As Time Goes On...

On Saturday, my family got together to celebrate our Mom's 80th birthday.  80 years young, my Mom still 'does it all.'  Very independent while being very generous with her time.

Celebrating a birthday of 80 years is rife with happy memories.  I recall snooping through Mom's dresser and finding her 'diamond' tiara.  Modestly, she tells me that she was once crowned the 'Raspberry Queen' in a local pageant.  How exciting and glamorous!  You know me-even as a child I was searching for the glamour.

  As a 'young Mom', I have very early memories of my Mom-the original beach bunny-hauling all 3 of us to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun.  However, running crowd control on the 3 of us was anything but.  And keeping the baby (Lisa) from sun burning, too!

Mom raised us with a diet rich in 'homemade.'  The aroma of fresh bread filled our house almost daily and we indulged in hot bread and her tasty jam.  She canned and preserved our garden.  We sat down to dinner together every single night.  And there was most always a luscious dessert.

I have always been able to count on my Mom not only as a mother, but a friend.  I have felt supported through all phases of my life.  Ups, downs, and all arounds-she is there.  She was the best Grandmother in the world to Dane and he completely adored her.

These days we talk often and share the highs and lows of everyday life.  The weather, our health, and just small talk-that's our deal.  Lisa, Mom and I are looking forward to a rare 'girl's vacation' in Florida this year.  We'll hit the beach, drink some wine, celebrate, and eat some luscious desserts.

Happy Birthday, Mom-you are the BEST.

P.S.  Holla to my sister and brother in law for once again, hosting Thanksgiving.  It was beyond delicious.  You two are also the BEST!

Not Today...

In case you need something else to ponder this week, feel free to join me in wonderment at the   amusing news stories that have me shaking my head.

PETA kicked up a fuss over the unfair treatment of animal crackers.  Animals, yes and crackers yes. Yep, those cute little boxcars boxes that had the animals presumably caged and  on their way to a (gasp!)animal cracker circus.   Barnum Animal Crackers succumbed to the PETA pressure and has freed the animal (crackers) from their torturous lives in that classic boxcar packaging.  They are now to be viewed as freely roaming the range.  Ponder that as you bite the head off of the rhino!  

And then there was that debacle at McDonald's.  After being told by her manager to stop eating bacon while working, things took a turn to the ugly.  Unable to comply, the bacon munching cook then assaulted the manager by backing her up into a corner and waving hot, crispy bacon at her.  The fight then escalated into full combat and the cook reportedly threw a bag of unknown substance at the manager.  I'm guessing some pressed chicken parts or some such thing was being hurled about.  Third degree assault and battery charges were filed against said cook and the Golden Arches Supper Club then  went on to serve about a million more that day.

And how about the furor that erupted over the Georgia-Kentucky football game?  When Tambira's father refused to change the channel, and bodily blocked off the television,  Girlfriend took action.  With no other possible choice, she loaded up her gun and emptied the magazine randomly while her parents and grandchildren scrambled to safety.   Guess she had a Netflix series she preferred watching.  Presumably, or sometimes a girl just has to take charge of a situation and show 'em who's boss.  Or maybe she just was cheering for the Detroit Lions for the win.

Crackers, bacon and football-a combination that's perfect for a tailgate party!  And speaking of perfect, (a very loose segue-I know...) stop in to Atlas Jewelry and see the gorgeous Kara.  As a licensed Diamondologist and jewelry expert, she will hook you up on whatever you need.

P.S.  No animal (crackers) were harmed in the writing of this blog.  However; some managers suffered bacon grease burns and two chickies got sorta tipsy.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll see you next week. xoxo

Songs of Freedom...

We now interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to give a shout, a thought, a hug, kiss and some love to all the Veteran's that deserve more than just one day for special recognition.

From my Dad, my Uncles and friends that have served as well as those that I have never met that gave selflessly so my freedom and lifestyle would be intact.  I also think of the families that have lost love ones during their service.  Single parents who are holding down the fort as well as the children growing up with a parent in the service.  Not to be overlooked-the incredible worry felt by wives, parents, siblings, children and friends.

Buying a poppy, giving a thank you to any Veteran I meet up with, and giving cash to the guys in wheelchairs is the tiniest gesture, but I mean more than it seems.  These people have done what I don't think I could ever have endured.

And for this, I offer my heartfelt thanks.  God Bless.  XOXO

 

A New Flame...

Well, whaddaya know-it's National Red Hair day and I happen to have my favorite red head (okay strawberry blond), by my side. 

Yes, it's my sister extraordinaire!  We are gettin' up to no good, something we always do whenever we have the chance.  Lisa takes after my Dad who also had hints of red in his hair.  Crazily enough, my hair is blond(ish) and my brother grew up with a brown, natural afro.  The variety in our hair color was the source of much speculation as we grew up.  But regardless,  Lisa is the best red haired-or any colored hair- sister ever.

Once upon a time, I decided to try out the red hair thing.  I fearlessly colored my hair a dark red and was kind of dismayed when it fell out to a light red in the shower.  No matter, having red hair totally changed the way I felt about myself.  I immediately felt dark and mysterious.  I began wearing a trench coat and I even drew a beauty mark above my lip.  I felt so exotic and  unapologetically smarter.  People seemed to take me more seriously.  I featured myself as a modern day Brenda Starr and even took to wearing my hair over one eye. It was a heady, old Hollywood feel-and I loved it.  It was all strut and winks until the color faded.  Light pink hair was none of the above, and I hated it.  Back to the blonde(ish) color and my regular old self.  It was fun while it lasted but I think I'll leave the role to my sister. Nobody does it better.    Hope your day was as special and unique as you are Lisa. 

 Love from the Blond(ish!) one! xoxo(