These are some of my favorite things!
1. Laughing so hard, no noise comes out, so I sit there clapping like a retarded seal
2. Hearing a new song and instantly loving it
3. Knowing all the words to a song
4. When the last item in the store is just my size
5. The feeling after a really good movie
6. Listening to Grandparents tell stories
7. The smell of popcorn in a movie theater
8. Getting mail
9. The feeling of relief after finding something I lost
10. Waking up and realizing the bad dream I had isn't real
11. The look on the Groom's face as he watches his Bride walk up the aisle on their big day
12. Contagious laughter
13. A full pantry or fridge after grocery shopping
14. Finally remembering the word on the tip of my tongue
15. Reading my old diaries and journals
16. The look of freshly vacuumed carpet
17. Turning on the TV just in time
18. Falling asleep on the couch and waking up with a blanket on me
19. Wearing new clothes for the first time
20. Being told I made someone's day
21. When other families treat me like a member
22. Tearing out a piece of perforated paper perfectly
23. When the stoplight turns green right before I brake
24. Jumping into a pool on a hot day
25. Untouched snow
26. Sleeping on clean sheets... preferably dried in the sun
27. Finding money in my pocket
28. The sound of the ocean
29. The smell of fresh laundry
30. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin
31. Being home alone, blasting music, singing loudly, and dancing crazily
32. Sleeping in my own bed after being away
33. Finding out something was cheaper than I thought it was
34. Getting the perfect parking spot
35. Holding a baby in my arms
36. Realizing it's Friday
37. When my on-line order arrives
38. Dresses with pockets
39. Lazy Saturday afternoons
40. Getting my hair washed at the salon
41. Finding joy everyday
42. When someone's laugh is better than the joke
43. When no one notices what I do until I don't do it
44. Letting the sunshine in
45. Thinking outside the box
46. Friends who give me total freedom to be myself
47. When something seems impossible until it's done
48. Being home where I can look and feel ugly and enjoy it
49. Making wishes on eyelashes, wishbones, dandelions, shooting stars, pennies, 11:11 and birthday candles
50. Knowing I can't say Happiness without saying "penis"
51. Killing them with kindness
52. Starting each day with a grateful heart
53. A cup of hot tea
54. Hearing song lyrics that totally apply to my current situation
55. Sitting on the corner of AWESOME and BOMBDIGGITY
56. Reading a book and getting absolutely, and undeniably attached to the characters to the point that I laugh and cry with them, and physically miss them when I finish the book
57. Laughing out loud at something that happened in the book I'm reading
58. When someone comes running to hug me
59. Seeing and hearing a baby laugh
60. Clever puns
61. Waking up and realizing I have more time to sleep
62. Laughing until my stomach hurts
63. Pretty skies
64. Looking through old photographs
65. Good dreams
66. Getting the piece of chocolate I wanted out of an assortment box
67. Revisiting favorite childhood places
68. Coming home
69. Clear starry nights
70. Holding hands
71. Moon gazing
72. When someone tells me I look nice
73. The feeling of accomplishment after exercising
74. Friday Night Date Nights
75. Evening strolls with my husband
76. Crossing things off my "to do list"
77. Being a Hostess and entertaining others in my home
78. Burning candles in my house, so that it always smells nice
79. The fresh clean feeling after a shower/bath
80. When having to go to plan B works out much better than the original plan A
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Happy Mail Via Blog
After being miffed and out of sorts all day long yesterday over not getting a single scrap of mail in my mailbox... and then thinking about how Happy Mail really does make me sooooo Happy... and having sooo many wonderful people in my life I have truly intended to send Happy Mail to for some time... but I don't actually have the time to sit and write them all in person... I have decided to dedicate this blog to writing to all those who are, and have been in my heart, and thoughts, and deserve some unexpected Happy Mail. Some of the people actually read and follow my blog... others don't... and for those who don't... I'm hoping their messages will be delivered by word of mouth (or printed off) by those who do read it.
To Nancy (My Cousin)
My first note goes to you because you ALWAYS send the most thoughtful Happy Mails to me at unexpected times, and you too know the joys of finding Happy Mail in your own mailbox!
I hope you and the family have had a wonderful summer with lots of time on the lake! I hope Clay and Abby are settled back in school and have teachers they like, and kids in their classes who they hoped to spend the school year with. You have AWESOME children!!! And.... they are so darn cute too!
I miss you like crazy and wish I had had the opportunity to see you and the family this summer. It's tough living so far from home now and not being able to drive in for the day like I used to for at least one summer family cookout... but hopefully in the future I will have that opportunity again.
Sending you and the family BIG HUGE HUGS!!! and hope all is well your way!
Love V
To Amber and Ben (My Daughter #1 & her Fiance)
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for hostessing all of us last week while I was in town! You both are soooo gracious in sharing everything you have!!! It was a whirlwind week for sure... but such a wonderful time too!! LOVED LOVED LOVED getting to be a part of all the excitement and wedding planning we were able to get accomplished while I was there! I really appreciate all you did for all of us during my visit. I especially really enjoyed all the sitting on the back porch chatting times, and our night time walks with the puppies. Ben, we are VERY blessed to officially add you to our family tree!! Looking forward to seeing you both again on my next visit to town in October... already counting down the days! THANK YOU both bunches again!!!!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Jessica and Winston (My Daughter #2 & Husband)
I'm soooo glad you were able to camp out with us at Amber's the week I was in town... seemed just like old times when we were all together under one roof! I know it was hectic with your work schedule while I was there... but I'm glad I got to see you as much as possible and spend all that time with my sweet adorable Grandbaby Liam! Sorry I didn't get to see you Winston... but... I get to see you soon in a couple of weeks!!! WOO HOO!!! Dad and I are sooooo looking forward to your visit when you all drive out here to Kansas. Jessica already knows why we just love it here Winston, and we can't wait to show you our sweet town too. Our pool will still be open, and the weather will still be HOT HOT HOT!!!! YAY!!!!! Momma G will be cooking up lots of wonderful meals... so be sure to bring your fat comfy pants... HA HA HA!!! We are counting down the days until your visit!! Sooooo excited!!!! Have a safe trip driving out and we will see you soon!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Lauren and Kevin (Daughter #3 & Husband)
I'm soooo glad you were able to come camp out with us at Amber's the week I was in town, especially since you are about to return to work and wouldn't get the chance to come camp out with us if you were already working. I'm so glad too that I was able to come see your new apartment and spend the night with you. Kevin you are sooo darn cute I can't stand it!!! Glad I was able to see you, even for the short time we were together. I'm sooo glad you were able to enjoy a much needed and well deserved special date night together while I was in town. GG just LOVED LOVED LOVED getting to babysit her Grandbabies!!! Henry and Liam are sooo sweet and adorable and I just LOVE how they respond to each other... they are bestest friends already! Hope the transition back to work goes well for you and Henry enjoys his daycare! I miss you all like crazy, but... I will see you again in October when I head back to town for another visit! Counting down the days til I get to see you all again! Wishing you LOTS and LOTS of LUCK with your new job! YOU GO GIRL!!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Mom and Caywood (My Mom & Step Dad)
