Upside Down Cats

In honor of Father's Day, I want to pay tribute to the Father Figures in my life.

My own father, Jim, was the finest father I can imagine. Dad to seven of us, he taught us about family loyalty, love and laughter. I have already written the ultimate testimonial to Dad back in November when I shared a series of posts on things for which I am thankful. Read Daddy's Little Girl to discover this daughter's admiration for the first man in her life.

Although I lost my dad nearly eleven years ago, I am so very fortunate to have in my life another wonderful man I consider my father as well - Scott's father, Marty.

Continue reading "My Two Dads" »

You may know by now that I am rather fond of my Sweetie, Scott...

What you may not know is that I got a very nice bonus when I opened my Box of Scott...

I got another mother in the bargain!

Continue reading "My Other Mother" »

I'm taking the occasion of Mother's Day to reflect on and celebrate the woman who gave me life

...and so much more.

Continue reading "My Mother" »

Yesterday I made German Potato Salad the way my mom taught me. Like all natural-born cooks, her recipe resides completely in her head. So when I asked her several years ago to tell me how to make it myself, she retrieved what she believed was the recipe from the recipe box in her head.

I dutifully copied down every ingredient and step. Then I attempted to make my mom's German Potato Salad...

Hmm...

Continue reading "There's A Mother In My Kitchen" »

There have been some happy family happenings which have prevented me from making a menu the last couple weeks. Now that things are returning to normal, I am back to planning my menus in advance. Here's a sneak peek of what I'll be cooking this upcoming week...



Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel Sandwiches & Hash Brown Potatoes

Steak, Cheese & Rice Burritos & Mixed Greens Salad

Fried Eggs Served over Sausage & Cheese Grits & Multigrain Toast

Bow Tie Pasta w/ Chicken & Asparagus in Lemon Garlic Sauce w/ Toasted Walnuts

Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts Sauted in Olive Oil & Garlic

Hot Beef Sandwiches w/ Cheddar Horseradish Sauce, French Fries & Raw Vegetable Platter

Coquilles St. Jacques, French Bread & Mixed Greens Salad

Beef Barley Soup & Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwiches on Whole Wheat Bread

Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Tossed w/ Garlic & Olive Oil & Mixed Greens Salad



I feel absolutely large and in charge now that I've got my meals planned out again!

Today was my Grandma Bessie's birthday. I always hold a special thought for her on March 7th.

She was an exceptional lady who was very influential in my life.

If I sent her a birthday card, it would say:

Grandma, you taught me about love by loving me unconditionally. Thank you for always being there for me.

Although you're gone, you live on in the woman I am today. I can only aspire to mean as much to someone in my life as you mean to me.

I wish the people who are special now in my life could have met you, and you them.

I miss you.

I Love You!

Deciding to have a baby is a monumental affair! Adding a baby to the mix changes the dynamics of established relationships within the family, routines and schedules. As the arrival of a baby is anticipated, mental and physical preparations are made so that when the little one arrives, everything and everyone is ready to accept the joys - and responsibilities - that go along with him or her...

I know this is not news to anyone who has a family...

Continue reading "I'm Expecting A ... »

There was a time in my life when just about everything sucked. I felt trapped in a violently abusive marriage, I felt my family of origin had betrayed me, I had no friends in whom I felt I could safely confide and we were drowning in debt. This was seventeen years ago in a land far, far away. Not one minute of my day felt safe...When was I going to be screamed at or hit by my first (and now - thankfully - ex-) husband? What was his tirade du jour going to be about? I was afraid to go to the mailbox for fear of finding a scathing letter from someone in my family. I was afraid to answer the phone for fear it would be a bill collector demanding payment. And when the doorbell rang...well, that was rarely pleasant either. I was suffocating in a miserable, lonely cesspool that continually closed in on me, squeezing the life and sanity out of me, minute by minute.

For a girl who, by my very nature, prides herself on keeping a handle on things, I couldn't have felt more desperately out of touch with myself...more out of control...

Continue reading "Regis, I'd Like To Use A ... »

Here's a sight to make you smile...

If I didn't know better, I would say it was our Desi as a kitten...

Thanks, Cousin Rachel, for sharing the December page of your cat calendar!

This is too cute for words, so I won't detract from your enjoyment of this adorable spectacle with any...

Last week the daycare children dug out an old videotape, The Big Comfy Couch. Don't worry, I will spare you the details of its compelling and thought-provoking plot...

The salient point is that while the tape was on, I heard a word I haven't heard since I was seven or eight years old...

Continue reading "And Now A Word From The Past" »