Dining Delights | Peaches Prattlings

{January 17, 2015} Reunions

As you know I am in California for two races and I’ll tell you all about them tomorrow.

One of the other fabulous things I am getting to do is see two friends from my past, one from college and one from high school, what an amazing treat!

Friday, I drove to Hollywood, geeked out, as you saw yesterday and then…I drove to a great vegan restaurant in Los Angeles to meet TH, one of my oldest and dearest friends from college. We met our very first day, because of a note passed under a door. He was in Hendrix Hall, I was in Igor Hall, and there was a door that separated our buildings and on the first day, he slid a note under the door that said “Are you experienced? We are”. I forgot that it was a Jimi Hendrix song and not just he and his suitemates being cheeky! I proceeded to walk around to his suite and confront them and it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship!

For the next four years, no matter where we lived, we saw each other just about every day, we were even on the same track for our majors, so that helped put us together almost every day, we loved it. Even when we weren’t in class, we spent time together, going to shows, eating meals, sporting events, just hanging out doing nothing. Not being around each other every day, bummer.

After graduation, we stayed in touch for a long time, but then life happens, you know, you live on opposite ends of the country. We reconnect on Facebook oh so many years ago and “stalked” each other as you do. Email each other, make comments, that sort of thing and as soon as I knew I was coming to California, I sent two emails, TH was the first…MUST see you! Are you free? YES! WAHOO!

So, yesterday, I drove to Hollywood, as you know and we were trading some texts back and forth and we fell back in sync, it was great! Then we met for dinner and it was like no time had passed and we picked up like we had just seen each other last week, so amazing! That is a testament to the friendship. We were talking so much the waitress must have come by at least four times before we actually looked at the menu. We laughed, we reminisced, we talked about what was going on in our lives, work, family, all the usual stuff. When we parted company we talked about another visit and staying in touch. Now that we can text, I am sure we will do better! I drove back to the hotel happy and ready to pass out!

Today, after the run, I went back to the hotel for a great nap and then went to meet a dear friend from high school AR, his wife, P and their adorable two year old son L, what a doll baby! Just like seeing TH, it was like no time had passed. We have known each other since I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We would see each other almost every day, just like you do in high school, we would hang out outside of school, the usual… movies, pizza, hanging out at each others houses, parties.

We saw each other after high school, when I would be home on breaks and one semester we even went to college together, it was pretty cool. Even after college when I moved and he moved, we kept in touch and then, just as you know, life gets in the way, but with Facebook… awesome.

So… the other email when I knew I was coming to California, was to AR…another MUST see… the best part… just tell me when you’re available! Score!

Today was great, we saw each other and it was like no time had passed, how does that happen? Who cares, it was great! We talked, laughed, reminisced, I got to know his wife and apparently I was a hit with their son, I got hugs and fist bumps and lap cuddles, how cool is that! We parted company with promises to keep in touch and the next visit maybe stay with them, love it. We also talked about a reunion, fun!

Two fabulous visits, like no time had passed… who’s next?

{January 11, 2015} The weekend…zzzzzz

Here we go!

My brother in law, ACS’ birthday was yesterday, but the celebrations started Thursday. We met with B&S at The Cheesecake Factory for the first celebration of the weekend, it was lovely, then home for Harry Potter and bed.

Friday was low key… during the day. Ha ha. Pick up EJS from school, take her to karate, back home, then to school for the Winter Extravaganza, then to synagogue where EJS is in the junior choir, very cool. Home for Harry Potter and bed.

Saturday, yesterday, was ACS’ birthday. There was a knock on the door at 7:40am, it was GES, “I’m taking EJS to soccer, can you watch MGS so ACS can get some sleep?

EJS went off to soccer and ACS and MGS and I went to get breakfast at the local, wonderful bagel shop, then to a farm stand for fresh apple cider donuts and some other sweet delicacies. Hung out in the afternoon, then did some shopping because people were coming over for the game. Full house, lots of food, lots of shouting, the Pats won, go Pats!

After everyone left, babysitter came over and we went to a local Chinese restaurant which is also a local hangout for after the game, among other things, had a few drinks and appetizers, a few friends came by to visit and we watched all the people who were coming in after the game, it was ffffffrrrreeeezing! Cold enough just going from the car to the restaurant, imagine being at the game! No thanks! I’ll stick to the indoor stadium, thank you JFT! The kids were asleep when we got home, sigh.

