Let's go to ACE

About 3 weeks ago I purchased a pre-lit, 4 foot, 3 dimensional snowman for our front yard. It is also motorized, as he continually tips his hat. It was simply adorable, and I HAD to have it. I purchased it on-line at a HUGE discount ($10.99 with free shipping). I saw the same snowman at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $58!! I have been staring at the box since it arrived, anticipating the moment after we assembled it and plugged it in.

I FINALLY talked Mr. Wonderful into opening the box this weekend. Much to my dismay, it was a nightmare to assemble. I should have known, as this 4 foot wonder fit into a box no larger than a 24" square! After an hour of grumbling and fumbling with all the lights, we plugged it in - first the motor - it was great, he was tipping his hat at just the right speed. Now the lights - The good news? his hat, head and arms, and lower torso are working just fine. The bad news? His middle area just refuses to work! UGH! - WHY DIDN'T WE PLUG THEM IN PRIOR TO ATTACHING THEM TO THE METAL FRAME??!!?!?!

After reading the insert, which was carefully tucked into the folded bottom of the box, we realized we had 2 options - take off all the lights and send them back to the manufacturer for a replacement set - OR go buy some lights and get it done NOW.

As I mentioned in the past, Mr. W is retired and his definition of NOW is MUCH different than MY definition of NOW. I would have gone to ACE and purchased the lights immediately (my definition of NOW). Mr. W. has reassured me that he will go buy the replacement set of lights real soon (his definition of NOW).

My Holiday spirit is at ACE Hardware - so much for my bargain priced snowman. Hopefully, NOW will happen sooner than later...

2007 Holiday Season begins...

It was 'raw to the bone' yesterday. The kind of cold that seeps through to your bones and the air just feels like it wants to drop snow. I guess Winter is making an early appearance this year. Time to drag out all my velvet clothes - I have a penchant for velvet jogging suits. They are warm and soft - AND ALL HAVE ELASTIC WAIST!

It was a perfect evening. Mr. W made a roaring fire and we were graced with a visit from Bobby and Suse (a rare occasion to have them sit upstairs with us instead of hibernating in the downstairs den). A nice beginning to the official start of the 'holiday season'.

I will start to prepare for Thanksgiving Dinner tonight. We will not be hosting it this year. (This is the first Holiday without my lovely granddaughters - I guess I MUST learn to share them.) We are going to Lou and Wendy's house. I offered to bring a couple side dishes (stuffing, potatoes, yams). Bobby is making his 'World Famous' White Sangria. There will only be 8 of us (I remember when that seemed like a crowd!) - we will all do something.

There is much to be thankful for...

A Blessing / Mitzvah

When we moved into our home 3 years ago, there was a Mezuzah afixed to the front doorway. Although I am a practicing Catholic (12 years of Catholic School, uniforms and knee socks), I saw no reason to remove it. A blessing from God, is a blessing from God. And so the Mezuzah remained until the demolition began. Mr. Wonderful removed said Mezuzah prior to the removal of the old front doors and we put it safely away.

Upon completion of our new facade, my sister-in-law's mother, Adele presented us with a brand new Mezuzah to replace the old one. This woman is a true role model for all women. She is 81 years old and still works 3 nights a week (she is a RN in a local nursing home). She plays in 3 weekly Mah Jong games (one of which is held at my house - Wednesday is pizza night as the girls arrive promptly at 6:30!). She is an active member of her temple and is present at services every Friday night. She attends weekly bible classes every Saturday morning to better understand the writings contained. What is her secret??? I think I know - she never stopped learning, never stopped living, never stopped doing. Her faith remains strong - even burying her parents, husband and a son did not shatter her belief in God.

Sensing that Mr. Wonderful and I were being put through the wringer by a strange set of circumstances (all the kids seem to have one crisis or another right now), Adele suggested that we 'change our luck' and finally hang our new Mezuzah (which had been sitting on our kitchen counter for a year). Mr. W. gladly afixed it to our front doorway last night.

I am sure that Mezuzah has sacred meaning to many people, but to us it holds a very specific, significant feeling. A feeling that a very special woman has thought enough of us to share her religious beliefs to help to protect us and shield us from all that is evil in this world. Thank you, Adele, for loving us.

Can I quit?

Had a thought - ran it by a cousin - Is it possible to quit the job of "parent"? - She said no - I'm still thinking about it.

No one told me that the job could get harder as the offspring aged. I was under the impression that it was supposed to get easier! (HA HA HA)

No one told me it would cost as much as it does. I thought the older they got, the more independent/less needy they became.

Someone forgot to mention that they can cause so much marital stress - Thank goodness Mr. Wonderful agrees with me most of the time (or else he would have a different name!)

Doesn't every job have paid holidays and vacations? Then why do mine always COST me so much money??? ...and another thing - I am pretty sure there is no pension plan with this job, either!

I think I might have to dust off my resume - There's got to be better offers out there, somewhere! In the meantime, I will continue to show up for work, everyday - I'll let you know if something better comes along...

A "Comfort" Weekend

This weekend we had the pleasure of attending another cousin's wedding. There were 7 of the original cousins there. The wedding was just wonderful - the bride and groom were glowing.

The real party was the interaction amongst the "cousins". It didn't matter that some of us hadn't seen each other in years. There were no awkward moments. We seemed to cling to each other - soak up each others words. The hugs were real, not merely obligatory. The laughs were genuine belly laughs! The tears were understood, no words necessary.

There will always be parties and gatherings of all sorts; but there is nothing that compares to family getting together to share a happy occasion such as a wedding.

I will look back on this weekend with many mixed emotions. Smiling at the funny times, tearing up at the emotional moments. I am so grateful for the camaraderie we all share.

Thank you "Anonymous" for our special dance.

Thank you, Matriarch, for a most memorable weekend.

Co-Workers

Today was "Take Your Dog to Work" day. The boss was going to be out all day and I decided I could use the company. Louie is wonderful company and a great watch dog - just ask the mailman!

