Friends | Peaches Prattlings

{September 2, 2015} It’s the first day of school!

Today was the first day of school and I got to see it!

It was the first day for our THIRD grader! EJS started third grade today! Can you believe it!? You have been with me every step of the way for the past several years and “seen” her grow and what a fabulous person she is becoming! Third grade, this is the big time!

And today, I found out that her second grade teacher called earlier in the week and asked her to come in and help her set up her classroom, what an honor, she was so excited!

Now, it wasn’t just EJS’ first day of school, ACS, as I told you went back to school to get his Masters in Education and today was his first day of school! He is teaching fourth grade, how cool is that. “Hi Mr. S” “Could you explain that again Mr. S” “Mr. S is the best teacher ever!” I wish him all the best for an exciting year!

I got up in time to shower and head out, I was so not up for a walk or run this morning, the extra twenty minutes was heaven! When I walked in the house EJS saw me first and HUGE hugs! Then MGS piled on top! Do I love this or what? ACS was getting ready to head to his first day and GES was getting the girls ready. ACS’ sister in law, AS was there too, the gang’s all here!

About 7:40 we all went outside to take pictures and from across the street, CO’F and MF came out with their dog Bella to take pictures and see EJS get on the bus, EJS took it all in stride.

ACS took off, we waved him down the street and then the bus came and we all waved at EJS as she got on the bus, what a send off!

I have to tell you, this was awesome, I haven’t been able to be here/there for the first day before, so this was such a treat to be with the family, could I be any happier? And…I get to do it all over again on Friday for MGS’ first day!!! oh boy!!!!

Happy First Day of School! I hope everyone has a great year!

{August 31, 2015} What I did on my summer vacation

Do you remember when you would have to write a report or give a report when you went back to school?

I was thinking about that yesterday, It’s been so long since I’ve been asked that. But if you think about it, once you’re out of school, you don’t really have a summer vacation, unless you have a job that gives you the summers off and they are out there. I have to admit, when you first realize you’re not going to have a ‘summer vacation’ it’s an eye opener and kind of a bummer, but it’s something you get used to and make things work for you.

Hmmm…what did I do on my summer vacation?

I have to give a nod to PSM., he said technically next weekend is the end of summer because it’s Labor Day weekend but…we are going away next weekend and it’s September 1st tomorrow, so, although he’s right about the last day of summer, as we all know, it’s my blog so what I say here goes! Ain’t I a stinker?

In June, I started my long term residence at the hotel I am currently in; I went to Atlanta and got to celebrate KS’ college graduation and help TS get some packing done along with spent time with SDL and Miss A, I got to see one of my friends after a procedure. And of course getting deeper into my current project, as well as exploring more around Boston. The best part of June…we celebrated GES’ my baby sister’s FOURTIETH birthday! OMG

In July, PSM took our second international trip and went to Nova Scotia for his birthday, reinforcing that I don’t do well on cruise ships, but loved Halls Harbor and Halifax, looking forward to going back, especially on a bike trip! I got to get back in front of a class and teach a few classes. A few more trips to the NH house with PSM and some friends. Another trip to Atlanta and I got to see more friends and spend more time with SDL and Miss A and seeing another friend after her procedure and I got to spend time with KB and my grandson, Baby A!!! EJS went to summer camp and I got to hang with MGS. We also had a girls night to celebrate GES’ birthday and a family dinner for PSM’s birthday, a lot of celebrating! Throw in a sand sculpting competition and you’ve got one heck of a month!

August, the first weekend to be exact, sent GES and I to NYC to celebrate her birthday with a trip to the theater and theater and dinner with dad and La La to celebrate dad’s birthday, how perfect is that! I also started supporting the emergency department when the client went live. There were celebrations and farewell dinners, exploring and lots of fun to be had. We spent the last weekend in August exploring different cities, I saw Plymouth Rockas I told you about yesterday, what a way to wrap up the summah in New England!

All throughout the months there were also doctor’s appointments, I’m working on figuring out what’s wrong, we’ll get there eventually. Don’t forget I went on dates with my beau, family dinners at GES and ACS’ house, block parties and lobstah fests, could it be any better?

