This past week I spent 4 wonderful days in Las Vegas with my two daughters... Amber (the Bride To Be) and Jessica... and a few of Amber's friends to celebrate her Bachelorette Party... and keeping with the "Golden Rule" of... What Happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas... I will not be kissing and telling on any of the "Bachelorette/Girl Stuff"... but I can write about the show we saw, people watching, sight seeing, and various observations from walking around.
First observation... most people who work in Las Vegas are plasticly perfect, tanned, toned, and have the whitest teeth... AND... they are always trying to hawk something to sell you. They are exhausting in their efforts to sell you something... so should any of you venture to the Las Vegas area... just remember it's not rude to ignore them... in fact... it is a MUST to ignore them! However... having said that... they are also polite and friendly.
Contrary to many rumors... Elvis is NOT dead!!! I saw him for my very own eyes... why... he was right there with his baby blue cadillac next to the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign taking pictures with sight seers... only thing is... I don't recall him being quite so Asian looking... but then... it has been a few years since he was last seen in public. Then... by gum... I saw him again on the strip the very next night again taking photos with visitors... he must have gone to a party the night before and stayed in the hot Vegas sun too long the next morning though, because on the 2nd day he looked heavier and much more African American.... so odd!!!
We went to a show that was part Cirque Du Soleil, part comedy, part "Las Vegas"... we laughed or ooohed and ahhhed through the entire show. It was the most spectacular show I have ever seen... my only regret was that my husband Joe wasn't there to share the experience with me... he would have LOVED this show. At one part of the show I ended up on stage.... but I can't tell you about that because of the Golden Las Vegas Rule... but I will say that I got kicked off stage with my dignity in tact... THANKFULLY!!!!
There are definitely women of all ages who go to Vegas with the preconceived idea that they can wear anything they want, and that they should show everything they got.... ummmm.... no no no!!!!! Please Ladies.... most of your goodies need to stay sheathed, bound, underweared, zipped, and tucked away from public view.... I don't care what your girlfriends tell you.... Cover those things back up!!!! We saw hooters and cleavages that would literally poke your eyeballs out!... also we saw a very large young woman wearing fishnet stockings and a skirt that seriously stopped at the top of her nickle slot (butt crack.... however... her nickle slot was soooo big it would take dollar tokens!) This young woman was riding the escalator in front of us, soooo.... we got the whole entire back end view the whole ride up.... then..... she hinged bent over at the top of the escalator, that then gave us the whole coochie front view from the back.... eeeewwwwwwww doesn't even com close to the eye assaulting view that was!!!! Every bouncer in the casino was on their wrist microphones warning each other of the sight.... my eyeballs are still hurting from that sight!
We walked through almost every casino looking at artwork, chandeliers, and store window displays. WOWZERS!!!! Soooo much to see! Of course, all of our favorite casino sight is the Dale Chihuly chandelier is in the Bellagio. We did stop and drop a bill or two in slot machines as we passed through casinos, but we didn't really gamble seriously. I managed to come home with the same amount of money I gambled with... and to me... that is a win!
It was a wonderful time, spent with amazing women, and I'm grateful and delighted to have been a part of Amber's Bachelorette celebration! We are wedding ready... dresses altered, invitations sent and rsvp's received, dancing shoes polished.... Let's Get This Party Started!!!!!!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
First Birthdays, Baptism, Bridal Shower, and more!
Oh my goodness!!! WHEW WHEW WHEW WEE!!!! What a crazy, hectic month it has been since my last blog... and once again... THANK YOU to those who remind me to "get with it and update my blog". I have literally been burning tread back and forth from Kansas to Cincinnati the past month... in fact... I'm sure this last trip my car knew the way so well, it drove itself!
Both Grandsons have had their first Birthday's... celebrated on their actual Birthday, as well as the big family celebration party the girls had for the boys together. They did such a good job on the Birthday party... Lauren made cake pops from scratch (using a special cake pop pan and recipe), both Lauren and Jessica made the decorations using their cricket machine... everything was adorable, delicious, and the day was absolutely perfect! The baby boys are so funny and cute together... they are truly already Best Friends!
We also had a Bridal Shower for Amber (in Louisville), who is getting married in just 3 short weeks... and once again... I will gather with family and friends (like I have been doing for the past couple of months) for more joyous celebrating! The Shower was AWESOME... Amber and Ben received many nice gifts and lots of support from friends and family... some who traveled 3+ hours to attend her Shower. In two days from now the female Bridal Party heads to Las Vegas for the bachorlette party!.... and because "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"... there will be no blog of the Vegas Adventures.... sorry readers.... my lips will be sealed and my fingers stilled! : )
This past week Joe and I were blessed to have Lauren and baby Henry visit us here in Kansas. Lauren's husband Kevin, had to be out of town last week, so.... she on the spur of the moment followed me back to Kansas in her car... stayed the week, then Kevin flew to Wichita on his way home from his biz trip, took a vacation day and then drove the family home today. What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time we had. We were blessed with absolute perfect spring weather... temps in the 80's all week, with the sky filled with sunshine. Henry had his first outside play days, and he LOVED every minute... like a typical boy... he only threw a fit when it was time to come back inside.
