A week to go

I am starting to make piles of clothes to pack for our trip. Mr. Wonderful and I are leaving next Saturday for a week long venture to Punta Cana with my cousins. My cousins and I have been trying for years to travel together and I am so happy to say that it is finally happening. Two milestones reached - our trip together and Guga will have turned 50 twelve hours before our deprature.

Whereas I thought I was going to be totally bummed out at being 50, I have decided to look at the brighter side of things. I remember when my parents turned 50 - they were so old!! NOT ME! I have acomplished so much in my life and I am welcoming whatever the future holds for me into open arms.

Top Ten List - in no particular order:

Married to a wonderful man for over 29 years.

Raised 5 GREAT kids - and proud of everyone of them.

Have the pleasure of loving two of the most adorable, loving, intelligent, talented granddaughters.

Have a fabulous job - I can honestly say I still "whistle" on my way to work everyday.

Live in a great house just 1/2 mile away from above mentioned granddaughters.

Earned my Bachelor's Degree exactly 20 years after attaining my Associate's Degree - all the while teaching my kids quite a lesson about determination and hard work.

I wake up every morning next to my BEST friend in the whole wide world - yes, it is Mr. Wonderful - he deserves 2 spots on this list

Whereas I have mourned the loss of many close realtives, I can remember them all with a smile and wonderful stories to share with my kids and grandchildren.

I am proud of myself for giving my children the roots they need and the wings to live life independently. They are never fearful to venture away from home, knowing that home is always only a phone call away.

I will ALWAYS continue to look at the brighter side of life - and try to continue to teach my children to do the same. My Dad always said, "Life is Good" and that has truly become my mantra.

...need to get back to my packing...

...time to clean up...

Another Christmas is over - this one was close to the best one ever. No stress, good food, good company - what more could you ask for?

A brief recap - Mr. Wonderful was totally shocked with his new TV and he suprised me with a new camcorder (palm size that records to a mini DVD). I WILL be capturing lots of memories for posterity! My son presented his girlfriend with a Chia-Pet - oh and a necklace from Tiffany's tucked neatly inside - that kid has quite a sense of humor. Ally was TOO thrilled with all of Santa's suprises - both at her house and mine. Ava loved ripping the wrapping paper off all her gifts. All offspring were too pleased with their checks/cash (right color, right size) - the 'out-of-town' kids visited all day via cell phone. As usual, our annual grab bag provided lots of laughs and an opportunity for everyone to use their bartering skills.

All that's left is ringing in the New Year and taking down the tree and accessories. Guga and Papa are preparing for a grown-up vacation in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)! We leave a week from Saturday... more on that later

Best Laid Plans...

Being a "seasoned" hostess, I know that all things mechanical will break down on a major holiday. HOWEVER, I was not prepared for this. My kitchen drain is totally stopped up - Mr. Wonderful took apart the whole thing - the garbage disposal, all connection elbow joints, etc. - CAN NOT find the clog. The plumber will be here between 12 and 5.

Could be worse. Could have happened tomorrow....

WINNER!

It's twelve hours until Chistmas Eve and everything is done except the cookie baking. I think I can safely say that a few trays will be out of the oven, ready to eat WAY before Santa's sleigh starts on its trek. All that's left is trying to figure out how to get Mr. Wonderful's present into the house without his knowledge. It is nicely hidden in my neighbor's house (42" plasma TV). Oh yeah, I am winning "Wife of the Year" Award!

..and we're off...

No time to recover from a whirlwind weekend trip - Chirstmas is less than a week away. Cards are mailed, tree is up, stockings are hung, gifts for the granddaughters are purchased - AND THAT'S IT!! No cookies are baked, no menus prepared, no shopping for the stockings, no shopping for Mr. Wonderful and resident child, no shopping for the annual grab bag... gotta go, got lot's to do..,. (Don't kid yourself, I thrive on this pressure!)

Here I come!

Our plane takes off at 4:30 today - We're on our way to meet our granddaughters in Disney - Do you THINK I am smiling????

Good to see them come...

We will be taking Allison and her friends back to JFK in about an hour. She arrived, with 3 friends, on Friday and it has been one non-stop party! (2 of these friends have NEVER been to New York)

Friday night my house was full of their NY friends waiting to surprise them. Needless to say, they all slept over - no one was driving that night! Most of them were in the hot tub until 4:00am!

Saturday evening, we had a white stretch limo pick up all of us and take us to Manhattan - ALL OVER MANHATTAN - we did Rockelfeller Center, St. Patricks Cathedral, the stores on 5th Avenue, NBC Building, Time's Square, the Empire State Building, and Ground Zero (and a bathroom stop at the Ritz Carlton). We stopped at a Diner on the way home as there are NO Diners in Florida. Again, the crew was up until 4:30am in the hot tub, with a fire going in the fire pit (that Mr. Wonderful bought just before they came). I got up at 4:00am to see what they were doing and they handed me a freshly made 'smore - you gotta love this group!

