FUNFUN FUN CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Hello everyone!!! I hope all of you had a fabulous Christmas holiday!!! I had the BEST!!! The fun started on Sunday, Dec 23, when I drove to Chicago to bring Bree home. We loaded up the trunk with bags and bags of gifts. Bree is like Santa Claus. It reminds me of the small town girl who moved to the big city and made good and showers her poor family with gifts!!!! Oh, she is so generous!!! We talked and laughed and never shut up the whole way home. We got home and Dad had chili waiting for us. We all had to open a gift to get the holiday going. It was non stop fun until she left Thursday morning. We played lots of Scrabble and that little shit beat me every time!!!!

Christmas Eve we went to my brother's and had a lovely time. Ate, drank, opened gifts, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company so much. Then we came home and Michael was home from work so we opened a couple more presents. Then I had to stuff the stockings and off to bed I went. Michael woke me up at 6:15 the next morning to open gifts!!! Bree was awake too. So we opened gifts for 2 hours. I loved everything I got!!! I am a spoiled rotten little brat!!! Everyone in the family made out good. I got Michael an IPOD, Bree got Archie an IPOD, and Archie got ME an IPOD!! It was the year of IPODS!!! I'm so excited! I've wanted one forever!!!

I got carwashes, a Michael Buble CD, a Bryn Terfel CD, The Secret Gratitude Journal, Borders Gift Card, Coach fobs for my Coach purse, a wonderful red duffle that folds up real tight for traveling. Darling, unique stocking stuffers!!! Oh my gosh! So many wonderful things!!!

We had a nice brunch and then Bree and I saw Sweeney Todd. I loved it!!!! Then home to get in jammies and relax the rest of Christmas Day away.

The next day I had to work, but Bree picked me up after work and we went to Jefferson Pointe. Bree found 2 pairs of adorable shoes!!!! Oy! Then we went to Henry's where we met Michael and Archie for dinner and drinks. It was a great way to spend Bree's last night here. After "the boys" left, Bree and I got an Irish Coffee and had a cozy "BOT" (that means "Boobs on the Table") We planned our wardrobe for the Bahamas and sang "Nothing's Gonna Harm You" from Sweeney. I miss the little shit already. But Jan 16 I will see her again when we leave for the Bahamas.

My Christmas was fabulous and I hope that yours was too. Have a wonderful New Years and may 2008 fill your heart with love, laughter, good things, good friends, and happy times.

May your coffee cup overflow and may the chocolate supply never end.

I love you, darling friends. My life would be so sad without you. Hugs and love, Kelli

GOD BLESS HAPPY PEOPLE

....And Beasts and Children too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here are to all the people who wake up every morning, plant their feet firmly on the floor, and begin another day with a smile on their face and in their heart. Here are to the people who smile at work even when they don't feel like it.
Who have a nice word to say and a pat on the shoulder to the co-worker who no one really likes all that well. Here are to the people who laugh and hug and make the rest of us feel good when our spirits are low. These people get us through our work days, which can otherwise be routine and monotonous...these people make our world a brighter place.
I worked with a girl one time who was such a hoot. One day I told her I ate a 1/2 lb. of chocolate covered peanuts the previous night and was so disgusted with myself. She just shrugged her shoulders and blinked her eyes at me and said, "It's only 1/2 lb."
I am wishing these very special people a SPECIAL HOLIDAY and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

I love my CAMERA!

I think everyone that knows me knows that I LOVE TO TAKE PICTURES!! Ever since I can remember, I've had a love affair with the camera. I love to take pictures and I love to have my picture taken. My kids when they were younger used to groan, "Oh Mom, no more pictures!" And I would say, "I'm making memories. Someday you'll thank me!" Take tonight, for instance....I said to Michael, "Oh, take a picture of me and Dad in front of the tree!" Archie made a face and acted like he didn't want to get off his butt and sit in front of the tree. I said, "You bought me the camera!" He agreed to a couple of pictures and when he saw how good they turned out he was pleased. Here is a picture of me and Archie that Michael took tonight.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM THRILLED!!!!

Today for the VERY FIRST TIME a person I don't know read and commented on my blog!!! She invited me to read her blog and she is this lovely woman with an adorable little boy. She sounds alot like me...very excited about the holidays and seeing her little boy open all his gifts and his holiday wonder and joy!

I am reading a book right now called The Last Of Her Kind by Sigrid Nunez. I love it so far.

I just finished Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani and I loved that too! Bree is reading it now and is really enjoying it. Big Stone Gap is the first in a trilogy about the main character, Ave Maria Mulligan and the people that live in her little tiny town in Virginia called Big Stone Gap. The characters are all so unique! Bree and I are going to make a list of the characters in the book and put the actors and actresses we think should play their parts. I am going to read the sequel to Big Stone Gap after I get done with this book.

Does anyone have any books they would like to recommend? I am open and love to hear about books you love.

Have a wonderful day...PS It is still SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ready for Christmas!!!!

I am READY for Christmas!!! The shopping is done...even stocking stuffers. What an incredible feeling!
I have a pretty tree and there are lots of presents under the tree. The candles are lit, the Christmas music is on, potato soup is on the stove, it is even SNOWING outside! How much more perfect can it be? My cat is curled up next to the register enjoying the warm air from the furnace and the stockings are hanging by the fireplace waiting to be filled. There is even a tiny little red mitten for Sugar. Our first Christmas without her. I'll never forget you, Sugar!

Last weekend I went to Bree and John's and spent a fabulous, fun weekend! Bree loves the holidays as much as I do and you mix Bree and I up with the city of Chicago and all those stores and we are in heaven!!! We traipsed through the city shopping and laughing and talking. We had a great time. We even shampooed the carpet in her apartment and re-organized and cleaned her kitchen cupboards!!!

