Peaches Prattlings











{January 12, 2016}   How cool is this!!

I got some amazing chanukah and Christmas presents thus year, I am very lucky girl,  I have to tell you!

People know me,  I got some practical ones,  silly ones,  fun ones, I loved them all. And this week, I had my last goody sent to me and I have to tell you about it, I’m just tickled!

It arrived in a very large box and I had no idea what it could be,  but I had a great laugh out loud when I saw it! JCT remembered one of my posts from Barcelona and how much we loved the cooking class and couldn’t resist getting me a paella pan! How cool is that!

I’ll be looking up the instructions from the class and I’ll let you know what time to be over!

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{January 10, 2016}   Happy birthday ACS

Today we celebrate my brother-in-law, ACS’ birthday.

ACS and I are the same age for a,little over the months,  then he gets to tell me what is like to be a the next age,  until I get there.

Everyone gets to choose where they want to eat on their birthday and ACS’ favorite place for his birthday is The Cheesecake Factory and that’s where we went, it’s tradition.

The usual suspects were there, GES, MGS, EMS, B&S M and their son, HM, his brother and sister-in-law,  J&AS and added his year,  PSM, only people missing…dad and Lala.

Guess what I found in Hawaii! How much convincing do you think it would take to celebrate his birthday there next year?

ACS is a great guy, I’m glad I was here to celebrate another birthday with him.

ACS is a good guy,  a fabulous father and great husband to my sister. They’ve been through so much, ups and downs over the last few years and he’s been a rock and someone she could count on, what more could you want for your sister?

I’ve sung his praises a few times, as you may remember, so tonight,  I just want to say a big happy birthday to my “little big brother”.

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{January 9, 2016}   Another wonderful celebration

How wonderful to touch people so much that they want to honor you.

As you know,  last night we had a great throw down for PSM, aloha, and SB, happy birthday!

Today was a little more low key,  but just as lovely. After a very early start [230am down,  6am wakeup,  what!] We got Mollie from the dog sitter, she wanted a few days to say goodbye. Then go the vet for a shot and some paperwork,  then to another vet for different paperwork. You thought moving yourself to Hawaii would be tough…moving a dog to Hawaii is taxing!

Then on to PSM’s brother to leave Mollie until we send her to reuinite with him in Hawaii. Whew! After we went back to PSM’s house for a rest,  we’ll deserved!

A while later,  celebration number two,  with the family. We went to J&A’s house to have a nice dinner with the family. Sounds idyllic,  doesn’t it!

We talked a bit,  then head  to J&A for more fun and frivolity. It was J&A, their two girls,  M&H, PSM’s brother and his family,  S&J with their son,  J. His aunt and uncle and his aunts sister, and to rounds the group up GES, ACS and MGS.

The food was great,  lots of Italian. While we were sitting there, the girl scout cookie drive was in full speed, I donated cookies, even after “but they have gluten free!”

Speaking of food,  the girls made two cakes, one for PSM and one for ACS,  his birthday is tomorrow.  One guess what tomorrow’s post will be!

We had a great time, laughing, eating, drinking, reminiscing, no settling down for him! It really is such a treat to see how people love, value and respect him. So wonderful and touching to see,  it’s not just me thinking he’s the bees knees.

A fun night all around.  On to the next exciting event!

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{January 8, 2016}   Aloha/Happy Birthday…Party!

Tonight was fabulous!!! [Must be shouted!]

Two events were happening; a farewell to PSM, known to most as Boo, who,  you may or may not know,  is moving to Hawaii and SB, known affectionately as Sarge, it was her 50th birthday. January 9th is her birthday, to be exact.

Since we wanted to celebrate both,  what better way than a joint party! BB and AH took the lead, found a place, chose the food, a hotel, soup to nuts. Two thumbs guys!

We got to the hotel and began running into everyone else as they were checking in.

After dropping our stuff in the room,  we headed back downstairs to the bar where everyone was meeting before we went over to the Emerald Lounge for the festivities. Technically, the festivities started at that moment,  drinks all around while we waited for everyone else.

Then a nice, brisk and crisp walk, about 10 minutes to the Revere Hotel,  which had our party room at the Emerald Lounge. GES and ACS were already there with a few other people and then we were off!

There were a lot of people in this small-ish room, but it was great. Almost everyoneknew each other,  I think there were only two people in didn’t know, felt good.