Sunday was ice skating in Uniondale (Long Island's answer to Rockefeller Center) and then a trip to the Bronx Zoo for their Holiday Light Spectacular - followed by dinner at a local Italian restaurant. (yep, you guessed it, more hot tub, another fire, more 'smores, etc.)

Yesteray they did (I went to work) Central Park, Tavern on the Green, the Empire State Builing (again), a subway ride, and a ride back home on the Long Island Railroad. (Mr. Wonderful drove them in) Sushi for dinner last night - (followed by their usual ritual).

I will miss the excitement, the laughter, the comraderie. I will NOT miss the lack of sleep, the apologizing to my neighbors, the hole in my wallet.

Yes, it is good to see them come, but it is also fine to see them leave!

My Christmas Blessings

I must have done something right in my life to be blessed with these two granddaughters. I am one lucky "Guga".

Christmas Quiz

I found this list on the net somewhere and decided to use it for some inspiration for a blog entry. (Who's kidding who - I stole thie idea from a fellow blogger!)

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
Hot chocolate, homemade - not the powdered kind - with mini marshmallows.

2. Turkey or Ham?
After the antipasto, pasta, salad and vegetables - who cares what the meat is?

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?
There is a whole process that goes along with the picking out the real tree. No matter what the tree looks like when we get it home, Mr. Wonderful turns it into something that belongs in Rockefeller Center!

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
AVSOLUTELY. Although, I take no credit for this one - this is strictly Mr. Wonderful and the kids - or shall I say "kid" as there is only one left at home!

5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?
Did the sledding when the kids were young - but there is nothing like a good old fashioned snowball fight.

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Only if the definition of "dowtown" is my office in front of the computer! I do everything I possibly can online.

7. Favorite Christmas song?
"I'll be home for Christmas" - makes me cry EVERYTIME!

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
Not a fan.

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
Anything before Thanksgiving is simply blasphemous.

10. Stockings before or after presents?
AFTER - these are the trinkets that are savored over breakfast.

11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
Although I caroled as a kid, in my adult years, I have never seen any carolers in our neighborhoods.

12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?
We used to do Christmas Eve at my house and Christmas Day at Grandma's - but since I became a Grandma - I do BOTH!

13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?
No. But since the kids were little we acted it out with my nativity scene. Ally was able to do it all by herslef last year.

14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
I started a tradition about 3 years ago. We all sit in one room where there is a pile of unlabeled, wrapped gifts. We all pick a number and go in order - picking a wrapped gift. No. 1, No. 2, etc. When No. 2 opens their gift, they have a choice to keep it or swap with number one, etc. - when the last gift gets openend, the person who was No. 1 gets their choice of all the gifts. There is a lot of laughing and hiding of "good" gifts, bartering - (I always include a doll for Ally to trade for.) It's a nice way to bring everyone together for some comraderie and smiles. - THEN WE HAVE DESSERT!

15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
The REAL Christmas Tree.

16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Ice skating - Spectator, of course! Ally is dying to try it this year.

17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?
Christmas Day.

18. Favorite Christmas memory?
It's always the same - Mr. Wonderful and I watching the kids' faces when they see all the presents under the tree.

19. Favorite Part about winter?
Being too cold to go outside - just having to stay home and build a fire.

20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
yes, yes, yes

Thought for the day...

"Always keep several get well cards on the mantle..... so if unexpected guests arrive, they will think you've been sick and unable to clean ."

"29 years and counting"

Mr. Wonderful and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary yesterday. I had Ally and Ava all day as Trish and Chip were in the city celebrating her birthday. I also invited GG (Great Grandma - my mom), her friend, and Wendy (my cohort). Other than missing the rest of my kids, it was a perfect day. I had to take Ally to a birthday party in the morning and I came home to a freshly vacuumed house and an empty dishwasher (thanks, Mr. Wonderful). The ease of the day just proved to me once more that I have truly married my soul mate. We have a definite rhythm, we are absolutely in sync.

There was only one glitch during the day - he disappeared downstairs for about a half hour and I couldn't understand why. As soon as the last guest left, he came to me and said - "Did you wonder where I was earlier?" and he handed me the tracking info from 1-800-Flowers. He ordered 2 dozen yellow roses (what my wedding bouquet consisted of) that were to be delivered to me with a note that read, "29 years and counting..." - After finally getting an operator on the phone, who he blasted for not delivering the flowers - she carefully reviewed his order which said: TO DELIVER DEC. 3, 2007!! He was SO disappointed, but I told him that having this story to tell was the perfect gift for me! - I asked him to cancel the flowers - he reminded me that he had plenty of time to do so - it's not like they were delivering them any time soon!

There are many blessings in my life - but for today I am most thankful for my Mr. Wonderful.

And the Yuletide begins

With Thanksgiving safely behind us, I am now beginning to prepare for Christmas. Now that the children are grown, my Christmas shopping duties have dwindled quite a bit. Taking a tip from a fellow blogger, I will attempt to do most of my shopping via the internet (and a glass of wine).

I will begin my cookie baking marathon shortly - I'll even invite the neighbor's kids to help...Time to start some new traditions in my new house!

