Davy Baby & Joey B.

Usually I do not enjoy eating in the conference room at the office. Too much testosterone for one woman. Usually I cannot wait to run outdoors and play especially on such a mild day. Even with Mr. Testosterone sitting next to me today it was tolerable enough. The reasons that it was so enjoyable are as follows:
I was joined by three or four of my closest friends, Molly, Aunt Bubby,and cousin Mel. The usual cast of characters were present but they did not get to discuss sports, sex and competitive eating as usual. There were no embarrassing moments where I turned beet red for their amusement, not today.
Anyway, we continued a discussion that Big Daddy initiate this morning with Joey B. Seems our young protege does not know who David Bowie is. That was all it took to get me started as I consider myself one of his greatest fans. We gave the young Mr. B. A homework assignment to listen and learn about the androgynous creation of the 70's, Ziggy Srardust, the actor who gave us The Hunger, the Man who fell to Earth, and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. Oh, how about his portrayal of Andy Warhol. Forgot what movie that was? What was it Pax? The man survived sex, drugs and rock and roll of the 70's to become a classic rock icon. After marriage and a second career as an artist he now models along with his beautiful wife in fashionable magazines.

Someone announced that we should develop a kind of jeopardy game for Joey B. to share all the glory and great bands of the 60's and 70's. So the remaining hour was filled with reminiscences over favorites from the 60's and 70's. Few of us may still remember Woodstock or the British invasion of the Beatles. Joey B. was only five when Live Aid took place. Remembering the the following was fun:
The Byrds
Bread
The Band
Janis Joplin
Cream/Eric Clapton
The Door/Morrison
Stevie Winwood
The Kinks
The Animals
Motown and Marvin Gaye
The Temptations/Four Tops/Smokey Robinson
Harry Chapin
Iron Butterfly
Pink Floyd
Don't even get me started about movies.....Last time we suggested he watch the Graduate.
All afternoon I could not get the Temptations rythms out of my head, " I got sunshine on a cloudy day"...
Pax I wish you could have been there to see what cha, cha, changes you started with our young American.

TO to Go!

A few days, maybe a week ago while Bubba and I were watching football and discussing the decline of the Eagles, etc. He mentioned TO and I predicted him going to the Buc's. I saw him wearing those awful bronze pants that are the hallmark of the team. But that fact I kept to myself until today when someone mentioned it. Better yet my coworker asked how I knew and my retort was that I'd seen a vision of those ugly bronze trousers! She said, "oh OK," which sounded a little silly at the time and we laughed. Hummm, it remains to be seen if he can fit into the team and their uniform but I saw it coming.......Wish I could predict the outcome of game between the Colts and Steeleers. If so I could clean up on a large bet with the big guy!

No place like a garden

Hope that you enjoy the change of scenery.

Favorite things

My favorite things about a new year:

HOPE that this year will bring health, happiness and peace we all desire.
While most people are starting diets and excercise regimes I hope to be able to continue walking several miles each week. (don't really like going when its cold outside). Somehow I managed to loose a few pounds....

Cleaning out the clutter from closets and the attic seems to be in some way therapuetic. Having a small house has forced me to streamline and not collect too much stuff. A work in progress I admit.

Wishing that this year the fighting will cease and American soldiers will come home to their families.

A new year brings a new opportunity to acheive the goals that we set for ourselves.
Finally, Faith the things will all turn out for the best!

1975

Traveling is the appropriate thing to do while one is on vacation. So today I went back to London 1975. Yes it's possible and what a pleasant trip it was. Went along with the E Street band to the days of white polyester suits, curly perms, big glasses and platform shoes. Bruce unshaven and unkept sang his heart out! Cool! The thirtieth anniversary of "Born to Run" rereleased with concert footage and other goodies was a special treat this holiday.

Thanks to my dear friend Pax for making this trip possible.

My holiday.

