Jim and i just returned from a road trip to Gettysburg.
Tom and Martha's youngest child, Courtney and her long time partner Rob, were married on Sunday 10/10/10.
It was unseasonably warm for October, and a lovely drive north, but there still wasn't much fall color, even in PA.
Most of the guests and wedding party stayed at the Gettysburg Hotel, which is an Historic Hotel on the site of a tavern dating back to 1753, and within eye range of Will House where Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysberg Address.
When we were checking out, I was standing on the porch with our luggage waiting for Jim to bring the car around and eavesdropped on a tour guide for a few minutes.
I learned that RE Lee brought the war North to show the European countries that they were indeed a separate nation, and also to relieve the South of the ravages they were suffering at the time. I wish we had another day to spend revisiting the area.
History has become more meaingful to me as I have grown older.
The reception was good, great DJ, and Jim even danced. with me. I think he enjoyed himself and loosened up a little.
On the drive home, we stopped at G&M for lunch. Yummy.
It was nice to get away!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Sunshine
The sun has come out and it has warmed up again. It was so cold last week that I had to put the heat on to get the chill out of the house.
I don't know if the sunshine is making me feel better, but I know it isn't hurting.
Also, the lunch date and cathartic phone conversation surely made a difference in my attitude,
I've been thinking a lot about when I lived alone.
I wonder if I wanted to remarry just to have someone to cook for? As silly as it sounds, it may be true. It's the only thing I've ever been told I was good at. Somehow, employment has always been centered around food.
Even when I was a Candy Striper, I was assigned to the Nutritional Unit at U of MD Hospital.
My first real job was clerical, but I resigned after an accident which left me with a fractured skull and a long recovery period.
My next position was a hostess at Ken's (Now Bob's) Big Boy, which was within walking distance from our apartment.
I often wonder how different my life may have been if I had been given the opportunity for higher education, nursing school or community college. I was lost in the cusp of the 60's when women had fewer choices and my parents were oblivious to my desire,even though I had been a member of Future Nurses for 3 years. When I inquired about Nursing school, I was told they couldn't afford it (like I wasn't worth the effort to even look into it) and to find a job. Easier said than done, as I had taken all academic courses and still can't type
My Brother, the Marine, was stationed in Viet Nam which at that time was virtually unknown, and I became virtually invisible, especially to my Mother who was emotionally distraught over this
My husband thinks I spend too much time on the past. I believe that the past has everything to do with who I am. I still remember the hurts, rejections and pain of adolescence, my constant longing for validation and love.
It reminds me of the Bob Dylan lyric..." and I remember every face of every man who sent me here...
I don't live IN the past, but it sure explains a lot of things....
I don't know if the sunshine is making me feel better, but I know it isn't hurting.
Also, the lunch date and cathartic phone conversation surely made a difference in my attitude,
I've been thinking a lot about when I lived alone.
I wonder if I wanted to remarry just to have someone to cook for? As silly as it sounds, it may be true. It's the only thing I've ever been told I was good at. Somehow, employment has always been centered around food.
Even when I was a Candy Striper, I was assigned to the Nutritional Unit at U of MD Hospital.
My first real job was clerical, but I resigned after an accident which left me with a fractured skull and a long recovery period.
My next position was a hostess at Ken's (Now Bob's) Big Boy, which was within walking distance from our apartment.
I often wonder how different my life may have been if I had been given the opportunity for higher education, nursing school or community college. I was lost in the cusp of the 60's when women had fewer choices and my parents were oblivious to my desire,even though I had been a member of Future Nurses for 3 years. When I inquired about Nursing school, I was told they couldn't afford it (like I wasn't worth the effort to even look into it) and to find a job. Easier said than done, as I had taken all academic courses and still can't type
My Brother, the Marine, was stationed in Viet Nam which at that time was virtually unknown, and I became virtually invisible, especially to my Mother who was emotionally distraught over this
My husband thinks I spend too much time on the past. I believe that the past has everything to do with who I am. I still remember the hurts, rejections and pain of adolescence, my constant longing for validation and love.
It reminds me of the Bob Dylan lyric..." and I remember every face of every man who sent me here...
I don't live IN the past, but it sure explains a lot of things....
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Good Day
I had a good day today in spite of the dreariness and cold that has been upon Delaware for the last week.
The sun came out, it warmed up and I finaly made it to the salon for a cut and color..$31 at the beauty school.
The fun part was meeting with Jenn Link, my ex boyfriend Carl's oldest daughter,
Jenn said it had been 12 years, but I think it's been longer since we last saw each other.
She was in OC for a conference and we arranged to have lunch together. She is now married, lives in Fallston with her husband and 2 adorable daughters.
We talked about everything like we had just seen one another yesterday.
Carl is still living in Wilmington, NC, He visits once a year and spends time with his old friends, who he misses dearly. She would really love for him to move back to Baltimore so he would be closer.
I have a lot of respect for Jenn, She has worked and lived on her own since high school, selling insurane (currently health insurance). She bought a house by herself when she was in her 20;s. She has always been focused on her career and family and has had her share of bad relationships.
What really made me laugh wss when she said, " I told Dad he should have married You".
And When I described my relationship with my now step daughters she exclaimed, " Don't like You, I Loved you.:
Now that made me smile!
The sun came out, it warmed up and I finaly made it to the salon for a cut and color..$31 at the beauty school.
The fun part was meeting with Jenn Link, my ex boyfriend Carl's oldest daughter,
Jenn said it had been 12 years, but I think it's been longer since we last saw each other.