Allison and her friends arrive on Dec. 8 - my goal is to have the tree up and decorated by then. Considering we always get a real tree, this will be quite a fete! Decorating the outside of the house will be a snap as there are no bushes or trees to put lights on! Mr. Wonderful just has to decorate and hang the giant wreath and "voila" - DONE!

Unlike some other bloggers who have chosen to complete their Christmas 'chores' before Thanksgiving, I am going to thoroughly enjoy every aspect of Christmas this year and I am going to do it starting NOW!

Did I mention we are even going to sneak in a trip to Disney? Guga and Papa have decided we must be there to experience Ava's first trip (just as we were there for Ally's). We will meet the kids there right after Allison (and crew) leaves.

Oh yeah, I am really going to enjoy this season...

Ta-Da!

This is what it used to look like.


This is what it looks like now.

I think it was worth the wait.

Note to self, "Tell Mr. Wonderful he was right..." - Oh yeah, like that is going to happen anytime soon!

Thanksgiving, already?

I have barely cleared the dishes since the Christening and I am starting to prepare Thanksgiving Dinner!! There is something wrong with this picture! The only up-side to the whole thing is MY HOUSE IS STILL CLEAN!!! - Hey, Wait, that's Mr. Wonderful's job!@##! - There is no up-side!

God Bless Ava

What a wonderful day! Good Food, Good Drink, Wonderful Company - AND NO ORIGINAL SIN!

Ah, yes...

While I am TOO thrilled with all the wonderful improvements in my house, I am also tired of coming home to a construction site everyday. Whereas the outside is near completion (except for the landscaping which will wait until Spring), the inside has taken on a new look too! I have been assured that all will be complete in time for Sunday's gala - and although I have my doubts, I am choosing to believe my Mr. Wonderful and respond to his assurances with a simple smile - all the while thinking.... to be sitting in my comfortable chair, relaxing in front of a roaring fire, ah yes, I remember it well...

Under the Gun

I guess men like to work under pressure. Mr. Wonderful decided TODAY that it is a good time to change all the inside doors in my house - TODAY???? The Christening is Sunday!! This morning, at work, I get a phone call asking, "What kind of doorknobs do you want for the new doors?" TODAY???? I JUST CLEANED THAT WHOLE HOUSE AND NOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ANOTHER MESS????? (Of course I said that all to myself) - In reality I said, "Honey, I will go after work and pick out the doorknobs and bring them home this evening."

The Big City

Had a wonderful, though exhausting, day yesterday. A change in plans put me in Manhattan with my daughter; my granddaughter, Ally; and her best friend, Olivia. We took the girls to an authentic Italian Panini Place for lunch (I am ruined for life, can never eat Paninis on Long Island again) - oh yeah, they shared a plate of linguine with pomodoro sauce. Trish and I also indulged in some of the best wine I've tasted in years. Then it was off to Carnegie Hall to see a Dan Zanes (who?) concert. The surprise guest was Natalie Merchant (that name I recognized). The girls had a ball, dancing in the aisles, clapping their hands, singing along... I was still savoring lunch! The girls were so well behaved, we treated them to a trip to FAO Schwartz where they danced on the giant piano (ala the movie, "BIG"). Trish bought a disposable camera to take pictures - those two are such hams! I bought them each a Raggedy Ann and Andy doll to commemorate our fantastic Halloween and then it was off to dinner - highly uneventful compared to lunch). We drove two sleeping beauties back to their haven on Long Island, leaving all the hustle and bustle of the city behind us. I was in bed before Trish got down the block! I am looking forward to going back to the city after all the decorations are in place...

A Job Well Done

Now that I look at my hutch and see the beautifully shining crystal glasses, I can truly appreciate the beauty inside. Hard to believe that just hours ago I was cursing under my breath as I took each piece of stemware out (and boy, in 29 years of marriage, I have accumulated a lot of stemware!) and hand washed it, laying each piece on a heavy turkish towel to air dry without water spots. Then I carried each piece back into the dining room, carefully placing them on the diningroom table as I spritzed each mirror and glass door in said hutch and polished it to the shine that my mother would be proud of. Oh, how I pondered over placement of these items, to make them visually appealing, yet easy to maneuver - WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?@#$!#$

A Christening

We are now getting ready for a Christening. Ava Brooke will be Baptized this month and Uncle Bobby and Aunt Allison will be the proud God-Parents. There will be a small gathering for lunch afterwards at Guga and Papa's house. YEAH!! A Party! (be that a teeny tiny party).

I told a white lie to my contractors - I told them the Christening was Nov. 12. In reality, it is the 19th. Do you think God will let me slide on this one?? I figure I need at least a week to CLEAN this house!!!

A Memory Made

This Halloween I made a memory. My beautiful granddaughter, Ally, and her best friend, Olivia, were Raggedy Ann and Andy - compliments of Guga's sewing machine.

Of all my sewing projects, recent and in the past, this was one of my most favorites. To hear their squeals as they put on their costumes and wigs was just a moment I will never forget.