Now our house is quiet... no more pitter pattering of baby Henry's footsteps and giggles, as he would run open armed into my arms for a big deep hug... no more bath time splashes and fun... that is... until their next visit in July! Gigi (me) is already counting down the days til they return for more Kansas fun in the sun! I have been gathering toy box goodies for the past several months for the boys as I would spot things on clearance... I have plenty of girl toys and dolls (since I had 3 girls and no boys of my own)... but am having to stock up anew for the boys. I have gathered butterfly nets and bug cages, plastic hats of all sorts (police, firemen, construction, army helmet), cars, a cozy coupe, bubbles, blocks, and even a coleman pup tent I got at a yard sale for $2, and a muscial instrument set for $5... and all are in brand new condition!!! Now I need to get a toy box in which to store my adding collection of boy toys!
My house chores are so far behind and I will be playing catch up for the next two days before I head out once again. Until the month of May arrives, my calendar is full with wedding finalities... then I will finally have time to Spring clean to my hearts content. Summer heat comes early here in Hutchinson, pool season will soon begin... and we all know Spring and Summer are my seasons of bliss! My sundresses are washed, ironed, and ready for donning... my sandals are un-boxed and lined up ready to wear... and I'm ready to put my convertible top down and let my hair fly in the warm wind!
Spring has sprung... the grass has riz.........
Both Grandsons have had their first Birthday's... celebrated on their actual Birthday, as well as the big family celebration party the girls had for the boys together. They did such a good job on the Birthday party... Lauren made cake pops from scratch (using a special cake pop pan and recipe), both Lauren and Jessica made the decorations using their cricket machine... everything was adorable, delicious, and the day was absolutely perfect! The baby boys are so funny and cute together... they are truly already Best Friends!
We also had a Bridal Shower for Amber (in Louisville), who is getting married in just 3 short weeks... and once again... I will gather with family and friends (like I have been doing for the past couple of months) for more joyous celebrating! The Shower was AWESOME... Amber and Ben received many nice gifts and lots of support from friends and family... some who traveled 3+ hours to attend her Shower. In two days from now the female Bridal Party heads to Las Vegas for the bachorlette party!.... and because "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"... there will be no blog of the Vegas Adventures.... sorry readers.... my lips will be sealed and my fingers stilled! : )
This past week Joe and I were blessed to have Lauren and baby Henry visit us here in Kansas. Lauren's husband Kevin, had to be out of town last week, so.... she on the spur of the moment followed me back to Kansas in her car... stayed the week, then Kevin flew to Wichita on his way home from his biz trip, took a vacation day and then drove the family home today. What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time we had. We were blessed with absolute perfect spring weather... temps in the 80's all week, with the sky filled with sunshine. Henry had his first outside play days, and he LOVED every minute... like a typical boy... he only threw a fit when it was time to come back inside.
Now our house is quiet... no more pitter pattering of baby Henry's footsteps and giggles, as he would run open armed into my arms for a big deep hug... no more bath time splashes and fun... that is... until their next visit in July! Gigi (me) is already counting down the days til they return for more Kansas fun in the sun! I have been gathering toy box goodies for the past several months for the boys as I would spot things on clearance... I have plenty of girl toys and dolls (since I had 3 girls and no boys of my own)... but am having to stock up anew for the boys. I have gathered butterfly nets and bug cages, plastic hats of all sorts (police, firemen, construction, army helmet), cars, a cozy coupe, bubbles, blocks, and even a coleman pup tent I got at a yard sale for $2, and a muscial instrument set for $5... and all are in brand new condition!!! Now I need to get a toy box in which to store my adding collection of boy toys!
My house chores are so far behind and I will be playing catch up for the next two days before I head out once again. Until the month of May arrives, my calendar is full with wedding finalities... then I will finally have time to Spring clean to my hearts content. Summer heat comes early here in Hutchinson, pool season will soon begin... and we all know Spring and Summer are my seasons of bliss! My sundresses are washed, ironed, and ready for donning... my sandals are un-boxed and lined up ready to wear... and I'm ready to put my convertible top down and let my hair fly in the warm wind!
Spring has sprung... the grass has riz.........
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Happy Birthday Boys!
Where did this past year fly to? I can't believe it's been a year already since the birth of our first Grandson Henry... and our 2nd Grandson Liam. They are such precious little fellas, and have literally been best buddies with each other since the day they were both born. We are soooo blessed to have these two little guys as part of our family now.
Henry's Birthday - February 8th... I drove from Kansas to Cincinnati for a week of fun and snuggles with my Grandsons. The drive to Cincinnati was as pleasant and quick as it is possible to make that 14 hour drive solo... but once I arrived complete chaos began... it's seriously like having twins with these two fellas... one of them needs some sort of constant attention at all times... a diaper needing changing, a bottle needs to be given, a boo boo that needs kissing, rocking cuddle time to put them to sleep, playing "peek-a-boo" and "I'm gonna get you" until you are hoarse and your knees are rubbed raw with carpet burns.... but.... after they are tucked in for the night and those two sweet little bodies are asleep, all sprawled out and actually snoring from their exhausting play day... I just wanna reach in, grab them up and kiss them all over!!!! I had a MAH-VA-LOUS time with my week in Cincinnati celebrating Henry's 'actual' Birthday.... a dual Birthday Celebration for both boys will be in March.
