tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44149502269345132202024-02-07T00:16:54.471-05:00Pet PeevesNinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.comBlogger805125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-89170396794355207512020-02-03T11:16:00.000-05:002020-02-03T12:39:44.303-05:00A Month of Medical Appointments: New York Proton Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQFh2BH1qc1vETS0x4h96-ateM0ICIrfJLVKtMBJkSEySL2Fq1Kc5YOEmS4Vd12-nKJdQZrWWtyVXG3YT_w4h7AJ8cWy1DCkYQf78f6u22dJqo2WW01qXjXQG8_zxotn4gAu4lJbC6fkH/s1600/Last+Dat+of+Treatment+Ringing+Bell.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQFh2BH1qc1vETS0x4h96-ateM0ICIrfJLVKtMBJkSEySL2Fq1Kc5YOEmS4Vd12-nKJdQZrWWtyVXG3YT_w4h7AJ8cWy1DCkYQf78f6u22dJqo2WW01qXjXQG8_zxotn4gAu4lJbC6fkH/s400/Last+Dat+of+Treatment+Ringing+Bell.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ding Dong the Witch is Back!</span></b></div>
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I have officially started my proton radiation treatments under the care of Dr. Nancy Lee of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. The treatments are being done at the New York Proton Center, a brand new 300 million dollar state-of-the-art facility which houses the most advanced radiation oncology machines available anywhere. I consider myself very lucky to have been referred to Dr. Lee and the proton center for a slow growing benign growth I have in my neck that may have been there for 20 or more years. The reason for these treatments is to stop the growth of the tumor so surgery will not be necessary. Dr. Lee feels this treatment will work for me and save me from the risks surgery presents.<br />
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I decided that even though the whole experience should be pretty uneventful, I would journal my visits and experience in a blog which I may or may not publish. I thought it may be useful to others considering proton therapy or who may not even know about it. We can about it learn together. I do know that there are not many places where this therapy is offered. I am very fortunate that this facility opened up at the right time and practically in my backyard. Many will have to travel here and even spend a month in a hotel to benefit from this treatment which is usually 30 weekdays.<br />
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So far I have learned that proton radiation therapy is administered in pencil thin beams to the area targeted and the radiation stops before exiting the target, sparing healthy cells any of the radiation. This is unlike the radiation we have been used to hearing about. It is safer and has less side effects. Also, unlike the other radiation, it can be used again on the same area, if need be, in the future. So I am very optimistic that it will help me.<br />
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Everyone I have met at the New York Proton Center, and I have met quite a few people already, has been extremely nice, caring and professional. They all make me feel like a V.I.P. Now I will start my "journal" of visits and we will see where that takes us.<br />
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December 26th, 2019 - My first treatment was started today. I got there early, and the team administering my radiation was running behind schedule. The technician came down to tell me they were running behind and apologized, she didn't want me to think they forgot about me. They were having some problems getting the patient before me set up and with his therapy you have to be set up perfectly before it can be administered. Of course, I told her I understood, as I would want them to take the same level of care with me. She came back about 20 minutes later to bring me upstairs. Two other technicians greeted me there, explained what they were going to do, and asked me what music I would like to hear. Of course I said Carrie Underwood! Before I could say, "Jesus Take The Wheel," Carrie was being streamed in the room in all her glory. The whole session took about 30 minutes. The first few minutes were all about getting me properly set up and then the treatment. I was told it went perfectly, and that I didn't move at all. I told them I was a very good patient and very good at staying still. They gave me my schedule and said see you tomorrow. Off I went.<br />
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December 27th - I had an afternoon appointment today. Things went a lot faster, no delays. I think I was in actual treatment for three Carrie Underwood songs, not long at all. And the last lyrics I heard were "I believe, in the end, love wins."<br />
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December 30th - Third treatment with a short CT scan. I might as well do some complaining. The treatments and imagining rooms are on the second floor. Picture it, two long very white corridors on each side of the building with an opening in the middle so you can pass from one to the other, and a series of never ending white doors on both sides of the corridors. So, when I go upstairs to wait, the waiting area is right off the elevator (happy days), but every other room I need to go is along one of these two long corridors. I can't finding my way to the changing room, to the other waiting area, OR back to the elevators when I am done. I just wander around until another human being sees me and asks if I need help getting out. I do not know what I am going to do the next 24 visits. I just have to hope I get lucky and someone finds me meandering around and steers me in the right direction.<br />
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December 31st - Fourth treatment and follow up with doctor. My appointment was 10:30 am and Google maps said the trip was 27 minutes. Left the house at 9:15 am as I always like to be early. At 9:30 am stuck in expressway standstill, inching along for at least 45 minutes. Call the treatment center to tell them I may be late. All of a sudden the cars start moving and I made it there by 10:23 am. Okay, that's fine. I get my treatment and am taken to a room to meet with the doctor, but first a nice British nurse shows up. I can't help but notice her accent and her name is Meghan. She moved here a year ago. She wants to ask me a bunch of questions and take my vitals. She has instructional material prepared for me to take home and read. She asks me if I have felt fatigue since my treatment started. I tell her well, considering treatment started the day after Christmas, after doing three days of cooking and traveling to the city is not part of my normal routine . . . I would have to say yes, I an fatigued. I have one question for her. I saw a couple of other patients and their skin was very red, like they had been sitting in the sun for 8 hours, will that happen to me? She says it might, it's hard to say, everyone is different. Then she adds of all the educational material she printed, that is the one thing she forgot to get a copy of for me. After we are done with our visit she leaves to get the doctor and make a copy of the skin care guidelines for me. The doctor comes in a few minutes later. She asks how I am feeling. She tells me I am getting a low dosage radiation. I shouldn't have any real side effects, but I have to be told of the potentiality of what could happen. My skin could turn red or tan, but there is no way of knowing now what will happen. Before we wrap things up I tell her that I wanted someone to know that from the moment I first set foot at the center everyone I have met, over a dozen people, have all made me feel like a VIP. She was very happy to hear that and said she would pass my message on to the executives. All in all a very good session, and Happy, Healthy New Year everyone.<br />
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January 2nd - I decided to go in extra early today because my husband wanted to go to work afterwards for a few hours. For there one hour before my appointment and, as I hoped, they called me up early, which gave my husband some extra time to spend at work. Meanwhile, I noticed, for the past two visits no one cared what music was playing, nor did they ask me what I wanted to hear. Maybe be all the New Year hoopla throwing everyone off. We'll see if that continues. Just for the record, I do know there are worse things, I am just spoiled.<br />
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January 3rd - Sixth Treatment out of 27. I got there extra early hoping to get out early. No such luck today, they were running behind. Then the parking garage was full, my husband had to go a few blocks away to find another lot to leave the car. So I go to the snack area and grab some Gold Fish and munch on those to kill a little time. I decide to go upstairs at my appointment time anyway. Thank God the girl says things are picking up I should go get changed. That was a lucky break. Still got done later than usual, but I'll take what I can get. Traffic was good both ways so all in all not bad.<br />
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January 6th - Seventh Treatment. Well today we went early, 9:30 AM for a 10:30 appointment. We were hoping to get done early so my husband could go to work. Well, they told me they were running behind 45 minutes and actually I was not called until 12 PM, more like a 90 minute delay. Needless to say my husband gave up on going to work and we weren't out of there till 12:30 PM. I feel the VIP treatment slip-sliding away too. <br />
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January 7th - Eighth Treatment. I barely signed in and say down today when I was called for my treatment 45 minutes early. Much better. However, I had a follow up nurse/doctor appointment and ended up having to wait for that about 45 minutes, so it was a wash. I am having some fatigue the past few days, which I shared with the doctor. The biggest consequence of the extra fatigue is that I am sleeping much better at night. The doctor told me she wishes she could sleep good at night. I told her I didn't recommend this treatment as the way to do it, and we both had a laugh.<br />
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January 8th- I was called up as soon as I walked in, over an hour early. Only had to stay 30 minutes and I was done. I wish every day could be like today. Nine Treatments down and 18 to go. Things are moving right along!<br />
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January 9th - Tenth Treatment and only 17 more to go. Went early, got called early, head back home early! The changing room was out of hospital gowns today. Packed myself up and went the one next to it which was almost depleted. Mentioned it to the staff. Other than that it was pretty uneventful.<br />
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January 10th - Eleventh Treatment! So I had a little chat with one of my technicians that I have seen all week. Such a sweet girl, moved here from Arkansas. She had a little time and we exchanged some life stories. Such wonderful employees at this treatment center.<br />
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January 13th- Appointment Number 12 is over and I am almost half way to the finish line. Woke up with a stiff neck. I was worried it could be side effects from the treatments, but a couple of Tylenol later the stiffness was gone. Got to the Center early, as usual, and for some reason they said they were looking for me and couldn't find me. I was sitting in the waiting area as always. I try to get there early so that my husband can go to work right after. I guess they haven't worked all the bugs out of their procedures yet? Well, no matter, I got done early enough and off my husband went.<br />
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January 14th - Done with Treatment #13. Things could have gone a little better. After today's treatment I see the nurse and doctor. The nurse cam right away, took my vitals and asked all the necessary questions. She said she would send in the doctor. So I waited. And waited. Stilling waiting . . . and about an hour later I open the door. I see the nurse. She asks if I've seen the doctor. I say no. All of a sudden my doctor and her assistant practically collide in front of me and run into the examining room. They are very apologetic for the long wait. I tell them both not to worry about it. I just wanted to say two things, one that everyone at the Center has been very nice. The other was to ask if I could cancel my appoints with my surgeon in April for an MRI and follow up since he was "watching and waiting" to monitor the growth for the purposes of surgery and, with these treatments, growth is supposed to stop. She told me I could cancel for now and she would be monitoring my condition in the future. In just little more than a minute the visit was over and they apologized again.<br />
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January 15th - With treatment 14 done I am now over the "hump" and past the halfway mark! Thirteen more treatments to go. Got there early today, was taken early, got home early! Oh Happy Days!<br />
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January 16th - Got there early, as usual. Filled out feedback form while I waited telling them everyone has been very caring and professional. Did some more waiting. The techs had a little trouble getting me position exactly right before the treatment, but they managed to make all the right adjustments. The trip home was clear sailing until we hit a road block, fire engine closed off street we were on. My husband figured out how to get us out of that mess. It took a while to get home, but some happy be done with 15 treatments and only 12 more to go.<br />
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January 17th - 16 down and 11 to go! Feeling good, with some fatigue. Traffic was light today. Got in early, out early and back home. I really needed to get back early today because my younger daughter's bridal gown fitting appointment is in the early afternoon.<br />
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January 20th - 17th treatment and feeling extra tired today. I mentioned it to the technician and he told me the radiation kills off some normal cells and the bodies is working overtime to fix the damage. On a brighter note, the fatigue is curing my restless sleep which had been keeping me up at night. Today was MLK day so there was very little traffic and the sun was actually out. Everything moved quickly. Ten more treatments to go!<br />
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January 21st - 18 down and 9 to go. Three-fourths of the way done. No real side effects except for some fatigue which helps me sleep much better at night and causes me to take an occasional nap. The staff at the Center has been wonderful. Some of them have accents and I learned they came from Arkansas, Texas and even England. You know me, I ask them where they are from if I hear an accent. I wonder if I will miss going there when I am done? Today was a little hectic. One of the machines wasn't working so they fell a little behind. They had some kind of "tour" going on with some people in suits. Maybe they were part of the board, maybe executives from another hospital whose business they were hoping to get, maybe a collection of people from he hospitals already affiliated with the Center . . . who knows, it just added to the hustling around. Even with all that, I got done early!<br />
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January 22nd - 19 down and 8 to go! I had hoped to get into the treatment room early and get out early again today so my husband could have extra time at work. Unfortunately there were some minor delays, but they ate into his work time. I am feeling great and am very thankful for that. I wonder if I will miss these trips to the city when I'm done. The staff is so pleasant and friendly, makes me think I might.<br />
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January 23 - 20 down, 7 to go! The light at the end of the tunnel is on now. Things were running late today. It wasn't terrible , but my husband decided not to go to work because it wasn't worth the trip. Instead we went to visit my sweet baby granddaughter and boy did she make me laugh!<br />
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January 24th - 21 treatments complete, 6 left. My treatments end February 3rd, so I won't be there for Valentine's Day. I had been thinking about bringing something to acknowledge the medical staff that have been so kind to me. Today I brought little "Valentine's" gifts for the staff members who have been taking good care of me the passed few weeks. It was just a small token of appreciation, a set of measuring spoons, each having an inscription related to love. Spread the love! The wonderful people that I was able to find today appreciated the thought. I'll try to find the rest of them next week. It's not so easy when they rotate shifts, but I am going to do my best.<br />
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January 27th - FIVE treatments left to go. Today one of the girls I met in the beginning of the process stopped by to say hi. I was telling her I only have five treatments left and she said did they tell you you get to ring the big bell on your last day? I said no, no one mentioned it and I never heard anyone ring the bell since I started. She said well you will ring it, bring your family, it's a big day! Then she said I'll make a note and stop by and see you when you do and then she gave me a big hug. The staff is mostly young and sweet and it really restores my faith and hope in human compassion and kindness. Day after day we hear so many bad, evil, sad and tragic things and it's so very disheartening. But when I walk through the doors of this center, everyone greets me with a warm smile, concern for my well being, asks how I am doing and tells me to have a great day when I leave. One woman today thanked me again for the small token I had given her Friday and told me it made her feel like baking. You know, when you get to be my age and everyone you know is busy, it's so nice to get such acknowledgement and attention from so many thoughtful people who go above and beyond in doing their jobs by treating all their patients with dignity and respect, kindness and concern.<br />
