Friends | Peaches Prattlings

{May 15, 2015} A graduate! So proud of my friend!

Today I had a very enjoyable and exciting experience.

Today, I attended the college graduation of a very dear friend! SERH or SRH as you’ve heard me talk about before, but today, all her initials were in the program, started college oh so many years ago and for her own reasons did not finish, but…a few years ago I remember talking to her about going back to school to get her degree and I thought it was a fabulous idea and encouraged her any way I could that she needed.

And that’s just what she did, enrolled in Rider College in New Jersey to finish what she started and get her degree, Bachelor of Arts.

I loved seeing her posts on Facebook about her highs and successes in school with her classes, her excitement about the upcoming semesters, her nervousness at a new class, an exam, a new chapter in her life.

Today was the day she was working towards, what it was all for, graduation!

SERH had asked me when she found out when the graduation date was if I could come and I told her that depending on my work schedule, I would do my best and it worked out! As you know, I ended my last project on Friday and I’ve been in Boston this week, so yesterday, I got in the beetle bug and drove to dad’s, we had a great day yesterday and then this afternoon, I headed to Rider University to watch my friend cross the stage to receive her diploma.

It was fantastic! After graduation, we went to dinner with EL, his brother and sister-in-law at a vey nice restaurant, we talked, caught up, laughed and had a great time celebrating a wonderful girl and accomplishment!

Way to go SERH! You did it!

{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 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?

{April 19, 2015} Ah…The wonder of playing in the water

I don’t know about you, but I love water, just about everything to do with water.

Now, when it comes to water playgrounds and water features and slides, my nieces are champs at them! They absolutely la la la love playing in the water, try getting them out of a fun bath time!

But put them in a kids pool with a water feature and slide and they are in heaven! They know where they are going, what they want to do and are so excited after they try something new and love it. At first, they are trepidatious, but once they do it, they know it and want to do it over and over and over and over and sometimes you are required to go with them and try it and some times, you just have to watch so they can show you how awesome they are at it!

Today, we went on a rapid river tube ride that I have been on many times and it’s not too rough, so we thought the girls could go with us. PSM and I got in one double tube and GES and EJS got into another and away we went. We, of course, had a blast and EJS, who we were concerned about, LOVED it! “Again! Again!” Should we see if ACS and MGS want to do this? We came around the bend and who did we see? ACS and MGS getting into a tube!

Did they have fun? You bet your bippy! Just before the rapids, MGS got into my tube and the boys went on their own and she had the best time! So good that when we got to the end…”Again! Again!” And again we went!

Those girls have so much fun and it’s such a fabulous thing to see and watch and experience and enjoy and I am so privileged that I get to share the experience with them!

{April 18, 2015} When people get loopy…

The jokes keep coming and coming and coming and quite possibly, they may get worse, but do you care? No! And why not? Because you encourage them and participate!

Tonight, the family was at a seafood restaurant we had conch fritters and PSM had grilled conch. All of a sudden dad says something using the word conch, then ACS says something and it goes downhill from there.

“I used to play a video game, Donkey Conch”

“Truth or Conchequences”

“There was that movie about the big ape, King Conch”

I am now sitting here realizing I can’t remember a single other conch parody and we were going on for a long time. I have to admit, that while there were a few that were totally dorky and a stretch, the majority of them were conghtagious! [see…a stretch!]

So, help me out, give me a few new ones!

{April 12, 2015} What a weekend!

Oh friends, I had the best weekend ever!

You don’t know how much I would love to share pictures with you, but as you know, I value my privacy as well as of my friends and family, but if we’re friends on FaceBook, you can see them, if not, I know my joy comes through my posts!

So, sit back, grab a cup o’ something to keep you awake and away we go!

This weekend I came to Atlanta for a visit, but especially to see my fabulous niece, Miss A for her FIFTH birthday and I also got to see another fabulous niece, KK for her FIFTEENTH birthday!

Now, I did not get to see everyone on my list, but I stayed busier than a one armed paper hanger [I’m in the South, please say that with a twang!]. I also realized that I am coming back about every three months, so if I didn’t get to see someone, I will see them next time! Here we go!

I arrive Thursday night and headed to SDL’s house, I didn’t think I’d get to see Miss A on her big day, but I was lucky, they had just gotten home from the birthday dinner with CKM, I was bummed to miss it, but I know they had a great time. I was just in time to see her having a good time splashing in the bathtub, caught up with SDL while she was splashing, then after she got dressed, I got to do her hair, help her brush her teeth and then give a million kisses good night, sigh.

In the morning, got up before the alarm, was there to see Miss A before she left for school and then I left to have my taxes done. I thought my appointment was at 10, all of a sudden 8:50, my reminder went off, what?! Luckily, I was only about 15-20 minutes away! It still took about 2.5 hours! For every state I work in, I have a W2, then the house was a rental for part of the year, not an easy task, thank goodness for Ted Hagerstrom at the Townsend Tax Service! TS introduced me to them a few years ago, she uses them and her parents have been using them for years! They’ve been in business over 62 years, I think they might know what they’re doing! http://www.townsendtax.com/

After that, I headed to Marietta to meet DL, CC and JC for lunch at a great Thai Restaurant, http://www.thairedelephant.com/, the service was ok, food was good, that’s what counts, right? Great to catch up! Then I headed back to SDL’s house, we ran a few errands, then loaded up, to pick up Miss A from school and out for the next birthday dinner! The girl knows how to celebrate! Then it was home for bath, brushing teeth and bed! Friday was done!