She was in OC for a conference and we arranged to have lunch together. She is now married, lives in Fallston with her husband and 2 adorable daughters.
We talked about everything like we had just seen one another yesterday.
Carl is still living in Wilmington, NC, He visits once a year and spends time with his old friends, who he misses dearly. She would really love for him to move back to Baltimore so he would be closer.
I have a lot of respect for Jenn, She has worked and lived on her own since high school, selling insurane (currently health insurance). She bought a house by herself when she was in her 20;s. She has always been focused on her career and family and has had her share of bad relationships.
What really made me laugh wss when she said, " I told Dad he should have married You".
And When I described my relationship with my now step daughters she exclaimed, " Don't like You, I Loved you.:
Now that made me smile!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blue Wednesday
I woke up really early this morning, 5ish, aching all over, and wanting to sleep some more. I guess I did because the next thing I knew, it was 10 and I was fighting off bad dreams.
Jim, must have left very early because the car was gone and the coffee had already shut off. I spent most of the morning trying to pull myself together and trying not to cry. This huge sadness was upon me and I think the dreams had really disturbed me.
I forced myself to move about and dragged the pool cover out of the garage so that hopefully, Jim will notice it and realize that it is time to close the pool for the season.
When he comes home, he generally sits in his chair and watches TV. Any suggestion of a chore is met with eye rolling and agreement, although nothing actually gets done.
Things have GOT to get better.
Jim, must have left very early because the car was gone and the coffee had already shut off. I spent most of the morning trying to pull myself together and trying not to cry. This huge sadness was upon me and I think the dreams had really disturbed me.
I forced myself to move about and dragged the pool cover out of the garage so that hopefully, Jim will notice it and realize that it is time to close the pool for the season.
When he comes home, he generally sits in his chair and watches TV. Any suggestion of a chore is met with eye rolling and agreement, although nothing actually gets done.
Things have GOT to get better.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I am home again from my trip to Atlanta for Gustav's almost Birthday.
The trip was a snap, no delays, cancellations, lost luggage etc. and over all I felt like a pretty savvy traveler at 64, slightly handicapped, and flying alone.
I even found time to use my laptop in Charlotte to catch up on my mail and FB, and play a little Spider Solitaire. I also snagged a rocking chair for a bit, but it wasn't as comfortable as i had expected. My lower back is still throbbing.
The party was great fun, and Trin had everything so organized and coordinated that it came off like a breeze, which by the way was the only negative. The wind was so fierce that we had to tie the tablecloths down, but nobody really cared. The kids had a full playground to explore, and small planes were taking off and landing the entire time.
Gus seemed to enjoy seeing his friends, although his weekend fascination with a fire truck trumped all. It went everywhere with him. I enjoyed meeting his classmates and their parents over bagels and coffee, but I must say, this is the first part I've ever attended that ended before noon. Why didn't we think of that when our kids were small instead of planning around adult time?
The entire weekend was relaxed and easy. I didn't expect to do a lot, I got to the Farmer's Market, one of my great joys, and stocke up on some herbs and spices. I also made a crab stuffed grouper for dinner and that was the extent of my labor.
The Goose is getting to be such a boy now that he is truly fun to be with. He is smart, and funny and has a sense of humor. The only time he was fussy was in a Thai restaurant where we had dinner on our last night, and Mommy took a booger away from him. :-). I think he was just hungry and he went to work on his rice and tofu as soon as the bowl hit the table.
After the meal, we walked across the street to a Gourmet Ice Cream stand and he polished off a "Sweet Corn" flavored cone and most of Mommy's Indian spice one.
The weekend was just long enough to visit without becoming a burden, but I do wish I had one more night to hang out with Paula and have girlfriend time.
Can't wait for Thanksgiving!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Mothers Day
Mothers Day is upon us and it brings with it many memories.
When I was little and we went to church in the city, I recall wearing a pink carnation and my Mother wearing a white one. When I questioned this, my Mother explained that the pink represented a living mother, and the white a deceased one.
I wonder if anyone still does that?
Of course that was back in the day when women always wore a head covering to church, a hat or scarf, and always a dress or skirt because pants were only for casual affairs, and jeans were for farmers and hillbillies.
It has been 40 years since my first Mother's Day and I still cherish and love the series of homemade cards and gifts I received from my sons over the years.
They are packed away somewhere, but from time to time I come across them and they bring a tear to my eye. How much I wish I could go back in time and pick them up and hold them once again, hear the word "Mommy" again and really appreciate it instead of thinking Oh No!! What happened now? Can't you see that I am busy?
But life was easy when all anyone usually needed was a drink of water, a hug or a band aid. How could I not see that and enjoy the moment.
When I was sitting bedside with my own Mother as she was dying and unresponsive, all I wanted to do was say "Mommy, don't leave, please Mommy come back, I'm scared" like a little child again. But all I could do was hold her hand as she was passing and sit helplessly by her side.
I could never bring myself to call Jim's Mother "Mom" even though she wanted me to.
I know that he and she had a special relationship which surpassed me, but I appreciated her as a friend and respected her as a Mother.
I am also a Grandmother and very proud of my Grandson and his parents.
I wish we lived closer, but that is how the world is today. I receive his school reports everyday, and we video chat occasionally but I would love to have a close relationship with him like my sons had with their Mom Mom, Maybe in time that will be possible.
So to my sons, I love you dearly and miss you much. I thank you for making me a Mom and giving me a direction in life. You truly are the stars in my sky.
