Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Roots and Wings

I am so proud to say that yesterday, Bobby closed on his first "home". He bought a co-op about 15 minutes away from us. I am grinning from ear to ear as I watch him take this giant step. I will miss him. Mr. Wonderful will miss him. But he will be home for Sunday dinners.

I have had all the other children move out, but this one is different. This is truly the event that says we have given them ALL roots and wings.

I am proud of us. We did a good job.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Making a list....

Today is food shopping day. I know I will do the homemade manicotti (a Christmas tradition)- but everything else depends on what the market has to offer. Hoping for some gorgeous artichokes and mushrooms...

I wrapped and sorted all the gifts last night, so I seem to be right on track. Working abbreviated days today and tomorrow and off on Thursday and Friday. It's almost like being on vacation!!!

Hard to believe we are winding down another year. I remember being a child and wondering if the year 2000 would ever come, and now I am knocking on the door of 2010!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Not a creature was stirring...



Looking at this scene, it is hard to imagine nearly 2 feet of snow falling outside!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

No Long Lines for me!

As Christmas Day approaches, I am amused at the hustle and bustle of families trying to get their shopping complete. I remember doing that. I remember wrapping and hiding gifts only to scavenge around on Christmas Eve to load them under the tree. I remember Mr. W. waiting for me to fall asleep so he could fill my stocking and put my gifts under the tree - (and, yes, he still does that!) I remember waiting to hear the squeals on Christmas morning as the kids discovered all their goodies.

Things are different now. With the kids grown, Christmas takes on a different flavor. I hang stockings for all the kids and give them all instructions to put something in each other's stocking. Then I fill them up. There are always envelopes stuck in the tree - their "Big" gifts. We wait until the extended family leaves on Christmas and we gather as an intimate group and open gifts. They all know they are getting their envelopes, but they still giggle as they unwrap the treasures found in their stockings. I love to watch them revert to being my "babies" once again...

Each year, someone proclaims, "This was the best Christmas ever!" I am looking forward to keeping THAT tradition going...

Monday, December 14, 2009

Highlights..

Highlights of the weekend:

Tree went up on Saturday.

Tree was decorated by everyone after a Sunday family dinner.

All the former Boy Scouts competed to make a roaring fire that generated enough heat to warm all of Long Island.

#2 Son threatened to Shrink Wrap #1 Son to see if he can slip him under a door.

What nice Christmastime memories.....

Monday, December 07, 2009

18 days to go...

I tried my best to muster up some Christmas spirit this weekend. It wasn't easy!

#1 Son moved in on Saturday. For a guy who rented a furnished apartment for a year - he certainly had a lot of crap to bring over! He is a good sharer, though. He brought 2 big flat screen TV's - one of which he is generously giving his brother for his new place. He also brought his Keurig Coffe Maker and planted it on my kitchen counter. This thing is AWESOME!!! I guess I will close my eyes to the two shedding pugs that are now roaming around the house, too.

Well, at least the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Now, if I can wrestle one of the boys to help me go buy a tree.... I would ask Mr. Wonderful to help, but he is too busy trying to train one of those shedding pugs!!!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

I Did, I Do, I Will Do

Today, we celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Although we've come a long way in 32 years, I am pleased to say that some things still remain the same.

I am still an early bird, he likes to sleep late. I fret about everything, he takes everything in stride. I am a realist, he is a dreamer. I am ALWAYS on time, he is ALWAYS late. I still think he is blonde, he still thinks I am beautiful.

Happy Anniversay, Mr. Wonderful. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us...

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

The Menu(s)

I know it is WAY after the fact - but here is the Thanksgiving Menu. The reason I am posting it is so that I can get suggestions on what to put on my Christmas menu!

Appetizers:
Assorted Olives
Homemade Crostini
Assorted Cheeses
Imported Sun Dried tomatoes

Dinner:
Turkey
Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Grandma's Italian Meat Stuffing
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Carmelized Leeks and Asiago Cheese
Sweet Potato Casserole with orange zest and mini marshmallows
Broccoli Casserole
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Roasted Butternut squash with blue cheese crumbles and candied pecans
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Corn

Desserts:
Cookies
Blueberry Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Fresh Fruit Platter

What the hell am I going to make for Christmas??????