So, there you have it, what I did on my summer vacation, or at least what I could remember, along with the help of my calendar. I can’t wait to see what the fall brings!

How about you…what did you do on your summer vacation?

{August 28, 2015} Happy Anniversary GES

My sister is a survivor.

You can’t imagine how much I LOVE saying that!! The image below is the same one on the t-shirt I got her after she became a survivor.

When I say Happy Anniversary GES, it’s the anniversary of her last chemo treatment! The treatment that killed the cancer that tried to kill her, but…let’s face it, we come from a long line of strong, stubborn women, no way was it not going to work!

Happiest of happy anniversaries to one of the strongest, hardest working and hardest fighting women who is an inspiration to all of us, those who are related by blood and by heart. Anyone that meets her is touched by her strength and her perseverance and never failing positive attitude through all of it.

Happy Anniversary GES, I love you.

{August 22, 2015} What a day!

Sleep…here I come!

The day started normal enough, the cats woke me at 6:30 and I said no thank you and went back to sleep, woken up a few more times, then decided I had had enough and got up. Got showered and dressed and put the door to PSM’s.

I got there and Mollie was super excited to see me, she did donuts around the lawn, a nice welcome, hey cats…take some notes! Then off to The Friendly Toast for a great breakfast at the bar, first come first served. Then back to get the truck and head to Plymouth, Mass. Yes, that is Plymouth, where the Mayflower landed and we have Plymouth Rock! As seen in the photo, not the original thing, but there it was!

We walked through the rain up one street and down the main drag. We stopped for a cup of tea, walked into a few shops, then down towards the water again to the jetty and took that out to the end, it was quite enjoyable.

After Plymouth, we headed to a party hosted by two of PSM’s friends, G&J B. Really great couple and what a house! We also saw a bunch of the friends I have made at the ski house, that was great! We hung for a few hours, got a tour of half of the house. They have school lockers in their laundry room. Maybe the best idea ever!

Well, back towards the house, say hello to Mollie, grab some grub and here we are.

Now that I’m writing what I did, it doesn’t seem as exhausting as it was! I need a nap!

{August 20, 2015} Retail Therapy…yah or nay?

Yes. Does that tell you everything?

For those of you “not in the know”, retail therapy is when you go shopping, not necessarily for a reason and it makes you feel a little better, hence the word therapy. It’s a good and a bad thing, let me tell you why.

Good…you buy things you want, that you like, maybe things for other people. Bad…you just spent money and in some cases, money you don’t necessarily have. Now, when you say “I did some retail therapy” most people know what you’re talking about and they’re interested in what you got, that helps, sometimes with the guilt, ha ha.

For me, I don’t shop that often, but every once in a while, if the opportunity presents itself, I take it. Marshalls is a big culprit of this, too easy to spend money.

Now, for me, when I do end up having some retail therapy, it’s usually two fold. I may get something for myself, but I seem to get more gifts than anything. The really great thing about it is that as I buy things now, usually on sale, by the way, when it comes times for the holidays and even some birthdays, I don’t spend any or very little money. Guess who is just the same…GES, guess where we learned it…our mother. My mom had a wicker chest she kept gifts in, GES has a shelving thing in the basement, in my house I had an armoire, in GES’ house, I have a giant Rubbermaid tub.

I completely forgot that I bought stuff after last Christmas in Atlanta and it’s in Atlanta right now! Go me! So, the fact that we shop throughout the year, when the holidays come around, we don’t spend that much money!

The other day, I went and I found two Christmas gifts, I say Christmas because they are for people who celebrate Christmas, not to worry, Chanukah is coming! Yesterday, I had to drop off my laptop at the office downtown and my headache appointment wasn’t until 1pm.

So, what did I do? I walked downstairs and the first door I went into was City Sports. I’m always searching for a good deal, especially on running paraphernalia. I found sports bra I wear and it was deeply discounted! I got two pair of running pants, with an amazing waistband that will not roll or slip, I love them! And I found out that all of their clothing is guaranteed for life!