To my Mom,and Betty, RIP, You are in my thoughts today and I miss you.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Beautuful a Day in the Neighborhood.
Yes, Spring has done it again. The flowers are blooming, the ants and fruit flies are in the kitchen, and the house feels colder on the inside than the outside.
We had the "Screen Mobile" come, and replaced both door screens, had 4 new screens made for the back of the house, and 3 for the front, all for $475.
Jim got a truck load of compost and is spreading it around the flower beds, and I made a trip to Lowes for some container plants.
Bitsy caught something out on the patio. She leaped off the porch, nailed it and ran into the woods with it hanging from her mouth. Whatever it was lasted a few days because she just showed up this morning for more food.
The pool is dried out so we can start cleaning it if it doesn't rain, but there is so much else to do, like getting the summer clothes out, and packing away the winter stuff, plus I start my training next week for the Census.
I am trying to get as much done as possible this week.
We had the "Screen Mobile" come, and replaced both door screens, had 4 new screens made for the back of the house, and 3 for the front, all for $475.
Jim got a truck load of compost and is spreading it around the flower beds, and I made a trip to Lowes for some container plants.
Bitsy caught something out on the patio. She leaped off the porch, nailed it and ran into the woods with it hanging from her mouth. Whatever it was lasted a few days because she just showed up this morning for more food.
The pool is dried out so we can start cleaning it if it doesn't rain, but there is so much else to do, like getting the summer clothes out, and packing away the winter stuff, plus I start my training next week for the Census.
I am trying to get as much done as possible this week.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Trains
I was listening to the radio yesterday, No not NPR, but a music station and I heard Arlo Guthrie singing "City of New Orleans" and it reminded me of my own fascination with trains.
When I was a child, we always had a Christmas garden with handmade houses and of course, a church, encircled by an American Flyer train set.
The trains were actually my Brother's and every year a new piece would be added to the garden, a signal switch, a cross gate, a beacon tower or additional cars.
Originally our train was industrial, a locomotive with a coal tender, a tanker car, a logging car which would dump it's cargo when it hit a certain section of the track and you pushed a button,and a cattle car and milk jug carrier which would also unload onto a vibrating platform . The engine would puff out smoke, and naturally there was the little red caboose bringing up the rear.
As time moved on, we acquired passenger cars as did the country apparently, as air travel out of reach for the average Joe, and trucking became more practical for commerce.
But I didn't know this when I was young, I just enjoyed the trains for the season, all the lights in the little houses, the whistle of the engine, the clack of the tracks.
My Dad stopped setting the garden up, but when my boys were born he started again. He even built a platform for us, so we had our own set of HO scale cars with a Diesel engine and a KFC instead of the church.
When I became older, the train became more romantic to me. It was the scene of many a soldier going off the war in movies, those tearful goodbyes, sweethearts waving, tearful kisses blown into the wind. It was also the scene of momentous reunions and stump speeches by politicians from the caboose.
It was a sad day when the train pulled through Baltimore with the body of Robert Kennedy. It gave the people a chance to salute him and say goodbye.
When Woodies transferred me to the Metro Center in DC, I would drive 1/2 hr to West Baltimore in the dark, park for free under the bridge on RT 40 (same neighborhood as the Wire) and catch the Marc train to Union Station where I then boarded the Metro to my stop. On the nights I had to work later, or just plain missed the Marc, I rode the Amtrak for $1 more.
Somehow I felt very excited riding the train everyday. It made my job seem more important, and once, when Rocky was trying to make a comeback into my life, he surprised me at Penn Station with flowers, a sweet gesture.
We have a coal train that runs through here that carries fuel to The Indian River Power Plant. When I am tucked in at night, I can here the whistle and the clack of the tracks. Some nights it rocks me right to sleep.
I can see why so many musicians write songs about them....
When I was a child, we always had a Christmas garden with handmade houses and of course, a church, encircled by an American Flyer train set.
The trains were actually my Brother's and every year a new piece would be added to the garden, a signal switch, a cross gate, a beacon tower or additional cars.
Originally our train was industrial, a locomotive with a coal tender, a tanker car, a logging car which would dump it's cargo when it hit a certain section of the track and you pushed a button,and a cattle car and milk jug carrier which would also unload onto a vibrating platform . The engine would puff out smoke, and naturally there was the little red caboose bringing up the rear.
As time moved on, we acquired passenger cars as did the country apparently, as air travel out of reach for the average Joe, and trucking became more practical for commerce.
But I didn't know this when I was young, I just enjoyed the trains for the season, all the lights in the little houses, the whistle of the engine, the clack of the tracks.
My Dad stopped setting the garden up, but when my boys were born he started again. He even built a platform for us, so we had our own set of HO scale cars with a Diesel engine and a KFC instead of the church.
When I became older, the train became more romantic to me. It was the scene of many a soldier going off the war in movies, those tearful goodbyes, sweethearts waving, tearful kisses blown into the wind. It was also the scene of momentous reunions and stump speeches by politicians from the caboose.
It was a sad day when the train pulled through Baltimore with the body of Robert Kennedy. It gave the people a chance to salute him and say goodbye.
When Woodies transferred me to the Metro Center in DC, I would drive 1/2 hr to West Baltimore in the dark, park for free under the bridge on RT 40 (same neighborhood as the Wire) and catch the Marc train to Union Station where I then boarded the Metro to my stop. On the nights I had to work later, or just plain missed the Marc, I rode the Amtrak for $1 more.
Somehow I felt very excited riding the train everyday. It made my job seem more important, and once, when Rocky was trying to make a comeback into my life, he surprised me at Penn Station with flowers, a sweet gesture.