THANK YOU both sooooo much for the Birthday cookout you had for all of us August/September Birthdays! I'm soooo glad I was able to celebrate all our Birthdays with everyone this year!!! Everything was sooo DELISH and we all had such a great time getting to visit with everyone. My girls (and I) think you are just the cutest thing ever!!!, and we really appreciate all you do for us and all your thoughtfulness! It was sooooo good to be home again! I am sooo fortunate and blessed to have such a WONDERFUL Mom as you, and I hope I'm just like you as a Mom to my own daughters, and a Grandmother just like Grandma G to my Grandbabies! Caywood... you are such a blessing to our family and we deeply appreciate the love and care you give to our Mom!!! I will be back in October and look forward to getting big ole HUGS from you and getting to visit with you again! THANK YOU BUNCHES again for all you do!!!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Mom and Pop (My In-laws)
THANK YOU sooooo much for the Grandmother plaque you gave me for my Birthday! I LOVE IT, and it is sitting proudly on my shelf! I'm sooo glad that we (me, Amber, Lauren, and Henry) were able to join you at Lynn's Cafe for the Birthday celebration while we were in town. It was soooo good to get to see everyone! Angie is sooo darn cute I can't stand it! We are soooo excited for when her baby arrives! Sorry we had to literally eat and run, but we were sooo grateful we were able to spend the little time we had with you! I'll be back in town in October for Angie's shower and I look forward to visiting with everyone again. CYA soon!!!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Aunt Edie and Uncle Hobert (My Maternal Aunt/Uncle)
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and hoping you both are healing and recovering from your surgeries! Wish I could have seen you while I was in town... I miss you both bunches! With your new knee's and hip... I'll have to refer to you as my bionic Aunt/Uncle! HA HA HA!!! Seriously, I hope you both are doing well and recovering completely! I will be back in town in October and hopefully I will get a chance to visit with you then! Until then... you remain in my thoughts and prayers!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Mike and Karen (My Brother and Wife)
CONGRATULATIONS Grandpa and Nana K!!! I know how excited you are to welcome your first Grandchild into the world next April!! Nothing in the world can match the joys of Grandparenthood... no matter how well you prepare for it... it is a joy that has to be experienced to be understood! We are soooo excited for you and can't wait to get our hands on the new nugget when it arrives! It was sooo good to see you and celebrate our Birthdays together while I was in town! I hope the boys are settled in and enjoying the new school year and have their friends in their classes. I'll be back in October and hopefully we can get together again then!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Daddio (My Dad... aka My Hunk)
Just wanted to give you a shout out and say hello! I think of you often and hope you will be able to come for a visit sometime soon. I just know you would love our place here nestled in the woods and the Kansas weather... and of course... you know I'll cook you up some really good grub to make your belly absolutely delighted... even mac and cheese from scratch!!! Hope all is well your way... I think of you often and wish I could see you more!
LOVE and HUGS!!!, Victoria
To Linda and Bob (Joe's Sister & Husband)
Was soooo good to see you and celebrate our Birthday's together! We are soooo glad we were able to join you at Lynn's... sorry to literally eat and run... but... soooo happy we were able to join in. That was such a fun time being together! Angie is sooooo darn adorable!!! She is going to be the sweetest Lil Momma!!! I know your excitement grows by the day looking forward to meeting your new Granddaughter, and she will be here before we know it! HECK.... look at Henry and Liam.... GEESH... they are 6 and 5 months old ALREADY!!!! Looking forward to and counting down the days til my next visit in October when I come in for Angie's shower! CYA soon!
HUGS, V
To Steve and Tami (Joe's Brother and Wife)
It was soooo good to see you all for the short visit we had at Lynn's! I sure do miss ya'll!!! Hope all is well and Ben is settled back in to school and enjoying Senior year! WOW!!! Can't believe your baby is a Senior!!! Wished we could have seen the boys too, but I know how busy their schedules are with work! I'm glad you got to enjoy Henry for a bit.... isn't he such a lil sweetheart... sorry you missed Liam... he too is such a cutie patootie... but then.... I could be biased... me being GG and all! LOL LOL I can't wait to see you again in October when I come back to town for Angie's shower! Isn't she just soooo darn cute!!! She is going to be the sweetest Lil Momma! Babies and Weddings... OH MY!!! Our cup runneth over with LOVE!!! CYA soon!
HUGS, V
To Robin (A Dear Friend)
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope your recovery is going well. I wish we lived closer together so I could come visit, bring you some very healing homemade chicken noodle soup, and help with your care! I know you are sooo blessed to have such a wonderful family by your side to help you through your recovery! Miss ya bunches and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
HUGS, V
To Lynn (A Dear Friend)
Just wanted to let you know you continue to be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers! I know you still miss Don dearly, and I hope your Dad is doing well with his treatments. I know you must be overjoyed with your new Grandson's arrival! What a much needed blessing you needed in your life! I know you are surrounded with lots of family and friends to help you through this difficult time, I just wish I lived closer so that I too could be one of them. Thinking of you often!
HUGS, V
To Aunt Joan (Joe's Paternal Aunt)
Just wanted to let you know I think of you often and you remain in my thoughts and prayers! I hope your rehab and recovery from your surgeries is going well... Sue keeps me posted on how your progress is going! I'm sooo sorry you are having to go through this and wish I could be there to give you a big ole HUG!!! You are, and always have been such a sweetie, and I'm sooo grateful and blessed to be a part of this family! Sending you lots of GET WELL wishes!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Aunt Claudia (Joe's Maternal Aunt)
Hey! How are you doing? Wanted to THANK YOU once again for hostessing breakfast/brunch for the clan when we were in town! Everyone was sooooo happy to be able to enjoy your DELISH meatball hoagies! You are sooo sweet and thoughtful and we really appreciate all you do! I'm soooo glad we were able to be there to celebrate Nan's 95th Birthday with the family and get to visit with everyone! It was a wonderful trip (once we got there of course... HA HA HA!!!), but much too short! Hope to see you again soon and THANK YOU again for all you did for us!
LOVE and HUGS! V
To Seesta (My Dear Friend Kay)
How are you doing? Have you had a good summer? I know you have been traveling alot and that is always such fun! I CAN'T WAIT for our trip to Amsterdam together in a few weeks!! WOO HOO!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE when we travel abroad together and I LOVE seeing Steve and Joe relax and have such fun together!! Looking forward to "The Chair" and "The Cat" (inside joke!) again... both which make me laugh soooo hard I pee my pants and makes my belly hurt!!! AHHHH the memories!!! Counting down the days!!! I soooo miss living close to you and Steve and all our Friday Night Date Nights! I hope you all get to come out for another visit again soon!!!! That was such a fun fun fun few days! Our pool is still open and the weather is still HOT HOT HOT!!! Miss ya'll BUNCHES!!!! But.... we will CYA soon!!! YAY!!