To my daughter, thank you for giving me yet another project when I thought I was already overwhelmed with responsibilites.

To Olivia's parents, your heartfelt thanks and kind words will always be with me.

Sometimes, our most precious memories come when we least expect... Who would have thought Halloween could provide a grandmother with such a moment??

When men babysit

This is Mr. Wonderful's idea of babysitting!

Not again!

I know you must be tired of reading about my construction- I am tired just writing about it, never mind living the horror!

They applied the 3rd color (4th color change) of stucco on a small patch and waited for my approval - which I whole heartedly gave. After they finished the whole entrance - I told Mr. Wonderful that I really hated it - it was too "yellowish". God Bless this man - he said, "You call the contractor and tell him we will give him an extra $$$ BEFORE you tell him we are changing the color again."

It is getting easier to pick out the next color choice as we have eliminated so many possibilities already!

A Woman's (man's?) Perogative

OK, it is official. We will go down as the worst people to work for in the construction industry (so much for the free lunches). As you know, we are having stucco applied to our newly renovated front entrance and eaves. They gave us a color chart of 1" x 1/2" blocks of color and asked us to pick something. After careful deliberation, we finally agreed on a color - not too light, not too dark, that didn't compete with the brick or front door color. They applied a 3' square under one of the eaves and we shreiked "STOP!" - We hated it.

We then discussed, compared, pondered and came up with what we thought was a perfect color and had them change it. They proceeded to apply it under the eaves and the change was dramatic and we loved it. They dismantled the scaffold and moved to the front entrance and began applying the new color stucco. After seeing it enmasse - we agreed that WE HATED IT!

This was then followed by the two of us standing outside, in the rain, under an umbrella, with a flashlight, comparing those 1"x1/2" samples to the bricks and front door. Then we flipped a coin to see who would call the contractor to tell him that we changed our minds, AGAIN. He lost - but he blamed the color change on me!

Please keep your fingers crossed that we got it right this time. If not, we will suck it up and have Mr. Wonderful paint it after they leave!

And then there were 6

There were 13 First Cousins on my Mother's side. We saw each other often, always gathering at Grandma's house. We each grew into the role of dishwasher as there was no such thing as eating off paper plates in Grandma's house. As good Italian Catholics, we celebrated every Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, and Wedding together. Our first cousin died in Vietnam - we were all there. Grandma died in 1973 - we were all there. We tried like hell to keep many of the traditions alive. We continued to gather for each other's weddings - and after we were all married, we found other reasons to come together - "family reunions".

Then there was Aunt Jean's funeral - people flew in from all over to say good-bye to her. After Grandma died, she was our Matriarch.

Our gatherings happened less often as time went on. The distance between us grew in miles, but never in feelings, after all, "family is family!" One of us is in California, one is in Illinois. Two are in Florida, two on Long Island. The rest live in various parts of New Jersey.

We had a reason to come together this past weekend. One of the original 13 had invited us to share in his daughter's wedding celebration. Only 6 of us made it. Some live too far, some had other plans... There was a time that nothing could keep us apart... I am glad I made the effort to be there.

Perhaps it is time to name a new Matriarch...

Construction Purgatory

We have officially begun our 6th week of construction. I am starting to believe that this will truly be finished one day. They still have to brick the wall around the new window and stucco the entrance and all the eaves.

Let us not forget the brick wall that has yet to be built for the landscaper - AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE LANDSCAPING!

I am still trying to hunt down the exact color paint we used inside the house as they have to do all the touch up around the new windows!

Yet, I do have a sense of peace knowing that this will all be worth it. Then I will begin the arduous task of letting Mr. Wonderful know he was "right".

Another Construction Tale

After reading #2's blog about her Home Depot experiences, I decided that I could offer a few Tips of my own.

Tip #1 - Because I was making such a huge order (windows, garage doors, front doors, transom, etc.) I opened a Home Deopt Credit Card and immediately saved 10% - even on special order items! This amounted to quite a savings!

Tip #2 - No matter how long they tell you the job will take to complete, double the time and add 2 weeks. That way you won't be disappointed when it is only a month more than you calculated!

Tip #3 - Always smile at the workers and make small talk with the GM - this will ensure that they will transplant some of the large bushes from the front yard to the backyard (without added costs) - Refer to earlier consruction story where Mr. Wonderful likes to buy the team lunch!

Tip #4 - No need to clean the house from the start of the project until completion - This is just a bonus for the hell that you have to live in while it is all going on.

Tip #5 - Take pictures of the progress to send to the offspring so they can see where their inheritance is being spent.

Have to stop now - part of the Team is in my home office finishing off the window!

A Life Motto

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out screaming, "WOO HOO, What a ride!"

Perfectly Stated

Construction Hell

We are in the process of having the front of our house renovated. I have come to the conclusion that I would rather live in a home that looks like a crack house than go through this intrusion again. The outside of the house was in desparate need of help as the previous owners neglected the cedar. A simple project of replacing the steps snowballed into a renovation that has placed me in "construction HELL". The guys doing the work are marvelous and Mr. Wonderful has taken to buying them lunch a couple time a week - I THINK THEY DON'T WANT TO FINISH BECAUSE THEY LIKE IT HERE!