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Giving Thanks

Time to menu-ize for Thanksgiving. After careful thought and consideration, we are going with the same menu as last year. As my son said, "Ma, it's been a year since you used that menu. It's okay to repeat it." Nicely stated. So, we are doing a re-run. Happy Thanksgiving.

Also giving thanks for all the prayers that I have asked for recently. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. We've had some good outcomes lately. Thanks to everyone who helped.

Waiting to give thanks to the Great Mortgage Broker in the Sky for granting my son a mortgage - Hopefully, we will hear some good news in the next couple weeks.

Thanks to my Mr. Wonderful. You are my love, my strength, and my best friend.

Giving thanks for all that we have - none of which I take for granted.

All that being said, I wonder if I still have to cook that awful American meal....

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Empty Nest?

The "baby" signed a contract on his new living quarters yesterday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all things go smoothly for him. He will be moving to a co-op in a nearby town. I am so proud of him. He was the only one who stayed home and saved his money so he could buy something instead of renting.

Some people fear an empty nest. Not Mr. W and I - we welcome it. Well, that's what we say now. We are so confident because "empty nest" is not iminent... Number 1 Son will be moving in as soon as the little guy moves out!!! He, too, is looking for the opportunity to save some money!!

Who says there isn't a revolving door on our house???

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Big Apple(s)

Went to the city last weekend with my SIL. We love to go in, just the two of us, for lunch and a matinee. This trip we were treated with a matinee BEFORE the matinee!




Yes, Virginia, there is a "Naked Cowboy" walking the streets of Manhattan!

Monday, October 05, 2009

Too Pretty

My father loved to take pictures of food. When there was a holiday, he always had his camera in hand - not to capture some amazing family moments - TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE FOOD ON THE TABLE!!! He appreciated good food - not that he was a big eater - he just liked the looks of good food!!

The older I get, the more I appreciate good looking food. I never serve anything out of a pot. Everything is always put on a pretty platter. We always drink wine out of the "good" glasses - who the hell I am saving them for??? We should enjoy these things. Should things get broken, at least we would have had used them! I remember when my mom moved (after 40 years), she carefully wrapped and boxed all her fine crystal and china. She fretted when she unpacked that certain pieces were broken. All I could think was, WE NEVER USED THIS STUFF AND NOW IT'S BROKEN!!

Enough of my ramblings. Below is a picture of a roast I made Saturday evening for dinner:

This is what it looked like just before I took it out of the oven.


This is what was leftover AFTER I filled the beautiful platter !!

For those inquiring minds: This is a boneless pork loin that I stuffed with bacon, spinach and carmelized onions. mmmmm - what a beautiful picture!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Formal Top Banana

Allison is the manager of the Outback Steak House in Key West. Each year, Outback takes their managers away for a weekend. This year it was a cruise.

Below is a picture of Allison on her cruise, during "formal" night. No worries, she had on a bow tie and cuff links!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Great Weekend

We had an awesome weekend.

Friday night we went out to dinner with good friends. It was just such a relaxing evening. Good food, good talk, and plain old comfort in the air!

On Saturday, we had a special dinner with more friends. They brought the Pasta directly from an old pasta factory in Italy. They also supplied the anitpasto. I made the "gravy" (with meatballs) and dessert. A wonderful collaborative effort!

Sunday was quietly filled with sleeping in, watching football and wearing sweatpants!! A PERFECT combination.

Each night I plug in my iphone. Once a week I plug in the laptop. This weekend, I re-charged MY battery!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Update

I figured all my avid readers (all 2 of you!) would like an update after my hypnosis session. Well, there is not really much to report. I can say that I am very conscious about what I am eating and I have noticed the ability to make better choices. I will stay off the scale for at least another week....baby steps.

#1 Son is still sucking the life out of us - one breath at a time. I pray that he will find the strength to make the best possible decisions.

#2 Son is working hard and diligently saving money for a house. We will miss his dog when he moves out. His wonderful girlfriend still spreads sunshine every time we see her.

#1 Daughter is busy raising my beautiful granddaughters. I hope they always remember their recent trip to Paris and England.

#2 Daughter is also working hard and saving money for a house.

#3 Daughter is still pondering going to Europe for a year to work.

WHAT, I HAVE STRESS???? HA HA HA HA!!!

