For some odd reason, Ellen didn't want to have me get my car after we got back from the party Thursday night; hmm, now why might that be? Dunno. She picked me up in the morning and I drove back from her place then.
I spent hours--it seemed like days--trying to send a picture from the party to my friends. I had taken one of their table and thought they'd like it, but mysteriously, I couldn't find it after I had transferred. Finally gave up, after posting and sharing a lot of pics on Facebook.
I had made a large pot of meatballs and sauce the other day, and froze them, not knowing when they might be used. Set to work defrosting, using both slow cookers and the stove. In the meantime, I tidied up the apartment, as presents, cards, and other items had been strewed all around.
Went out to Smart 'n' Final for salad fixings and a nice bottle of Chianti. Set the table. By the time Mike, Paula, and the girls came about 4:00, things were done. My pal, Patti, returned my call--I wanted to share some things about the party I hadn't put in here--and we had a little virtual visit.
Gave my company the grand tour (takes about three minutes) and they like the place--just right for you, said my daughter-in-law. Later, the other two got here and we sat down for dinner. Considering I still have the very small table--seats four comfortably and there were seven of us--this was a feat. However, the girls sat on the bench my Uncle Frank made, and Mike brought my computer chair in from the bedroom, so no prob.
We had a good dinner, then went over to El's until shortly after Greg got home. Visited with him for a short time, then parted. Nice day and there's only one more for this year.
Okay, come on, 2017, I'm ready for you!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Swelligant!
What a swell party, swell party--
Swelligant, elegant party this is!
And was! I decided to skip the manicure, so called to cancel. Niece Carolyn called to ask if I could bring some family pics of Betty and me; dug some out and packed them up. Showered, dressed, made up, and got over to Ellen's a bit before 11:00 and we took off.
The traffic on the 101, as ever, was slow in spots, but we got to the place in an hour or so. Got blocks away from it, actually, as the parking there is just horrendous. Finally got a spot, and then trekked over, Ellen carrying a huge cake from Royal Bakery here. Mike walked up and took the cake and we got to the building, a nicely old one with Art Deco decor, trudged up the stairs, and we were there.
I was worried about some of my friends, as many aren't too agile, but they were all there already--Carolyn, Nancy, Doris, Sherry, Donna, and Carole, that is, and Suzanne came later. It was so good to see my brothers: Larry, who brought his granddaughter and great-granddaughter from Riverside, and Frank, with his Marybeth. She's sadly depleted now, vague and confused, and in a wheelchair. Their two daughters, Maureen and Francine, with their families, totaled eight, and Betty, her surviving children, spouses, and grandchildren made twelve. Of course, my own seven (offspring, children-in-law, and granddaughters) were there, along with a multitude of others. I'd say there were about 70 people, a great group.
The food was simple and good: six-foot-long subs cut into manageable sandwich sizes, plus a few complementary sides. The bar was well stocked with red and white wine, beer, soda, and bottled water, and all kinds of jokes were made about the "bartenders." They were all my great-nephews and their friends, none over 16, so threats to call the cops were made. The room was decorated nicely, table covers were pretty, and each had a beautiful vase of fresh flowers, with yellow roses, on it. Huge Mylar blow-ups of "8" and "0" floated above the serving table, and gifts accumulated on the gift table. Hundreds of pictures were taken by almost everybody, and there were family group shots of all configurations.
My nephew, Wes, made a short speech referencing Ventnor, the spiritual home of this family. Mike added a bit, mentioning those who were not at the party and never would be again: his dad, Betty's husband, and dear Jay. We cut and served the cake, continued our talk and laughs, and it was so good.
We were there for hours, but finally packed everything up, and most of those outside the family left. Carolyn and Dana invited us back to their place; my brothers and those with them didn't come, as they had to go back, but a big crowd of us did. Here, the Tokyo family Skyped and we were able to see my younger grandson. Nephew Steve showed some neat videos on the TV, one from my older grandson and his boys. Betty and I opened great presents, I had some good talk--on religion, for one, with my niece Francine and her husband, and we continued to indulge in food and wine.
Some vignettes: A man named Allen, a friend of Carolyn's and Dana's, was there, and what a neat guy! He's from England, has an almost undetectable accent, and has just the quick, quirky humor I like. He took a lot of pictures, too. Mike and Paula and the girls asked Wes and his three girls over to their place to swim in the infinity pool and off they went. My neighbor, Suzanne, gave me a pretty necklace and gave Betty a lovely wooden rosary. Niece-in-law Robyn was in charge of the decorations; she had asked a few days ago if I'd wear a tiara, I said no, and she presented me with a glitzy "diamond" bracelet and ring. Actually, I like the bracelet a lot, and will wear it for real. Ellen wouldn't let me drive home from her house, so my car's still there; I'll call her later and she'll pick me up and take me to get it.