She will be coming home next Sunday. I can't wait to see her again and have my family under one roof again.

I have so many things to be grateful for this Christmas....my family, friends, my Mom, my home, my health. I am filled with excitement and anticipation of this special holiday. To me, Christmas represents all good things that have happened all year. It is a time to wrap our arms around our friends and loved ones and say Thank you for being you. Thank you for making my world a better more interesting place. Thank you for loving me back. Thank you for reading my blog.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all. May the love and the laughter and the warm times keep you joyful all year long. I love you!!!!!!!!! Kelli

LET IT SNOW!!!!

I LOVE SNOW!! I love snow so much EXCEPT if I have to drive and there is heavy snow....other than that! Let it SNOW, baby!!! I woke up this morning to sugar snow that sparkled all over the yard! I wish we would have gotten more, but this is OK.
I have on my red scrub outfit and I am going to take my Elf hat into work today. I will sing "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" !!!!!
Ok...since I have nothing to write about I will write this little ditty....
Here are some things you may not know about me.
1. I like to iron
2. I am addicted to crossword puzzles
3. I have to have a sharp #2 pencil
4. I like a big spoonful of peanut butter with chocolate chips on top
(this is great when your desperate for chocolate)
5. I wish someone would comment on my blog....
6. I am a pitiful sort

My world....and welcome to it!

The first thought I had when I awoke this morning was, "I love my life!!!" I am so lucky!! I got out of bed and came downstairs to my Christmas tree all lit up and my husband holding my coffee out to me. First he waited til I was settled on my couch and covered with my blankie. Then he handed me my coffee.
Well, just tasting coffee first thing in the morning puts me in a good mood. I love coffee. If someone said to me, "You can only choose one drink to have the rest of your life besides water." It would have to be coffee. Love the stuff.
Then I went upstairs and got in the shower. Another thing I love!!! Shower gels!!! Oh my GAWD!!! They are great! And those big net ball things you wash with. How cool are those?
Then big fluffy towels to dry with!!! Oy! I'm halfway to heaven now...
Then getting dressed for work...in SCRUBS!!! Scrubs are like wearing PAJAMAS to work. No kiddin'. There is nothing more comfortable in the world. So I am thinking how lucky I am to be able to wear cute scrubs ( not just any old plain scrubs ) to go to work in.
OK, am I making everyone sick right now? Doesn't matter....I'm going on....Then I put my "face" on... Bree gave me a lighted make up mirror that she didn't like and I just love it! It is so nice for applying make up. Thank you, Bree. LOVE the make up mirror.
I then come back downstairs and here I am at my computer (which I love because we have FIOS now) So! I am really happy and thankful and grateful and all those wonderful things. I love my life and I am so glad that I have been blessed. I will tip my face to the sunshine today and say Thank You, God, for making me "me." I love it.
Hugs to kisses to all!!!!

What's on the bookshelf

I'm reading the first in the trilogy ...Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. After that I have Almost Moon by Alice Sebold to read. Then The Abduction by Mark Gimenez. That one was recommended to me by Kathryn. What is everyone else reading? Please send me ideas about any good books you've read.
Keep reading and have an amazing day!!!!!

"The Office"

Oh my GAWD!!! Bree and John have been talking about The Office for years. I keep saying to them, "I know, I know..I need to watch it, blah, blah." Then Michael comes home with all 3 seasons on DVD. One day I decide I think I'll watch it from Episode One and see whassup with this show.
Oh my GAWD! I am in love. I'm hooked. I can't wait to come home from work and run to the TV set to watch another episode. I'm halfway through Season 2. I love the characters. Love hating Dwight. One minute I think Michael Scott is just such an asshole and the next minute I am falling in love with him all over again. These characters and this show are fabulous!!
Thank you Bree and John, for turning me on to this show! And thank you, Michael, for bringing the DVD's home!!!
I love The Office and have added it to my list of fave TV shows.

Cathy

The day after Thanksgiving, Archie and I went over to Joann & Steve's house to see Cathy and her husband, Chuck. Cathy and I have been friends since high school and she has lived in Colorado for 20+ years. Cathy and I were inseparable from the time we met in high school until I moved away in 1976 to live with Archie in North Carolina. Cathy is the funniest person I have ever met!!! We used to laugh so hard we would pee our pants!!! Cathy is the first person I ever went camping with. Neither one of us had ever camped before and the first time we camped we went to Estes Park, Colorado. It was the most amazing, fabulous trip!!! We had a little orange pup tent, our cooler filled with Coors beer, and we were set!!! We met so many wonderful people and had so much fun. We still tell the stories of our camping trips. Estes Park was the first of many of our camping trips. After awhile, Cathy and I never even bothered to put up the tent. We just laid our sleeping bags out and slept under the stars.

Cathy and I always talked about our hopes and our dreams and what we wanted out of life. Cathy said the very first time she saw the Rocky Mountains, "I'm going to live out here." And she did. She has lived in Colorado longer than she lived in Fort Wayne. She loves it out there.

She is heading for a new adventure possibly...her husband, Chuck, has been offered a job in Seattle. He has to decide if he is going to take the job in 2 days!!! So Cathy may be moving to Seattle!!!!

Cathy sent me a card years and years ago that I have never thrown away. It has been one my mantras and I have cross-stitched this beautiful poem that was on the card for my Mom. I would like to share it with you now. It sums up my life and all that I feel....

If I could hold a flower

And watch its petals fade

If I could touch the well worn earth on which my children played

If I could hold one moment of the times you've made me smile

Then I can take the bad times

For you've made them all worthwhile

A Thanksgiving to always remember....November 2007

This Thanksgiving was perfect. Every Thanksgiving is absolutely fabulous, but this year seemed like the best one ever!!! I worked until noon the day before Thanksgiving. Got home and cleaned up a few things and baked a couple of pies. The air was filled with anticipation of Bree and John's arrival from Chicago and the fun I knew all of us would have.