I need to go back for another hypnosis session - it was the best rest I've had in a LONG time!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

You're getting sleeeeepy....

I went to a seminar last night. It was a hypnosis session for weight loss. Hey, I am desperate, I will try anything short of getting my jaw wired.

I did hypnosis once before - 26 years ago - to quit smoking. I walked out of that one session completely smoke free. Of course, I was so motivated to quit that I think if a stranger on the street came up to me and said, "STOP SMOKING", I would have!

I am no less motivated this time. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to diet for quite a while now. The only thing I have succeeded in doing is gaining a few more pounds. Granted, there is extra stress in my life right now and I could blame that - but anyone who has kids knows - THERE IS ALWAYS STRESS!! It is time to get a grip!

The seminar was free. They charge you for the hypnotic session and follow up materials. All follow up seesions are free, also. Not a bad deal, so I paid and sat through the group hypnosis.

It is going to work? I'll let you know.... I want it to work, and I think that is half the battle. The other half is trying to keep my hands from shoving food into my mouth... baby steps....

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jersey is not THAT far, is it?

Saw the extended family this weekend. The family will be growing again - it was a baby shower. So nice to get together for happy occasions. I must love my cousin a lot - did I mention it was in South Jersey??? When I got the invitation, I simply responded, "Yes". There is nothing I wouldn't do for my cousin, "The Matriarch".

Trying to remember some of the highlights of the day.... Was it when Mr. W. touched something on the GPS and had us going around in circles? How about when we were making the punch and I decided to sample it, with an extra shot of Vodka (hell, it was 12:30 already, certainly time for a cocktail). Smelling the 5 different chocolate candies that were melted into baby diapers? Watching Jen open gifts? The hugs... I love hugging... it was good to hug everyone.

Yes, those were memorable moments - but for me, it was the 'visiting' that was the most fun... seeing my cousins, huddling in a corner, catching up in quiet conversations - THIS is what it was all about.

Thanks, Jen, for giving us a reason to all be together. Thanks, Angela #2 for hosting it at your beautiful house where we could all mull around and visit with each other. Thanks, Matriarch, for pulling the family together for this happy occasion. Thanks, "Accidental Mother", for showing up and proving to me that you are a real person and not just an avatar! And, a special thanks to Mr. Wonderful for never blinking when I said, "We have to leave at 9:30 tomorrow morning to go to a baby shower."

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Bedroom Humor

The picture below is what is on the wall over our headboard:





The last time all the kids were together, they decided to surprise us with an addition:



Ah, they know us so well....

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Labor Day Weekend

This is the first Labor Day Weekend that I have NOT been in Key West with Allison and "the girls" in 4 years!! We have decided to postpone the trip until after Michael allows us all to breathe normally once again! (This kid always was a pain in the ass!!)

We had a wonderful weekend - the boys spent the weekend with us. Spent a quiet Saturday evening together and got up early to do some marathon shopping at the outlets on Sunday. LOVE shopping at the outlets on the Sunday of a holiday weekend. There was no traffic and HUGE sales! We decided to come home when there was no more room in the car for packages.

After the shopping trip, we did take-out on Sunday night and went to bed early. Monday we held a contest to see who could spend the most time in their pajamas without showering. Michael won (or was it Joe??) - I totally lost (I was in the supermarket by 8:00am). BTW - a BIG thank-you to Joe for cleaning the downstairs - the bar looks absolutley amazing,!!

Michael has another stressful session this week - send the prayers, please.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Ice Luge

Just in case you were wondering what an "Ice Luge" looks like. The birthday boy is pouring a shot down the luge, while Bobby waits for the iced delight at the end! It is so refreshing to see all the kids play so nicely together!

This is what the yard looked like the morning AFTER the party. You would think I would have a picture or 2 of the yard DURING the party, but then again, I was not in charge of photos...

Thursday, August 27, 2009

CELEBRATE!!

It has been a while since I updated - but there was much to do and little time to get it all accomplished.

We hosted a birthday party for my son-in-law as he was reaching his 40th milestone. Allison flew up for the occasion - as no party is complete without her. As usual, the party began the moment Allison's feet hit the tarmac!