HUGS, V
To Tara (A Dear Friend)
Hey Miss HOT-TEA!!! How is the leg?? Hope you are healing and recovering and not suffering much pain! I know it is such a bummer to be laid up... especially in the summertime! We need to catch up with a phone chat soon.... if we can stop playing phone tag that is! LOL LOL Looking forward to September when all our fav shows return and we can dis about "The Biggest Loser" again! I'm soooo happy being back into a regular pilates routine again... and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new instructor! She is such a sweetie... and even tho I pay for an hour's session... we usually work out for 1 1/2 - 2 hours... or until we have done everything she had planned for me to do. I think I have found a new really dear friend too.... what a bonus! I can already feel the difference in my body... but then... you know NOTHING makes me feel better than pilates! I'm also trying to start jogging... and by jogging... I mean... baby step shuffling, barley lifting my knee kinda of jogging... not the long leg, knee high jogging/running. I am such a wuss... I HATE running... but I know it is good for me and I need the aerobic activity. Figure I will 'baby step jog' until the weather turns foul, and then I will return to my X-Box Dance Central aerobic activity. I like the extra bonus of learning actual step moves and having a blast doing it while getting my aerobic activity in! I set my i-phone timer on an hour... and find myself shocked at how quickly the time has flown when the buzzer goes off... and then I usually keep dancing for another 1/2 hour just because I haven't finished learning whatever particular dance I was doing. I'm also spending as much time as I possibly can in the pool doing laps while the weather is still HOT... I'm already missing summer... even tho we still officially have another month of it... and blessedly here in Kansas we probably have more like 2 more months of the HOT weather!!! YAY!!!!! But once school starts, the atmosphere seems to change and it just doesn't feel like summer any more, no matter what the weather is. However... you can count on my to squeeze very possible moment left outta summer that I can! I'm already kicking my heels at the very thought of Fall approaching!!! WHAA WHAA WHAA!!! LOL Hope to talk with you soon!
HUGS, V
To Katie Girl! (A Dear Friend)
I'm sooo glad we were able to have lunch together with Momma Pat and Theresa! That was such a fun fun day!!! And now that you are back in town, we have to get together again and definitely play Dance Central!! WORK IT GURL, WORK IT!! LOL LOL I hope you are feeling better after your migraine and that your knee doctor appointment went well. Let's do a girls day again soon... lunch and maybe even a movie too! I know Theresa is working part-time, so maybe she can join us too. I'm even up for a day in Wichita for a girls day if you want. Thinking about you and hoping you feel better soon and looking forward to getting together again soon too! LOVE YA GURL!
HUGS, V
To Mary (A Dear Friend)
Hey Girlfriend! Just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know I think of you often... especially knowing you are going through an adjustment period after having taken your baby off to college. Good thing is... she is just a short ride away and able to come home, or you can visit her anytime you or she needs. But... I very well know how hard it is when your baby leaves the nest and the quiet surrounds your days and nights. It's hard to think they have turned into these adult women off on their own, but also good that they are strong independent young women about to begin life all on their own, and on their own terms. I knew Sarah would do well at college, and it's so nice her sweetheart is there with her too. When you have some free time, I would love it if you could come out for a visit. You would love this sweet little town of Hutch... it's little and simple like Smyrna... only MUCH better! And as quiet of a town as it is.... I'm certain you and I can find some kind of trouble to stir up!!! LOL LOL Thinking of you bunches!
LOVE V
To Aunt Rita and Uncle Jim (Joe's Paternal Aunt/Uncle)
HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!! Sounds like you had an AWESOME celebration party! Sooo sorry I missed it and sure wish I could have been there to celebrate with you.... you are such a WONDERFUL couple!!! You two are sooo cute and sweet together and set such an example for all of us to follow in. Mom said you were talking about making another trip out here to Kansas... I highly encourage you to do so, and hope you can make it again soon. That was such a fun time!!! We really enjoyed every day of your visit and I know Mom and Pop would love to come out again too. Just let me know if/when you can and we will put it in our calendar! Wishing you 50 more years of Happily Wedded Bliss!!! LOVE'S YA BOTH BUNCHES!!
HUGS, V
P.S. I now have non-slip tub mats!!!
To Judy and Darrell (Dear Friends)
Thank you for keeping us posted with your treatments and progress... you remain in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers!! Soooo glad to hear that you are getting good results back and your numbers are doing better. And what a blessing it has been to hear you haven't had to have the liquids from your abdomen drained in over a month!! WOO HOO!!!! Continuing to pray that your progress keeps improving with each Dr. visit.!!! Thinking of you both often! Hey my Birthday Buddy Darrel... our Birthday date is quickly approaching... maybe we can all get together for a dinner to celebrate... AND... the fair is just a couple weeks away and we need to get together and grab some greasy fair food!!! Sending you LOTS of GET WELL wishes!
HUGS, V
I hope you all receive your Happy Mail via this blog! I could keep writing Happy Mail all day... but... alas this blog is already too long and I must sign off and go attend to my chores. There are sooo many more of you who I have, and keep in my heart, thoughts and prayers!! Wishing all a good day, good health, and much happiness!
P.S. I DID get my mail today... right on schedule at 11:00 p.m. sharp... and in it was a package I had been anticipating receiving! YAY!!! My world is right side up again!
To Nancy (My Cousin)
My first note goes to you because you ALWAYS send the most thoughtful Happy Mails to me at unexpected times, and you too know the joys of finding Happy Mail in your own mailbox!
I hope you and the family have had a wonderful summer with lots of time on the lake! I hope Clay and Abby are settled back in school and have teachers they like, and kids in their classes who they hoped to spend the school year with. You have AWESOME children!!! And.... they are so darn cute too!
I miss you like crazy and wish I had had the opportunity to see you and the family this summer. It's tough living so far from home now and not being able to drive in for the day like I used to for at least one summer family cookout... but hopefully in the future I will have that opportunity again.
Sending you and the family BIG HUGE HUGS!!! and hope all is well your way!
