I Am A Busy Person - It is good news!

If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, does it make a sound?   If you have not written a post on the blog recording the events in your life, does it mean your life is on “pause?”

It has been 4 months since I have posted anything on the blog that is supposed to “capture the richness of my life,” those moments and events that give my life meaning.  Does that mean that Life, As I Live It, has gone from technicolor to black and white?

I have thought back over the months and realized that what IS true is that I am busy…my life is full…and I just not have had time to capture each and every event that fills my soul!

So this blog is a snapshot of some of the key times, moments I shared with those who add meaning to my life, for which I am grateful:

Aunt Mary’s 95^th Birthday - May

In May, Jay and I flew to join all my "Rinaldi" cousins to celebrate the 95th birthday of my dad's little sister, Mary Louise Steinert.  For three days we laughed, told stories, remembered good and bad times and marveled at the life of Aunt Mary!

With Aunt Mary

After the cousins' golf tournament!

Gabe Art Show and Graduation - June

In June we celebrated Gabriel...his moving up from 8th grade to high school and his recognition in an Art Show at San Pedro Crafted.

Gabriel Graduation

Art Show

Gino Starts PreSchool – July

In July, we watched as Gino passed a mile stone...his first day of school at pre-school.  While it was a transition, he is now loving 9 hours a week with Miss Annie and socializing with all his new little friends.

Sitting in his place!

McGee Family Beach Party – July

In July we were also invited to the McGee Annual Family Beach Party.  It is a fun day to just sit back, eat, laugh, eat, watch Gino interact, eat, and get to enjoy Charlotte's family.

The whole gang!

Mike and Milli Anniversary Party - July

We also celebrated a milestone for Mike and Milli...their 20th wedding anniversary...with a party for family and close friends at our clubhouse.  They are a special couple and after 20 years..."They Still Do!"

Mike and Milli

Ben Arrives from Germany – August

Our family grew in August when we welcomed Ben Asshoff from Cologne, Germany into the Altieri family.  Ben will live with Mike, Milli and Gabe for the next 10 months as an exchange student attending Rolling Hills Prep & Renaissance School.

Meeting Ben at the Airport

Jay Forum Presentation - August

Jay was able to share his research and conclusions with our Palos Verdes Shores Community at a Forum on Global Warming.  I am continually impressed, even after 17 years, of how smart, thoughtful and inquisitive he is.  Our neighbors truly appreciated his efforts.

Time spent with Grandchildren – 

All summer we had many opportunities to spend time with our grandchildren.  Gabe and Gino were frequent guests at our house.  We spent time playing Majjhong, golf, going for rides in the golf cart.  They keep us young!

And now, we wait for Jessie Patricia!  In 4 weeks our fourth grandchild, and FIRST granddaughter will be born to Marc and Charlotte.  Gino will become a big brother and he will have to share his throne.  

Life is good and while none of these events were as grandiose as winning the State Powerball Lottery, they were certainly more valuable to us.  The more my life passes, the more I treasure participating in the lives of my family and holding them ALL close in my arms!