I could add a lot more here, but I won't; anyone who has been to big family parties can fill in. It's enough to say it was an occasion I was anticipating with resigned patience--I doubt if anyone yearns to be eighty unless he or she is ninety--but it turned out to be wonderful fun. It also reminded me what a very remarkable extended family I have, so here's another appropriate tune:
Lucky, lucky, lucky me...!
Swelligant, elegant party this is!
And was! I decided to skip the manicure, so called to cancel. Niece Carolyn called to ask if I could bring some family pics of Betty and me; dug some out and packed them up. Showered, dressed, made up, and got over to Ellen's a bit before 11:00 and we took off.
The traffic on the 101, as ever, was slow in spots, but we got to the place in an hour or so. Got blocks away from it, actually, as the parking there is just horrendous. Finally got a spot, and then trekked over, Ellen carrying a huge cake from Royal Bakery here. Mike walked up and took the cake and we got to the building, a nicely old one with Art Deco decor, trudged up the stairs, and we were there.
I was worried about some of my friends, as many aren't too agile, but they were all there already--Carolyn, Nancy, Doris, Sherry, Donna, and Carole, that is, and Suzanne came later. It was so good to see my brothers: Larry, who brought his granddaughter and great-granddaughter from Riverside, and Frank, with his Marybeth. She's sadly depleted now, vague and confused, and in a wheelchair. Their two daughters, Maureen and Francine, with their families, totaled eight, and Betty, her surviving children, spouses, and grandchildren made twelve. Of course, my own seven (offspring, children-in-law, and granddaughters) were there, along with a multitude of others. I'd say there were about 70 people, a great group.
The food was simple and good: six-foot-long subs cut into manageable sandwich sizes, plus a few complementary sides. The bar was well stocked with red and white wine, beer, soda, and bottled water, and all kinds of jokes were made about the "bartenders." They were all my great-nephews and their friends, none over 16, so threats to call the cops were made. The room was decorated nicely, table covers were pretty, and each had a beautiful vase of fresh flowers, with yellow roses, on it. Huge Mylar blow-ups of "8" and "0" floated above the serving table, and gifts accumulated on the gift table. Hundreds of pictures were taken by almost everybody, and there were family group shots of all configurations.
My nephew, Wes, made a short speech referencing Ventnor, the spiritual home of this family. Mike added a bit, mentioning those who were not at the party and never would be again: his dad, Betty's husband, and dear Jay. We cut and served the cake, continued our talk and laughs, and it was so good.
We were there for hours, but finally packed everything up, and most of those outside the family left. Carolyn and Dana invited us back to their place; my brothers and those with them didn't come, as they had to go back, but a big crowd of us did. Here, the Tokyo family Skyped and we were able to see my younger grandson. Nephew Steve showed some neat videos on the TV, one from my older grandson and his boys. Betty and I opened great presents, I had some good talk--on religion, for one, with my niece Francine and her husband, and we continued to indulge in food and wine.
Some vignettes: A man named Allen, a friend of Carolyn's and Dana's, was there, and what a neat guy! He's from England, has an almost undetectable accent, and has just the quick, quirky humor I like. He took a lot of pictures, too. Mike and Paula and the girls asked Wes and his three girls over to their place to swim in the infinity pool and off they went. My neighbor, Suzanne, gave me a pretty necklace and gave Betty a lovely wooden rosary. Niece-in-law Robyn was in charge of the decorations; she had asked a few days ago if I'd wear a tiara, I said no, and she presented me with a glitzy "diamond" bracelet and ring. Actually, I like the bracelet a lot, and will wear it for real. Ellen wouldn't let me drive home from her house, so my car's still there; I'll call her later and she'll pick me up and take me to get it.
I could add a lot more here, but I won't; anyone who has been to big family parties can fill in. It's enough to say it was an occasion I was anticipating with resigned patience--I doubt if anyone yearns to be eighty unless he or she is ninety--but it turned out to be wonderful fun. It also reminded me what a very remarkable extended family I have, so here's another appropriate tune:
Lucky, lucky, lucky me...!
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Great Day in SB
I haven't the time to fully describe yesterday, so will truncate. Had a great visit and will post pictures on Facebook.
What a day! I polished off the first part of it by changing the bed, doing two loads of wash, and running out to Wal-Mart for a few items. Got to Ellen's at 2:30, the others came immediately after, and we set off to see the Singapore Four in Santa Barbara.
