The Weekend

While last weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in awhile, this weekend proved to be just the opposite.  I spent a few days visiting my Mom in the hospital.  Suffice it to say, her knees are shot and the medications that they gave her for pain management caused terrible nausea.  Not good.
I love my Mom.

I did manage to get a few walks in with the dogs.  Sometimes, I just take Violet with me.  

She enjoys it so much.  She jumps, dances, runs and smiles...

Violet

However, it's only when you are not focusing the camera on her that she smiles.

I love her too :)

After all, she is my Baby Girl.

The woods are covered with snow and the temperatures have been in the teens most nights, but there are bits a green that dot the landscape.  Bits of green that promise Spring will be here before you know it.  

The days are getting longer too.  Another sure sign that Spring is on its way.  While it may feel like it takes forever, it is only a blink in time.

Kind of like lift isn't it?

Take time and enjoy the seasons of your life.  

For they too are only a blink in time.

A Much Needed Break

I went and visited my daughter this past weekend.  I must say it was wonderful.  I flew in on Friday and returned home Monday.  Some may say that it was a whirlwind vacation, I say it was perfect.
There were happy faces...

sunshine and long walks...

We went shopping - four pairs of shoes for my daughter and a skull print scarf for me.  I know... but I LOVE it!!!

We ate great food and drank wonderful wine...

and thoroughly enjoyed the flowering trees...

On Sunday, we traveled to Charleston, SC.  This was my very first time there and I so grateful that I experienced it with my daughter.  We at the  Hominy Grill - which is absolutely charming by the way :) 

They make a pretty mean bloody mary...

and shrimp and grits too...

After we ate, we went to the Angel Tree on Johns Island.  What a treat that was.  The tree is over 400 years old and magnificent. 

However, my favorite thing about the trip was spending time with my daughter.

Nothing can beat time spent with my kids.   Nothing at all.

This and That

I have been extremely busy this past month.  I helped my Mom move into her new apartment.  She loves it by the way :)  Here is a picture of her talking on the horn to my daughter!!!  Looks right at home doesn't she?

Her whole apartment has been furnished (quite lovely I might add) with second hand furniture.  Don't let anybody ever tell you to not buy second hand.  You will save a lot of money and I am always surprised at what people want to get rid of.  Just look at the couch - $150.00.  Can't beat that with a stick now can you?

My Mom loves roosters, so her kitchen has a rooster theme going on.

Her bed is adorned with a quilt I bought her a long time ago.  It's very cheerful.

I actually gave it to her in this star basket all those years ago (before stars became popular).  

And here is her little tabletop Christmas tree just waiting to be decorated.  

A good friend (that I am very blessed to have) gave me the tree skirt.  How adorable is that?
We're all getting excited for Christmas!!!
I've begun to decorate around the house too!!!

My Christmas wreath is up and I placed a thin tree in my bedroom that I have wrapped in ribbon.  It is so pretty.

My woodland Santa is a new addition this year and he greets us as we set at the table and eat.  I love his kind face, his full beard and the fact that a chickadee rests atop his walking stick.  He's my kind of guy!!!

And let's not forget the snowman that my same good friend gave me.  He sets next to my chair and reminds me what Christmas is all about - believing.
To the Christmas season!!!
May the spirit of it reside in all of you.

How Do You Measure One's Life

My dear father-in-law died this past Tuesday.  He was 94 years old.  A brilliant man, he spoke several languages and traveled throughout the world.  An expert in his chosen field, he was co-author of a book and many publications.

To my husband, he was a role model father.  To my children, he was their Grampa.  To me, he was a kind, genuine man.  He's in a better place now, but I will be forever grateful for the fact that when he was around, we all experienced a little piece of Heaven on earth.
Rest in peace John - we loved you.

Where Does Time Go?

I haven't posted in two weeks.  Although it does not seem like that to me, it has been two weeks.  During that time, I got ready for my daughter and her boyfriend to return home...

watched my nephew, Daniel, graduate from high school...

took pictures of proud Mommas...

my doofball brother...

Isn't he a beaut?

best friends...

cute parents to be...

and we ate ice cream...

and gave bear hugs...

and it was good :)

Friday Night Lights

This past Friday night I went to my nephew Daniel's last football game of his high school career.  It was also the beginning of Homecoming Weekend and Senior recognition night.  You knew I had to be there :)

I went early and took before game pictures of the coach giving his pep talk...

 

of Daniel being recognized as a Senior and his Mom being there to support him...

of the team removing their helmets and paying respect to our country's national anthem...

I watched my nephew support his team from both the sidelines...

and on the field...

His team played a good first half and returned after halftime with determination...

Unfortunately, they lost.  However, as I always say, "It's not whether you win or lose that matters.  It's how you play the game that matters most."

On that note, I want you to know that I could not be prouder of my nephew not only as a football player, but as a wonderful young man. 
Can I hear a POUND IT Daniel?

Relaxing By the Pond

I had my Mom, my sister, her boyfriend and my nephew over yesterday afternoon.  I prepared some food, put the beverages on ice and displayed everything on the folding table DJ bought me for Christmas...

My nephew Daniel enjoying the Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip.  It was gone by the time everyone left :)

I made Hot Party Ham Sandwiches that are always a huge hit...

Crack dip that I served with tortilla chips.  I absolutely love this.  My friend Teri gave me the recipe.  It reminds me of a salsa, but really could be a meal given the fact that the corn and black eyed peas together make a complete protein.  I have placed the recipe for it under my recipe tab...

And, shrimp for my Mom because she loves it...

 

We ate, listened to some radio, relaxed and enjoyed the sun, company and the end of summer heat... 

DJ and Brenda

Some of us preferred the shade :)  

Violet and Nate:)

At the end of the afternoon as we were returning to the house, I saw my first Monarch this fall.  Of course, I started thinking about my kids (I always think about my kids :) and how they evolve.  This fall marks a transition period in our household - DJ will be staying at college this fall and my nephew Daniel will be a high school senior.  These are milestones for the boys (and for my sister and I as mothers) and the beginning of a new journey for them.

It also reminded me of the Dennis Waitley quote, "The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."
We have done that and now it is time for them to fly.
The sky is the limit boys.  
Soar high :)