Then I went to Marshall’s…and it was on. The first thing I looked for was shoes and I found my running shoes…$150 shoes for ready…$35.99!!!! Mine! Then I found some sweaters, one I can wear to work and did today! I found a new running shirt and socks, but then I got a bunch of Chanukah and Christmas presents! Wahoo!

Today. there was a book fair at the hospital and I cleaned up! Chanukah, Christmas, birthdays, wow, I am so excited about the purchases I’ve made lately. I can’t wait to give everyone their gifts! Is it time yet?

{August 16, 2015} Happy Birthday SDL!

SDL has a birthday today! OMG!

What can I say about one of my best friends, SDL, who truly is Super Duper! I’ve told you a little about her from time to time, but today is her day, so this blog post is all about her and I’m stoked to be able to tell you about her!

I met SDL back in 1997 or 1998, I know, crazy, right! We met while I was in graduate school taking undergraduate classes and SLD was working on her undergrad degree. We met in an art class at Georgia State University and took several other classes together after that.

Our lives were intertwined over the next, almost two decades! Our friendship has seen so very much, my marriage, my divorce, dating, houses, renovations, loss of our cats, but the best…the search and finally adoption of her amazing daughter, Miss A, I’ve told you about her, once or twice…

We’ve held each other through good times and bad, we’ve cheered each other, got riled up for each other, gone out together, stayed in together, traveled together, but the most important thing, we’ve done them together.

We didn’t stay connected as fiercely as we are today, life happens, gets in the way, but we would invite each other to things here and there, get together, but it wasn’t until somewhere about 2005 that we reconnected and never lost touch after that. We were at a party for a co-worker of hers who was heading to an assignment in London, while I was there to say goodbye to the same person who happened to be the son of one of my neighbors. We saw each other and it was on since that moment!

She is an amazing mother, let me tell you. She wanted to be a mom and went through so much to find Miss A and it was quite the journey, you have no idea, but it’s been amazing and she’s allowed me to be a part of it! To watch her with her daughter is a treat! She is kind, firm, strong, gentle, mush, loving, smart and I love it!

To say she is a great artist would be an understatement. She is magic with a camera, still believes in film, is a master with paint and brush, give her a project and she tackles it and not only succeeds, but excels! Can you imagine the costumes for Halloween?

She is steadfast with friends and family, don’t get in her way or cross her, she takes it to the next level and watch out if you say something about her kid, friends or family, it’s awesome! I’d want her on my side in a fight!

Happy birthday to an amazing woman, sister, daughter who I am lucky to call friend. I love you my friend, live it up, it’s your day!

{August 9, 2015} The weekend in New Hampshire

A new weekend, new friends, new experiences, new food, what more could you want!

Another eventful, wonderful weekend in New Hampshire, sounds pretty good, huh? I got lucky and had the weekend off, so I got to take advantage of the opportunity and join PSM up at the house in New Hampshire. We headed up Friday evening, I got back to the hotel from the hospital, remember…I am working at a hospital, I’m fine! about 30 minutes before PSM and Mollie picked me up and away we went.

We didn’t hit too much traffic, it was good, and unusual! Could be because it was close to 8pm. We got to the house about 10:30, settled in and relaxed, then conked out about one am, luckily I was able to fall back asleep after the alarm went off at 5:30am! PSM was not so lucky, poor guy! We finally got motivated and decided to walk into town to get some breakfast. It was a really nice walk, about 2.5 miles and it was off the beaten path, so to speak. We walked through the neighborhood, then the next, came out of there, crossed the street and walked on the path that was created behind the trees, off the street, then across the street, same thing, until we got to the street, about a quarter mile from our destination. It was a good walk for Mollie too.

After a great breakfast, we waited while the other families showed up, we decided to wait for them at the restaurant, easy to find. The first family, J&AH and their kids, C and B, every sweet kids and great family. Next was C&CV with their kids, O and E. E and C are the boys and were so excited to see each other, the girls were just as excited to see each other. After a nice reunion, we all piled into the two cars and headed back to the house.

M&K and their son JT were the last to arrive, another nice reunion, then everyone figured out where they were going to sleep, kids in one room, parents in other rooms, the kids were excited, there are bunk beds, what kid isn’t excited! All of these people have known PSM for a very long time and they are all part of the group who call him Boo. Even the kids!

