Family | Peaches Prattlings

{January 17, 2016} It’s art, isn’t it?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Today, after a very nice breakfast with I&L B and their daughter, J, who I went to high school with and haven’t seen in forever, great to catch up! LaLa, dad and I went into Manhatten and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It’s one of our favorite museums. Sunday in NYC and cold, perfect place for all of Manhatten to be there!

We saw monkeys for the Chinese New Year, gilded furniture, out of this world clocks, impressionists and modernists and…ummm…yeah.

As I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Smashing!

{January 16, 2016} What a mitzvah!

An amazing day today!

Today, I got to witness a true mitzvah. The literal translation for mitzvah is commandment. It’s also known as doing a good deed, is a mitzvah when you help others, making your parents proud is a mitzvah.

Today, the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends from high school became bat mitzvah. She took her place in the congregation, she became an adult, can be part of a minion. Not the little yellow minions we know and love, a minion is a meeting and by Jewish law, you need ten people to make a minion and now, she can be counted as part of that ten.

It is a big step to become bar [son of] or bat [daughter of] mitzvah. You have to study Hebrew for years, learn the prayers, learn to read from the Torah, write a speech, just to give you a little insight.

I got to the synagogue and found CGS, we hugged and caught up for a minute, then went into the sanctuary and took some photos, I got to see the kids and then she was off and running. I found a seat and then our friend FCS arrived with her mom. She is the friend from high school I told you I ran/walked with during the Brooklyn half marathon back in October.

We sat together and caught up and then it was time to start. SHS, the bat mitzvah, lead the service with the rabbi, what a great job. Eventually, it was time for her to read from the Torah and she did it beautifully.

After the Torah and haf-torah, she gave a speech, very sweet and poignant. There were presentations by the family and the temple and then it was over. Mazel Tov!

After the bat mitzvah, it was time to celebrate and celebrate we did! Food, drinks, I went a little crazy…two shirley temples, I know, hold yourself back! Dancing, chair lifting and dessert, what more could you ask for?

I remember when I found out CGS was pregnant with SHS. CGS had been pregnant at my wedding and wore this great dress, stretchy material. She called to tell me she wore the dress again and that was how she told me she was pregnant with SHS, pretty cool.

It’s been such a treat to watch CGS’ kids grow up, all very bright and funny and sweet with parents who really love them, very lucky. I can’t wait for the next one, have five years to go there!

What a mitzvah! And I am so thrilled that I got to be a part of it, a blessing.

{January 15, 2016} What a day…I’m beat!

The day started way too early.

As you know, PSM, my boyfriend, left me for the sunny skies and rainbows of Hawaii VERY early this morning…oh, woe is me…[Start the violins please]

He left about 4:45am for the airport, luckily, we were right there. I couldn’t fall back asleep, I did try. I know he felt bad waking me, I looked so peaceful sleeping, but he couldn’t leave without a goodbye hug and smooch, could he?

So, eventually, I got up and went to have some breakfast ally 5:30am, amazing how many people were there too!

After breakfast, I headed back to the room, collected my stuff and headed downstairs for the shuttle. After about five minutes, I set off on foot for the rental car center, got the shuttle, picked up a car and headed to my place.

I had already packed my bag, so I wouldn’t take to long in the morning. I took care of the cats, loaded the car and got on the road. I’m going home!

It took about 4.5 hours with bio breaks along the way, if you’ve met me you know I can’t go very long without one! But it was nice, no traffic, so it was a straight shot. I’d I didn’t stop, Bertha, my GPS said it would take 4.1 hours, so good job, me!

I got to my dad’s just in time for the last bio break! Got my stuff from the car and went inside, kind of surprised him, he didn’t hear me come in! After a bit, we decided to get some lunch and sushi sounded great! We shared a few things and we were stuffed!

Groceries were next on the list, he looked at me funny and asked if I had really changed my eating habits…I figured that since I have a car, I would pick up some cat food [16# bag]! Why not!

While we were shopping PSM called when he got to San Francisco, leg one of his trip, safe and sound.

Back to the house to wait for LaLa and commiserate with the guys waiting to pour the concrete for the new driveway. It was scheduled to arrive 10am-12pm. Guess when then showed up…3pm! They had to wait around for five hours! The weather was nice so the concrete guy was trying to get in as many jobs as possible.

