Wednesday, March 13, 2024

They Don't Build Them Like They Used To

 

It's another unseasonably beautiful day in the neighborhood. Yesterday we opened windows and walked in short sleeves just before sundown. A tour around the yard showed that green shoots are showing. I almost went to the store to pick up something for the grill, but decided that Caesar salads would suffice. After years and years of making this salad, I believe I finally nailed the dressing. Mike believes it too.

I love this time of year when all the kids come out to play and you can see how much they've grown since fall. Our neighborhood is changing again. When we moved in with a baby and a toddler 18 years ago, we were the young ones who stretched to buy our perfect for us home. We're the empty nesters now and I love seeing the families moving in. The house directly across the street and another right behind us are in the process of being sold. I'm anxious to see who our new neighbors will be. And yet I'm also heartened by the wonderful neighbors who watched our kids grow up and are still here.

Mike is itching to move. It's fiscally motivated thanks to the dreaded "T" word. I agree with him on that front, but I'm not ready to move on just yet. I moved often as a kid. Not as frequently as an army brat, but enough to feel more nomadic than settled. And while my houses were within a mile radius, nothing ever truly felt like home. Casa Wags is my home. I see all of her faults and warts and still I love her unconditionally. I'm one of those odd people who say that I wouldn't sell my house and buy a bigger, better one if I won the lottery. No, I'd just do all of the things on my wish list to make Casa Wags an even better version of herself.

One of Lily's friends said that our house is so inviting and cozy. It's one of the best compliments I've ever received. It's warm and comfortable, but it's also got some real good juju. If these walls could talk, the stories would be beautiful. Not all happy, but more than not. The memories and milestones give this girl her good bones and solid foundation. I'm blessed she's my home.



Friday, March 8, 2024

Grateful Friday

Today on the heels of another weekend I'm grateful for all of the fun we had last weekend in Madison. We went to attend the Badger game and live it up a bit. Teddy was first to point out that it's likely the last hurray while both he and Lils are students. We certainly made the most of our time together. Our epic 20 hour day, will go down as a top day despite the Badger loss and not only because of the 70s in March.

We all met up at Ted's for a little pre-gaming.that involved sprinkle cupcakes and strawberry shortcake jello shots in honor of two of our Pisces. Lils and Meryl were the dynamic pong duo. We played a quick round of Quiplash before game-time. It's a tradition.


While the Badgers lost, I still loved watching the team on the Ab Nicholas Court. I was a bit nostalgic despite the fact that it was my first Badger basketball game ever.

 
Post game we went back to Ted's for more Quiplash (BRad finally won) and we ordered some pizzas. We checked into the Edgewater at the end of the day, and got ready for the night. We walked up to the square and put our name in at the Old Fashioned where I enjoyed my extra briny dirty martini and their rather delicious version of nachos: homemade chips topped with chili and cheese.


The kids and friends trickled in and we were seated for dinner that included lots of laughs with these lovely ladies.


We ended the night by closing the Piano Bar, which is where Teryl met. We got champs with sparklers and seats right in front. We sang along to everything from Billy Joel to Frank to Abba to Coldplay. It was still beautiful for our walk home and we slept with our windows open.







Sunday we had a lazy morning before heading out for brunch at La Brioche where the cinnamon rolls were ridiculous, coffee was copious and conversation was peppered with stories from the day before.

We made it home in time to give the kit kats dinner. They were definitely happy to see us.










Friday, February 23, 2024

Grateful Friday

Today.. right now.. I give thanks for a snowy Friday eve and a cozy night at home. 

I've been keeping a gratitude journal and here are some things that have made me feel thankful recently.

Lily made a delicious caprese pasta bake for dinner.

Ted made it home from Cali safely and only a bit delayed because of a snow day.

A little pain...a little gain. HIT workouts.

Back into Tom River and Candace is reading it too.

A walk and talk with my cousins.

A girl's movie night in my bed with Lils and Hazel.

 

 An excellent bill of progress for Judy who is recovering like a champ and my dad for taking good care of her.

Ted's Chick Fil A copy cats at my request.

Being able to stock the kids up for back to school. Groceries are crazy expensive and I do not take for granted that we can afford what we need.

The start of spring semester. Ted's last.


 A day off to get vacay ready. Nails, pack and fill the frig for Steph.

Steph for taking good care of Gus and Hazel and Casa Wags while we are away, and for sending us updates and pix.


Sunset on La Ropa shortly after arriving in Mexico.

 

So many fun times in Mexico with Pete and Sue.


 

A private pool in a lush oasis.

 

 

The birds of Mexico.

 

The warm and welcoming people of Mexico. 







Tacos de Oaxaca's.

 Morning barefoot beach walks.

Fresh grilled mahi mahi.

 

A day to ease back into things at the end of vacation.

The smell of spring.


 National Pizza day lunch date at Ballestreri's with my guy.
 

Mike's bbq ribs in the middle of winter.

My favorite chair.

Chocolate cherry custard on Valentine's Day.

Gus's early morning nose kisses and elbow nibbles.

A big pot of classic chili to welcome family and friends on a cold Friday night.

A day date with the fam and then a chill night at home with the kids.

 This is Us with Sister Hazel after work.

Feeling like writing again.

A golden bouquet delivered to Meryl on her golden birthday.