Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

It's time again to say thank you to that wonderful woman who gave you life and is always there to listen or lend a hand when you have a problem . . . if you let her. I am certain my mom is in the place where special mothers go on the other side and I thank her for all that she gave me, but I want to also thank my three daughters (and my son) who have taught me so much by their life experiences and loving skills they share with their family and friends. I am grateful for them and that I have them to learn from, and thank God for giving me my time with them. I think being a grandmother is really the best hat I've ever worn, at least I believed this until I became a great-grandmother to Nolan and Theo. Little Theo Tanny was born on April 5 just turned 4, and these two little guys have kept me uplifted during the pandemic with their fun facetime adventures.

My grandchildren Cody, Leo Maxime and Natasha have brought me more joy than I can ever express, and I have no words to describe the love I feel for my great grandsons Nolan and Theo, who are a source of constant smiles. There is an unspoken connection between grandparents and grandchildren and one that no one can explain, but it's there and it's the best! A special May 30th Happy Birthday wish to my #1 daughter Kathleen. So enjoyed a viking five country cruise with her recently. You're the best Kat, and I love you!

I wish to honor all the great teaching nuns, professors and women in my family who have helped me grow and become the woman I am today, especially, my aunt Dolores (Marcella Joyce Stein), my mother, daughters & granddaughter Natasha who have shown me so much by the way they handle challenges and the love they share. Thank you to great women who have inspired me including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Mother Theresa, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Queen of Austria "Sissy" and Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D. We all have a collection of great women whose books we have read, paintings we have admired, designs we wish we could afford to wear, recipes we wish we could duplicate, and exceptional political women who continue to fight with courage for our rights as women, but most of all I thank my dear women friends who have been there for me through the really tough times and the joyous moments over many years. I love you all so much and feel so grateful God put you in my life, especially the bi-coastal special angel 'steel magnolia'.

Pope: Pray for our Pope and Focus on Peace - Pope Francis has added his voice to the serious conditions for those struggling during these difficult times. Papa's hea/lth is n*ot good so say some special prayers for him.

Pray for the re-election of our President Joseph Biden, and pray for all those suffering and dying needlessly in these challenging times.

The Loquita Restaurant in the Funk Zone is thriving and offerning such exciting menu items. Enjoy a fabulous Cinco de Mayo Brunch being offered.

I'm delighted to run this brunch news and tell you they continue to be one delightful food & beverages venue in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. Such a wonderful dining area.

Don't miss Chef/Hotel story up on best bites in Stasboug, as well as historic poits of interest. Look for exciting food and wine festivals in Europe this summer. Also, where guests enjoy down to earth ambiance and Central Coast fun.-

Enjoy story up on SCI YAAS competition in Santa Barbara 2024 in Kids Kaleidscope section. Exciting news on 2024 Strawberry Festival in Ventura, including art competition and divine strawberry recipes (that I may be judging this year). Also lots of fun happening at Ventura Harbor this summer. Big wonderful news is that the Santa Barbara Four Seasons Biltmore Resort Hotel will be opening again softly very soon.

Strawberries on the menu for May and Four Seasons Biltmore Ty Cocktail can be enjoyed again soon in the resort lounge.

Look for my friend Lauren's latest story in Tastes of Italia, the best food

magazine on everything wonderful that's Italian, features her Cooking Vacations site filled with Italian Cooking Vacation ideas for spring & summer. www.cookingvacations.com.

We hope your Mother's Day is peaceful and healthy. God Bless all the moms and we thank you for joining us this month. Look for our Father's Day issue in June, which will be devoted to men who make a real difference in our world. Special prayers for the people of Ukraine who continue to suffer. Special prayers for the Jews in Isreal and at home. Prayers for our President Joseph Biden who is facing so many grave challenges during his term as our Nation's leader and peace to the middle-east please.

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