Allison arrived on Wednesday night and left the following Tuesday morning. In that short period we broke all land speed records in completing the following tasks:
a visit to Grandma who is still in rehab nursing those ankles, food and booze shopping for Sunday's festivities, food and booze shopping for "other than Sunday's activities", setting up the yard (per Allison, "I am glad I come up once a year to scrub your lawn furniture!"), intimate gathering of the kids on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, Cooking fest on Saturday, HUGE (40 people) party on Sunday, sleepovers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the last gathering of the kids on Monday (who all took off work except for Michael - he came by after work).

These kids clung to each other and laughed together for days. It was the sweetest time I can remember. The party on Sunday was just an excuse for them to get a "Vodka Ice Luge" to enhance their fun! I swear I had a permanent smile plastered on my face for days. Mr. Wonderful was just beaming. All those years of carpools, runny noses, sibling rivalry, cutting coupons, etc - it all paid off. THIS WAS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Relaxing at Mom and Dad's

This is the Michael that goes to work each day.



And this is the Michael we get on the weekends!!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Words of Wisdom

Had another noteworthy weekend - noteworthy in that we had an uneventful, restful weekend with the boys.

Michael left our house around 8:00pm last night. The traffic heading towards the city was just horrendous. It took over an hour and a half for him to get home!! He called when he arrived home - so excited that he got such a great parking spot.... only to realize that his house keys were still at my house!!!

Mr. W promptly offered to drive to Brooklyn with the keys - but I offered a (more sensible) different suggestion. We met him half way!!

When we were safely tucked into our beds, I said to my Mr. Wonderful - "We had such a nice weekend, too bad it had to end like this." - and he responded, in his catch-all phrase that will live on through eternity, "It is, what it is". The man is just, ummm, "wise" - yeah, that's it, "WISE".

My sister has deemed Mr. W to be one of the world's greatest philosophers. She has nicknamed him, "Ari-Storch-Aclese"

Monday, August 03, 2009

Happy Birthday, Mr. W.

Sunday we celebrated Mr. Wonderful's birthday. He was treated like a King!!

Let me back things up by first stating that this man went to the rehab center on Friday to visit his Mother-in-Law (broken ankle lady). He brought her lunch, reading material and a month's supply of candy - AND HE STAYED FOR 4 HOURS!!! The man deserved to be treated like a King on Sunday!

I spent Saturday morning shopping like Grandma would have - this store for the meat, that store for the bread, etc. Then I came home and cooked for hours.

All the kids gathered - and there was even a special guest apprearance - My brother actually showed up!! (he heard I was cooking!). We did appetizers gathered in the kitchen - assorted imported cheeses and olives, homemade Tuscan bean spread and artichoke pesto to be smeared on homemade crostini. This was followed by dinner served in the diningroom: Rigatoni with Bolognese Sauce, Sausage and Peppers, Eggplant Parmagiana, Salad (with homegrown lettuce - from Suse's mother's garden), and Ciabatta bread hot from the oven.

The kids did all the clean-up - then we sang to the man and cut into his homemade birthday cake (when I asked him what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday, he requested jelly-donuts instead) - It was a 4 layered sponge cake filled with seedless raspberry jam, slathered in vanilla icing.

We had lot of laughs - and Michelle was there so we had some tears too!! We made a wonderful memory.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Wonderful. You are still the light of my life...

Monday, July 27, 2009

A proper close to a great meal

QUESTION:
What do you have at the end of a great meal?

ANSWER:
Some homemade limoncello in sugar-rimmed, iced glasses, of course!!



After we researched the best recipe, Mr. Wonderful bought the Meyer Lemons on line. Then he, Bobby and I proceeded to make the most fantastic limoncello ever!

Time to think about making more - there are only 3 bottles left!!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Urban Living

We celebrated the Fourth of July at Michael's apartment.


Here we are cooking up a feast:



"The Livingroom"



These are taken from the third floor looking down:



Notice the precision on this bookcase.
Obviously, this is a skill he picked up AFTER moving away from home!!


The view from his rooftop patio:


A Brooklyn Sunset:


"Happy Birthday, America"


Thursday, July 16, 2009

You did WHAT??

This is what 2 broken ankles looks like. Yes, my mom broke BOTH her ankles.