On the way home from this trip wasn't anywhere as near as quick and easy as the trip to Cincinnati... it began with the frustrating task of just trying to get across the Ohio River by the detour route because the main bridge is under repair.... what used to take 10-15 minutes, now takes an hour of detouring!!! URG!!! But I finally make it to an alternate bridge and my car dies in the middle of the bridge... with road raged drivers all around me because of the frustrations of the detour... the last thing they needed was me stuck on the middle of the bridge with a broken down car... fortunately it was just a glitch in the system and all I had to do was power down and power back up and the car was fine... still... those couple of minutes sitting in the middle of the bridge while I shut the car off and restarted were quite tense! The rest of that day went fine until it was time to stop for the night in St. Louis.... when I pulled up to the hotel I usually stay at during these trips back and forth from Kansas to Cincinnati... it was not only all full for the night.... ALL the other hotels were filled to the brim too because of a HUGE swim meet that weekend in the area. So back in the car I drive for another hour until I can find anywhere that has a room for the night... I was starting to feel like poor Mary looking for a room in an Inn. I climbed into bed and fell instantly asleep.
The good thing about having to drive so much further the night before because of "no room at the Inn"... I was starting 2 hours further down the road and thus had 2 hours less to drive to finish getting home... I would actually get home around 2:00 pm and would be able to unpack, and relax a bit before Joe got home. That was the plan anyway!!! About 2 1/2 hours down the road I had a right front tire blow out while I was going 78 MPH (the speed limit in this area is 75 MPH)... but thankfully due to all my race track training, I kept the car under control and pulled to the shoulder without hitting anyone or anything... WHEW!!! Half my tire was literally blown away!!! Fortunately my car is equipped with "Road Side Assistance"... so I just pushed that little wrench button, and instantly a voice comes on my car speaker telling me my exact satellite position, and that someone will be there to help me soon. It was especially nice that the road side assistance knew my location... because... I was literally in the middle of the prairie and there wasn't anything around me except for rolling prairie hills... not a sign... not a mile marker... NOTHING but VAST OPEN PRAIRIE!!!!!! And because I was in the midst of the prairie when this happened... it took 2 hours for anyone to reach me... but in the mean time I just chilled out read my book and listened to the radio. Then the fella showed up, changed my tire (putting on the spare 'donut') and advised me that the tire was only good for 100 miles, going no more than 50 MPH. So I put on my emergency flashers and limped the rest of the way home (2 1/2 hours) going 50 MPH in a 75 MPH zone... but I made it home safe and sound... just 5 hours later than planned.
Liam's Birthday - March 4th... I am once again driving back to Cincinnati to celebrate his 'actual' Birthday (and Baptism) one weekend, staying the week and getting to be with my baby boys for another week playing with them, then we celebrate both boys birthday's with a family party. I hope my travels to and fro this time are boring without any interesting stories to tell afterwards! In both air and road travels this past year, Joe and I have had just about every single "OH NO" mishap experience imaginable... I think I have a blog about our air travels last summer... which still... is the all time greatest worst travel experience ever! I'm packed and ready to hit the road next weekend to head back to Cincinnati!!
This will be another chaotic busy trip... the birthday celebrations, the Baptism weekend, my daughter Amber's Bridal Shower is the 2nd weekend I'm in town... also the tweaking and fine tuning of the wedding planning has to be done for her April wedding. I have so much fun on these trips and visits, and am so worn out after I get home... it takes me a couple of days to recover my sleep... but every single moment is worth it.
Henry is now walking and toddling all over the place.... he feels like he is such a big boy now and is busy exploring! He has discovered how fun it is to throw things in the toilet and then swish it around with his hands... he has learned to yank his socks off and put them on his hands so he can dust everything... he loves to clap and dance and catch bubbles. He is a funny and sweet little lad who likes to sit and observe, and comfort anyone in distress.
Liam is also walking... not quite toddling, but sure trying hard. He had a little boo boo mishap several weeks ago and was in a walking leg cast (from top of thigh to end of toesies) for 3 weeks... the cast never slowed him down... he kept clunking and crawling with it and standing up and walking around things as if the cast wasn't there... however... now he crawls and walks as if the cast is still there, but he is doing very well and will have a complete recovery. The whole time he had his cast on, he never whined or complained... was just his happy normal self. Liam is like a lightbulb... he lights up the room with his deep dimpled smile and his belly laugh... I think he is already quite the ham!
My prediction for these boys is... Henry loves to bang and hold things in his hands like drum sticks... he actually looks like he knows what he is doing... he loves to bang, he loves the different noises different objects make and he loves to dance... PRECIOUS!!! Liam loves to chatter and squeal, and also loves music and dancing, also quite ADORABLE... I think that they would be a great band one day... Henry on the drums, Liam on the vocals and guitar... just saying... who knows what the future will bring... but 17-20 years from now when this fabulous new band is topping the charts....I'll be saying... I TOLD YA SO!!! : ) I'm a Grandmother.... I'm allowed to be proud of my Grand younguns wayyyy before they have actually accomplished anything to be proud of! Right now we do a lot of YAYING, clapping and saying 'THAT'S A GOOD BOY' for everything they do!
