Family | Peaches Prattlings

{May 17, 2015} We have a FIVE year old in the house!

Someone…turned FIVE today!

Little Miss MGS turned 5 on May 16th, how perfect is that to have your birthday on a Saturday so you can have your birthday party on Saturday!

Any guesses to what the theme was? Hmmm…Frozen maybe? That girl LOVES her Frozen…well, everything! We had Frozen streamers, table cloths, table decorations and there were Frozen gifts for miles! Nope, not a Frozen cake, she picked out something very original, a really pretty white sheet cake with blue and yellow flowers and a Jewish star, that’s what she wanted and that’s what she got!

We set up for the party, it rained in the morning and we were worried it might rain all day, but I told someone that Mother Nature knew that Miss MGS would not stand for rain on her birthday and she was right!

People started arriving about 11 and they just kept coming, there might have been about 60 people here throughout the day, adults and kids included. The neighbors came, a few friends from school came, the usual suspects were here and the bouncey house, they love that!

ACS grilled the hot dogs and hamburgers, and a veggie burger or two, we had the 3 side snack that MGS had picked out, pretzel chips, cheese doodles and veggie sticks, pretty good choices, if I do say so myself. We had pickles and three different potato salads and deviled eggs, both made by AS and for dessert, there was cake, waffle cookies, popsicles and watermelon. No one walked away hungry.

I got to love on all the kids, there were some great “Auntie J!” and running and jumping in my arms, which I will tell you is my favorite part! Then there was chasing and tickling and falling down, sometimes not in that order!

Then…it was time for the Frozen piñata!!! MGS went first, she got 5 whacks, because it is her fifth birthday, after all! Then everyone got a turn with the bat and the last thing to happen was MGS pulled the ribbons and the candy came pouring out!

Now, my very clever sister had gotten Frozen treat bags and everyone had stickers and other Frozen goodies in there, but then they got to put candy in their bags, they cleaned up! Literally and figuratively!

By about 3pm, almost everyone was gone, a few stragglers, then Saturday proceeded as normal.

Let’s just say, this was a very successful party, put on by my sister and brother-in-law, but we expect nothing less and when I got back to the house tonight and went to kiss MGS goodnight, she was sleeping sideways, SO cute!

Happy, happy, happy fifth birthday MGS! I love you very much!

{May 15, 2015} It starts with a drive, ends with a fire and throw some cake in the middle

A pretty good day, crossed a few state lines, drag raced with my dad, had cake and lit some stuff on fire, sounds good to me!

Ok, now, you know some of that statement is not true, but what parts? I’m not telling!

The day started pretty well enough, got up on my own, before 8am, on your own is always preferable, even if it’s early, am I right? Got up, showered, dressed, then dad and I stopped at MickyD’s for breakfast. [I totally derailed my post for tonight, I was going to wax on the wonders of a McGriddle! I guess it will have to wait for another day]. Then on the road for Boston.

We kept up with each other pretty well, except for at the tolls, he had an EZ Pass and I didn’t, oh well. We stopped at a few rest stops, gas and potty breaks, then lunch, when he informed me that some guy had been following me all the way from NY, ha ha! We were making good time until we got to I95 and then it was a parking lot, great…

The cool discovery…at the Starbucks I stopped at they had coconut milk! Is that a sign of things to come? Wahoo!

But…despite the traffic and the two of us getting off the highway early and kind of blindly finding our way to GES’ house, we made it in time to pick up EJS for karate and be a few minutes late, I was getting EJS and dad was getting her outfit from the house. “I don’t wanna go, I want to stay and play” What? All that craziness for nothing! Oh well…

We get to the house and do a quick straighten up, the cleaners were supposed to come today, but their allergies kicked their butts and they had to cancel, we both know I don’t know what that’s like at all! Then turn around, pick up EJS, head out and get GES at the train,

Once we had everyone in the car, off to the Cheesecake Factory for a birthday dinner! Who’s dinner? I’ll keep you in suspense, but if you wanted to hazard a guess…she’s short, cute and is about to be the five! More tomorrow! It was the usual suspects, GES, ACS, EJS and MGS, then there was B&S S and myself and PSM, a good time was had by all.

PSM was very sweet, he wanted to cheer me up after the parking lot that should have been a moving highway and went to Tevana and bought me some tea, thank you!

After dinner, we went back to the house, got some things ready for tomorrow’s birthday celebration, then ACS lit a fire in the fire pit in the backyard, it was quite nice and relaxing. It was also funny that we were all outside enjoying mother nature and we were on our phones, go figure.

See…a good day, started with a drive, had some cake, then a fire, what more could you want?

{May 13, 2015} A drive and a great and relaxing visit

Today was a pretty easy day.

