My "Favorite" Day of the Year!

January 1. Anyone who knows me...even a little....knows this about me. I LOVE the Rose Parade...I love making Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls and watching the ENTIRE PARADE...I look forward to this every year. It is also my BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY. New Year's Day was always a big deal while I was growing up. We used to spend the day at the Sheffield's. The men would watch football, the women would hang out in the kitchen. The kids ran around and did what kids do. In my parent's close circle of friends,the Sheffield's were the first family to own a COLOR TV. Yep, you heard it right....most everyone had BLACK AND WHITE TV'S...so all of my parent's close friends gathered at the Sheffield's so the men could watch football in COLOR. It's always been about the men...right? I think there was always a birthday cake somewhere in all of the food available and some mention of my brother during the day. Those friends of my parents remained throughout the years...in the latter years they called themselves the GOLDEN AGERS. I have so many fond memories of those years. Seeing the rose parade in color was as exciting as watching the Wizard of Oz and seeing Dorothy open the door to Munchkin land after the house landed. Just spectacular! Hope each of my readers enjoy their New Year's Day.
You know where I'll be....in front of my new 37" tv with a sausage ball in my mouth. CHEERS!

Christmas Eve with Robin

I can always count on Robin to make our times together special. She pulled out all the stops and made a dip that tasted like buffalo wings, Cincinnati Chili Dip, veggies, fancy crackers...a pumpkin eggnog...cookies and CHOCOLATE FUDGE CHEESE...a Shrimp salad/salsa with a name that I've forgotten and had music playing softly in the background. The house was nicely decorated and we felt more like special guests than family. I included a photo of their tree. The only thing missing was the scent of pine ( artificial tree)

PaPa's "Unique" gifts

PaPa usually shops last minute, which was never a problem in Boca. He had this little store he always went to...he was probably the only one who shopped there because eventually they went out of business...but Robin and I called it the little Taiwan store...he always managed to find something there...one year, he bought Robin a GLASS HEAD. I still have it. Use it to hold an antique hat. You should have seen her face when she opened it. One year when Robin got a Barbie Pool, he bought a fake plastic rat and put it "poolside". One year he bought me a Clay charcoal heater pot. We still have it. With the economy the way it is...we might need it when we can no longer pay our heating bill. This year....he bought a book for Jacob...the Dangerous Boy Book. It has all kinds of activities that ONLY BOYS would like. Experiments and such....but for Hannah and me...he bought ORCHIDS. They are really lovely. I miss PaPa's plants. He had so many neat bonsais and orchids in Boca. He built a small screened area off our kitchen...I affectionately called it "Lucy's room" after my mom (Lucile) because he made it right after she died. He filled it with beautiful fowering plants and it was the view from my kitchen window. Fragrant and lovely. I hope Hannah appreciates her orchid as much as I do mine.

A Christmas Eve Concert

I just love this photo. I am not the best photographer...but this really captures a beautiful memory for me. Jacob and Jason....one lover of music and one just learning the saxophone. Jacob played so well tonight. I was so proud of him. Now I am looking forward to hearing Hannah on the clarinet and Jacob on the sax doing a duet....actually, I could join them on the electric keyboard...wait a minute....could we start DeeDee's Band? Your thoughts????

I'm a Doris...

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Doris!

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs

How to Get Along with Me

* * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
* * Share fun times with me.
* * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
* * Let me know that I am important and special to you.
* * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.
In Intimate Relationships

* * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
* * Reassure me often that you love me.
* * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.
What I Like About Being a Doris

* * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
* * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
* * being generous, caring, and warm
* * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
* * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor
What's Hard About Being a Doris

* * not being able to say no
* * having low self-esteem
* * feeling drained from overdoing for others
* * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
* * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
* * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tune in to them
* * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings



So those who "really" know me....what do you think about this quiz...was it accurate?