What a difference a year makes... what a difference being a Grandparent makes... what a difference new lives make in our family... married in or born in... what a difference we all make!
Henry's Birthday - February 8th... I drove from Kansas to Cincinnati for a week of fun and snuggles with my Grandsons. The drive to Cincinnati was as pleasant and quick as it is possible to make that 14 hour drive solo... but once I arrived complete chaos began... it's seriously like having twins with these two fellas... one of them needs some sort of constant attention at all times... a diaper needing changing, a bottle needs to be given, a boo boo that needs kissing, rocking cuddle time to put them to sleep, playing "peek-a-boo" and "I'm gonna get you" until you are hoarse and your knees are rubbed raw with carpet burns.... but.... after they are tucked in for the night and those two sweet little bodies are asleep, all sprawled out and actually snoring from their exhausting play day... I just wanna reach in, grab them up and kiss them all over!!!! I had a MAH-VA-LOUS time with my week in Cincinnati celebrating Henry's 'actual' Birthday.... a dual Birthday Celebration for both boys will be in March.
On the way home from this trip wasn't anywhere as near as quick and easy as the trip to Cincinnati... it began with the frustrating task of just trying to get across the Ohio River by the detour route because the main bridge is under repair.... what used to take 10-15 minutes, now takes an hour of detouring!!! URG!!! But I finally make it to an alternate bridge and my car dies in the middle of the bridge... with road raged drivers all around me because of the frustrations of the detour... the last thing they needed was me stuck on the middle of the bridge with a broken down car... fortunately it was just a glitch in the system and all I had to do was power down and power back up and the car was fine... still... those couple of minutes sitting in the middle of the bridge while I shut the car off and restarted were quite tense! The rest of that day went fine until it was time to stop for the night in St. Louis.... when I pulled up to the hotel I usually stay at during these trips back and forth from Kansas to Cincinnati... it was not only all full for the night.... ALL the other hotels were filled to the brim too because of a HUGE swim meet that weekend in the area. So back in the car I drive for another hour until I can find anywhere that has a room for the night... I was starting to feel like poor Mary looking for a room in an Inn. I climbed into bed and fell instantly asleep.
The good thing about having to drive so much further the night before because of "no room at the Inn"... I was starting 2 hours further down the road and thus had 2 hours less to drive to finish getting home... I would actually get home around 2:00 pm and would be able to unpack, and relax a bit before Joe got home. That was the plan anyway!!! About 2 1/2 hours down the road I had a right front tire blow out while I was going 78 MPH (the speed limit in this area is 75 MPH)... but thankfully due to all my race track training, I kept the car under control and pulled to the shoulder without hitting anyone or anything... WHEW!!! Half my tire was literally blown away!!! Fortunately my car is equipped with "Road Side Assistance"... so I just pushed that little wrench button, and instantly a voice comes on my car speaker telling me my exact satellite position, and that someone will be there to help me soon. It was especially nice that the road side assistance knew my location... because... I was literally in the middle of the prairie and there wasn't anything around me except for rolling prairie hills... not a sign... not a mile marker... NOTHING but VAST OPEN PRAIRIE!!!!!! And because I was in the midst of the prairie when this happened... it took 2 hours for anyone to reach me... but in the mean time I just chilled out read my book and listened to the radio. Then the fella showed up, changed my tire (putting on the spare 'donut') and advised me that the tire was only good for 100 miles, going no more than 50 MPH. So I put on my emergency flashers and limped the rest of the way home (2 1/2 hours) going 50 MPH in a 75 MPH zone... but I made it home safe and sound... just 5 hours later than planned.
Liam's Birthday - March 4th... I am once again driving back to Cincinnati to celebrate his 'actual' Birthday (and Baptism) one weekend, staying the week and getting to be with my baby boys for another week playing with them, then we celebrate both boys birthday's with a family party. I hope my travels to and fro this time are boring without any interesting stories to tell afterwards! In both air and road travels this past year, Joe and I have had just about every single "OH NO" mishap experience imaginable... I think I have a blog about our air travels last summer... which still... is the all time greatest worst travel experience ever! I'm packed and ready to hit the road next weekend to head back to Cincinnati!!
This will be another chaotic busy trip... the birthday celebrations, the Baptism weekend, my daughter Amber's Bridal Shower is the 2nd weekend I'm in town... also the tweaking and fine tuning of the wedding planning has to be done for her April wedding. I have so much fun on these trips and visits, and am so worn out after I get home... it takes me a couple of days to recover my sleep... but every single moment is worth it.
Henry is now walking and toddling all over the place.... he feels like he is such a big boy now and is busy exploring! He has discovered how fun it is to throw things in the toilet and then swish it around with his hands... he has learned to yank his socks off and put them on his hands so he can dust everything... he loves to clap and dance and catch bubbles. He is a funny and sweet little lad who likes to sit and observe, and comfort anyone in distress.