Love V
To Amber and Ben (My Daughter #1 & her Fiance)
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for hostessing all of us last week while I was in town! You both are soooo gracious in sharing everything you have!!! It was a whirlwind week for sure... but such a wonderful time too!! LOVED LOVED LOVED getting to be a part of all the excitement and wedding planning we were able to get accomplished while I was there! I really appreciate all you did for all of us during my visit. I especially really enjoyed all the sitting on the back porch chatting times, and our night time walks with the puppies. Ben, we are VERY blessed to officially add you to our family tree!! Looking forward to seeing you both again on my next visit to town in October... already counting down the days! THANK YOU both bunches again!!!!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Jessica and Winston (My Daughter #2 & Husband)
I'm soooo glad you were able to camp out with us at Amber's the week I was in town... seemed just like old times when we were all together under one roof! I know it was hectic with your work schedule while I was there... but I'm glad I got to see you as much as possible and spend all that time with my sweet adorable Grandbaby Liam! Sorry I didn't get to see you Winston... but... I get to see you soon in a couple of weeks!!! WOO HOO!!! Dad and I are sooooo looking forward to your visit when you all drive out here to Kansas. Jessica already knows why we just love it here Winston, and we can't wait to show you our sweet town too. Our pool will still be open, and the weather will still be HOT HOT HOT!!!! YAY!!!!! Momma G will be cooking up lots of wonderful meals... so be sure to bring your fat comfy pants... HA HA HA!!! We are counting down the days until your visit!! Sooooo excited!!!! Have a safe trip driving out and we will see you soon!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Lauren and Kevin (Daughter #3 & Husband)
I'm soooo glad you were able to come camp out with us at Amber's the week I was in town, especially since you are about to return to work and wouldn't get the chance to come camp out with us if you were already working. I'm so glad too that I was able to come see your new apartment and spend the night with you. Kevin you are sooo darn cute I can't stand it!!! Glad I was able to see you, even for the short time we were together. I'm sooo glad you were able to enjoy a much needed and well deserved special date night together while I was in town. GG just LOVED LOVED LOVED getting to babysit her Grandbabies!!! Henry and Liam are sooo sweet and adorable and I just LOVE how they respond to each other... they are bestest friends already! Hope the transition back to work goes well for you and Henry enjoys his daycare! I miss you all like crazy, but... I will see you again in October when I head back to town for another visit! Counting down the days til I get to see you all again! Wishing you LOTS and LOTS of LUCK with your new job! YOU GO GIRL!!
LOVE and HUGS, Momma G
To Mom and Caywood (My Mom & Step Dad)
THANK YOU both sooooo much for the Birthday cookout you had for all of us August/September Birthdays! I'm soooo glad I was able to celebrate all our Birthdays with everyone this year!!! Everything was sooo DELISH and we all had such a great time getting to visit with everyone. My girls (and I) think you are just the cutest thing ever!!!, and we really appreciate all you do for us and all your thoughtfulness! It was sooooo good to be home again! I am sooo fortunate and blessed to have such a WONDERFUL Mom as you, and I hope I'm just like you as a Mom to my own daughters, and a Grandmother just like Grandma G to my Grandbabies! Caywood... you are such a blessing to our family and we deeply appreciate the love and care you give to our Mom!!! I will be back in October and look forward to getting big ole HUGS from you and getting to visit with you again! THANK YOU BUNCHES again for all you do!!!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Mom and Pop (My In-laws)
THANK YOU sooooo much for the Grandmother plaque you gave me for my Birthday! I LOVE IT, and it is sitting proudly on my shelf! I'm sooo glad that we (me, Amber, Lauren, and Henry) were able to join you at Lynn's Cafe for the Birthday celebration while we were in town. It was soooo good to get to see everyone! Angie is sooo darn cute I can't stand it! We are soooo excited for when her baby arrives! Sorry we had to literally eat and run, but we were sooo grateful we were able to spend the little time we had with you! I'll be back in town in October for Angie's shower and I look forward to visiting with everyone again. CYA soon!!!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Aunt Edie and Uncle Hobert (My Maternal Aunt/Uncle)
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and hoping you both are healing and recovering from your surgeries! Wish I could have seen you while I was in town... I miss you both bunches! With your new knee's and hip... I'll have to refer to you as my bionic Aunt/Uncle! HA HA HA!!! Seriously, I hope you both are doing well and recovering completely! I will be back in town in October and hopefully I will get a chance to visit with you then! Until then... you remain in my thoughts and prayers!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Mike and Karen (My Brother and Wife)
CONGRATULATIONS Grandpa and Nana K!!! I know how excited you are to welcome your first Grandchild into the world next April!! Nothing in the world can match the joys of Grandparenthood... no matter how well you prepare for it... it is a joy that has to be experienced to be understood! We are soooo excited for you and can't wait to get our hands on the new nugget when it arrives! It was sooo good to see you and celebrate our Birthdays together while I was in town! I hope the boys are settled in and enjoying the new school year and have their friends in their classes. I'll be back in October and hopefully we can get together again then!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Daddio (My Dad... aka My Hunk)
Just wanted to give you a shout out and say hello! I think of you often and hope you will be able to come for a visit sometime soon. I just know you would love our place here nestled in the woods and the Kansas weather... and of course... you know I'll cook you up some really good grub to make your belly absolutely delighted... even mac and cheese from scratch!!! Hope all is well your way... I think of you often and wish I could see you more!
LOVE and HUGS!!!, Victoria
To Linda and Bob (Joe's Sister & Husband)
Was soooo good to see you and celebrate our Birthday's together! We are soooo glad we were able to join you at Lynn's... sorry to literally eat and run... but... soooo happy we were able to join in. That was such a fun time being together! Angie is sooooo darn adorable!!! She is going to be the sweetest Lil Momma!!! I know your excitement grows by the day looking forward to meeting your new Granddaughter, and she will be here before we know it! HECK.... look at Henry and Liam.... GEESH... they are 6 and 5 months old ALREADY!!!! Looking forward to and counting down the days til my next visit in October when I come in for Angie's shower! CYA soon!
HUGS, V
To Steve and Tami (Joe's Brother and Wife)
It was soooo good to see you all for the short visit we had at Lynn's! I sure do miss ya'll!!! Hope all is well and Ben is settled back in to school and enjoying Senior year! WOW!!! Can't believe your baby is a Senior!!! Wished we could have seen the boys too, but I know how busy their schedules are with work! I'm glad you got to enjoy Henry for a bit.... isn't he such a lil sweetheart... sorry you missed Liam... he too is such a cutie patootie... but then.... I could be biased... me being GG and all! LOL LOL I can't wait to see you again in October when I come back to town for Angie's shower! Isn't she just soooo darn cute!!! She is going to be the sweetest Lil Momma! Babies and Weddings... OH MY!!! Our cup runneth over with LOVE!!! CYA soon!
HUGS, V
To Robin (A Dear Friend)
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope your recovery is going well. I wish we lived closer together so I could come visit, bring you some very healing homemade chicken noodle soup, and help with your care! I know you are sooo blessed to have such a wonderful family by your side to help you through your recovery! Miss ya bunches and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
HUGS, V
To Lynn (A Dear Friend)
Just wanted to let you know you continue to be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers! I know you still miss Don dearly, and I hope your Dad is doing well with his treatments. I know you must be overjoyed with your new Grandson's arrival! What a much needed blessing you needed in your life! I know you are surrounded with lots of family and friends to help you through this difficult time, I just wish I lived closer so that I too could be one of them. Thinking of you often!