It took an hour to get there. We left the 101 and climbed higher and higher up into the hills. Finally got there and found a beautiful house in a truly spectacular setting. The girls were in the infinity pool and below us was a panoramic view stretching miles and miles to the ocean and the Channel Islands beyond. Just breath-taking.
We all got into our suits and joined my granddaughters. Pool was set at 80 degrees and we swam around, then slid into the hot tub--so delicious when the air turned cooler.
After, Mike and Paula served a wonderful meal of steak, swordfish, other fish, shrimp, corn, tiny potatoes, and other yummy stuff, along with wine. We ate on the deck and it was great.
We then adjourned to the living room--huge windows showing the view--and opened presents. Had eggnog (which I love, and it had a stick in it), laughed, talked, and just had a ball. I didn't get home until 10:00 after a fabulous day.
And we haven't even had the big party yet!
What a day! I polished off the first part of it by changing the bed, doing two loads of wash, and running out to Wal-Mart for a few items. Got to Ellen's at 2:30, the others came immediately after, and we set off to see the Singapore Four in Santa Barbara.
It took an hour to get there. We left the 101 and climbed higher and higher up into the hills. Finally got there and found a beautiful house in a truly spectacular setting. The girls were in the infinity pool and below us was a panoramic view stretching miles and miles to the ocean and the Channel Islands beyond. Just breath-taking.
We all got into our suits and joined my granddaughters. Pool was set at 80 degrees and we swam around, then slid into the hot tub--so delicious when the air turned cooler.
After, Mike and Paula served a wonderful meal of steak, swordfish, other fish, shrimp, corn, tiny potatoes, and other yummy stuff, along with wine. We ate on the deck and it was great.
We then adjourned to the living room--huge windows showing the view--and opened presents. Had eggnog (which I love, and it had a stick in it), laughed, talked, and just had a ball. I didn't get home until 10:00 after a fabulous day.
And we haven't even had the big party yet!
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
A Mix
Yesterday was a mix. Started out a lull, not to say a dull day. I wrapped Christmas packages for son and his family and did other Xmas-oriented chores. Something happened--or didn't happen--that upset me, but I don't want to go into it here. Later, it was remedied and all was straightened out.
I bought ground meat and made meatballs with them--about thirty, in fact. Went out to get pasta and sauce and put it together. Now, will I have company anytime soon enough to serve it? Dunno, but will put in the freezer for later, if not.
Got an e-mail announcing the party locale from niece Carolyn. I printed it out and took it next door to Suzanne. She invited me in and we had a good talk. We're getting to know each other better and I'm liking her more and more. I learned that she has a master's degree in public health (undergrad in English, a girl after my own heart), is 68, and works part-time in the health and wellness field at St. John's Hospital. I won't hold the fact that she's a nun against her (JOKE!).
Mike called. They got in from Lake Tahoe and he invited us for dinner today. Sounds good and I'm looking forward to it, of course. El called to ask if I wanted to me at Jasmine Thai for dinner, and yes, sure. We four did so, and it was good, as always.
When I got home, I had a message from Jim D., Betty's old boyfriend from high school and after. Jim is a thorough Trump fan and to the right of Attila the Hun, but I called him back. I'm glad I did, because he had called to tell me that his wife, Louella, has terminal cancer. She's to get surgery early in the new year, although according to Jim, it's incurable. I had met Louella when the couple were in Jersey last year. They were about to drive back to Texas and we had breakfast together in Galloway. She seemed a very sweet-natured and pleasant person; hard to believe she's married to him, who's always been, in my experience, an incredibly bombastic, sophomoric, and pretentious jerk. However, I feel sorry for him; they've been married 58 years.
I bought ground meat and made meatballs with them--about thirty, in fact. Went out to get pasta and sauce and put it together. Now, will I have company anytime soon enough to serve it? Dunno, but will put in the freezer for later, if not.
Got an e-mail announcing the party locale from niece Carolyn. I printed it out and took it next door to Suzanne. She invited me in and we had a good talk. We're getting to know each other better and I'm liking her more and more. I learned that she has a master's degree in public health (undergrad in English, a girl after my own heart), is 68, and works part-time in the health and wellness field at St. John's Hospital. I won't hold the fact that she's a nun against her (JOKE!).
Mike called. They got in from Lake Tahoe and he invited us for dinner today. Sounds good and I'm looking forward to it, of course. El called to ask if I wanted to me at Jasmine Thai for dinner, and yes, sure. We four did so, and it was good, as always.