Bree and John arrived around 9 or 10 p.m. They came through the door with their backpacks and games and squeels from Bree and lots of hugs and kisses. We were thrilled to see them!!!

I had made macaroni and cheese and barbequed beef sandwiches. Bree was glowing. She looks fantastic....and John as handsome as ever. Gabe Downs, Bree's friend from high school, came over about 20 minutes after Bree and John arrived. It was wonderful to see Gabe. He lives in Iowa now going to school for his PhD. It felt good to hug his neck. He is a great person.

I stayed up about an hour after Gabe got there. It was great laying in bed listening to their laughter. It filled my heart with a warm, content feeling. I woke up about 2 or so to the sound of Michael's voice followed by laughter. The next day Bree told me Gabe didn't leave til 4:00 am!!!!

Thanksgiving Day dawned beautiful and cold. The kids were all sleeping. Archie put the turkey in about 9 and we just relaxed and puttered in the kitchen until it was time to wake everyone up for Thanksgiving dinner. Archie went to pick Mom up. Michael had a cold and wasn't feeling up to par plus he had to work at 4:00. I felt bad that he wasn't feeling well.

We sat down to eat at 1:30 or so. The meal was delicious. Archie does a wonderful job on the turkey. We had a nice meal and good conversation. It was so lovely to have my family all together. After dinner we took pictures and talked. John watched some football on TV, Archie took a nap, Michael went to work. Bree and I went on a nice walk and we even did some running/jogging. Poor Bree was holding back for me!!! She didn't want me to have a heart attack trying to run too much. I'm not as "in shape" as I should be!!!

We came home from our walk and pulled out the desserts and coffee and dug in. Then Bree, John, Mom and I played Taboo. I think Mom really enjoyed it. She is good at Taboo!!!

Then Archie took Mom home and Bree and I got in our jammies. When Archie came home the 4 of us watched Ratatouille!!! Archie and I loved it!!! What an adorable movie!!!!

Needless to say, I, Kelli Anne Bristow, stayed up til 1:00 a.m. which is HIGHLY UNUSUAL for me! Shows what good company I was in and how much fun I was having!!! Bree and John hooked me up to a myspace page and that was fun getting stuff put on that. Bree and I talked til I finally said I had to go to bed. We never run out of things to talk about. She is so fun and interesting to talk to and she is such a good listener. She and I are like two bugs in a rug. We can just look at each other and start laughing.

The next day, Friday, I thank the good Lord, I had taken off from work. Bree and John got up about 10:30. We talked over coffee and tea and then they left about 12:30. I hated to see them go...but I will see them again in 2 weeks. I am heading back to Chicago for a weekend to help Bree with some organizing and re-doing her shelves and cupboards.

It was FANTASTIC. A fabulous, spectacular, Thanksgiving Holiday 2007.

I don't like FORWARDS! And thats that!!!

Ok, is there anyone out there that likes getting a bunch of FORWARDS in their mail? I hate it!!! I log onto my computer and am soooo thrilled to see I have 14 emails!!!! Then I find out that 12 of them are STUPID FORWARDS!!!! No, no, no!!! I don't like forwards! My friend, Karin, always sends me these. She said she doesn't even open them, just sends them to everyone on her buddy list. I tried to give her a hint that I don't like them and I never open them...but she is still sending them. My brother, who is semi-retired, is starting to send them too.
First of all...maybe I'm a humorless person...but I don't have the patience to read the jokes and most of the time I don't think they are that funny.
Second of all...I don't like the political ones. OR the religious ones. OR the "you are my special girlfriend ones." I want my special girlfriends to really write me!!! Not send me a forward that someone else sent them!!!
All this girl wants is a real live email. If you can't send me a real note, then please don't send me your forwards!!!! AND CHAIN LETTERS!!! euww....I thought that was over in the '60's.
So polish off your keyboards and DELETE all those dumb forwards you get and DON'T SEND THEM TO ME!!!

November 15, 2007

29 years ago today I had a beautiful baby girl. My firstborn, Bree Danielle Bristow. Bree weighed 7 pounds 13 oz. She arrived in this world in Fort Wayne, Indiana on a rainy, sleety, cold day, and the minute I saw her --- the very second I saw her --- I fell in love and my life was changed forever.
The nurse laid her next to me and she looked right at me. She wasn't crying or anything. I kissed her forehead and it felt like velvet to my lips. She was the most precious thing I had ever seen!!! What a miracle!!!
From that moment on Bree filled my life and the lives of those in our family with love, laughter, awe, wonder, and any other fantastic adjective I could use!!! This tiny miracle baby grew into the woman who I now call my best friend forever. This day is for you, Bree. I love you so much and I thank the good Lord every day for blessing my life with you. You truly are the sunshine of my life. Thank you, Bree.
Have a wonderful birthday and always know how much your Mom adores you.

A movie I saw and what's on the bookshelf

Yesterday I went to the movies and saw Dan In Real Life. Bree had seen it and liked it, Michael had seen parts of it and did not care for it. I was disappointed in the movie. I did not like the character Steve Carell played. He was, to put it bluntly, a real prick. I love Juliet Binoche...she is one of my favorite actresses and she played a darling part. The actors all did very nice jobs but I did not have any warm, fuzzy feelings for the Steve Carell character at all. Anyone who has seen this movie, please feel free to share!!
I read the Nicholas Spark's novel, The Choice. It was very good. I hope it is made into a movie one day! Now I am reading "Anything for Jane" by Cheryl Mendelson. I have alot of books from the library that are waiting to be read. I'm also on reserve for more books at the library.
It is rainy and drizzly and dark and gloomy outside. Just my kind of evening to snuggle up with a good book, my crossword puzzle, a sharp pencil, my cat, and the TV.
Everyone have a great, cozy evening.

