Thursday, November 30, 2017

Favorite

Christmastime is here.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Here's mine.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=christmastime+michael+w+smith&PC=U316&FORM=CHROMN

Especially start listening around minute 1:03

Monday, November 27, 2017

Big News

They're engaged!

Prince Harry will marry his love, Meghan Markle.

My 2018 year of jubilee will include watching a royal wedding. YAY for Harry and Meghan. Something spectacular for England to look forward to. Can't wait to hear the date for  this enchanting event.   

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/britains-prince-harry-to-marry-us-actress-meghan-markle/ar-BBFMf01?li=BBnbfcL&OCID=ansmsnnews11

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Grateful

Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks for all of the many blessings we take for granted. 

We received the news last evening of yet another setback for our friends. Their little guy (18 months) was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few months ago. Dang cancer.

He has already endured more surgeries than a little tyke should ever have to, and yet yesterday was another. Fluid was found. And so he spends Thanksgiving in the hospital.

As if that weren't enough, his mother serves our country and will be leaving on Monday for a tour.
(I could really go off on a tangent concerning all those NFL players kneeling right now...SIGH) 

Instead, I will be grateful for every single person who walks through my front door today. I will sit in wonder at all I have.  Things like health and food and water and a gem for a husband and 3 great kids and TIME and sight and smell and taste and feel and hearing. For friends in Spain and England and here in the USA. For jobs and a warm bed. For tea and chocolate.

Oh I have so much. May I never take any of it for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving.





Monday, November 20, 2017

A long time

On this date, they were married in Westminster Abbey at 10:30 a.m.

70 years. 70

That's a mighty long time to spend with the same person. And for the Duke, she's not just any person. She's the Queen of England. I'm sure it hasn't been easy to step behind your wife and let her lead one of the strongest countries in the world. What a legacy this royal family has.

I found some interesting facts about their wedding day.

These two met at a wedding! I didn't know that.

Did you know the very first wedding in Westminster Abbey was held on 11 Nov 1100? King Henry I married Princess Matilda of Scotland. I love that name. Matilda.

Queen Elizabeth had 8 bridesmaids. My daughter had 7!

2000 guests were invited. Whew! Good thing we didn't have that many. I can't imagine the bill!

Here's an interesting fact. The Queen used clothing rations to help pay for her dress! Rationing measures were still in place following WWII. Many across the UK sent her their coupons to help. She couldn't use them. That would be illegal.

She wore two pearl necklaces. I love pearls. SIGH.

A sprig of myrtle was placed in her bouquet. A tradition that started with Queen Victoria when she was given myrtle from Prince Albert's grandmother. Wish I would have known that. I would have placed some in my daughter's wedding bouquet. Shoot!

Queen Elizabeth's bouquet was placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. A royal tradition.

The cake was nine feet high! Yikes! That's a lot of cake! I still love our cake the best!

Happy Anniversary to the Royal couple.












Thursday, November 16, 2017

impressed

Have you seen the ads for those meal delivery services?

Companies such as Hello Fresh, Blue Apron and Plated, all would like to make it easier on you to prepare a decent meal.

I vowed I'd never do it. Seemed lazy somehow. I mean, really. How hard is it to find a parking spot near the grocery door,  run in, breeze past the dessert aisle without buying the tiramisu, and finding yourself in the longest line to check out?

Apparently, it's difficult on any given day and the masses have chosen Dinner in a Box! Who can resist gourmet recipes, super fresh ingredients, AND never have to leave your house!

The half off coupon enticed me. No. More like intrigued me. So off I was to my computer ordering my first box from Hello Fresh.

I assure you, everything is fresh.
I received three meals. Each one in their own bag full of ingredients.
You are given the perfect amount for each recipe. The portions are generous. No waste.
Who would have ever thought groceries could be delivered to your doorstep. It's like we have come full circle. There used to be such a thing as milk being delivered to your front step! History indeed repeats itself!

Just the right amount of cheese!
In just about 30 minutes, dinner is served.

A great alternative to fast food!



      







Monday, November 13, 2017

Dreams come true

Christmas time is here.
The holiday movies are beginning on the Hallmark Channel here in the states.

I can only imagine what it must be like to see your name on the screen.
My favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn, is likely pinching herself. Over and over again. Her dream has come true. Her books have been turned into movies!

Finding Father Christmas premiered last holiday season, and just yesterday Engaging Father Christmas was shown for the first time on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel.

How exciting.

The books shine the light on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  

"Come in! Come in, and know me better."
                                                    -Spirit of Christmas Present

The setting for these books takes place in the fictional town of Carlton Heath, London, England.
A place that is simply enchanting.

Robin Jones Gunn is a brilliant storyteller. She knows how to pen a novel.
There is mystery. And love. And forgiveness.
A lovely story you won't want to miss.




  

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Success

Wondering about the sleepover?
Success I say. Success!
Indeed an understatement. We had a blast. 

Stayed up much too late. We ate and talked and laughed.  Not much has changed between us.
Being real with someone dear brings such peace and joy. 

As Thanksgiving nears, I am so very grateful for this friendship. It's one of the biggest blessings in my world.

Onward to next month's gathering. We're making plans for a Christmas tour. Let the merrymaking begin.



 

Monday, November 6, 2017

Website


Fast becoming one of my favorite websites...
Enter the contest to win a copy of the Crown!

https://www.anglotopia.net/

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Sleepovers

Meet Alicia.
My forever pal since the 5th grade.

We haven't spent much time together since our junior year in high school, but we've managed to stay in touch.
We were bridesmaids for each other in our weddings,  and always send Christmas letters. 

My daughter just got married and I wanted to be sure Alicia was there.
We literally screamed and danced around when we saw each other. Giddy. That's how we roll. We thoroughly enjoy each other's company and can pick up where we left off when last seeing each other.

While at the wedding, we decided enough was enough. We must plan to spend time together at least once a month. 

And so it has begun. We've been through a lot in our lives. The tales are crazy unbelievable. It has made life more meaningful for both of us.

Sleepovers were our thing growing up. I spent many many nights at her house. I loved her parents and had a secret crush on her brother, Ed. What girl didn't? He was a babe! I say was because sadly, he has passed away. A story for another time.

Alicia and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning giggling and having facials with those masks that would harden on our face until we could peel them off! Funny the things we remember.
Footloose was our go to movie and we ate way too much chocolate.

Alicia texted me this week and asked if I wanted to come over for a sleepover at her house. Would I?
Took me about two seconds to say YES!
I can't wait!
We are going to have a sleepover! THIS WEEKEND!
Complete with jammies and wine and Hallmark movies!
Did I say I can't wait?
I am so looking forward to spending time together with her.
This was us at LOLO's restaurant in Stillwater last week. We are committed to our time together. 

I do hope you have the joy of having an Alicia in your life. I am so very grateful I have been gifted such a dear friend from the early parts of my childhood.

Our hubbys are the best as they understand our deep need to be together. I would do anything for my sweet friend.