What I love! | Peaches Prattlings

{January 19, 2015} Long travel day

Friends, I am beat!

My day started at 5am in California, the alarm was set for 5:30 and 5:45, just to be on the safe side. I happened to wake up at 5, lucky me. I snooze twice, but then got up, took a hot bath, hoping it would help my legs a little, then a shower, finished packing and headed out, about 6am.

As it was a holiday, the dreaded traffic was not so dreaded and it took me less than an hour to get there, got gas, dropped off the car and took the shuttle to the airport. Dropped my bag, got through security, no problem, had some breakfast, hung out and then boarded the plane.

Flight was uneventful, except for the girl sitting next to me slept the entire way, I was lucky that she woke up twice, I had to go!!! There was a plane [equipment] change, they must have told us about 10 times and we left about an hour late, part of the reason was that we were waiting on some passengers that were just getting in from Australia, so we waited for them, I thought that was cool. The best thing… I’m pretty positive one of the pilots was from Ireland. Could he just talk some more?

I did watch 3 free movies: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, The Book of Life and The Boxtrolls. I was thoroughly entertained!

We arrived in JFK, two + hour wait…I went in search of some food, miso soup, seaweed salad and sushi rice, yum! Then I hung out waiting for my flight, upgraded to first class, go me! Flight was less than an hour, up and down.

Wait at baggage claim for about 25 minutes for my bag, then head to the Silver Line to South Station, then the commuter rail to home. I wasn’t paying attention and got off one stop early, ugh. GES was kind enough to pick me up, I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t so cold out and 11:30pm, but there were no other cars on the road.

Here I sit talking to you. A very long travel day. And now it is bedtime for bonzo!

{January 17, 2015} Reunions

As you know I am in California for two races and I’ll tell you all about them tomorrow.

One of the other fabulous things I am getting to do is see two friends from my past, one from college and one from high school, what an amazing treat!

Friday, I drove to Hollywood, geeked out, as you saw yesterday and then…I drove to a great vegan restaurant in Los Angeles to meet TH, one of my oldest and dearest friends from college. We met our very first day, because of a note passed under a door. He was in Hendrix Hall, I was in Igor Hall, and there was a door that separated our buildings and on the first day, he slid a note under the door that said “Are you experienced? We are”. I forgot that it was a Jimi Hendrix song and not just he and his suitemates being cheeky! I proceeded to walk around to his suite and confront them and it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship!

For the next four years, no matter where we lived, we saw each other just about every day, we were even on the same track for our majors, so that helped put us together almost every day, we loved it. Even when we weren’t in class, we spent time together, going to shows, eating meals, sporting events, just hanging out doing nothing. Not being around each other every day, bummer.

After graduation, we stayed in touch for a long time, but then life happens, you know, you live on opposite ends of the country. We reconnect on Facebook oh so many years ago and “stalked” each other as you do. Email each other, make comments, that sort of thing and as soon as I knew I was coming to California, I sent two emails, TH was the first…MUST see you! Are you free? YES! WAHOO!

So, yesterday, I drove to Hollywood, as you know and we were trading some texts back and forth and we fell back in sync, it was great! Then we met for dinner and it was like no time had passed and we picked up like we had just seen each other last week, so amazing! That is a testament to the friendship. We were talking so much the waitress must have come by at least four times before we actually looked at the menu. We laughed, we reminisced, we talked about what was going on in our lives, work, family, all the usual stuff. When we parted company we talked about another visit and staying in touch. Now that we can text, I am sure we will do better! I drove back to the hotel happy and ready to pass out!

Today, after the run, I went back to the hotel for a great nap and then went to meet a dear friend from high school AR, his wife, P and their adorable two year old son L, what a doll baby! Just like seeing TH, it was like no time had passed. We have known each other since I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We would see each other almost every day, just like you do in high school, we would hang out outside of school, the usual… movies, pizza, hanging out at each others houses, parties.