YEEEHAAA! I'M SOOOO EXCITED!!!!

Ok, I'm excited! I just booked our yearly trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida!!! Is this not the coolest thing this side of KENTUCKY? Am I not a first rate traveling hussie or what??? Ok, here is the travel run-down....first in January I have BAHAMAS with my fave girlfriend in the world, Miss Bree. Then Feb 23 I have a one week vacation in Fort Walton Beach with Archie. We have gone every year (except we missed one year because his Mom died) and it is pure bliss. THEN in May I have my trip to PARIS AND AMSTERDAM with Bree and John. In the Fall of 2008 a tentative plan is set for a trip to Washington D.C. with Archie. So all my vacation time is already planned for 2008!!! I love it!!!!
Let me tell you about our little piece of heaven on Fort Walton Beach.....I found the condo in FWB on the internet probably 7 or 8 years ago and we went for the first time and totally fell in love with it and have returned every year. FWB (short for Fort Walton Beach) is on Okaloosa Island right next to Destin, Florida. White sand beach, beautiful gulf water, tons of fabulous restaurants and the best shopping you can imagine!!!! When we go in February there is nobody down there but the old people. That suits us just fine.
All I do the whole week is read, walk the beach, eat, meditate, walk, and do tai chi. And of course, shop.
It is perfect and I feel so lucky that we can go again this year. Archie loves it too. We just get down there and fall into this lazy way of living for a whole week. Anything goes....you can have or do anything you want. Every year is such a treasure and special gift. It is my week to rejuvinate, restore, catch my breath, thank the Lord, exfolliate my skin, buy shoes, whatever!!!!
I don't think I can stand all this excitement and thinking about all my fun stuff! Oh....I can too....

Looks like November to me....

This morning I woke up and there was a light dusting of snow mixed with sleet. I wanted to stay cuddled up in bed! It looks like November outside. Yesterday while I was at work it was so dark and drizzly outside. Leaves falling off trees like crazy. I thought to myself, "It finally looks like November!" Now I am getting into the swing of preparing for Thanksgiving. Tonight after work Janet and I are meeting at the mall. I'm going to buy some presents for Bree's birthday. Janet and I need to catch up too. I need to hug her neck! She joined Jenny Craig and has lost 14 lbs!!! I am so proud of her!!! Maybe she'll let me take her picture tonight and I'll put it on my blog.
Here is my Thanksgiving Day menu...FIRST I will begin with Day Before Thanksgiving....Bree and John should arrive Weds afternoon. (the sooner the better, I hope!)
Weds supper: Chili and apple pie ala mode
Thanksgiving morning: juice, coffee, tea, caramel pecan coffee cake, toast, cereal, etc...
Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, ham, potatoes and gravy, dressing, rolls, sweet potato casserole, corn, broccoli/cauliflower salad, cranberries. For dessert: lemon meringue pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie (provided by Grandma) and leftover apple pie. John's favorite is apple pie!
There is a pie I ate a couple of months ago called a Buttermilk Pie and it was TO DIE FOR! Sounds awful, buy oy...was it ever delicious! I would like to make that too...I found a recipe for it on the computer.
I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I think of my family around my dining room table on Thanksgiving Day. They are all special and beautiful people and I am so darn lucky to be a part of their lives.
Like the poster in my bedroom when I was a teenager....it read, "I am so glad that you are here..........you make me realize how beautiful my world is." I have never forgotten that. It has to be one of the most tender and beautiful phrases I have ever heard of. And how true it is.
Love and peace to all of you today. Be special!

Fun and more fun in the Windy City

Oy!!! I spent last weekend in Chicago with Bree. We had sooooo much fun!!!! It was a beautiful weekend. Perfect Fall weather. Sunshine, blue skies, nice and chilly. We needed jackets. I got into the city about 10:00 and called Bree at work. We decided to meet at Loehmann's, our new favorite haunt. I picked out a darling white 3/4 length sleeve cotton sweater to take to Paris with me. And Bree ended up BUYING it for me!!! She just insisted!!! Oh I was thrilled to death to have my first Paris purchase. Bree said it would be perfect to take to Paris. Then I got a COAT!!! It is sooo cute!!! Pink tweed with a little faux fur collar and like a patchwork design on the front with tiny sequins. Verrry cute.
We were so happy to see each other. We kept giving each other big hugs right in the middle of Loehmann's.
Then we went to a new place for lunch. It was very good and we highly recommend it. It is called The State Street Bread Company. I got a delicious ham sandwich and a big chocolate fudge brownie to share. Bree got a really great looking salad. She said it was delicious but had too much dressing on it. Then we got coffee and the man brought it to us with our own carafe and said we didn't have to pay for it!!!! We couldn't believe it!!!! He probably saw Bree --- and she is so pretty, that is why he gave us the freebie!!!
We visited for a long time in the cafe and had the best time laughing and being silly. Then we walked to Posh --- one of my very favorite shops in Chicago. It is a little French gift shop on Rush Street. I didn't get anything.
I know I will go crazy nuts in Paris in all the cute boutiques. I'm so excited!!!!
We hit Pottery Barn, Banana, and Borders. Then came back to the apartment and drank tea with half & half in it. A first for me! Delicious!!! One of my new hot drinks.
We talked and laughed and visited with John and took pictures.
Then John, Bree and I went to Ditka's for dinner. Oh, it was wonderful. Had such a lovely time. We talked and ate and laughed and told stories. It was a perfect evening. Then we walked home. When we got home we looked at the Vienna pictures which are just beautiful!!! Such a gorgeous, old, historical city!
Then I passed out. I was so tired. I slept til almost 8:00 am Sunday. I never sleep that late!!!
After Bree got off work Kathryn came up and we went to brunch at Bucco di Beppo. (I don't know if I am spelling that right, but you know what I mean)
Had a delicious lunch. Bree, John, and Kathryn got spinach salads and cheese manicotti. I got a cheese pizza and they ate some of my pizza. It was soooo good! Then Bree and I shared a brownie with chocolate sauce and ice cream with chocolate and caramel sauce. It wasn't worth all the calories...we both had eaten better...but it was still good while it was going down.
We had this darling waiter who looked Italian and had an accent. I asked him where he was from and he said Mexico. He didn't look Mexican. Then I asked how old he was and he said 35. I thought he was about 35. Kathryn thought in his 20's and I said "No Way!!" Then I asked him if he was married and he said No. I told him he was just adorable and did he have a girlfriend? He said, "I'm gay." I asked him if he had any brothers and he said yes, but they are married. Oh well.... He was very good looking.
Then Kathryn and John went to McCook and Bree and I went to the Body Shop and Nordstrom. Then time for me to go home. I hated leaving her. She is such fun and the best person in the world!
But we will be together soon at Thanksgiving. It was a fantastic, fun filled weekend. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