Liam is also walking... not quite toddling, but sure trying hard. He had a little boo boo mishap several weeks ago and was in a walking leg cast (from top of thigh to end of toesies) for 3 weeks... the cast never slowed him down... he kept clunking and crawling with it and standing up and walking around things as if the cast wasn't there... however... now he crawls and walks as if the cast is still there, but he is doing very well and will have a complete recovery. The whole time he had his cast on, he never whined or complained... was just his happy normal self. Liam is like a lightbulb... he lights up the room with his deep dimpled smile and his belly laugh... I think he is already quite the ham!
My prediction for these boys is... Henry loves to bang and hold things in his hands like drum sticks... he actually looks like he knows what he is doing... he loves to bang, he loves the different noises different objects make and he loves to dance... PRECIOUS!!! Liam loves to chatter and squeal, and also loves music and dancing, also quite ADORABLE... I think that they would be a great band one day... Henry on the drums, Liam on the vocals and guitar... just saying... who knows what the future will bring... but 17-20 years from now when this fabulous new band is topping the charts....I'll be saying... I TOLD YA SO!!! : ) I'm a Grandmother.... I'm allowed to be proud of my Grand younguns wayyyy before they have actually accomplished anything to be proud of! Right now we do a lot of YAYING, clapping and saying 'THAT'S A GOOD BOY' for everything they do!
What a difference a year makes... what a difference being a Grandparent makes... what a difference new lives make in our family... married in or born in... what a difference we all make!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Winter Whine Shut Down
Well!!... what can I say???!!! The weather here in Hutchinson Kansas has been so mild and tolerable, that it makes all my earlier whinning seem moot. It has thus far been a delightfully mild Winter... very little precipitation, calm breezy days vs blustery bitter winds, and mostly sunny skies... and who can complain about temps ranging between 47 - 60 for January??!!
If Winter continues to be this mild, I can totally bare through til spring with an actual smile on my face! I must say though... and I know this is such a contradiction to all my Winter whinning in general... but... I am disappointed that we haven't had a BIG snow fall that creates the magical "Snow Day!!" I am going East next week to visit with my girls and grandbabies... so I'm hoping the temps stay mild til I get back and I don't miss "The Snow Fall" if it happens while I'm away.
Today feels, smells, sounds, and looks like the beginning of Spring... with birds chirping, wind chimes tinkling, trees slightly swaying, and the freshness that hangs in the air. Everything is still Winter brown and dead... but you can see the 'hope' of things getting ready to bud and sprout.. the fresh smell in the air makes you scan the landscape ever so acutely looking for that first hint of budding Spring... and then... even when your eye doesn't see the first signs of Spring budding... your nose tells you it's just around the corner and Winter is almost over.
Anything can, and usually does happen in the short sweet month of February... so don't get too comfortable thinking you have sailed through the worst of Winter unscathed. February is famous for teasing you in with mild weather, and then bringing in a huge Winter storm!!... and it is usually when you are really really ready for Spring, and are in the midst of bringing out all your Spring attire and putting the Winter attire away... WHHAMM... 10" of snow... and hopefully the only thing that keeps the mood from being spoiled is the magical "Snow Day!!"
I have been dreading this Winter since Oct 31st when our final HOT days were over. Fall was also reasonably mild here in Hutchinson Kansas, but... not very pretty since we had had such a HOT Summer and there were barely any leaves left on the trees to turn colorful. So I really expected to hunker in an endure Winter's blast... but... I'm honestly surprised at how mild and nice it has been. I hope I take all this mild Winter weather with me back East and it isn't frigid and artic during my visit. I will be carting babies in and out, so hopefully the weather will be nice... at least hoping for dry anyway.
Only 4 more weeks til March, and only 8 more weeks til it's offically Spring!!! That doesn't seem to long to wait for short sleeves and flip flops! Blessedly I haven't had to wear a heavy Winter coat much this Winter... mostly scarves and sweaters have sufficed. You have plenty of time to finish that stack (or even just that one) book(s) and/or Winter project(s) you have going or want to start... so... enjoy the nice days when you can step outdoors and let some sunshine kiss your face, and stay hunkered in, warm and safe, on those days of Winters worst. I can smell Spring in the air... it's coming!!!
If Winter continues to be this mild, I can totally bare through til spring with an actual smile on my face! I must say though... and I know this is such a contradiction to all my Winter whinning in general... but... I am disappointed that we haven't had a BIG snow fall that creates the magical "Snow Day!!" I am going East next week to visit with my girls and grandbabies... so I'm hoping the temps stay mild til I get back and I don't miss "The Snow Fall" if it happens while I'm away.
Today feels, smells, sounds, and looks like the beginning of Spring... with birds chirping, wind chimes tinkling, trees slightly swaying, and the freshness that hangs in the air. Everything is still Winter brown and dead... but you can see the 'hope' of things getting ready to bud and sprout.. the fresh smell in the air makes you scan the landscape ever so acutely looking for that first hint of budding Spring... and then... even when your eye doesn't see the first signs of Spring budding... your nose tells you it's just around the corner and Winter is almost over.
Anything can, and usually does happen in the short sweet month of February... so don't get too comfortable thinking you have sailed through the worst of Winter unscathed. February is famous for teasing you in with mild weather, and then bringing in a huge Winter storm!!... and it is usually when you are really really ready for Spring, and are in the midst of bringing out all your Spring attire and putting the Winter attire away... WHHAMM... 10" of snow... and hopefully the only thing that keeps the mood from being spoiled is the magical "Snow Day!!"