Today started early again! About 9am, we went to a friend of EJS’ family for brunch and ice skating! Her family had installed a skating rink in their back yard! I wonder what’s going to happen at this house next winter! The kids loved it! I left a little early to go find a cake pan to make a football cake.

I went to Michael’s and found a cake pan to make dresses, kind of like a bow. I bought it and tried to decide if I wanted to bake two and make a full football, but I opted for a half cake and brownies. I even made goal posts and yard lines, too cool. It looked great! I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures, sorry.

In between baking with MGS, she went to swim lessons, then I took EJS to swim lessons, waited with MGS for a balloon, she wanted a bow and arrow, well, arlighty then! Bring MGS home, finish decorating the cake, get dressed and head out for the big birthday dinner with , well, almost everyone!

Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant with about 30 people, kids and adults, it was crazy and fun. Cake was a hit! A few hours later, it was home to get the kids to bed, GES and I walked down the street to KS and AS’ house to pay a call since KS’s dad passed last week, it was good to see her and see that she was alright.

Back to the house to put on jammies and then write to you! Tired yet?

PS Happy birthday to my friend CEN’s son O!

{December 27, 2014} Another fun filled and busy day!

Another fabulous day I had! Visits, laughs, movies, meals, fabulous!

The day started way too early for a Saturday, as my days often do, 8am, what is that about? The alarm was set for 10, but apparently I couldn’t wait to get up! I answered some emails, chilled out and then got ready to head out for the day. I drove to downtown Woodstock to meet KWH for brunch.

This was a treat, for both of us! We haven’t seen each other in over a year, her daughter Baby J was only a few weeks old and now, she’s running around, jumping and playing. She got to come out all by herself, which, as you know, when you have wee tots, you do not get to do very much of anything on your own. And the mutual treat, was seeing each other, as it seems to be about once a year, but it is always a quality visit. KWH and I used to work together, actually at the same company I met BG and TS, the world is very small.

After a good breakfast and great conversation, which of course includes laughs, silliness, hugs, deep thoughts, we walked a little, then went our separate ways. The funny thing is I saw TS tonight and she asked me a few questions about how certain things in KWH’s life were going and I had no idea! I realized that we talked for about three hours and covered a lot of ground, but there were things we just did not cover, and I looked at her and thought “What did we talk about?!” Too funny!

After brunch, I did a little window shopping and some actual shopping and part of next years Christmas shopping is done! Everything was half off, score!

Then off to BG’s house to say hello to his son, J and his parents, then the two of us went to the movies, saw ‘Night At The Museum’, which we both really liked. It was fun hanging out, watching a movie, it’s been a while since we did that. After the movie, we went back to his house for a few minutes and J got to brag about his mastery of the Monopoly board over his Grandmother, very cute. I hung out for a few more minutes and then it was time to go, J gave me a hug! That was great! Over the last two years he’s gotten to know me better and that has been a treat.

After I left, I headed to TS’ house to hang with TS and her daughter KS, so much fun! We exchanged gifts, both birthday and Christmas/Chanukah and then it was out the door, for dinner and a movie! We went to PF Chang’s and the wait was about an hour, so we drove around looking for another possible place, but ended up back where we started and the food was worth it, the service was passable, the noisy table next to us, ugh. When they left, the noise level in the entire restaurant went down by about 1000! Company makes up for so much!

Then it was to the movie theater to see Big Eyes and we were the only ones in the enter theater, we realized we did not have to whisper! That was a plus. The movie itself was good, a but depressing, but it was a true story and I had been wanting to see it and we all love Amy Adams. When the movie was over, not only were we the only three in the theater, itself, I think we may have been the only three in the entire building!

Back home for more chatting and catching up and the next thing we knew it was after 1am! Time really does fly when you are having fun!

Now, it is time for some sleep because tomorrow, I have, wait for it… another busy day!

And happy birthday to my dear friend, NM!

Goodnight!

{December 18, 2014} Team Holiday Party

Tonight was the team holiday party for the project I am on.

We went to Pinstripes, http://pinstripes.com/, an upscale place for food, fun, bowling and bocce! When I saw the indoor bocce fields/lanes/pitch/whatever, I thought about my favorite family in Wisconsin, JS, his wife, TS and their girls M&M, love that family!

We had a nice dinner and after dinner, Santa showed up to give us presents! The team members who had family events, babies, weddings got a little something extra, for the rest of us, we got Starbucks coffee mugs and slipper socks, a can koozie and some candy, how nice is that! [sorry, I forgot to take a picture and it’s already packed].