We have a coal train that runs through here that carries fuel to The Indian River Power Plant. When I am tucked in at night, I can here the whistle and the clack of the tracks. Some nights it rocks me right to sleep.
I can see why so many musicians write songs about them....
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rainy Monday
I guess last week was a bit of a let down for me after all the energy I put into the party. It truly was a huge success, but in my own nit picky way, I wish i had a do over to make it perfect, like doing a better job of keeping the food warm, and spending more time socializing.
Trust me, I had no complaints from the gallery and even though Jim came home early, and saw the preparations going on, when the guests started to arrive he was literally stunned.
Our old friends, Jody and Scott came to celebrate and that made us both very happy. We were once very close to them and though I don't expect that to ever be a reality again, we enjoyed seeing them, had lots of laughs about the past, and even did lunch with them last Friday. I see us spending more time with them.
I think Jim was pleased with my efforts as he gave me an unsolicited kiss and said, "That was cool". Coming from him, a compliment is a major achievement.
On the other hand, last week was our victory in Washington, but the party of NO has been disturbing me with their acceptance of the hateful rhetoric being bandied about, and their steadfast resolution to stick together and say nothing.
When I saw McCain with Sarah Palin in her leather jacket I could not believe it.I swear, all I could see was W waving fom that carrier with his banner.
I did, at one time, have a great deal of respect for McCain even when my Brother (a Julianni man) said he was a "frail little man".
When he made her his running mate I could barely keep a straight face. I cannot believe that real Republicans condoned this, but wait...I got into an e mail argument with my big brother about this very thing yesterday and he defended her., "She ran a very large state"..and also condoned this "Tea party" whatever it is movement, casting disparaging remarks about Obama and his "Pal", William Ayers being terrorists?? I am almost certain that he is one of the "Birthers" and cannot believe how "Barry" Obama got such a good education.
Hello...has he been drinking from the Koolade well? Does he realize that his 2 nephews went to some of the finest schools, not only in this country, but in the World, one has a PhD. and that I never earned more that $26,000
This has been so distressing for me that I have had to get off of politics for now. I have not been sleeping well because I take it all too personally, but I pride myself on being grateful for what I have, and my compassion for those who don't. I don't judge others by the depth of their pockets or their strange name or different color.
This may not be the health bill we wanted, but it is the one we got, and it is not an end, it is a beginning, and I am proud of My country , my President and his F@#%ing Vice President. It is about time.
Trust me, I had no complaints from the gallery and even though Jim came home early, and saw the preparations going on, when the guests started to arrive he was literally stunned.
Our old friends, Jody and Scott came to celebrate and that made us both very happy. We were once very close to them and though I don't expect that to ever be a reality again, we enjoyed seeing them, had lots of laughs about the past, and even did lunch with them last Friday. I see us spending more time with them.
I think Jim was pleased with my efforts as he gave me an unsolicited kiss and said, "That was cool". Coming from him, a compliment is a major achievement.
On the other hand, last week was our victory in Washington, but the party of NO has been disturbing me with their acceptance of the hateful rhetoric being bandied about, and their steadfast resolution to stick together and say nothing.
When I saw McCain with Sarah Palin in her leather jacket I could not believe it.I swear, all I could see was W waving fom that carrier with his banner.
I did, at one time, have a great deal of respect for McCain even when my Brother (a Julianni man) said he was a "frail little man".
When he made her his running mate I could barely keep a straight face. I cannot believe that real Republicans condoned this, but wait...I got into an e mail argument with my big brother about this very thing yesterday and he defended her., "She ran a very large state"..and also condoned this "Tea party" whatever it is movement, casting disparaging remarks about Obama and his "Pal", William Ayers being terrorists?? I am almost certain that he is one of the "Birthers" and cannot believe how "Barry" Obama got such a good education.
Hello...has he been drinking from the Koolade well? Does he realize that his 2 nephews went to some of the finest schools, not only in this country, but in the World, one has a PhD. and that I never earned more that $26,000
This has been so distressing for me that I have had to get off of politics for now. I have not been sleeping well because I take it all too personally, but I pride myself on being grateful for what I have, and my compassion for those who don't. I don't judge others by the depth of their pockets or their strange name or different color.
This may not be the health bill we wanted, but it is the one we got, and it is not an end, it is a beginning, and I am proud of My country , my President and his F@#%ing Vice President. It is about time.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Jim and his Birthday
I wanted to do something nice for Jim's Birthday this year without spending a ton of money. I actually earned $200 last weekend working the Food Show, so I have decided to have a "Cocktail Party" here at the house to celebrate.
I have already made some mini quiches, spanikopita and meatballs with red sauce.
I made a major trip to BJ's for a corned beef flat and Italian Sausage which I have stashed in the outside fridge. So far he hasn't been suspicious even though i have been cleaning up the chafing dishes and washing glasses like crazy.
Th hardest part is , as usual, cleaning up the dining room and living room. The Christmas tree is still sitting in the box to go outside, and I have a load for the Goodwill to go today.
I am also going to finish up the shopping,so I have it all under roof. Prudence is off all day Thursday, so she volunteered to assist.
Joell, however declined the invitation and then called Jim and invited him to lunch that day in Dover.I am trying to look at this as a good thing, not an act of sabotage.
I have already made some mini quiches, spanikopita and meatballs with red sauce.
I made a major trip to BJ's for a corned beef flat and Italian Sausage which I have stashed in the outside fridge. So far he hasn't been suspicious even though i have been cleaning up the chafing dishes and washing glasses like crazy.