I've been falling all my life, haven't broken a bone yet - I guess instead of making fun of me all these years, she should have been paying attention to HOW TO FALL CORRECTLY!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Old Friends


Here is a picture of my "oldest" friends - We've been friends for over 30 years. The best part about having friends this long, is that it is natural for us to "feel" eachother's joy and pain.

Here we are at one of their son's wedding. We were all together last year at my daughter's wedding - and we will do it again at the end of this year for the daughter of the "third musketeer".

It is a privelege to grow old with these women.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Guga's new car

I cannot believe 3 years have passed since I got my little red car. Had to find a new one...



I pick it up tonight.

This is is just full of "toys"!! YIPPEE!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

307

Mr. W. and I went for our annual physicals this week. Yes, we do that together, always have, always will. We've been seeing the same family doctor for over 20 years!! There is something comforting about growing old with your doctor!! He still does things the old fashioned way. He examines us both in the same room, at the same time - a real family outing!!

Well, after the EKG's, the breathing tests, urine tests and blood work-ups, I am happy to say we are fine except for one minor glitch. MY FREAKIN' CHOLESTEROL HAS JUMPED TO 307!!! Mr. W. eats the same things I do (and he supplements his diet with vanilla ice cream and sugar wafers on a daily basis!!)

Damn, those Para-martyrs - they've slipped those bad cholesterol genes to me while my back was turned!!!

I had oatmeal for dinner last night. Mr. Wonderful had fried chicken cutlets and fried mozzarella... (misery loves company).

Monday, June 08, 2009

Not a Baby Anymore

It has been a while since I posted, I know. But if I have nothing good to say, why put it in print, right?

Yeterday, we celebrated the Baby's birthday. The "baby" being my youngest born. Bobby is 24 years old now. We had a quiet celebration, just a regular Sunday dinner (only 6 of us). He wanted an "intimate affair". Mr. W. asked if we could eat informally in the livingroom and watch the ballgame during dinner. Why not, after all, it was the "baby's" birthday!!

I made all of Bobby's favorites yesterday - JUST FRY ANYTHING AND PUT CHEESE ON IT!! Follow up with a homemade cheesecake! Happy Birthday, Bobby.

PS - I figure he is not a baby anymore when he brought his own beer to the party!!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Key West Friends

Say Hi to Allison's new friends from Key West!! (Allison is the one in the pink shirt)





Can't wait to meet them all in person!!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Comfort

Had the opportunity to visit with some cousins this past weekend. Don't see them often enough... It didn't seem to matter. I guess when you share the same roots, the time between visits vanishes.

It was so nice to watch the next generation as they reached another milestone in their lives - reminiscent of our own "firsts".

It was comforting to be with people who share my history (and gene pool!). There were no airs - just good food, drink, and laughs. Hmmm, that sounds familiar... I was hoping to pass this on to my kids... I think I did!!

Monday, April 27, 2009

A Picture is worth...

Again, I say, "there are no words"...


You can't fake these emotions!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Newest Arrival

Our family has grown - by 4 feet!! Join us as we welcome "Tula" into our family. This little thing is going to help Michael heal!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Allison Arrives

Allison sent me this picture as she was on her way to her new place in Key West:



She titled it, "Welcome Home".

What a wonderful place for her to live....

What a wonderful place for us to visit...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

What makes a Holiday?

Sometimes we celebrate holidays on Holidays. Sometimes, we just celebrate for the hell of it!

Allison and my sister arrived the day before Palm Sunday. It has been ages since my brother, sister and I were together to celebrate a holiday. So, what did I do? I filled up the house with people and proclaimed it a Holiday, "Easter"! We also celebrated Allison's 30th Birthday, which was going to happen soon thereafter anyway.

Friday, after work, I did all the food shopping. Saturday was a cooking marathon and Sunday we feasted for hours. There was enough food and drink to keep 23 people "happy" for hours!! It was so nice to see everyone huddled together - We made quite a memory.

The actual Easter Sunday was observed in quite a different manner. Four of us ate a quiet dinner and relaxed in front of the TV.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

prayer

Time stands still when your child is sick. I am the mom. I should be able to make everything better - AND I CAN'T.

I now understand the meaning of the phrase, "waiting to exhale". I don't think I have taken a full breath of air since hearing the news. It is all still so surreal to me.

Thank you to all who have offered such kind words and prayers. He WILL win this battle. There are so many of us praying for him...