SHHH, do you hear that?

There was a certain hush throughout the house last night. The atmosphere was very conducive to sleeping! I love when my kids come home - I love when they GO BACK TO THEIR HOME, TOO! We are fortunate - we have kids who actually enjoy being around eachother. These last couple days were very heartwarming (and loud) - it was like the kids could not get enough of eachother.

Mr. Wonderful and I are very comfortable with eachother. We can sit quietly for hours - sometimes, we just just read together or watch TV. If we are next to eachother, we still hold hands. We are used to commotion, as raising 5 kids is synonymous with commotion - I guess that is why we still treasure our quiet times. I will miss the noise - but only for a little while.

And then there were 16

I am TOTALLY exhausted. We had the whole (extended) family over for dinner last night. We ate like royalty: Antipasto, Breads, (prosciutto bread, cheese bread, etc.) Freshly Fried Meatballs, Rigatoni ala Vodka, Sausage and Peppers, Eggplant Parmagiana, Chopped Salad and Italian Pastries for dessert! Not to mention lots of good wine and many "special" Lemoncello shots! Going out to dinner is fun, but having a houseful of people enjoying good food and laughter - nothing compares to that.

Just in time

I left work a half hour early yesterday. I was anxious to get home and be with the kids. We were making a nice dinner and Michelle and "Fred" were going to join us.

When I walked into the house, the kids were in the kitchen and it was obvious that they were trying to distract me and keep me from walking in there. I got home just in time - they were dying my dog with Red Kool Aid!! They only managed to get his legs and tail finished before I got home. I can only imagine what my poor dog would have looked like if I came home my usual time!!

It was all too funny for me to be upset.....

Cocktail time?

Allison, Annie and Moe have arrived. Yes, the cat came back to visit Mr. W. (at HIS insistence - Mr. W's that is). I love when they come - there's lots of laughs and hugs - not to mention lots of fine dining....

Another First

My precious granddaughter, Ally, has lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy was extremely generous - I guess even tooth rewards have escalated throughout the years. Another milestone, another first.

It makes me wonder if I can remember when my first child lost her first tooth? I remember the incident clearly, but sadly, I can put no time value on it. How old was she? What was the season? Why did I not enjoy these simple pleasures as they were happening?

I guess aging does bring wisdom. I have learned to treasure every event, no matter how incidental. Everything matters, but there is very little that is serious (grave). I do notice the changing colors of the leaves more now. I have seen more sunsets in the past 3 years than I have in my whole life. I take such pleasure in the prizes of our vegetable garden. I wait with anticipation as Mr. Wonderful changes the plants on the steps of our home to match the season.

In conclusion, I take note of life now.

Thank you, Ally.

Another one rescued!

I have named this one "Cali" as in calico (original, no?). Mr. Wonderful heard him crying in our front flower bed and brought him in (what else would he do with it?). He taught it to eat solid food and use a littler box, while I was using up every stored favor trying to find it a home.

I am happy to say, Cali is now a resident of Staten Island with an 11 yr. old girl and a much older brother cat. I wish Cali a long, healthy life.

A "Mother's" Day

Well, it's official. Michelle and "Fred" have booked the hall. This coming Mother's Day, we will once again be eating dinner "out" - but this time, it will be at the reception of our daughter's wedding.

She has asked that her father and I walk her down the aisle to "give her away". Today, she is my favorite child!

It is so nice to plan such a joyous event - especailly since they did all the planning so far!! I am thinking that after we all return from Punta Cana, the real misery will begin - THE HUNT FOR THE PERFECT DRESS -

I will not rush the holidays away. I will enjoy each day as it comes. I will pay all my charge bills in a timely manner... I can dream, can't I??

The "Mom" Song

To some of my favorites moms, and those who can relate.....I"m sure we've all recited most of these lyrics at one time or another!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

Are they the same?

I have recently been accused of treating one of my children "differently" from the others. Before I address this with said offspring, I question myself, "Do I treat them all the same?"

Honest answer? How can I possibly treat them all the same? They are all different people with different needs. I am a mother. I give my children all of what they need and some of what they want.

New dilemma - how do I convey that to said child? What does this child perceive their siblings getting from me that is different from what they receive? Is this my problem or is it the child's problem? (the child being a grown adult at this time)

I am putting the question out there presuming someone else may have the answer...

The Bottle of Wine

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine:

Nelly was driving home from one of her business trip in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Nelly tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman.

The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Nelly. 'What in bag?' asked the old woman?

Nelly looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.'

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two.

Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: 'Good trade.....'

and so the family grows

Mr. Wonderful received a phone call yesterday aternoon from Michelle's boyfriend. Yesterday was Michelle's birthday and he was planning to propose over dinner. Mr. Wonderful gave his blessings and we stared at the phone for hours waiting for her jubilant voice! Finding it hard to keep such a secret - I told a select few of her siblings - so now we all were waiting for the magical moment.

Fred (as I named him) came into our lives 2 years ago. He is a kind soul with a big heart. He took quite a ribbing from all of us and he stood his ground - in other words, we didn't frighten him away. He makes Michelle happy. Those are 2 qualities that will insure longevity - a sense of humor and a love of my daughter.

Michelle called us last night in a flurry of happy tears. We are so thrilled. We are all going over there today - we are meeting the in-laws (a preplanned get together that now has a deep meaning!)

Planning a Vacation

Do you remember our Punta Cana trip earlier this year? We wil never forget it. When we returned, we told each of the kids to save their money and we would all go together the following year. I am happy to report that we have booked a week away with all (most of) the kids (minus the grandkids and their parents). Leave it to my favorite cousin to find an incredible package for us.

I am trying not to be a mother hen - but old habits die hard. I have successfully nagged several of them to get their passports - and I was unsuccessful too, as a few of them still have not sent in their applications! My kids must think that the US Passport Office is just waiting for their paperwork and will expedite it just for them! Lord, help me!! Each day I remind myself that they are adults and I need not stress - each week I send them a reminder text message - like I said, old habits die hard!