I have been dreading this Winter since Oct 31st when our final HOT days were over. Fall was also reasonably mild here in Hutchinson Kansas, but... not very pretty since we had had such a HOT Summer and there were barely any leaves left on the trees to turn colorful. So I really expected to hunker in an endure Winter's blast... but... I'm honestly surprised at how mild and nice it has been. I hope I take all this mild Winter weather with me back East and it isn't frigid and artic during my visit. I will be carting babies in and out, so hopefully the weather will be nice... at least hoping for dry anyway.
Only 4 more weeks til March, and only 8 more weeks til it's offically Spring!!! That doesn't seem to long to wait for short sleeves and flip flops! Blessedly I haven't had to wear a heavy Winter coat much this Winter... mostly scarves and sweaters have sufficed. You have plenty of time to finish that stack (or even just that one) book(s) and/or Winter project(s) you have going or want to start... so... enjoy the nice days when you can step outdoors and let some sunshine kiss your face, and stay hunkered in, warm and safe, on those days of Winters worst. I can smell Spring in the air... it's coming!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
My First Happy Mail of 2012
I have written a blog or two in the past about how special "Happy Mail" is... and how receiving it can totally make your day, your week, or just make you feel really special.
With the Holiday Season just 2 weeks behind us... I wasn't expecting any "Happy Mail" because we had just spent two weeks visiting with various friends and family members, many whom we only get to visit with during the Holiday Season. I feel blessed and overwhelmed with all the "Happy Mail" Christmas cards, all the thoughtful gifts I received, and all the special time I spent with loved ones. But in my mail box a couple days ago was the sweetest handwritten note, from a most unlikely source (as in... this person is extremely tender hearted and thoughtful... we don't get to see each other much, but when we do it is always wonderful... but... I had just spent time with this person... so receiving such a heartfelt note was a surprise)... my brother Mike sent me a note telling me how much he appreciated me in his life and how much I meant to him in general. Let me tell ya folks.... it was a weeper!!!!... and anyone will tell you that I'm just not a weeper!!! But... I wept!!!
In the note he spoke about specific incidents and events in our lives that were bonding and special to him... he spoke about when I was there for him at difficult times in his life (but really... I was just doing what he would have also done for me), he spoke about how much he enjoyed being with my family during visits... and he reminisced about times in our childhood that were special. This is not the first note I have received from my brother over the years that was so poignant and sweet... in fact I have received several from him... each one is a treasure I will cherish forever! All of his notes have come at unexpected times, and each one has made my heart sing and smile, and my heart ache with happy love... he is and always has been a wonderful protective Brother to me!
Receiving this note from my brother reminded me how AWESOME "Happy Mail' is, and that I need to get on the ball send more out myself. I have in fact a couple of boxed "Happy Mail" items to be shipped out tomorrow. I hope these Happy Mailings bring a smile to those who will be receiving them, and a skip in their steps for the day.
This is the time of year when many of us are just drudging through these cold days of winter and waiting for the joys of spring to arrive... so this is an especially good time to reach out and send a thoughtful gesture to someone you love, or someone who you think could use a little simple smile! Thank you soooooo much Mike for the first piece of "Happy Mail" I have received in 2012... it definitely has my year off to a great start!!!
With the Holiday Season just 2 weeks behind us... I wasn't expecting any "Happy Mail" because we had just spent two weeks visiting with various friends and family members, many whom we only get to visit with during the Holiday Season. I feel blessed and overwhelmed with all the "Happy Mail" Christmas cards, all the thoughtful gifts I received, and all the special time I spent with loved ones. But in my mail box a couple days ago was the sweetest handwritten note, from a most unlikely source (as in... this person is extremely tender hearted and thoughtful... we don't get to see each other much, but when we do it is always wonderful... but... I had just spent time with this person... so receiving such a heartfelt note was a surprise)... my brother Mike sent me a note telling me how much he appreciated me in his life and how much I meant to him in general. Let me tell ya folks.... it was a weeper!!!!... and anyone will tell you that I'm just not a weeper!!! But... I wept!!!
In the note he spoke about specific incidents and events in our lives that were bonding and special to him... he spoke about when I was there for him at difficult times in his life (but really... I was just doing what he would have also done for me), he spoke about how much he enjoyed being with my family during visits... and he reminisced about times in our childhood that were special. This is not the first note I have received from my brother over the years that was so poignant and sweet... in fact I have received several from him... each one is a treasure I will cherish forever! All of his notes have come at unexpected times, and each one has made my heart sing and smile, and my heart ache with happy love... he is and always has been a wonderful protective Brother to me!
Receiving this note from my brother reminded me how AWESOME "Happy Mail' is, and that I need to get on the ball send more out myself. I have in fact a couple of boxed "Happy Mail" items to be shipped out tomorrow. I hope these Happy Mailings bring a smile to those who will be receiving them, and a skip in their steps for the day.