Leftover Turkey

Anyone got any good ideas for using up the LEFTOVERS? I mean New ideas...I'm tired of Turkey sandwiches and turkey and gravy over noodles...something NEW? One of the guys at work shared that he takes his leftover FRIED bird and makes a Turkey Soup. I'm not a big soup fan...I mean I do like soup, and just an FYI...if you have an Atlanta Bread Company in your town...try the Butternut Squash Soup....DELICIOUS...anyway..all you "Martha's" out there...please share. BIRD's the WORD.

I am so thankful for...

...having 17 guests over to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner together, and a home big enough to accommodate everyone.

I made Jason take me to CVS to get a new ink cartridge for my printer...I told him I needed it for Placecards and a "special" activity for our party. I found a clipart of pilgrims...and then wrote.."I am so thankful for..." Each guest was asked to fill in the blank. After the blessing and before we sat down to eat, I read all of the cards. Family and friends was on almost every card. One person said Dark Chocolate, one said "besides my wife and Faith Hill...", one said the "Andies candies in the dish"...it was fun to see everyone's face light up when the cards were read out loud.
I am so thankful that the food was good, the fellowship sweet and that the weather cooperated. Today it is raining, but yesterday, it was GORGEOUS. I peeled off my long sleeve turtleneck and sweater vest and put on a short sleeved t shirt. We were able to sit outside on the deck and enjoy all of the blessings of family and friends.
I pray that Thanksgiving at DeeDee and PaPa's will be a TRADITION. I had hoped we would play games...that was my only regret. I thought a good old fashioned game of monopoly with the kids - or CARDS - or dominos...maybe next year.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

Yesterday, Robin and I sat for a few minutes and looked over the "menu" for our Thanksgiving Dinner. This year we will have a full house. I think at last count it was total of 17. I am so thankful for the new dining room table, and since I haven't decided the future of my old table, I will have seating for all those invited.
Jason has been making FRIED TURKEYS over the past few years...but this year he may try his smoker for the BIRD. We will have what we call "our" tradtionals...
Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce ( Robin makes a fabulous one...but I did see a new recipe we may try this year). We will have rolls and pies. Robin is making a Brie with Pears and pecans ....yummy..and who would think we need appetizers....but it is usually a LONG DAY so I will have some "extras". I am working on a table centerpiece and trying to be creative with the place cards. There will be FOOTBALL and possibly a game of scrabble or something like Monopoly for the kids.

What have you planned for your day?

Brain Exercises

What do you think about these suggestions? My friend Linda does Math puzzles, my mother in law does Crosswords, I do word games....what do you do to exercise your brain?


* Test your recall. Make a list — of grocery items, things to do, or anything else that comes to mind — and memorize it. An hour or so later, see how many items you can recall. Make items on the list as challenging as possible for the greatest mental stimulation.
* Draw a map from memory. After returning home from visiting a new place, try to draw a map of the area; repeat this exercise each time you visit a new location.
* Do math in your head. Figure out problems without the aid of pencil, paper, or computer; you can make this more difficult by walking at the same time.
* Challenge your taste buds. When eating, try to identify individual ingredients in your meal, including subtle herbs and spices.
* Take a cooking class. Learn a new way to cook. Cooking uses a number of senses: smell, touch, sight, and taste, which all use different parts of the brain.
* Create word pictures. Visualize the spelling of a word in your head, then try and think of any other words that begin (or end) with the same two letters.
* Learn a foreign language. The listening and hearing involved stimulates the brain.
* Let the music play. Learn to play a musical instrument or study music.
* Refine your hand-eye abilities. Learn a new skill that involves fine-motor skills, such as knitting, drawing, painting, assembling a puzzle, etc.
* Engage your senses. Try activities that involve as many of your senses as possible, such as gardening.
* Learn a new sport. Take up an athletic exercise that utilizes the mind and body, like golf or basketball.