Th hardest part is , as usual, cleaning up the dining room and living room. The Christmas tree is still sitting in the box to go outside, and I have a load for the Goodwill to go today.
I am also going to finish up the shopping,so I have it all under roof. Prudence is off all day Thursday, so she volunteered to assist.
Joell, however declined the invitation and then called Jim and invited him to lunch that day in Dover.I am trying to look at this as a good thing, not an act of sabotage.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
After a full month of the Blahs and SoSos, Metzomezzos and snowdrifts, My Birthday arrived....right on time.
I wasn't expecting much with the family being so far away and the family here even farther, so Jim decided we should go out for dinner.
In my usual fashion, by 5 PM I was ready to blow the whole thing off, get carryout, and eat this wonderful 1 2 3 4 cake that I worked on all day, half chocolate and half butter cream frosting.
But Jim would not hear of it and insisted that we go. Our destination was a relatively new Italian restaurant who's name escapes me at the moment but in a new building somewhere between Smitty McGee's and the Cactus Cafe.
We arrived at 7, and the fragrance of tomato sauce and cheese greeted us at the door. A most appealing aroma... it makes me react like one of Pavlov's dogs, I immediately get an appetite.
Lo and behold there was my friend Rita, who does my hair, waiting at the bar. Jim had invited her to join us as a surprise for me. She was "all dolled up" and there I was in my casual clothes. I had decided it was my birthday, and I didn't need to shower or dress up. At least my hair looked good, she had colored and trimmed it the day before, and I did apply makeup.
Our meal was wonderful. The waitress brought us some delicious crusty rustic bread with whipped butter and a side of sweet peppers. Jim ordered us a bottle of house Merlot while we perused the menu.
We started with a stuffed eggplant appetizer which was a rather large roll of the eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and somehow crisped on the outside and topped with a light marinara sauce. I made a mess trying to divide it so we all could try it, but it was divine. It is also on the menu as an entree so maybe I will opt for that the next time.
Rita and I both ordered a small house salad which I found disappointing. Same old flat glass salad plate, piled too high with boring lettuce and little else and an uninspiring balsamic vinaigrette. It didn't take long to spread that around on the tablecloth to keep the sauce company. It was difficult to eat because the lettuce needed to be cut up and pieces spilled off of the plate with every bite.
I was excited to see that Lobster Ravioli was an entree. For some reason, I have been thinking about that for the past few weeks, so that was a no brainer for me.
It was to die for... plump ravioli with a dot of pink in the center, lightly floating in a pool of creamy champagne sauce with fresh blue crab meat. It needed nothing more... it was perfect.
Jim ordered the Chicken Parmesan and penne, and it too was a winner. A tender chicken breast, lightly breaded and sauteed, topped with cheese and tomato sauce.
Rita chose an angel hair pasta dish with aglio olio, simple. She seemed quite pleased with it and even took the remainder home when we requested containers to go.
Our waitress brought us more bread when our meals were served which I thought was thoughtful, but she also made a comment about the mess on the table. I think the service is like the restaurant itself, maybe a little pretentious and uneven.
There is a great disparity in prices...some entrees are in the $30+ range, especially some of the specials such as locally caught sea scallops. They also have a variety of steaks and veal dishes that are quite pricey. I am not complaining,our meals were quite in order.
Jim's entree was $15, mine was $23 and Rita's was only $10. Her entree was a build your own meal with a selection of pastas and sauces, not a bad deal at all.
Our entire tab was only $92 for the three of us and that included 2 coffees, 1 Grand Marnier, a a bottle of wine and a $10 appetizer.
It was a delighful evening all around, and yes, refreshing to get out!!
BTW I found the name, it is MIO FRATELLO, and it is an Italian steakhouse. That may explain the pricing.
I wasn't expecting much with the family being so far away and the family here even farther, so Jim decided we should go out for dinner.
In my usual fashion, by 5 PM I was ready to blow the whole thing off, get carryout, and eat this wonderful 1 2 3 4 cake that I worked on all day, half chocolate and half butter cream frosting.
But Jim would not hear of it and insisted that we go. Our destination was a relatively new Italian restaurant who's name escapes me at the moment but in a new building somewhere between Smitty McGee's and the Cactus Cafe.
We arrived at 7, and the fragrance of tomato sauce and cheese greeted us at the door. A most appealing aroma... it makes me react like one of Pavlov's dogs, I immediately get an appetite.
Lo and behold there was my friend Rita, who does my hair, waiting at the bar. Jim had invited her to join us as a surprise for me. She was "all dolled up" and there I was in my casual clothes. I had decided it was my birthday, and I didn't need to shower or dress up. At least my hair looked good, she had colored and trimmed it the day before, and I did apply makeup.
Our meal was wonderful. The waitress brought us some delicious crusty rustic bread with whipped butter and a side of sweet peppers. Jim ordered us a bottle of house Merlot while we perused the menu.
We started with a stuffed eggplant appetizer which was a rather large roll of the eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and somehow crisped on the outside and topped with a light marinara sauce. I made a mess trying to divide it so we all could try it, but it was divine. It is also on the menu as an entree so maybe I will opt for that the next time.
Rita and I both ordered a small house salad which I found disappointing. Same old flat glass salad plate, piled too high with boring lettuce and little else and an uninspiring balsamic vinaigrette. It didn't take long to spread that around on the tablecloth to keep the sauce company. It was difficult to eat because the lettuce needed to be cut up and pieces spilled off of the plate with every bite.