We saw each other after high school, when I would be home on breaks and one semester we even went to college together, it was pretty cool. Even after college when I moved and he moved, we kept in touch and then, just as you know, life gets in the way, but with Facebook… awesome.

So… the other email when I knew I was coming to California, was to AR…another MUST see… the best part… just tell me when you’re available! Score!

Today was great, we saw each other and it was like no time had passed, how does that happen? Who cares, it was great! We talked, laughed, reminisced, I got to know his wife and apparently I was a hit with their son, I got hugs and fist bumps and lap cuddles, how cool is that! We parted company with promises to keep in touch and the next visit maybe stay with them, love it. We also talked about a reunion, fun!

Two fabulous visits, like no time had passed… who’s next?

{January 16, 2015} Hollywood Geek Out!

I know, I’m posting so early!

I’m meeting a friend, tell you about him later, and I may go back to the room and pass out (the race stats at 5:30am!) So I wanted to be sure I posted.

I am meeting my friend in Hollywood, so while I waited for him to get off work and meet me, to Hollywood I went!

I haven’t been here since college and I toured a little with AM, but no cell phones or Facebook. So…Hollywood sign, Mann’s Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, stars and handprints!

Enjoy the photos! (I put my Chuck Taylor’s in a few…so you would know it was me! )

{January 12, 2015} Where does the time go?

There is a time bandit and I do not know where it comes from or goes!

I was awakened by EJS about 6:40 this morning, she crawled in bed with me, wondering where her mommy was, at the gym, go GES! I should be there with you!

About 7, we got up and started to head downstairs for breakfast, just as mommy got home. Into the kitchen to make breakfast, lunch and snacks for two wee tots. Finish homework EJS, someone else woke up tired, no names. Breakfast and getting ready for school was interesting.

EJS left for the bus, GES left for the train and MGS and I were left to get dressed and go to school. Finish breakfast, head upstairs and mini fight to get dressed, then head to school.

Make sure we have her bag for the week [blankets, sheets for nap time, lovey] Didn’t know mommy had put a love in the bag, so we spent about ten minutes looking for it, decided on a lion and tiger and away we went. She was quiet on the way to school, didn’t feel much like chatting. We were on our way by 8:15am.

Got to school about 8:45, did the drop off, and was at Whole Foods by 9am, then it was returns at multiple stores, pick up other things and then head home, by now it is about 11:45am.

I got home about 12:15/12:30, unloaded the packages and made some lunch, sat and ate, then got down to business, doing things around the house that needed to be done, made a few phone calls, applied for a few jobs, answered emails and all of a sudden it was 3:30 and time to pick up MGS.

Seriously…Where did the time go?

PS… Happy birthday to my dear friend from high school and youth group, JT.

{January 11, 2015} The weekend…zzzzzz

Here we go!

My brother in law, ACS’ birthday was yesterday, but the celebrations started Thursday. We met with B&S at The Cheesecake Factory for the first celebration of the weekend, it was lovely, then home for Harry Potter and bed.

Friday was low key… during the day. Ha ha. Pick up EJS from school, take her to karate, back home, then to school for the Winter Extravaganza, then to synagogue where EJS is in the junior choir, very cool. Home for Harry Potter and bed.

Saturday, yesterday, was ACS’ birthday. There was a knock on the door at 7:40am, it was GES, “I’m taking EJS to soccer, can you watch MGS so ACS can get some sleep?

EJS went off to soccer and ACS and MGS and I went to get breakfast at the local, wonderful bagel shop, then to a farm stand for fresh apple cider donuts and some other sweet delicacies. Hung out in the afternoon, then did some shopping because people were coming over for the game. Full house, lots of food, lots of shouting, the Pats won, go Pats!

After everyone left, babysitter came over and we went to a local Chinese restaurant which is also a local hangout for after the game, among other things, had a few drinks and appetizers, a few friends came by to visit and we watched all the people who were coming in after the game, it was ffffffrrrreeeezing! Cold enough just going from the car to the restaurant, imagine being at the game! No thanks! I’ll stick to the indoor stadium, thank you JFT! The kids were asleep when we got home, sigh.