We went to my sisters in northwestern New York state where NJ, NY and PA meet. Her family live atop a mountain and have the most amazing view of the rolling hillside punctuated with stone walls that look as if they've been there since the Mohicans. In fact thats what the view from their breakfast room reminded me of. On a clearer day you can see High Point, NJ which is ten minutes away. Not being a great photographer I have no visual proof to offfer but I'll try to remedy that in a future blog.

Dinner was ready at the same time I wanted to nap, probably around three pm. After driving since 7am, I was beyond tired. We took Mum which I thought would make her very happy. The idea of seeing her 8 year old grandaughter open her American girl dolls and other gifts sounded very appealing. Wrong! Let me just say that next time I'm going alone! I'll spare you the details. Yet it was all so worth it to see my sister and her family so happy in their newly built home. They seem like the ideal happy family. As an engineer her hubby has moved them around the country several times and this is the closest they've been in fifteen years. I could not be happier!

Now its back to the real world and I am determined to make the new year one filled with happy memories. Thank you all for the gifts you've given me this year. Let's vow to make the new year the BEST filled with peace and love.

Have a Happy!

No matter what holiday you celebrate this season. My wish for you all is happiness, peace and joy!

What a day for holiday?

Well the shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped. The sun was shining and the cold didn't seem to be noticable this morning. A beautiful day to be on holiday mode and so apparently was everyone else. When I couldn't get a parking space at Trader Joe's I knew that the mad, mad rush was on. Not the kid, no I did not need organic extracts and dried fruits that badly. I got the idea to bake a version of the much maligned fruit cake for my Mom who thinks they are great. Instead I indulged on a delicious expresso with cherry syrup topped with whipped cream and a hint of chocolate syrup at Borders. They called Black Forest Mocha. I called it heavenly with every sip. Uhmm...The Brits are right about one thing, holiday sounds better that vacation. What a nice day to hang out and lunch with friends this holiday.

Humm! Can you say cookies?

One holiday tradition that did not escape this season was the baking day ritual. See Pax Romano's blog. After sorting throught through dozens of recipe cards, magazine pages and a cookbook or two, I got down to business. Even invited Mommy dearest, but alas she was out shopping. So I whipped up a batch of peanut butter, some gingerbread, chocolate candy and butterscotch almond bars. That was after baking an easy cheesecake. The chocolate chips that Bubba made on Friday are already gone...wonder where they went? I cannot find my recipe for pizzelle's. Does anyone have a recipe they could share? Today its oatmeal rasin, chocolate marble brownies (my sisters recipe) and yes the anise cookies...Hummm! Got milk?

Holiday hopes

Never thought I'd say it but I'd like to skip Christmas this year. Well at least in the traditional ways of over decorating the house and buying gifts for family that they don't need or don't have a place to store. I have gotten more joy from giving gifts to children and to charities than any thing else.
When friends ask what is on my wish list I am often at a loss. I am happy to have time and laughter with each and everyone of the friends in my life. Friends (and you know who you are) provide me with more gifts than I could ever put under a tree.
Let me say thank you for the gifts that I received every day:
Laughter: the kind that makes me cry and makes my face turn an unflattering shade of red. To those who find the humor in everyday events and to see the irony that is all around us if we just open ourselves to it.
Challenges: to those who are honest/brave enough to say what is in their hearts and minds and yet present it in a way that is sensitive. Even hardships can be tools for teaching.
Sharing and discussions about timely and thought provoking movies, books and entertainment over a cup of tea or coffee. OK, even blogging! I've left out politics purposely.
Music: Don't know what I'd do without it on a daily basis! Something about taming the savage... I am convinced that a christmas concert is one way to start the season with spirit!
Knowledge: that there are a few people that I can depend on whenever things are too much to bear and the world seems a little too chilly!
Family: A woman really needs her sisters/brothers. What would we do without one another? Even if we do not share the same DNA. There are those who promote spirituality, serenity, authenticity, honor and humor. Each is a precious gem not to be taken for granted.
Love and peace are not cliches, they are what we all really want and need. Happy holiday!
XOXO