I was excited to see that Lobster Ravioli was an entree. For some reason, I have been thinking about that for the past few weeks, so that was a no brainer for me.
It was to die for... plump ravioli with a dot of pink in the center, lightly floating in a pool of creamy champagne sauce with fresh blue crab meat. It needed nothing more... it was perfect.
Jim ordered the Chicken Parmesan and penne, and it too was a winner. A tender chicken breast, lightly breaded and sauteed, topped with cheese and tomato sauce.
Rita chose an angel hair pasta dish with aglio olio, simple. She seemed quite pleased with it and even took the remainder home when we requested containers to go.
Our waitress brought us more bread when our meals were served which I thought was thoughtful, but she also made a comment about the mess on the table. I think the service is like the restaurant itself, maybe a little pretentious and uneven.
There is a great disparity in prices...some entrees are in the $30+ range, especially some of the specials such as locally caught sea scallops. They also have a variety of steaks and veal dishes that are quite pricey. I am not complaining,our meals were quite in order.
Jim's entree was $15, mine was $23 and Rita's was only $10. Her entree was a build your own meal with a selection of pastas and sauces, not a bad deal at all.
Our entire tab was only $92 for the three of us and that included 2 coffees, 1 Grand Marnier, a a bottle of wine and a $10 appetizer.
It was a delighful evening all around, and yes, refreshing to get out!!
BTW I found the name, it is MIO FRATELLO, and it is an Italian steakhouse. That may explain the pricing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Just thinking about how different babies are these days.
It seems like they are miniature adults from the beginning, no longer wearing crocheted bonnets or dresses like we did, or even my boys did.
Or the long Sweetpea nighties with the draw string
The clothing is very distinctly boyish, denim, plaid, crew socks ,tennis shoes, cargo pants.
I just found some white shoe polish that I'm sure I used on those first walking shoes. Does anybody buy them anymore?
And the neutral colors, yellow and green to paint the nursery are no longer necessary since the sex is known ahead of time.
Guess I am getting old.
It seems like they are miniature adults from the beginning, no longer wearing crocheted bonnets or dresses like we did, or even my boys did.
Or the long Sweetpea nighties with the draw string
The clothing is very distinctly boyish, denim, plaid, crew socks ,tennis shoes, cargo pants.
I just found some white shoe polish that I'm sure I used on those first walking shoes. Does anybody buy them anymore?
And the neutral colors, yellow and green to paint the nursery are no longer necessary since the sex is known ahead of time.
Guess I am getting old.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Drip drip drip...the snow is melting and huge sheets of snow have been crashing down off the roof all week. The cats run for cover each time it happens, and it makes me jump as well.
I can't believe that my car is still stuck in the driveway. We left it facing out near the mailbox, but the plow has stacked up so much snow, which is now ice, that I can't drive over it. I may try to work on that today.
I've been thinking about the man who has been missing from Fenwick Island since Tuesday a week ago. My gut feeling is that he will not be recovered until every thing thaws or one of the summer residents comes to set up their house in the spring. It is either that or a complex hoax that has gotten out of hand.
There is a website to pray for his return and it discourages any negative thoughts, but realistically at this point I would be amazed if he turned up alive.
The story is that he was at a party with friends,and left around 11 PM. His car, cell phone and some personal belongings were found at 11 AM the next morning behind the house where he had parked. This was after our first blizzard, but before the second round which started that afternoon. You have to remember that Fenwick Island is pretty much a ghost town in the winter because many of the homes are not insulated or heated. I doubt that crime is a factor.
We've accumulated so much snow, that there are mounds of it piled up along the sides of the roads that you can't even see over. I think he may have been scooped up and buried there, or worse yet, taken to a dump where the trucks were trying to dispose of the mass of snow.
This is such a small community that everyone seems to be involved. Hundreds of volunteers showed up on Saturday for a massive search of the area. Dogs were brought in but I doubt they could detect the scent due to the snow, which blocks their senses.
Ironically, I actually know his father, who is a HS guidance counselor, and worked in the summer as a delivery driver for Grotto. Prudence, of course knows him from school. He was the BF of her BF's brother.
At any rate, this has been disturbing me and waking me up at night. I sincerely hope that his body is recovered soon and his family and friends have some closure.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Enjoying this respite from the snow for a few days. The roads around us are still covered. Jim actually got stuck out on Hudson( mailbox side) yesterday and had to be pulled out by some Good Samaritans with a truck and a Chain.
That is one thing about an emergency....it tends to bring out the good in people.
Our neighbors, Jack and Sabrina, have been commiserating with us during the power outage, and once Jack dug his truck out, he picked Jim up and they went shopping together. Jim bought some nice steaks at BJ's and we went over to their house for dinner. I think we all enjoyed the companionship after the ordeal we had gone through, and that was before the next storm.
The second one was scarier due to the high winds and drifting snow, plus we were all on edge fearing for the electric again. We had 9-12 " more show and it was blowing so hard, sideways, that i couldn't see across the street.
Being cold is a real drag. Having no hot water really sucks, especially when you are trying to clean up after meals.
So let me stay warm for a few days and not worry about the storm brewing for Monday!!
That is one thing about an emergency....it tends to bring out the good in people.
Our neighbors, Jack and Sabrina, have been commiserating with us during the power outage, and once Jack dug his truck out, he picked Jim up and they went shopping together. Jim bought some nice steaks at BJ's and we went over to their house for dinner. I think we all enjoyed the companionship after the ordeal we had gone through, and that was before the next storm.