I got to introduce my sister and brother-in-law to PSM’s friends,  the ones who know and love him so much and now my friends.  That was the better feeling.

After a while,  both GES and ACS commented that it was a good group of people and friends and how much they all care about PSM, I couldn’t agree more. 

The appetizers were flowing,  really good too! A great variety of sliders and tidbits, one cool one that I did not participate in, tenderloin w/mashed potatos. The cool bit…they sat on top of a salt block on a slate tray, very clever.
 
The presentation on all the food, the service, our personal bar tender, the drinks,  all top notch and very attentive.

We had the room until closing at 2am, which was great, we could leave all our stuff in there, go out to the dance floor and shake and shimmy. And these people can shake and shimmy!

We made sure to all be there, on the dance floor before 12am to celebrate SB’s birthday at the stroke of twelve. That was pretty cool.

There was more dancing,  stories, reminiscing, laughing, photos, hugging and goodbyes. Not to mention discussions about Hawaii, that made someone very happy.

About 1:45am, we said our final farewells and grabbed a cab with G&J B back to the hotel. One last goodbye and it was time to crash.

What a great time! A proper way to send off a good friend and celebrate a birthday! Top notch!

What’s next?! Alo-ha!

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How does one ring in the second day of the new year? Why, a party, of course!

When we were at the friends Christmas party, I met another of PSM’s friends, L&C. That night,  night, L said they would be hosting a party on January 2nd and hoped to see us.

This morning, PSM and I were out walking with Mollie and I asked if the party was still on since we hadn’t heard anything.  He reached out and found out it definitely was, wahoo!

We headed up that way, got there a little before 7p…before some and after others,  or should that be other way around?

It was a great time, lots of fabulous people,  most of the same folks, usual suspects,  as it were.  We discussed the holidays, new years,  what’s next. And…next weekend’s celebration, we say “aloha” to PSM.

There were kids and adults to enjoy the evening with, the big reason is that he may not get to see somem before he leaves for Hawaii. There are two special  kids who call him uncle and their goodbye was very sweet, I’m glad we went, I know he is too.

For me,  it was gear to see everyone,  they are all so welcoming and adore PSM to bits and I know I’ve had to pass some tests to be sure I’m right for him,  that’s what family does and your friends can be tough! But I’m looking forward to some girls nights out!!

A great time was had by all and we get to see them again next week for his send off!!

Happy Saturday night!

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{December 31, 2015}   Happy New Year…Its 2016

It’s 2016, where did the time go?

Weren’t we just here a minute ago? How was your year? Was it everything you hoped for?

So much happened in my life…GES turned 40, she’s 100% and rockin’ her new job, EJS turned 8 and excelling at sports, MGS turned 5, lost her first tooth and started kindergarten, ACS left his corporate job to become a teacher. Dad and LaLa celebrated ten years together. We traveled to the Bahamas together for a fabulous family vacation in April.

I met a great guy, PSM,  and a new adventure began for me, East coat skiing, weekend trips,  movies,  theater,  a place in Boston, new places to discover, three international trips together and now the greatest adventure, moving to Hawaii in a few months! I can’t wait to share that with you!

I was on a project in Boston and got to spend a lot more time with the family,  getting even closer with EJS and MGS, I didn’t have to go more than a few miles to celebrate their birthdays with them.

On my projects and where I was I made some new friends,  acquired new skills and discovered new strengths.

I got to spend some time in Atlanta with my friends and family, watched Miss A thrive,  spent one on one time with Baby A and KAB. Drove to NJ to see SRH walk across the stage to get her diploma.

I completed a 15k, a few 5ks and two half marathons 8 days apart on two continents! One in Brooklyn with a friend from high school.

Another year of blogging, only to be continued, January 6th will be 3 years,  can you believe it!

There were some tough times, some great times, some injuries and triumphs and I got through all of them with the help of my friends and family,  I thank you.

I hope this year brings you health, happiness and all the joy your heart can handle. 2016 is going to be great!

Happy New Year!

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{December 29, 2015}   Another masterpiece!

Last night, CKM and I participated in one of our time honored traditions…painting class!

This time we chose Painting With a Twist. We weren’t crazy about the instructor and they’re was no down time to let the paint dry so it didn’t all run together,  but we managed.  In glad it wasn’t our first time,  it may have been our last!