HUGS, V
To Aunt Joan (Joe's Paternal Aunt)
Just wanted to let you know I think of you often and you remain in my thoughts and prayers! I hope your rehab and recovery from your surgeries is going well... Sue keeps me posted on how your progress is going! I'm sooo sorry you are having to go through this and wish I could be there to give you a big ole HUG!!! You are, and always have been such a sweetie, and I'm sooo grateful and blessed to be a part of this family! Sending you lots of GET WELL wishes!
LOVE and HUGS, V
To Aunt Claudia (Joe's Maternal Aunt)
Hey! How are you doing? Wanted to THANK YOU once again for hostessing breakfast/brunch for the clan when we were in town! Everyone was sooooo happy to be able to enjoy your DELISH meatball hoagies! You are sooo sweet and thoughtful and we really appreciate all you do! I'm soooo glad we were able to be there to celebrate Nan's 95th Birthday with the family and get to visit with everyone! It was a wonderful trip (once we got there of course... HA HA HA!!!), but much too short! Hope to see you again soon and THANK YOU again for all you did for us!
LOVE and HUGS! V
To Seesta (My Dear Friend Kay)
How are you doing? Have you had a good summer? I know you have been traveling alot and that is always such fun! I CAN'T WAIT for our trip to Amsterdam together in a few weeks!! WOO HOO!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE when we travel abroad together and I LOVE seeing Steve and Joe relax and have such fun together!! Looking forward to "The Chair" and "The Cat" (inside joke!) again... both which make me laugh soooo hard I pee my pants and makes my belly hurt!!! AHHHH the memories!!! Counting down the days!!! I soooo miss living close to you and Steve and all our Friday Night Date Nights! I hope you all get to come out for another visit again soon!!!! That was such a fun fun fun few days! Our pool is still open and the weather is still HOT HOT HOT!!! Miss ya'll BUNCHES!!!! But.... we will CYA soon!!! YAY!!
HUGS, V
To Tara (A Dear Friend)
Hey Miss HOT-TEA!!! How is the leg?? Hope you are healing and recovering and not suffering much pain! I know it is such a bummer to be laid up... especially in the summertime! We need to catch up with a phone chat soon.... if we can stop playing phone tag that is! LOL LOL Looking forward to September when all our fav shows return and we can dis about "The Biggest Loser" again! I'm soooo happy being back into a regular pilates routine again... and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new instructor! She is such a sweetie... and even tho I pay for an hour's session... we usually work out for 1 1/2 - 2 hours... or until we have done everything she had planned for me to do. I think I have found a new really dear friend too.... what a bonus! I can already feel the difference in my body... but then... you know NOTHING makes me feel better than pilates! I'm also trying to start jogging... and by jogging... I mean... baby step shuffling, barley lifting my knee kinda of jogging... not the long leg, knee high jogging/running. I am such a wuss... I HATE running... but I know it is good for me and I need the aerobic activity. Figure I will 'baby step jog' until the weather turns foul, and then I will return to my X-Box Dance Central aerobic activity. I like the extra bonus of learning actual step moves and having a blast doing it while getting my aerobic activity in! I set my i-phone timer on an hour... and find myself shocked at how quickly the time has flown when the buzzer goes off... and then I usually keep dancing for another 1/2 hour just because I haven't finished learning whatever particular dance I was doing. I'm also spending as much time as I possibly can in the pool doing laps while the weather is still HOT... I'm already missing summer... even tho we still officially have another month of it... and blessedly here in Kansas we probably have more like 2 more months of the HOT weather!!! YAY!!!!! But once school starts, the atmosphere seems to change and it just doesn't feel like summer any more, no matter what the weather is. However... you can count on my to squeeze very possible moment left outta summer that I can! I'm already kicking my heels at the very thought of Fall approaching!!! WHAA WHAA WHAA!!! LOL Hope to talk with you soon!
HUGS, V
To Katie Girl! (A Dear Friend)
I'm sooo glad we were able to have lunch together with Momma Pat and Theresa! That was such a fun fun day!!! And now that you are back in town, we have to get together again and definitely play Dance Central!! WORK IT GURL, WORK IT!! LOL LOL I hope you are feeling better after your migraine and that your knee doctor appointment went well. Let's do a girls day again soon... lunch and maybe even a movie too! I know Theresa is working part-time, so maybe she can join us too. I'm even up for a day in Wichita for a girls day if you want. Thinking about you and hoping you feel better soon and looking forward to getting together again soon too! LOVE YA GURL!
HUGS, V
To Mary (A Dear Friend)
Hey Girlfriend! Just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know I think of you often... especially knowing you are going through an adjustment period after having taken your baby off to college. Good thing is... she is just a short ride away and able to come home, or you can visit her anytime you or she needs. But... I very well know how hard it is when your baby leaves the nest and the quiet surrounds your days and nights. It's hard to think they have turned into these adult women off on their own, but also good that they are strong independent young women about to begin life all on their own, and on their own terms. I knew Sarah would do well at college, and it's so nice her sweetheart is there with her too. When you have some free time, I would love it if you could come out for a visit. You would love this sweet little town of Hutch... it's little and simple like Smyrna... only MUCH better! And as quiet of a town as it is.... I'm certain you and I can find some kind of trouble to stir up!!! LOL LOL Thinking of you bunches!
LOVE V
To Aunt Rita and Uncle Jim (Joe's Paternal Aunt/Uncle)
HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!! Sounds like you had an AWESOME celebration party! Sooo sorry I missed it and sure wish I could have been there to celebrate with you.... you are such a WONDERFUL couple!!! You two are sooo cute and sweet together and set such an example for all of us to follow in. Mom said you were talking about making another trip out here to Kansas... I highly encourage you to do so, and hope you can make it again soon. That was such a fun time!!! We really enjoyed every day of your visit and I know Mom and Pop would love to come out again too. Just let me know if/when you can and we will put it in our calendar! Wishing you 50 more years of Happily Wedded Bliss!!! LOVE'S YA BOTH BUNCHES!!
HUGS, V
P.S. I now have non-slip tub mats!!!
To Judy and Darrell (Dear Friends)
Thank you for keeping us posted with your treatments and progress... you remain in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers!! Soooo glad to hear that you are getting good results back and your numbers are doing better. And what a blessing it has been to hear you haven't had to have the liquids from your abdomen drained in over a month!! WOO HOO!!!! Continuing to pray that your progress keeps improving with each Dr. visit.!!! Thinking of you both often! Hey my Birthday Buddy Darrel... our Birthday date is quickly approaching... maybe we can all get together for a dinner to celebrate... AND... the fair is just a couple weeks away and we need to get together and grab some greasy fair food!!! Sending you LOTS of GET WELL wishes!
HUGS, V
I hope you all receive your Happy Mail via this blog! I could keep writing Happy Mail all day... but... alas this blog is already too long and I must sign off and go attend to my chores. There are sooo many more of you who I have, and keep in my heart, thoughts and prayers!! Wishing all a good day, good health, and much happiness!