The second one was scarier due to the high winds and drifting snow, plus we were all on edge fearing for the electric again. We had 9-12 " more show and it was blowing so hard, sideways, that i couldn't see across the street.
Being cold is a real drag. Having no hot water really sucks, especially when you are trying to clean up after meals.
So let me stay warm for a few days and not worry about the storm brewing for Monday!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday thoughts
I am enjoying this unexpected wonderfully beautiful snowfall we are having here.
I love the quiet peace of snow, how it muffles the sound of tires rolling on the road and covers the ugliest of things with a blanket of white.
It is just so cozy to be inside, and warm. Even the cats seem to be enjoying looking out the window and watching the little birds searching for food.
I am lined up with the new Anne Tyler novel and Mad Men DVD's from Netflix. Jim decided it is a Chili kinda day, so that is in the works as soon as he gets home.
I see the Ortho Doc on Friday so I will know what the MRI revealed. Actually, I have the photos myself but Duh..what should I be looking for?? A torn meniscus looks like what?
The bronchitis seems to be loosening up, so I don't always sound like a frog, just sometimes.
I got a sweet note from Gustav so that made my day...and I weighed in on the Wii and dropped 2.2 lbs so that is encouraging even thought I haven't been active.
I love the quiet peace of snow, how it muffles the sound of tires rolling on the road and covers the ugliest of things with a blanket of white.
It is just so cozy to be inside, and warm. Even the cats seem to be enjoying looking out the window and watching the little birds searching for food.
I am lined up with the new Anne Tyler novel and Mad Men DVD's from Netflix. Jim decided it is a Chili kinda day, so that is in the works as soon as he gets home.
I see the Ortho Doc on Friday so I will know what the MRI revealed. Actually, I have the photos myself but Duh..what should I be looking for?? A torn meniscus looks like what?
The bronchitis seems to be loosening up, so I don't always sound like a frog, just sometimes.
I got a sweet note from Gustav so that made my day...and I weighed in on the Wii and dropped 2.2 lbs so that is encouraging even thought I haven't been active.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January Blahs
Yes, it is that time of year for the blahs. Christmas is a memory and my Birthday is too far off to get excited about.
There is Valentine's day, but that is no fun without chocolate. I had a bad weigh in last week and due to this bronchitis I am having and tending to my bad knee, I fear I haven't gotten much exercise this week.
At least I am getting an MRI to see if there is torn cartiledge so maybe there is some relief in the future.
Jim and I also had a meeting at his office last week with the health insurance brokers who are trying to help him ease into Medicare. It was reassuring to know that Joe, the owner, is concerned about Jim's options, even though it may cost the company more in the long run. The really good news is that I can stay on the plan by myself for the next year if Jim switches over. The big problem is the infamous "donut hole" which essentially is a $3000 loophole in the prescription coverage, in addition to the premiums for supplemental insurance.
The Health insurance industry is really booming.
There is Valentine's day, but that is no fun without chocolate. I had a bad weigh in last week and due to this bronchitis I am having and tending to my bad knee, I fear I haven't gotten much exercise this week.
At least I am getting an MRI to see if there is torn cartiledge so maybe there is some relief in the future.
Jim and I also had a meeting at his office last week with the health insurance brokers who are trying to help him ease into Medicare. It was reassuring to know that Joe, the owner, is concerned about Jim's options, even though it may cost the company more in the long run. The really good news is that I can stay on the plan by myself for the next year if Jim switches over. The big problem is the infamous "donut hole" which essentially is a $3000 loophole in the prescription coverage, in addition to the premiums for supplemental insurance.
The Health insurance industry is really booming.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Staying on point
Overall I had a good week.
I had the 4# surprise and kept the momentum going.
I ordered some parts from Sears and actually repaired the hood system over the range so that now both lights work.
I did a workout on the Wii and did great with the yoga, not so hot with the hula hoop, and ok with the step aerobics. It was fun excercising with Zak's avatar who keeps looking over at me and smiling.
The Ravens are winning in the 4th, and Jim bought me some flowers today.
Life is good, at least at the moment.
I had the 4# surprise and kept the momentum going.
I ordered some parts from Sears and actually repaired the hood system over the range so that now both lights work.
I did a workout on the Wii and did great with the yoga, not so hot with the hula hoop, and ok with the step aerobics. It was fun excercising with Zak's avatar who keeps looking over at me and smiling.
The Ravens are winning in the 4th, and Jim bought me some flowers today.
Life is good, at least at the moment.
Friday, January 8, 2010
PROGRESS
I got a real surprise yesterday. I forced myself to WW and weighed in to find out that I had actually lost 4 lbs. over the holiday for a total loss of 12 lbs.
Not only did I get applause from the group, but I had achieved the first goal of losing 5 % body weight and was honored with a Big star to commemorate the event
It was just the encouragement I needed to feel better, and I went shopping for acceptable snacks and bagged them by point values.
So my challenge now is to move more and to stick to the plan. Drink more water, eat smaller portions. choose filling foods with the right ratio of fat/calories and fiber.
I am going to keep this momentum going.
Not only did I get applause from the group, but I had achieved the first goal of losing 5 % body weight and was honored with a Big star to commemorate the event
It was just the encouragement I needed to feel better, and I went shopping for acceptable snacks and bagged them by point values.
So my challenge now is to move more and to stick to the plan. Drink more water, eat smaller portions. choose filling foods with the right ratio of fat/calories and fiber.