It’s almost like paint by numbers,  just no numbers.  The instructor gives you direction on each section, which is very helpful.  I kept waiting for Bob Rossi…”now we’ll paint a tree,  a happy tree”!

All in all,  a great finished product, we realized this was our forth or fifth time. Can you guess which is mine? (See what the street names are?)

I gave mine to PSM tonight when I got home, something he can put up in the new place, only snow he’ll see there!

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I don’t think so.

I started the morning off at ST’s, after we all got back from dinner,  I threw in a load of laundry,  always nice to have clean clothes.

Then it was off to see RJS and her new kitties,  Max and Maddie, also known as M&M. So very cute!! They are about 5.5 months, affectionate,  sweet, smart and very precocious. They definitely keep their human parents on their toes.

After a bite of lunch,  back to the house for more catching up,  laughing, silliness.

Next was time to meet CKM, we met at an Italian restaurant for pasta, mine was ok,  but I was jealous of CKM! Apple and goat cheese ravioli, oh my did it smell fantastic!

After dinner we went to do one of our favorite things, a painting class! We decided on the blue background.  Tomorrow I’ll show you the finished product.

Before we went into the class we sat in the car and exchanged gifts, it was raining cats and dogs!

After another fun class, we chatted a little on the way back to the restaurant to get her car,  back to RJS’ house for more catching up, talk to you and lights out.

Another great day,  as always! I’m beat!

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{December 26, 2015}   Another fabulous day!

Today was laid back and packed.

The day started not too early…well, sort of,  6am, but doze fire the next two hours until SDL and Miss A came down and we had breakfast.

Today it was a blueberry muffin. We discuss world events,  the economy,  you know,  the usual stuff you talk to a five year old about. It’s actually one of my favorite things I get to do with her, meals.

SDL and I had a chance to catch up,  one on one, which I love as well. Then everyone else started getting up and joined us.

After a bit,  I got showered and dressed,  then headed out to see my house,  just a drive by,  see if everything is in order,  it is.

Then off to see TS and her daughter, KS and Miss Molly, the furry one in the family, at their new house. It’s lovely,  and suits them to a T, just right.

We had a tour,  TS has the first floor and KS has the upper floor and Miss Molly has the run of the place,  of course.

We chatted for a while,  then went to get some dinner and after dinner decided to see a movie,  Sisters, with Tina Fey and Amy Pholer, quite funny actually.

Back to the house to talk for a few hours,  not even realizing how late it was!

Now it’s time to talk to you and get some sleep! Tomorrow is another jam packed day, of course!

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{December 25, 2015}   Merry Christmas!!

Are home made gifts the best or what!!

I promised to share what I got from Baby A and here it is! The two canvases are made by him,  red swirls with A’s underneath and…Mistle-toes! Do you love it! You know I do!

And in front…coffee filter butterflies made by Miss A!! You know I am just eating this stuff up!

Today started too early,  but Christmas starts early with little kids! I was still at JT’s house and for the 13 month old,  we started at 7am! There were slides and brooms and princesses and…and…

DT  made breakfast,  yum, A Christmas Story was on,  the beginning of the 24 hour run,  then we put on Its a Wonderful Life, eventually I took a shower and headed to my other favorite family to spend christmas with them.  SDL, Miss A, SDL’s sister DL, her parents, also known as Momom and Popop.

We opened presents, talked, laughed, cooked, opened presents, talked,  laughed, cooked and eventually sat down to eat.

It was fun opening presents, every family has their own traditions. In this family, Santa fills the stockings and everyone wonders just how Santa knew! Then we open the “regular” gifts and everyone knows who they are from. Lots of laughter and fun!

Dinner was grand…there was turkey, stuffing, veggies,  sweet potato, mashed potato, rolls, salad, oh my! Full bellies.

Then sitting and chatting for a long time.  Clean up,  talking,  eventually dessert, more talking and then all of a sudden,  it’s 11pm! Time flies!

So,  I have done my Christmas traditions, so far. Christmas Eve with JT’s family and Christmas Day with SDL’s, my life is complete.  I love these families dearly and I can’t imagine anywhere else I would rather be at this time and I’ll be back every year,  as long as they’ll have me!

To you and yours,  if you celebrate…Happy and Merry Christmas!!!

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et cetera