What I love! | Peaches Prattlings

{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 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 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 6, 2015} Some days I want to be Tony Stark

There, I said it, some days I want to be Tony Stark.

It’s not every day, but there are days…c’mon face it, he’s good looking, uber rich, uber smart and has some of the best toys known to humankind, right?

Boy genius, can build almost anything, has the means to do it and won’t stop until he accomplishes his goal, some times at great cost, but he really doesn’t care about much, aside from himself, so what does it matter, to him anyway. Well, he does care about Pepper Potts, she’s his kryptonite, so to speak, the only ‘thing’ he truly cares and worries about.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times I would love to be each of the Avengers, one at a time of course, they each have amazing qualities and just think of all the good in the world I could do. But still, you have to agree…Tony Stark is bitchin’!

I took one of those dorky quizzes on FaceBook and guess who I got!

You’re part leader, part rogue. You value those around you, but if you’re convinced you’re right, you don’t care what anyone else thinks.

{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!

{May 1, 2015} A great day

The day started way too early, but it ended up quite nicely, as the pictures should prove.

Today was Go-Live for the application that I have been training on here in Buffalo. The morning was crisp and cool at 5:30am when I left the hotel, I got to the hospital where I will be in the command center supporting the end users for the next week and settled in. I wasn’t expecting to leave the site until 4pm when my shift ended, but I got a request to go to another site and when I did, wow.

Look at the sky, isn’t it magnificent? Look at those clouds, they are like something out of a painting in a museum…a Monet…a Manet…Hockney…definitely Magritte…not quite Van Gogh, but oh, the wonder, the beauty, the splendor, is Mother Nature an amazing artist herself?

It was hard not to look at the sky while I was driving, it made me long for my convertible, I can’t wait to take her for a spin tomorrow! How can you not smile and feel your heart fill with joy at the wonder of the universe!

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed witnessing it first hand!

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