Saturday came way too early! 5:45am to be exact, why? Oh, why not…I tried to go back to sleep, no dice, so I lounged, until I heard everyone stirring, had a little matzoh with peanut butter and strawberry jam, because…why not, yum! Then it was get dressed and help Miss A get dressed, teeth brushed and ready for her hippothereapy, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippotherapy. She loves it and is fantastic at it! She has improved by leaps and bounds and as you know, ever the fashonista, has a helmet that says DIVA and diamonds!

After therapy, it was a few stops for me on the way home, lunch for Miss A while SDL went to buy a new lawn mower, shiny new red one! I hung with Miss A while SDL did her thing, then we snuggled while she napped, then SDL and I shared a piece of red velvet cake, one of the many cakes that Miss A had to enjoy during her birthday month! Then it was off to dinner with TS at CPK, California Pizza Kitchen, http://www.cpk.com/. Dinner was great, I had a fabulous grilled veggie salad [the veggies were grilled and served warm over cool crisp lettuce, Y U M!] the company better, it was great to catch up all together.

SDL and Miss A headed home while I went to TS to help her with a project, we had a great time and got caught up, which I love. Back to SDL’s by 11:30, talk to you and pass out!

That was just Saturday! Moving on to Sunday, you tired yet?

Sunday morning woke before the alarm, some quality catch up for a bit, discussing some of the finer points of Dr Seuss’ work. Then it was time to get dressed and head to Kennesaw to see KAB and Baby A! I don’t know what I’m going to call him when he’s 15, might be a bit awkward! We had such a good time, and KAB was awesome enough to meet me at Waffle House!!! When she asked where I wanted to go, IHop or Waffle House, I actually said “Can we go to Waffle House? Can we? Please? can we?” I love Waffle House and there are none in the Northeast so I try to go at least once a trip!

I got there and Baby A was almost as excited to see me as I was to see him and his mommy! Almost immediately he raised his arms and said “down”, loved it! We spent breakfast catching up, playing with Baby A, down, up, down, up, throw this, throw that, catch me, chase me! I really enjoy spending time with KAB, we talk about so much stuff and I’m glad she’s back in Georgia, because I now get to see her almost every time I come for a visit! I can’t believe he is going to be two on June 1st, I remember meeting him when he was a few hours old and now look at him! Happy JJ am I!

After breakfast, I headed back towards downtown to meet CKM for some serious pampering…pedis were on the menu and ahhhh…so wonderful! I recommend them for everyone! And since we were the first ones there when they opened the doors, we didn’t have to wait and now my toes are neat and trim and all sparkly turquois, perfect for the beach!

Since we didn’t finish catch up during the pedis, we always have so much to talk about! We moved on to The Cook’s Warehouse, https://www.cookswarehouse.com/, the location in Brookhaven is closing so everything is up to 45 percent off! More Christmas and Chanukah shopping [and some birthdays too] done! I got a ton of stuff and saved a bunch! I can’t wait for Baby A to get his presents!

After a serious shopping spree we needed refreshments, so off to Olive Bistro we went for some light middle eastern tapas, yum! Then walking a little, found some snack to take back to Buffalo and then it was time to part company, this of course, took us about 20 minutes, as it always has. I so love catching up with friends, especially when it’s like no time has passed!

Next stop…LK’s house! The family is actually in town! I didn’t think I’d get to see them, the best part, total coincidence…we texted each other and then I went out there because my oldest, fabulous niece, KK’s FIFTEENTH birthday is tomorrow and tonight was the birthday dinner and cake made by her two younger sisters! It was chocolate with vanilla icing and lots of sprinkles! The frosting was delicious!

I so love spending time with the family! We caught up, laughed, goofed around, played with the two guinea pigs and three dogs, had a great dinner, the youngest, K made guacamole, yum! and she and mom made home made salsa, what a treat for me! I walk in that house and it’s like we just saw each other last week and I always feel like part of the family, never skipping a beat!

That is the best part about my friends, they really aren’t just friends, they are family and when I send emails letting people know I’m coming to town, I never say “Dear friends” it’s always “Hello family” and it is. I value and treasure each and every one of them. I hope they know and feel it, because it’s so important to me! Thank you for loving and liking me for who I am and wanting to spend time with me! I can’t wait to see you and everyone else next time!

Then it was back to SDL’s to do some laundry, talk to you and get some sleep, the alarm is going off early! I hope you’re not too tired after reading this! And if your weekend was at least half as good as mine, I think that is stupendous!

I am going to crash now, off to Buffalo I shuffle in a few hours!

{April 10, 2015} There is a Five Year Old among us!

Miss A is a bonafide FIVE year old!

Where did the time go? She was 9 months old when SDL brought her home, I got to meet her right off the plane, with her Momom and Popop, what an amazing time that was! I still remember the day SDL sent me a picture, “Hey Auntie G, want to see a picture of your niece?” I about fell on the floor and I was tearing up, what a doll baby! Nothing has changed!

I am in Atlanta this weekend because it’s Miss A’s birthday. I made a promise, like I did to MGS and EJS, that no matter what, I would be here for her birthday, either on her birthday or the birthday weekend, depending on work, but I’ll be here and yesterday I flew in and didn’t know I was going to get to see her before she went to bed and we hung out until almost midnight! What a party animal she is!

She is a fabulous, precocious, amazing five year old and every time I see her, I am amazed by something new! I love our one-on-one times, just SDL, Miss A and me, there is nothing like it! Tonight, we went to dinner and when we got home, I got to do bath time, brushing her teeth and getting her dressed for night night, this is a big deal!

Every time I see her, she has learned something new, is doing something else on her own or better than the last time, she just amazes me, did I already tell you that?

So, here I am, for the birthday weekend and I am loving every minute of it! I can’t wait to see what year number five holds!

This video cracks me up and you will be seeing it again in a few weeks when someone else turns five!

Happy Birthday Miss A! I love you very much! Auntie G XOXO

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