Chatter

Well, I'm back at the computer for a little while today, and I see that the Blog Fest chatter has begun!! YAY! It won't be long before we're all at Chesapeake Bay Woman's beautiful home on the water swatting mosquitoes sipping wine and gut-laughing!


After reading several email exchanges this morning, I realize that I need to get busy on the following: lose weight, get a tan, practice small talk, get a makeover, find a flattering bathing suit, borrow a personality, schedule liposuction, and have pesky veins in legs removed. Whew! I'd better get on that...


The commemorative sippy cups tumblers have arrived. I hope you like them...

Cool Breeze and I are on vacation this week, it's really a "STAY-cation", and I am trying to focus on getting things done at home. We are hosting a "little" gathering Saturday, and anticipate a crowd of about 200. ( Teaser: there will be two bands!) More on that next week:) Needless to say, I will be otherwise occupied and may continue to be a Blog Deserter for a few more days. Forgive me?

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! Let's not forget to thank all of those who have been instrumental in fighting for the freedom we so often take for granted.

Yoga

This is my yoga instructor, Deanna. She wore a blue top today, but you get the idea. Deanna shows no mercy. In a past life, Deanna was an evil emperor who ruled with an iron fist. In this life, she is a perky yoga goddess who can run five miles and never break a sweat. I believe her role in this life is far more sinister.

I have two favorite yoga poses: Child's Pose & Corpse Pose.

Any questions?

Blog Fest News!

Blog Fest is fast approaching, so I wanted to taunt you update you on a few things that Chesapeake Bay Woman and I have been working on.


Souvenir Tervis Tumblers have been ordered. Click Here to see a sample. If this link does not work, you'll just have to envision a 16 oz. tumbler with a blue crab on the front. On the back it says "Blog Fest 2009 Mathews, VA." There is also a travel lid for each tumbler. These cups are freezer/microwave/dishwasher safe, and have a lifetime warranty. Cost is $20.00 per tumbler (this is the actual cost) and includes the lid. Please let me know if you would like to reserve one, as I have only ordered 25, and Grandma J has reserved two! I have no problem placing an additional order if need be, but it's likely that they would not arrive in time for Blog Fest.



We have also come up with a little "Camp List" for attendees! YAY! These are merely suggestions, and are things that we thought might make your stay a bit more pleasant:)



-Lawn/Beach Chair

-Sunscreen

-Light Sweater/Sweatshirt (It may be breezy at night)

-Comfy Shoes

-Bathing Suit

-Bug Spray

-Beach Towel/Blanket

-Small Cooler

-Camera (DUH!) This item is forbidden from midnight to 6 a.m.!

-Pillow/Blanket



Finally, for all of you crafty-types, we thought it would be fun to have a Blogger Bizarre Bazaar! Bring your goodies along, and let the ladies shop 'til they drop!



It's not too late to register for this three ring circus event!! If you'd like to join us, let us know ASAP!! You don't want to miss out on all of the fun!



Any questions?

I'm obviously being punished for using the strike-through feature. I've re-typed this stupid post three times, and now I'm just going to leave it like this!!! GAH!

25

Last weekend, the Small Water Town, VA Class of 1984 gathered to celebrate 25 years of life after high school. We talked about our memories, our children, and our families. We also danced, and sang along to familiar tunes from the past. There may have been wine...

One class member has gone on to a better place, and it seemed only right to honor him. Jen (holding the mic) put together an amazing slide show, and the last section was dedicated to Marty's memory. There may have been tears...



Cool Breeze took some time to catch up with our friend Ed. There may have been trouble brewing...

Every group photo I have seen looks just like this one. I'm wondering if, collectively, we just aren't a cooperative bunch. I tried to hide behind one of the big guys (far right, front), but they made me get up so I could be seen in the picture. There may have been snickering...

As with the past four reunions, the evening ended much sooner than any of us would have liked. After cleaning up, a small group of us headed over to the home of a friend who still lives in town. Did I mention that he lives right on the river?? We hauled our chairs down to the dock, and watched the town lights twinkling across the water. There may have been sighs of contentment, as old friends continued to reminisce into the wee hours of the morning...

My Dad

After church yesterday Snow White and I headed to Small Water Town, VA. (Not to be confused with the Small Water Town, VA where my class reunion was held Saturday night. More on that tomorrow.) We were excited about celebrating Father's Day AND my dad's birthday! Both of my sisters were there, but, unfortunately, a couple of the grandchildren were unable to attend.