For Melissa

Melissa, I called Robin and told her that I had ONE MORE REASON for you to move to Tallahassee....Jo Frost. Here's the scoop....SuperNanny just finished an episode here and it aired a couple weeks ago. You may have seen the show...it was Blythe, divorced mother with a bunch of kids. Anyway...she is a local radio show host and all week they talked about the show. Long story short...every FSU Home game there is a big DOWNTOWN GET DOWN on Friday night before the game...booths, music, food...it's like pep rally for the community...well the Producers were setting up a booth to AUDITION a family for a future Supernanny. They really liked Tallahassee and they are looking for a new family. Robin said that you wanted to be on the show. SO....tell ERIC you have to move to Tallahassee. Start Packing up your stuff.

Reflections

Every year when we visit David and Linda in North Carolina, we take one afternoon and drive down to Elk River Falls. We hike down and sit on the rocks, it's a quiet time...just Jason and me. It is really beautiful there.

Reflections...what do you reflect? Just something to think about. This week I got the pathology reports from my surgery. I was so nervous going in. I told Dr. Dixon that I didn't wear makeup "in case I had to cry". He just smiled and then apologized. He explained that I would have received a call and his staff would have prepared me and even suggested that Jason accompany me if there were going to be "news" that required support. All of the tissue removed was benign and I should be fine. I know the look on my face "reflected" relief, joy, calm all at the same time.
I appreciate the prayers and your faith - even when mine was weak.

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. Seems like we just gathered together a short time ago. This year I am happy to report that we will have a full house. I am so thankful for the many Happy Thanksgivings I have enjoyed over the years. And I am thankful for a home that will accommodate a crowd, a daughter who is a good cook, and a family that enjoys being together.

Hannah's Eyes

OK, How many photos does it take to get a good one of Hannah's new contacts? Trust me...more than the four you see here. First she crossed her eyes, then she covered her eyes, then Robin tried taking her photo in the rear view mirror....and then finally, here she is...Hannah..smiling...and her new contacts.
I am just glad I was able to join in on the BIG EVENT.

Love you guys!!!

Robin made me do it!

Yesterday I had a "female" surgery....and I was told that because of the anesthesia and gas that was used to inflate an area of my body....a possible side effect - my cheeks could turn red as a result of the gas leaving my body. What do you think????
I was told the best thing to do is hydrate....need to drink a lot of water.
I told Robin I feel like BOZO THE CLOWN....and she said - POST IT.

Mars Hill Star Quarterback

Certainly a highlight of our trip to North Carolina was the side trip to Mars Hill for the football game on Saturday. Here I am with the STAR Quarterback, Ricky Spradling. Mars Hill won. For those who remember Ricky back in Boca...he has grown into the nicest young man. He is a great quarterback, too. We had a fun tailgate party with the Spradlings before and after the game. I will include some additonal photos later. Just got home and must UNPACK and do laundry before returning to work tomorrow.

Attached a photo of our hosts, the Turners. Spending time with David and Linda is something we look forward to each year. Here we are at the tail gate party...FREEZING!!!!

Vacationing in North Carolina

We are on our annual trip to North Carolina for my Birthday Week. I know, I know...you are saying, "your birthday was in September!" And you are right....but Delta kept me in Tallahassee the week we normally come up. This has been an adventure already. Sunday we drove from Tallahasse to Cincinnati. Stayed with my brother and family. Picked up my mother's dining room table and headed to North Carolina on Monday. We have seen some INCREDIBLE leaves....Kentucky...Tennessee and now Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I hope to get some good shots. I bought my first DIGITAL CAMERA....YIKES! We are invited for a HOT POT dinner at the Spradlings tonight. Jason Spradling is cooking. Will have to blog on this - have no idea what I am in for....Jason spent time in China as a missionary and brought back some wonderful recipes and has become quite the chef. My Jason and David are golfing today. I have been lazy today - except I did learn how to use the Treadmill and got a good walk in this morning while watching Rachel Ray. More later....