Pride & Prejudice review

Last week faced with three eagerly awaited films I end up going to see another remake of P&P which had been in theaters the longest. A bit sceptical at first, I succumbed to the advertising campaign. I thought nothing could replace the last version with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. Either I have memory loss or the story was told with a new spin and yet kept to the original witty dialogue and humor. Kiera Knightly was pretty good as Lizzie and Donald Sutherland as her father, not bad! The actress who played the neurotic Mum was excellent. I cannot remember her name. She's been a few good (English) films. If you know her name please share it with me. Overall, I'd give it 3 out 0f 4, you may want to wait for DVD, but it is worth watching once again.
I cannot wait to see RENT and am intriques by Walk the Line. I'll keep you posted. HA HA

Bochelli & Brigantine

Every once in a while employees of the casinos get free tickets to wonderful performances. Last night at the spur of the moment I had the rare treat of joining friends from Brigantine to see a dress rehersal of a Christmas special with "Maestro Andrea Bochelli." There were excerts from the nutcracker performed by the Bolshi ballet, a Hungarian dance troop that had to be seen to be believed. Ever seen the Russian sitting dance performed other that on Ed Sullivan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of the traditional but many european favorites.
Mozart, Bach, Greensleeves and Ave Maria (2 versions). My mom would have been in heaven had she heard it. Hearing Bochelli sing Ave Maria is like nothing else......I forgave that he arrived at 11:10p.m. The "sleighride" and "Adese Fideles" are etched into my memory. This event was a dress rehersal for a traveling show, not to be performed in AC. A concert is a wonderful way to get into the christmas spirit! Thanks to P, B, and N for thinking to include me!
WOW! What a night!

Bochelli & Brigantine

Every once in a while employees of the casinos get free tickets to wonderful performances. Last night at the spur of the moment I had the rare treat of joining friends from Brigantine to see a dress rehersal of a Christmas special with "Maestro Andrea Bochelli." There were excerts from the nutcracker performed by the Bolshi ballet, a Hungarian dance troop that had to be seen to be believed. Ever seen the Russian sitting dance performed other that on Ed Sullivan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of the traditional but many european favorites.
Mozart, Bach, Greensleeves and Ave Maria (2 versions). My mom would have been in heaven had she heard it. Hearing Bochelli sing Ave Maria is like nothing else......I forgave that he arrived at 11:10p.m. The "sleighride" and "Adese Fideles" are etched into my memory. This event was a dress rehersal for a traveling show, not to be performed in AC. A concert is a wonderful way to get into the christmas spirit! Thanks to P, B, and N for thinking to include me!
WOW! What a night!

GO OUT and VOTE!

Autumn Sunset

My Mom used to say "pink sky at night, shepards delight." This is an example of the beauty that is mine driving home from the office each evening since the time changed. OK, some of you know there is only pine trees and no water view along highway 57. The pink and orange sky is accurate enough to illustrate how beautiful the world can be depending on our point of view. Keep looking up and faith will be rewarded!

Cha Cha Changes

I am a month, more or less into a new assignement at work. Change is something that I welcome but not all changes are for the best. Change stimulates thought processes and cleans out the cobwebs, so to speak. Some changes are not welcomed or expected such as Bubba's recent hospital visit. Luckily he has no serious damage. Thanks to all who visited and sent cards. He is pleased with the attention.
Peace and love

Top Ten -On and Off

From the cerebral outpost: name the top ten turn on's (non-sexual) and then your top ten turn off's. Here we go:
Top ten turn on's (non sexual)
!. From Carol, the smell of coffee brewing in the morning.
2. Likewise, changing the furnture around. My husband says he's afraid to walk around in the dark.
3. Friends who know the answers before you aks the questions.
4. The smell of fres baked bread and chocolate chip cookies.
5. Lavendar
6. A warm bath, good music and a glass of good red wine.
7. Laughing until my eyes are teary. Thanks PAX!
8. When the dog greets you at the door.
9. Eating at Almish restaraunts, reminds me of my Grandmothers kitchen.
10. Any book, so well done that I can't put it down.