The new front doors are in, the new transom is installed, most of the new windows are in (except the new bay window), the new garage doors are completed, and the new steps are near completion, also. They now have to begin the arduous task of bricking the front of the house while Mr. Wonderful and I disagree on the color of stucco that will grace our entrance. This will be followed by numerous trips to every lighting store this side of the Mason-Dixon line to find just the right lighting fixtures for the front entrance.

Suffice it to say, this has been a painful experience (I have shed you from the horrors that have brought us to this point of the project). I want to re-do the lower level of my home - I think I will make an appoinment with a contractor for 2020 - I should be over this by then!

That's A Vacation!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

I know it has been days since we returned from what will become our "annual" trek, but I am just now getting caught up!

It was a vacation, of sorts. I mean, most vacations are restful and romantic - NOT THIS ONE!! Sleep was an option on this trip. Romance was NOT an option! Drinking, dancing, laughing, eating, singing - these were requisites!

To quote Allison, "Ma, you partied like rock stars!" Yeah, we kept up with the youngsters! We experienced Islamorada, Key West, Dirty Martinis, Chocolate Martinis, Karaoke, and Dancing in the Streets - ALL IN THE SAME DAY!

Lots of memories, lots of laughs - Now, THAT'S a vacation!

Girls Only

I am starting to pack for my first "Big Girl" vacation. I am going down to the Keys to see Allison for the weekend - (Sat-Tues). My sister-in-law, Wendy, is coming with me. Wendy and I married the same year - and we have never taken vacations without our husbands. The only way we could pull this off, was to say she is accompanying me to visit my daughter, her niece. We started planning this as soon as Allison was transferred.

Our trip went from "just checking on the kids (We plan on seeing Michael,too)" to - VACATION WITH THE GIRLS as soon as we added a couple people. My cousin lives in Florda (Daytona area) and will meet us in Ft. Lauderdale (where we land). Wendy's dear friend also lives in Florida (Tampa area) and will also meet us in Ft. Lauderdale. We will then begin our trek to Islamorada where my daughter has secured us a 2 bedroom suite on the beach.

The plane has not even taken off yet and we are planning to make this an annual event - by invitation only - GIRLS ONLY!

I am looking forward to sitting on the beach, a drink in my hand, watching the waves, getting a tan - AND ANSWERING TO NO ONE!! This weekend, it will be good to be me!

If your invitation has not arrived by March 15, 2007, suffice it to say you will not be included in next year's journey.

Fairy Tales

This is the fairy tale that should have been read to us when we were little!


Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: " Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel
grateful and happy doing so. "

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself: I don't f*ckin think so.

Thank you, Wendy!

"Toodles" lives on

When I was a child I had a favorite doll, "Toodles" - she was a gift for my first birthday. Toodles went everywhere with me as we were inseparable. Every Aunt and Uncle has a story about me and Toodles!

I am happy to say that Toodles has survived all these years and is alive and well, living in my house - in my (spare) Granddaughters' bedroom. Ally plays with Toodles all the time - she and Ava are about the same size now - she even wears Ava's hand-me-downs. I told Ally all the stories I could remember about the adventures Toodles and I went on and I guess she understands how special that doll is to me. She is not the prettiest doll in the world and she doesn't do any tricks (no batteries involved) - however, she is gently weathered and I swear I can see tear stains on her(my tears).

In my youth, I shared all my secrets, joys and hurts with Toodles. Perhaps Ally can feel a part of me that was lost a long time ago when she is holding Toodles - maybe not...

What a thrill it is to see a piece of my history live on in the gentle hands of my Beautiful, First Granddaughter. Although Ally is young in years, she has a sense of what is precious - and you just can't teach that to a child.

Thought For the Day

Some people are like Slinkies...
Not really good for anything......
But they still bring a smile to your face
when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Kissing Cousins

We spent Saturday with cousins. We were together for hours, but it seemed like minutes. Can't remember the last time we were all together - a wedding or a funeral, I am sure. It was so good just to be together because we wanted to, not becuase we HAD to. I have to say, it was worth the round trip from Long Island, on the tortuous Belt Parkway, the evil trek through Staten Island and the always frightul crossing of the Outerbridge. Thank goodness Mr. Wonderful has a wonderful sense of direction - he could write for Map Quest - AND NEVER GET YOU LOST - (nor will he send you to the same place twice the same way!) The man has a navigation system in his head! But, I digress..

The good thing about cousins is that we can make fun of each other, ridicule each other, tease each other, and comfort each other - all in the same sentence! No subject matter is sacred - we can talk about ANYTHING (or anyone!). Thank goodness for email and cell phones. We are closer now than ever - even though we are usually separated by over a 1000 miles.

We will come together again for weddings and funerals - but nothing beats getting together just for the hell of it!

Anonymous, NOT!