Today started early again! About 9am, we went to a friend of EJS’ family for brunch and ice skating! Her family had installed a skating rink in their back yard! I wonder what’s going to happen at this house next winter! The kids loved it! I left a little early to go find a cake pan to make a football cake.

I went to Michael’s and found a cake pan to make dresses, kind of like a bow. I bought it and tried to decide if I wanted to bake two and make a full football, but I opted for a half cake and brownies. I even made goal posts and yard lines, too cool. It looked great! I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures, sorry.

In between baking with MGS, she went to swim lessons, then I took EJS to swim lessons, waited with MGS for a balloon, she wanted a bow and arrow, well, arlighty then! Bring MGS home, finish decorating the cake, get dressed and head out for the big birthday dinner with , well, almost everyone!

Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant with about 30 people, kids and adults, it was crazy and fun. Cake was a hit! A few hours later, it was home to get the kids to bed, GES and I walked down the street to KS and AS’ house to pay a call since KS’s dad passed last week, it was good to see her and see that she was alright.

Back to the house to put on jammies and then write to you! Tired yet?

PS Happy birthday to my friend CEN’s son O!

{January 10, 2015} I heart the Princess Bride

I had another post to talk about, but there is always tomorrow, right?

We got home after going out for a post game/late night birthday celebration for ACS and The Princess Bride was on TV, how could I not watch it! It was towards the end, but it was still worth it. I have the movie on my PC, I might turn it on after I sign off from you.

I am not going to review The Princess Bride, I might do that another time, but it is one of those movies that when it’s on, you are compelled to watch it and you love it. And come on, you’ve already seen it a bunch of times, haven’t you?

When someone posts one line on Facebook, it turns into a thread where everyone chimes in, it’s awesome. Come on admit it, you have a favorite scene or line, you could quote almost the entire movie, right?

Have you read the book? I have, it’s great! And just about spot on! And guess what I found! The Princess Bride Monopoly! I MUST find it and own it!

That’s all I have to say on The Princess Bride. I heart it and I know you do too!

Happy happy birthday to my brother in law ACS!!!

{January 9, 2015} My day..don’t blink…

You might miss it!

The early part of the day started off normally enough, I actually got to sleep in a bit, the girls didn’t wake me, go girls!

I got up as GES was heading out to get breakfast with a friend, took a shower, got some things done around the house, put up some curtains, made some lunch, got some work done, looked for a new project, made some phone calls, the usual. Then the excitement began…

Do you remember the other day when I had to get a new battery? Well, yesterday, I went to get in the car to pick up MGS, it wouldn’t start, the indicator lights came on but nothing…I called the garage, they sent a tow truck to pick it up and away went Annie. The driver said he had seen issues like this, it probably just needed a jump, what? I just got a new battery! Nope, take it away, let’s see what the garage says.

Back to today…I get a call..it’s the starter motor, what? I called around, they had the best price… please take care of it.

I head out in my car at 3:45 to get EJS from school, take her to karate, 45 minutes later back to the house, pick up GES, go to EJS’ school for Winter Fest! There was pizza, veggies, photo booths, flip book photo booths, a DJ, dancing, games and fun. We hung out for a while, ACS showed up with MGS for some fun, then took me to get my car from the garage. I drove back to the school because I had both car seats.

Then we leave school and head to temple for services, EJS is in the junior choir, a lot of fun to see her singing and enjoying herself, the choir was terrific and services were enjoyable.

After services, oneg with lots of sweets for a sweet Shabbat, lots of talking and good company. Eventually, it was back to the house for jammies and a few more pages of Harry Potter, we might get to the end of chapter one by the end of the weekend!

Have a great weekend my friends!

PS. Last night was my cousin MS’ birthday. Happy Birthday cousin!