We are looking forward to our fun filled, sun filled week away in January. My cousins are also coming along with other friends that joined us last year. I hope they are up to vacationing with my kids....

First Cast

Under the watchful eye of a neighbor, my precious Ally fell and broke her elbow! This could have happened while anyone was caring for her (I think?). It was a stupid accident and she is going to be just fine - when the cast comes off...

Poor kid, what a way to start school. When I asked her if she liked her teacher, her response was, "She is nice and so is the nurse." Apparently she has to sit in the nurse's office during gym and recess. I wish I could do this for her... She is a trooper, she'll be fine.

For my faithful readers - this is the same neighbor who backed her car into Bobby's last Fall! They are friends of ours - IMAGINE IF THEY WEREN'T???

Annual Trek

I am pleased to report that our annual trek to Key West went off without a hitch. This year, Allison rented us a cottage in the heart of Key West. This is definitely going to command a repeat performance. There were 5 of us and we laid out the ground rules from the onset - THERE ARE NO RULES! WHAT HAPPENS IN KEY WEST STAYS IN KEY WEST! That was it. Having fun was everyone's responsibility.

The weather was absolutley perfect and we floated around in the pool for hours. I experienced my first "drive-thru" liquor store. It was truly 4 days of bliss. We are thinking of making it 5 days next year. We are accepting applications for next year's trip as we intend to rent 2 cottages - side by side.

Send in your requests early...

"I was waiting for you"

I flew into Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday and met up with Mr. W. (who had been in Florida for 5 days already - it's good to be retired!). We drove up to go see my Dad. It had been a long time since I had seen him and I had a sudden urge to kiss his face and hold his hand.

His Alzheimer's is still progressing and I guess that will happen indefinitely. My Dad was robbed of 5 good years because once he heard his Diagnosis all he did, EVERYDAY, was stress over what the future held for him. He is now living his worst nightmare. If there is any blessing in this at all, it is that he has no idea that he is living his worst nightmare.

Mr. W. did a lot of little chores around my father's condo on Saturday - things my father used to do to keep things working smoothly. He was happy to do them - he would do anything for my dad.

When we finally all sat for dinner, Mr. Wonderful came to the table and my dad looked him square in the face and said, "I was waiting for you." Just like that, a sentence... those were the first words he spoke all day.

My dad stared into my eyes alot - he smiled at me often. He was not sure who I was, but there was definitely a connection between us. He did speak more on Saturday night and on Sunday morning, he called out "Angelutes" - a name only he called me.

It was so hard to see him like this. This trip was for me, not for him. He was sad when we left. I saved my tears for the car ride back to the airport.

I am glad we went...

And They're Off!

This is a picture of "Moe". Moe was rescued by Mr. Wonderful in our backyard. He was so flea infested, that the vet did not think he would live. He was so small and his eyes weren't even opened when Mr. W. first brought him in the house. This picture was taken 2 days ago (he's been in my house for 4 weeks already) - that's a television remote control in the foreground, so you can see how tiny he still is.

Please understand, I am not heartless, but we already have a cat (a blind one that was also "rescued" 6 years ago) and Louie, my dog. The last thing I wanted (or needed) was another animal in the house. There was nearly an all out war when our daughter, Allison, came to the rescue. She was moving Aug. 1 and for the first time since she moved away, she can have a pet.

Mr. Wonderful boarded a plane this morning, with Moe. He is going to live in the Florida Keys. He will have a good life. They are landing in Fort Lauderdale where our son will meet them and take them to lunch. Allison will be there later in the day and then they will be off to the Keys!

Allison has a whirlwind trip planned for her and her father. She has rented a boat for 3 days that will dock right outside his hotel room - which is attached to the Outback (Allison is the manager there). There will be some special bonding happening these next few days - between father and daughter, and, Allison and Moe.

Ta Dah - part 2

This is the final stage!

Ta Dah!

Finally - a completed after and before picture of the house, complete with landscaping!

A Special Relationship

Ally spent the day with me this past Saturday. The whole day, just me and Ally. This was not an uncommon occurrence prior to Ava's birth, but it is a rare happening since Ava has arrived.

Ally called me at 8:30am to remind me that Papa promised her a special day with Guga. (She had no idea that we got home at 2:30am the night before and Guga was still suffering the effects of a "Vodka Luge"). I told her I was anxiously awaiting her arrival and proceeded to get out of bed and into a long, hot shower. Papa rolled over and pulled the covers over his head.

We had the nicest day together. We went to Michael's and bought a special project that she wanted and we worked on it all day together. We went out to lunch and just talked and talked. Papa said we sounded like 2 birds chirping. We were together for 7 hours and never once turned on the television. When I finally took her home, she held on for the biggest hug.

There is something special about being the first grandchild. There is something speical in being a grandmother for the first time. Ally and I have a bond that cannot be explained. I love Ava and I will love all future (God willing) grandchildren - but nothing will compare to what Ally and I share. This relationship is truly one of life's greatest treasures.

Another Bride

Friday night we packed six of us in Mr. W's Pathfinder and off we trekked to somewhere in New Jersey for another cousin's wedding. (writer's note - I **** hate Staten Island)

The weather was perfect as the bride and groom exchanged wedding vows outdoors. The bride looked exquisite and the groom was beaming. All the guests then proceeded on to a 6 hour eating frenzy. There was a lot of love in that room. The drinks were flowing, the food kept coming and the music was hopping. It was a GREAT party and we had a ball - right down the the last bit of "cotton candy" and hot zeppoles!

On a sad note, out of the original 13 first cousins, there were only 3 of us there... Glad I was one of them.

A Mother's Dilemma

I've been holding my breath for 2 weeks. My youngest son has aspirations of joining the ranks of the NYPD. He promised to finish his education prior to pursuing his quest and he graduated in May. He actively proceeded with the process to be included in the July class at the academy.