After dinner, we all headed to the bowling area, put on our shoes, check out my socks! and divided into teams on 4 lanes and bowl we did! There was a prize for the highest individual score and one for the lowest individual score, want to guess who won for lowest personal score? The prize: An elf on the shelf and a Kenny G CD of Christmas Favorites! Score!

We had a good time, some good laughs and then it was time to get to the hotel and pack and talk to you.

Happy second night of Chanukah!

{November 28, 2014} Today, I am thankful for…

So very many things!

Today is the American celebrated holiday of Thanksgiving. It is the day we give thanks, it doesn’t matter to anyone else what you are thankful for, they are your thoughts and if you want to share them, go for it, if you want to keep them to yourself, go for it!

Today was a simple day, got up way too early, par for the course, but had a good time playing with the girls, making egg sandwiches, hanging with my brother-in-law, dad and my sister, nice and easy. At some point ACS and dad took the girls to the local high school football game, for the longest running rivalry football game, between Needham and Wellsley High School, the Thanksgiving game has been played on Thanksgiving day since 1882! How’s that for tradition! http://needhamhistory.org/features/articles/needham-wellesley/

While they were gone, GES and I tried to watch a terribel movie, Adult Store and when that didn’t work, we put in “And So it Goes” but didn’t get far because everyone came home and it was more time in front of the fire, holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel, doesn’t this all sound so idyllic?

Then it was time for me to make my corn souffle while everyone took showers to get ready to go to T&S S’ house, we piled in two cars and off we went. We got there, headed in and joined the commotion! There were 4 families there, each with two kids, then three granddads, two grandmas and one extra auntie, me! When I got there, I found out that Little E went home last weekend and told his mommy that he wanted Auntie J to come and babysit! I am SO ready for that! I am spoiled!

We all worked together to get the finishing touches done on the food, heating up things, setting things on the table and then it was time to sit down to eat. Now, as most families do, you go around the table to talk about what you are thankful for and our fabulous hostess started. There are a lot of things that this group is especially thankful for and it was a very touching and tearful time, it has been a tough year and we are so thankful to have made it through and come out of it and we can see 2015 will be here soon and it will be the start of a wonderful new year.

After TS, then it was my turn, then my dad’s and so on down the line. There were some funny things said, some insightful, poignant, tearful and of course, whenever the kids have a turn, it’s always adorable. Some kids are thankful for their friends, their family, their grandparents, their food and we all laugh and smile when they say it, they are being honest. Last, but not least was our very own MGS and she became a bit shy, so together we said for her…”Let’s eat!”

Hours to prep and cook, minutes to devour! The funny thing is the one question I am asked the most at this time of year “But Auntie J, what are you going to eat? Well, if you think about it, usually, all but the turkey and stuffing are vegetarian! We had greenbean cassarole [made with cream of mushroom soup], brussel sprouts with carrots, green beans, there was vegetarian stuffing, carrot souffle, mashed potatoes, home made applesauce, rolls and cranberries, now you tell me…out of all that, what couldn’t I eat?

After dinner, we all helped to clean up, then started to prep the desserts. We had apple crumble, pumpkin pie, fresh fruit, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate and heathbar cookies, coffee cake, peacan pie and ice cream. I think we were set!

After cleaning up we were treated to a show by all the kids, SO cute and then it was time to go, the kids were getting tired and wound up and the grownups were in food coma mode! Time to pack up, suit up and head home. We got outside and it was flurrying, so pretty and I loved watching MGS trying to catch snow flakes on her tongue!

Home for pjs, relaxing and talking to you!

I know I have said this before, but I am thankful to you, my friends, family and follwers for taking the time to read my posts, comment, like and enjoy my posts. I am thankful to have an audience who likes what I have to say and I will forever be greatful! I hope you all had a fabulous thanksgiving and got to spend the day with friends and family.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

{November 15, 2014} A wonderful visit!

Today was a great day!

I had lunch with CS, LB and I got to meet LB’s sister, my granddaughter, Baby L! What a doll baby! The last time I was in Las Vegas, she was “on the inside”! She was born a few days after we left, so this was my first meeting!

When they came to pick me up in the GINORMOUS pickup truck, LB was in the back seat smiling at me, ready to get some lunch. We went over to SLS, f/k/a Sahara hotel and went to a place called 800 Degrees Neopolitan Pizza. We ordered two pizzas, pepperoni for CS and the girls and a pesto, roasted garlic, eggplant and I have to tell you…fan-freaking-tastic!