30 Year Delta Anniversary

Today I celebrated 30 Years with Delta Air Lines. I began my career in Boston at the Reservation Sales Office on October 9, 1978. I was so excited to be a Delta employee. I worked there until May 1980 when I transferred to Miami Reservations. Being a part of a great company and working in a large call center was a wonderful experience. Traveling in those days was so much different. Does anyone remember PINK boarding cards? I know Robin does. When you got a PINK boarding pass that meant you were traveling in FIRST CLASS..and in those years that meant something. Linen Table cloth, hors d'oeurves, steak dinners, ice cream sundaes...it was really nice. In 1981, I began working in the City Ticket Offices and this is where I spent the next 20 years. It was the perfect job. I had an office on the island of Palm Beach, two blocks from Worth Avenue, 1 block from the ocean. The clientele - well you can imagine. I was just around the corner from Mar-A-Lago estate - now the Trump Estate...and The BREAKERS! Several celebs frequented my office. Brooke Shield's dad was a regular, Curt Gowdy, Frank Gifford...to name a few. Then on September 11, 2001, my life changed...just like your's did. I transferred to the Palm Beach Airport when a business decision was made to close my office. It was difficult then but I have loved the airport experience. Today I was "celebrated". My co-workers had a HUGE cake with a Delta "widget" and Balloons and cards and gift cards and then took me to Macaroni Grill for lunch. I was presented with my 30 Year Anniversary Service Pin....similar to the one I posted...except I have 1 Diamond and 2 Emeralds. A great day....as I wind down in my career, I am forever thankful for the years I have had to work for the BEST COMPANY. I have made so many wonderful life long friends, have traveled for FREE and have been able to enjoy a lifestyle that most would envy. I hope to travel more extensively before my days are through. Jason and I have never taken full advantage of my benefits. There are a few stops I'd like to make and now that Delta is a Worldwide airline, the possibilities are endless.

A Day in Havana

Just blogged about the wonderful day Robin and I spent together in Havana yesterday and when I went to preview I lost everything...YIKES. So here we go again.
Spent a lovely day with Robin....started at Mockingbird Cafe for delicious chicken salad sandwiches on warmed rolls. Sat outside..gorgeous day. Then walked around the antique and furniture shops together. Robin is more "cottage" and I am more "traditional". She has an eye for decorating and I always learn something when we are together. We both appreciate fine furniture and have definite ideas about what we do and do not like. We smelled some delicious candles...admired antique applique linens and made our "dream lists" mentally. Didn't spend a dime, but imagined all kinds of purchases. It was not crowded...the day was perfect for a stroll...and the company was delightful.
Earlier in the day we watched Jacob's baseball game. He made a terrific play at 1st Base and his team won in the last inning with 2 outs and down 1 run. I am so glad we moved to Tallahassee...especially on days like this one.

Voted Best Looking at the 40th!

Cincinnati Cornhole

WHS Reunion Photos

What fun seeing all of Jason's classmates. Because I was just a year behind....I knew everyone. We all had so much fun they are talking about a 45th reunion.

The top photo is from the Saturday night event - dinner and dance.

The bottom photo is from Century Inn on Friday night. This was a very casual get together outside...local hangout. They play cornhole and have karaoke at this place. It was a lovely night.

Happy
Birthday,

Jacob...

12 YEARS
TODAY!!!

My "Favorite" Brother

Mark would be my favorite even if I had another brother. This was taken at Texas Roadhouse before dinner. We were just waiting for our number to come up and I asked Julie to snap a photo.

40th High School Reunion

Wyoming High School, Wyoming, Ohio. (this is now the Middle School and there is a new High School)