For those of my readers who do not follow New York news, I give you the following. As we speak, they are laying a NYPD officer (23 yrs. old) to rest. He was shot in the face during a routine traffic stop.

Now, please undertand. Just like all other mothers out there, I want my child to be happy. I REALLY want my child to be happy. But, I want to see him live a good long life, too.

As luck would have it (or is it God's intervention?), he did not get all paperwork cleared in time for the July class. He is on hold for January 2008. Is it wrong of me to jump up and down and shout "YIPPEE" and hope he finds another 'calling' in the next 6 months?

My Girls

My girls, Ally and Ava - they are getting so big so fast!!

Happy 4th!!

Here is Ally with her best friend, Olivia (who happens to live across the street from me) celebrating Independence Day at Camp.

Insurance Discount

Every 3 years, Mr. Wonderful and I take a 6 Hour Defensive Driving Course. I would like you to believe that we do it because we are civic minded individuals who want to better ourselves. The truth is, we get a 10% discount on our auto insurance by doing this. Ah, money - the great motivator...

I now realize why the course is required every 3 years - It takes that long for you to forget how awful these 6 hours really are! We have had a different instructor each time (and this is our 3rd time). The first one was ok - it was the first time taking the course and we didn't know what to expect. The second time - we scheduled it for one sitting and I brought a good book and sat in the back of the room and read all day. This time - there were 12 people in the class and it was 2 - 3 hour sessions - BIG MISTAKE. First of all, the room was too small to hide. Second of all, the instructor was so into the whole subject matter it was hard not to laugh. To go back for the second half of this class was like having root canal without Novocaine!

Just to bring a little humor into our lives, after the first class I called my son and asked him if he could pick me up. I told him that his father fell asleep in class and was held over for detention. The boy bought the story- hook, line and sinker. I was a little sad to find out that he did indeed drive all the way to the library to get me - until I found out his real reason to show up was to laugh at his Dad when he was "released from detention". Mr. Wonderful and I were comfortably in our jammies when he returned home - silly boy...

No Marathon for Me

Well, it's Sunday morning - 12 days since my back injury and I am still in pain. After waiting over a week to finally do something about it, I ventured out to a chiropractor (not a fan of the medical profession in general) - 3 appointments so far and I am still not cured. I really don't have the patience required to nurse a back injury. The Chiro claims it is not a disc injury, but a total muscle spasm that protects the disc from bulging - Yeah, Yeah, Blah, Blah - JUST FIX THE EFFIN' THING!! He swears things will be back to normal by the end of this week - WELL, I !#$% HOPE SO - this Quasi Moto thing is wearing very thin!

Hope to be in a better mood by my next post...

Ava's Birthday Bash

Ava and Guga - Ava's First Pony Ride

The Hat makes it official!

Ally's turn (yes, there were 2 ponies!)

The viewers sat patiently on the front steps. You can take the crowd out of Brooklyn, but you can't take Brooklyn out of the crowd!

Taking simple things for granted.

I was fine. Getting ready for the girls for Mah Jongg. Ordered a pizza for dinner - no time for cooking tonight. Trish dropped Ava off so she could take Ally and her friend to dinner. Ava is taking her first steps - with lots of help. She was pushing her wagon and walking along when she found herself stopped in a corner. Frustrated because she couldn't move, I bent over, turned the wagon and lifted her to turn her around when SUDDENLY - ...

I felt like I broke my back. You know that feeling when you bend over and rip the back seam of your pants? That's how my back felt. All I could do was grunt, in a hunched over position, while Mr. W. came running. He know in a nano-second what happened (he has seen it all too often in his own life - the man has more herniated discs in his spine than good ones!)

Bobby took care of Ava - fed her, gave her a bottle and put her in for a nap. Mr. W. tended to me - he sprayed my back with a "painkiller in a bottle", put 2 pain patches on me and eased me on to the couch. I had 15 minutes before the Mah Jongg Girls (MJG) were to arrive.

Slowly, and with lots of help, I was downstairs in my "East" position ready to pick my tiles when the MJG arrived. Sensing my pain, they did all the hostessing for themselves - BUT THE GAME MUST GO ON! Thankfully, we ended a little early and I shuffled off to bed - ARMED WITH: painkiller, muscle relaxer, and sedative.

Here I am, at work, with my ice/hot pack - yes, I came to work. I do not like taking off time from work as 'sick' days. I ALWAYS come to work when I am sick. I take off for important events: Ally's Spring Concert, Ally's Kindergarten Graduation, Bobby's College Graduation, Parent's Day at Ally's Camp...

I will trudge, slowly, through the day. I will creep into my bed tonight. I will remember what it is like NOT to be in pain - and I will NEVER take that for granted again!

Quote of the day

"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections"

SSSHHHHH....

It's 9:00am and all through the house - not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. I can hear the faint hum of the air conditioner and the gently sounds of repetitive breathing from Louie and Mr. W. When I go out on to the back deck I can hear all the birds singing - AAHHH, nature.

I am enjoying the absence of noise, soon all hell will break loose. I will have 2 cups up liquid uppers (coffee), put on my best "children's" party clothes (shorts and a clean T), my most comfortable flip flops, and take 2 advil for the headaches I might get. I figure another 45 minutes of peace until the pre-game begins.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday - I look forward to reading about your stress-free, calm weekend. For now, I am looking for the biggest shovel I can find and trying to figure out how much I have to pay Bobby to follow thoses ponies around the yard to pick up thier leftover remembrances. Does anyone know a farmer who is interested in this prize fertilizer?

(FANG, too bad you were too busy to join us today - you would have left with QUITE a goodie bag! Accidental Mother could have taken a ride with you and her offspring - not too late to change your minds...)

Party Marathon

I am happy to report that Miss Ava will soon be celebrating her first birthday (June 5). The festivities begin on Sunday with a big bash at Guga and Papa's house - complete with ponies and a magician. Whereas Ava has not made many friends yet, Ally has the honor of inviting some of her friends to help celebrate her sister's birthday.

