Locked out of Heaven...

Happy New Years Eve, friends.  Yes, that night is upon us again.  Many of you know that NYE is one of my least favorite nights to celebrate.  All that forced gaiety,  kissing of strangers, and evaluation of last year and hopes for the new year just has never been my thing.  Way too much of a change at failure.  Isn't the world hard enough without setting yourself up for that shit on purpose?  How about a little spontaneity here?  The planning for my NYE outfit was exhausting enough without deciding about my future year.  I mean, what's the point?  

  I'm very happy to be past the time in my life where I HAD to go out, just in case I'd miss something.  Like the new year would not dawn if I wasn't out there a ringin' it in.  Also, I abhor the always unflattering paper hat and the annoying noisemaker that some idiot hands out and insists we wear.  The deafening sound of kazoos at midnight seems like a horrible musical start to anything other than a kiddie parade.  And the hat is an awful fashion choice designed to make you even more sad as you are forced to endure Auld Lang Syne-quite possibly the worst song in history.  I'd rather hear Gagnum Style-KIDDING!!  The whole thing can go on without me.  No longer do I antagonize over hair, makeup, a date, and the perfect dress and heels.  I can do glamour on another night without all the amateurs!   Some friends have invited us over for a very casual get together.  Casual dress, snacks, kids(!), a bonfire and WII 'Let's Dance'.  If we have s'mores, it'll be perfect.  And tomorrow, without a hangover will be soon enough to try to scrabble a plan together for the new year.   Sound like a plan?  It does to me.  Now I just need to know, does glitter eyeshadow go with a sweat suit?  Hell yeah!  It's New Years Eve, Baby!

 

  P.S.  If you have not driven through Rochester, Michigan during the holidays, you are missing a big holiday treat.  As far as you can see, the storefronts on the main drag are covered in lights.  It's the coolest thing.  And the Perfect Margaritas at Rojo aren't too bad either!  See you in 2013 Lovee's xoxo!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Wishing you the Merriest of Christmas and the Happiest New Year.  I hope your blessings are many and your troubles are few.  May you be compassionate and loving to all those you meet.  Have faith that things will work out.  Treat others and yourself with care and honesty.  Be patient and hopeful. Enjoy good health and much laughter.  Let your creativity flow.  I love you all.  xxoo

My Father's Eyes...

 What do you think of when you think of my Dad?  I will remember him as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather.  He was a salesman, veteran, township clerk, baseball coach and Tigers fan. These are the roles that define him and he was very good at them...

  But the very first thing that comes to MY mind is food and family.  Yes, the Norwegian giant did love his food.  Mornings meant news, coffee and Connie's Cafe.  The girls at Connie's knew to keep it hot and keep it coming.   As kids, my Dad always made us the biggest and best Sunday breakfasts, smiling as we gobbled it up.  Popcorn was also big in his world.  Real big.  Dad would cook it up the old fashioned way on the stove, with lots of salt and a whole stick of butter.  We kids would stand by with our bowls at the ready for his famous popcorn, leaving the whole buttery, sticky mess for Mom to deal with in the morning. 

Dad loved Mom's cooking praising her always for meals and her baking.  He also blamed her cooking for his weight gains.  But, we would remind him,  our Mom never had a job at Bud's Donuts or McDonald's!  We loved busting him for wrappers in his truck along with pickle bologna skins and saltine crumbs.   Dad loved heading up to Gramma Iola's house after dinner to visit and have a nice bowl of vanilla ice cream with Hershey's chocolate.  He loved going to Aunt Dixie's where the coffee was always on and many sweets were made available.  His niece Nikki's kids were his very special treat.   I loved to spoil him at my house and Randy always had a big Manhattan waiting for him when he arrived.  I would cook dinner and he always made sure to leave room for my hot fudge brownie sundaes.  The recent thanksgiving at the Hensel camp made Dad very happy.  Family get togethers and food were the important things and Dad loved to laugh at the dinner table. 

So on this day, I want to remember all the happy times.  The angels better put the coffee on, the big guy is here-wing size, extra large. xo  Rest in peace Dad, we love you and will miss you. xo                

Irreplaceable...

My Dad had been losing weight without effort and feeling fatigued alot in the last few months.  Upon finally having some tests run, it was determined that he had cancer.  The doctor told my Mom to take him home and call Hospice.  The meds would keep him pain free.  One to two weeks was all we could expect.

We have been here at Mom and Dad's since Friday and my Dad is hanging tough.  Ice cream is all that appeals to him and He mostly just sleeps.  Family and friends have been streaming thru here the whole time.  The situation is so unreal.  Last week my Dad worked a day and now he can barely move.  He has been having pleasant dreams and vision that seem to keep him entertained.  He has no fear of death and is looking forward to seeing his Mom and Dad.

Mickey keeps a vigil next to Dad's recliner just in case he wants to sit up for awhile and little cousin Evan keeps a hawk eye on Mickey.  Our neighbors are keeping us in all sorts of goodies and I am feeling fatter by the day.  There is not much else to do. 

So we wait.  And remember happier times.  Pray that he is not uncomfortable too much longer and I will keep you all posted.  xo

White Noise...

Ever have one of those days when you piss yourself off?  Today I ripped off a fingernail that left me with 9 perfect ones and one short stub. Fabulous.  I got sunscreen in my eye and it burn hellaciously for a full hour.  I went to Lowe's for a new vent and forgot to measure the spot first.  Like a dumb ass rookie driver, I pulled up at the gas pump opposite of the side I needed to be on.  I realize these should not be events that rock my day, however, they can be very annoying.

So it was with great delight that I got my mail and found the latest book from Michelle of Michelle's Spell.  Also included were a cool picture montage of Mark, J.R., Michelle, Beth and Grouchie out on the town one night last winter.  Erik was missing in the pic so evidently he took the shot. The sweet note she penned me, was enough to make my day.

Hurriedly, I sat down and devoured her latest book of poems and may I just say that it's my favorite of her writings so far.  Some found me nodding my head in understanding and some had little twists that I did not see coming.  All were touching, and I felt immediately better just reading them and picturing darling Michelle conceiving, writing, and editing her work.

It's the little things really, and always.  The smell of a roast with potatoes, and carrots in the crock pot and the nudging of Lola while reading my friends writing can instantly elevate me.  And for this I am thankful and amazed.

Have an amazing week, friends. xo