Another Great Day

Sunday was Veterans Day. Many places offered free meals for Veterans. Naturally, Jack wanted his meal, so off we went at lunchtime for a nice meal.

Jack had a wonderful piece of roasted pork tenderloin with a balsamic glaze, and I opted for a burger. The food was really good and we enjoyed being out and about.

Jack also decided that today would be a good day to take me shopping for my birthday gift. There is a women’s store nearby that I love. Talbot’s. I just love their clothes.

A chair was situated at the back of the store near the dressing room for him to sit on. We’d selected a bunch of clothes, and I would try them on, and then show him. It was fun and I got a whole bunch of stuff for the winter months. One sweater, in particular, I just adore. I put it on and I felt like it was made for me!

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It may not look like much on the hanger, but on me, it looks great! It will look nice with black, brown or white slacks. So pretty.

Jack also bought me a bunch of new tops, another sweater, and two pairs of slacks. I am all set for the winter!

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Now before you all think that I went hog wild, I must tell you that this was an Outlet Store, (everything was marked down 50%) and I had fantastic Coupons! In fact, I love Coupons and I got all of this for half of what it would have cost. So trust me when I say that this was a steal!

I’ve always been a bargain shopper/hunter. I hate to pay full price for anything, and after living with a Scotsman for 30+ years I am perhaps cheaper than he is!

This was so much fun and I think even Jack enjoyed the process.

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Fall Back For Fun!

Sunday was a fun day! I do not usually say that on the Sundays after the clocks change, but today was different.

I woke up at 6 AM which was actually 7 AM. I turned on the coffee, and then I grabbed my robe, hat, gloves, and coat, and walked the dogs. It was still pretty windy, and now the cold had set in. 27 degrees! Brrrrrr!

I got myself cleaned up, did my hair, put on a little make-up and was out of the house by 7:45.

I had to stop and tank up the Highlander, and then I proceeded to pretty much fly down the road to South Nashua where the closest Trader Joe’s is. I wanted to get there first because I was looking for a certain item, and last year they sold out the first few days of November.

As soon as I got into the store I went right to the area where they keep the item I was interested in. I turned the corner, and there it was!

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They had three boxes of Stollen with Marzipan (a personal favorite from childhood!) and I quickly snached all three of them. I saw the manager and asked him if there were more. He told me that the Stollen came in on November first and those were the last three boxes!

I recall last year I went in around Thanksgiving and they were sold out. I’d decided that since I was going to be in the area…and a good thing I was. Not only did I get what I wanted, but the sale price was perfect too! I’m still floating on clouds!

Next, I went to find the Nurnberger Lebkuchen. I love these. Many people like sugar cookies at Christmas. Not me. I was raised eating these German delights! Aunt Hedwig made them, Grandma made them and so did Mom, although these weren’t her favorites.

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When I checked out of the store I was walking on air. All these things are packaged to remain fresh until Christmas and I am so very happy!

Next, I drove over to the LL Bean Outlet. I’d hoped to find something for me, but there was nothing. However, they did have two beautiful shirts for Jack. So, I bought them for him!

After that, I stopped at a place called The Christmas Tree Shop and I purchased napkins for the Thanksgiving table. They are cute with a spray of Thanksgiving flowers on them and a turkey. A little hokey, I know, but they are nicely made and will be pretty on the table.

About 11:30 I started to feel very hungry and I looked around for something to eat. I saw a Chinese Buffet and so my car steered me into that. It was an amazing place with an abundance of food. They had 10 steam tables with food. Honestly, it anyone left there hungry it was their own fault.

After that, I drove over to the High School where they were having the Play. The place was huge! I looked around trying to decide where I should park. Needless to say, I parked in a really bad spot and walked a lot to get in. No kidding. And might I just add that whoever designed this parking lot is a moron!

I found the auditorium, and eventually got in and located seats, Mandy and Matt and his folks all showed up right after, as well as some of Mandy’s and Savi’s friends.

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The play was “101 Dalmation’s Kids”. They all did a great job and it was a lot of fun to watch them.

