Sun-Maid Selma!

Saturday, August 23rd, I was welcomed with open arms, (and a room almost overflowing with colorful baskets for a huge raffle)!! It was the I.S.M.M. (Irmandade De Santa Maria Magdalena) Convention Visitor's Luncheon in Selma, Ca. at their spacious hall to honor their President Ms. Dora Hernandez (a.k.a. "Tia Dora Numero Dos" to me).

My "Tia Dora Dos" is the ultimate Queen of Sweetness, and a top recruiter of volunteers! Her beautiful family, visitors from other societies, the mayor of Selma, and even her neighbors were there with helping hands.

The meal was homemade Mexican food and it was delicious!! The dessert was traditional Portuguese rice pudding (mmmmmmmm, with a hint of lemon and mint) and bread pudding (that had a flan-like flavor which I love)!!

How thoughtful of Madame President to give each of her visiting Presidents a large travel bag filled with goodies.....raisins, pens, pencils, notepads, journals, calculator, snacks, lotion, WOW! C'mon, so much love in that bag!! And I even won at the raffle!! Cool prizes!! (U.P.E.C. PSP "Shorty" tried to steal my presents......sneaky "Shorty").

It was wonderful to see so many friends!! And so many friends from the Cabrillo Club that I haven't seen in years....everyone looked wonderful!!

Selma and I.S.M.M. always give their members and guests a sense of love, kindness and overwhelming generosity. The spirit of mothers, grandmothers and Tia's provide the space with a peaceful yet joyful aura.

The trip up and back was safe and entertaining traveling with my Papa (Zach Batista). Looking forward to seeing everyone again on this journey of friendship and fraternalism.