I am going to keep this momentum going.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The New Year
There is always something exciting about a New Year, a clean slate, a chance to "do-over" mistakes from the past.
I am one who spends too much time looking back instead of forward so I am going to erase all of those bad memories and focus on the future this year.
My ultimate goal is to get into the best shape I can and feel good about myself again.
I have been leading a "slipping down life" for the past few years and it has wreaked havoc on my confidence and self esteem. Some of this is not totally my doing, but it is my reaction to the events around me that is not acceptable.
I have a tendency to feel "lesser than" which is deeply instilled in my psyche.
There have been times in my life when I have overcome this, one as recently as 3 years ago. I had quit smoking, lost 25 lbs. then BAM....a broken femur. I took this as an omen that I was indeed helpless and just gave up.
On top of that, Jim went on the Renal diet which is in direct conflict with a healthy diet. And as silly as it sounds, I chipped my $3000 bridge which ruined my smile forever.
So the time has come for another attempt at caring about myself, eating well, moving more, and becoming the independent person I once was. Taking control of my life and become actionary, not reactionary.
When I achieve my goal of improving my image, I will start to see my friends from the past, who are always asking for me to visit.
I am also seeking to get involved in something outside of the house. Undecided on that move, but pondering possibilities.
Overcoming fear is another goal, fear of failure, rejection, success. You would think at this age that would be a mute point but not for me.
I have a lot of work to do
I am one who spends too much time looking back instead of forward so I am going to erase all of those bad memories and focus on the future this year.
My ultimate goal is to get into the best shape I can and feel good about myself again.
I have been leading a "slipping down life" for the past few years and it has wreaked havoc on my confidence and self esteem. Some of this is not totally my doing, but it is my reaction to the events around me that is not acceptable.
I have a tendency to feel "lesser than" which is deeply instilled in my psyche.
There have been times in my life when I have overcome this, one as recently as 3 years ago. I had quit smoking, lost 25 lbs. then BAM....a broken femur. I took this as an omen that I was indeed helpless and just gave up.
On top of that, Jim went on the Renal diet which is in direct conflict with a healthy diet. And as silly as it sounds, I chipped my $3000 bridge which ruined my smile forever.
So the time has come for another attempt at caring about myself, eating well, moving more, and becoming the independent person I once was. Taking control of my life and become actionary, not reactionary.
When I achieve my goal of improving my image, I will start to see my friends from the past, who are always asking for me to visit.
I am also seeking to get involved in something outside of the house. Undecided on that move, but pondering possibilities.
Overcoming fear is another goal, fear of failure, rejection, success. You would think at this age that would be a mute point but not for me.
I have a lot of work to do
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Family Christmas
Over all the Holiday went well.
I learned a lot of lessons from it.
What is important is that the family spent time together. Thank you Pru for joining us for dinner. It meant a lot to me and your Dad.
It doesn't matter that the tree is artificial, has no decorations, or that the lights blow out the circuit.
I don't have to bake 80 dozen cookies anymore. Most of the family is no longer in Kindergarten, and only a few still eat sweets.
The gift of time and energy is priceless. Thank you Segundo and Primo for helping to get the house in order, even if I was short with you for being distracted from my own tasks.
The best made plans don't always work out.
Sorry Primo that you missed your own Birthday Party with the larger family unit, but sick is sick and plan B worked well.
Musical Beds is a new game I learned.
It was fun having Paula visit and be a Ravens fan with Jim...Great house guest!
Christmas is still an emotional time for me...too many memories and expectations.
Speaking of which, most of what I anticipated mever happened like playing board games and having long philosophical discussions about the meaning of life.
I was disapponted that Max and Leo didn't get a chance to play with the "boys" in my life...who heard about the Beatles Rock Band and were just waiting for someone to open it. I'm sure they would have had fun together.
I was hoping to connect everything together but it really doesn't matter much anymore. Some things are not meant to be, and as hard as I try just seems to make it worse.
I truly enjoyed the quiet times when we talked about real issues. In retrospect it was a good thing that Segundo left and then returned, so that Primo and I had some alone time.
And, being a Mema is only going to get better and better...I Love You Gustav!!
I learned a lot of lessons from it.
What is important is that the family spent time together. Thank you Pru for joining us for dinner. It meant a lot to me and your Dad.
It doesn't matter that the tree is artificial, has no decorations, or that the lights blow out the circuit.
I don't have to bake 80 dozen cookies anymore. Most of the family is no longer in Kindergarten, and only a few still eat sweets.
The gift of time and energy is priceless. Thank you Segundo and Primo for helping to get the house in order, even if I was short with you for being distracted from my own tasks.
The best made plans don't always work out.
Sorry Primo that you missed your own Birthday Party with the larger family unit, but sick is sick and plan B worked well.
Musical Beds is a new game I learned.
It was fun having Paula visit and be a Ravens fan with Jim...Great house guest!
Christmas is still an emotional time for me...too many memories and expectations.
Speaking of which, most of what I anticipated mever happened like playing board games and having long philosophical discussions about the meaning of life.
I was disapponted that Max and Leo didn't get a chance to play with the "boys" in my life...who heard about the Beatles Rock Band and were just waiting for someone to open it. I'm sure they would have had fun together.
I was hoping to connect everything together but it really doesn't matter much anymore. Some things are not meant to be, and as hard as I try just seems to make it worse.
I truly enjoyed the quiet times when we talked about real issues. In retrospect it was a good thing that Segundo left and then returned, so that Primo and I had some alone time.
And, being a Mema is only going to get better and better...I Love You Gustav!!
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