This is to be followed by a week long celebration as Michelle is coming up for a week - AND Allison and Michael will be joining us on Tues., Wed, and Thurs. I cannot believe that all 5 kids will be together once again this year - thank goodness we are all convening for happy occasions. Too many times, families only gather for sad times.

Lest I forget, it is also Bobby's birthday (June 4). I am sure we will continue his graduation celebration along with his birthday. AND last, but not least (ok, maybe it is least) Chip is turning 50 (June 6). There will be a lot of cake this week!!

I am looking forward to lots of laughs and little sleep! I plan on going food shopping Saturday to stock up on all their favorites. I see many meatballs in my future....

Need a rest now...

Hershey was wonderful! The Hotel was simply magnificent. It is old, but in an elegant way and updated where necessary. The grounds and gardens were just breathtaking. All this added to the special time we were all able to share on our family get-away (notice the absence of the word vacation).

Traveling with kids is never a vacation. It may be a vacation to them - no bed times, no schedules, no vegetables - but it is merely a change of environment for us older folks. There was still bath time, feeding time, nap time (for them, not us). We all enjoyed Hershey Park, Chocolate World, the pool, the side trip to Lancaster. We managed to squeeze 25 hours into each day! I fell asleep each night before Ally!!

We traveled with our kids when they were young - it was nothing like traveling with the grand-kids. Being a part of their everyday lives is such a privilege for us. I guess this is our bonus for making it through the teen years with our kids - ALL 5 TIMES!

The Summer Begins!

Hard to believe Memorial Day Weekend is nearly here. The official start of Summer! We are celebrating the weekend in high style. We are off to Hershey with the oldest offspring and her family!

We've been to Hershey - years ago. My sons remember it well - cheap hotel, lousy food, trekking through a chocolate world. Trying to enjoy the sights while keeping the boys clean and keeping their sugar intake at an acceptable level. This time will be different.

We're older, with slightly thicker pockets - we are staying at the Hershey Hotel AND doing it on a holiday weekend!! Ally will be travelling in our car and staying in our room - a perk of being the first grandchild. Who cares if her sugar level spikes? Do you think Ava will enjoy her first chocolate bar?

I hope someone else remembers to bring wipees - Mr. Wonderful and I will be too busy going on all the rides and buying junk at all the concession stands!!

"Thanks for lunch..."

Yesterday, my youngest child graduated from college. Quite a milestone - another stage of our lives over. He put up quite a struggle and offered a good argument NOT to attend and I was convinced. Originally there was to be a crowd attending the ceremonies (Parents, Grandmother, Sister, Brother-in-law, nieces, etc.) I talked everyone out of going, not sure if we were even going - I was choosing my battles. BUT, the night before, Mr. Wonderful thought he really should go - so off we went.

There was a graduating class of over 2000 students so the ceremony was held at the Nassau Coliseum. He was told to get there at 8 - so we all arrived at 8:40 (I am the only prompt one in this family) and still got very good seats! The procession started at 9:10 and he was one of the first 100 students to walk in - the procession continued until 10:15! Do you want to hear how bored we were???

Thank goodness for text messaging as we were plotting an early escape even before the first speaker! Our plan was in place - the speakers did their thing (and they were quite good). Bobby was called to the stage way before noon! - OK, set the plan in motion and we are out of here!! NOT!!! - There were faculy member lined up at all exits on the ground floor (where the graduates were seated) - NO ONE WAS PERMITTED TO LEAVE!

Plan B, set in motion - "Excuse me sir, I must use the bathroom" - at which point, my son was escorted to the men's room and then escorted back to his assigned seating area!! - FOILED AGAIN!!

At 1:00, Mr. W., Bobby's girlfriend, and I ventured out to the parking lot. We sat in the car, taunting Bobby with text messages, "We are in the local bar on our second round of drinks - call when you are released and we will pick you up!"

By 1:30 we were ALL on our way to a delicious lunch at "Houston's". I was very proud of my son. Proud that he graduated (in the allotted time) and proud that when his father asked him to please go to the graduation ceremony he simply said, "OK".

We had a wonderful lunch with lots of laughs - just the 4 of us. I guess this was the way it was meant to be... As we were finished paying the bill, my son simply said, "Hey, thanks so much for lunch... Oh yeah, and my college education."

Mother's Day Re-Cap

OK, it wasn't terrible. We ate at a wonderful Italian restaurant and everyone was in a good mood. I guess that counts for something. (In other words, it was wonderful, I was worried for nothing!)

We all came back to Guga and Papa's house for dessert. We played an impromptu, make believe softball game in the yard with Ally, Adam, Aunt Wendy, Guga and Papa - even Chip joined in for a couple innings! Papa even put together Ally and Ava's playhouse. Ava and Ally enjoyed their "child-sized" glider and most of the women folk enjoyed my new glider.

Everyone was gone by 8 and Papa and Bobby helped clean up - (What A Mess!!) - I re-read all my beautiful cards and rearranged all my gorgeous bouquets of flowers. Mr. Wonderful surprised me with a most beautiful pocketbook and Trisha and Chip bought me a matching wallet. So extravagant, so unnecessary - so thoughtful.

As you know, I had my reservations (no pun intended) about eating dinner out on a holiday - but, I have to admit, it was pretty nice and I DID thoroughly enjoy the afternoon in the yard AND I was not too tired to play along. I will not put up a fight should anyone suggest doing this again next year!!

You call this a Holiday Dinner??

Sunday is MY holiday. I love Mother's Day - it gives my kids a chance to send those great cards that make me cry.

I cook for all the holidays and everyone comes to my house. This year we will be doing something different. This year, we are going to a restaurant for Mother's Day. Already, I don't like it. What kind of holiday is it going to be sitting in a restauant for 2 hours and then everyone going home - WHAT THE HELL IS THAT??? I like it when people start showing up around noon and we eat all day and play with the kids. I like it when the kids critique eachother over dinner - when the guys solve all the problems of the world over dessert. I LOVE it when Ally requests to sit next to me and when Ava yells, "GUGA" from her high chair. I love handing out all the leftovers to the kids to take home.