Got up leisurely about 6:30am, always nice to wake up on your own, both cats were with me, which is always a treat. Made a great breakfast sandwich, yum, then hung out with EJS while she waited for the school bus, took a shower, packed up the rest of the stuff I would need and headed downstairs.

Before I headed out, I made the most fabulous shake [frozen cherries, frozen pineapple and almond milk, oh my! YUM!] it kept me going on the trip. Got into my previously clean car, had it washed yesterday and the pollen found it last night, oh well, it’s Spring.

I hit the road for NYC to go to dad’s, I’m in a convertible and due to my allergies, top up, boo. The trip was uneventful, I only stopped once to fill up the tank and two more times for relief. Got to dad’s in about 4.5 hours, just like Google Maps said I would.

We went out for a late lunch, then went down to the boardwalk to sit by the water and talk, then off to Verizon because, go figure, something was wrong with my phone, but it was a nice drive around the Island of Staten, then we decided instead of going to the movies, we found some stuff on Netflix, made some popcorn and chilled out.

A perfect end to a good day.

{May 12, 2015} Taking your kids [cats] to the doctor [vet]

It doesn’t matter if your kids are two legged or four legged, taking them to the doctor/vet is not that much fun.

Dogs, from what I see and understand, love getting in the car, not so much for cats, you kind of have to trick them to get into the pet carrier, then carry them into the car and listen to the cries all the way to the vet.

Then into the vet’s office and the visit begins. On the scale, hold her in place, then comes the dreaded…taking of the temperature. At least with children, after a certain age, they can hold the thermometer under their tongue, babies and pets…not there!

That’s when I turn my head away or at least try to get out of their line of sight so they don’t associate it with me! Oh my but the look on their faces! Luckily, it doesn’t last that long and the memory is gone, fingers crossed.

Shots are worse, I always leave the room so I am definitely not associated with that pain!

The hard part is that with animals, a lot of times, we don’t know what’s wrong with them until they do lots of tests, since they can’t just look at us and say “mom, my tummy hurts”, that’s why I’m doing this or that.

And just like with our two legged babies, we would take the pain away if we could, wouldn’t we?

The best we can hope for is painless tests, quick diagnosis, easy treatment and speedy recovery, right, not much to ask for is it? Oh, and lack of memory, especially with us taking us there!

{May 10, 2015} Happy Mother’s Day

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

No truer words have ever been said, wouldn’t you agree? Today is Mother’s Day, the day we say thank you to the woman who gave us life or raised us or both.
No matter what we think of our moms, if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be here.

Did you get a bouquet of dandelions? If your kids are older, do you remember getting them when your kids were little? I think florists should offer dandelion bouquets as an option for Mother’s Day, I have a feeling there are a lot of mom’s who would get a kick out if it!

My nieces are no different, after dinner, we went for ice cream and in the field…just there for the pickling!

It was a nice day, a little normal crazy, but nice. Got up, kids were “trying” to be quiet to let mommy sleep…there were handmade cards from the girls, beautiful and hugs and kisses.

Then I was coming down the stairs “go back up!” Ok! It was my turn! Hand made cards! You know I love that!
My dad made us fabulous pictures that I will share soon and I made my sister cry, but it’s a good thing.

Breakfast was tasty and entertaining, a few normal Sunday activities and then later we all went with out for Mother’s Day Lunch with AS’ family, there were twelve of us, the service was terrible, but the company was great. The tradition continues with home made ice cream after.

Everyone seems to have their own traditions for Mother’s Day, what are yours? And whatever you did, I hope you enjoyed them and at least…”called your mother”

http://www.quotegarden.com/mom-day.html

{May 9, 2015} A triple date

Tonight, I went on a triple date, it was fun.

Question…there are dates, that’s with two people, then there are double dates, that’s with two couples, after that, are they called triple dates or are they just dinner with friends. Things that make you go hmmm…

About two weeks ago, PSM forwarded me an email from his sister-in-law, JM, about going to dinner with them and another couple A&J T. Of course, I would love it! GES and ACS had a prior engagement or they would have joined us, but as I like to say, there’s always a next time.,

PMS picked me up on the bike and we went to Season’s 52: Fresh Grill, a nice restaurant with a nice atmosphere and ambiance, we were in a round booth in the back of the restaurant. PMS, his brother SM are first cousins with JT and it’s nice that they all get together and it was nice to be included. The cool part was that S&JM’s son J babysat for A&JT, so convenient!

The food was good, they had those dessert samplers in the cups, perfectly portioned for tasting.The conversation was great, there were lots of stories and laughter, catching up and good times all around.

It’s nice to go out with other couples, when you’re part of a couple. It’s something different, a chance to catch up with friends, or in this case, family, a chance to laugh and relax and just have a good time and that’s what we did, we had a good time.