This is the time of year when many of us are just drudging through these cold days of winter and waiting for the joys of spring to arrive... so this is an especially good time to reach out and send a thoughtful gesture to someone you love, or someone who you think could use a little simple smile! Thank you soooooo much Mike for the first piece of "Happy Mail" I have received in 2012... it definitely has my year off to a great start!!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Random Things About Me
1. My house has to smell good at all times... either with delicious cooking aromas, or the wonderful scents of burning candles.
2. Racing my husband's car on a real racetrack is a favorite pastime... must be a thing with speed!
3. Joe and I love roller coasters... the faster the better
4. If a fire is burning in a fire place you will find me standing directly in front of it... until the heat penetrates my clothing to the point of burning my skin.
5. I can still do the splits... I'm 53 years old!
6. I'm always sticking things in my ear... I know I shouldn't... but I can't help it... when it itches way down deep, it has to be scratched!
7. Earning a pilot's license is really high on my bucket list
8. I'm currently learning to speak both French and Spanish (Latin)... with plans on learning Italian as well
9. Joe and I plan on spending a few months taking culinary classes in both France and Italy after he retires
10. Joe and I also plan on doing the Camino de Santiago walk after he retires
11. I have had a valid drivers license in 6 states
12. "The Big Chill" is still my all time favorite movie... because it's about special friendships
13. I try to look at the moon every night
14. I love playing backgammon
15. I love "vintage"... purses, shoes, kitchenware and bowls, jewelry...etc.
16. In the winter I drink at least 3 pots of hot tea a day... in the summer I drink at least 64 oz of water a day... I must be part camel!
17. My favorite exercise is pilates (reformer)... I do pilates 2-3 times a week... wish I could do it everyday... one day I'm gonna have to get me a pilates reformer
18. I tat... as in making lace with a hand shuttle
19. Sixlets are a candy I can never say no to
20. I named my car "Miss B Haven".... because it's a red sports car and it's hard to behave when driving it
21. I am a very tactile person and I just have to touch and feel everything
22. Red is my very favorite color
23. I prefer pearls to diamonds, and daisy's to roses... pearls are simple yet classic and timeless... daisy's are strong like a weed, can grow anywhere, and always make people smile!
24. Joe and I love to travel and hope to continue to travel to see as much of this big ole planet earth as possible
25. My lucky and favorite number is 3... but the number 9 is even more perfect because it is three 3's
26. I prefer Pepsi to Coke... and I used to work for Coca Cola
27. I am right handed but golf and bat left handed
28. I hosted a late night television movie channel once
29. I can hold a lit cigarette touching between my pointer finger and thumb without it burning, pull a wine cork out from the inside of an empty wine bottle using just a table napkin, and tie a cherry stem with my tongue and teeth with my mouth closed... always fun to have stupid bar tricks to impress your friends with! : )
30. I started this blog as a tribute to my mentor Julia Child... it has since turned into just another blog about random things... sometimes including recipes.
31. I am basically just your normal, quirky, curious, run of the mill average person you see on the streets everyday... perhaps I have seen you on the streets somewhere, sometime, someplace... we smiled at each other and then went along our merry way!
2. Racing my husband's car on a real racetrack is a favorite pastime... must be a thing with speed!
3. Joe and I love roller coasters... the faster the better
4. If a fire is burning in a fire place you will find me standing directly in front of it... until the heat penetrates my clothing to the point of burning my skin.
5. I can still do the splits... I'm 53 years old!
6. I'm always sticking things in my ear... I know I shouldn't... but I can't help it... when it itches way down deep, it has to be scratched!
7. Earning a pilot's license is really high on my bucket list
8. I'm currently learning to speak both French and Spanish (Latin)... with plans on learning Italian as well
9. Joe and I plan on spending a few months taking culinary classes in both France and Italy after he retires
10. Joe and I also plan on doing the Camino de Santiago walk after he retires
11. I have had a valid drivers license in 6 states
12. "The Big Chill" is still my all time favorite movie... because it's about special friendships
13. I try to look at the moon every night
14. I love playing backgammon
15. I love "vintage"... purses, shoes, kitchenware and bowls, jewelry...etc.
16. In the winter I drink at least 3 pots of hot tea a day... in the summer I drink at least 64 oz of water a day... I must be part camel!
17. My favorite exercise is pilates (reformer)... I do pilates 2-3 times a week... wish I could do it everyday... one day I'm gonna have to get me a pilates reformer
18. I tat... as in making lace with a hand shuttle
19. Sixlets are a candy I can never say no to
20. I named my car "Miss B Haven".... because it's a red sports car and it's hard to behave when driving it
21. I am a very tactile person and I just have to touch and feel everything
22. Red is my very favorite color
23. I prefer pearls to diamonds, and daisy's to roses... pearls are simple yet classic and timeless... daisy's are strong like a weed, can grow anywhere, and always make people smile!
24. Joe and I love to travel and hope to continue to travel to see as much of this big ole planet earth as possible
25. My lucky and favorite number is 3... but the number 9 is even more perfect because it is three 3's
26. I prefer Pepsi to Coke... and I used to work for Coca Cola
27. I am right handed but golf and bat left handed
28. I hosted a late night television movie channel once
29. I can hold a lit cigarette touching between my pointer finger and thumb without it burning, pull a wine cork out from the inside of an empty wine bottle using just a table napkin, and tie a cherry stem with my tongue and teeth with my mouth closed... always fun to have stupid bar tricks to impress your friends with! : )
30. I started this blog as a tribute to my mentor Julia Child... it has since turned into just another blog about random things... sometimes including recipes.