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This is Savannah’s headshot for the cast roll. I swear their photographer is very good. They always get such cute pictures of the kids. I love this one because it shows all of her lost teeth!

All too soon the day down south ended and I needed to hit the road and head home. There wasn’t much traffic and I made great time. Best of all I got in before the sun set.

It was a wonderful day and I must say that I really enjoyed myself, and Savannah was truly wonderful!

Grand-Kids, The Fourth & Parties

The last few days have been so hot and muggy up here in New Hampshire, which is totally uncommon for early July. Perhaps mid to late August for a day or two, but we are going on nearly a week and I am just plain over it!

I took a trip down to co-babysit with the kid’s other grandmother, Nana Mary. We’ve become good friends over the years and we both enjoy spending time with our two grandchildren.

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Last night we took the kids to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Now I must say, this was a great decision because other parents take their kids there too. So no one says a word if a child uses their outdoor voice or spills anything. It simply is what it is.

Anyways, the kids ordered kid food, Mac & Cheese, and Chocolate Milk, while Mary and I each ordered a steak and salad. It was a great meal. I stepped out to “go to the restroom”, but really I ordered a cake and ice cream for Mary’s Birthday and the Staff all sang to her. It was so much fun!

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Our grandson fell asleep on the sofa after dinner, and I carried him upstairs to bed when Savannah was ready to go. Since there was awesome air conditioning in their parent’s bedroom, the two children and I slept there. Mary slept in the other air-conditioned bedroom.

Once the kids were tucked in, we opened a bottle of chilled Reisling and sat talking for nearly two hours before we went to bed. What a wonderful thing to have found a friend like Mary! And the fact that she and I are joined as a family makes it all the more special.

This morning dawned and the two children woke me up about 6:15. Savi was first to snuggle and cuddle, and then Quinn woke up. Now, remember, this kid is 2 and a half years old. This is what he said to me, all by himself first thing this morning.

“I’m not crying. I’m a big boy!” He then moved closer. “Love you Oma!”

My heart filled right up. This is the very first time he told me he loves me, without being prompted! Later on, he said it again. I was already crazy in love with my grandson, but now, I am simply over the moon in love!

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The children really adore each other and sit for long periods of time cuddled together. It makes me so happy to see this.

Then I came home, stopping for a few groceries on my way, and we went to a Fourth of July Party at our neighbors. It was so much fun, and great to see everyone!

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July!

Live, Laugh, Love

I spent Saturday with my grandchildren. What a great way to spend the day. Many of the women I know, still look at their grandchildren as being wonderful to “see”, but still do not spend time with them. This is something I do not understand. I guess you could say I’m a very modern Oma.

I grew up during a time when “children should be seen but not heard” was how it was. When I was very little I recall climbing into bed with my Grandma Honey, and cuddling a minute, only to be brought into the parlor, given a toy, and told to play quietly, and not to disturb anyone. It was just how it was

My children’s Grammie Alice was wonderful. She was never too busy for the kids, and always wanted to listen to them. In many ways, I am trying to be the kind of grandmother that my former mother-in-law was. Always there, always in the moment, and always reveling in her grandchildren.

So, while down to babysit the kids while their Mommy and Daddy had a date night, I spent time listening to Savannah. All her stories about Disney World, about her school, and about her ideas. She has so many ideas, and her stories about Disney were amazing! I love hearing her thoughts.

I remember when she was a baby, and I held her in my arms, I told her that I could hardly wait until I knew what was going on in her mind. At birth, I looked into those eyes and I knew there was an incredible little girl in there, she just needed to figure out how to talk to me. And now, at the age of almost six, she is a true communicator!

And darling Quinn, just two years old in March, is starting to get his thoughts across too. I think part of it is that he mimics Savannah, but the other part is that we make Snapchats and send them back and forth to each other. Quinn knows I am his Oma and he tells me things like, “Hi Oma! I love you!” without too much prompting.

I was watching a movie with Savannah after Quinn fell asleep, and Savi cuddled up next to me and she put her hand up and patted my curls. She was sweet and loving, and I enjoyed every moment.