Does it get too crowded if its more than three or four couples? I think its just the right amount to still be intimate, more people and its a gathering and not as cozy. So, when’s the next one?

https://www.seasons52.com/

{May 3, 2015} Another fabulous day! Am I lucky? You bet your bippie!

Another fabulous day, awesome!

I have to tell you what I forgot yesterday, one of the best things and the perfect way to end the day. I got to the house just before GES and ACS, after they got home, I went in and right after GES, I went to EJS’ room and kissed her cheek while she was sleeping and then I went to MGS’ room and kissed her little cheek, SO cute and sweet while they sleep! Then chatting with GES a bit, talking to you then sleep…now that’s the perfect end to a day!

Today I woke up too early, it was after 7am, but still too early! About 8am, I had a visitor in the form of a very ticklish MGS, we giggled and laughed and tickled and jumped for about 30 minutes and then like a flash she was gone! Relaxed a few more minutes, then got up and took a shower, my hair felt waayyyy better!

Got dressed, checked on the laundry, saw AS & JS, who were there to hang out and pressure wash the deck, bonus! PSM showed up on his Yamaha, inspiring me a little further to get another bike…I miss Thing2! It’s coming soon! Then we all went to town to watch the Softball Opening Day parade starring EJS and ACS! Very cool! Then at the park we listened to the opening day ceremony, saw the first pitch, then PSM and I took off for brunch at Petit Robert Bistro, http://prbneedham.com/, c’est manifique!

The restaurant was charming, the food was good, the company was terrific and all I want now is to go to Paris, sigh.

After the restaurant, we headed back to the house, after a stop at CVS for some supplies for the week and as we all know, I am easily amused and excited on occasion, today, I found a travel size of the lotion I use, I haven’t found it in a smaller size, I usually have to take the giant tub, so wahoo me!

Back at the house, everyone was there, including JS and AS, who didn’t even know they were coming back! We went upstairs to see what was going on with the movies on my hard drive, finally fixed some of the issues, wahoo! Then we went outside and climbed into the hammock to hang out for a while, that was great!

About 5pm, GES, ACS and the girls went to dinner with the family/friends across the street and since my taxi was coming at 7, PSM and I hopped in Annie, dropped the top and headed out and on ACS’ recommendation, went to The Walnut Grill, http://www.walnutgrille.com/. It was terrific! We shared a cup of butternut squash soup, a salad, a VEGAN pizza and dessert. YUM! We will definitely be going back!

After dinner, headed back to the house and the taxi was waiting, perfect! Collected my stuff, headed to the airport and went right through security, I LOVE traveling without luggage! They changed the gate without changing the signs, luckily I got up to ask a question!

The worst part about today was my allergies killing me, but…I found my wonderful herbal allergy medication online, on the way to the airport, I am going to pick some up tomorrow. Props to PSM for the suggestion.

Got to Buffalo, picked up the car, got to the hotel and the guy at the desk recognized me, that was a nice feeling.

So…another great, wouldn’t you agree?

{May 2, 2015} What a day! A great day!

Today started early in Buffalo and ended late in Boston.

I got up, got showered and ready, headed downstairs for some breakfast, back to the room to brush my teeth and finish packing, thinking my flight was at 9:25, it was at 9:11am! Thank goodness PSM happened to ask what time my flight was, at 8:25am! Not to worry, I filled up the car last night and I wasn’t checking any bags and…the airport was across the street from the hotel!

I headed down, gave them my bag and some groceries to hold for me and off to the airport I went, dropped off the rental car and walked through security and to the gate. It was really nice not having to check luggage! Such a treat. I got to the gate, boarded about 8:50, we took off soon after and as I had no seat mate, stretched out my legs, read a little, played some games, watched the end of a movie and we were on the ground.

No need to stop at baggage claim, right to the taxi and away we went. I pulled up just as GES and the girls were getting home from karate. We hugged and spun, caught up and made a decision to get sandwiches and have a picnic on the lawn. While GES and EJS were off somewhere, MGS said “let’s surprise mommy and clean the basement!” Where did that come from? Sounds great, she will be so pleased! So off to the basement we went.

A little while after we finished they came home and we set up a picnic on the front lawn, it was great. The sun was shining and warm on our faces, which hasn’t been happening for a while. Some of the neighbors came over, EJS went to another neighbors house, some of the kids rode bicycles while the parents watched. Yes, it is that kind of neighborhood. And at some point, I went in and made popcorn to snack on, good thing, I was hungry!

It felt so good to be out there with the sun shining, good food and good friends, what more could you ask for!

