I just learned this afternoon that hospice has been called in for a friend back in MA. I am crushed.
This is almost never a good thing.
The chemo isn’t doing it’s job.
I visited with Linda during my trips to New England and spent a few days in Italy with her almost 8 years ago.
Linda Lou is a mother, a friend to many, smart, beautiful, smiley and a fighter.
{Sipping wine along the Grand Canal at the base of the Rialto Bridge ~ Nov ’02. Linda is on the end, to Jay’s left}
I’ll never forget our gondola taxi rides. Strolls through the tiny Venetian streets. Renting a car in Florence. Sipping wine and slurping soup in that little trattoria in San Gimignano. Gathering ingredients at the local market for dinner at our Tuscan villa.
Sitting along the canal drinking wine and chatting was magical and I am blessed to have done it in such great company.
Linda, I don’t want you to cross {that} bridge for that means you’ll be farther from us, but I want you to be comfortable and happy ~ just how I know you.
Praying for you and your family.
*****
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.
I’ve been on the lookout for a black strapless maxi dress for about 6 weeks now.
It’s part of my Vegas wardrobe I have planned in my head.
It had to be strapless and it had to be long.
I’ve looked EVERYWHERE in my ‘hood with absolutely no luck.
There are NO maxi dresses to be found in the SCV. It’s sweaters, leather leggings and boots already.
It’s still HOT people.
I’m not much of an online shopper when it comes to clothing. I like to try things on, feel it, yadda yadda.
Remember, though, I am a simple person when it comes to my clothing.
Target. Ross. Old Navy. Marshall’s. TJ Maxx.
Behold….the dress I was looking for:
Exactly.
I put out a plea on my FB status asking my girls if and where they’d seen a black, strapless, casual maxi dress.
My dear friend Deb {oh man, I could write a whole post about my days & nights with Deb! love that girl!} said she’d just put one aside to sell at a garage sale or donate.
Seriously.
What are the chances?
She’s a lot taller and thinner than me so I’m hoping that it fits. The name “maxi” has got to mean something, right?
I am SO excited! I was going to spend my 2.75 alone hours tomorrow scouring the mall for this dress.
So, I guess I can tell people I got my dress at the FB{outique}!
When we relocated to the Bay Area almost 5 years ago we’d spend beautiful Fall afternoons strolling through the DAR-LING town of Los Gatos. Elliott was just 5 months old…oh the memories.
Anywhoo, we inevitably stumbled across the cutest little bakery, Icing On The Cake.
They had all sorts of delicious baked treats, but I remember the old-fashioned cookies standing out the most…especially the Oatmeal Butterscotch.
Oh my.
I am a sucker for a BIG, soft cookie of any sort.
Oatmeal is proven to help reduce blood cholesterol so why not bake up a batch of these to kick off your weekend?
I used this recipe and substituted the raisins with butterscotch morsels. {we don’t need to make these cookies TOO healthy! ;-)}
Today I am remembering the little downtown strolls through Los Gatos. Recalling the breathtaking mountains surrounding the little shop-lined streets. Remembering lunches with dear friends while balancing infants and toddlers on our laps.
I am remembering {and missing!} “Icing”…envisioning the looks-too-good-to-eat, way over-priced, but worth EVERY penny cakes that graced Elliott’s first two birthdays.
I am smiling.
{although I’m sure that smile will turn to regret after the idea of how much raw cookie dough I just ate sinks in}
*****
Happy Friday!
What yumminess reminds you of a time in your past?
The concert in the park series has come to a close.
Last night we thoroughly enjoyed the Journey cover band, Don’t Stop Believin’.
They’re WAY 80’s cool…
EVERY song was awesome.
*****
I’ve mentioned this little libation before, but wanted to remind you of it:
This is what we bring to the concerts.
LOTS of ice in the pitcher, 1 can defrosted pink lemonade {don’t add water}, the empty can full of vodka and 3 beers of choice.
As you can see, cheap vodka and store brand lemonade work just fine.
They all blend together and form a refreshing, citrusy beverage.
It’s called the Hop, Skip & Go Naked.
But we can just call it the “Hop Skip” for now since, from my last post “Edible Thongs” and a “Hop, Skip & Go Naked” all in one weekend, I don’t want you all to get the wrong idea about where this blog might be headed! 😉
*****
The salty sweet combination of a coconut Dum Dum and a tortilla chip:
The purple girlies:
Lots and lots of “Believers”:
The place was PACKED.
The “no nap” thing lately is kicking in for earlier bed times:
This was a great way to start winding down our summer fun.
Next weekend we’re looking forward to going to San Diego for Labor Day and celebrating my Mom’s Happy Day.
Then I will officially be in Fall mode…
Cozy crock pot meals, pumpkins, autumn scented candles, falling leaves, nip in the air, lots of football…
This year I joined a group of ladies and started playing “Bitch Bingo” once a month.
{virtualbingo.org}
I actually enjoy it a little more than Bunco…
Someone different hosts it each month and chooses a theme.
{my friend, Vicki, is the “keeper” of the little cage, balls and cards}
Here’s how it works:
1. Purchase a gift valued at $20 that fits with the theme.
2. Put it in a brown paper shopping bag.
3. Bring $5 for the pot.
4. Whip up an appetizer or dessert to share.
5. BYOB
The host supplies a main dish and a hostess gift, again based on the theme.
The first 45 minutes or so is spent filling up on the smorgasbord of dishes and chatting over a drink or two.
Then everyone chooses two cards to play and the first game prize is the hostess’ gift. This gift is “safe” and cannot be stolen from the winner.
After that you start playing for one of the gifts in the paper bags. Whoever wins picks a bag and shows their goodies. The next game’s winner can either steal the other person’s goodie or pick a new bag and reveal their gift. This goes on for as many bags as there are.
Once all the bags are opened, we play a couple rounds of “stealing”. This is where the real bitchiness comes in…..
Then the last game is blackout bingo and the one who fills the whole card first, gets all the cash in the pot.
It’s a lot of fun.
Sometimes you come home with a boatload of stuff.
Other times, nothing.
But it’s always a good time. A girl’s night out of sorts. Time to chat, gossip, vent with other mommies.
Last night I sent the rice krispie crack home with everyone. They could not leave unless they had their little saran wrapped dessert plate with their crack treats!
I wanted them OUT OF THE HOUSE!
The treats that is…not the ladies!
We had a great time. This months theme was “Adios Summer, Hello Fall!” You could either bring a gift that celebrates the last month of Summer or welcomes upcoming Fall.
I was happy to see that everyone went for the Fall feel!
I won some cute autumnal goodness for my kitchen.
*****
May I suggest starting something like this in your neighborhood?
Something fun to start in twenty-eleven….or next month even.
It’s fun with a handful of ladies or 20.
I’ve seen BINGO sets at places like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for under $20. Pick one up next time you see it….how I would love a vintage set like the one pictured above!
So, whether you’re in San Diego, Nor Cal, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, The Carolinas, New England or in-between, get crackin’ and get your bee-otches together!
