As If It Were Yesterday

Thanksgiving 2012

 We were a few short this year, but the table was still filled with lotsa love and delicious food!

The teenager took my place as head sous chef. Definitely not complaining! I so enjoyed being the extra, extra help. Jim enjoyed showing the teenager the ropes. It was all good.

Three days' worth of prepping and cooking makes the difference in a meal. Having three sets of hands makes a difference in a kitchen! Since I wasn't head sous chef, I kept the prep area stocked with what was needed and clean as a whistle! It was a well-oiled machine, that kitchen was. We could have pulled off a TV program in there, I swear--that is, if it weren't for the language at times. We got pretty goofy. It sounded as if we were back in the hood. HA!

Our dessert this year was from Garden & Gun. My brother and I both subscribe to the magazine; and when the fall issues arrived, we called each other and said "Check out the dessert recipes -- FOR THANKSGIVING!" We decided on the Pumpkin Bread Pudding. A lot of steps, a lot of time; but it was worth it--IF you have three sets of hands in the kitchen!!! *Note: Could replace the cranberry sauce with a caramel sauce. Just saying.

It was all good. (Except the first batch of whipped cream tasted a tad cheesy. I was afraid to say anything since Jim and the teenager had worked so hard. Then Jim brought it up the next day. We all had a great laugh over that!)

Jim looking oh-so-British. A fork AND a spoon? Must be gud!

 And then --dun dun dun-- we had time to play. Hit TMR on Black Friday. A quick snap out front.

I then took him over to Otis James where they hand make fabulous ties and hats out of scrumptious fabrics. Great shop!

  

 Brutha tipping his hat to the ladies. So propa! (JK, this was staged.)

 Love him!!

And I miss him.

Labels: Brother Jim, Family, Hub, Jacq, Kid, Nashville, Teenager, Thanksgiving

Holiday Craftin'

I finally finished one of the papier mache houses I purchased way back when. Finished? Well, I probably will add more to it. But for now? Good enough for government work.

The hub made it home from overseas on Wednesday. He had been gone for over three weeks! Oh, the plans I had, as I mentioned. None of which got done. C'est la vie!

Dreaming about Thanksgiving coming up! My brother and niece, Jacq, are coming down on Tuesday. And, the teenager arrives from DC on Monday. Yay!! The rest of the clan had plans, so it will be a smaller gathering this time. No worries. Jim and I will still be in the kitchen cooking up a feast. I simply cannot wait for them to get down. It's my favorite holiday--does it get any better than delicious food and wonderful family? 

Life is good, indeed.

Labels: Autumn, Brother Jim, Jacq, Teenager

Here, There and Everywhere

There are places I remember . . . .  

Oooofy, seems I've been gone since forever! I had work to do back "home" and have spent the past two weeks gettn'er done. TCB. Checking it off the list. One day, as I always say, I'm going home and having nothing on my agenda other than visiting friends and family. Period. As usual, I had little time to see anyone.

Made a ten-hour dash to DC so I could drop off the rest of the teenager's belongings. Then it was off to Northern Jersey the next day to help with  some family stuff there. I got to see my SIL MJ and have dinner with my brother and his family in DC. By the time I made it further north, I could definitely feel some autumn in the air--just not enough to ward off my hot flashes! Awkward. See what you have to look forward to Mz. C!

While I missed my niece's Sweet 16 party, I was there for her actual birthday. I haven't been with any  of my niece's for their birthday for a very long time. Too long. And I have, soon-to-be, NINE nieces! That's not right. And thus why we are planning to move back to the NE at some point. We have been too far from family for way too long. I know, I know, it keeps changing! ha!! So, this week, it's New England! It was nice spending time with my teenage nieces and hearing about their lives. Where has the time gone? It boggles the mind.

Then it was back to DC (are you tired yet? I WAS!!!). My brother, Jim, surprised me with a glass of home-made sangria (not allergic, go figure), apples and cheese, and dinner outside waiting for me upon my arrival from NY.  We sat by the fire pit all night--ending with s'mores. I even had a little time with my girl, Jacq which was wonderful. Really missed seeing her this summer. 

Ok, moving along to the teenager's new flat. It definitely needed a mother's/woman's touch--aka a good cleaning. Sorted, cleaned and "detailed" the place as best I could. He loves it. A big ol' thank you to my brother, Jim! Hat's off to him also because he is the one who found all of these kooky and wonderful things for the place. I played with each and every piece!

Even stayed in the old hood in S. Arlington, VA. The area has turned into a rather busy little city. Such changes every time I go back. Truth is, I don't believe I could live around that many people again. ha. Little ol' Nashvul has spoiled us. I think the hustle and bustle of city life are behind the hub and I. If we were younger? In a heartbeat! But, who knows?