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January 28th - I went up for my treatment and they had jazz playing (not my favorite) so they asked what I wanted to hear and I told them Beyonce. I don't think they get too many requests for her. Today is the last appointment with my doctor, both she and her assistant were not there today. I'm glad everything is going well or I might be a bit upset at having to see a different doctor from another hospital. My check up went well. I think I gained more weight, which is not a good thing, but they are happy with it. The nurse told me I was one of her favorite patients. Then I asked about a follow-up appointment after my treatments are done next Monday. The follow-up will be arranged by my doctor's office. Maybe I can squeeze it into my busy schedule? We'll see. I don't see this as an urgent matter at this point. The wedding has to come first.<br />
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January 29th - Got done in record time today! I was very tired yesterday and took a 90 minute nap sitting up on the couch. The fatigue is getting a bit worse, but they say it will get worse even after the treatments and then taper off. Yesterday the doctor told me that exercise sometimes helps with fatigue. I only have three treatment left, maybe after that I will try to get some walking in a little every day. <br />
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January 30th - Walked in and got called within 5 minutes of my arrival. My husband was still stuck in traffic in front of the building. I was done in no time and back downstairs to find my husband. Hw had just parked in the garage and barely waited 5 minutes for me. Fastest treatment yet! Two more treatments to go and then back to wedding planning.<br />
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January 31st - Another quick day! I told some of the techs who have been with me throughout the treatment process that Monday was my last day. The three of them gave me a hug. As good as it will be to be totally done with all this, I will miss seeing these young people every day.<br />
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February 3rd - My last treatment! Got there early and they took me immediately! I asked if I could see a doctor after my treatment. Over the weekend I noticed some itching going on in the back of my neck and realized maybe it was due to the treatments. I hadn't been moisturizing there because I had no idea they were attacking this growth from behind. As they took me upstairs they told me to be sure they notify the front desk when I am done so they can bring my husband up to see me ring the bell. I told them he is the one who deserves to ring the bell after driving me back and forth every day for my appointments. They say fine, you can both ring the bell. They asked me what music I would like to hear today. I say Shania Twain "Man I Feel Like a Woman!" My theme song. After the treatment they said the staff would meet me by the bell so they can watch me ring it. About 6 of them showed up for me, and there was one of my favorites who came early to hug me and wish me well, but then had to go tend to another patient. I tell you I am going to really miss these wonderful young people so much. After the bell ringing. . . and I rang it loud enough for all my facebook friends to hear it (I almost went deaf) . . . there were a few more hugs and down I wen with the nurse to check out my neck. She saw if was pretty red and took a picture for the doctor to see. Apparently I just need to apply a lot of moisturizer every day, no prescription creams needed. I got my follow-up appointment for the end of May. And now I can get back to wedding planning.<br />
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-57345554005397795062020-01-20T12:17:00.002-05:002020-01-20T12:17:44.312-05:00My Younger Daughter's 30th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>A nice Rainbow Cake!</b></div>
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It seems like yesterday when she was born. A little bundle of joy to complete our family. As bad as my memory is I will never forget that day or many of the ones since. It's hard to believe that she actually was born 30 years ago. She is one of the sweetest human beings to walk on this earth and it is my privilege to be her mom. She is a genuinely good person in every way. And, now she has reached a milestone birthday, it should be celebrated properly. But the timing for a big celebration just wasn't in the cards this year. And, truth be told, my daughter is a quiet, modest girl that doesn't like a lot of fanfare and attention, and a big party may not have been to her liking anyway.<br />
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There's been a lot going on in her life and mine through all of 2019 and continuing into 2020. Staring with her engagement, her sister having her first baby . . . her goddaughter, planning a wedding, buying a new house, getting rear-ended in a hit and run accident, and my own health issue which necessitated getting radiation treatments from the day after Christmas to early February. And did I mention wedding planning? We are in the last three months before the wedding and there is a lot to do and loose ends to tie up and appointments to me made. All this after a world wind of celebration caused by the holidays. So a big birthday party would have been a bit overwhelming right now.<br />
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We decided on a nice small family dinner at one of our local favorite restaurants. This would be her celebration and also my husband's, who turned 65. My daughter suggested that we combine both birthdays which would save us all a weekend and a lot of time which is precious commodity right now. So I made reservations for this past Saturday and hoped the weather would cooperate with our plans. Everything went smoothly. We all enjoyed our dinners and the baby, my sweet granddaughter, was very social and "read" the menu while we ate.<br />
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As for dessert, we always have that at home so we can digest our meals first. I was thinking about what kind of birthday cake to order that we all would enjoy. I have to say, at this point I was very sick of food of all kinds. Two months of holiday eating and 12 months of celebrating special occasions in 2019 has left me with little desire to indulge in much. But, the least I could do was to get a nice cake for my daughter and my husband. I found a bakery in the neighborhood that makes Rainbow Cakes. We all love rainbow cookies so I decided to go order one and surprise my daughter. And, she was surprised when I cut into it and she saw what kind of cake it was.<br />
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As for gifts, we just had Christmas. This has been a problem every year since my daughter was born. What is left to get for her birthday in January after you have gotten everything for Christmas? This year it wasn't too much of a dilemma. For Christmas I gave her and her fiancé "couple's gifts," which I got off the wedding registry. There were a few items that they hadn't gotten at the shower and they made nice gifts for Christmas. But I did feel bad that my daughter didn't get any personal gifts for her to enjoy. So I thought about it and came up with he idea to get her a nice simple jewelry box and a couple of pairs of earrings that I thought she would like, and she did.<br />
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Still, I feel a little bad that we didn't do more this year. Maybe next year we will make up for it. But for now, she was happy sharing her day with her family and looking forward to her wedding.<br />
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And just to show you just how sweet my daughter is, she brought a gift for her father. The only one he got that day. It was a handmade wooden watch that she really wanted him to have. It was only after she left, that we saw the inscription on the back that said, "Greatest Dad a daughter can have." It brought tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts. That's my baby girl!<br />
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-21563743689663530912020-01-07T12:28:00.001-05:002020-01-07T12:28:55.632-05:002019: A Year of Taking The Good With The Bad <div style="text-align: center;">
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We have all heard that expression, "You have to take the good with the bad." I was thinking about that this morning as I was reflecting on 2019 and all the things that happened last year. Our family had some amazing celebrations for sure, but along with the blessings we did have a share of worries and stress. Taking the good with the bad, the year 2019 will certainly be one we will never forget.<br />
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Here's some of the good. Just a couple of months before 2018 ended, my older daughter announced she was pregnant and having a baby girl, and my younger daughter bought herself nice new car. Just a couple of days before the 2019 began, my younger daughter announced her engagement and showed us her beautiful ring. Wedding plans for a 2020 wedding had to begin almost immediately and some events had to be scheduled around her sister's pregnancy if she wanted her sister to be there for them. All of the main things were done within the first couple of months, the church, venue, photographer, DJ and MC and of course the bridal gown. When we went shopping for the dress my younger daughter handed her sister a card asking her to be her matron of honor, which made her tear up (mostly the hormones from the pregnancy). She actually found a dress that day and then we had a lovely lunch at a nearby restaurant. She had asked her future mother in law to come with us which was a wonderful idea and gave us all a chance to get more acquainted.<br />
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While all that was going on, it was also time to plan a baby shower. My older daughter had some issues with pregnancy and I was afraid that while the baby was due June 6th, she might be in a rush to get here early. So, invitations were sent out in February for a March shower. All went well at the shower, but now it was time for the engagement party for my younger daughter. I told her to bump up the date because I wasn't sure this baby would wait till June. April was a safer time to have the engagement party and that's what they did.<br />
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April is also the time I schedule my spring doctor appointments. This is when you have to take a little of the bad. My doctor, who has been monitoring a benign growth in my neck, had suggested that I consider radiation treatment. He was previously against it, but now he seemed to think it was a good idea. With all that I had going on in my life, I really wanted to postpone this until after my daughter's wedding. After thinking it over for a few weeks I decided I should try and get it done as soon as possible. So I made an appointment with the radiation oncology doctor and after reviewing my case she said the radiation would stop the growth and put off surgery indefinitely (more good).<br />
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Now May rolls around and, just as I thought, my sweet baby granddaughter decided to make her grand debut about 10 days early. Things start out normal enough with my daughter calling from the hospital early in the morning letting us know she was there. It wasn't till after the baby was born and things had settled down that I learned that during labor the baby was in distress. After two pushes the doctor made the decision to do an emergency C-section. My daughter was not expecting this and due to the urgency of the doctor she was very afraid that something would happen to her and/or the baby. Thank God she was in the hands of a very good and experienced doctor who just didn't have time for her best bedside manner under the circumstances. She apologized afterwards and the new mother and daughter were both healthy and happy when I went to the hospital to see them.<br />
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In June, after seven years of studying, my goddaughter graduated with her DPT degree (Doctor of Physical Therapy). It's been a long and challenging journey and it was finally over. Her mother, my cousin, threw her a party to celebrate this huge achievement. We are all so proud of her. She's the first doctor in the family!<br />
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July was a relatively "quiet" month in that there were no celebrations and no issues to worry about. But my younger daughter did go to an open house with her fiancé and they loved it, so they made an offer. The offer was accepted soon after. And then the mortgage process began, wedding plans take a back seat for the moment. More of the good!<br />
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In August my girls threw me a surprise 65th birthday party. It was unexpected, but exactly how I wanted to celebrate my birthday with all my family around me. It was a wonderful day. And, a couple of weeks later my younger daughter and her fiancé closed on their new house. I still can't believe this all happened as fast as it did. But wait, there's more. One of my cousin's sons got a promotion at work to a management position with a title that's longer than this blog (just kidding). More great news! So proud and happy for him! And then, as if that wasn't enough, his brother, who had taken and passed 7 out of 8 insurance exams, let us know that he had passed the 8th and final exam. Not only is it very difficult to pass all 8 and it could take years to do it, but he did it all in a year and a half. His employers were very happy too and gave him a nice bonus for his achievement. Apparently August was a good month! There is a short pause in September, either that or I just don't remember what, if anything, happened. Who could blame me?<br />
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In October, my cousin turned 60 years old and her three kids threw her a special surprise party. It was a great celebration. And while they were planning that, my daughter and her husband were planning the baby's baptism. If they had waited much longer the baby would not have been able to fit in the beautiful christening gown that both of my girls wore for their baptisms. I had to make a nice long sweater to go with it because it was a colder time of year, but it got done with time to spare.<br />
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In November we had the baby's baptism. She was so good throughout the ceremony. Even the priest commented on how good she was and just shy of 6 months old too. It was also in November that I met with the radiation doctor again. She was prepared to schedule my treatments to begin in December. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed with everything that had been going on and still what remained to do. I didn't want the holidays to be overshadowed by these treatments, which were going to take up every week day for 30 days. There was a lot to be done and so little time. Amazon to the rescue . . . I got cracking on my Christmas shopping while I was still home to wait for packages to arrive. But then, a few days after the baptism and right before Thanksgiving, some jerk who was probably texting and driving, rammed his SUV into my younger daughter's new car. Thank God she was okay, but it was a terrible experience for her and I was so upset. It was a hit and run so there was nothing to be done but file a claim and get the repairs done. Still I was heartbroken for her and it caused a great deal of stress at a time when things were already stressful enough.<br />
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December rolled around too quickly. But I was determined that the baby's first Christmas at our house would be as special as I could make it. I put up my tree right after Thanksgiving. The radiation treatment center gave me a choice of starting radiation on the 17th or the 26th of December! Of course I chose the 26th so I could have my holidays in peace. I would have time to cook and shop and wrap and everything would be ready ahead of time. Then I could focus on myself and getting to and from the appointments without having to worry about running out of time. Christmas was wonderful, the gifts plentiful, the lasagna delicious, the baby was as good as gold.<br />
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Yes, 2019 was a full year of blessings and celebrations with a dash of unavoidable events that in the end worked themselves out. I guess that's life. You gotta take the good with the bad and count your blessings. Here's to hoping all our days in 2020 are full of the "good" with as little of the "bad" as possible.<br />
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-84103191217982048322019-12-04T07:52:00.003-05:002019-12-04T08:50:36.108-05:00A New Medical Journey . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">65 and going strong!</span></b></div>
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It was fifteen years ago when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Leiomyo sarcoma, in the groin. I had surgery and radiation and than God that worked. It was difficult living with that cloud over my head and my children being only 14 and 16 at the time. But we all survived and moved on to the next chapter of our lives. The girls now adults and settling down with their own families and my husband and I looking forward to real retirement. My prayers were answered for beating this and being able to finish raising my girls.<br />