I suddenly feel some pressure to 'post more often' per an anonymous comment. It didn't take me long to figure out who he was - a simple "ooffah" was the only hint I needed to determine the culprit. This entry is dedicated to you!

I will always cherish our special memory of the first time we danced to "My Way" - with MY LYRICS! I will always remember that you were the one who told me the dirtiest joke I ever heard (13 martinis).

There are years between us - but the gap seems small as we always managed to stay close - even if we didn't see eachother often.

We will always have the memory of our dads living together. I saw them together - it was quite a sight! Those two knew how to laugh! They could tell stories to make you laugh and cry. Their genes are within us - yet we are joined by our mothers' genes - WHAT A COMBINATION!

To my dear cousin - MFC - I simply say, "Thanks for the memories..."

Summertime...

Had a great weekend! There was nothing special planned and we just 'went with the flow'. Did some shopping on Saturday, met some friends for lunch, had dinner with the grandkids (and kids).

Sunday, we took Ally to watch her Uncle Bobby play baseball. It was fun to see all the guys who played ball together in high school messing up on the field as adults! I was overjoyed to be rooting for my son as he suited up (he's a catcher). When he threw a runner out at second, I was screaming just like I did when he was a kid!
Ally fell asleep in the car on the way home and we deposited her home to her folks and went on our merry way.

After dinner, my daughter called and said, "How about you and Dad come over and hold Ava in the yard for a while, it's such a beautiful evening?" Who could turn down an invitation like that? Chip had taken Ally miniature golfing and Trish was alone with Ava. It was nice to have some quiet time just with Trish and Ava.

A perfect Summer weekend...

kids

Suffice it to say, my kids are sucking the life out of me. Do you think it is too late to decide that I want to remain childless??

I am sure I will feel better in a day or two, but right this very minute, I am re-thinking all my life changing decisions of the late 70's!

Perhaps it is time I do something about getting a good night's sleep - any suggestions???

Auto # 3 (aka: Still happily married)

I am happy to report that Mr. Wonderful totally loved my new car. He was pleasantly surprised and relieved that we don't have to continue car shopping in the worst of heat waves. I think he is also secretly relieved that his prized possession can remain covered, in a climate controlled garage, untouched by human hands! (see first "Auto" blog)

It was so nice that all the kids knew about it and kept it a secret from him. It was also nice that they all called upon his arrival to see if (confirm that) he loved it. It seems they were all sure he would be thrilled - can it be they know him better than I do?? What am I saying, I know, deep in my heart, he would be happy. It is all-wheel-drive and it is a turbo (whatever that is) - I just know it is RED and it is HOT!

I have a 3 year lease. In 3 years, I will be ready to settle into a "grandma" car - but for now, I'm going to make believe I am on the "A-list".

Autmobile Crossroads, part 2

I picked up my new car on Monday - a RED AUDI! Mr. Wonderful comes home this afternoon. I wonder what he will think....

Tuscany?

We played Mah Jongg at one of the other girls' house this week. Rosa Anna lives next door to her mother (sharing a yard) and across the street from her grandmother. (She bought her great-grandmother's house.) This was like a quick trip to Italy - it will suffice as my Tuscany experience for a while. Just being in the midst of these 3 generations warmed my heart. Rosa Anna's husband maintains the garden that her father once tended to. There were tomatoes (what seemed like hundreds of them), Italian green beans, zucchini, corn, arugula, an apple tree, herbs galore and, of course, fig trees. We sat under a trellace that was laced with grape vines, with the bunches of grapes hanging over our heads.

Momma came out to join us - still in full black mourning clothes as her husband of 55 years has only been dead a little over a year. I rushed to show her pictures of my precious granddaughters - just to hear her say, "God Bless" with her genuine Italian accent. Her gentle voice, the wrinkles on her face, her grey hair blowing in the wind, her simple smile - what a pleasant memory. It was like having my own grandmothers back, if even just for a moment.

We will soon return to playing Mah Jong at my house again - but I will always cherish my visit to the 'old country'.

Automobile Crossroads

Where in the marital vows is it stated that the husband gets to choose the wife's car??

Mr. Wonderful(?) and I seem to be at a standstill. I am giving my car ('04 Accord) to my daughter (Allison) who was just tranferred down to the Florida Keys. In the event of a hurricane, we want to make sure she has a secure means to get off the island. When I bought this car, I decided it was the LAST car I was going to BUY. (I figured that after it was paid off one of the kids would need it!) It is now time for me to enter the world of "big girl driving" and lease a car. I deserve a new car every couple years!

Herein lies the problem. I want to get another Honda, I've been driving them for years and I love them. Mr. Wonderful has decided that it is time to "up the ante". Mind you, this man has NEVER paid a bill in our married life - has never even opened an envelope that contains a bill. Logic would have it that since I am driving it, I am writing the check that will pay for it, I should get to decide the car. HOWEVER, we are talking about a man and a car - no logic applies.