Laundry went in, I wasn’t missing an opportunity like this! I felt like I was in college again! And dad offered! He’s the best!

LaLa got there and we chatted for a bit and then the truck arrived and like little kids we watched the truck churn, pour the concrete and then the guys lay the driveway. It was so cool! Like watching my Tonka Trucks come to life! It took about 40 minutes to fill dad’s and the same for the neighbor.

When we left for dinner about 5:15, they were gone laying and smoothing, they were in beautifying mode, creases, swirls, very cool.

Off to dinner at a great Italian restaurant that I had been to when I was here in October for the half marathon. We were meeting fabulous people that I have told you about, the couple I call “Mr. & Mrs. The B’s”. He was my teacher of French in middle school and I never called them by their first names again, I can’t!

We were there celebrating Mr B’s birthday. Great fun, catching up, reminiscing, telling stories, laughing, all in all, a fabulous evening. Good friends, good food [even some fabulous gluten-free almond cookie for me!] A sparkling cake and singing, by the entire restaurant were the last thing, terrific!

When we got back, the boss from the project today was back with his son laying down plastic sheeting to protect it from the region coming tomorrow, how cool is that. Great work and fabulous customer service, a very good businessman.

Back to the house, check the laundry, snuggle in to talk to you and I know I am going to pass out early, I am exhausted!

PSM called while I was settling in, I know he’s safe and sound. I asked how he was, he said he was fine with flying for a while, I said that was ok because he was in his new home now.

And now that I talked to him, kissed everyone goodnight, I am going to collapse, big day tomorrow! Goodnight!

{January 14, 2016} A nice quiet night

Just what the doctor ordered.

Tonight was the end of a lot of celebrating and quiet was on the menu.

Since PSM is leaving very early, I booked us a night at a hotel near the airport. He arrived first, stored his bags and hung out waiting for me. When I got there, we went up to the room to chill out for a while.

You know we’ve been to multiple parties and dinners and celebrations and send offs over the last few weeks and it’s been wonderful and exhausting! Tonight, after the last lunch/farewell party, it was just the two of us.

After a bit of nothing, we went down for happy hour and then a bit of dinner. PSM was very excited to learn he could take that last beer back to the room, finish it leisurely and that’s what he did.

Back to the room, snuggle on sofa, enjoy each other’s company one last night for a while.

Safe travels PSM, see you soon! I heart you.

Just what the doctor ordered.

{January 13, 2016} Coolest thing EVAH!!!

Ok, Auntie’s time to glow and maybe tear up a little.

Today, ACS showed me the attached and after it registered in was tickled pink and so touched and proud and anything else you can think of!

What you’re looking at is something EJS did at school today. It’s called the “Five Finger Network”, part of the Child Assault Prevention Program.

The first thing they did was trace each hand on the paper. On the left hand they had to indicate five trusted adults they felt comfortable with to share their feelings. On the right, five places they feel safe.

The trusted adults were mom, dad, S&B, I’ve told you about them, very close to the family, affectionately known as Aunt B and Uncle S. And…yours truly!!

The trusted places were home, school, Aunt B’s, and no, not like Andy Griffin! And, last but not least…guess who!!!

How could I not be proud and touched! I love that kid! She throws something out there like this! Yes, I am biased!

Ok, enough! Cool or what!?

{January 13, 2016} Another fabulous send-off

One could get used to this… and spoiled!

Tonight was a treat, PSM’s aunt and uncle hosted us for dinner, just the four of us. PSM is very close with his aunt and uncle, his mom’s brother and sister-in-law.

We had such a nice time, I haven’t had the opportunity to sit down with them and chat one-on-one for more than a few minutes until now.

The really great part was that the entire meal was vegan and gluten-free! His aunt went out of her way to find options for me that everyone could eat!

We had potato leek soup, fabulous! Cucumber and onion salad, potato gnocchi with a creamy tomatoe sauce, gluten-free garlic bread and a spinach pizza [gluten-free and vegan!] And for dessert, small vegan, gluten-free pies, apple and blueberry.

How sweet and touching, it made me feel so good to be able to say yes to everything that came around the table and that someone went to the effort. So many people have been so accommodating with my meal requirements and restrictions I am forever grateful.

We ate, laughed, kibbitzed, told stories and had a wonderful time. I look forward to the next time!

{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!

{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”.

{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!

{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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