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Fast forward eleven years, during one of my follow up appointments with my oncologist, she feels a slight swelling on the left side of my neck. It's not visible to the human eye, not even doctors could "see" it, but she felt it should be checked and sent me for tests. Sure enough, the ultrasound showed a mass, the CT scan confirmed it and then there was an MRI. You can't have too many tests. What it was at this point no one could tell me, but I was referred to a very sweet surgeon who wanted it checked further and sent me for a needle biopsy. Those results showed a benign growth that I was told could have been growing for 20 years very slowly. The biopsy showed it was a schwannoma tumor, another very rare condition in a rare location, in the vagus nerve (which controls speech and swallowing) and is also very close to the carotid artery and other vital structures. My surgeon said we should wait and watch before considering surgery. For four years we have been waiting and watching. When I would bring up surgery, he would just say "let's sit tight." <br />
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This year I saw my surgeon for our regular appointment. He examined the MRI results and as usual there was a small amount of growth, but over the four years the tumor was now clearly visible to everyone. He suddenly suggested I should see a radiation doctor. I was a little taken aback because he seemed against radiation in our previous conversations. I protested. I had a daughter due to give birth and another daughter's wedding to plan. I didn't have time for radiation and any side effects right now. I asked if it could wait until after the wedding without losing the option for radiation and being stuck with surgery. He said it would be fine if I waited. Then I saw my oncologist a couple of months later and told her what the surgeon had said. She also was against radiation, but said she would speak with him and get back to me after I said he mentioned it could affect my swallowing. <br />
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Next thing you know I have an appointment with a radiation doctor. I look up the doctor online to see what other patients think of her. I am very impressed. She is renown in her field. She is chief of the radiation department at MSKCC. She has been working with Proton Radiation Therapy for years and it's been curing some cancers. I watched a video where she explains how it works. The beams are pencil point thin, they stop before exiting the tumor, it has less side effects than regular radiation and less harm to healthy cells. But this is not cancer, so I wonder if I will qualify. <br />
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At our appointment, Dr. Nancy Lee meets with me. She is so nice and takes the time to explain everything to me. She says it will be "easy peasy" to get this tumor to stop growing with the treatments. She has found it to be 100 per cent successful in stopping growth, but probably won't shrink it. In any case it would put off any surgery indefinitely. Her only concern was getting me approved financially because most insurances will not pay for this new radiation. I tell her I will be on Medicare next month and have supplemental insurance. She is very happy to hear that. Medicare is one of the few insurances to cover this therapy. And, up until now the only place to go for Proton Radiation Therapy has been to New Jersey. Just so happens, a brand new state of the art Proton Center opened in New York City at this exact same time. It's like all the stars were aligned to make this happen. Dr Lee. said she wanted to commend my surgeon for recommending this therapy rather than surgery. Many surgeons only refer inoperable patients. I realize that maybe he had been "stalling" these four years because he knew Dr. Lee and that the Proton Center would be opening soon and I would benefit from it? I really owe this doctor a big debt of gratitude.<br />
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I went for my first appointment yesterday at the New York Proton Center. They treated me like a VIP. I had to have a fitted mask made to hold my head perfectly still during treatments. Then they did a CT scan and an MRI with the mask on. This is going to be used to map out where the proton beams will go during treatments. I'm glad I decided not to put it off. No one really knows if waiting might have taken away this option. I will be going for 30 treatments, Monday through Friday, which will extend into early February. <br />
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The timing isn't as convenient as it could be. Traveling in the winter months can be an ordeal. Trying to plan a wedding between treatments might be a bit of a challenge. Having free time to babysit will depend on my appointments. My appointments will begin the day after Christmas, so I will have time to do my traditional decorating and wrapping and cooking without any added stress. It may be a bit of a challenge, but it's doable. I have been blessed with fantastic doctors who have been very caring and conscientious all these years. Medical science is making things possible that were never possible before. Christmas time is really a season of miracles.<br />
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I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you all get your prayers answered and your own miracles are granted.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-72138084083910090612019-10-31T08:57:00.001-04:002019-10-31T10:10:40.925-04:00Another Wedding . . . Another Shower!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday we had a bridal shower for my younger daughter. It's not so easy planning a second shower as you might think. When you've already had a wonderful shower for your older daughter, you have to come up with fresh ideas, venue, timing, gifts etc. or else you will have a "rerun" of the previous event . . . and how would that be "special?" Every bride deserves a shower to remember and to be surprised when it happens. This is what we did.<br />
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First we had to pick a date. You might think, what's the big deal? Well, we have a March wedding, so we have to consider the holidays and then the unpredictable winter weather all before March. Then there's the little fact that the bride turns 30 in January and her father turns 65, both milestone occasions that we want to celebrate. There's also the fact that the grooms brother is getting married in June and that couple also has to have a shower and both families have to work around both weddings. I could go on, but this is why we had the shower earlier than tradition would call for.<br />
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Then I had to decide on a place for the event. I remembered a small Italian restaurant where the food was very good, but the place was too small to hold a shower. Something told me to look at their website. I saw a mention of a party room that was decorated like a courtyard in Tuscany, Italy. I went to go look at it and booked the shower immediately. The room was so different, so unique, you could almost believe you were sitting in an Italian courtyard! The two owners were one nicer than the other. They prepared a wonderful menu for the guests to choose from. I was very happy to have the shower there.<br />
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Next we had to come up with a lie to get my daughter there. Not only did we have to have a good lie that she would believe, but we had to make sure she would be "dressed up" for pictures. Her fiancé told me he would handle the "clever ruse" to get her there and dressed for the occasion. Great! One less thing for me to worry about. Mind you it took some work as my daughter kept trying to figure out where and when the shower would happen. But, he managed to keep her in the dark until the big day.<br />
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The rest of the things were taken care of early, once the venue was booked. Favors, invitations, gifts, and ordering a cake were all fairly easy. Wrapping the gifts, not so much. I could only find paper that was 30 inches long! Hallmark must be slipping!<br />
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So the big day is finally here. I am a little nervous, hoping everything will go perfectly, and it did. The restaurant had the room all set up for us very early. We brought in our gifts and the cake. The seating arrangements were taken care of. The mother of the groom provided the beautiful balloons. And all the guests arrived on time. We just had to wait for my daughter. <br />
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She walked in, everyone yelled "Surprise!" She was expecting to go to a party for the groom's uncle. When she walked in she expected to see his side of the family. But then she saw her side of the family and for a moment she was frozen. I could see her wheels turning as she looked around. Her brain trying to process why her family was at his uncle's party, until it sunk in it was her shower! We took lots of pictures throughout. Everyone had a great time. The food and service were excellent. It couldn't have gone any better. On to the next celebration!<br />
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-38767415546106392752019-08-18T20:15:00.002-04:002019-08-18T20:16:15.007-04:0065th Birthday and 65 Lies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a busy year in our family to say the least. My older daughter gave birth to a baby girl at the end of May and needed a six week recuperation period from the emergency C-section she went through. Add to this the fact she hadn't been sleeping well for two months before the birth and since. My younger daughter got engaged right before New Year's Day and has been in wedding planning mode for several months. Add to this the fact that she and her fiancé just found a house and the closing is moving rather quickly, so they have been very busy.<br />
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And then there's the little matter of my 65th birthday coming up in the middle of all this. I didn't know what to do about celebrating. I mentioned I wanted to have all my family at a dinner in a restaurant to the girls. My older daughter said she couldn't take the baby to a restaurant because she was too little and would probably cry and upset all the diners. Still, I thought maybe I could find a way to have my little party at a restaurant. Then my younger daughter called me and said she and her fiancé wanted to take me out to a "popular Italian restaurant" for my birthday. I wasn't about to refuse since she was making time for me on my special day, so I accepted. And here's where the 65 lies begin. This was lie number one.<br />
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The next day I am talking to my older daughter and I told her that her sister invited us out for my birthday. I actually said she hijacked my party. My older daughter reminded me she couldn't go, but would come "after dinner" for coffee and cake at her sister's house. (Lie #2). Of course I was disappointed a little, even though I understood, My granddaughter is adorable, but she does have an extraordinary set of lungs and she isn't afraid to use them. Okay, so now there was no family party and my older daughter couldn't even join us for dinner.<br />
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Now, two weeks before my birthday, I tell my younger daughter to check with her sister, to make sure she didn't change her mind about the birthday dinner. After doing that, she should make sure she makes reservations for the four of us at 1 PM so we will be done eating early enough for her sister to join us after. She tells me "she made the reservations" and it's all set.<br />
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A few days before my birthday I ask my younger daughter if she called to confirm the reservations. She says no. I tell her she better do it. Its a popular restaurant and I don't want to drive an hour and not eat. A couple of hours later she tells me she called and "confirmed." We are all set.<br />
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Now my husband needs the address so we can drive to the restaurant. I go to the website and, as I write down the address, I am shocked to see that the hours of the restaurant are 5 PM to 11PM. Immediately I message my daughter to tell her what I saw. How do you make reservations for 1 PM if they open at 5 PM? She answers without skipping a heartbeat, "no it's fine", they "open earlier" in the "summer," she checked. I am still puzzled though. I ask why don't they update the website? She says they just didn't do it, it's fine.<br />
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Are you following along with all the lies so far? Good.<br />
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The day before the dinner I tell my daughter I will leave here around 11:30 AM, it takes an hour and there could be traffic. She tells me to go to her house and then "we will all go together" because parking "is bad" there. That's fine with me. Then, the morning of the party, I tell her maybe we will leave at 11:15 AM if we are coming to the house. She says "they won't be ready" until 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM so I should leave at 11:30 as planned, the restaurant is only ten minutes from the house. I don't want to rush her so I comply and leave as planned.<br />
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We hit no traffic at all and arrive at 12:30 PM. I tell my husband drive past the house and park and I will text to see if they are ready for us. I text that I am nearby and ask if they need more time. My daughter says no, just come in and "we will wait 20 minutes" before leaving for the restaurant. so we turn the car around and park in the driveway. My daughter is at the front door, with a poker face, to welcome us and wish me a happy birthday. Her fiancé steps out to do the same. The theme from the Golden Girls is in the background. Then I hear what I think could be a baby sound from the other room, but dismiss it since my older daughter isn't coming till after dinner. Next thing I know my older daughter pops out holding my little granddaughter, saying "Surprise and Happy Birthday." I am in shock and go kiss the baby. Then from behind me I hear the voices of all my cousins saying "Surprise!" A second surprise! They were all there. My whole family. I had tears in my eyes to see them all. I was speechless. Lots of hugs and kisses. I was trying to process how they managed to pull this off. All of them had known for weeks that this was going to happen. They told me the restaurant was closed till 5 PM and we were having the party at the house. I went to the backyard . . . or should I say the "lanai" which was decorated with tiki torches holding a Happy Birthday sign, balloons, little palm trees, palm tree plates and napkins and the flatware cleverly presented with our favorite Golden Girls, all due to my older daughter's and my own love of the show.<br />
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My future son-in-law did the barbecuing, my daughter helped set the table, my son-in-law took the baby inside for her nap as she was getting fussy (so her mom could stay outdoors and enjoy the party). The baby even slept for two hours so her parents could eat their dinner and have coffee and cake before she demanded her bottle. There were gifts and a delicious ice cream cake that I requested. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday. It was much better than going to a restaurant, because my older daughter and her family were able to be there with all of us. All this thanks to my younger daughter, her fiancé and 65 lies.<br />
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I can only say that after 65 years it was one of the best days of my life.<br />
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-57099552348098547212019-06-04T08:03:00.000-04:002019-06-04T08:14:54.112-04:00Pre-Birth Conversations: Birthstones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXt-o_9H6P1lmWCOl66S6dONSt6rHX194HiD6vNWFOG3pdqfIg6ps2jiXsAqmcRH29glw913ieToK7TVtyXrts2UnrDkqoTkHZN-BGfAXwMP49-6lL8c4ehaugF5l5w8Wdc1mfWj0PU3U/s1600/Snip20190604_7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXt-o_9H6P1lmWCOl66S6dONSt6rHX194HiD6vNWFOG3pdqfIg6ps2jiXsAqmcRH29glw913ieToK7TVtyXrts2UnrDkqoTkHZN-BGfAXwMP49-6lL8c4ehaugF5l5w8Wdc1mfWj0PU3U/s1600/Snip20190604_7.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Which one would you pick?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #674ea7;">During the last month of her pregnancy, while I was helping my daughter prepare for the birth of her daughter, we had many little conversations. It's funny the things that pop into your head while you wait for your precious bundle of joy. One of those conversations was about the baby's birthstone.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #674ea7;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">My daughter's due date was June 6th. This was early enough in June so that if the baby came a few days early hr birthstone would be for May. So the topic came up. If she arrived on or around her due date, her birthstone would be pearl, for June. But, if she was born in May, she would have an emerald stone. My daughter was not crazy about pearl for her daughter. As she explained to me, "it has no color, it's not even a stone." Then, to my surprise, she lamented about her own birthstone. "Just like my birthstone, diamond, it has no color. I am always getting diamonds for gifts (poor thing) and I like stones with color." "There are worse things than having a jewelry box full of diamonds," I said, and I had to laugh. Truth be told, I guess I wasn't crazy about the pearl birthstone either, but it wasn't for us to decide. Nature would take it's course soon enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #674ea7;">Shortly after this conversation, and about 10 days early, the "water broke." May 27th to be exact. This little girl was determined to be born in May. I don't know why she was in such a rush to come into this world unless, somehow, the baby heard us talking about birthstones and decided to come at end of May so she could have an emerald stone. </span></div>