The great thing was it didn’t take LB very long to warm up to me this time, she was excited to see me, held my hand, you know I love that. At one point, she said she was cold and I gave her my sweater, it was too funny as the sweater is pretty big on me, so you can imagine what it was on her! Then she was done sitting and came to crawl onto my lap and asked me to read her the boook I got for Baby L, Goodnight Colorado, I don’t know if you know the Goodnight Moon series, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodnight_Moon. As soon as I finished, “Read it again, JJ’ and again. Three times was it! After I finished reading, I got the best question “Are you coming to my house to play?” Big sigh. Was I happy? You bet your sweet bippie!!!

We had a great time talking. This was the first time I had the opportunity to have one on one time with CS and it was fantastic. It was fun to chat, catch up on family and day to day stuff, the future and all that’s happening in her life and the family, it felt great. Thank you, I’m looking foward to the next time.

After lunch it was time for dessert, we stopped for gelato, chocolate for LB and her sister and let me tell you, just like all wee tots, they wear it well!

Then it was time to go, CS had to go pick up Uncle Bubba from school and I had to get ready to volunteer for the 5k. “When we drive back to your hotel, would you sit in the back with me and Baby L?” Oh yes! Of course! You know how tickled I was! Sigh! I love that little bit!

When we got to the hotel, I gave everyone kisses and we agreed to FaceTime soon and hopefully see each other soon!

Think JJ had a smile on her face the rest of the night? You betchya!

{November 9, 2014} My weekend in Atlanta

I spent the weekend in Atlanta and now I want to tell you about it. Sit back, this might take a bit…

I already told you about my flight to Atlanta on Thursday, fun, but ended wonderfully. Friday I got up, had breakfast and got to work, had a few calls, then lunch, more work and then I went to the rental property management company office to pick up the key to my house. I then drove to the house only to be thwarted by two medium sized dogs barking at the door, so I messaged the property manager and told her that I would schedule a set time when I come back so they can put the dogs in the garage, oh well. I did get to talk to a neighbor for a bit, she told me the tenants are very nice and they are fitting in well in the neighborhood.

Off I went, back to TS’ house to get some more work done and then we went to a nice Medeterranian restaurant with SF, it was nice to catch up. The service was mediocre, every pot of tea was luke warm, but the food and the company were stellar, so the entire evening was a smashing success. That night, we watched The Call, which you probably read about the other night.

Saturday morning, we went to meet BG at Corner Bakery for breakfast. After breakfast, we went to a consignment shop so she could pick up some things she had there as well as money for stuff she sold, I got the cutest picture of a pair of Chuck Taylor’s, yeah, I know, like I need more stuff with no place to put it!

Then we went to the mall so I could pick up a few things from Victoria’s Secret and then back to my car, I headed out to see JCT and her family where her mom was doing a craft fair. After visiting with them for a bit, I headed to see SDL and Miss A!

We played and snuggled, and walked, what an amazing kid Miss A is! She is growing up so fast! And walking, wow!!! Eventually we went to get some dinner and her favorite Mexican restaurant, which I really enjoy, and I had been craving Mexican. We ate, talked, danced, walked, had a great time. Then back home for bath and bed.

This morning was breakfast and Skype time with SDL’s mom, MomMom, it was great to see her! After breakfast, I headed out to see KAB and baby A, who’s not such a baby anymore! It was so good to see my grandson! He’s one and a half and getting so big! W played and I got hugs and kisses, it was awesome! It was really good to catch up with KAB and J came home and we talked about the game.

I left there and headed downtown to Atlantic Station to do some retail therapy while I waited to meet CKM for dinner in Decatur. I bought a pair of boots and got some holiday shopping done!

Then I headed to The Brickstore Pub in Decatur and CKM showed up and we had a great dinner and caught up, so great to see her! It’s been too long! After dinner, we walked and talked and caught up some more, even better!

Now, I am chilling out, going to crash in a bit and head to Chicago in the morning. You tired after my weekend?

Goodnight!

{November 7, 2014} After being sick at work/Travel Day

This is a dual blog post because i want to talk about two things and it’s my post, so there you go.

So, as you know, I wasn’t feeling well this week and had to stay in bed yesterday. Since I am relatively new to the project, everyone knows who I am and yesterday, there was a big meeting and I was noticeably absent and this was the meeting where the project manager was supposed to introduce PM and I to the group, oh well. So…today, everyone wanted to know if I was feeling better, it was very nice, but a little weird. Even at the airport, when I landed in Atlanta, I saw some of my teammates and they were asking. So nice, but weird. It was definitely appreciated, but at the same time, not the kind of attention I want and how much information do you give? Ramble over.