This past week Jason and I had the pleasure of attending his 40th High School Reunion. Yep...he was a 1968 Graduate. We had so much fun. I was in the class of '69, same school, so knew everyone. Most of the students went to school from Kindergarten through Senior Year together. Small town, many members of the same Golf Club, Church, etc. We attended the "casual" get together on Friday night at the local hang out...Century Inn. Had a tent outside, weather was perfect...which was a blessing because many in the Tri-State area ( Ohi0, Kentucky and Indiana) were without power and had trees down due to IKE. How strange for a Hurricane with 80 mph winds (no rain) to blow through Cincinnati. Just unheard of. Anyway...it was fun catching up on Friday night. Then on Saturday, Jason played golf with the guys...and there was a tour of the old High School for non-golfers. Saturday evening was the "BIG EVENT". Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing....video of the 30 year reunion party and lots of good food and conversation. I am already looking forward to my 40th - already being planned for June 2009. We were also able to spend time with my brother, Mark, and sister-in-law, Julie and niece, Alexandra, on Sunday. We stayed with Jason's mom - and I actually beat her at SCRABBLE. That, too, is unheard of. She insists it's only because she just had cataract surgery and was not at the top of her game...don't care...I'll take any win. She is sharp, has a phenomenal vocabulary and the ability to place words to always take advantage of the most points.
All in all, it was a wonderful week...we were able to fly First Class, flights on time, nice rental car and time with family and dear friends. Julie...if you are reading this blog....PLEASE EMAIL ME THE PHOTO OF MARK AND ME and I will post it on my blog. I framed it and put it in my office.

CROCS

The first time I saw CROCS, I thought the same thing. I do have a pair and wear them occasionally. They are light and airy....they weigh very little...they are good in the rain....but when I saw this photo...I couldn't help but laugh. Wish I could say this was my kitty. My kitty does like my shoes....she will curl up and stick her face in my ballet slippers...but this was PRICELESS. Don't you agree?

Dreams

What kind of dreams do you have?
Do you always remember them?
Do you try to analyze them?
I had a funny dream last night...I was with Robin and a group of her friends, seems like they were all a part of some group..they knew each other well...We ended up in an airplane...like the Blue Angels fly. We were all in there....don't know how we fit, but the pilot - Robin's friend from San Juan, was flying...it was great. He was swooping down for close views of the area and then zooming up and even flew upside down. I kept thinking, I hope I don't get sick and embarrass myself and Robin. I didn't. It was exhilarating....just like an amusement park ride. There were some other weird events....I was with a co-worker and needed to get ready for work, I asked if I could use her shower and she said, not until my granddaughter wakes up...because she will be upset if she misses something...I thought HOW SPOILED...but waited. My dreams seem to jump around. Or maybe they are separate dreams and I just remember them as one.
We've all dreamed of "falling" , do you catch yourself and wake up?
Have you ever thought..."this is a dream" and kept dreaming?
Have you ever been sorry you woke up because it was such a good dream?
Have you dreamed of someone you loved and lost?
Do you dream in color or black and white?
Do characters in your dreams change? ( do you start out with someone in the dream and then that person changes to someone else?)

Have you ever laughed out loud in a dream? Jason says he has heard me laughing in my sleep.

Just curious?

Boston Butt Birthday!

Hey there...enjoyed a wonderful birthday. I was starting to feel sorry for myself because unlike the Purpose Driven Life...I have always thought...It's all about me! (sidebar...if you haven't read this book, I think the first sentence is "it's not about you.") For the past 13 years we have spent my "birthday week", that's right...I get a week...in North Carolina with our dear friends, David and Linda. They are true friends who have indulged me for 13 years. My birthday week has become well known to the area residents. One year, when David and Linda still owned their own grocery store - TNT Market in Elk Park , NC...they put me on their sign up on 19E for all the passers by to see..."Happy Birthday Week, Sara!". My birthday week includes a card and a present every day of the week...it's kinda like my own personal Chanukuh...anyway...this year we were unable to go for our usual end of summer trip ( had to reschedule my vacation due to work issues). I was feeling so "why me?" when I decided to take the actual day of my birth off from work. Robin invited me to lunch and we went to a neat little bistro named SAGE. It's a popular spot of one of her co-workers, so we decided to try it. It was very nice. I had the quiche and salad. I just love home baked pie crust and their's was so flakey and buttery...just the best. Just spending time with Robin is always a treat...as many of you know. Then for dinner, Jason and I tried Harry's Seafood and Bar downtown. Last year when Jason's youngest brother, Adam, visited Tallahassee, we took him to the Capitol Building. It's a must see for visitors. We went to the top floor which is glass on all sides. You can walk around and see the best view of all of Tallahassee. We noticed this neat looking area and what appeared to be a restaurant. After inquiring, it turned out to be Harry's. We finally got around to trying it and it was WONDERFUL.
I have to say...my favorite item on the menu was my "side". I ordered GRIT CAKES! Oh my gosh....had I known how scrumptious they would be...I would have skipped my entree and ordered two sides. LOL. Robin gave PaPa a cookbook one year for Christmas, I think, and I found a recipe for Grit Cakes in the book. I also discovered why I like them so much....Grits, milk, Half and Half, BUTTER and FRIED. Don't ask me how many points...
Anyway...for all those who wished me well, sang to me, sent cards, bought me meals and hugged me....Thanks!!
Last night was the TOPPING ON THE CAKE, as they say...Jason made his famous Boston Butt and the O'Donnell's joined us for one more celebration. Guess I got a "week" after all.