P.S. I DID get my mail today... right on schedule at 11:00 p.m. sharp... and in it was a package I had been anticipating receiving! YAY!!! My world is right side up again!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
No Mail Day
What the heck.... I didn't get any mail today... not a bill... nor a single piece of junk mail... and it isn't even a holiday... at least I don't think so!!! Did I miss something? Is it really a holiday? Is the postal service on strike or something??
Ok.... I will say that I absolutely HATE getting both junk mail and/or bills in the mail on a daily basis... however... I've been conditioned to expect one or both every day. I love getting mailbox surprises of cards and letters... but in this electronic age world... unless it's your Birthday or Christmas... getting Happy Mail is a rare thing indeed... and I keep telling myself that I need to send more Happy Mail too... I think about it often... even think about who to send something to and exactly what I will say... then next thing I know I get busy or distracted and then I completely forget all about it.
But back to today... my mail usually arrives at 11:00 a.m. on the nose... and I'm trained like a Pavlo dog to run and fetch my mail at 11:15 a.m. on the nose... just in case the mail person was delayed in any way. So... this morning I go on my Pavlo dog trek to the mailbox to find nothing... NADA... NIL inside the box... which makes me think.... "Oh... this is a rare day the mail person (in this case... mail lady) is running a tad late". I then walk back inside... do a few house chores... go outside and hose off the patio and pool deck... skim the pool... insert the robotic pool cleaner (aka 'the bottom feeder')... took a 1/2 hour phone call from my daughter... by now it is 1:15 p.m.... so off I trit trot back to the mail box... but again... nothing... NADA... NIL... so now I stop and ponder for a moment (pointer finger to lips tapping lightly, head cocked, slightly tilted upward) hummmmm I think.... is this a holiday I have forgotten about?... it IS Thursday right?!!.... is the mail on strike or something... did I miss something in the news?!!... cause surely I have no mail in my box because I simply have no mail today... that just can't possibly be... no junk mail, no paper flyers!!! That NEVER happens!
Once again I walk back to the house and busy myself for another couple hours... knowing that even if the mail lady is indeed running late today... if I have no mail by 4:00 p.m... I'm just not getting any mail today. I have no idea why this fact has totally thrown me off kilter... but admittedly it has!!! I feel sooo confused... and well.... just plain left out! LOL Isn't that just the silliest thing ever! To be miffed at getting no mail just because you simply have no mail that day! Why... it's like not getting chosen to be on a team for kick ball! And how silly do I feel by running out to the mail box every couple of hours just to make sure I have no mail today!!! RIDICULOUS!!! That's how I feel! Like I just know she is going to show up with a least one piece of junk mail before the days end... she just had a flat tire... or... she over slept this morning... or something! LOL
So.... at 4:00 p.m.... yes.... back to the mail box I trit trot... to find... yep you got it... NOTHING!!!! And the real bummer is... I truly am 'expecting' something... as in... something I ordered on-line and got the email "your order/item has been shipped and will arrive between Aug. 21st - Aug. 25th"... by the way... today IS Aug 25th... which of course only adds to my anxiousness of not getting any mail today!
In the end... I have no idea why I have no mail today... I feel like I missed Christmas morning... but hopefully tomorrow I will get a double duty butt load of mail... my on-line goodies, bills and junk mail and all and my world will be right side up again!!
Ok.... I will say that I absolutely HATE getting both junk mail and/or bills in the mail on a daily basis... however... I've been conditioned to expect one or both every day. I love getting mailbox surprises of cards and letters... but in this electronic age world... unless it's your Birthday or Christmas... getting Happy Mail is a rare thing indeed... and I keep telling myself that I need to send more Happy Mail too... I think about it often... even think about who to send something to and exactly what I will say... then next thing I know I get busy or distracted and then I completely forget all about it.
But back to today... my mail usually arrives at 11:00 a.m. on the nose... and I'm trained like a Pavlo dog to run and fetch my mail at 11:15 a.m. on the nose... just in case the mail person was delayed in any way. So... this morning I go on my Pavlo dog trek to the mailbox to find nothing... NADA... NIL inside the box... which makes me think.... "Oh... this is a rare day the mail person (in this case... mail lady) is running a tad late". I then walk back inside... do a few house chores... go outside and hose off the patio and pool deck... skim the pool... insert the robotic pool cleaner (aka 'the bottom feeder')... took a 1/2 hour phone call from my daughter... by now it is 1:15 p.m.... so off I trit trot back to the mail box... but again... nothing... NADA... NIL... so now I stop and ponder for a moment (pointer finger to lips tapping lightly, head cocked, slightly tilted upward) hummmmm I think.... is this a holiday I have forgotten about?... it IS Thursday right?!!.... is the mail on strike or something... did I miss something in the news?!!... cause surely I have no mail in my box because I simply have no mail today... that just can't possibly be... no junk mail, no paper flyers!!! That NEVER happens!
Once again I walk back to the house and busy myself for another couple hours... knowing that even if the mail lady is indeed running late today... if I have no mail by 4:00 p.m... I'm just not getting any mail today. I have no idea why this fact has totally thrown me off kilter... but admittedly it has!!! I feel sooo confused... and well.... just plain left out! LOL Isn't that just the silliest thing ever! To be miffed at getting no mail just because you simply have no mail that day! Why... it's like not getting chosen to be on a team for kick ball! And how silly do I feel by running out to the mail box every couple of hours just to make sure I have no mail today!!! RIDICULOUS!!! That's how I feel! Like I just know she is going to show up with a least one piece of junk mail before the days end... she just had a flat tire... or... she over slept this morning... or something! LOL
So.... at 4:00 p.m.... yes.... back to the mail box I trit trot... to find... yep you got it... NOTHING!!!! And the real bummer is... I truly am 'expecting' something... as in... something I ordered on-line and got the email "your order/item has been shipped and will arrive between Aug. 21st - Aug. 25th"... by the way... today IS Aug 25th... which of course only adds to my anxiousness of not getting any mail today!
In the end... I have no idea why I have no mail today... I feel like I missed Christmas morning... but hopefully tomorrow I will get a double duty butt load of mail... my on-line goodies, bills and junk mail and all and my world will be right side up again!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Waning Days of Summer
Well here it is.... Back To School Time... which of course... signifies the end of Summer. Even tho Fall (Autumnal Equinox) doesn't officially begin until September 23rd... we all know once the kids go back to school, Summer is basically over. The first day of school here in Hutchinson Kansas begins Wednesday, August 17th.
Labor Day is the last Summer Hurrah, when everyone enjoys cookouts, family and friend gatherings and a long weekend... all the public and country club pools close for the season... and when everyone goes back to school or work on the Tuesday after Labor Day, the count down begins until the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays and/or school breaks arrive.