Turn off's
1. The endless soundtrack of the ice cream truck in my neighborhood.
2. Smelling the cat when I come into the house, no more cats for me.
3. A cluttered dining room table
4. A dirty bathroom
5. Bad manners (my Mom is British, what would you expect?)
6. Procrastination of unfinished projects around the house. Ahhhh!
7. T.V., do you think they would improve the content if we all stoped watching?
8. Slanderous political tactics, give me a break and stick to the issues.
9. Lying, liars and the lies ....yeah we've heard this before.
10. Raking leaves, yes its that time of year again.

What's on your list? You don't have to name ten.

Drain Bramage?

What a week its been without sleeping properly it feels like brain damage or drain bramage? Hope it's only temporary. Seems Bubba will get to come home from the hospital in a few days. What a lucky guy he is. Wether he realizes it or not remains to be seen. This wake up call will hopefully serve as a reminder that he is not the hulk or superman. Guess if you've been generally healthy, a first visit to the hospital is a shocking experience. No pun intended.

I have been so tired at times that I've been down right silly. I get like that sometimes, what can I say?

Thanks once again to all who have provided support during the past week. Don't quite know what I (we) would have done without our extended family.
Peace and Love

Festivites of the fall

Unless Pax wants to run off to the party for Antonio this weekend (yes I got an invitation). This weekend I am taking a breather from hanging out with hunks and hearthrobs to do my domestic goddess routine. Yes, unless you're Martha or the Donald somethings must be done. There is a couple air conditioners to put away, furniture and grills store. I have not planted a single mum or weeded any garden beds since Javi, the gardener has been on strike around here.

My nephew is getting married on Saturday and I cannot think of a single reason except that I do not feel like going. Will send the obligatory gift card but when did brides register at Target? How insipid can we be? He is obviously from the other side of the family tree. Oh well, everyone has a dark side.

Have a fine weekend if I don't talk to you.

A Road less traveled.

It seems that I've been going throught this midlife reevaluation far too long. I am trying to keep my focus on the long run and act accordingly. There comes a time in everyones life when they may opt or be forced to reevaluate their place in the world. When everthing you thought/believed gets challenged and may never be the same again. Maybe it"s just me, perhaps some just ignore the nagging and live a life without examination. Thats fine for some, not me. Many of you know that I went through a scare with cancer a few years ago. Seems that started me down a road less traveled and sometimes I got a little lost, despite my good sense of direction. That was the same year my favorite senior citizen passed through this world into the next, but not before she said to me in a dream, "everything was going to be OK girlie." I have no reason to doubt but cannot help thinking of my Gran as it is now the anniversary of her departure. Her final words reverberate in my mind, "you must take the bitter with the sweet."

Whatever happens next, I know that I can face it without worry and remourse because there are trials and tribulations that we all must endure. Nothing is so bad that I cannot enjoy the simple pleasures in life from the first cup of coffee in the morning, to the friend who adminsters first aid. The friends who gently remind me that it's time to snap out of it and they would be right. These are the best friends I know. It's not always easy to hear what we don't want to face.
I am ready to put this test to an end and hope that in the future I will only see the beauty; of the sunsets, the purr of the ocean as it breaks on the shore and the laughter of those I care about most. I promise to stop making those self depricating jokes and stop wanting the body of my youth. Truth is I wouldn't trade experience and maturity for endless days of sunbathing on the beach. I have learned that we have no time to waste, no time to leave kind words of love unsaid. There are a great many lessons in life and this is just one that I am ready to put aside....God williing.