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My daughter calls me from the hospital very early that morning to tell me she has been admitted and adds, "I guess we don't have to worry about a pearl birthstone."</span></div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-85934275952339838582019-04-17T11:11:00.001-04:002019-05-13T06:33:04.341-04:00College Admissions Scandal and Lori Loughlin . . .<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">I sit here thinking. So many people are playing the lottery every day wishing for millions of dollars to change their lives. Years ago I read or saw a show on many of these winners whose lives were changed for the worse after winning all that money. It makes you think. Maybe money is the root of all evil. How many celebrities have died because they had the money to buy themselves small planes to fly and then crashed? And what brings all this back to mind is this Lori Loughlin scandal and everything about it. </span></span></div>
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Here is a couple, Lori and her husband, who had more money than they could ever spend. Beautiful homes. Two very beautiful girls. Everything you could ever want in life and then some. But, at the end of the day, all that wasn't enough. They didn't teach their children to have a strong work ethic because, hey, money is pouring in and they didn't need to work hard in school to secure a good future for themselves like most kids with working parents. The girls knew they would always be taken care of and could basically live without a care in the world or follow their dreams to the ends of the earth. But, Lori and her husband had their own dreams for the girls. They would have both money and a college education at USC. No other college would do. So they used what they had . . . money . . . to "help" get their girls into a dream school and ultimately get the college degree that neither of the parents had. The 500K was just a drop in the bucket for them. They never considered the consequences or the moral and ethical lessons they were modeling for their children. And now, thanks to their lack of integrity, honesty and morals BUT plenty of money, they have turned all their lives upside down. The girls will not get the college education the parents dreamed of for them, instead they face worldwide disgrace and embarrassment. One girl lost her dream job as a social media influencer. Instead, she gets hate tweets and backlash for the actions of her parents and loses her sponsors, followers and money. Lori lost her job which kept her in the limelight in a favorable way. Yes, she is still in the limelight, but as the face of the largest college admissions scandal and looking at some serious prison time. Not a good look. And ironically, instead of helping her children, she ended up hurting them more than anyone else ever did.</span></span></div>
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Lori claims to have a strong religious faith, but somehow her religious beliefs didn't stop her from doing any number of illegal things necessary to commit these crimes. How does she reconcile her religious beliefs which are grounded in morality and her own actions? It's beyond me. There has to be at least a couple of commandments broken in all this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Lori says God will get her through this, she did nothing any other parent wouldn't have done, she had good intentions and the judge will see that, and she is convinced she did nothing wrong. So instead of taking a plea, admitting guilt (for which there is plenty of evidence), apologizing and getting 6 months prison time, she and her husband now face a possible 40 years prison time. All of this thanks to their money and sense of entitlement. It really blows my mind that you could have everything you want in life AND peace of mind, and throw it all away. How can anyone do something so stupid and lose what's most important?</span></span></div>
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Maybe this is why I don't run out and play the mega lottery. We all think our lives would change for the better, but we can never know what twists and turns and temptations would be waiting for us if we were suddenly rich. I know, I can hear everyone saying it won't happen to me or they would take the risk if they could just win millions. I don't know. I always remember hearing, "as long as you have your health, you have everything." For my part, I am happy without hitting the lottery. We worked hard for all we have and we raised our girls to have a strong work ethic and good values. We are blessed and thankful . . . and we can sleep good at night.</span></span></div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-18402557522452588542019-04-07T10:37:00.000-04:002019-04-07T10:37:36.425-04:00Empty Nest Syndrome . . . The nest is empty. My younger daughter has moved out. Yesterday was the first official day of the next phase of Act III of our lives. It's going to take some adjusting for me. In Act I of my life I dreamed of being a mother. In Act II of my life I was blessed to have two beautiful girls to love, nurture and raise. In Act III I am left with my husband and a small olive tree to take care of. The cycle of life. This is how it's supposed to be. I know it, everyone knows it. It's not that I am not happy for my girls. In fact, truth be told, I always prayed they would find young men who would love, honor and be true life partners. They have both found love and what more can I ask for? Nothing. But it's a bitter-sweet moment for me. I'm going to indulge myself with a little pity party today and then get over it.<br />
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I remember a scene from the movie, "Marty," where one of the old Italian sisters laments to the the other about her son moving out. She asks her, "What are you gonna do when Marty gets married? What are you gonna do? You have nobody to cook for, nobody to clean for. It's a terrible life, I tell you." A bit overdramatic, but I'm sure many a mom has felt that way. We always know this day is coming and somehow we are never totally prepared for it. We can still be mothers, but from a distance. <br />
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My older daughter moved out three and a half years ago. I had a half-empty nest. That wasn't so bad. In fact, I found my own little ways to keep mothering without interfering. Every week, before I go food shopping, I always asks if she needs anything from the store. If I see items she uses or likes on sale, I'll pick them up and drop them off or wait till she visits to give them to her. If I cook something I know she enjoys, I'll make extra for her and deliver it. Today I am making her some egg salad that she can eat for breakfast this week. Little things like that make me feel like I am still doing something useful. I'll probably do the same for my younger daughter. Once a mom, always a mom.<br />
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In a couple of months my first grandchild will arrive. It's a baby girl. She's coming at the perfect time in my life and I know she will be the love of my life . . . of all our lives. I can't wait for her to get here and so I can relive all the moments and things I shared with my girls. I think I'll make a wonderful grandma and spoil her with just the right amount of indulgences. I am looking forward to watching my daughter as she raises her own daughter. I am curious to see her mothering style and how it might be similar and different than mine. I'll be ready with advice, if she needs it. My little empty nest may start to fill up with grandchildren, and I will love them all and look forward to their visits.<br />
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But today I miss being a mom. I miss the days when my girls were growing up. Every stage they went through was wonderful. We made the most of our time together. I treasure every moment of raising my girls and I always will.<br />
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-74374905208393887622019-03-31T18:17:00.001-04:002019-03-31T18:17:14.950-04:00A Baby Shower . . . Adding a Nut to the Family TreeMy daughter and son in law announced they were pregnant with a little girl three months ago, on Thanksgiving, 2018. He handed us a little box to make this announcement and inside we found this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Rn7PRRh6GM5f9M7A-jTQq6JtdLPp8R6CBNxf9qgbyGJEhO4oMr9PUGWqQLwvGhPTsVxDz4CpcoFqljb4uvuH2__iLYn24kRcX2b8Uefgr76Ca7c203sJiThlT_b3kn4upH8HzM0_NIJ/s1600/Baby+Announcement+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Rn7PRRh6GM5f9M7A-jTQq6JtdLPp8R6CBNxf9qgbyGJEhO4oMr9PUGWqQLwvGhPTsVxDz4CpcoFqljb4uvuH2__iLYn24kRcX2b8Uefgr76Ca7c203sJiThlT_b3kn4upH8HzM0_NIJ/s400/Baby+Announcement+2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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And that little announcement is what inspired the theme for the baby shower I am planning: A Family Tree. After searching online for ideas on what I could do, I basically came up empty. The bad news is there weren't many people who went this route and, if they did, they didn't post pictures. The good news is this would be a fairly original and personal idea for a shower. Now the brain storming begins!</div>
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First I needed to find an invitation that would kick off the theme. I managed to find one that was perfect. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPljhMnpDIez9fCkyBco1XP87kVdf4kQn2EqWFRL9EJlkgzJEG7qp6Jq3nMN7eDaZdd4nPPDcdWOvkJX25NxwCLLpK1oMWdDjR_-Jpdgmka4CsArj8P_ngp-0Suh_1aSfjQ049NJobBCPm/s1600/Snip20190227_14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="377" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPljhMnpDIez9fCkyBco1XP87kVdf4kQn2EqWFRL9EJlkgzJEG7qp6Jq3nMN7eDaZdd4nPPDcdWOvkJX25NxwCLLpK1oMWdDjR_-Jpdgmka4CsArj8P_ngp-0Suh_1aSfjQ049NJobBCPm/s200/Snip20190227_14.png" width="153" /></a></div>
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My online search also lead me to "diaper cakes." A cake made out of diapers and decorated to suit the theme of the shower. Of course there were no Family Tree cakes online. So I thought about it for a few days. I decided to print out little triangular cards and type baby traditions from each of the five countries the baby's great-grandparents came from on each one. My plan was for them to be a banner that encircles each layer of the cake, but new born diapers are too small, so I improvised. I also made little flags from the five countries to put on top of the cake. Now I need to fill in the cake with some colorful items. The baby registry already had hats, mittens, and socks etc. However, there were no baby toys on the registry. I bought a nice set of rattles and teething rings and got to work. These were also a little too big for newborn diapers, but with a little ribbon I managed to get them on. Here is the end result.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyy5uU2Wrijek7W8X6_KI9WiEnJ6IgBH7Jyg-xs8Nb6Rl7xxPowPjDV-A7PJTMt-rmGtx-kCZmbYZNNzuY7nwTzqDb_EIlw8P3Xr-7ktapaOWSl2Udm6-vM4rjfwwM68pi_7_0Vv-hW6l/s1600/Diaper+Cake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyy5uU2Wrijek7W8X6_KI9WiEnJ6IgBH7Jyg-xs8Nb6Rl7xxPowPjDV-A7PJTMt-rmGtx-kCZmbYZNNzuY7nwTzqDb_EIlw8P3Xr-7ktapaOWSl2Udm6-vM4rjfwwM68pi_7_0Vv-hW6l/s400/Diaper+Cake+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am pretty happy the way it turned out. </div>
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My next idea was to create some work of art, maybe for the nursery. I came up with an idea of a family tree collage made from the maps of each of the five countries. Of course, the problem was finding a cheap enough atlas to cut up, and there would be no room for mistakes. So instead of buying maps, I decided to print them because not only was it cheaper, but I could make them different sizes and if I cut something wrong I would be able to print another. I printed my first set of maps and they were too small. I printed my second set and they were too big. And, like Goldilocks, I finally found the perfect size! I sprayed them lightly with hair spray to "set" the ink so it wouldn't smear when using Mod Podge over them. I got myself a nice 16x20 canvas and some scissors and went to work. This was the end result:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLzpb5w9kMRypQsCC0BKtb818cnDC3MxTtHxtEsS_h83Z6rHq_alq9Pz7luvD0c9r85-94BeikrYsz_CJYivnHBE-T_SJVjQZTmnh8dBrDLe_WoCpH30Y3ngWlloSXqgETkVg42Jk7vLv/s1600/Family+tree+collage+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLzpb5w9kMRypQsCC0BKtb818cnDC3MxTtHxtEsS_h83Z6rHq_alq9Pz7luvD0c9r85-94BeikrYsz_CJYivnHBE-T_SJVjQZTmnh8dBrDLe_WoCpH30Y3ngWlloSXqgETkVg42Jk7vLv/s400/Family+tree+collage+1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The top five large limbs represent the countries of the baby's ancestors and great-grandparents. The trunk is made up of the places where current family members live. The little heart in the center represents the baby. The little "plaque" at the bottom reads: "Family: like branches on a tree we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." I hope they like this tree and hang it in the baby's nursery.</div>
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Now I was on a roll. I had another idea that I wish I had thought of when my children were born. I decided to ask all close family members to write a personal, handwritten note to the baby. It could be any length about anything. It could be how they feel about the baby coming, words of advice or stories. I told them I would put all these letters and notes in a special box for the parents to take home, read and then save for some future date to give to their daughter when she was ready. A time capsule of sorts for her college graduation, her wedding or when she was having her first child. Imagine opening a box with letters from your great grandparents and grandparents and other relatives that were written to you 20 or 30 years ago? I hope my daughter and her husband will add their letters to the box before she is born.</div>
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Favors next. What could I give out that would tie all these ideas together? A little online search lead me to olive tree seedlings! Olives are an Italian favorite and the tree itself is fitting for the theme. I thought it would be an especially cute idea that the trees would be the same "age" as the baby, and if any one of them survived, they would be growing, along with her, for years to come. I will order these in a couple weeks as instructed by the seller. They will be sent out just before the shower. I made little tags of my own to hang on each on with the same quote that is on the family tree collage. Here it is:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzzTbxT6mgXGlgGQpxN-9VFmsYh5O3dzU8GIhMCnIAI5kf6gQdmujHHcQ_4itqAeohSKESBAq73LlTLhPGGBc7qZ6hzQMMKtbOhLMmkxXTGB7DjDqFIzS0MGzh_xbEV-KjMIlUk5qP5KU/s1600/Tree+gift+tag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="216" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzzTbxT6mgXGlgGQpxN-9VFmsYh5O3dzU8GIhMCnIAI5kf6gQdmujHHcQ_4itqAeohSKESBAq73LlTLhPGGBc7qZ6hzQMMKtbOhLMmkxXTGB7DjDqFIzS0MGzh_xbEV-KjMIlUk5qP5KU/s400/Tree+gift+tag.png" width="324" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbkPyjfeC7i4vHHD11pxUeyKcnU8LgqjJwPo_RdQLioANG_-NzyDtFfDbE0HEqBrBgCpOPDfjD_Ym9BRp0Te8YmCCv4QB7pe07qWKkmQIzG92hbJe5JdWYzrd2O_ADIkZf2LyBtRqdybc/s1600/Snip20190227_15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="497" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbkPyjfeC7i4vHHD11pxUeyKcnU8LgqjJwPo_RdQLioANG_-NzyDtFfDbE0HEqBrBgCpOPDfjD_Ym9BRp0Te8YmCCv4QB7pe07qWKkmQIzG92hbJe5JdWYzrd2O_ADIkZf2LyBtRqdybc/s320/Snip20190227_15.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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My daughter's mother in law also picked up some wonderful favors to represent her son's side of the family, the Filipino side. She found some beautiful tea light favors made from capriz shells that are made in the Philippines. That was the perfect touch to our family tree theme. Here is what they looked like:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKExb7sA28BZIMNOdiIKBeOdnQRA7Zu1cJrZP3vCts1sTM5WlZ2wOm99DqDt1xeRA_s-oziaD6o83UWcd6BXh7s10YLvkGdUAcZtqWgczDC_4iaDBo1Al740f_C9xlhykcvwrJAt-YJSZk/s1600/Snip20190331_6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="422" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKExb7sA28BZIMNOdiIKBeOdnQRA7Zu1cJrZP3vCts1sTM5WlZ2wOm99DqDt1xeRA_s-oziaD6o83UWcd6BXh7s10YLvkGdUAcZtqWgczDC_4iaDBo1Al740f_C9xlhykcvwrJAt-YJSZk/s320/Snip20190331_6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's left? The gifts, that's what. I have a nice stash of crochet items that I need to take out, get photos and wrap. I found a couple of children's books for the baby that tie in with the theme. One book is Filipino bedtime stories for her dad's side of the family. The other book is about an Italian man who comes to America from Italy, with a shovel, and works very hard (like my dad). </div>
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My husband and I also decided to give them a "certificate" for a year's worth of baby diapers. I know that will be a big help and it's very practical. Did you know babies can go through about 3,000 diapers in their first year? Oy vey. We are also planning to set up a nice little college fund for the baby later in the year, because we all know how expensive that can be. We want our granddaughter to get off to a good start.</div>
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Two weeks before the shower and I decided to do a couple of little quilled cards. I made this one to go with a box full of crocheted blankets and sweaters that I made about two years ago. Here it is:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExCKRatU55QvBpmCJ6NXAcvHUwVZ2uzHq25u6YB5O-xg5QFluUoLjVJAWXAiLe-50NABioThnpTkMDVaBf7wWlU6AmXIhqnaCYx6uZnRkzcp6aJOEqS5GA5Z5YgwOzB-D0l5fit8kgc8-/s1600/Baby+shower+card+crochet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExCKRatU55QvBpmCJ6NXAcvHUwVZ2uzHq25u6YB5O-xg5QFluUoLjVJAWXAiLe-50NABioThnpTkMDVaBf7wWlU6AmXIhqnaCYx6uZnRkzcp6aJOEqS5GA5Z5YgwOzB-D0l5fit8kgc8-/s400/Baby+shower+card+crochet.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this one I made for my younger daughter to give because</div>