But... this is also a time of great excitement too... as in... really most kids are happy to get back into a normal routine again and see all their friends they have missed over the summer break... parents have bitter sweet feelings of... YAY!!! with the return of normal bedtimes, and quieter days... and sadness that the joy of being able to spend more time with your children has come to an end for another school year.
Back To School shopping is always both hectic and exciting... I can just feel and smell freshly sharpened pencils, new plastic binders, new lunch boxes, back packs, reams of new paper, a fresh box of crayons and/or colored markers!!! Buying new school clothes and shoes... having all items packed up in new book bags and clothes laid out for the first morning of school. Ahhhhhh.... such sweet memories I have of these things... not only myself as a child, but also of my children. Waiting for the sound of the bus brakes as it stops for each load of children... and we all know the frustration of getting behind a school bus as you are running late on the way to work or on the way home.
And even though the kids have to go back to school before the Labor Day weekend... we all know that the heavy school curriculum doesn't really begin until after the holiday... until then it's a bunch of forms to sign, fees to pay, homework, pop quizs and of teachers getting to know their new students. But watch out kids, because once the holiday has come and gone... then the book reports, theme papers, tests and such really begin!
All my girls are grown and we no longer look forward to, and/or dread the beginning of school in this household... but I still watch for the school buses each morning pick up waiting children, I still get excited to see harried parents and excited children in stores as they go down their supply list and pick out their binders, folders, lunch boxes, and back packs... I still feel the joy of the children, and the parents distress as the dollars add up... and I know too soon my Grandson's will be heading to school and picking out their first back pack!
Summer is waning... Fall is approaching... and I'm already missing the blissful relaxing lazy days of Summer!! I look forward to the last celebration of Summer on Labor Day weekend when the air is permeated with the smells of searing meat and buttery corn on the cob... but I also dread knowing that it pretty much finalizes Summer.
Summertime, Summer time... Sum, Sum, Summertime!!! My favorite time of the year!
Labor Day is the last Summer Hurrah, when everyone enjoys cookouts, family and friend gatherings and a long weekend... all the public and country club pools close for the season... and when everyone goes back to school or work on the Tuesday after Labor Day, the count down begins until the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays and/or school breaks arrive.
But... this is also a time of great excitement too... as in... really most kids are happy to get back into a normal routine again and see all their friends they have missed over the summer break... parents have bitter sweet feelings of... YAY!!! with the return of normal bedtimes, and quieter days... and sadness that the joy of being able to spend more time with your children has come to an end for another school year.
Back To School shopping is always both hectic and exciting... I can just feel and smell freshly sharpened pencils, new plastic binders, new lunch boxes, back packs, reams of new paper, a fresh box of crayons and/or colored markers!!! Buying new school clothes and shoes... having all items packed up in new book bags and clothes laid out for the first morning of school. Ahhhhhh.... such sweet memories I have of these things... not only myself as a child, but also of my children. Waiting for the sound of the bus brakes as it stops for each load of children... and we all know the frustration of getting behind a school bus as you are running late on the way to work or on the way home.
And even though the kids have to go back to school before the Labor Day weekend... we all know that the heavy school curriculum doesn't really begin until after the holiday... until then it's a bunch of forms to sign, fees to pay, homework, pop quizs and of teachers getting to know their new students. But watch out kids, because once the holiday has come and gone... then the book reports, theme papers, tests and such really begin!
All my girls are grown and we no longer look forward to, and/or dread the beginning of school in this household... but I still watch for the school buses each morning pick up waiting children, I still get excited to see harried parents and excited children in stores as they go down their supply list and pick out their binders, folders, lunch boxes, and back packs... I still feel the joy of the children, and the parents distress as the dollars add up... and I know too soon my Grandson's will be heading to school and picking out their first back pack!
Summer is waning... Fall is approaching... and I'm already missing the blissful relaxing lazy days of Summer!! I look forward to the last celebration of Summer on Labor Day weekend when the air is permeated with the smells of searing meat and buttery corn on the cob... but I also dread knowing that it pretty much finalizes Summer.
Summertime, Summer time... Sum, Sum, Summertime!!! My favorite time of the year!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Food Orgy Vacation
Joe and I just returned from a 2nd Honeymoon vacation... we traveled the Northwest (Seattle, Victoria BC, Vancouver), where the theme of the vacation was Food Orgy! Joe can never get enough of fresh seafood, so you can imagine that he was truly in hog eating heaven with all the fresh seafood available during our vacation!
We ate everything from local fresh catch of the day, French, Italian, Japanese, Asian, Irish, and good ole street vender/concession stand foods! We sat at cafes, drank beverages, munched on appetizers and/or pastries, and people watched... we strolled around in Market Places checking out all the different foods from various stalls (fish, fresh fruit breads, meats, cheeses... etc), we bought a big bag of fresh cherries to nibble on, and big fresh peaches and nectarines as big as soft balls and as sweet as sugar... we literally went from one snack and/or one meal to the next... our quest was to enjoy all the flavors of the Northwest!
You would think that this type of vacation involving sooo much food tasting and eating would lead to gaining several pounds over the ten days we were on this Food Orgy quest... but... because Joe and I walked almost everywhere, we actually burned off more calories than we took in. Joe and I both wear pedometers every day to keep track of our daily steps (10,000 steps a day is what is required to maintain a healthy life style) so we actually know just how much we walked each day. Our usual daily steps range between 5000 and 10,000 daily, which includes our nightly walks along with our normal daily life style... but... while on vacation last week our range was between 16,000 and 25,000 steps!!!! And when we ate or nibbled all these various foods, we didn't eat massive quantities of anything, we ate mostly appetizer sizes and we shared almost everything we ate... we saved most of our big eating for dinner, when we would splurge a bit.
I wish we lived in an area that had Market Places with the range of fresh foods that we enjoyed during our vacation... I would go every day to the market to get our daily food needs... there is just nothing like the selection of foods, the freshness of those foods, and the sights, smells and sounds of being in a big Market Place... it reminded me a lot of how Europe has fresh food markets all over town and most of the locals buy everything they need fresh every day.
Coffee is a HUGE commodity in the Northwest... just about everyone you see on the street is carrying a paper cup of coffee. Starbucks was first sold and marketed in Seattle and we actually visited "The First Starbucks" store a couple of times while we were in Seattle... but then there is literally a Starbucks on just about every corner in the Northwest... especially in Seattle! Joe LOVES his Starbucks coffee (as well as our daughters do too), so he particularly enjoyed many many cups of Starbucks during our trip.