We all headed inside eventually, then headed upstairs to get ready GES and ACS were going to a fundraiser at their temple and I headed out to meet PSM and his friend JP for dinner and a movie. But the best part…I got to pull Annie out of the garage, drop the top and drive! MGS watched me put the top down and shouted “That is so cool!”

We were going to eat at the pub, but the wait was about 30 minutes, while the Japanese restaurant next door, no wait, guess who won! After a yummy dinner, we headed to the movies to see The Avengers: Age of Ultron, review coming later. After the movie, we went to JP Licks, an ice cream place. Since I don’t eat ice cream, I got a sugar cone filled with sprinkles and some teeny peanut butter cups. It may not have been ice cream, but at least Ii felt like I was participating!

Then it was time to drive home, I hung out across the street for a bit with MF and OF and their friend T in front of their fire pit, it was the perfect end to the perfect day.

I hope your day was just as fabulous!

{April 27, 2015} A great beach memento

I love the beach, I don’t know if I told you that, but I LOVE the beach. There, I said it and I’m proud of it!

One of the things I love about going to the beach is bringing a bit of the beach back with me. Sometimes it’s in a bag, sometimes in a vial, sometimes in a magnet and sometimes, inadvertently, it’s in my shoes. It’s always fun to try to remember where I was the last time I wore those shoes, especially when I get to my new location and the sand falls out!

As you’ve probably figured out, I was on vacation this past week. I will be telling you all about it in the next few days, I didn’t follow my own advice and write down what I did every day, so I am going back and thinking about it and writing it all down. Now, the fun part about that is I am going through the photos from each day to remember, great way to re-live the trip right after. You are going to need a nap and a cup of caffeine for that one, I can promise you!

So…as I said, I love the beach and bringing back a little bit with me. I have a nice collection of sand from around the globe, thanks to me hopefully remembering to collect some and my fabulous friends who I ask to bring me some sand from their trips to a beach locale. I saw a great idea by Martha Stewart to put the sand in old glass medicine bottles with those great glass stoppers, maybe I’ll use cork if it works out better, and then use a typewriter setting to write where it’s from and who gave it to me on a piece of paper on the bottle. Doesn’t that sound awesome?!

Well, this trip I found something that was absolutely perfect! I was in one of the gift shops and saw a bracelet to fill with sand and dad got it for me, thanks daddy! Then later I ended up getting an ankle bracelet to fill as well! A wonderful set! I filled them with sand and tonight, when I got home, I put a little Gorilla Glue in each end to ensure I don’t lose any of the sand! I am so excited to wear my little piece of beach when I am out and about! Why don’t more places think of this?

{April 25, 2015} Coming home

Coming home from a vacation, especially a really good one is tough!

First, you have the anticipation and buildup of going on vacation. Then you have vacation brain, about 2 days, maybe even more, at work before you are going on vacation. You know vacation brain, when you can’t do your job or function like a normal person because you are already in vacation mode. Then there is the excitement of getting there, then you’re there and where do you start and what do you do next?

Then you relax…ahhh…you have seven or eight days to relax, if you’re going somewhere beach related or themed, maybe you have seven or eight or more days to explore and see and do, like I did in Ireland a few months ago, I didn’t want to sit around and do nothing, I wanted to go and do and see, although, there were a few places I could have seen staying more than one night and exploring.

Then there is the wind down, it’s the last three, two, days of the trip and you’re packing, where did the time go. Then you’re ready to head back to life, back to reality [no, not singing], you realize it has been long enough, or possibly not long enough, as the case may be, but it’s time to get back to whatever it is you do in between vacations. You pack and get ready to head to the airport.

At the airport, you reminisce about the trip, talk about what a great time you had together, if you were with other people, then you might talk about the next trip you want to take, maybe even together. You get home and settle in, unpack and do laundry, because it’s early enough you don’t want to do it tomorrow. Then…you are so beat, it’s time for bed.

The next day, you are kind of lost, if you went with your immediate family, you are still together, but the grandparents and aunts and uncles aren’t there, they aren’t next door to run into their rooms or down the hall to run back and forth, play hide and seek, tag, hot and cold. It’s the same when you travel with friends or neighbors, it feels weird. You go through withdraws for those people, you just spent seven or eight days together day and night and now they’re not there…where did they go?

So, if it’s family and/or friends, you make plans to see each other soon and if it’s neighbors, walk down the street to say hello! Make a dinner date so you can see each other, maybe look at photos together!

Of course, when you get back to work, everyone wants to know how the trip was, did you have a fabulous time, let’s see pictures! That puts you into a happy mood, reliving the trip. Of course, you joke about wishing someone was there to bring you your morning coffee and to make your bed every day. You’re joking, sort of…

You get back into your routine and then in a few months, you start the process over. Sounds pretty good to me. Although…how do you turn all of that into a money maker?

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