HAPPY NOVEMBER 1ST

It is November 1 today!! For many of us, this marks the BEGINNING of the holidays. November 1 has always sort of been my "countdown" to Christmas. Usually by this time of year I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done. But this year we had such a great, warm Fall and my trip to Florida .... I didn't even THINK about Christmas shopping!!! Bree's birthday is November 15 and I usually don't buy anything for her until after her birthday...I usually wait and see what she gets for her birthday and go from there.
November is an exciting month for me....Bree's birthday, Thanksgiving (a holiday that I enjoy so very much!!) I am starting my month off right by a trip to Chicago this weekend to see Bree and John and hopefully buy some Christmas gifts. Bree and I want to hit Loehmann's again and thoroughly explore the store.
Then getting ready for Bree's 29th birthday and then the kids will be home for the Thanksgiving Holiday!!! I need to keep my energy level up, keep myself healthy this month, and take time to breathe deeply and smell the fabulous smells of November!!! Also, we must decide on our Thanksgiving holiday movie. So many good ones are out and more to come!!!! Any suggestions please pass my way.
So happy November, everyone, and remember!!! Swish your feet through the leaves (crispy, dry leaves are the best) eat caramel apples, drink pumpkin spice lattes, sit in front of a lovely fire, and most of all...tip your face to the sunshine and thank the good Lord in himmel for another fantastic day!!!!

Girl Cousin Florida Reunion

WE HAD A BALL!!!!!!!!!!! We never shut our mouths except when there was food in it.
We all had a wonderful, fantastic time!!
The fun started Tuesday when we met at Bob Evans. Patty and Jenny picked Marcia and I up and we headed down 69 to Jimmy Buffett's Cheeseburger Paradise Restaurant. The food was delicious and the frozen margaritas were even better. Our spirits were high! We were so excited about our trip! After eating we headed to our rooms at the hotel near the Indianapolis airport where we would stay the night. Jenny and I shared a room and Patty and Marcia shared a room. Jenny, Patty, and Marcia were teasing me because all I had was one small carry on bag and they had big suitcases. I told them I was going to just use their stuff. Jenny and I had to move rooms because our room stunk of smoke. Yuk! So we moved down the hall.
In the morning we got up bright and early and took the shuttle to the airport where we boarded our non stop flight to Fort Meyers Beach, Florida. Aunt Jane and Aunt Joan picked us up at the airport. There were hugs and kisses all around. Our cousin, Jill, who had flown in from Cincinnati, had to spend the night in the Atlanta airport due to storms. She was already at Aunt Joan's waiting for us.
We got to Aunt Joan's and more hugs and kisses when Jill came outside to meet us. She looked fresh as a daisy. Didn't even look tired after staying all night in an airport!!!
Aunt Joan has a gorgeous home with a lovely lanai. We all got our bedrooms and headed out to lunch at The Fish House. It was wonderful! I had the fish finger basket with hush puppies and cole slaw. We talked and got caught up with one another. Everybody looked wonderful!
Then we went to this jewelry store called "The Best of Everything" which Jill and Jenny said was a must see!!! They weren't kidding! It was a store filled with costume jewelry and purses and hats, scarves, Christmas things, bling and bling everywhere!!! We shopped and then we headed for the grocery store for our booze and snicky snacks.
Then home for cocktail hour. Aunt Jane brought chicken pasta salad over for supper and we just spent the night drinking and talking and laughing and telling stories. It was so great just being together!! We played this card game that Aunt Joan taught us but I can't remember the name. It was fun though.
We all went to bed about midnight and it took quite awhile for us to settle down. Giggling and laughter kept coming from our rooms. It reminded me of when we were little and used to stay all night with each other. Patty and I shared a room, Jenny and Jill shared a room, and Marcia got her own room with the murphy bed.
The next day we got up bright and early, had coffee except for Jenny...she drinks diet pepsi.
Then out to the Bonita Springs Beach for our morning walk. It was sooooo pretty. We walked a long way, then came home and got our suits on and went into Naples for lunch at this Irish place called McCabe's. It was fabulous. I had a reuben. Then we went to the Naples Beach and sat in our chairs and read and relaxed. The gulf was nice and warm and I went in the water. Then we went back into the town of Naples near where we ate and shopped at Fresh Produce. We all bought clothes there. It was great. Then home to cleaned up. Then cocktail hour and out to dinner at The Water Mark. Dinner was superb. I had scallops, baked potato and key lime pie for dessert!! We had a leisurely dinner filled with laughter and great conversation. Then home for more cocktails and stories by Aunt Jane and Aunt Joan of growing up on Barr Street.
We laughed til we cried listening to them!
The next day we were again up bright and early. I went for a quick dip in the pool while the rest of the girls went for an exercise walk. Then off to Fort Meyers Beach for the day. We had lunch on the patio of this cute bar/restaurant that was right on the beach. Then after lunch sat down on the beach and talked, laughed, read, walked, and Marcia, Patty and I got ice cream.
It was wonderful.
We did some shopping at the beach shops. Jill got this cool dress that you can wear all different ways by folding it and Patty and Marcia got cute dresses.
Then home to get cleaned up and cocktails again. We had dinner that night at Flippers. We sat outside and you can see dolphins!! We had a great dinner! I had coconut shrimp. Then back home for more talk. We never ever ran out of things to say. We all got along fabulously!!!!
The last day, Saturday, Aunt Joan and I went shopping at Coconut Pointe. I got 2 outfits and some shoes and a sweater. Then when we got home, Jill and Jenny decided they wanted to go to the outlet mall. Marcia and Patty opted for the pool and a good book, so Aunt Joan, me, Jenny and Jill went to this great big outlet mall. Had a ball shopping. Jill and Jenny got shoes and Aunt Joan and Jill got some outfits.
I got some chocolate which I really was craving as these slim cousins of mine don't eat much junk food at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That night Aunt Joan and Jane fixed us dinner. We ate at Aunt Jane's house and it was delicious!!! We played a game called Catch Phrase and laughed alot. Then we decided to go skinny dipping since it was our last night. We took our clothes off, got wrapped in our beach blankets, and walked to the pool. We got to the pool and jumped in and it felt divine!!!! We laughed and hooted and swam around. It felt so good.
The next day we said our goodbye's to Aunt Jane, Aunt Joan, and Jill. Aunt Joan dropped us off at the airport and we flew back home.
I miss my cousins already!!!
We said on our trip that 5 women (even though we are related) that had never traveled together before just blended PERFECTLY! We were great together. Not a moody one in the bunch. Every morning we would wake up with sleepy smiles and everyone was "go with the flow". It was a great group. I hope we can do this again and next time the rest of the cousins come too!!!
I love these beautiful women so much. Each of them left me with a part of them that I will cherish and hold onto deep in my heart forever. I am proud to know them and happy that we are cousins and friends.
A special thank you to Aunt Jane and Aunt Joan for the wonderful hospitality you showed us. Thank you for driving us around and letting us use your car!!! I love you all.