Everyone thinks this will be nicer - to sit and be served - to have no mess, no fuss, no bother. I beg to differ - I like the mess, I like to fuss over them all, it is no bother to have them all visit me.

Hopefully, we will all hate this restaurant thing and never have to do it again on a holiday.

The simple things...

I came home from work yesterday to a wonderful surprise - my glider was assembled and swinging in the yard - just waiting for my butt to lay its impression on the cushions. I quickly grabbed a drink, my book and my dog and off I went to my own little piece of Heaven. Mr. Wonderful puttered around in the yard while I gently swayed in the warm breeze. I am not sure who was happier - me or him.

You know you picked the right partner when all you have to do is look at each other to know what the other is thinking. He still calls me "Beautiful", I still see him with "Blonde" hair. I am truly blessed to be growing old with this man. No one has ever loved me like he does. He is far from perfect, but he is all mine!

The Quiz

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, My Grandmother
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When the surgeon told us that Chip was cancer-free.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not especially
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? BALOGNA, of course!
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? too many to keep track of!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Absolutely!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? As much as humanly possible
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope (traded them in for a balogna sandwich)
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, Never! Well, maybe for a balogna sandwich.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Fruity Pebbles!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? NEVER! - I only bend down for my grandchildren!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yep! - In every way!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Vanilla
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their demeanor
15. LIPSTICK RED OR PINK? pinks
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my body
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my father
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I'm not sending it to anyone!19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING ? Jeans, black and white flip flops...gotta love em
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Hershey's Kiss
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? not a thing
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? RED!
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? A baby fresh out of a bath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mr. Wonderful
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Absolutely!
26. FAVORITE DRINK? Raspberry Crystal Light(with a splash of Vodka!)
27. FAVORITE SPORT? Anything my grand-daughter happens to be playing at the time!
28. HAIR COLOR? Brown with a hint of grey, umm white!
29. EYE COLOR? Hazel (Just like Ally's!)
30. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? never, can't touch my eyes
31. FAVORITE FOOD? PASTA (You thought I was gonna say a Balogna sandwich, didn't you?)
32. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
33. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Hoax
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White Tee Shirt with Navy Blue Button Down shirt over it
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer
36. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs and kisses!
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? ice cream
38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one! (see Question 18)
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? see question 38
40. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Patterson's - Step on a Crack
41. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? nothing, it's acrylic with a gel filled wrist support
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? (I missed Idol, boo hiss) Watched "House"
43. FAVORITE SOUND? Granddaughters squealing with delight as I approach their house!
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles - early Beatles
45. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Punta Cana or Cancun
46. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENTS? I can entertain my little cousin with my words - does that count? I cook, bake, sew, crochet, needlepoint, understand football, baseball and soccer, keep Mr. Wonderful happy, work full time, play the accordion, piano and clarinet - in answer to your question, NO, no special talents.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? in a hospital in Brooklyn - but lived on Long Island all my life
48. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Again, refer to question 18!

Monday? already?

This is Monday, so I am sure there was a weekend - just not sure where it went! Let's see if I can re-cap.

Saturday - was going to Ally's soccer game when my neighbor backed out of her driveway into Bobby's car - so much for soccer... Spent much of the time consoling my neighbor to the tune of, "It's only a car, money will fix this, no one was hurt, stop stressing, this is not a prblem ,only an inconvenience...". Then off to breakfast (had to cheer up Bobby) - then food shopping with Trish - then to the nursery with Mr. W and landscaper - then off to Fortunoff's to pick up glider that was not ready for pick up on Thursday. Barely had the energy to make dinner and go to bed!

Sunday - Ally's softball in the morning - met up with the rest of the neighbor's family apologizing for the auto mishap - off to Williams Sonoma to spend some of my Birthday gift certificates - then, a much deserved nap (I haven't napped in years!!). Mr. Wonderful cooked a delicious dinner and it was soon time for bed once again.

Either the weekends are getting shorter or I am trying to cram way too much into 2 days!

Back on Track

Now that all possible tragedies have been averted, we have changed our focus back on the house. Remember the fireplace? Well, the surrounding walls still have not been finished and our contractor is so busy I don't know when he will get to us!! We've know this guy for years, he is like another son - so I am happy that he is busy, and I just have to wait until he can fit us in.

In the interim, Mr. Wonderful has been busy negotiating with the landscaper. Such a project!! This sod, that sod, these plants, those plants, this tree, not that tree - I have no idea what they are talking about - I would just like it finished already. I am sure all my eager readers are anxious to see a final picture, RIGHT??? You must remember, Mr. W. is retired and he does not operate on the same time clock as normal people. There is no sense of urgency with this man, not that I am complaining (or am I?).

On a brighter note - Mr. W bought me a glider for the backyard. Bobby is picking it up today. I wonder how long it will take for it to be put together..... again, not that I am complaining...

Spring and things

Finally, Spring has arrived. This weekend we were graced with temperatures in the high 70's, soccer games and a new softball schedule (for #1 Granddaughter). Yes, it is offically Spring! I have begun to sit on my front stoop watching the kids on the block play together. Stoop sitting is a lost art - I am trying to bring it back single handedly!

On another note. my youngest son, Bobby, is preparing for his graduation from college - "YOU GO, BOBBY!" and his entrance in the NYPD Academy "you go, bobby..". If all goes well, he will begin the academy in July. Thus will begin my future of worrying about a child at a NEW level. As a mother of 5, and grandmother of 2, pseudo-mom of another 4, and a mother-in-law, I have transformed worrying into an olympic sport! If worrying burnt up calories, I would weigh 60 pounds, but alas, I think it adds to the pounds - ah, the injustice of it all....

