Peaches Prattlings











{September 7, 2015}   An amazing weekend

Well, we just got back from a long weekend on the Cape…I swear I hear Thurston Howell III saying that to Lovey!

It was an amazing weekend, I have the best beau ever, but it was so amazing that I am “plum tuckered out!” and as I have to meet with my personal trainer at 5:50am, I am going to sign off and say thank you PSM for another fabulous weekend! You did it up right and I am so lucky to have you in my life, thank you.

Tomorrow, I will tell you, in great detail, I know shocker! about our weekend on Cape Cod, FABULOUS!

I hope you all had a fabulous Labor Day weekends!



{September 6, 2015}   Happy Birthday CWB

I met CWB when she was still CW.

We met in the 6th grade when I went to her middle school,  which was not the one near my house.  The reason I remember, and I know I could be wrong, was that my parents wanted me to go to a middle school with more Jewish kids and a lot of the kids from my temple and Hebrew school classes went there.

CWB and her twin sister and I met and became fast friends,  spending most weekends together, we were inseparable.

As we got older,  things did not change, even when we went to different high schools. We took drivers education together,  SAT prep together. Yhe panda picture, I don’t know if she remembers,  is representative of Joe Blow, a stuffed panda that I had when we were in our SAT prep class. Joe Blow was one of the examples the instructor, Kalmam, would use for everything.

I loved being at their house,  their mom would treat me like another daughter and include me in things,  it was very special. We helped each other get ready for prom, even hung together the next day after their prom.

Throughout college we were together,  home on breaks,  after college and then even though I moved and we didn’t talk very often, we were in each others thoughts,  especially on our birthdays, which are both in September.

A few years ago I was on a project that took me up north and I got to see CWB and spend time at her house with her family and it was so wonderful,  as if no time has passed,  as it should be.

Today,  we message on Facebook, and keep up with each other,  encouraging,  supporting, laughing. And I know if we get to see each other again,  it would be as I’d no time has passed.

So I wish my dear friend, CWB, the happiest of happy birthdays and many more to come!

image



{September 4, 2015}   We have a kindergartener!

Today, MGS rode the bus to school!

MGS is five and a big girl now and big girls go to big kid school! So…off she went.

Yesterday she went in yesterday at noon for part of the day, but today, she rode the bus for the first time. Now, she’s an old hat at riding the bus, having ridden the bus over the summer to camp, but this was the bus for school, a whole new ball game.

Ok, I have to tell you a secret, you have to promise not to tell! First, she asked me to help her put her sneakers on, loved that! Happy to help! Then she said “shh…I have a secret” ok, what? “You can’t tell…I’m a little nervous to ride the bus, I’m going to sit with EJS”. I think that sounds like a good plan MGS.

We went outside to take pictures, of course, and some of the neighbors joined us and ACS came back from his day at school to see her get on the bus, that was very cool.

There was a girl from the next block over, her parents, one of the boys from across the street, MGS and EJS, us and COF, another great gathering and send off!

We took pictures, EJS hamming it up for the camera, of course, the kids being goofy, then the bus came from a different direction, huh? The driver is on a new route, change of plans and sides of the street. All the kids piled on MGS’ backpack was almost bigger than her! SO CUTE!!!

Then they were gone and it was business as usual.

Have a great time in kindergarten, so many great things are coming your way!

schoolbus1



{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!

imagesBR9XUNCH



{September 1, 2015}   I am a lucky girl!

If I don’t have the best beau, I don’t know who does!

Today I went to the doctor and got some results that upset me.  I promise,  I’m fine,  it was just a bit of a shock and I promise I’ll tell you all about it,  but not tonight. 

What I want to talk about is the great guy in my life. I talked to PSM earlier in the day and told him about the results and later when I tracked to him he said to be sure and stop at the front desk when I get back to the hotel,  there is a surprise.  Ooh!

When I got back to the hotel I saw Shemara, my fabulous new friend who works at the front desk who said “make sure to go to the front desk,  someone loves you! ”

I went in and asked at the front desk and look what they brought out! OMG! Gorgeous and funny!  Are they not wonderful? They did just what they were supposed to do,  make me feel better.  I am a lucky girl!

So I ask you…If I don’t have the best beau, I don’t know who does!

image



{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 celebrate20150725_100718 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?



We know how to live it up, let me tell you!

PSM and I were supposed to go to Gloucester a few weekends ago, but plans changed as they tend to do, so today was the day. Gloucester, http://www.gloucesterma.com/, is the city where the hospital was that I was doing support this past month. It’s a pretty city, from what I could tell while I was driving to work and I wanted to see it.

We grabbed something really quick at Dunkin Donuts and headed up towards Gloucester, city number one, it was about an hours drive. We found a place to park and walked up and down the main drag, looking at and in stores and for a place to eat, to no avail. I did stop and get some earrings, a new pair of hoops and some fun silver studs, I was needing them!