Still good advice

How do you rate yourself on this one, Ladies?

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE

Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.

Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Grace Church

This morning Jason and I shared our Testimonies at Grace Church and were welcomed into membership. We have not felt led to join a church since leaving Boca in 2004. We are looking forward to finding out what God has planned for us within this body of believers in Tallahassee. Please pray for us that our gifts will be exercised and that we will serve and give all the Glory to God. We have been on the sidelines for too many years now. We are more than ready to be used.
I am thankful that Robin suggested Grace Church. We know, too well, that there are no coincidences in life...this is exactly where we are supposed to serve.
Check out the website.... www.gcot.org for more information about our new Church home.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement over the past 4 years. Your patience and perseverence have not been in vain.

More to follow

This past weekend we attended the wedding of Christopher Turner and Caroline Edwards. It was a great weekend. We flew in to Tri-Cities, Tennessee and drove to Elk Park, NC. On Saturday morning I was invited to a Bridal Luncheon at the Coffee Company in Elizabethton, TN. The Bridal party and family were invited. Delicious food, cake and punch. Saturday evening we attended the Rehearsal Dinner at StoneWalls. I helped decorate in the afternoon. 50 guests attended the rehearsal. The wedding was on Sunday afternoon at 5pm. The Bride was beautiful and the ceremony especially touching. One of the Brides maids sang How Beautiful as the couple took Communion together. We were all sobbing when she began to cry. Her voice was one of an angel and the service was very moving. After the ceremony we drove up the mountain to a lodge that had a breathtaking view of Grandfather Mountain. ( see photo). The evening was cool, clear and full of dancing, good food and fun. We have known Christopher since he was a very young boy. He is now about 6'4" and all grown up. The Bride chose pink and yellow for her colors. All of the gals wore strapless gowns, a very rosey pink with silver sparkly strappy sandals. They danced to Michael Buble - You're my Everything. The cake was unbelievable...there were layers of Chocolate....vanilla with real strawberry filling and then a Strawberry cake layer. The topper was Pepe La Pew! They had a power mix in envelopes that said " Perfectly Blended" Chris and Caroline - August 3, 2008 for each guest and a framed PHOTO of themselves that each guest could sign. Monday morning we had breakfast at the Times Square Diner with the Groom's family and then headed back to Tri Cities airport for our flight home. Spending a weekend with dear friends and seeing Christopher begin his life with Caroline was so special.