This is the season of new hope, new life. I am officially ready for whatever life is ready to hand me!

Giving Thanks

Chip's surgery is over and with the best outcome of all - NO CANCER!! There was only a 4% chance of this outcome and I am sure we owe it all to the power of prayer. Thank you to all who prayed for him - I will be sure to return the favor ANYTIME!

This situation could have had such a different ending - what a gift we were given - I am in awe....

Thank you, God.

Prayer Request

Normally, I would never discuss my son-in-law's private matters - but I am a strong believer in the power of prayer and I am asking all my avid readers to please keep him in your prayers. He was diagnosed with cancer of the thymus and is having surgery next Wednesday. We are hoping for the best possible outcome - that the cancer is self contained and can be removed in its entirety. All the information on the web is not positive - but I DO believe that SOMEONE has to have a positive outcome, why not him?

As you can tell, I am very heavy hearted and I am asking for your help. My granddaughers deserve to have a healthy father.

When a crisis hits, it seems to put everything in life in perspective. What's a few extra pounds? What's a little mess from construction? What's the big problem with driving long distances to see family? None of this seems important anymore.

But I digress...

I was going to give you an update on all the construction - but there is no need to talk about unpleasantness right before Our Lord rises from the dead. I am having Easter Sunday at the house (amidst the unfinished construction) - no one cares about the mess but me. I am looking forward to being home - feeding a crowd of people.

This past weekend disappeared right before my very eyes. Saturday morning we went to Ally's first soccer game - WHAT A HOOT!! This will be my agenda every Saturday for the next couple months - Soccer field at 8:30am - sleep is over rated, anyway!

After the soccer game, I had to drive to South Jersey for a cousin's bridal shower - 2 hours to get there, 2 1/2 to get back!! Sunday, I had to go to Staten Island for a Great Aunt's wake - 1 hour to get there, 1 1/2 to get back. This evening, after work, we are joining my sister-in-law's (Wendy) family at a Passover Seder in North Jersey - another 2 hour trip each way (at least Mr. Wonderful will be doing the driving for this trip).

Like I said, I am looking forward to a houseful of company next Sunday - NO DRIVING FOR ME!!

They Did It!

Mr. Wonderful and offspring managed to pull off the surprise of the century! Three full months after my birthday, they had a wonderful party for me - Those kids are great actors!! Michelle flew in from North Carolina, Michael from Fort Lauderdale and Allison from the Florida Keys. The five of them have not been in the same place in nearly 2 years!! Honorable mention goes out to my favorite cousin and her family who made it from New Jersey! Thank you to all my relatives. Thank you to all my friends - old ones and new ones!

Although Mr. W. paid for it all (except the kids' airfare) - I have to say that Trish was the one who did all the work. She found the Hall, the DJ, the caricaturist, the special balloons, the cake, the favors, the invitations, made the sign-in board and the wonderful collage of our family spanning the years. Just for a moment, she was my favorite kid! Let us not forget that she was the one who made me a Guga - TWICE!

Well, folks, this is all of us!

Fireplace - Part 2 - "There's always a story"

Well the contractor promised to have the chimney finished yesterday and he was almost right. The winds were blowing at 40 MPH and the scaffolding was wavering so much that they had to cease the "erection". Although, in their defense, I will say that it is roof height, and near completion. They all left with smiles, promising to be back in the morning - if not to finish the chimney, then to build the fireplace (inside).

Last night, Mr. W. spent 3 hours dismantling the baseboard heat so it will be properly encased in the base of the new fireplace. He vacuumed for another hour after that - Was he worried about what the contractors would think if they saw some dust in the livingroom !!#%^&*??

I just called home to hear of the progress and guess what? There's no one at the house!! The "master" brick layer had a personal emergency - so all work is ceased until further notice.

I'm taking bets on when this project will be finished... 2 pounds from now? 5 pounds from now? 10 pounds? (see earlier post referencing Weight Watchers)

...and the drama continues

Fireplace - Part One A

I never thought I would bore you with the details of this project - but is has become a facinating adventure! They finally began the erection of my new chimney - (sounds erotic - doesn't look it!) - only to have all progress halted by the heavens opening up to release the most rain we have seen since Noah had to built an Ark!

Mr. Wonderful made we sure were securely wrapped in plastic - 4 layers, I think - just to keep out the elements. We are back to being the "low-class-white trash-neighbors!"

I am happy to say, the erection has resumed today. They are hoping to complete the firebox and the balance of the chimney before dark.

Mr. W. and I are venturing out to pick out new fireplace doors today - the actually firplace is being built during the week (note to reader - you ERECT a chimney, you BUILD a fireplace).

I do have confidence that this will be complete by next weekend - but then again, I had confidence that I would have lost the last of my pregnancy weight by now, too (the Baby will be 22 in June!).... Did I mention that I joined Weight Watcher's this week???

Fireplace - part one continued

Just in case any of you were wondering - there has been nothing to report on the fireplace. My house remains a glorious site - with a double layer of plastic sheeting covering what was once a useful, romantic fireplace.

It seems they cannot start the project until the weather is consistently above 35 degrees.

I am choosing to look at the bright side - all of our existing firewood will be sufficiently "seasoned" for next year!!

I'm so blue...

I can't seem to shake the "blues". Kind friends have offered the Winter Season, the on-going construction, and even my age(!#!$@) as a possible source. I can't see the connection with any of the above.

I have a good life, a great husband, and a strong marriage. My kids are all healthy, independent, motivated , intelligent and loving. My grandchildren are a total joy in my life - like an unexpected blessing. I have a great home (that will be complete in time for us to sell and move off to a retirement village) - and a wonderful job. I have strong, loyal friendships (old and new) from every walk of life.

I was hoping that writing all this down would help me focus on the wonderful things in my life and help me shake the terrible blues that have haunted me for a couple weeks now. I am not suicidal - I am just BLAH, and I can hide it in a minute, if I have to - so I guess it is not clinical.