When I got home, I had a message from Jim D., Betty's old boyfriend from high school and after. Jim is a thorough Trump fan and to the right of Attila the Hun, but I called him back. I'm glad I did, because he had called to tell me that his wife, Louella, has terminal cancer. She's to get surgery early in the new year, although according to Jim, it's incurable. I had met Louella when the couple were in Jersey last year. They were about to drive back to Texas and we had breakfast together in Galloway. She seemed a very sweet-natured and pleasant person; hard to believe she's married to him, who's always been, in my experience, an incredibly bombastic, sophomoric, and pretentious jerk. However, I feel sorry for him; they've been married 58 years.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Day After
We all did our own thing yesterday. In my case, that meant catching up with housework, Christmas shopping, and restocking the larder.
I had very little food in the house, so bought quite a bit at WinCo; in fact, I had to take two trips from the car to the apartment. Also ran the loaded dishwasher, dusted and cleaned a bit, and assembled some of the presents still to give.
Went to Kohl's to exchange some things for others, then to Michael's for decorative items, then to the library, only to find it closed. However, I dropped my two books and CD off in the outdoor receptacle. I'm reading The Rainmaker, an early John Grisham, and am surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. It's about a kid just finishing law school, who gets into all kinds of trouble. If I finish it in time for the party on the 29th, I'll bring it to the birthday party and give it to my nephew, Wes, who's an attorney.
As requested, I went over to El's about 5:00. She has a bad cold and cough, but felt better after sleeping part of the day. We had the last of the leftover turkey dinner, then drove around to look at Christmas lights. She dropped me off about 7:00--fine by me, as I've been rushing through full and active days and have been sleeping like a log.
Mike, Paula, and the girls were to get to Santa Barbara late last night. I hope to hear from them today.
I had very little food in the house, so bought quite a bit at WinCo; in fact, I had to take two trips from the car to the apartment. Also ran the loaded dishwasher, dusted and cleaned a bit, and assembled some of the presents still to give.
Went to Kohl's to exchange some things for others, then to Michael's for decorative items, then to the library, only to find it closed. However, I dropped my two books and CD off in the outdoor receptacle. I'm reading The Rainmaker, an early John Grisham, and am surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. It's about a kid just finishing law school, who gets into all kinds of trouble. If I finish it in time for the party on the 29th, I'll bring it to the birthday party and give it to my nephew, Wes, who's an attorney.
As requested, I went over to El's about 5:00. She has a bad cold and cough, but felt better after sleeping part of the day. We had the last of the leftover turkey dinner, then drove around to look at Christmas lights. She dropped me off about 7:00--fine by me, as I've been rushing through full and active days and have been sleeping like a log.
Mike, Paula, and the girls were to get to Santa Barbara late last night. I hope to hear from them today.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Christmas Day, 2016
It was a great Christmas. Got over to Ellen's a bit after 11:00, to find the other three already there. We talked, laughed, exchanged presents, then had a good lunch of turkey dinner leftovers.
Ellen and Greg went on to his mother's in Santa Barbara, and we went to the waterfront. Lots of people there and lots of walking; went on the sand to see the nativity all made of stones. It's funny that my neighbor, Suzanne, had recommended we see it, but she was sure it was made entirely of sand. Not so; clearly, it was all stone. Anyway, it was nice to see, and so were the palm trees and other vegetation.
We walked to Ventura Pier, the longest one in the area, or California, or the country, or the universe--whatever. Anyway, it had been cloudy, but then cleared up. Mike called while we were trying to park--they're still in Lake Tahoe, but are coming in late tonight; I hope to see them soon.
Shortly after we got back to my place, the Tokyo Trio called, little Mr. K. happily showing off his trains and all kinds of other things, including the blanket his auntie made him. We greatly enjoyed talking to him, then we enjoyed a pork loin dinner with some sides I happened to have on the shelf.
El and I will spend the day together today; we both still have some Christmas shopping to do--ha! We're nothing if not procrastinators.
Anyway, I got some nice things, but I don't even care about "things," just being with my children is all that counts.
Ellen and Greg went on to his mother's in Santa Barbara, and we went to the waterfront. Lots of people there and lots of walking; went on the sand to see the nativity all made of stones. It's funny that my neighbor, Suzanne, had recommended we see it, but she was sure it was made entirely of sand. Not so; clearly, it was all stone. Anyway, it was nice to see, and so were the palm trees and other vegetation.
We walked to Ventura Pier, the longest one in the area, or California, or the country, or the universe--whatever. Anyway, it had been cloudy, but then cleared up. Mike called while we were trying to park--they're still in Lake Tahoe, but are coming in late tonight; I hope to see them soon.