He is planning on driving my car down to the Keys within the next couple days. While he is away, I will happily drive around in the Pathfinder - however, when he comes home, we better come to some sort of agreement soon or I will be forced to drive the car that he has sitting in the garage, under a cover, that is just wating to become a collector's item (see the rule above about men, cars and logic).

Will keep you posted...

Old Friends

Went to the beach Saturday - first time in 2 years. I met my friend there. We've been friends for over 20 years. The thing about an old friend is - there is no need to make small talk. We sat on that beach for over 5 hours - talking and not talking. There is great comfort in being with an old friend. She knows you inside and out. She knows your past and she lives in your present. You two can share your future dreams together and no matter how ridiculous they seem, no one laughs.

My friend and I are in different places in our life right now - both of us are extremely busy. It is not always easy to see eachother, but we talk often - if only to touch base. When we do see eachother, we savor the moment, and make it last.

There are unspoken words betwen us, "I love you. I will always be there for you." They are unspoken because they do not need to be said - they are understood.

There are many blessings in my life: Mr. Wonderful, my kids, my granddaughters, and my friends.

Where did the weekend go?

I find it hard to believe that it is Monday already. I know there must have been a weekend - I am not sure how I missed it. I remember Friday night my daughter telling me that Ally will need a 50's costume for camp on Wednesday - my mind went into overdrive. I knew I had planned the whole day out on Sunday with Ally and Wendy (sister-in-law, cohort, friend) - that only left Saturday to shop for the material, design the outfit, and make it. - I could do that.

Saturday arrives and Mr. Wonderful and Chip (son-in-law) are taking Ally miniature golfing. "Be sure to have her home at a reasaonable time I have to take measurements!"

Trish and I (with Ava in tow) are heading to the fabric store. The cell phone rings - It's the guys - "Let's meet for lunch". Off to California Pizza Kitchen. One set of Grandparents, One set of parents, One starved and sleep deprived 4 yr. old and my one month old granddaughter that I am going to shield from all stray germs - (note to self - dining out is not as fun as it used to be...) Lunch was eaten - a good tip was left for that hard working young lady who tried so hard to please all of us - I needed an antacid before we got into the parking lot! We departed, and left in separate directions - the guys and Ally in one car - and Trish, Ava and I, once again, off to the fabric store.

After 2 craft stores, one fabric store, a stop for Dunkin Donuts Iced coffee, several phone calls from Mr. Wonderful, et al, we were done and on our way home. We pursuaded Trish and Chip to go out for dinner leaving Ava and Ally with us (at our house). I fed and showered Ally and put her in PJ's and put her to bed - THEN I took measurements for the poodle skirt (FYI, a sleeping child is very easy to measure). I fed and changed Ms. Ava, reveling in the fact that I had an infant in my arms, and thoroughly enjoying evey minute of it - until her 'fussy time' set it - like clockwork - 9:00 pm - EVERY NIGHT. I was happy to hand her off to Mr. Wonderful explaining that I HAD to make Ally's costume!

Mr. Wonderful walked the floors with Ava while I carefully ironed, measured, cut and sewed away. Trish and Chip came around 11 to pick up the kids - both of whom were sleeping soundly. Ally stayed over and Ava went home.

Sunday morning I awoke early and put the finishing touches on the skirt (momma poodle and baby poodle - complete with leashes), and made matching neckerchief and bandana for Ally's hair. Yes, I did complete it - way before the deadline - either I am getting quicker, or I have found a couple more hours in a day!

Ally, Wendy and I thoroughly enjoyed our day on the Boardwalk at Long Beach. Yes, I am still having weekends, but they are not planned by me anymore.

As they say, life is a journey - I am just not in the driver's seat anymore. For a while, I am content to be the passenger on this ride and see life through my granddaughters' eyes. How lucky am I?

Are you up to the task?

I love seeing my family. I love company. I love a full house. Understood??

I also love the thought of the serenity that comes when Mr. Wonderful and I retreat to our bedroom knowing all my kids are safe and sound.

Once you become a mother, you never stop being a mother. No matter how old the kids, they are still your kids. The worry doesn't stop when they move out. You will still celebrate their victories and feel the pain of their hurts. That "serenity" is never truly there - it is a myth that is passed on from generation to generation. The truth is, motherhood is a lifelong commitment. It is not for sissies.

It is with great enthusiasm and loving pride that I introduce my granddaughters, Alexandra Michelle (Ally) and Ava Brooke.

Watch Out New York

I am pleased to announce that yet another offspring has scheduled a visit home. My daughter, Allison, is due to arrive Monday, July 3. It is a mere coincidence that Independence Day falls in conjunction with Allison's visit. EVERY VISIT WITH ALLISON INVOLVES FIREWORKS! This kid is a party waiting to happen. I have vague recollections of her last visit - a house full of people and my sister in law and I in the hot tub until our butts were shriveled masses... it wasn't pretty, but it sure was fun.

Allison is good for me, she makes me laugh. She looks at life through rose colored glasses and lives life to the fullest. She is the perfect remedy for my moody blues. It is kinda sad that my granddaughters will have to share her with me. (Note to self: keep pretending that Allison is coming to NY to see me...)