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she got the baby a stroller and car seat . . . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xcwzNx3g6fElJ2CBXw1tlMORz_POJ2gjYYgx-wdbljBQmDyB-PLuPo6Z2kMARMMuLQ8Ei1cx0v2DHixNlo0NO9Fwqxy1xtcL8fg_WIdIbhyDfrrR1rCKr9HujJyvo5-7PSPlvAbVUVpB/s1600/Baby+Shower+quill+Lauren.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xcwzNx3g6fElJ2CBXw1tlMORz_POJ2gjYYgx-wdbljBQmDyB-PLuPo6Z2kMARMMuLQ8Ei1cx0v2DHixNlo0NO9Fwqxy1xtcL8fg_WIdIbhyDfrrR1rCKr9HujJyvo5-7PSPlvAbVUVpB/s400/Baby+Shower+quill+Lauren.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And today is the shower, March 31st, 2019. The last piece of the party has now been picked up and I love the way it turned out. Ladies and gentlemen . . . I present you the cake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIPATQy8BZCaOuftQnHzLzHnIetmdo0zbog3-QVyVp5tWMf-SZzJIowoLmSwfGPmGDGv2y7VH9CLG5-oE82L1cKRf6aPFs4T0igFEFLw5VHLB6k9i-OWuW4pbmPdpGxp0uXp-jHONnIDu/s1600/Baby+shower+cake+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIPATQy8BZCaOuftQnHzLzHnIetmdo0zbog3-QVyVp5tWMf-SZzJIowoLmSwfGPmGDGv2y7VH9CLG5-oE82L1cKRf6aPFs4T0igFEFLw5VHLB6k9i-OWuW4pbmPdpGxp0uXp-jHONnIDu/s640/Baby+shower+cake+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The cake turned out better than I imagined and I was thrilled when I picked it up.</div>
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Everyone at the restaurant was very attentive to our needs, the food was very good and we had our own private room so we could mingle and chat between meals, opening gifts and dessert. </div>
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It really was a very special day and lots of warm memories were made for us all to treasure.</div>
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-44218283653639059672019-01-27T08:54:00.001-05:002019-01-27T08:54:58.526-05:00Being A Grandma and a Million Little Lies . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1eb_f4sGaKbjM1vD1UCIOUxIqPcLoYVXZcNGhs8xAmTskyeBhvAFFngj2J-yav1_zJb9KqSOxAwNZyxhYXLXGmi27FLdhPKE9a06HWPto2ORQD89NKd0K-yOj_cwt1f5tHSMks7IF5Xb/s1600/Crochet+Christmas+2018-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1eb_f4sGaKbjM1vD1UCIOUxIqPcLoYVXZcNGhs8xAmTskyeBhvAFFngj2J-yav1_zJb9KqSOxAwNZyxhYXLXGmi27FLdhPKE9a06HWPto2ORQD89NKd0K-yOj_cwt1f5tHSMks7IF5Xb/s640/Crochet+Christmas+2018-18.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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When my older daughter got married in July, 2016, I started thinking one day soon I will be a grandmother. Of course they needed time to settle into their new lives and they wanted to buy a house, so that took a little time. And somehow, I had it pictured in my head, that when the time came, and my daughter found out she was pregnant, that I would be the third to know (you know, like right after she told her husband the little stick was pink). But, life and my daughter are unpredictable. I finally did get to find out I was going to be a grandma after a million little lies.<br />
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Let me take you back a little bit first. In September, 2017, my daughter and husband bought their first home. So, the baby was the next step and she told me she was thinking of starting a family in the fall of 2018, maybe October. However, they took a trip to Mexico in May, 2018 and because of the outbreak of the Zika virus in the past, the CDC recommended waiting 6 months after a couple's return before trying to start a family. This was a little disappointing, but just delayed the process for two months to December, 2018. Fine. Now, in October, 2018 something made me go check the CDC website and I learned that the wait time had been changed from 6 months to three months. I promptly sent the link to try daughter telling her she didn't need to wait. She replied "oh really." Lie number one, she already knew this in August and didn't share this information with me (and, as it turns out she was already pregnant). Also in October she comes down with some kind of bug and has a fever. She asks my husband and I to take her to urgent care. I ask her if she wants me to come in with her, she says no. Another lie of omission because she had to tell the doctor she was pregnant so he would know what to prescribe and didn't want me in there. We leave the office and she says she has a prescription for antibiotic called into the pharmacy. I offer to go get it as soon as we drop her off home. She says no, she just wants to rest and her husband will get it after work (more lies). Turns out she never took the prescription and I don't even know if there was a prescription.<br />
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I speak to my daughter almost every day after work, it's the only time I get to hear her voice. Too often she doesn't sound right and I am worrying. I keep asking what's the matter, and she says she is tired or has a headache. I tell her how can you have a baby when you feel so lousy? Again, no mention she is pregnant, more lies of omission. I am worrying myself to death every day wondering what's wrong. Now before you judge me for being clueless, let me just say that my daughter has always been very honest with me. I had no reason to doubt anything she was telling me or leaving out. I took her at her word. I never thought she would keep this news from me, and yet she did.<br />
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Ok so things are moving along day after day, week after week. Tired and headaches and going to bed early. Yet, the few times I do see her she looks good. In November we start talking about Christmas trees and ornaments. They never got a real tree, but all of a sudden my daughter is enthused about her first tree and and getting excited. Yes, I am still clueless. I take her shopping for ornaments one day and then bring her home, helping her with the packages. My son in law comes over to say hi and I ask him, is she okay? She is always tired, it's not right. That job is killing her. He glances over to my daughter, she gives him a coy look, and he tells me she is fine. More lies from the co-conspirator. <br />
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Thanksgiving is around the corner and we are planning to have dinner at my cousin's house. A nice big family celebration with all 12 of us around the table. My daughter asks for water and my son in law jumps out of his chair like his pants are on fire to get her water. I give her a nod and ask what got into him that he ran for that water? At the same time I am glad he is taking good care of her because she tends to get dehydrated easily. The food is set out on the table, way too much for even 12 people to eat. We are having nice conversation and suddenly my son in law leaves the table. I think nothing of it, maybe he has to use the restroom. He comes back and in his hand he has this little box. He hands it to me and my husband, telling us it's an early Christmas present. I am stunned. In all my life I don't think I have ever gotten an early Christmas present and this box is lighter than a feather. This is what was inside:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o9Qu8-YbY5l3Tp5Z7kr1-T2-BQnpHGoVxQdXiqZb9Gonf_pDcZwV1vC7at52PpC7z0LkexZIij3eOBq81jaIHvZJEm5Jf3WZB7c9_OYhm_4CKCep6q0AQ0XTFNoGeq85xBHwFipVxhg9/s1600/Baby+Announcement+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o9Qu8-YbY5l3Tp5Z7kr1-T2-BQnpHGoVxQdXiqZb9Gonf_pDcZwV1vC7at52PpC7z0LkexZIij3eOBq81jaIHvZJEm5Jf3WZB7c9_OYhm_4CKCep6q0AQ0XTFNoGeq85xBHwFipVxhg9/s400/Baby+Announcement+2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I read it and look at them. I am in shock. I wasn't expecting this at all. And then it hits me. A Million Little Lies. It all starts to make sense. The pieces of the puzzle fall together, but not all at once. First this lie, then that lie. Then she reminds me of a few lies. I feel like I am in a dream or even on a sitcom. Now I realize that my honest daughter has become an expert liar and I can never believe her again. She is too good at it. When I come back to reality, I ask do you know if it's a boy or girl? They say yes, it's a girl. A girl! I have to let that sink in. While I am doing that, my brother and my cousin are running to go get cards and whatever to give them for the announcement. I have nothing to give. I am not home where I have a big stash of stuff. Stuff I bought. Stuff I crocheted two years ago and saved. I have stuff, but not with me. Sigh. I was so not prepared for this announcement, but it was the best Thanksgiving ever!<br />
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Now for part two. When can I announce this baby news? Well I'll give you the short version. The kids were telling my son in law's family the day after Thanksgiving. So I thought, great! I'll be able to spill the beans tomorrow. Nope. They wanted me to wait till Christmas when his grandparents were coming for the holidays and they could tell them in person. Okay. After Christmas I can make my announcement. <i>Meanwhile, between Christmas and New Year's, my younger daughter gets engaged. She and her fiancé wanted me to wait to announce that, but just a couple of days (Thank you, Jesus). </i>So, after they tell the grandparents I ask, when can I make my announcement. Answer, not until January, 22nd because they have a 3D sonogram and that will tell then everything about the baby. Okay fine, what's another 3 weeks, right? As it gets closer to the 22nd, I am getting antsy. My daughter says, "Well maybe not the 22nd because I might not get the results that day." There is a moment of silence. Then I say, "Well at this rate do you think I can announce it when she starts kindergarten or do I have to wait till she goes to college?" And then I calm down. It's their baby. They get to do it their way. And finally, on January 23rd, my son in law posts and gives me the ok (cause I still asked permission first). And that's where we are today . . . a million little lies later.<br />
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I am going to be a grandma to a baby girl. I think it is finally sinking in.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-40592497390657538312018-12-06T08:09:00.002-05:002018-12-06T08:09:50.038-05:00Theresa Caputo Live . . . The Long Island Medium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPErJJ76EoufoCOd0zP7PV60DazwJ6spFoxDNtzMiN_DtWGoAlNMOs09cFTOItrCOkqCJv0K2nJeuAAYl0jr9p5OeGbilaagjhN1hmd_MrKIPQ9pgfWbKvFTmDydVi821AujQi_Eqt585p/s1600/Caputo+ticket+Newport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPErJJ76EoufoCOd0zP7PV60DazwJ6spFoxDNtzMiN_DtWGoAlNMOs09cFTOItrCOkqCJv0K2nJeuAAYl0jr9p5OeGbilaagjhN1hmd_MrKIPQ9pgfWbKvFTmDydVi821AujQi_Eqt585p/s400/Caputo+ticket+Newport.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Birthday Present</div>
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Last night my husband and I went to see Theresa Caputo Live. Thanks to rush hour traffic, it took two hours to get there and about 15 minutes to find parking. I allowed three and a half hours to make the trip and have dinner, so we left at 4 PM, got there at 6 PM, parked, had burgers at a very nice place across the street from the theater and checked in at 7 PM, a good half hour before the show. We were exhausted.</div>
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The Paramount venue holds about one thousand people and the show was sold out. Theresa did not come on until 7:45 PM. I have to say she is looking damn good. The first thing she does is rattle off how she has been talking to the dead since age 4 and how she didn't embrace her gift until later on in life. She wanted to clear up a few things that people post on the internet about her which seemed to make her annoyed. She says that she does not charge those very high rates for personal readings and, in fact, has never raised her fee in the 7 years she has been doing them. The fee for a personal reading is $175 and for a group, $50 per person. She says she does not take the money, but rather, her clients write checks to two charities and it goes directly to them (one being meals on wheels). I'm not sure if I believe this or not. Maybe the people whose readings are used on the show may pay $175, but there have been many reports of her charging a lot more. Who knows? The other thing that had her a little peeved was that people on the internet keep saying she googles information on people in the audience for her readings. She just acted like that was ridiculous and dismissed it. She explains how the departed are always with us if they are in peace, and they see things through our eyes. She says we will get signs or feelings to let us know they are around. We may see a shadow or a glimpse of them or smell perfume, cologne or smoke telling us they are there with us at that moment. The last thing that irked her about the internet is they say she is 52 when she is only 51, everyone laughs. Then she tells us how she communicates with the spirits through signs and symbols that she interprets. Here is where she does some damage control. I have read that people who have seen her live complain that she gets a lot of details wrong when she does readings. Now, in order to rectify this issue, she explains to us that the spirits send her signs and symbols that she interprets from "her life experience," but that the person she is telling needs to frame it in their own personal context. For example, she tells one woman he always brought you red roses for your birthday correct? The woman, who is crying, says yes he always bought red roses for Valentine's day. She tells another guy your grandmother left you something lacy. He seems confused. She suggests maybe a dress or tablecloth. After a few seconds he says she left him a lacy Christmas tree skirt. She says, perfect, all I care about is she is dead and left you something lacy. This new explanation cuts down the number of "mistakes" she makes in the details.</div>
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Theresa went around the whole venue, targeting certain people in every section. She would call out things like anyone connect with twins where one died? A few people near me shouted out, but she zeroed on this one man and spent time with him. His wife was a twin and she died. Then she calls out who has the father who died? I'm thinking at least half the people in here have a father who died, but somehow she is drawn to two young women sitting a distance apart in the front and asks them to stand up. She goes back and forth between the two, as both fathers seem to be communicating to her at the same time. Then one woman was getting a better reading so she spent most of the time on her. She did make her way up to where I was sitting and, for a moment, I thought I was going to get lucky, but no. A woman in the row behind me and just a couple of seats away was her next subject. Her daughter had died ten years ago in an accident, but a big piece of the puzzle, as to how and why it happened, is still missing and haunts her. Theresa tells her and you go back to that spot and try to figure out what happened, like a reenactment? The woman nods. She asks if she has a piece of jewelry of her daughter's . . . a necklace? The woman says I have a bracelet. Theresa asks how do you connect with the number three and hearts. The woman gasps, the bracelet has three hearts. I think she read about 12 people altogether last night in every section of the venue so everyone gets to see her up close. A video camera follows her around so she is up on the big screen in front when she is out of view. I think that was very nice. She is very entertaining and funny. In fact, watching her is exactly like watching her television show.</div>
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My impression of Theresa's performance last night was she got a lot of things right for a lot of people. How she did that, I can't be sure. I would personally love to believe she can communicate with the dead. Even at a live show, I find myself skeptical and even leaning towards not believing. The people she targeted or zeroed in on shed some real genuine tears and were very emotional. If they were planted in the audience they would have to be actors to break down like that and have it be believable. However, there were times people were shouting out to her when she mentioned a particular type of passing, and she would tell them no, spirit is telling her to stay in this spot or that spot until she finds the person they want to communicate with. She wants us to believe the spirit is taking her over to the location of their loved one. Could be. Or maybe, under all that hair, she has an earpiece and gets messages from her staff about the location of certain guests who they were able to discover some information about from the names and addresses on the tickets. I got my tickets in August, I'm sure many got them early enough for someone to do a social media search and come up with information. If I were a fake medium I would make sure to have one person researched in every section and they make it appear they were randomly called on. I guess for me to really believe I would need a private reading under an assumed name, so I knew she could not have me checked out ahead of time. Then, if she presented me with some information that was true, and that she had no way of knowing, I could be swayed into being a believer. As you all know, I have this blog and my whole life is on it. Using my real name would be a waste of time since she would have all this information at her fingertips. Still, I think I would definitely go to her for a reading at $175 just for the fun of it.</div>
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I think Theresa is more of an entertainer in my eyes, than a medium. There are many people who don't believe in her gift, who feel she is scamming vulnerable people into thinking they are hearing from loved ones. I, on the other hand, don't see the harm in what she is doing. I have seen people walk away who have found some measure of peace and a way to move past the grieving and get on with their lives. One woman in the audience said after her father died she stopped celebrating everything. Now maybe she will put up a tree in honor of her father who loved the holidays. So how can you put a price on peace? If it makes people feel better and brings them closure, who cares if she is for real or not? I don't see a problem with it. It's way cheaper than seeing a therapist for years, if in fact she only charges $175. It's too bad that she is so busy there are only a very limited number of readings she has time to do, and most of those have to be for her show. An hour show is hard to fill up. Also, if what I hear from the internet is correct, the waiting list for a reading can be two or more years and she is only one person. </div>