I am making a promise to myself - with you all as my witnesses - to take better care of myself physically. I need to eat healthier and start doing SOME form of exercise - I think that may help me climb out of this solitutde of bleakness. I will take baby steps - but I will make the effort to do a little each day...

Hey, thanks for listening... I am now accountable.

One More Round

Well, Mr Wonderful is at it again. The contractors have been to the house - the work begins shortly. Our livingroom has (had) one whole wall (that contained our fireplace) that was brick from side to side, floor to ceiling. Personally, I thought it was nice - Mr. Wonderful disagreed.

They are ripping down the entire wall of brick - rebuilding the firebox, building a new fireplace, AND replacing the chimney THAT WAS NEVER "TIED IN" TO THE HOUSE. - So much for my fancy engineers who checked out the house prior to us purchasing it.

Can you even imagine the mess??? Mr. W. keeps telling me it will all be worth it - I'll let you know.

He realized how upset I was with this whole mess pending so, as a surprise, he had the hideous brass and glass railings and banisters replaced with beautiful oak railings with while spindles. I must admit, that made me smile - for a while anyway. I remember when jewelry used to make me smile....

I am choosing not to deal with this project (although we did agree on the new stone face for the fireplace) - it is all HIS baby. I will keep you posted.

Natural Highs

Natural Highs
Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one.
1.Falling in love.
2.Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3.A hot shower.
4.No lines at the supermarket.
5.A special glance.
6.Getting mail.
7.Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8.Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9.Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10.Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11.Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry ).
12.A bubble bath.
13.Giggling.
14.A good conversation.
15.The beach.
16.Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17.Laughing at yourself.
18.Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19.Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20.Running through sprinklers.
21.Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22.Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23.Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24.Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25.Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26.Your first kiss (the very first).
27.Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28.Playing with a new puppy.
29.Having someone play with your hair.
30.Sweet dreams.
31.Hot chocolate.
32.Road trips with friends.
33.Swinging on swings.
34.Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35.Making chocolate chip cookies.
36.Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37.Holding hands with someone you care about.
38.Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39.Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40.Watching the sunrise.
41.Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42.Knowing that somebody misses you.
43.Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44.Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

The Bright Side

This has been an incredibly cold week - temperatures have been nearly 10 below with the wind chill factor. Normally I would complain and think that this is unbearable - HOWEVER - there has been no snow storm, hail storm, or ice storm. You can always put on more clothes, make another fire, or have an excuse to make another pot of homemade soup. Spring is less than 6 weeks away - we got off virtually unscathed this winter.

Personally, the cold weather has not been an annoyance to me and now that I am getting a little older I have come to realize that, like fine wine, I "keep" better in the cold. I haven't aged a bit in a week!

Unconditional Love

I am religious - not holy-roller religious, but I believe in God and I go to Church. I am the product of 12 years of Catholic School. There are things I believe and things I disagree with - I have a free will. This will not be a heated discussion.

Someone sent me an email this morning about God. It was quite long, but I took the time to read the whole thing. There was one powerful line that will stay with me for a long time and I thought it was too good not to share...

"I am thanking you, Father, for you haven't given up on me."

Kinda says it all, don't you think?

Future Idol(?)

After work yesterday, I ventured over to my Granddaughter's dance class to watch the progression of her dance routines. I seriously don't think there is anything cuter than a group of 5yr. old girls standing in front of wall to wall mirrors practicing their tap and jazz routines. I was mesmerized just watching their tiny bodies move in sync with the music.

It was quite obvious that these kids had learned a lot more than how to move their feet. They learned how to wait their turn, how to applaud the work of others, how hard work and determination pays off.

I guess there really is more to this stuff than expensive shoes and outfits...

Vacation Photos

Just a few shots of Mr. Wonderful, Me and the rest of the group on vacation. Can't wait 'til next year!!

What a week!

This week promises lots of commotion, for a change. Allison and Annie are coming in from Florida tomorrow as it is Ally's 5th birthday - quite a milestone, wouldn't you agree? We will celebrate tomorrow by going out for Sushi, Ally's favorite restaurant meal. Wednesday night, the family (all that are in the area) will gather to sing to the first born grandchild and I will make a pasta dinner for all - Ally's favorite home cooked meal.

Thurdsay night, Allison is having a small (I hope) party at my house for her friends. Being that it is a work night for all who live here, I am hoping for a small, serene gathering (I can hope, can't I?).

Allison and Annie leave Friday afternoon and Friday evening, Trish and I are taking the birthday girl (a week long celebration) to the city to see The Lion King.

By the way, Saturday is my son, Michael's birthday - I think he'll be 24...

Still waiting for son #2 (Bobby) to download the vacation pictures - I will post some soon!!

Sorry

To all my friends in the Northeast, I apologize for this morning's frigid temperatures. As the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for..."

Let it Snow!

I am not ungrateful or anything - BUT it is still 50 degrees and it's mid January. Santa had to deliver his gifts in short sleeves!! One of the main reasons I bought this house is because of the fireplace in the upstairs livingroom. Mr. Wonderful keeps telling me that it is TOO WARM for a fire! The weather man is promising a drop in temperature - I'm crossing my fingers for a warm and toasty fire!!

All Systems Go!

We have returned from our long overdue, week long vacation well rested and VERY tan. I thought it be difficult to relax while we were away, but I found that as soon as I left this environment, I eased into relaxation mode very quickly.

I savored everyday, not wanting to waste a moment. I ate, drank, laughed, slept, read, relaxed and spent quality time with wonderful people. I am hoping to make this an annual event. This was the first time Mr. Wonderful and I have spent a week away without kids since our honeymoon over 29 years ago!

This is the way to start a new year, a new decade. All batteries are charged!

Good-bye 40's

Today, I celebrate the last day of my 40's. Everyone seems to think I should be depressed - I don't get it. It is a privelege to age.

I will bid adieu to this decade of my life over a quiet dinner with Mr. Wonderful - as I have said good bye to all past decades.

Look out 50 - HERE I COME!!

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!