Girl Cousin Florida Reunion

This evening I leave for my girl cousin Florida reunion. We will leave to go to Indy tonight and fly out tomorrow morning for Bonita Springs. I can't wait!!!!
I won't be writing in my blog for a few days but when I return I will tell you everything! There is no "what happens in Florida stays in Florida with me." I will SHARE ALL with you!!!
The only sad thing is 3 of my darling, beautiful cousins will not be with us. Shondell, who lives in Michigan, cannot make it. She has 3 busy daughters and a husband and a job as a realtor. She is not able to get away. And my darling cousins Sharon and Shelley, who are sisters, will not be coming either. They will be with us in spirit though and I promise to drink a margarita for each one of them and toast to their Irish heritage and to their love of life and fun and laughter.
Talk to you soon, dear readers.

A Perfect Day

Oh I had soooo much fun yesterday!!! I got up bright and early and drove to Chicago to visit my daughter, Bree. Bree is an amazing person!!! She is fun, funny, smart, a great listener, a wonderful storyteller, and an all around great girl!!!
When I got to Chicago she was still at work so I went to The Gap and bought a really pretty powder blue turtleneck sweater. Then as I was walking to Fox & Obel for coffee, Bree called me on my cell. I said, "Hey girl, I'm just across the street from you!" She said for me to meet her at the restaurant that she works at for brunch. It was wonderful. We sat outside in the warm sunshine and talked our brains out. I met one of her managers (the nice one) and her dear friend, Jen. After we sat and ate and talked we went up to the apartment and she gave me my gifts that she brought me from Prague and Vienna. Bree is so thoughtful and generous. She got me a GORGEOUS garnet pendant Star of David from Prague. I just need to buy a chain for it. I told her I will wear that every day of my life. She also got me chocolates and coffee from Vienna, a magnet from Prague, cookies (the most delicious chocolate wafer cookies I have EVER had in my life) from Vienna. We looked at her pictures on the computer but there were so many we only got through Prague. I have to go back and see her so I can see Vienna. The pictures were beautiful. She loved Prague and Vienna!!!
Then John, Bree and I walked to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee. Bree and I wanted to shop a bit so John went back home and Bree and I hit Loehmann's!!!! Oh my GAWD!!! It just came to Chicago and it was FABULOUS!!! Bargains galore!!! We almost had a seizure we were so excited!
Bree got 2 Free People tops that were like 60% off. It was amazing. The store was completely ransacked. It was the end of the day and everything was a mess. We will go back the next time I come to town and go early before everything gets messed up.
The day went by much to quickly. But being with Bree just for that one day will hold me over for a few more weeks!!! She is such a great person to be with. She's a refreshing breath of fresh air and I am so glad that she is my daughter and BFF!!!!
I love you, Bree....thanks for everything.

I want to be the heroine of my own life...

Where did I hear that? Who said that? I heard it recently and I think it may have been Elizabeth Gilbert when she was on Oprah. I wish I could remember....But what an amazing thing. I want to be the heroine of my own life and write my story the way I want it to be written. I want to be the star of my own show. Who wants a boring old show to watch? yuk. I want to watch a fun, interesting, deep, moving, exciting, colorful show with all kinds of different characters in it.
Like in one of my fave movies, Parenthood, the grandma tells Steve Martin that she always liked the roller coaster. She was talking about how some people like the merry go round as it is the same thing over and over, round and round and no surprises. She said she liked the roller coaster and I always loved that. I have tried on many occasions to remember that line when things were not going my way. I would think of the roller coaster of life and would try to make myself go with the flow of the coaster and things usually (almost always) worked out.
But back to the question of who said "I want to be the heroine of my own life." If anyone remembers let me know because I love that!!! I am going to make that one of my mantras.
Have a fabulous day, everyone!!!!!

