It's a Small World After All

On Friday evening some sisters came over to my house. One sister had a date so she couldn't join us. Anyway, the purpose of the evening was to plan a luncheon. Becky, Jodi and I are hosting a lunch on June 5th. A ladies luncheon, you might say, or a Sip-n-See. The lunch is for some old friends and new friends and friends that I haven't even met yet, but I just know we'll be friends. We'll see just how small the world really can be. I'll keep you posted.

Besides planning the menu and other details we decided to scrap a bit. Jodi brought fruit and I shared something new from Trader Joes, chicken coconut curry rolls, Becky brought dessert. She showed us up. Becky saw the cover of Better Homes and Gardens and got busy. Delicious, "pb & j amped up" dessert style. It looked just like a magazine cover, it was so pretty. Tasty too.
The planning and snacking and visiting went well, the scrapping, not so much. Jodi made a faux Starbucks coffee. Becky explained just how much she dislikes white paper. Over and over.


We had lots of laughs so it was a good evening. Becky's dessert was definitely a success. And we are ready for the luncheon.
But the scrappin' not so much. We just weren't feelin' it.

It's All Good Except for My Brain

Last night Max had his Soccer team dinner party. Hubby was working so Max and I drove out to the Zweegman property. Past Birch Bay and held by a family and Whatcom Land Trust, this property is amazing. It was so beautiful and we actually had sunshine. A good time was had by all.
On the drive home we decided to stop at the Mellema Ranch, hoping for a visit with Little Bit. Little Bit was staying elsewhere but we did get to see three new colts and fillies. So cute. If I lived on the ranch I would just park myself in a chair by the pasture and gaze lovingly at them all day however; I think if you live on a ranch there is no time to gaze lovingly because there are so many chores. Mindy was very gracious in spite of us dropping in right at the kids' bedtime. I had poor light so I want to sneak back for some good photos.

All said and done a nice day, I met my sister, the birthday girl, Kathi at Starbucks for coffee. Janice joined us and we had a nice visit. I made a fast stop at Becky's workplace and scared her to bits, so that was fun. Worked at the museum, did some household chores. A good day!


However, that being said, I would like to add that several times yesterday conversations came up regarding a fifty year old brain. It's not looking good. I am starting to suffer from filter failure. You know when older women say things that they are thinking. It just comes out. Processing aloud is a similar disease. We've all had a mother that suffers from this disease.

Then last night on the way to the party Max and I had a discussion. This is how it ended.
Me-"You are a teenager and may not like to hear this but your brain is not fully developed yet. So, you are not capable of some decisions."
Max-"Well, your brain is fifty and rotting, and you may not like to hear this but..."
Me-"Wait just one minute mister...you're right."
End of discussion.

Dannnnny...

Wow Em, I don't know what to say, I'm sorry. So, sorry. I really thought Kris would be packing his bags.

Watching TV is an emotional roller coaster. I had no idea.

Now I Know

Recently it has come to my attention that because I don't watch TV, I am socially lacking. I didn't make a conscious decision to not watch TV, I just stopped. A few years ago I had a secret vice and watched one trashy show. My friend Mark also watched and we would discuss while our spouses were looking at us like we were total strangers. Then I kept forgetting to watch it and gradually stopped. Different TV shows come up in conversations a lot and when you never watch it is difficult.

Saturday evening my dear friend Emily was pretty excited about American Idol. I decided I would watch on Tuesday evening and she invited me over. To help me know what was going on with the judges, the singers and that icky host Ryan Seacrest (I did not even know he was icky) Emily thought we should watch together.

I arrived at Emily's home, walked up her flower lined sidewalk and into her immaculate, spotless, darling home. She likes everything in its place. Emily is a second grade teacher and loves the kiddos.

Once inside, she whips out the evening's teaching tool. The poster board, done in color coordinated columns will help me to watch American Idol without constantly interrupting her viewing. She also has DVR (I had no clue what DRV was) so she could stop the show, explain to me, zip over Ryan Icky Seacrest and commercial breaks.

I wanted a photo of Emily with the board for my blog but she had on her scrubs so no go.



Emily loves Danny, hence the hearts on the teaching tool poster. At this point they are all talented. Of course, I can't sing so what do I know? I leaned to Adam, once a rocker always a rocker. Tonight one of the three gets the boot.


In conclusion, I have some observations. I need DVR. Adam shares his hair dresser with Kate Gosselin. Danny's voice is sexy. Kris sounds good and is very cute but sings out the side of his mouth and it's a tiny bit annoying. Paula Abdul looks tanked, totally shot, knackered. Emily invited me back. I hope Danny wins because I don't think Emily can get over it if he doesn't. And even if Adam isn't chosen, he's a rock star and we'll hear more from him.

How did I do? I think pretty well. I got invited back and I think I can carry on a half way decent American Idol conversation.

What a Pair

Sometimes good wine pairings show up unexpectedly. Monday night, we weren't expecting one but it just showed up, a welcome drop in guest.

Monday was Hubby's last night at the dinner table for awhile so I made pork chops, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, applesauce and bread for dinner. He suggested we have wine with dinner. He chose Isenhower, Red Paintbrush 2004. It is 80% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, 3% Syrah. A guest had brought it Saturday evening and we hadn't gotten to it. Nice dinner and wine, but the surprise came at dessert.

We don't usually have dessert but as we sitting there visiting with Max I decided to share the Russell Stover New York Cheesecake Ganache I had gotten on Mother's Day.

"A smooth cream cheese truffle with hint of raspberry, enrobed in a layer of silky milk chocolate and finished with rich, dark chocolate."-Russell Stover

Paired with the wine, well, it was a moment. So delicious.

I am thinking a cheesecake with raspberries, a chocolate crust or ganache with this wine would be foodie worthy.
Hubby has his bags packed, we need to visit this winery in Walla Walla.

Too Much Fun

Weekend recap... I had some trouble getting good photos this weekend. I apologize in advance. Possibly I was moving too fast, hence, the blurry photos.

Friday I took my Mom for a pedicure, Jodi met us there. My Mom was nervous. This was all a bit too frou frou for my practical Mom. She ended up enjoying the pampering, wants to go back and liked how her feet felt. Mom could be a high maintenance babe yet. We had a good time. A little shopping and lunch too.


Jodi and Mom bought the same sandals at Sole Obsession this Spring. Didn't realize it until Friday.

Happy Anniversary Babes!
On Saturday evening Hubby and I hosted an anniversary party for the boot camp babes and their husbands. Yes, for one year we have been getting up at 5:30 a.m. and going to work out with Robb three days a week. Karen and I decided that this warranted a Par-Tay!
Everyone brought their favorite diet foods to share. Sangria and 'Lime punch', appetizers and goodies galore.
Lots of laughs too. Everyone cleans up real nice and frankly, I hardly recognized some with hair and makeup done.




Mother's Day
I was totally spoiled with beautiful gifts, coffee and grapefruit in bed, after church a brunch at Bill and Jodi's place, a call from Danny, the works!
Jodi's table was gorgeous. Fine china with a woodsy feel. Delicious food. Excellent wait staff.




SIL Julie stopped by after lunch with her Mom and we had a Moms' pic. Isn't it great how color coordinated we are? We didn't even call each other. Clever girls!

Today, I am going to regroup, do laundry and get my game on for the end of the school year activities. The PaRtY is OVER.
But, oh, it was fun.