31. I am basically just your normal, quirky, curious, run of the mill average person you see on the streets everyday... perhaps I have seen you on the streets somewhere, sometime, someplace... we smiled at each other and then went along our merry way!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Post Holiday Blues
Yep.... it is that time of year when all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays Season is over... the Holidays have been prepared for, celebrated, and most homes now have all their decorations packed back up, and stored away until next year... not me... am still working on it... hoping to be done with this task by the end of this weekend.
I was sooo ahead of schedule with the Holiday decorating, planning, and packing... and was on target to stay ahead of schedule with the packing up, and storing away of the Holiday decorations... but then... the flu crud hit me like a truck, and I lost an entire week to huddling under a blanket, taking cold meds, eating lots of my homemade chicken noodle soup (the best antibiotic ever!!!), and resting. But now the crud is gone and the decorations MUST be put away! It is just sooooo much more fun yanking it all out and decorating than it is to organize it and store it away.
I already miss the twinkle lights aglow everywhere you go... I miss hearing Christmas carols, and the smell of evergreen trees... I miss the anticipation of visiting with, and celebrating the season several times with different branches of the family, and with friends. The landscape has gone from bright and shiny to dull and drab... winter is upon us full blast... as in blizzardly blast!
I am wishing for a really good snow storm... one that makes you have to stay inside glued to the television watching everyone else get stuck and trying to shovel their way out. The kind of snow storm that creates the ever WONDERFUL and DELIGHTFUL "SNOW DAY"!!!! We all know that an official "Snow Day" is like an unexpected vacation day, or sick day without actually having to be sick. I can always feel the extra spark of excitement in the air when a "Snow Day" is called... I can hear kids all over town yipping and yaying their way into a fun special day! Maybe snowmen will be made... maybe snowball fights will ensue... maybe some snow-cream will be made... fire places will be lit to huddle hinnies around... some parents will dread this 'extra stay at home day'... but some parents will embrace the day for what it is and just have fun with their kids... I am sure you can guess which parent I tried to be!
It's sooooo cold here... the wind is bitter and drying to the skin... the outside just looks bleak and bare after all the sparkle of twinkle lights just a few days ago. I have several good books to read and some hand crafts to keep myself busy with... but... I'm counting down the days til Spring sunshine and warmth returns... which for those of you who are counting down with me.... the official day of Spring for 2012 is March 20.... so that is just... 10 weeks and 3 days... or 73 days!!
Winter whinners (such as myself)... the best advice I can give to keep those post holiday blues at bay is... keep busy, stay warm, and mark the days down on a calendar. Looking forward to reciting my favorite chant (which I call "My Dad's Poem")... "Spring has sprung, the grass has riz... I wonder where them flowers is!"
I was sooo ahead of schedule with the Holiday decorating, planning, and packing... and was on target to stay ahead of schedule with the packing up, and storing away of the Holiday decorations... but then... the flu crud hit me like a truck, and I lost an entire week to huddling under a blanket, taking cold meds, eating lots of my homemade chicken noodle soup (the best antibiotic ever!!!), and resting. But now the crud is gone and the decorations MUST be put away! It is just sooooo much more fun yanking it all out and decorating than it is to organize it and store it away.
I already miss the twinkle lights aglow everywhere you go... I miss hearing Christmas carols, and the smell of evergreen trees... I miss the anticipation of visiting with, and celebrating the season several times with different branches of the family, and with friends. The landscape has gone from bright and shiny to dull and drab... winter is upon us full blast... as in blizzardly blast!
I am wishing for a really good snow storm... one that makes you have to stay inside glued to the television watching everyone else get stuck and trying to shovel their way out. The kind of snow storm that creates the ever WONDERFUL and DELIGHTFUL "SNOW DAY"!!!! We all know that an official "Snow Day" is like an unexpected vacation day, or sick day without actually having to be sick. I can always feel the extra spark of excitement in the air when a "Snow Day" is called... I can hear kids all over town yipping and yaying their way into a fun special day! Maybe snowmen will be made... maybe snowball fights will ensue... maybe some snow-cream will be made... fire places will be lit to huddle hinnies around... some parents will dread this 'extra stay at home day'... but some parents will embrace the day for what it is and just have fun with their kids... I am sure you can guess which parent I tried to be!
It's sooooo cold here... the wind is bitter and drying to the skin... the outside just looks bleak and bare after all the sparkle of twinkle lights just a few days ago. I have several good books to read and some hand crafts to keep myself busy with... but... I'm counting down the days til Spring sunshine and warmth returns... which for those of you who are counting down with me.... the official day of Spring for 2012 is March 20.... so that is just... 10 weeks and 3 days... or 73 days!!
Winter whinners (such as myself)... the best advice I can give to keep those post holiday blues at bay is... keep busy, stay warm, and mark the days down on a calendar. Looking forward to reciting my favorite chant (which I call "My Dad's Poem")... "Spring has sprung, the grass has riz... I wonder where them flowers is!"
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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.