In these awful, uncertain times it's nice to know that one thing is for certain: the universe could rain locusts and frogs while the trumpet sounds and the seven horses of the apocalypse could come thundering in...BUT...the friendship of the 'River Queens' and their amazing ability to NEVER run out of things to talk about will remain the same. It's a gosh darn fact-a true enigma!
O cabin boys...we need more ice.. Happy Fall y'all! xo
On Sunday, I attended my first Zoom baby shower for my niece Lindsey and her husby Joe. They live in Denver, so even without Covid, attending a live event would be hard. So family and friends gathered on Sunday, online, to fete the expecting couple. A thoughtful package arrived last week with wine, and snacks designed to be had at the 'shower.' So I gathered my goodies and booted up with the rest of the guests. It was so cool to join everyone to see Lindsey open her gifts, show off her nursery as well as her growing belly. We even played a little game! Joe patiently endured....
As much as I hate the 'new normal,' and the 'we are all in this together' stuff, I get it...We certainly can't have Linds trying to deliver with a mask on!
If all goes as I'VE planned, Baby Boy will arrive on Halloween and weigh eight pounds and eight ounces. That's my entry for the game and I want to win that Zingerman's gift basket! Treats for great Auntie Jodi!
Congrats to Lindsey and Joe and I love you and can't wait to meet my new grand nephew! Go Blue! XOXO
P.S. Kudo's to Laurel and Lisa, the hostesses with the mostesses! Y'all killed it! xo
We entered down a long, tree lined driveway to a house that is anyone's dream. Not just because it is amazing and filled with unique pieces, but because it is filled with love. This warm home was built solely with a family in mind. And that's the best 'design.'
The children greeted us in the familial Italian way with hugs and kisses and the Mr. and Mrs. They were sweet, darling and engaged with us in indulgent conversation. The wine and food were succulent as I knew it would be. Roseann is the ultimate chef and dinner hostess and we ate-and drank until stuffed. She also sent me out with a generous carryout that I can't wait to tuck into.
I loved catching up with the Strong Patriarch, The R.N. Matriarch, The Bookworm!, The Lover, The Student and The Golfer. And the Doodle doggo-can't forget him! The respect, warmth and love of this family was as tangible and strong as the garlic in our delicious mussels.
Big thanks to the Cipriano's for sharing their world with us. You all are amazing and remind me of all of life's best things.
Love and friendship forever. XOXO
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On a single day during two separate beach walks, I happened upon not one, but two dolls that I rescued from the waves. What on earth?
To start with, one doll is a blond mermaid-Me, and the other is a wild haired redhead-my sister, Lisa! Now I don't know if there is some odd doll symbolism I don't know about, but you must admit that this is a strange thing. If you, DO know of a cosmic reason that explains two dolls that look like my sister and I, appearing in my path-please let me know!
As a child, other that a brief Barbie faze, I did not really play with dolls. I loved her clothes but the real fun was creating her 'car' from a Kleenex box or her 'condo' from a larger box. Since her body was rubber and rather sticky and hard to dress, you could see my Barbie driving her custom Kleenex box car dressed only in spike heeled slides and a feather boa. Clearly, the creative part of playing was my gig.
So, I wonder....Anscestry.com has my DNA on file so if by chance there is a granddaughter or maybe another sister searching for me, there is a chance that they can find me. Maybe she is currently sailing over from Norway, trying to find me. What if!!
Have a dreamy fall, y'all. XO
Last night we were treated to dinner at Vivienne's house. No world stress, as we created a stepping stone for her garden. We took baby brother to the swing set and watched his little face light up with glee as he sailed through the air. We colored with some new-fangled (to me anyways) paint crayons and were pleased with our masterpieces. After our dinner, bedtime hugs and kisses gave way to Vivi's dreams of kindergarten, which starts today.
Thank you to Tom, Kara, Vivienne and Sebastien for the wonderful evening. But especially Vivi who schooled me in living in the moment. Through the eyes of a child, you get to be the most creative, the most athletic and the most artistic. And I dare someone to tell us differently!
P.S. Shout out to birthday wishes to two of the best-Dayna and Gayle. Have a day as wonderful as you are with all the good 'feels.' XOXO