We chose a restaurant with no wait and there wasn’t anything for me to eat and when I asked the server if they had anything for a vegan, he actually asked if I had questions if anything was vegan, really? Moving on…

We stopped in one place, asked if there was a place they served brunch and we were directed to George’s and were we pleased! It made up for a lot, the food was in abundance and we were sharing! The server was fabulous and the food was great, well worth the wait and search. The table of people next to us were a hoot, while they were there.

george

After brunch, we headed to city number two, Rockport, http://www.rockportusa.com/. This was a charming, thriving, bustling seaside town. We could tell why people like to visit, stay, even live.

We walked up and down the different streets, alleys, shops, I even got to stick my feet in the sand and the water, a bit chilly but wonderful. Then we sat on a bench and listened to the water lapping on the shore and admired the sky. We stopped in a candy shop and got some candy sticks and bulls eyes, you know, the caramels with crème in the middle.

The streets were teeming with people and energy, the eddy was beautiful to walk out on and sit and think and just enjoy. We enjoyed the sights, smells, boats, waves, weather, wonderful.

20150830_152820

After a few enjoyable hours, we went back to the car on to city number three, Essex, in search of dinner, at Woodman’s of Essex, but when we went across the street to Shea’s, http://sheasriversideessex.com/, to have a drink, we ended up getting a table on the deck overlooking the marsh, absolutely beautiful.

20150830_162439

20150830_152558

Before we went to the restaurants, we drove a little down the road to see the sights and ended up in Ipswich, but turned back around, that was the half city.

We started talking to the women at the table next to ours and what are the odds, one of them was a Nurse Manager for one of the hospitals that we were supporting during Go-Live! They were a lot of fun to talk to and passed the time nicely.

After dinner we got back into the car and PSM drove me back to the hotel so I could talk to you, share some photos and get some sleep, I’m back in the office tomorrow. I can’t wait to see my friends!

20150830_192412



{August 29, 2015}   One too many

Tonight I had one too many…desserts.

Ha ha, you thought I had one too many drinks! But on the other hand, some of you know I don’t drink, so good conclusion knowing it wouldn’t be hooch!

Today, PSM and I were at a party, it was the “after party” after a golf tournament he participated in. It was fun because I’ve met a lot of his friends and every time I go to another event, I know more people! I’m looking forward to arranging some more events and maybe some double dates!

Well, I knew there would be good food, they had made special arrangements for all food needs, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, you name it. Don’t fret, they had plenty for the meat eaters.

There were also chips and desserts, I had a few more chips than I probably needed, but I was hungry, what was bad was the desserts. Now, don’t get me wrong, they were good, but they were bad…for me. I split a black and white cookie with PSM, I took the white and he took the black, sometimes it’s actually chocolate, sometimes just black tinted frosting. I tasted another cookie later, it was too sweet, couldn’t eat more than a bite. After the b&w cookie, I dug into a cupcake, it was sooo good!

It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten that many sweets. I’ve really cut out everything I’m not supposed to eat, like chocolate. I don’t actually like chocolate, but I like the cookies. The bad/too much part came when I picked up a gluten free blondie, that was the big time one too many. Along with all the water I drank, it piled up to my throat and now I feel blech.  I know I’ll be fine and tomorrow, back to no more crud for my system.

But boy did it taste good!

untitled



{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.

shopping



{August 26, 2015}   Accomodating

Tonight was interesting.

As you know, I’ve been doing some testing to find out why I’m nauseous 24/7, well, this coming Friday is the next test, a glucose breath test. If this is anything like the other test, this is where they give me 8 ounces of glucose, then I get to blow into a bag every 15 minutes for 1.5 hours, fun huh?

So, part of the preparation for this test is to be on a very strict diet for 48 hours prior to the test, that means starting this morning no fruits or vegetables, what? What are you telling a vegan! I can eat any non-dairy “milk” products, rice, eggs and tofu. Yum…

This morning was easy, a nice omelet with eggs [real] and cheese [fake], it really was good and tasty. On the way in, I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and they have almond milk now, so almond milk/decaf tea, mmmmm.

Lunch was a little more difficult, I brought eggs and veggie hot dogs and coconut milk yogurt. I actually only ate the yogurt.

Tonight we had a team dinner, I know, “JJ, not another team dinner! Oh my! ”

Well, I called them to find out if they could accommodate me and my dietary restrictions. I mentioned eggs, rice and tofu. They said no problem, they didn’t have tofu, but could accommodate the rice and egg, great!

We get there and I introduced myself to the servers and said, “I’m a problem child” and we were all set. Eventually, I added an order of deviled eggs as an appetizer. The deviled eggs came out when everyone else was getting their entrees and I asked if they knew where my meal was. Oh…let me go check on that for you, hmmm…

“I’m not sure what’s taking so long”. “They are just waiting on the rice” What? I called earlier in the day to tell you of my dietary needs and it was the simplest food…So, everyone was about finished and here comes my food. I’m glad I ordered the deviled eggs, I was hungry! Finally, when the food came, it was very pretty, rice mixed with egg and tofu on top. How nice was that! And it was brought out by a manager, fancy.

So, all in all, I was quit pleased and full! And…I have lunch for tomorrow!

10791850106_44ecbd14c6_b



et cetera