The Longest Good-Bye

My Dad has Alzheimer's. To anyone who has experienced the horrors of the disease firsthand, I will pray for you and you pray for me. To everyone else, suffice it to say this is the cruelest of all diseases.

My Dad lives in Florida and I don't see him often enough. He is at my house now for a brief visit, a reality check. Our brief phone conversations easily hide the fact that he has continued to slip away. Seeing him in person hides nothing. I am just so sad...

Nancy Reagan said it best, "Alzheimer's is the longest good-bye".

Rain, Rain , GO AWAY!!

Please don't blame us for the rain. I know it is all our fault... or do you think it is a coincidence that the rain has not stopped since my Mr. Wonderful finally turned on the automatic sprinklers??

Life Stops for a Minute

There are 5 offspring - 2 of whom still live in New York (one still at home). When one of the kids comes to visit, life ceases to exist as we know it.

I recevied a phone call 7:00am this morning that my oldest son is coming for a visit. He will arrive Saturday (tomorrow) morning and depart Sunday afternoon. Just so everyone knows - THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT GOING ON THIS WEEKEND THAN SEEING MY CHILD. There, I've said it. So what if he is coming to see his newborn niece and re-establish his relationship with his 4 yr. old niece. I can make believe he is coming to see me, can't I??

Good Advice

Best Marital Advice - Never argue when you are angry.
Best Parental Advice - Love your spouse with all your heart. It's the best gift you can give your child.

Mah Jongg, anyone?

I am a multi-faceted Guga. This past year I have learned how to play Mah Jongg and I have a weekly game - at my house (because I live in the middle). To any of you who snicker and sneer and think this is a game for old Jewish women, I dare you to try your hand at it. It is quite stimulating and thought provoking - not to mention the competitiveness of it, too! My Mah Jongg group consists of 5 women - all ages (and Nationalities) - with one thing in common - the need to do something just for ourselves! Thank goodness my Mr. Wonderful does not have the need to socialize with this crowd! He uses these weekly meetings as an excuse to go shopping - never to come home without a gift for me! I do love that guy - and it only took me 30 years, but he is nearly perfect!

Father At His Best

So, yesterday was Father's Day and you would think my husband was the only man to ever father a child (or 5)! We had quite a crowd at the house, all making a fuss over HIM. Mind you, I think he is pretty wonderful, but I hate it when others tell him so! What the heck, it was only one day - I will let him revel in all his glory. After all, when they all go home, he has to live with me, "The Queen". Things will be back to normal soon enough, just wait and see!@#

Guga at work

To those of you who do not know me too well, my newest (and proudest) name is Guga (Gu as in good, GA as in ga) . My first granddaughter, Ally, gave me that name - I think because I always referred to her as "Grandma's Good Girl" - I like Guga, it is unique. Even my son-in-law calls me Guga now.

I am now a Guga for a second time. Ally has to share me with her baby sister, Ava. When my daughter was pregnant with Ally, none of us knew if she was having a boy or girl. When she got pregnant with Ava - we all knew baby girl right from the start. This prompted a nursery right out of Hollywood (with Guga doing all the work, of course). I was only too happy to do it - EXCEPT, my daughter could not decide on the pattern for the material until 2 days before she went into the hospital - AND IT ALL HAD TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED!! Needless to say, Ava is safe at home, and Trish is back to her old self (mind you she was back in people clothes less than a week after giving birth - BOO, HISS!) - If I hear one more time, "When will the curtain, bumpers, dust ruffle be done???" Does this girl know that I work full time, then go to her house EVERYDAY after work to help out with feedings and bathtimes? Does she know that I have fed her father nothing but balogna sandwiches and pizza for 2 weeks now?? - I guess Guga's are supposed to get it all done, no matter what. I guess that insomnia thing can come in handy after all...

Thanks for listening - no one here cares!

How come no one tells you?

When one hears the word "Menopause", the first thing that comes to mind is "HOT FLASH". Yes, hot flashes are one of the outward signs of menopause - but you can turn that negative into a positive very easily. Hot Flashes are a welcome relief in the Winter. They reduce your need for blush. And my personal favorite, a good sweat MAY indicate that you have been working out! The real horror of menopause is INSOMNIA!! Now that there are no middle-of-the-night feedings, no sick toddler to tend to, no teenagers to wait up for - now that there is every possibility that I can have 8 straight hours of uninterrupted sleep - I CAN'T SLEEP!!!
Thank goodness for Direct TV and 600 channels - not that there is anything to watch, but at least I have a lot of channels to look through - and my index finger is looking mighty slim from pushing that button on that remote all night!

Another first...

Here I am, nearly 50 (did I say that out loud?) and I am daring to enter the world of "blogging". It is good to know that I am still not paying attention to the "rules" - that I am still doing things that I am not supposed to do! I would like to thank Angela #2 for introducing me to this wonderful forum. Honorable mention goes out to Lauren and Heidi, also. I am looking forward to sharing my humble happenings as a wife, mother, and grandmother!