Monday, March 23, 2009

sometimes

Sometimes, there are just no words.

Sometimes, all there is, is prayer...

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

So far away.

Just got the news. Allison has accepted a position in Key West. Could she be any further away???

CONS:
Too far away from any family
She will be living in the eye of a hurricane that is yet to hit

PROS:
Great opportunity
Great place for us to visit
She is happy

I guess the PROS far outweigh the CONS (by the last entry alone).

Every parent just wants their child to be happy. The hard job is accepting THEIR definition of happiness!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Old Friends

Mr. W and I went to see Phantom of the Opera last week. This was the second time (The first was 13 years ago!) It was just as magical this time around and even more special as we had company with us. We went with my brother and sister-in-law.

My brother and I were married the same year (him first, 6 months earlier). We have been very busy these last 30 years: raising families, paying mortgages, working on careers. We always came together for birthdays and holidays, but there was little time to do much more.

We socialize a lot more these days; not only on holidays, not only on birthdays. We double-date just "because". When you think about it, my brother was my first friend. He knows me longer than anyone. It is so nice to rejuvenate our relationship after all these years. Since my dad died, he is the official Patriarch, a title that he seems to take very seriously.

I am glad he is my friend.

Monday, February 09, 2009

See ya'!

Allison goes home today. This was the best visit EVER. The kids all had plans, but everyone put everything on hold - they all just wanted to spend time with each other. They spent nearly every waking moment together - at our house, at our son's house, at restaurants and even a bowling alley! Everything wound down yesterday with a final dinner at our house. Allison brought me a picture frame with a promise to have them all pose for a group picture before she left. Here is one of the pictures.


"Safe trip, Allison...'til next time... thanks for the memories"

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Start your engines!

Miss Allison arrived yesterday. First order of business, a trip to the liquor store, cocktail hour starts at 6!! (Just kidding.... well, maybe NOT!)

Last night's dinner was Pizza from Luigi's. A special treat for the Florida girl. Lord knows, decent pizza is a rare commodity down South. Tonight, we are all off to Outback (one of Allison's perks!). Friday - everyone goes to the city(we are all going in separate directions, but none-the-less, we will all be in the same place at the same time!)

I am busily preparing the menu for Sunday dinner. Everyone is coming home to Momma for a Special Sunday Dinner. I believe meatballs are in order!

Allison goes back on Monday - we have a lot of laughs to fit in, between now and then. She is truly the comic relief this family needs every once in a while.

As always, it is great having Allison home. What Mother wouldn't want to have all her ducks in one place??

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cancun Pictures


Me and my new hat (oh, and a new piece of jewelry - check out my neck!)



Mr. Wonderful feeding the "Wild Mexican Raccoons"


Walking back to the rooms after a day at the pool


The Sunset - a view from our room

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Vacation is Over?

We just returned from a most relaxing week in Cancun. We were 6 people this year - 6people who NEEDED a vacation!

What is there to say? The weather was hot during the day and cool at night. The grounds were manicured, the rooms were spotless. The food was good and the staff was happy to please us. The shopping was fun and fruitful (yes, Guga finally found a piece of jewelry that she loved!)

We came home nicely tanned and fully rested. Mr. W. went for his daily walks along the beach and took over 200 pictures of SCENERY. There might have been a couple of pictures of people...

Most importantly, the company was great - we were 3 couples, different ages, different walks of life. It's amazing how we sat togeter day after day and did not run out of things to talk about!

Special thanks to my cousin (The Matriarch) who did all the research and made the arrangements. So, Cuz, where we going next year??

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Who knew?

The following was written by a "ghost writer" - some of you know him as "Anonymous"

"Who knew I would have to drive into Brookaleen for a wake on my birthday?

Who knew Mr. Wonderful would watch another man make me cry and just stand there?

Who knew I would not have to sit around for a couple of hours with old Italians dressed in black?

Who knew I would find a nice restaurant and have a good dinner with a few loved ones?

Who knew the rice balls would be so delicious?

Who knew I would laugh until I had tears?

Who knew old memories and fun times could be so fresh?

Who knew all these things would have made it a wonderful birthday anyway?

That “WHO” sure is a smart guy!"




Thank you, to a very special cousin.