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At the end of the day it's up to each individual to decide if they believe in her gift or not. Some people really need to believe so they can get answers they are desperately seeking. For them, having a heavy burden of guilt or regret taken off their shoulders would be a tremendous relief. For others, like me, I'm very skeptical and find it entertaining and actually beneficial to many people. What do you think?</div>
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-9991357495635504842018-10-30T09:47:00.003-04:002018-10-30T09:48:31.443-04:00Reconnecting With My Dad's Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmB8N3wfJRXHxDCKO6u_ABrK_IE3cN_tbwJIhrp5r3pMXjKu4N7ZWlDG4co_RRWh-nG1s6-TSkDjlQEDFJ-8wJq3t0Fqxdwog8mF1YX2gKqAe0WjeFDwFwoJR3xUAnAGKnBm0cH73MNyo/s1600/Dad%2527s+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmB8N3wfJRXHxDCKO6u_ABrK_IE3cN_tbwJIhrp5r3pMXjKu4N7ZWlDG4co_RRWh-nG1s6-TSkDjlQEDFJ-8wJq3t0Fqxdwog8mF1YX2gKqAe0WjeFDwFwoJR3xUAnAGKnBm0cH73MNyo/s400/Dad%2527s+Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>My Dad's Family 1952</b></div>
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(Top: Dad's 3 sisters, my Mom, my Dad, his 2 brothers</div>
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Bottom: My paternal grandparents, my maternal grandmother)</div>
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In the spring of this year I was sitting on my sofa thinking about my father who had passed away 18 years ago. I was feeling sad. While my brother and I had grown up surrounded by my mother's family, we had spent precious little time with any of my father's family. He left his parents and siblings to come to America in 1953. He had an older brother who also came to America in the 1950's, but he settled in California. As I sat there thinking I remembered how my father would write letters to two of his sisters in Sicily and his brother Frank in California. It seemed like every Saturday or Sunday, when I woke up, I would find him sitting at the kitchen table, pen in hand, writing or finishing up the latest letter and getting it ready to put in the mail. My father hated to write, but he never failed to make the effort to stay in touch with his family all the years he was here, up until the year he died in 2000. I was sad to think that after he was gone we lost all contact with his family and now all his siblings were gone too. All that were left were my cousins, but I had no real contact information to reach out to them.<br />
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On May 17th, I found a cousin in Sicily, Giovanni (John), on Facebook and reached out to him with a short message. He was happy to hear from me and suggested we arrange to talk via an app called "What's Up" so we could speak and see each other at the same time. My daughter helped to arrange for a call and we did end up talking for a bit. Unfortunately, my Italian was more than a little rusty and, although my cousin was fluent in French, I had also forgotten much of the French I studied over the years. Communicating was difficult. I was grasping for words while my daughter tried to help me by using and online translator to facilitate the conversation. It wasn't a very long call, but we made contact and it gave me some peace knowing my dad would be very happy to know I made the attempt.<br />
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In our exchanges, I explained to Giovanni that I was reaching out to him because we lost contact with everyone only dad's side and that my daughter was working on a family tree. He was more than happy to help and started sending my daughter pictures of his family. Then he sent her a series of school pictures of both my daughters taken in elementary school over the years. It brought tears to my eyes to see that he was holding on to pictures of my children that my father had sent to his mother. It reminded me of how my father was always asking me for pictures of the girls to send to his sisters. Then he sent a photo of one of the letters my father had written to his mother near the end of his life. It was Christmas of 1999 I think. He wrote how he was coming to my house for the holiday to watch the girls open their gifts and have dinner. Then he told them that the doctors said he was doing well, but they want to keep seeing him every three months. I know he didn't want to worry them about his illness and I don't even know if he knew how serious things were getting. That was his last Christmas with us and seeing that letter made me happy to know he was looking forward to being with us and his granddaughters, who he loved more than anything.<br />
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I had planned to try to find my cousin, John, in California, but I couldn't locate him on Facebook. It weighed on my mind. Then one day, on October 5th, while I was busy changing my email address, I get an email to my old address. I recognize the email address as that of my cousin, John, but at first I was leery thinking it was some kind of scam or phishing hack. I bit the bullet and opened the email. Sure enough it was my cousin looking to reconnect with me. Was are the odds of that? It had been so many years since I last saw him. We figured out it may have been back in 1994 when he was here on a business trip and visited us for a few hours. After exchanging a few emails we decided to arrange phone call where we could chat easily and catch up a little bit. He and his sister, Nina, and me and my brother, were all on speaker phone for a nice conversation. Since we all spoke English, this conversation was a little easier all around. All I could think of was maybe our fathers or God had a hand in arranging this connection which had come totally out of the blue and was very unexpected.<br />
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Hopefully, I will be able to keep in touch with my cousins and we will have more conversations. They are the only links I have with my Dad's family. I have to say that what struck me was that although we spent very little time with each other in our lifetimes, the family bond and closeness was there as though we had.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-81385292998012133612018-08-19T11:51:00.002-04:002018-08-20T12:38:01.546-04:00When I'm Sixty-Four . . . or, The Newport, R.I. Vacation<br />
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<b>Here we are at the Cliff Walk</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #351c75;">I'm not really sure what kind of blog I want to write about on this subject. The fact is my older daughter planned this family trip to Newport, R.I. and it coincided with my 64th birthday and her current obsession with The Beatles. There were six of us on the trip and most of us had never been there. I could write about all the things we did while we were there, but you could read about that on TripAdvisor, the AAA website or Rhode Island's Tourist page, if you are interested. Suffice to say we hit all the main attractions in 6 days: The Vanderbilt Mansions, The 3.5 mile Cliff Walk, the historic district and museum, Washington Square, Bowen and Bannister wharfs, the beach and golf course and many delicious restaurants. I don't want to write about all that. We could have been anywhere for what I want to share, Newport was just a backdrop, albeit a very pretty and enjoyable one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-kerning: none;">The past couple of years our girls have been pretty busy living their lives (as it should be), but that doesn't stop me from missing them, from thinking about them, from wanting to do things with and for them. It reminds me of a scene from the movie "Marty," starring Ernest Borgnine, when his aunt Catherine was lamenting to her sister that she had no one to care for any more. </span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">"</span>These are the worst years, I tell you. It's going to happen to you. . . I've got strength in my hands. I want to clean. I want to cook. I want to make dinner for my children. Am I an old dog to lay near the fire till my eyes close? These are terrible years, Theresa, terrible years... It's gonna happen to you. It's gonna happen to you! What are you gonna do if Marty gets married? Huh? What are you gonna cook? Where's all the children playing in all the rooms? Where's the noise? . . . What are you gonna do if Marty gets married? What are you gonna do?" </span></i></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Maybe that's a bit dramatic? But I'm sure many empty nest moms all over the world feel a little blue from time to time after their babies leave home. </span><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_zB3YeZ_nzTG6Wx21xpegkr8q7I0VZsGxVd9Yl_s2_fqsEA-sHMyO3BP6fIidDxJ3Jd_Xa-Sk8Skp2SQi3wA5xew134jTvivfkX9Py014sazeyIGSIHAZdecxwxEpbf0X7yVZ1m1umNC/s1600/Newport+7+Me+and+Melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_zB3YeZ_nzTG6Wx21xpegkr8q7I0VZsGxVd9Yl_s2_fqsEA-sHMyO3BP6fIidDxJ3Jd_Xa-Sk8Skp2SQi3wA5xew134jTvivfkX9Py014sazeyIGSIHAZdecxwxEpbf0X7yVZ1m1umNC/s400/Newport+7+Me+and+Melissa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #351c75; white-space: pre-wrap;">When my daughter suggested we take this trip to Newport I was excited to go. When the girls were growing up, we made sure to take a family vacation every year to make memories and spend quality, family time together. I wasn't sure we would have any more of those times with them. They have a lifetime of adventures and experiences ahead of them now. But planning this trip, and including me and my husband, was a wonderful gift that I will never forget.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We started out on Saturday morning, August 11th. My </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">husband and I rode with my older daughter and our son in law. My husband must have been in his glory because this four and half hour trip was filled with Beatle music the entire way. Of course, "When I'm Sixty-Four" managed to get played a time or two, and set the theme for the trip, as I was turning 64 this week. My husband shared Beatle trivia with my daughter and she told him about things she had read or heard concerning Beatle history. I just sat there taking it all in. We eventually arrived at our destination, an Air B&B beach house we rented. After unloading the car it was pretty late in the afternoon so we looked for a place to eat and plan activities for the next day mostly based on the weather forecast. </span></span></span><br />
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<b>Bowen's Wharf</b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #351c75; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were a few times we walked along the wharf areas and visited the little shops. I always loved looking at souvenirs in different cities. Every vacation I'd buy a Christmas ornament from one of the shops to hang on the tree. Over the years our tree has become filled with them and the memories each one holds. This vacation was special to me, so I needed to get an ornament to add to my collection. My girls and their guys walked ahead of us, hand in hand, down the streets, in front of my husband and I. Suddenly I remember some old photos I took of the girls when they were two or three years old, walking hand in hand with their father in front of me. Now it's someone else's hand they hold. And that's how it should be.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAifPj6RKFQkgmUR_CBC06ZlESnnHJE8aIuz9qF_QbAwZlnYMUZefU27VDCe-xmU1jdQ6VN-qlpCE1EjrYfPshz5HSQmKPKs-WoSn9bAzKSeB_qRSs95F0pOx2iIzXvFO8tmsyF4V-CBbg/s1600/Cliff+Walk+rocks+New+Port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="629" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAifPj6RKFQkgmUR_CBC06ZlESnnHJE8aIuz9qF_QbAwZlnYMUZefU27VDCe-xmU1jdQ6VN-qlpCE1EjrYfPshz5HSQmKPKs-WoSn9bAzKSeB_qRSs95F0pOx2iIzXvFO8tmsyF4V-CBbg/s400/Cliff+Walk+rocks+New+Port.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>The rough part of the Cliff Walk</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was nice seeing all the sites Newport has to offer. The thing I am most proud of is walking on one of the rough, rocky parts of the Cliff Walk. I don't think I could have done it if my son in law hadn't been holding my hand and guiding me every step of the way. But, I knew I would slow them down if I continued to try and make my way along the rest of the rocky walk after that point, which was probably another 2 miles at least. My husband and I got off at that exit and walked about a mile and a half or so down the streets to the end of the walk to wait for them. I'd rather be safe than sorry. If I took a fall I would have ruined the trip for everyone. Still, I think I did a good job keeping up with the kids all week considering they are all less than half my age</span></span></span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">(my husband is in better shape, so I don't give him as much credit)</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I enjoyed our meals together. We all sat around the table sharing stories and memories, laughing, feeling relaxed. We had real quality time together, without the internet and the news to stress over. It's been a while since we have been able to do that. We had a couple of BBQ's at the house we rented. The boys went shopping for the groceries and prepared those meals. My son in law bought crab legs and cracked them open for us. He was very skilled at that. I think I enjoyed those meals more than most of the restaurants we ate at.</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEWMYHnSg5hwPONTefyck5Bhyxk1ZAFoFl1RgmmPZoN9_BGPkcNZVjckCVJIsYuGfJ-EdcwJVJfzL07h7vB3gV18HrazLyuzLYLFf7xYkkfcKRsClxXQoNJ-zUcSy3wRaw8O1KIy_NgD7/s1600/Newport+10+Melissa+and+Lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEWMYHnSg5hwPONTefyck5Bhyxk1ZAFoFl1RgmmPZoN9_BGPkcNZVjckCVJIsYuGfJ-EdcwJVJfzL07h7vB3gV18HrazLyuzLYLFf7xYkkfcKRsClxXQoNJ-zUcSy3wRaw8O1KIy_NgD7/s320/Newport+10+Melissa+and+Lauren.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>My girls, my heart.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #351c75; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our last day there the kids had planned a birthday dinner to take me to. We decided to have brunch and an early dinner. The restaurant, Bowen's 22, was a little high end and fancier than the other places we ate at. The food was delicious and the portions large. We needed to walk some of that off so we took a stroll around the wharf, looking at shops, the hundreds of boats in the water, and for last minute purchases. When we got back to the house the girls disappeared for a few minutes. When they reappeared they had a couple gifts in hand. My older daughter and her husband got me a "Fitbit" and a planner so I could record all my steps and do the exercise I am hoping to do. I was holding the planner in it's cellophane wrapper, telling my daughter I almost ordered this one from Amazon. She says to me, I'm not sure if that's the academic planner, I forgot to check. I turn it over and right on the cellophane it says "academic planner." She starts laughing. I ask what is so funny? You want me to open it to be sure? So I do. I open to the pages and tell her "see, it's the academic planner." She starts laughing even more. I ask "what is going on? Am I doing something wrong?" So I say, "look it has tabs and everything, starting with August." She's laughing even more. As I flip through the book there's a colorful piece of paper sticking out, which I am guessing is advertising and I ignore it. More laughing. The more I flip through the book, the harder she is laughing. Then my eye catches a glimpse of the top of this "advertisement." I see the words "tickets" and "Theresa Caputo" on it, The Long Island Medium in Huntington, L.I. I'm like "WHAT??? Are these tickets for real?" I have been telling them over and over the past couple of years that one day I am going to see her for myself. I want to see if she comes across real when you see her show in person. My younger daughter says she happened to have dinner near the venue one day, saw she was going to be there and decided to get me tickets. Then she volunteers that her sister thought it would be a great idea to hide them in the planner for me to find . . . which I almost didn't do. I was really speechless. We all got a great laugh out of it. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip! </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknjwUx6VNWydJmdp72uC-hn1Y4qtotU-jy01vNiO02_t9e_Ur1UWZHlMR8zeN__kP-H5Z_Yk68u7bSiAweuu6qerbo4wcYa-lgt_HHQw_3Bf1H16MH3OPTxW_WodGNXn4nJyf_nLKxVfU/s1600/Newport+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknjwUx6VNWydJmdp72uC-hn1Y4qtotU-jy01vNiO02_t9e_Ur1UWZHlMR8zeN__kP-H5Z_Yk68u7bSiAweuu6qerbo4wcYa-lgt_HHQw_3Bf1H16MH3OPTxW_WodGNXn4nJyf_nLKxVfU/s400/Newport+gifts.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>My gifts.</b></div>