As for traveling…I left some perishables with the hotel until Monday, I didn’t feel like traveling with them, so that was good. I got an text that my 4:50pm flight was delayed until 5:36pm, go figure, apparently due to high wind, it finally started getting cold in Chicago. Then I have no seat, I will get that at the gate. When I get to the Delta counter, wait with everyone else to drop my bag, about 30 minutes, great…then going through security, TSA pre-check, but a random check, really?

Get to the gate, there was an announcement that there was a gate change, go to the new gate with everyone else, it’s for an earlier flight than ours, how could a flight leave before it was supposed to when it was delayed. Then go back to the original gate and wait with everyone else, finally getting in line because the one woman at the counter said it would be a while, they were still working on the flight that just left.

Got on the plane and waited and waited and waited. Finally took off, as soon as we land, EVERYONE [well, almost everyone] gets up, like that’s going to help. Finally get off the plane, get my bag, break a nail getting the bag off the conveyor belt, what? And lost a charm off the bracelet I got in Ireland, pook. Did meet a nice guy that works for Deloitte as well, he overheard me speaking with someone about what I did. We are both working for the same partner on different projects.

Get my car, which is an Impala, or land yacht as I like to call it. It’s clean, good stereo and rides smoothly. I make it to TS’ house and it’s a wonderful reunion, she feeds me home made veggie soup and is so wonderful because she is a meat eater and used to flavoring with meat, but accommodated me and it was heavenly. I am not eating very much at the moment. There was salad and her mom’s home made pickles. I was in heaven. A wonderful end to a long day.

Goodnight my friends!

{November 1, 2014} Post Halloween – No rest for the tricked or treated!

The day started WAY too early! Especially after GES and I were up all night talking about Christmas movies!

EJS decided she was going to wake me and try to scare me with her orange vampire teeth…eeek! Then it was up for the last soccer game of the season, or so we thought, next week there is a make-up game. The game continued, even after the freezing rain started and I must tell you that EJS is a beast on the field! So very proud of her!

On the way home, stop at the local farmers market for treats! Apple cider donuts, scones and bagels, yum! One donut on the way home of course! At home, get ready for play date number one. Then JS and AS show up to hang out and after a while, dad and I head out to Walmart, I need some tubs for my stuff.

Back home, I drop dad and the stuff, realize I forgot something and headed out and found GES, not that she was lost or anything, but the day after Halloween is a must to shop for deeply discounted stuff for next Halloween, of course! I got home and DB was there with her two adorable kids, N and Baby A, what a couple of doll babies. You know Auntie J loves to play with the babies! This was also play date number two for the day.

JS and ACS came home while we were all visiting and eventually DB and the kids left, then it was time for GES and ACS to get ready for their night out to dinner with friends. About 6:30, it was egg and cheese sandwiches on english muffins for everyone left at home while watching futball and How to Train Your Dragon 2. After the movie it was time for books and bed, there were wee tots ready for sleep!

Lots of laughter of course, especially when I was helping MGS get into her pj’s and she ended up with both legs in one! That resulted in uproarious fits of laughter. And again, EJS was so generous when MGS couldn’t find her “lovey” [something they each have in different colors that they sleep with] and EJS said “That’s ok, I always have a spare!’ What a good big sister!

Eventually the kids were asleep and dad and I hung on the sofa watching bad tv mingled with some sports while I nodded off here and there, thinking about sleeping. After the parents got home, everyone went to bed and guess who “woke up”! Laundry, packing, clearing off the bed. And here it is almost 1am and I’m still talking to you! I am beat!!!

When do we set the clocks back?

Good night!

{October 28, 2014} Team Dinner

Today is the second day on the new project in Illinois.

There was a team dinner, a farewell to two people leaving the project, but I found out that there are quite a few team dinners that happen more often than not and just about all 25 people from Deloitte will go to dinner, it was nice.

We went to a nice Mexican Restaurant, Mago Grill, http://www.magogrill.com/arlingtonheights/index.html in downtown Arlington Heights, it looks charming, I’m looking forward to getting to know the area.

The guacamole was terrific, it was fresh, made table-side, always a good thing, fresh guacamole, especially now that I actually like avocado and guacamole! The rest of the food ordered was very tasty according to everyone and they enjoyed their drinks.

It was nice to get to know fellow team members, barely talk about work, have a good meal, make friends, relax, laugh and detach from the day. Looking forward to the next one.

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