That is frustrating sometimes…I call his name a bunch of times, but then I say “Boo!” and he hears me, geesh!

After everyone settled in, we headed out for a hike to a trail less than a mile from the house. All the kids piled in the back with Mollie and away we went. We hiked/walked for about a mile and a half, maybe two, possibly, came to a spot where we could go in the water. Lots of rocks and deeper pockets for swimming, the kids had a blast! Swimming, jumping a bit, skimming stones. Then it was back to the path to head back to the house, perfect timing so we could shower, have some snacks and then head to dinner, reservations at 7:30, there were 13 of us!

On the way back is when I twisted my ankle, fun…One of the kids gave me their walking stick, very sweet. We all piled back into the truck and headed back to the house, chilled out, wine and cheese, beers, special concoctions made by our two resident bartenders, AH and KS, I did not partake, but everyone seemed to like it.

The sad part was that C&C got a call that one of their dogs had gotten out and mom had to go because the dog would not come to anyone except her, we were all bummed out. 5:30 this morning we got the news that the puppy was home! Wahoo!

Off to dinner, all piled into the two vehicles again, apparently we were the kid mobile, they are so funny! Dinner was good, good food, conversation and company, then off to get some ice cream, well, most of the party had ice cream, yours truly and PSM were good and skipped. After everyone was happy with dessert, back to the house.

Right to jammies, brushing teeth and movies while the kids fall asleep, one even on the floor, he was so tired!

The rest of us huddled around the table and put in $20, thanks to PSM for covering me, and got down to playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Yup, yours truly included! I held my own for a while and as we neared 2:30am, I starting betting pretty hard, I was winding down and getting tired, I still needed to write to you, of course! I did this in between rounds. Finally about 2:45, we all cashed in and split the money, oh, I was the banker! It was kind of cool having that much cash in my pocket!

We all cleaned up and headed to bed, crashing out pretty quickly and slept until about 8:30am, it was lovely! No alarms!

Tired yet?

This morning, we all got motivated, sort of, and everyone decided they wanted breakfast from the same place PSM and I ate at yesterday and Dunkin’ Donuts, so orders were placed and away the guys went. We took showers, packed bags, stripped beds, threw towels and sheets in the washer and all cleaned the house, people were coming in about 5pm for the week.

The cutest thing, at one point this morning, all five kids were sitting on the sofa playing on their devices, but all the same game, they were in the same Minecraft world. AH laughed and said that they came all the way to the mountains to play games together!

After the house was cleaned and everyone was packed, all the families went to take the gondola up the mountain like we did a few weeks ago with GES and family. PSM and I headed to the craft fair happening in town, it was great! I got some Chanukah, Christmas and birthday shopping done! I am thinking I may go online to find some of these vendors, I want more! Not to worry, I did pick up a little something for myself and…one of the vendors found out I was buying gifts, gave me one of her products for free, how cool is that!

Then we got some lunch, headed out for home, PSM dropped me off at my hotel, I picked up the car and headed to GES and ACS’ house for dinner with the F family across the street. Grilling out, burgers, dogs, corn, the works, it was great! MGS even gets excited seeing PSM, running and jumping up for hugs, I love to see that, I know her parents do too! She was excited to see Mollie too!

After good food, friends, conversation, it was time to come back to the hotel to hang with the cats, unpack, get ready for the week and talk to you.

I am sure you are tired, I am, and you just read about my weekend! How was yours?

{August 6, 2015} 1000 Posts – OMG!!!

I have written 1000 posts! Can you believe it!

It’s amazing! I have done one thing 1000 times! And you’ve been reading it all along! Wow!

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, and baby, it’s a hard habit to break! I mean it! When I decided January 6, 2013 that I was going to blog every day, I was really hoping I would keep that promise to myself. When I started my blog in 2009, it was just a way for me to express myself, a little bit of therapy, but then in 2013, it was something different and became something more.