I have learned in my life to enjoy every moment with my daughter and grandchildren. Those moments mean the very most to me. I asked Savi, “Who do I love more than anything in the Universe?” She laughed and said, “Mommy, Me and Quinn!” Then I asked her, “Who is Oma’s Joy?” And again, she said “Savannah and Quinn”.

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Every day, I am thankful for the love in my life. I am so very blessed!

And I’m Off……

I am all showered and dressed, and today I even put on some make-up, so as not to scare small children and old people. Where am I going? To Savannah’s play at the Community Theater, and lunch with the gang before watching the play for a second time.

Seeing the same play twice? You might ask. Why yes! I’m the Oma and Oma’s can do that!

So many family members and friends are coming to Savannah’s play to cheer her on, and I think that is so wonderful. I remember when I was in The Sound of Music in the local Community Theater in Falmouth, I was so happy when my grandparent’s came, as well as family and friends. It made me want to do my very best!

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Me as Gretl in The Sound of Music!

There will be pictures of this wonderful event, as soon as I can get them up onto Flickr and downloaded to the blog. Ah yes, the ever proud and loving Oma!

I will also be able to spend time with both grandchildren today and early tomorrow, before attending a Memorial Service and then heading home.

I’m so excited about this that I woke even earlier than usual, giving me plenty of time to get ready. In fact, I’m sitting here, knowing it I left right now, I would be at my daughter’s house and hour and a half early! So, here I sit, coffee mug in hand, passing the time.

My “New” Computer

I was so upset last week when my laptop’s hard drive blew. In the past it was prohibitively expensive to replace the hard drive, so one was destined to bite the bullet and buy a new machine. Technology changed along the way, and my Computer Guru suggested an SSD replacement. For those who have never heard of this it is a Solid State Drive.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when my laptop (I feel I should name her), came home. The first thing was, I turned her on, and she turned on instantly. And although I have an I5 processor, she runs so much faster than Jack’s computer with the I7 processor.

Now here are the biggest changes. She runs quietly because an SSD has no moving parts. She also runs very cool. Jack’s laptop, and all other laptops I have had, all run very hot and the fan runs almost constantly to keep them cooled down.

It’s like having a new computer except….my Computer Guru also moved all of my programs over to the new drive! I basically sat down and started to work! So it makes things even better!

I’m very happy to have chosen to re-purpose my machine. I had not even come close to using up all my memory and I did not want to take the plunge and buy a new machine.

I’ve never thought of myself as being a super recycler, but in this day and age, I think if we can do it, and save a landfill, and our pocketbook at the same time, then it’s worth looking into.

I am lucky. I have a Computer Guru (and I say this with a lot of love and thanks for all he does for Jack and I), who truly believes in re-purposing machines when you can. His prices are really good and I think he enjoys helping people with their problems. They’re hard to find, but I know they are out there. Ask around. Anyone that lives near me, email or PM me and I will send you his number. He comes right to your house, and if he can’t fix things there, he will take your machine, fix it, and then bring it back and reinstall it for you. The day I found this young man, was a very lucky day for me!

So I am a very happy girl, with her very nice almost new computer! Thank you Brad!

 

Happiness Is…

It was a big day for me on Saturday. Just after Christmas I started an afghan for my daughter, Mandy. Today I finished it!

It is a full size throw afghan. One she can pull up over herself and both the kids, and snuggle under!

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I cannot tell you how much fun I had doing it. I think with each loop of my crochet hook, I melted in a little love. I hope this afghan lasts her for a very long time, and I hope she spends many hours cuddling her babies under it!

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My Loves

I went down to visit with my two grandchildren on Saturday! Those are always great days. Savannah comes running when she hears me open the door, and today, when Quinn saw me he smiled and said OMA!

You know, it just doesn’t get much better than seeing how happy the mere sight or your presence can make your grands. They sure make me smile, and fill my heart with love, warmth and happiness!

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Now I had a few funny things happen with the kids. I wanted to play a song to Amanda that I’d sort of discovered. Now, it’s an old song, but I wanted to have her hear it. Well, Savi thought the music was really old fashioned, which made me laugh, because it was from my High School Years!