One afternoon, I met my brother at the Capitol  before he had a photo shoot; and we were able to walk through the U.S.  Botanical Gardens for a bit. I hadn't been in there for many, many years. I think my brothers and I practically grew up in here when we went to work with our father. He'd be shooting photographs and we would wander over to the Botanical Gardens and walk around (my brothers would sleep in there--pre-planking!). Once I wandered into the Capitol and got lost down in the bowels of the building until I finally came upon a security guard who directed me out. I was a wee little thing! I don't think my father ever missed me! lol I'm sure things have changed, just a tad, these days. No wanderers allowed!

I was able to meet up with my girlies, Kelly and Amy--on different nights. I wish we could have all gotten together at the same time. Oy. Thankful to have been able to see them, period. My only wish is to be able to see all my friends when I visit. Impossible. I have never been able to do it!  There's always stuff to do that keeps me from seeing everyone. No matter how much I try and plan. Drives me kooky.

Kell had gone to see the Dweez and got us a cd signed! Thanks, Kell! Great CD! Wow, yep, Dweezil has channeled his father, somehow.

And, before I knew it, it's time to head back. Two weeks, come and gone. And all I could think of was getting back home to my hubby and animules. Loved driving through those Blue Ridge Mountains, both coming and going.

Bye bye ol' Virginny. See ya next time! And hopefully, more friends.

Labels: Amy, Arlington, Brother Jim, DC, Family, Jacq, Kell, Maryland, Music, NJ, Virginia, Zappa

When the Living's Easy

First, allow me to apologize for the span of my absence. When you're surrounded by such beauty, the last thing you want to be doing is sitting at the computer. Am I right?

We have been celebrating life and enjoying one another, friends and family alike. It has now quieted down for a bit until our next wave; so the hub and I are practicing as "empty nesters" for the first time. We're playing house once more.

The teenager was able to come down south for July 4th after his big move back to Washington, DC just after graduation. Such an exciting time for him. You remember getting out of school and looking for your "real" first job, your first apartment? I think back to that time as one of my favorite memories "growing up." Roughing it--apartment poor--for that first year or so. I wouldn't change a thing. Anyhoo, we're as proud as punch. He has a place on Capitol Hill and is actually looking into an internship up there. Well, it's up to his generation to get the ball rolling with some positive changes in this country. More power to him. I'm so proud. And then he goes and finds a job as a waiter on weekends at a restaurant around the corner from his apartment. Whaaa? The kid has never worked in a restaurant in all his short years. So proud. Did I say that already? He's hanging a lot with my brother Jim, which gives me great joy and also turns me green with ENVY! Miss my brutha. But he and Jacq are coming down soon. Yay!!! Love my Jacq--and my brother! Cannot wait.

 

The kid is SO enjoying being out of high school. Again, I remember that feeling SO well, as if it were yesterday. FREEDOM! He's been back and forth to Riverside, all adult like. My baby is growing up. Sniffle. Well good for him. Much like me, he doesn't open up to many people. All of a sudden, he has a great group of friends. That brings a smile to my face.

The hub is in heaven. His "office" is a great spot under the house where he conducts his business and does his studies most of the day. Can it get any better? He deserves it. He's worked hard during his career. Now, he is getting the respect he has always deserved. My hero. So proud of all my men.

Riverside is as lovely as ever. Such a happy house.  It exudes happiness and love. She has given a lot wonderful memories to so many folks over the years, especially our little unit. 

We have been enjoying friends visiting and spending time with our riversorry friends and neighbors who are here all year round. It doesn't take me long to get into riversorry mode, believe me.

Dean and Darlene took us for an early-morning "breakfast" cruise out to Weeks Bay Sunday. It was absolutely breathtaking. Besides having breakfast, we were on a mission to see dolphin. And we did! There was a pod of at least four very large adults and three or more youngins. The little ones would stick their tails straight out of the water and then spiral downwards. It was precious to watch--until a group of about five or six kayaks and canoes tried to get right up on them. Poor boo's.

Ahhhhhh summertime. Hope some wonderful summer memories are being made in your neck of the woods. 

Cheers!

Labels:  Alabama, Brother Jim, Darlene, Hub, Jacq, Kid, Riverside, Weeks Bay

I Dream of Poppies

I've had this photo on my desktop for ages, and I finally decided to share it. It doesn't even look real, it's so gorgeous. 

I have always wanted to grow poppies but have been unable to. It's probably due to the humidity and heat of the summers that suck the life out of them (and me too!).

This photo was taken in the gardens at Lindeth Howe Country House in Bowness-on-Windermere a couple of summers ago. Obviously, I have yet to post on the stay. I need to because it was a magical place.

Perhaps soon.

Labels:  England, Jacq, Flowers,  Bowness-on-Windermere, Summer

Catch Up

Seems I've taken a few years off and now I'm trying to catch up. I had left behind so many little projects scattered about the place. Finally I'm getting back to my niece's scrapbook. Oy. Two summers behind!