{January 8, 2015} We started Harry Potter!

Last night, ACS thought it would be fun to start reading Harry Potter to the girls.

They have seen the first movie and I know that EJS has seen the second one, so it seems safe to read it to them and at the rate we are going of a few pages each night, they should both be in their teens by the time I get to the more intense books!

I sat down to read to them, put on my British accent and away we went! It’s night two and we are almost done with chapter one!

I love these books, each time a new one came out, I couldn’t put it down and I was ready to read the next one. I have read each one at least twice, except for the last one, too emotionally taxing, but I still loved it!

I am so excited for this opportunity to read this series to them both, I am just ticked pink! I will keep you posted on our progress!

{January 4, 2015} It’s a snow day!

It was wonderful, I slept until about 10am this morning!

It might have something to do with skiing for about five hours, a two hour time share thing, then a three hour drive, which should have taken about an hour and a half, that was fun…then I hung with AM for a bit, wrote to you and then lights out! I think I was also before my head hit the pillow!

A little while after I got up, I got a text from AM about getting some lunch, we went to meet his cousin at Fire On The Mountain, a wing place that had seitan (vegan) wings for me, yummy. A very cool place.

We headed back to the house to hang with his wife, NM and their daughter ALM, what a cutie! We built a Lego stage and dressing room for “Stephanie” with a lot of Lego Movie references. After Legos we played Old Maid, a rough game!

Then we retired to the screening room to watch Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2, which I had not seen and I loved it!

Somewhere around dinner time, AM and I went to get food. Vegan Reubens for me and NM from Natural Foods. Y U M!! Even got a vegan carrot cake muffin.

Back to the house for dinner and the rest of the movie, loved!

After the movie, we headed over to the other house, hung out for a minute, then AM headed back to his house and I settled in to talk to you, watch some movies and get some rest.

It was a great day for that! I needed some as I am a bit tired from four days on the slopes!

Oh yeah..I did say it was a snow day!
It started snowing about noon and just stopped a little while ago. I think it must have snowd about 6 inches, could be more, could be less, I’m not going out there to measure! I know the picture is dark, but can you see the car in the driveway? It’s my rental and I parked it there yesterday.

Now, let’s see if my flight takes off tomorrow or I’m here another day or two.

{January 3, 2015} I used a medical excuse to get out of something

Do I feel bad about it? I’m not sure.

So… What did I do? Well, my fabulous weekend Breckenridge at Beaver run resort at the obscenely low rate was in exchange for listening to a timeshare spiel, you know, where you sit and they say “at the end of your cake vacation at a resort or hotel, what do you really have? Besides memories? Really? That’s what you’re going to try on me?

Well, tonight, the girl I was working with very enthusiastic and good at what she does. The property is beautiful, right on peak 7, ski-in/ski-out, lockers, hot tubs, 4 movie theaters, restaurants, game rooms, how could you say no?

The cost wasn’t bad, the interest rate was horrible, the benefits even after your one week were pretty good, but as a chatted with GES she pointed out, it’s nice to have but not need to have, good. It was actually the first time I considered the deal.

… And I alluded to in my New Years Eve post there are some things, medically speaking, coming up in this year that I’m not sure where I will be, if I will have to put out for the doctors and if I’m going to be coming to Colorado much or even traveling for pleasure, so would I be able to use it.

Even when I told her this, then the big gun came in and she gave me a really good deal for a lot less money which you would have held open for me for a year at month, but I don’t know what’s what so I had to walk away.

I didn’t tell the first girl about the medical stuff because honestly I didn’t think about it until later and I felt bad because she went through the entire page, the viewing, and expressed interest in the deal and I was, but as I’m not sure of anything why put money out there I might need for something else.

I have said no to the timeshare thing before, but why do I feel guilty this time? I loved when she said it… starting with the heavy sales pitch “how much will you be kicking yourself if you go home without signing? I know it’s your job but it’s still kind of annoying.”

Ok, I’m over it.

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