Fond Memories

Cadillac Mountain near Camden Maine. When Robin was 5 months old, my mother decided she would fly up for a visit. We were living in a very RUSTIC cabin at the time (another post) and so she stayed in a log cabin motel in Skowhegan, nearby town. Wanting to make her trip worthwhile...sidebar - now a grandma myself I can tell you no extracurricular activities are really necessary - the grandkids make the trip worthwhile...I decided we would rent a car and drive up the coast to Camden Maine and Cadillac Mountain. There is a beautiful photo of my mom holding Robin with this same view in her baby album. I was just thinking about this day and how nice it was to do something special with my mom and my daughter. Making memories is so special and I am so very thankful that my mom was able to make the trip. I was thinking the other day, too, that she came to every place I lived at least once...except for this home in Tallahassee. She passed away in April, 2002 and we moved her in 2004. Take time to make memories, girls...it is so important to fill your mind with happy times with family. God brings them to mind just when you need them. Isn't is just amazing how the mind is able to store so much? And we can close our eyes and remember so many scenes in our lives. Looking at photos will jog the memory, too. While on our recent trip to Cincinnati, Holly shared some old photos. I really wish I would have taken a few. There were some of her wedding back in 1974, I think. I was wearing an aqua crepe pants suite that my mother made for a Lambda Chi Alpha Dance a few years earlier. I was crowned Sweetheart that year and I had forgotten how lovely that pants suit was. Mom made several evening gowns for me - my favorite was a dark green velvet dress with rhinestone straps. I felt so glamorous. If I had a scanner and knew all of the tricks, I'd scan it and share. But let me say this...the material was $15/yd. and it took 2 yds. I remember thinking that was SOOOO expensive. It was a beautiful dress and my mom did such a professional job with every detail. I still miss my mom.
Take care to cherish the time you have with family...get out and make those memories.

Did someone say Wasabi?

Tonight Jason and I decided to go on a "real date". We went to Nagasaki Steakhouse - Japanese Cuisine. What a wonderful evening. We started with Tempura Sweet Potato as an appetizer. They brought 6 little flat patties with a delightful soy"ish" dipping sauce. The meal began with Miso soup. It had a light oniony chicken flavor with mushrooms and scallions. Just yummy. Followed by a salad with iceberg lettuce and a sweet dressing that could be compared to a thousand island taste. Very nice. Shortly after we were seated, a young couple was also seated at our grill table. I was glad because this kind of restaurant is much more fun when you are with others.
Our chef was Michael. He was FANTASTIC. He began with all the fancy maneuvers - and all with a spatula and a knife. He did some tricks with eggs that he eventually scrambled for our fried rice. He also made noodles that were to DIE for...I'm glad I didn't because I ordered shrimp and scallops and they just melted in my mouth. He did serve up a ginger sauce and a seafood sauce but honestly the food was seasoned so well no sauce was really needed. Jason ordered steak and scallops. His steak was also melt in your mouth tender. One really neat trick he did was to slice a big onion, then stack it and fill it with oil. He then lit it on fire and it was like an onion volcano. Very cool. He had a great personality. All the time he was cooking, I noticed he had slipped two nice plump shrimp on the edge of the grill and I kept wondering who those were for. After he was finished preparing all of our meals, he started chopping and flattening the shrimp. When finished, he explained that he was going to catapult the shrimp and we were to catch it in our mouths. It was HILARIOUS. I was able to catch 2 out of 3. Jason did the same. Mary, the gal at our table, caught 2 and her boyfriend caught 3 out of 3. It was Mary's birthday, so we got the added pleasure of a birthday dessert and tea.
After dinner, we watched a little longer as another table was getting the same treatment. There were children at that table and the chef was "pretending" to salt them as he was seasoning the food. All in all it was a wonderful evening. The food, the service, the entertainment and the overall atmosphere made it a 5 STAR evening.
I would highly recommend Nagasaki Steakhouse to all my Tallahassee viewers. It's pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.

ooh la lift

Lighten, tighten, brighten...that was what they told me the first time I learned about ooh la lift. I was in Chicago (very early post) for the American Girl Museum visit with Robin and Hannah. While in Chicago, a visit to Marshall Fields is a MUST! We were just walking in when an attractive sales representative at the Benefit Make up Counter approached and asked if we would like a makeover. Not the "extreme" makeover we all just talked about in Cincinnati...LOL...well maybe that is relative...anyway....I must have been looking very tired from our whirlwind tour of the windy city and the gal decided I needed a lift.
An ooh la lift! It is a GREAT PRODUCT. You just dab 3 little spots under your eyes and you get an immediate "lift"...no more tired look. If you combine that with their eye bright you really look like you just took a 15 minute power nap. I am serious. It's a little pricey...but worth every penny....you will need quite a few pennies. Anyway....as Melissa says...these are the things that I love.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Is there anything else to say?