Just now finishing up pages for the UK trip back in the summer of 2010. Yup, way back then. Where in the world does the time go? I can hardly remember Jacq's visit this past summer. Best get my thinking cap on because those pages come next!

Ooofy.

Sixteen Candles

To my girl. Don't ever change.
I Love You.

Happy Happy

Sending very happy birthday wishes to my niece, Jacq.  I love you oh-so-much!

Gulf Coast

Gonna tell you a little about what's going on in the Gulf with regards to the oil. The cuz, kid and I went to our favorite beach in Perdido on June 29, the day Hurricane Alex skirted our area.

We first saw these boats-of-some-sort in Perdido Pass. I truthfully don't know what they do other than being related to the oil spill. I've never seen them here before.

Once we hit the beach, we could see where the oil had washed up. While down shore from here, there were bus loads of volunteers being unloaded to help with the clean up, there was not a soul here.

There was one loan surfer out there. I wonder what he was thinking? (That's the cuz over there on the right.)

Look at that sugar-white sand. Sniffle.

The tar balls were nasty speckling the beautiful beach. Even though we stayed clear of them, we still ended up with some oil on the soles of our feet. Yuk.

We didn't stay too long. It was pretty sad.

On the riverfront, we are still in the clear. The local officials have been proactive since the beginning. Mobile Bay has been boomed since way back. Further in, closer to us, Weeks Bay has been boomed. Our little river? It is being monitored closely. These boats come up and down several times a day looking for any sign of oil. When I shot this photo, the boat in front was actually moving a log that had floated out into the waters. It does give one some peace of mind.

Today, Jimmy Buffett gave his free concert down at Gulf Shores (postponed from July 1 due to Hurricane Alex). I watched it on TV and it was great to see such a crowd down on the beach. This photo was sent to the hub from a friend who was there. Thanks Richard! I think I'd rather be at home though, truthfully. I had to giggle at a sign in the crowd "WWJBD?" (What would Jimmy Buffett do?) Response: "Have a party in the gulf slick!" or some such. Yes indeed.

Beth arrives tomorrow from Tennessee, and I cannot wait for her to arrive. We are going to have so much fun while she's here for the week. I PROMISE to share lots of photos. (In between, perhaps, more Europe posts. Maybe.)

Welcome to Scotland

It was a very long drive from Stratford up to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Thank goodness we had made the nice stop in Harrogate for a good lunch.  Regardless, I think we were all happy when we finally hit the Scottish border.

We had been in the car for over ten hours so a stretch of the legs was in order.  So we stopped at this wonderful picturesque area.  The kid and I weren't talking by this point (there was a "gum" incident) but he suggested we go up this road and see what we could find.  And so we did.

What a brilliant idea.  Because we found the small fishing village of Eyemouth.

It was breathtaking, to say the least.

There is something very magical about Scotland to me.  Perhaps it's the Scottish roots.

 The beauty is awe-inspiring.

 

We watched as the clouds rolled in and the sun began to set.  The kids were still not talking to me.

 

And then we were back on the road heading to Edinburgh.  Ugh.  I wanted to be next to the fire in this farmhouse rather in the car with hormies flying every which way.

 

I loved all the green surrounding us as we drove.  I loved watching the North Sea and the sun setting.   I  kept my mind on the beauty surrounding me rather than the very long drive with two teenagers, hormones raging.  Oy.

When we finally found our hotel, we were absolutely delighted.  We arrived after the hotel restaurant had closed so we had the kids order room service while the hub and I went down to the pub and threw back a few.  We were still vibrating from the car ride.  I would have loved to have been a fly on the kids' room wall.  I bet they were as fit-to-be-tied as us.  But how can you stay mad here?  Look at the view!  The Edinburgh Castle was right outside our window!

 Loved this quote from President Ford.

But not as much as I loved the martinis. 

This was the pear & blueberry martini.  It tasted like cotton candy.  I could have stayed down in the pub all night enjoying these.

After a few calming drinks, we decided to head back up to our gorgeous room and order a little sumpn' sumpn' for our bellies.  But, before heading back up, I decided to prank the chillins.  I asked the waiter for a house phone and dialed their room.  (This was the first time we had separate rooms since we left London.)  I disguised my voice as a Brit and rang them up.  The cuz answered, and I told her it was the front desk calling and there had been numerous complaints about noise coming from their room.  I then asked for their parents. (I'm so bad.)  Of course, we weren't there, so I told her to tell them to ring the front desk when they returned. (SO BAD!!!)

When we returned to the room, she was straight away telling us that the front desk had phoned.  She looked quite scared.  Poor thing.  After letting it go on for about five minutes, the hub and I screamed "GOT YOU!"  hahahahaha.  When we ordered room service for us we added this fancy tiramisu for the kids.  Yes, this is room service!  Oh my.  Of course, we were all happily in love with one another after that.

Our saving grace in Edinburgh?  TWO rooms! And very nice rooms at that!