Buying new glasses

It is just horrible buying new glasses! For me, anyway! Glasses are such an important part of your face and who you are and everything! I went to the optical place in town which had the largest selection of glasses. I swear to the Lord in himmel, I tried on every pair of glasses. I found my MiuMiu sunglasses right away. (I'll send a pic of me later in my shades) But the regular glasses I only found one stinking pair that I liked. So I got them and that is them on my face in the picture below. I don't seem to like them as well as I thought I did. I don't know why...maybe I'm just not used to them. Maybe that is it.
So dear friends, what do you think? You have to say you LOVE them, because if you don't then I'll be so sad and what can I do about it? I have to live with these glasses for several years to come. These will be the glasses that I see Paris and the Bahamas out of!!! So just give me compliments and tell me they are cute, pretty, adorable, nice, friendly, chic glasses, OK????
I love you all and please keep writing to me.
xxxooo

Across The Universe

I just got back from seeing this movie and I LOVED IT!!! I gave it a double thumbs up! My sister saw it with me and we both loved this movie!!! I highly recommend it especially if you are a Beatles lover! The music was so beautiful and the actors in the film sang so lovely. I think parts of this movie was made when the directors/writers were stoned. Good movie!!!

On the bookshelf

I am reading Jesus Land by Julia Scheerer now. Excellent book. It is a memoir and I can't put it down!!!
On the shelf waiting to be read is ............

"Trespass"by Valerie Martin and
"Songs Without Words" by Ann Packer. Ann Packer wrote the book "The Dive From Clausen's Pier" which was made into a TV movie. Don't you wish there were an extra 6 hours in the day devoted just to reading?
I am open to ANY book suggestions as I LOVE to read and would love to hear of any good books that you have read.

"To Sir, With Love"

Oh my GAWD! I'm sitting here at my computer and "To Sir With Love" comes on the radio!!!
"...if you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters...." How I adored that movie!!!
Bought the album and knew every word of To Sir With Love by heart.
I remember seeing that movie and sitting spellbound in the theatre. I remember crying my eyes out and then turning around the next day and seeing it again. I got my hair cut like Lulu and wore a thin velveteen ribbon in my hair. That was such a wonderful movie and if you have not seen it yet, please get the video and watch it. Every teenager should have a "Sir" in their life...if you didn't have one in your life (like I didn't) then Sidney P will do the job just fine.
Here's to you, Lulu ..... thank you for the wonderful Saturday morning memory.

How much happiness can a heart hold?

I asked Bree that question once....How much beauty and happiness and love can a heart hold? Sometimes I feel like my heart will just explode. I remember going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY with Bree in January and being so overcome and overwhelmed with beauty that I cried. Bree put her arms around me and I remember she said to me, "Oh Mom, wait til you see the Louvre!"
Yesterday morning I was sitting in Starbucks drinking my pumpkin spice low fat latte and looking out the window. It was still dark and it was drizzling rain. My book was on the table with my coffee. As I watched the rivulets of rain come down the window and I heard the cheerful voices of the Starbucks crew, I had that feeling of my heart just bursting with love and happiness. The smell of coffee, the taste of the pumpkin spice latte, the rain, the beauty of the morning and the hopes of a wonderful, new day just melted my heart with joy and love. I thought to myself that morning...yes, I want to travel the world and do so many things....but I'm OK just being here in Starbucks too. I can feel good and warm and wonderful right here in my own back yard. As I walked out of Starbucks to my car, I tipped my face to the warm, drizzly rain and I thanked the Lord for the day.

BAHAMAS HERE WE COME!!!!

Well, it's booked. Bree "booked it, Danno" and we are on for Nassau, Bahamas!!!! yeeehaaa!!
We will be gone in January from Weds to Sunday staying at an oceanfront resort/hotel. We have a direct flight from Chicago to Nassau. So very excited!!! My first time out of the country except for going to Canada. I'm so happy. This is just the beginning of my overseas adventures and I can't wait!!
Bree and I will have a ball. I'm so glad that I will be seeing the Bahamas for the first time with Bree. She has never been to the Bahamas either.
Well, better get packing! Only 3 months until I leave!!!

The Jane Austen Book Club

Oh my GAWD! I just saw the most wonderful movie, The Jane Austen Book Club. It was fabulous!!! I went with Karin and we both LOVED this movie! It is my new favorite movie and the BEST movie I have seen in a long time. The characters are so wonderful and the story is perfect. I loved it. This movie did author Karen Joy Fowler proud. There is so much violence, sadness, hate and anger in the world....what a treat to see a movie that captured my heart. I felt so good during and after this movie and I highly recommend it!!!!! (especially my fellow book lovers out there!!)

My malted milk balls

I love double dipped malted milk balls more than anything this side of the world! Yesterday I was coming home from the hospital and I stopped at Fresh Market where I always buy my balls. I was so excited because I was going to a movie on Saturday to see The Jane Austen Book Club and I always take my malted milk balls to movies. Accidentally, I left the malted milk balls in my CAR when I got to the office! It got up in the 90's yesterday and my malted milk balls were completely melted! I was sick!!! I put them in the freezer but now they are just a block of frozen malt ball. I would go back to Fresh Market but its clear across town. Oh well....I can't take the frozen block of malt ball to the movie and just gnaw on it. That would be disgusting. I'll just have to eat my popcorn. I'll let you know how I liked the movie though!!!!

