Yes, it's been almost a week, but I'm back. I have a variety of "musings" this evening. Have a seat, kick your shoes off, and we'll catch up on things.
75th Birthday Celebration...Last Wednesday night Ken, Christopher, Abbey and I, along with Ken's brother's family, had the pleasure of celebrating my mother-in-law's 75th birthday with her. She's been so wonderful through the years - no matter what we've thrown at her. She always conducts herself with grace and class. I'm rather certain my more outgoing, talkative demeanor makes her uncomfortable at times but you'd never know it.
She's a woman I admire very much. She's Godly, intelligent, and capable. She lovingly raised 3 children who grew into intelligent, responsible adults any parent would be proud of. She meticulously manages home and business ventures, dotting all the "i's" and crossing all the "t's" in what appears to be an effortless manner. She's a terrific cook and makes her home an inviting haven for friends and family. She had a wonderful marriage to an incredible man for 48 years and I know my father-in-law was very sorry when he realized he wouldn't live to celebrate 50 years (and more) with his bride.
A "hands-on" Grandmother, she spends time with her grandchildren learning about their interests, encouraging their stories and games. Never making them feel they're being silly. She shows them often how important they are to her. She's never too busy to play games with them or hold long conversations with them on the phone. You'll find their latest art project on her refrigerator and she proudly wears the latest jewelry item they've made for her. You'll find her in attendance at concets, awards, games, bees, performances, etc. She's Grandmommy and the kids know they're #1 with her.
You couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law. She respects the spouse's role in her child's life and never interferes. She's there for advice when asked but keeps considerate distance out of love, not indifference. She's there to celebrate with us, cry with us, offer help in spiritual as well as practical ways. She graciously shared her home with our large brood for over 2 years when we first moved here from Florida. A difficult situation under the best of circumstances, but again, she took lemons and made sweet lemonade. One of my favorite memories was coming home one day to find that our wedding picture had been hung prominently on the wall. Apparently Ken and I had been arguing a lot and she wanted the picture to be a reminder of our wedding, love, commitment, etc.
Our family is truly blessed to have such a woman in our lives.
Happy Birthday, Vera!My Pennsylvania Pal...I was able to touch-base with my friend-since-I-was-15 best friend this week. It was a brief chat but oh-so-good to hear her voice. Even when we don't talk often I know she understands all the stuff I go through -good and bad.
The Value of a Fly...As a woman I guess I just don't understand the value of a fly in men's pajama/sleep/lounge pants. A lot of the sewing patterns for these pants are considered "unisex" and omit the fly. Well, let's just say that I have been educated. So, this afternoon I picked up a
new pattern for sleep pants
with a fly!
Field Trip...Yesterday Ken took a day off and we took our youngest two to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. For starters, I absolutely love the mountains and don't go nearly enough. At least we see them in the distance here in the upstate. Secondly, Biltmore Estate is a fabulous location for a school field trip. For the kids there's history, art, architecture, and more. For mom-the-teacher there's all that plus wine from Biltmore's vineyard! Asheville is also where Ken and I honeymooned just before Christmas in '94 so it's always special to us. Our day consisted of a great Cracker Barrel breakfast, a few hours at Biltmore, lunch and shopping at Sam's and then a scenic and leisurely drive home on a sunny, 60+ degree February afternoon.
Mom-Pleasing Invitation...As a Swede-by-marriage, I have been introduced to a number of tasty Swedish offerings. We particularly enjoy Swedish pancakes/waffles, lingonberries, meatballs, braids, etc. I don't think I realized, however, how much my middle daughter liked the pancakes. Apparently enough to be in touch with her aunt in Florida for a recipe and then to actually MAKE them. This wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact that SHE HATES TO COOK! She's even challenged by measuring cups. So, you can imagine my surprise today when she told me she had made Swedish Pancakes and they were good! Well, it just gets better - if all goes well, we'll get together next weekend and make them together for a weekend brunch. Now that was one "mom-pleasing" invitation!
Sewing...I'm attempting to become a seamstress (that sounds better than "sewer"). I developed this interest about 2 years ago. I had absolutely zero interest prior to that. A bit unfortunate since my mother passed away in 2001 and we gave away all of her sewing/crafting items.
I really hope this is something I can be good at. I love the idea of being able to make clothing, quilts, home decorating items or whatever. I'm in a class now for beginners. We're making corded pillows and lounge pants. Wish me luck!
Coconut Cake...Mother once told me that a good coconut cake was hard to find. I remember she found a bakery in Mocksville, NC that sold a "good" coconut cake. From what she paid you would have thought it was gold. Mother also told me that an aunt of hers used to make great coconut cake. She would put coconut milk in the batter or something similar.
We probably got on the subject due to the fact that a chef who was a member of the church where I worked would take orders each spring for coconut cakes as a fundraiser for his Sunday School class. So, with all this coconut cake talk I decided that I wanted to find a "good" coconut cake recipe and awe the masses - or something like that.
Well, it's been a number of years since then but I still have the desire to make that coconut cake. I think my Food Network favorite, Alton Brown, may have come to my rescue. I have two coconuts, a drill, and a mission. I'll let you know how it goes.
Valentine's Day...I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. I'm really kind of lukewarm on the whole idea. I don't need a date on the calendar to tell me when to be loving and appreciative of my husband. I don't really want FTD/Hallmark/any retailer to guilt my spouse into buying me something because it's the 14th of February (ok, so this isn't likely going to happen - my husband feels like I do, plus he's virtually guilt-proof after all these years).
So...if you didn't have a great Thursday, don't sweat it. Celebrate your Sweetheart any day you choose - and this year you even get an extra day on Feb. 29th!
Here's to a wonderful week!
I fondly remember this comic strip from the height of its popularity, about 35 years ago (and many related items such as cards, statues, t-shirts, pillowcases, etc.). 
Hi there! My name is Izzie (Isabelle). I'm a sweet and adorable 7-week old chow/border collie mix. I'm in my travel box and ready to go to my new home!
And my name is Bailey. I'm a 7-week old chow mix. I'm a little smaller than my (new) sister and my backside doesn't always want to follow my front-half when I walk. My front zigs while my back zags. I'm just a baby and I'm learning more every day. Izzie has a white "mask" on her face while I'm mostly black with just a little bit of white on me here and there. I'm getting a pretty pink collar and my sister will get a red one.