Then I played Savi and Mandy and Quinn a song. Mandy knew it, but it was new for Savi and Quinn. It was called “The Might Quinn”. Done years ago by Manfred Mann!

 The kids really got a kick out of that, especially Savannah, who kept asking if they wrote this song about her baby brother, Quinn!

While Savi was in dance class, Mandy, Quinn and I did her grocery shopping. Quinn loves to be part of the experience. He started in the cart, then helped to push the cart, then was on Mandy’s shoulders, and then while we checked out, he and I played puppy-boy! He was so good, and so darn cute!

After lunchtime, I left to go home, while stopping along the way to grocery shop for me, and get gasoline for my car. All was going well until I got just north of Concord and the traffic came to a sudden halt. Where it stayed for about an hour. Later I learned that there had been a bad accident, which is why I was stuck.

I had my Ipod with me, and so I plugged it into my speakers in the car, and just went to town, singing, swaying to the music and just otherwise passing the time.

I shopped, and made it home shortly after 4:00 PM. Tired but very happy. My grands always make my days so much better!!!

The Pioneer Woman

During the 17 days I spent in the hospital this Spring, feeling sick as a dog, and I admit, scared to death,  I watched a lot of TV. Since emotionally I was not up to anything heavy, I watched a lot of shows on The Cooking Channel, HGTV and Animal Planet. These were all entertaining and some were even sweet. I discovered Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet on The Animal Planet Station, and best of all, I discovered “The Pioneer Woman”.

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Now Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)  is sort of the mother I wish I had been lucky enough to have. Not that my mother wasn’t a good Mom, it’s just that she and I didn’t have a lot in common.

I digress. While trapped in a hospital bed, I started watching The Pioneer Woman. It turns out that one weekend they had a marathon showing of her show and I was able to fall in love with her, and her family.

As she says, she lives on a cattle ranch, in the middle of nowhere, and she loves to cook, take pictures and blog! All things that I love to do. Each show is filled with recipes, scenes of her ranch, kids and meals with her family and friends.

When I got home from the hospital I found her show on TV Monday through Friday from 1 o’clock to 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Hubby and I started watching it and we both enjoy it.

In fact, Ree Drummond has a new magazine coming out and I told Hubby I’d like to subscribe. Ree just has a way about her. Easy, laid back, homey. I love listening to her, planning a meal, or a party, or picnic. Many of her ideas I have had myself, but not on such a complete scale.

I admit to trying some of her recipes. They are good and Hubby is starting to ask if our meals are Pioneer Food! Ha!

I am enjoying all of this Pioneer living. It’s sort of what I dreamed about when I was a teenager. My Mom had a home garden, where we grew vegetables and I thought that was great. As an adult I had my own gardens and year after year, I grew to love cooking. This one hour of TV, five days a week, makes me feel good.

So if this sounds like fun to you, give her program a watch!

I think you will be glad you did!

The Healing Powers Of Flowers

I have always loved flowers. Since childhood, my favorites were the Lilacs, and yellow roses. The Lilac because of their amazingly sweet, almost perfume like scent, and yellow roses because of their sheer beauty.

Growing up, my Mom had one whole side of our fenced yard, covered with Lilac bushes. I recall sitting under the bushes, with my dog, and closing my eyes and getting lost in their scent!

A little later in my life I discovered something amazing! Yellow Roses! I do not know why they captured my heart and soul, but they did, as soon as I saw them.

Those were my two favorite flowers until this this year, when I was introduced to the Hyacinth. My daughter sent me a fabulous bouquet with Hyacinths in it. Not only were they beautiful to look at, but their scent far surpassed my beloved Lilac!

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What a wonderful gift to receive while recovering from two surgeries and trying to getting my feet back under me!

You know what is really wonderful? How special, loved, and cared for one feels after getting such a gorgeous surprise gift! It picked up my spirits and made me feel better almost instantly!

And one note here, after their arrival, almost every Nurse on my floor came in once or twice each shift to smell them. I started to joke that the first sniff was free, but after that it was 25 cents per sniff!

I am home and the flowers are still beautiful, and I am slowly getting better. I swear that the healing powers of flowers are truly quite strong.