Shortly after we got back to my place, the Tokyo Trio called, little Mr. K. happily showing off his trains and all kinds of other things, including the blanket his auntie made him. We greatly enjoyed talking to him, then we enjoyed a pork loin dinner with some sides I happened to have on the shelf.
El and I will spend the day together today; we both still have some Christmas shopping to do--ha! We're nothing if not procrastinators.
Anyway, I got some nice things, but I don't even care about "things," just being with my children is all that counts.
Frantic, Then Fun
As soon as I had my coffee, I took a load to the laundry room and quartered it in. Ate breakfast in between transferring them to the dryer, folding, and getting back home. Mindful of the fact that the recipe on the smaller Libby's pumpkin makes the filling for a deep dish pie pan and that I had only a regular one, I rushed over to Wal-Mart at about 9:00 to buy one. Plus, of course, I didn't yet have the can itself, or the cream to whip.
What a madhouse! I grabbed a cart and fought my way though, only to discover they had no smaller cans of Libby's, just an off-brand one and--unusual for me--in this particular instance, I decided to skip that and go for what I've used the last fifty years.
Left there empty-handed and with a nervous, if not frantic, feeling I wouldn't be able to find what I needed. Went to Vons, just as crowded, and finally found the pumpkin and heavy cream, then waited in line for ages to pay. Rushed home, put the flour, salt, and sugar together, added the shortening and butter, then the ice water, gathered into a ball, and put it to rest in the fridge. Wrapped the presents I was bringing, rolled out the crust, made the filling, shot the pie into the oven, and let it bake while I showered. At that point, I called El to tell her I wouldn't make it at 2:00, as the pie had to cool. Called Sailboat Sue while I was waiting to wish her Merry Christmas and tell her I have something for her that I'll have to give her after. Pie finally cooled enough to pack it up. I took two trips to the car because of the presents, which I put in a big carrying case, and off I went.
Had a good time talking and laughing--and indulging in Chardonnay--then took a walk along the "river" bed* in unusually cool weather (I borrowed El's jacket).
We waited for Greg to get home about 6:30, then the five of us sat down to a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner. Turkey was the main attraction, plus biscuits and a delicious yam/pecan/marshmallow dish made by the other female guest, home-made cranberry sauce and gravy (some of the best "from scratch" I've ever tasted), fresh string beans, and great stuffing. The pie came out okay, although I think I over baked it a bit, and the cream stayed whipped. All this was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, to be sure, and it was scrumptious. After, the five of us played gin rummy amid lots of gaiety and more wine and stout (ugh! but some like it). I'm not sure what time I got home, but around 10:00; I haven't been out that late in years.
It was great fun and we go back today--El said about 11:00--to exchange gifts and, best of all, be together, always my best Christmas present.
*It's been dry for the past twenty or so years.
What a madhouse! I grabbed a cart and fought my way though, only to discover they had no smaller cans of Libby's, just an off-brand one and--unusual for me--in this particular instance, I decided to skip that and go for what I've used the last fifty years.
Left there empty-handed and with a nervous, if not frantic, feeling I wouldn't be able to find what I needed. Went to Vons, just as crowded, and finally found the pumpkin and heavy cream, then waited in line for ages to pay. Rushed home, put the flour, salt, and sugar together, added the shortening and butter, then the ice water, gathered into a ball, and put it to rest in the fridge. Wrapped the presents I was bringing, rolled out the crust, made the filling, shot the pie into the oven, and let it bake while I showered. At that point, I called El to tell her I wouldn't make it at 2:00, as the pie had to cool. Called Sailboat Sue while I was waiting to wish her Merry Christmas and tell her I have something for her that I'll have to give her after. Pie finally cooled enough to pack it up. I took two trips to the car because of the presents, which I put in a big carrying case, and off I went.
Had a good time talking and laughing--and indulging in Chardonnay--then took a walk along the "river" bed* in unusually cool weather (I borrowed El's jacket).
We waited for Greg to get home about 6:30, then the five of us sat down to a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner. Turkey was the main attraction, plus biscuits and a delicious yam/pecan/marshmallow dish made by the other female guest, home-made cranberry sauce and gravy (some of the best "from scratch" I've ever tasted), fresh string beans, and great stuffing. The pie came out okay, although I think I over baked it a bit, and the cream stayed whipped. All this was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, to be sure, and it was scrumptious. After, the five of us played gin rummy amid lots of gaiety and more wine and stout (ugh! but some like it). I'm not sure what time I got home, but around 10:00; I haven't been out that late in years.
It was great fun and we go back today--El said about 11:00--to exchange gifts and, best of all, be together, always my best Christmas present.
*It's been dry for the past twenty or so years.
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