History

Something just occurred to me, and occasionally you all "ramble"...so here goes. It just occurred to me that once you have lived 50 plus years...you know a lot of HISTORY. Stop laughing. As a young girl I never enjoyed HISTORY. I remember classes...American History, The History of Ancient Civilization, Art History, anyway....I am becoming an Historian. I never would have thought so.
I dreaded those classes and now I know so many Jeopardy answers.

Why did you choose your china pattern?

Emily's post got me thinking about my everyday china pattern. I was a junior in high school and I was invited to Chicago to visit my Aunt Leora ( my mom's older sister - see photo...
L to R ...Lois, youngest, Leora, eldest and "the twins"...my mother, Lucile and my Aunt Louise. Affectionately known as the 4 L's. Anyway...I took my first flight on American Airlines, FIRST CLASS, and flew nonstop from Cincinnati to Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Many happy memories of that trip...

• They gave cigarettes in F/C in those days. I got a little package of 3 Winstons on my tray and thought I was "something else"....LOL
• I was taken to the Premier of Thoroughly Modern Millie, and saw Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing in person. Everyone was very dressed up, it was a "red carpet Hollywood like affair".
• I rode on the L
• I bought a beautiful Pendleton Wool KILT at Marshall Fields
• AND I fell in love with my Aunt Leora's CHINA.

I made a decision that year that when I got married, I would register for Blue Danube. I was never sorry, never changed my mind. It's been 37 years and I still love it everytime I set the table. I have posted a blurb from their website...

If nobility ever had to claim a pattern for its own, then Blue Danube china is surely the one. Indeed, royal families of distinction have reverently chosen Blue Danube china's exquisite design for centuries. The design of Blue Danube china was first attributed to the German artist, Kandler, and is based on the most beautiful symbols of ancient Chinese and Far Eastern art. Blue Danube china depicts the flowers of good fortune and happiness, no wonder it's become the world's most famous pattern of all.

so....what story can you share about the choice you made?

The earlier years...

I have always loved being on the water. My father and I sailed on Lake Cowan. I just loved floating on the water. It was just me and my Dad mostly. That, too, makes it a nice memory. When I first moved to New England, I found myself drawn to the sea. I would walk along the beach, find a rocky spot and sit for hours watching the huge waves crash against the rocks. I love the smell of the sea, the rhythm of the waves. The house we rented on Thatcher Road was on the ocean....right on the ocean. There was a marsh between the house and the beach, and a short wooden walkway...but we were so close you could hear the waves touch the sand when you left the windows open at night. Such a calming effect. that soothing noise helped me fall asleep many a night. I love the tastes of the sea. The first time I boiled a live lobster, I wasn't sure I could do it. Putting that guy head first into a boiling pot of water seemed so..."harsh"...but one bite of that meat in clarified butter and I knew this was something I could do...again and again and again. Fresh Maine Lobster. Nothing like it. Nothing in the world. Gloucester has been in the news lately and it has brought back so many memories. I moved to Rockport, Mass in 1971. I lived in Rockport, Lanes Cove and then moved to Waterville, Maine - where Robin was born until 1977. In 1980, I made the move south to Boca Raton....but my heart stayed in New England for a long time. I learned to knit and crochet in Rockport. I went to my first "Fiesta" in Gloucester. It is an annual Italian Festival. If you care to know more...you can google it...but what I remember is the Greasy Pole. A huge telephone pole parallel to the water and out over the water...and loaded with GREASE...thick thick grease...and the goal was to walk out on the pole and get the flag without falling in. Google it...really....I know there are photos out there. One of my favorite "tastes" of the sea are CLAMS. You cannot live in New England and not love clam rolls. I love them steamed...called "steamahs" ( that's with the accent) and I love them fried. This weekend is the Memorial Service for Larry. I am sorry I can't be there. I think I will find a quiet spot ....grab a Narragansett and toast the good times.