MY FIRST "COMMENT"

Oh my GAWD! I am sooooo excited!!! John just made a comment on my blog from Vienna!!! My first person to read and COMMENT !!! I am excited as can be. Bree emailed me this morning and she read my blog too and said she loved it and I was a good blogger. I am beyond happiness.
This is huge for me because I value Bree and John's opinion so much and I just love it that they like my blog. Blogs are very personal and it is such a compliment. So thank you for commenting on my blog, John, and keep doing it.

Books

I have just finished reading a really good book. Reservation Road by John Burnham Schwartz. It is also a movie that is soon to be released with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo.
I will definitely see it!!

My friend, Janet

This is my friend, Janet. Her and I are in a little burger place in Union Pier.
We had the best girlfriend get-a-way! We stayed in a cottage that belongs to her sister and we went to the beach, got massages and facials at the wellness spa, went to wineries, shopped, walked and most of all LAUGHED ourselves silly. We did alot of reading too. Janet is a great person to travel with. One year we went to Maine for our girlfriend get-away and last year we went to Baltimore. Who knows where we will end up next year???
Janet is a nurse too. We met in nurses training back in 1974 and have been forever friends ever since.

Kelli & Bree Chick Trip to NY

Oh my GAWD! We had soooo much fun! We saw A Chorus Line & Suddenly Last Summer. It was a thrill to see one of my favorite actresses, Blythe Danner, on stage in Suddenly Last Summer. We went to Metropolitan Museum of Art (where I was overcome with tears at all the beauty) shopped in SoHo, walked our butts off, ate great meals, and had a blast. Next winter we want to go on another trip. This time to Bahamas!!!
Bree is a great traveling companion and I just love her to pieces.

Candles and crisp Fall mornings

Oh what a way to start the day! An autumn scented candle burning beside me, my coffee, and the cool, crisp Fall morning. And a Saturday to boot!!!! Hurray!!! My heart is filled with warm, wonderful feelings. My daughter is in Vienna now with John. They have been sending emails updating us on their trip. I love that. I get to experience a bit of the trip right along with them. I can't wait to see their pictures and hear all about everything when they get back.
I have a busy day planned today.....the usual Saturday stuff. I have to put summer clothes away and get out Fall/Winter things. I think I need alot of new clothes for this winter. I deserve it and besides that, I need to look good! I had better get to the sorting so I can proceed to the shopping. Good Day, Sunshine!!!!

Upcoming Girl Cousin Get-away

This is going to be a blast! Next month (October) my girl cousins are all getting together and meeting in Florida for a long weekend!! I am so looking forward to it! When we see each other at the family reunion there are so many people to talk to we just don't get to connect on a more intimate level. This will be the chance to do this.
We have two aunts who live in Bonita Springs who will be sharing their homes with us. We are going to go to the beach, pool, laugh, talk, drink, eat....do anything girl cousins do when together.
Patty, Marcia, Jenny and I will drive down the night before to Indy and fly out in the morning from Indy. I will put pics and stories on my blog after the reunion.
I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful cousins that are the most awesome women you can imagine. We all love to read so I instructed each cousin they must write down 5 books that they love and we will all share our books when we get to Florida. It'll be great to get new book ideas and learn what they have read and enjoyed.

Sugar

This is a special tribute to Sugar, our family dog, friend, faithful companion, for 13 years. Sugar passed away in July 2007. She is missed every day. She led a wonderful, happy life until the very end. She was an amazing dog. Always kind and gentle and she lit up our lives with love. Her spirit will live always in our hearts. We love you, Sugar. Take care of all the angels up on Rainbow Road. Love, Munga, Hoopa, Daddy and Sissie.

Dinner with Karin

Tonight I met my dear friend, Karin, for dinner. We had so much fun laughing and talking. We both want to travel so badly! Karin said that she talked to her brother and his partner who are also two of my best friends and they might go to Italy in Fall 2008. I told Karin I might be going to Paris with Bree and John in May 2008 but if Bree and John didn't go to Paris then I would go to Italy with them. How is that for excitement?

I want to go to Paris (and other places in France) Italy (all over) Ireland, Scotland, Norway, England, Switzerland, and Denmark. Also Prince Edward Island.

And a zillion other places too.

Things (and places) I LOVE

I love....
a good cup of coffee
shopping til I drop
laying down and reading a good book and then falling into a peaceful sleep
meeting my friends for lunch
road trips
Ritter's Sport Bars
classic James Taylor and classic Carly Simon & Carole King
cute shoes
Chicago (city)
going to Cosi with Bree and having a B.O.T.
being hugged by someone I love
puppy breath
taking walks
going on vacation
Lake Michigan

Mornings

Mornings are my very favorite time of day. I have my best ideas in the morning. I always wake up in a good mood and my very first thing I do is have my coffee. I love my coffee. I always drink two complete mugs of coffee (black) and meditate and get my thoughts in order for the day. My computer is right by the sliding doors in the computer room and I like to keep them open so the morning breeze can come in and I can hear the birds.

A bit about me

The people I love most in the world are my 2 adult children, Bree and Michael, my husband, Archie, John, my "son in law" and my Mom.

My friends are Janet, Karin, Dana, Linda, Cathy, Joanie, Rosie, and Kathryn. Cathy lives in Colorado and Linda lives in Milwaukee so I don't get to see them very much (especially Cathy) but we communicate through email and letters. Dana is busy raising a 7 year old son and working full time so I don't see her very much either. Kathryn lives in a suburb of Chicago so I don't see her very much, but we email usually on a daily basis. Kathryn is John's Mom. Karin and Janet and Joanie and Rosie are my friends I see and talk to most on a regular basis.

I have known Karin the longest. We met summer going into our junior year of High School.

Then Linda, who I met junior year of High School. Then Cathy whom I met later in the high school year.