Then it was one day, then two, then twenty one, then all of a sudden, it’s one hundred, then two and now it’s ONE THOUSAND! Who knew I could do it! Well, I’m sure my dad would say he did, thanks daddy!

There have been a few days I was too tired, so my posts might say “I’m sorry, I’m too tired, but here’s your post”! I’ve woken up in the middle of the night realizing “Oh No! I didn’t blog!” And proceed to write a post. Then there are other days I’m so sorry I have fallen asleep in the middle of blogging, wake up and finish. Then there have been 3 times [i am pretty sure it’s only been 3] that I have fallen asleep or forgotten altogether, mostly fallen asleep and missed it, but I’m pleased to say only 3 times! That;s not too shabby.

My friends and family have fallen under it’s spell and follow my blog every day and you know you’re in that group, thank you!

I can’t always think of what to write, I know you find that impossible to believe, but some of my posts that come very late at night, that’s because I can’t always think of something, but on the other hand, I blog late because that’s when I started and it feels wrong to blog before the sun goes down or 10pm. There’s that 21 days to form a habit thing again.

August 4, 2015, I had 1000 posts, go me! And go you for reading it. There is a part of me that thinks if you weren’t reading it I would still write, because, after all, it started out just for me, but on the other hand, well, who are we kidding, I’d keep writing, I like it and I like thinking of new and goofy things to talk about.

Wow, 1000 posts, here’s to the next 1000, stick around, it’s bound to be a fun ride!

{August 3, 2015} Happy Birthday JCT

Happy birthday to my friend JCT.

JCT and I met in October 2009. I remember because that was the first well paying job I got after my divorce and it was the beginning of so much including a fabulous and true friendship. JCT and I met, started talking and we hit it off right away, within a day or two, she even gave me a piece of Star Wars memorabilia, how cool is that?

JCT is married to a great guy named JT and their daughter ST is a fabulous girl who is blossoming into a wonderful young woman. Her mom, who I affectionately call mom and brother, GT are wonderful people who have treated me so well and made me a part of their family, I love when I go to Atlanta and get to see them. The last time I was there, when we were saying good night her mom said “I love you girl”, that made me feel fabulous and loved, it was great.

JCT and I talk about once a week or every other week, we catch up, talk about work, commiserate and share joys, achievements, family news, whatever we can think of. The great thing is that when we talk it’s as if no time has passed, like we saw each other the day before.

I love seeing her, we have a kind of tradition if I am going to stay at her house for part of the weekend. I land, go to one of our favorite places, pick up food, then head to her house where I don’t eat half of it because her mom feeds me! Who’s complaining!

We watch movies, talk, laugh, goof off, giggle, stay up too late and enjoy the time we have together.

She is a confident, a sister, a friend, all rolled up into one and I wouldn’t have her any other way! Today, we celebrate the day she was born and what a day it was!

Don’t ask about the unicorns, it’s more her daughter’s thing, but I still think of her every time I see them!

Happy happy happy birthday JCT, I love you my friend! XOXO

{July 30, 2015} Happy 6 months…and I’m happy

Six months, but with all good relationships, it feels like a minute and it feels like a lifetime, it’s a good thing.

Who knew, way back when, well, January, that when AT and GES decided to introduce us we would hit it off as well as we did. I know part of it was, ooh, JJ’s single, PSM’s single, maybe they’ll get a long…and they were right, oh boy they were right.

We exchanged emails for about a week and he asked me on a date, I said yes, how could I not? In one of the earlier emails, he came up with a list of six things to do. The first one we chose was to go to a pub, so we went. Then after a while, we were thinking about the list, so we decided that every six months, we do something on the list, I like that idea.

Tonight, we were going to go to China Town, but the traffic was tragic, so we decided on Fanueil Hall, http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/faneuilhall.asp, a very cool place with lots of history and charm. We decided on Ned Devine’s Irish Pub and had a great meal with good company and good food, good until the sky opened, then we went inside, still good. It’s all about the company.

I’ve told you about some of the great things we’ve done, there are still private things I don’t share, they’re private! He’s a great guy and I am a very happy girl in a great relationship with a great and happy boy.

Happy 6 months, looking forward to the next six and the next and the next…

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