When we arrived, Dad was "slaving over" a hot grill....with a HUGE smile on his face! Before long, dinner was served. There was so much food that I'm not sure I even SAW everything there was to eat! Have I ever mentioned that my family is NOT shy about eating??? After we scarfed down everything in sight enjoyed a leisurely dinner, it was time for dessert...

There was ice cream cake, carrot cake, apple pie and I have no idea what else was there because I was in a sugar coma.



Dad was more than ready to snuggle up to the kiddos for a quick photo session!

The kids couldn't wait to finish up so they could head to the park.

Mr. Man always makes me laugh! He wouldn't let ME take his picture, but he would actually POSE for Snow White!! I think he loves her more than he does me...

How did you celebrate Father's Day?

My First Blogoversary & Cooking Class

It's hard to believe, but today is my One Year Blogoversary! Click Here to read my very first post. Thank you ALL for being part of my world....it's been so much fun getting to know you:)



Last week, my friend T invited me to join her for a cooking class. We were both really excited about attending the class, but neither of us wanted to drive and PARK in the city especially since it was pouring down rain . Her husband, K, agreed to drive us to our destination, and then return later to pick us up. THANKS K!!!

The class size was limited to 20, but we only had 6 in attendance. It was PERFECT because we were able to do a little bit of everything!! We chopped, sliced, stirred, sauteed, sipped wine , and tasted as we went along.

T had attended a previous class, and was anxious to try her hand at making risotto. In the beginning, I assisted her by sipping wine adding the warm chicken stock as she stirred. Once enough liquid had been added, I moved on to something else but T had to stand there and stir the risotto for another three hours. She did a FINE job! Isn't she cute??!





I sauteed something in that pan, but honestly can't remember what it was. Not surprising since I can't remember my name most days. T is still stirring the risotto.

We prepared a beautiful salad with fresh tomatoes and homemade vinaigrette.

There was also a fresh fruit torte made with a lemon sauce. I cut up the pound cake. It was exhausting.

The table was already set when we arrived. It was beautiful, but looked even better when we added the delicious wontons (I fried those babies!!! Thank goodness someone finally told me there were aprons available!) and kicked-up nachos! Double YUM!

Some were not enthused about being photographed for my blog, while others thought it was fun. Can you guess who was drinking wine, and who was drinking tea? The two ladies on the right are attorneys...they were ready to have fun after a LONG day of litigating!!

The evening went by too quickly, as they tend to do. I checked the calendar to see what other classes they are offering in the near future. Next time, I think we are going to get a group of friends together and take a Couples Class. Unfortunately, the wine tastings are booked through August. Imagine that!

Trying To Come Up For Air!

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Wow. I cannot believe how long it's been since I logged on to this site! What has BHE been up to, you may or may not ask? Here's a little list which may cause you to die from boredom. Don't say I didn't warn you!

-Yearly Eye Exams (BHE & SW)

-A Baby Shower

-ITS Awards Ceremony

-Flossed Crown off of my Tooth and Had to Get It Re-cemented

-Dog to Vet

-Vision Walk for the Foundation Fighting Blindness

-Cooking Class with T (OMG!! SO much fun!)

-Final Drama Partisans Meeting of the Year

-Back to Eye Doc to Have SW's Cornea Rechecked (It's fine now, thanks for asking!)

-Last Day of School

-Graduation & Ensuing Party (GREAT FUN!)

-Work the Nursery at Church

-Final Planning Meeting for my 25th Class Reunion

-Stupid Quarterly Estimated Taxes. GAH!!

-SW has Hijacked the Camera

-Workers in my House Every Day Trying to Finish the Garage Enclosure

-Haven't Mailed the Pay It Forward gifts yet. This is weighing heavy on my mind. Will have that done by week's end.

-Fighting with Mother of Girl who Hit SW's Car in the School Parking Lot Two Months Ago. Said she was going to pay out of pocket, and now says that she doesn't have the money and will get back to me. HELLO, State Farm. I've tried to be patient and understanding, but I will let the insurance company handle it from here. They run with scissors.

-Counting the minutes until Blog Fest!!!

I have tons of photos to share with you....just as soon as I can get the camera back!!

So. What have you all been up to??