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<b>See the little paper sticking out?</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZCDr8jrIXImlV8B__k4ScsHCvowu5HGZAjiH9pchPB0CgK3irrZBCiAoJvbKPyXQDt3z2N757KVZepTaEk1I9vC3XAekKnNsDCqIfIBiRernsaxZqQ49b1dbxGpBXtybkDwTJXslDjvg/s1600/Caputo+ticket+Newport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZCDr8jrIXImlV8B__k4ScsHCvowu5HGZAjiH9pchPB0CgK3irrZBCiAoJvbKPyXQDt3z2N757KVZepTaEk1I9vC3XAekKnNsDCqIfIBiRernsaxZqQ49b1dbxGpBXtybkDwTJXslDjvg/s320/Caputo+ticket+Newport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The TICKETS</b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-38664524458998169292018-08-05T12:44:00.001-04:002018-08-05T12:44:05.576-04:00Mom's Sewing Basket . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTlHYSTWSo6wtVbTIq1RN2_-F40Ty4u4Yv0AcOq2IPLXybrPyOQfkl2JDZ2bbCKGR1LLf5mnnNylXDCa9MeYcgSsyYwFvNuQpsSRcnFRUzrmuvBARv7hMxN-WIhUKmwM3lA9x8qViXuj0/s1600/Mom%2527s+Sewing+Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTlHYSTWSo6wtVbTIq1RN2_-F40Ty4u4Yv0AcOq2IPLXybrPyOQfkl2JDZ2bbCKGR1LLf5mnnNylXDCa9MeYcgSsyYwFvNuQpsSRcnFRUzrmuvBARv7hMxN-WIhUKmwM3lA9x8qViXuj0/s400/Mom%2527s+Sewing+Basket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we were growing up, my mother had all her sewing supplies in one of those "all butter" cookie tins. She used to darn my father's socks, </span>undershirts<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and underwear every week, after the laundry was done. My mom didn't really like sewing and mending things, but she sure got the most wear out of every item of clothing we owned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As my brother and I got older, we were able to save some money up to buy gifts at Christmas time. One year we managed to find a nice, large sewing basket that we bought for my mom. It had a top tray to organize smaller items and in the lower portion there was plenty of extra </span>storage<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for spools of thread. It was a thoughtful gift and practical. There weren't many things my mother would appreciate. My mother hated things like </span>figurines, which she always referred to as "dust collectors." She wasn't happy when we bought her jewelry because she felt it was too expensive. And don't mention flowers. Flowers were the biggest waste of money because they were only going to die. A practical gift was always a good choice.<br />
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My mom stored lots of things in that sewing basket. There was a Sucrets box filled with straight pins for hemming pants and skirts. She had her nice sharp scissors and a pair of pinking sheers in there. Her little "tomato" pin cushion was always out whenever she did any sewing. She had a couple of packages of assorted darning needles in there too. Why she needed so many I will never know. Maybe after being used too often, needles get dull? And, although she had a couple of thimbles, the only one I ever remember her using was the same little, pink plastic one she wore on her finger for every sewing project. That little, pink thimble was the first thing to come out of the box and the last thing to go back in the tray. When I see that pink thimble, I see my mom.<br />
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That little plastic pink thimble probably cost five cents, if that, when she bought it. Funny how something so small, so old, and of so little worth could be priceless in sentimental value. <br />
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-68861628672235411152018-07-04T12:39:00.000-04:002018-07-04T12:39:09.489-04:00Second Anniversary . . . CottonMy daughter and son in law's second wedding anniversary is around the corner on July 9th. I started looking into what gifts I could make for them very early so I would have the time I needed to get it done. Since the second anniversary traditional gift is cotton, I knew I could make a counted cross stitch project and that would fit the bill nicely. It takes a while to figure out what to do because I have made and bought things for them to hang up and this time I felt I should do something different. They just got their new bedroom set a couple of months ago which gave me the idea of making decorative pillows with an "accent" color that would pop with their gray walls and decor. But, I'm not so sure I can make pillows because I do not sew, so this would be a challenge. So far I started with this picture of them that I wanted to turn into a "caricature" cross stitch. Here is their picture and my interpretation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gvw2hDh4CSWInsfR_UdiZPpkyM1eWAhBFIZELQ-pw7hxX5ddcOwIrdT9zD_MuQ7gwuCBXA6y5WPAI-vz5nJI9EWqSyaJyWM4kIpb176V2sNBT043UOs8yHVbYqvf9RVoQzzuW8q_F1HO/s1600/Snip20180222_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="169" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gvw2hDh4CSWInsfR_UdiZPpkyM1eWAhBFIZELQ-pw7hxX5ddcOwIrdT9zD_MuQ7gwuCBXA6y5WPAI-vz5nJI9EWqSyaJyWM4kIpb176V2sNBT043UOs8yHVbYqvf9RVoQzzuW8q_F1HO/s400/Snip20180222_4.png" width="187" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpFPJlWE7ULeXGvQyN68FnlTddK6Pqe7zFEJbDnCMTqfR3w0ig600hb6_lkuvO1kR2p2puxvNHdgctInAgmb6CDDDltpBzLWxFzuYfHMdR2TfNtXymXBj2cWNhUIkZgBHqOQ5fhlrSGLx/s1600/Melissa+and+Matt+cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpFPJlWE7ULeXGvQyN68FnlTddK6Pqe7zFEJbDnCMTqfR3w0ig600hb6_lkuvO1kR2p2puxvNHdgctInAgmb6CDDDltpBzLWxFzuYfHMdR2TfNtXymXBj2cWNhUIkZgBHqOQ5fhlrSGLx/s400/Melissa+and+Matt+cotton.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I need to add some red to this one to make it pop! Garnet Red is the rich accent color I chose and, if they don't like it, they can just take it out for Valentine's Day and their anniversary! The second pillow needed to have more red, so I chose a heart with two love birds. This is how far I have gotten with that:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGugZZmKvssdMv3JsoEa5bjT_EuVo2Ys3Bg1eFPqCYNPNEyQUfCJfyDXJwGnVnOsdU4VJSlH4FiVCuo0ps8gIyTTqinrovq40XIpkaFptakUUaQ-I6ryzYx1ROmnkDpuc4AnajT2Rt1J9/s1600/2nd+Anniv+Heart+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGugZZmKvssdMv3JsoEa5bjT_EuVo2Ys3Bg1eFPqCYNPNEyQUfCJfyDXJwGnVnOsdU4VJSlH4FiVCuo0ps8gIyTTqinrovq40XIpkaFptakUUaQ-I6ryzYx1ROmnkDpuc4AnajT2Rt1J9/s400/2nd+Anniv+Heart+in+progress.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I also need to get some red and gray material, and pillow forms to complete this project. Then I have to figure out how to center my designs and sew them to the pillow. Hmmmm. It just dawned on me that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. However, I am too deep into it now to turn back.</div>
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Finally, my daughter must have loved the turquoise blanket I made for their first anniversary because she hinted she would like one for her bedroom to throw across the bed. I already bought the yarn, garnet red and light gray, for this project. Here is last year's aran hearts blanket which I will make again in new colors. I hope this year's blanket turns out as nice or better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd2nJrp63erEZLxVFaKABajWJ2QJIOSA4-qg_DCckbns1zTE2tl7jd0sKdELQ4TpobZ7v-p5pNRb_RvqxkyLHIDK1cQ5UFdWwBmxhAE4lrcJqzLKJHJ_H__zW7aci5hRVsqIVqdo0h5yA/s1600/Anniversary+Throw+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd2nJrp63erEZLxVFaKABajWJ2QJIOSA4-qg_DCckbns1zTE2tl7jd0sKdELQ4TpobZ7v-p5pNRb_RvqxkyLHIDK1cQ5UFdWwBmxhAE4lrcJqzLKJHJ_H__zW7aci5hRVsqIVqdo0h5yA/s320/Anniversary+Throw+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First Anniversary throw for living room.</div>
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Fast Forward two months later . . . this is how far I have gotten:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkZEAxtixDDR5g5MPXFy2JMAHINfb8yhsFM98MQE9K67mPkAGe8ZwZwNWUoIq6KOC7IGZyT3nICL_BMLOF_QlcbcBEuFfo9V0mw-GTNblZnGEd0PcK5jgMCMoW2C6HmDcEGMtySVrzDk_/s1600/Second+anniversary+quilling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkZEAxtixDDR5g5MPXFy2JMAHINfb8yhsFM98MQE9K67mPkAGe8ZwZwNWUoIq6KOC7IGZyT3nICL_BMLOF_QlcbcBEuFfo9V0mw-GTNblZnGEd0PcK5jgMCMoW2C6HmDcEGMtySVrzDk_/s400/Second+anniversary+quilling.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A Quilled Card</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguo-7q1LLNNmQLOxu5Qm8jo86jAHOB9bOVlETJ6ndbZ_ILPbOBjEQTOy-3WSq9PuPxJPDu6UElLtE9T42wjCZN1sgyB-PiOyMExj8U_eCtLSLz2G98Sh9kOCo9fVdRJNYvLeCkLBUhxumZ/s1600/Second+aniversary+cross+stitch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguo-7q1LLNNmQLOxu5Qm8jo86jAHOB9bOVlETJ6ndbZ_ILPbOBjEQTOy-3WSq9PuPxJPDu6UElLtE9T42wjCZN1sgyB-PiOyMExj8U_eCtLSLz2G98Sh9kOCo9fVdRJNYvLeCkLBUhxumZ/s400/Second+aniversary+cross+stitch+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0OgHVtGPREUYnA-BLB-I4-wR0NdaFOqLaKWDPxKdIDGqJ_3eniSVUQLD11drpwDRG46rkroY-xRgR9JrL0ZpFuy9mFLCE20EXajuuJwnrFzveKPE95RvYSMJbeyVk7KxRiJ_L_PdFAxE/s1600/Second+anniversary+cross+stitch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0OgHVtGPREUYnA-BLB-I4-wR0NdaFOqLaKWDPxKdIDGqJ_3eniSVUQLD11drpwDRG46rkroY-xRgR9JrL0ZpFuy9mFLCE20EXajuuJwnrFzveKPE95RvYSMJbeyVk7KxRiJ_L_PdFAxE/s400/Second+anniversary+cross+stitch+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two Cross Stitch pictures for the centers of the pillows </div>
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edged in gray double bias tape.</div>
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These are "Cotton" for traditional second anniversary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtO0j2-OaNfyodNHcy7sWB98uvk85gmtbdGcjgvK1O555b0m3geRtZzEQ7G-PGB3-qRRgTJx1yhfQJ5p_dNZYhBYb6Pxsva-0hu806PnK8J5i6QwGiZTKylaMNn8rrKtH9qRB7gA0ZsMA/s1600/Second+anniversary+Heart+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtO0j2-OaNfyodNHcy7sWB98uvk85gmtbdGcjgvK1O555b0m3geRtZzEQ7G-PGB3-qRRgTJx1yhfQJ5p_dNZYhBYb6Pxsva-0hu806PnK8J5i6QwGiZTKylaMNn8rrKtH9qRB7gA0ZsMA/s400/Second+anniversary+Heart+Blanket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<3 A gorgeous Aran Hearts Blanket <3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiGTM5lj5l_ViOfJlxGMaaUCnGVKl-Cu4A5tShUotwyEusIpRXVjsi-2Gb2P42O6CnRuAZ_CGynAs2JbsYJfWPfa5ccpES0CjBj2ohkNbnDES3PDtuSFcfdtdGyR99ivISutdDHkVeRM1/s1600/Second+anniversary+Pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiGTM5lj5l_ViOfJlxGMaaUCnGVKl-Cu4A5tShUotwyEusIpRXVjsi-2Gb2P42O6CnRuAZ_CGynAs2JbsYJfWPfa5ccpES0CjBj2ohkNbnDES3PDtuSFcfdtdGyR99ivISutdDHkVeRM1/s400/Second+anniversary+Pillow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two pillows forms still to be covered in red</div>
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and I do not sew or have a machine!</div>
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I have to watch some youtube videos and see if I can accomplish what is in my mind's eye. Wish me luck! I need to learn how to cover the pillows and center the design in the middle so it looks somewhat professional. Several videos later I stopped everything that I was doing, took out the material, and cut it to the size recommended for my 16 inch pillow forms. Then I sewed the cross stitch designs on the center of the two panels. Finally, I got to work on sewing the cover by hand. This is the final result!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOflIwZG5W1oUJAYzIw8W-gQgnzU-25tkXUeh1Kwhr9g-_ASXl4xwCJbatyWoaCru8d6J36qTC72_keFgzR7wM1CEY5pgXY3pEHtKWuyOq-IVwirh6Pn0B5TEjMCDcgQgWLhkm9NCoF2Wm/s1600/Second+anniversary+pillow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOflIwZG5W1oUJAYzIw8W-gQgnzU-25tkXUeh1Kwhr9g-_ASXl4xwCJbatyWoaCru8d6J36qTC72_keFgzR7wM1CEY5pgXY3pEHtKWuyOq-IVwirh6Pn0B5TEjMCDcgQgWLhkm9NCoF2Wm/s400/Second+anniversary+pillow+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i1Ew0XEetro9yKzni87cS8jOGWuQlWfT6OBtW6s1vgUrwIz7Q4ecu0TG_1SN-JEFTy-scCK3Ga1pa2iFsDqcFnWcPLU4iI-OUpn4ZyrezipJVaA7YBNpPlsXfFL3m3ZPUSE-Dor2KfGz/s1600/Second+anniversay+pillow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i1Ew0XEetro9yKzni87cS8jOGWuQlWfT6OBtW6s1vgUrwIz7Q4ecu0TG_1SN-JEFTy-scCK3Ga1pa2iFsDqcFnWcPLU4iI-OUpn4ZyrezipJVaA7YBNpPlsXfFL3m3ZPUSE-Dor2KfGz/s400/Second+anniversay+pillow+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And voila! I did it! I love they way they turned out.</div>
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I hope they will love it too.</div>
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<3 Happy 2nd Anniversary Melissa and Matt <3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXoInJDMTzvGyqPOwwuvvmN66OKO-swe9PmdneHNU6A4oBz5RaqMsYzltejPRRdLovgH5E3btrCglBxjA_FWxutUt-EWoOsyVw31wRylEi-E2G7L_0kxX-MNYAm5yqHHAq1tzQ1OxhyGR/s1600/Second+Anniversery+Delivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXoInJDMTzvGyqPOwwuvvmN66OKO-swe9PmdneHNU6A4oBz5RaqMsYzltejPRRdLovgH5E3btrCglBxjA_FWxutUt-EWoOsyVw31wRylEi-E2G7L_0kxX-MNYAm5yqHHAq1tzQ1OxhyGR/s400/Second+Anniversery+Delivery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-2865858795667630142018-04-11T09:33:00.000-04:002018-06-21T17:27:02.878-04:00Protecting Yourself from Equifax Credit Breach<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">When the news first broke out about the Equifax Credit Breach I was extremely concerned (still am) and I did some research to find out what steps we could take to protect ourselves from possible identity theft. Every bit of personal and financial information for almost everyone in the country has been stolen. They say that these criminals will place it all on the "dark web" for other criminals to buy. They can get all your information for $50 and then start opening credit cards, take out loans, empty bank accounts, use your driver's license info to run up tickets, use your social security number to compromise your retirement . . . the list goes on and on. If anyone does get your information, your life will be consumed by phone calls trying to undo the damage they have done. And they aren't going to open just one credit card account at a time either. A girl on the news said twelve accounts were opened in her name and it was up to her to contact all these companies and try to close them. So there is plenty to worry about. There are some steps you can take to protect yourself or at least make it much more difficult for criminals to use your information if they get it. This is what I learned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">These are things you should consider doing and some must be done before freezing your credit reports.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">1. Get free copies of your credit reports for a baseline record of your credit at this point in time from <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com/" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.annualcreditreport.com</a> for you and your family members and print them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">2. Change your passwords on your bank accounts to make them more secure, that includes retirement plans you have at work.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">3. Monitor your online credit cards and bank accounts for fraudulent transactions so you can report them immediately.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">4. Sign up for paid credit monitoring/Identity Theft protection and then give them time to check your credit report before freezing your credit reports. We are using Identity Guard Total Protection with first 30 days free and discount from this link a couple would cost $23 a month with this link. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.identityguard.com/ipages/fp01/familyplan_next-ft2/?mktp=Next&hid=238832712&campid=1295&utm_medium=affiliates&c1=280001&c2=662386441&c3=30idtheft__116430051____&c3ch=Affiliate&c3nid=Next-280001" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">https://www.identityguard.com/ipages/fp01/familyplan_next-ft2/?mktp=Next&hid=238832712&campid=1295&utm_medium=affiliates&c1=280001&c2=662386441&c3=30idtheft__116430051____&c3ch=Affiliate&c3nid=Next-280001</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">They will monitor many things including SS#s and address, bank accounts, and credit cards for any changes. You must do this before freezing your credit with all three bureaus so they can access and monitor your credit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">Discover provides some free monitoring services and Credit Karma is also free if you want additional monitoring</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"><b>Credit Freeze </b>is the last step after you have fully completed the credit monitoring process. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">5. Call all the credit bureaus and place a freeze on your credit reports so no one can get a copy. Freeze will stay on indefinitely and has to be removed a few days before if you want to take out a loan or open an account. You can also place Credit alerts on your credit but they only last 90 days and must be renewed. You can contact the credit bureaus online or by phone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">Equifax 1 800 349 9960 Had to do Equifax online here <a href="https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp</a> Then print out the page with your pin number</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Experian 1 888 397-3742 They will email your pin numbers to you</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Transunion 1 888 909-8872 They will ask you for a 6 number PIN so have one ready to tell them or they will end the call. Then they will send you an email with that 6 digit pin # for your files</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I have been assured by several small savings banks that the only way to make withdrawals is with a passbook at the bank. There is no online access. You may want to consider that if you have a large sum of money in the bank that you aren't using. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">6. File TAX RETURNS early so no one can beat you to it and get your refund. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you don't have time to bother with all this and want a short cut solution I would recommend getting an online credit monitoring service</span> and, once that is in place and has access to your credit, then you should freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus. </span></div>