I am not a coffee drinker at all... never have been... in that way I am just like my Grandma and my Aunt... we are devout tea drinkers! When Joe and I left Seattle to travel to Victoria B.C., tea is as HUGE there as coffee is to Seattle, so I enjoyed many a cup of DELISH tea... in fact... the hotel we stayed in, "The Emperess", served 'Traditional Afternoon Tea", which was a pretty big affair... I of course just HAD to experience this tradition at least once during our stay. Reservations are required, business casual was the required dress code, and it was at least an hour or two event. After being seated the waiter brings out a Tea Menu with detailed descriptions of each tea, the blend, the aroma and the flavors... you choose a tea and then you are served a little dish of strawberries and fresh whipped cream while the waiter prepares your specified tea. A gentleman in a tuxedo w/tails played a baby grand piano during the entire time! Each person is brought their tea choice in their own HUGE silver urn (probably holds 4-6 cups of tea each), delicate china tea cups are used (the china is from King George VI era and is now only made for this hotel). After pouring us each a cup of tea (there are sugar cubes and fresh cream on the table, also in silver dishes) the waiter brings a 3 tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones w/fresh cream and jam, cookies, cakes, and chocolates. Joe and I were only able to eat 1/2 of the tray, but they boxed up the rest for us to enjoy later in our room. At the end of the tea, the waiter brings out a box of their special tea for each of us as a souvenir. That was such a classy and civilized experience... it truly makes you feel like royalty! As a true tea connoisseur, this was a treat of a life time!!!
But alas.... all good things must come to an end... we are back home, unpacked, laundry done, life back to normal. But as I was preparing our dinner this evening, I couldn't help but reflect back on all the yumminess of the past 10 days, the glorious weather we had, the wonderful sights we saw (Museums, Parks, etc), the many strolls and deep conversation as well as many giggles we shared, and just the over all GREAT time we had together on our 2nd Honeymoon, 33rd Anniversary Vacation! This was the first time that Joe and I have been on vacation just the two of us since our actual Honeymoon in 1978 that ended 4 days early because we ran out of money! But... we still had a great time together the 3 days we actually had on our Honeymoon, which is really what is most important... and we always have the stories to share from both Honeymoons!
I am sooo grateful and blessed to have a soul mate/life partner who is still my best friend and that I enjoy being with on a daily basis and want to share every single moment with. Joe you are the BEST husband/partner/soul mate anyone could ever wish for and I appreciate you!!!! You are, and always will be the bread to my butter! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!
We ate everything from local fresh catch of the day, French, Italian, Japanese, Asian, Irish, and good ole street vender/concession stand foods! We sat at cafes, drank beverages, munched on appetizers and/or pastries, and people watched... we strolled around in Market Places checking out all the different foods from various stalls (fish, fresh fruit breads, meats, cheeses... etc), we bought a big bag of fresh cherries to nibble on, and big fresh peaches and nectarines as big as soft balls and as sweet as sugar... we literally went from one snack and/or one meal to the next... our quest was to enjoy all the flavors of the Northwest!
You would think that this type of vacation involving sooo much food tasting and eating would lead to gaining several pounds over the ten days we were on this Food Orgy quest... but... because Joe and I walked almost everywhere, we actually burned off more calories than we took in. Joe and I both wear pedometers every day to keep track of our daily steps (10,000 steps a day is what is required to maintain a healthy life style) so we actually know just how much we walked each day. Our usual daily steps range between 5000 and 10,000 daily, which includes our nightly walks along with our normal daily life style... but... while on vacation last week our range was between 16,000 and 25,000 steps!!!! And when we ate or nibbled all these various foods, we didn't eat massive quantities of anything, we ate mostly appetizer sizes and we shared almost everything we ate... we saved most of our big eating for dinner, when we would splurge a bit.
I wish we lived in an area that had Market Places with the range of fresh foods that we enjoyed during our vacation... I would go every day to the market to get our daily food needs... there is just nothing like the selection of foods, the freshness of those foods, and the sights, smells and sounds of being in a big Market Place... it reminded me a lot of how Europe has fresh food markets all over town and most of the locals buy everything they need fresh every day.
Coffee is a HUGE commodity in the Northwest... just about everyone you see on the street is carrying a paper cup of coffee. Starbucks was first sold and marketed in Seattle and we actually visited "The First Starbucks" store a couple of times while we were in Seattle... but then there is literally a Starbucks on just about every corner in the Northwest... especially in Seattle! Joe LOVES his Starbucks coffee (as well as our daughters do too), so he particularly enjoyed many many cups of Starbucks during our trip.
I am not a coffee drinker at all... never have been... in that way I am just like my Grandma and my Aunt... we are devout tea drinkers! When Joe and I left Seattle to travel to Victoria B.C., tea is as HUGE there as coffee is to Seattle, so I enjoyed many a cup of DELISH tea... in fact... the hotel we stayed in, "The Emperess", served 'Traditional Afternoon Tea", which was a pretty big affair... I of course just HAD to experience this tradition at least once during our stay. Reservations are required, business casual was the required dress code, and it was at least an hour or two event. After being seated the waiter brings out a Tea Menu with detailed descriptions of each tea, the blend, the aroma and the flavors... you choose a tea and then you are served a little dish of strawberries and fresh whipped cream while the waiter prepares your specified tea. A gentleman in a tuxedo w/tails played a baby grand piano during the entire time! Each person is brought their tea choice in their own HUGE silver urn (probably holds 4-6 cups of tea each), delicate china tea cups are used (the china is from King George VI era and is now only made for this hotel). After pouring us each a cup of tea (there are sugar cubes and fresh cream on the table, also in silver dishes) the waiter brings a 3 tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones w/fresh cream and jam, cookies, cakes, and chocolates. Joe and I were only able to eat 1/2 of the tray, but they boxed up the rest for us to enjoy later in our room. At the end of the tea, the waiter brings out a box of their special tea for each of us as a souvenir. That was such a classy and civilized experience... it truly makes you feel like royalty! As a true tea connoisseur, this was a treat of a life time!!!
But alas.... all good things must come to an end... we are back home, unpacked, laundry done, life back to normal. But as I was preparing our dinner this evening, I couldn't help but reflect back on all the yumminess of the past 10 days, the glorious weather we had, the wonderful sights we saw (Museums, Parks, etc), the many strolls and deep conversation as well as many giggles we shared, and just the over all GREAT time we had together on our 2nd Honeymoon, 33rd Anniversary Vacation! This was the first time that Joe and I have been on vacation just the two of us since our actual Honeymoon in 1978 that ended 4 days early because we ran out of money! But... we still had a great time together the 3 days we actually had on our Honeymoon, which is really what is most important... and we always have the stories to share from both Honeymoons!
I am sooo grateful and blessed to have a soul mate/life partner who is still my best friend and that I enjoy being with on a daily basis and want to share every single moment with. Joe you are the BEST husband/partner/soul mate anyone could ever wish for and I appreciate you!!!! You are, and always will be the bread to my butter! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!
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About Me
- Vickie G
- I am a short little lady with a passion for cooking and pilates. I have been married for 31 years to my high school sweetheart (my soulmate and love of my life!!!) and we have 3 amazing daughters. I am 50 years old and love living life with as much zest as possible.