (peppermint mocha) at Origin Coffee Bar.
Robert got a cookie with his coffee too, but it dropped in and melted. I laughed, a bit too loudly. He tried to even the score by saying that his coffee was much better with the melted cookie. 
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And here I am trying to be all bohemian coffee shop-artsy …
May your happiness this weekend be better than a melted cookie.