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-59053547612205644012018-02-13T07:24:00.001-05:002018-02-13T07:24:10.417-05:00Unsolicited Motherly Advice . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6ZMmt_SG-_ARvizQcHMCkMNL45EuIT9yGbjl6n9ysUnnLgxdfEfeZtc_7RedbuVQ8RPNPNEyOMVVxDS6WxJNDriyp6oLnl0wL3z9UCyI9jkCVemQtrI7hyQ56CNvKtvhFPWj_Exom4O-/s1600/Mom+with+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1025" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6ZMmt_SG-_ARvizQcHMCkMNL45EuIT9yGbjl6n9ysUnnLgxdfEfeZtc_7RedbuVQ8RPNPNEyOMVVxDS6WxJNDriyp6oLnl0wL3z9UCyI9jkCVemQtrI7hyQ56CNvKtvhFPWj_Exom4O-/s400/Mom+with+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Mom with her granddaughters</b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">When I was younger and my mom would give me her unsolicited "advice," I would to roll my eyes and most times thought I knew better. I usually took it as criticism or maybe she thought I didn't have a brain in my head, because she felt the need to remind me about the simplest things. She would make suggestions about what I should eat for lunch when I was at work. She would tell me to bundle up the baby because it was cold outside. She always had to advise me on so many annoying little things, and not just one time. Sometimes my patience would wear thin and I would tell her I wasn't stupid or ask why she was always criticizing everything I do. She seemed taken aback at my reaction because she explained that wasn't her intention at all, she was just trying to be helpful. I didn't get it back then. So we spent many years in this cycle. She insisted and I resisted. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Today, with hindsight and years of motherly experience, I don't see things quite the same way. I realize my mom was just being a "mom," the same mom she had always been. She didn't know how to back away and adjust her motherly ways so they were more suitable for adult children. She wanted to feel useful, protective, helpful, nurturing, which were all the ways that always defined our relationship as mother and daughter. But there were times when all I could feel was that she was being intrusive and overbearing, and didn't approve of my way of doing things. It's a shame really because now she isn't here for me to tell her that I understand what she meant, how she felt, and why.</span></span></div>
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When your children grow up and go off on their own, we are supposed to continue the process of letting go. After all, we've done our best to teach them everything they need to know to get along in the world and now it's up to them to live their own lives. This is great in theory, but like many theories, it falls short when applied to real life. How do we tell our kids that while they see adults when they look in the mirror, we still see that little girl who twirled her hair with her finger as she dozed off for a nap? They really can't appreciate what we are trying to do with our well meaning words at this stage of their lives. That we still want to feel needed and we need to nurture. They don't know the emptiness we are feeling even though we are happy for their successes. One day they will figure it out, look back to the past and appreciate what we tried to do. </span></span></div>
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And now I know my mother meant well and always had my best interests at heart. And I know she always wanted to protect me from harm in all it's forms. And I know that when anything happened to me, whether it be sickness, financial issues, problems with other people, heartache, that if something hurt me, it also hurt her heart so many times more just knowing and watching me go through it. Instead of digging in my heels and resisting her well meaning gestures, I should have embraced them, acknowledged them, and thanked her for caring so much and devoting her life to being my mom.</span></span></div>
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-52902892382048190492017-12-28T09:52:00.001-05:002017-12-28T09:52:31.872-05:00The Greatest Christmas Treasures . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas 2017</div>
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All of us</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The greatest Christmas treasures are not always under the tree. Some of them are memories the eyes can't see. Some come without paper and bows. Some don't even come from a store, but from the heart. That's what I have tried to do every year for my children. It's a little tradition I started before they were born. Making them their own stockings and ornaments every year to preserve their childhood Christmases in unique "heirloom" pieces they would have forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year, as my older daughter is married and has her own home, I will take down my tree and pack up all their childhood ornaments in separate boxes I bought last year, for them to keep. This is the last Christmas they will hang on my tree. They will be </span>carefully preserved until such time as my children would like to display them or just look at them, and hopefully be reminded of all their past Christmases.<br />
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This is the letter I will place each box for them.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Melissa and Lauren:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the box I am giving you are all the Christmas ornaments I made for you over the years. I could've bought annual ornaments from the store, but I wanted you to have your own one of a kind ornaments. I did the same thing with your stockings, taking things from various counted cross stitch patterns and putting them together to make one unique design. Each year that I made a new ornament I chose a "theme" for Melissa's ornament and then when Lauren got to that # Christmas, I found a different pattern to use for hers with the same theme. So, for example, Melissa's first Christmas ornament was a little stocking parodied off her big stocking and I did the same for Lauren for her first Christmas. I loved coming up with different ideas like the horse heads, purses, angels, Santas, trees, chairs, snowflakes . . . thinking one day, when you had trees of your own, you would put them up and have reminders of your childhood Christmases in your homes for years to come. </span><br />
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The Stockings</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Melissa used to complained that Lauren's stocking had a lot more designs on it when she was little. She didn't realize I had gotten more experience over the years and it was easier to be more creative and figure out the placement of designs. Lauren always complained that Melissa's stocking was bigger and could hold more presents, even though I put the same number of gifts in each one. She also didn't realized that I freehanded the pattern/shape of the stocking and they were supposed to be the same size. The difference was unintentional and not what I was going for at all. I also wanted them to be the same size and shape, but when things are handmade no two things come out identical.</span></div>
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Some of the annual ornaments</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every year we took family vacations, I tried to remember to get a souvenir Christmas ornament for each of you to hang on the tree also as a reminder of the memories we shared as a family every year. I was so happy when I could find tiny ornaments with your names on them to hang on the tree that year. It wasn't always possible, but it was just a little tradition I tried to keep up with. Of course, you were both more concerned with the presents going under the tree than the little keepsake and handmade ornaments that were hanging on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of love and thought went into each little stitch. I wasn't just thinking of the moment or that particular Christmas. I was also thinking of the future and how you would unwrap each ornament and show them to your children and tell them how I would make these every year for you. I made them to try and capture and save the memories that I cherished so much. I made them to remember the happiness and joy we all shared each year. And one day, maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day, I know you will open this box of treasures and realize what I tried to do and that maybe these little handmade things were really the greatest gifts you received every year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May all your Christmases be full of love and happy memories. Love you both so much.</span></div>
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-86234346910439808412017-09-08T08:37:00.001-04:002017-09-08T08:45:26.380-04:00Revisiting The Mother of The Bride Speech . . .<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I was asked if I would like to make a “speech” at my older daughter’s wedding (which was a long time coming). I hadn't given it any thought, but when she asked, I happily accepted. I spent hours thinking about what I wanted to say on this special day. I researched online what should be included. It’s not every day you give your daughter away. I became a little nostalgic reliving so many sweet memories of her as a child. When it came time for me to sit down and write my thoughts, my speech was clearly too long . . . nine minutes or so long. I mentioned it to my daughter, who asked me if I could cut it down by 50%. Of course I obliged. There was a perfect division in the speech that allowed me to cut out the first half and just use the second part. By the way, the <a href="https://ninaspetpeeves.blogspot.com/2016/07/mother-of-bride-speech.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">entire speech</span></a>, unedited, is also a blog, in case you missed it. When everyone was seated I was called to the microphone. I was startled because I didn’t know I would have to speak so early. I had my notes and told everyone who was standing, with their drinks in hand, that they might want to sit down for this one. Then I proceeded to speak from my notes. It was a heartfelt, well thought out speech. I have no regrets. So why this blog?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, it seems that while most people found my speech very touching, there were some who thought it was too long (obviously they weren't listening). And since then, some have mentioned it from time to time, “teasing” me about it in a way that I didn’t appreciate. I can take a joke, but sometimes a joke doesn’t feel funny after it’s been said in a passive aggressive way and more than one time. Then it’s not a joke any more, but a ridiculing criticism. I take offense to that. I wasn’t asked to make a simple toast, I was asked to make a speech. There’s a difference. Anyone can make a toast, but only one person at that wedding could have said the things I had to say, and I did. Even my daughter, who had managed to hold back her tears all day, told me the words I had said brought her to tears. I know that years from now she and her husband will still appreciate those words even more than they did on their wedding day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now what wasn’t in the speech, or in the blog I wrote about it, is something no one knows. It’s about my fears and my internal dialogue. A year before the wedding I was diagnosed with a benign growth in my neck which was affecting my nerves, specifically it could affect my voice or my ability to speak, among other things. The doctor has me on a “watch and wait” plan, not wanting to do surgery until it becomes necessary. During the course of the year, between the engagement and wedding, I had been experiencing some minor symptoms. I realized one day I might not be able to tell my daughter all the things I had in my heart to say. But this wedding gave me a special moment in time to do just that and I wasn’t going to waste it. So I wrote and delivered my “speech” with all the love in a mother’s heart. To those of you who appreciated what I had to say and offered kind words, I thank you. And to anyone who didn’t like that I took five freaking minutes to tell my daughter and son in law how I feel well . . . they can kiss my ass.</span></span></div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-55341574332205824512017-07-01T17:24:00.001-04:002017-07-01T17:24:49.041-04:00First Anniversary Gifts . . . <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you give a gift, sometimes people may wonder what the thought process was to picking out something, especially if it’s a handmade piece of art. My daughter and son in law’s first wedding anniversary was coming up and I wanted to give them something special. My daughter is all about tradition and paper is the traditional gift for a first wedding anniversary. Months ago I had gotten them a book to record the details of each anniversary along with a picture. This is the book I chose. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOV1HO34IVUNZrXLqUb9Z_OBrTZ7xmH9iMf65wX_3JnEHPORkZ-hEgQOsBoKGiFer02JNdThTq8TMuYUbNKe54ozJ3nST7shFESuyjx6DMKpxfszeL_i42MAO-JAnykS5guze4WqH4p-B/s1600/Snip20170517_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOV1HO34IVUNZrXLqUb9Z_OBrTZ7xmH9iMf65wX_3JnEHPORkZ-hEgQOsBoKGiFer02JNdThTq8TMuYUbNKe54ozJ3nST7shFESuyjx6DMKpxfszeL_i42MAO-JAnykS5guze4WqH4p-B/s320/Snip20170517_2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had to ask her for their favorite wedding photo for page one, in order to have it ready to present to them on their anniversary. I also picked out a few others so they have a choice of which one they want to use. This way they would have a keepsake of all their anniversaries in one place and it’s all paper. Here is the picture she sent me, which I placed in a matted frame, as a little extra gift.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUFdeaUvqeWSZF5b5DgLU4XncoLLQYj-QEg2ypjTZ2CraDeFXAhzPiXIseR192Pz2wL1wn5Jdh7b9hSdB62co5TEZegWiBsAmyM-MBNUafpToqbWIpDnQoU1UBl0hIDtLZos1YAUIbhKt/s1600/07-09-16+Proffit+0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUFdeaUvqeWSZF5b5DgLU4XncoLLQYj-QEg2ypjTZ2CraDeFXAhzPiXIseR192Pz2wL1wn5Jdh7b9hSdB62co5TEZegWiBsAmyM-MBNUafpToqbWIpDnQoU1UBl0hIDtLZos1YAUIbhKt/s400/07-09-16+Proffit+0300.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But because I started so early, my mind kept wandering off to what else I could get. this past Christmas they wanted a large canvas map so they could place pins in all the places they visited and plan to go. Here is that map, their first work of art: </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF37ojPtwIYkXdY-ufQd5JSncenGn4O2YhwEPeurbUqzR12b9zPgLrVJVFM7sFCDvjlQY6msSba9XR2xMdh0RUizUQhD_ihbYE86fBFnH0ymqcsbrqCWV05mPxkeFPFvJ9jdHnkp5RRrnM/s1600/Snip20170517_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF37ojPtwIYkXdY-ufQd5JSncenGn4O2YhwEPeurbUqzR12b9zPgLrVJVFM7sFCDvjlQY6msSba9XR2xMdh0RUizUQhD_ihbYE86fBFnH0ymqcsbrqCWV05mPxkeFPFvJ9jdHnkp5RRrnM/s320/Snip20170517_1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was thinking of what I could get them that would match nicely with this piece and also commemorate their anniversary in paper. I came upon this item which to me seemed perfect. It's a handmade, cut out, 3D tree with the lyrics of their first song printed on it. It would have two or three hearts hanging from a branch with their names on it and the date of their anniversary and would come already framed and ready to hang. Here is a sample: </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6nOsJI5xElDvYLRMVWKnIg34_yy4iN_vtCyn4a7-S08pTPVH489exaJp6vz_prpaW-2OFgXcJSToWZ7qmIgC9pH-VHnzYOP_uP2yEHlI0lRXOWKJkwx5t_2UOthpPbPgWRtowMFTN0pb/s1600/Snip20170517_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6nOsJI5xElDvYLRMVWKnIg34_yy4iN_vtCyn4a7-S08pTPVH489exaJp6vz_prpaW-2OFgXcJSToWZ7qmIgC9pH-VHnzYOP_uP2yEHlI0lRXOWKJkwx5t_2UOthpPbPgWRtowMFTN0pb/s320/Snip20170517_3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I customized my gift so that the tree color would be turquoise (like their names on the map), the hearts bright yellow, like the compass, and each heart would have their names printed on it and a third, smaller heart would have the date of their first anniversary. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why did I think this would be the perfect gift? First it's made out of paper. When I looked at it I saw their first dance as their first memory as husband and wife. The words to the song, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, hold much meaning for them and would be a constant reminder of how they felt about each other on their wedding day. I picked turquoise for the tree because I wanted it to match their map and represent the "waters of life," which are sometimes calm and sometimes rough. The lyrics would be in white, like the foam. I saw the tree itself as symbolizing both their families and their roots; the branch with the hearts as the new family they were creating together and adding on to it. I picked yellow for the hearts to match the compass on the map. I hoped it would symbolized that, like a compass, they would help each other navigate through their journey of life together, guiding each other in the right direction. Yellow also reminded me of the lyric in their song, a "beautiful sunrise," that they see in each other's eyes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, I had to stray a little from traditional paper in order to make this crocheted Aran Heart Throw that I had my eye on for a long time. It took about a week to make. It's not perfect, but it's made of love. I think it will look great in their new home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznJeMTH61kZqgoB5sUwkUJCpOqcQniampd9s_v82lb3iBI2XCx7reN9zPkFI63HCgKHVl7TFYqkNjgIz12lbVpgOIGQuIGb0jcq3jP7JBTNEC8FLclOhnvx6q2ghvGqsmvaEPHtI0XiSb/s1600/Anniversary+Throw+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznJeMTH61kZqgoB5sUwkUJCpOqcQniampd9s_v82lb3iBI2XCx7reN9zPkFI63HCgKHVl7TFYqkNjgIz12lbVpgOIGQuIGb0jcq3jP7JBTNEC8FLclOhnvx6q2ghvGqsmvaEPHtI0XiSb/s320/Anniversary+Throw+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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Another thing made of paper is, of course, the card. I have been very unsuccessful finding beautiful, meaningful cards for special occasions and often have to settle for what's there. Even Hallmark has been disappointing in their selection of special cards. So, I had to get creative if I wanted to give them a keepsake for this anniversary milestone. I investigated the art of paper quilling that involves rolling up pieces of paper to create pictures. I ordered myself a basic kit and created this card for the special couple. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO69bDYYHIS-OYmhXjuKBD1iMDfmdrkc7U1Yt5ZzDcZgP-3Ks-IQU0GxHnhCw8I8orYK7T8eMC9J5SykN4wPz8OejoKbLmmQzu1zggqvpejQYb4gJO3MVwVT3_uZ7lUty6dEraaOzYAEq/s1600/Quilled+anniversay+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO69bDYYHIS-OYmhXjuKBD1iMDfmdrkc7U1Yt5ZzDcZgP-3Ks-IQU0GxHnhCw8I8orYK7T8eMC9J5SykN4wPz8OejoKbLmmQzu1zggqvpejQYb4gJO3MVwVT3_uZ7lUty6dEraaOzYAEq/s320/Quilled+anniversay+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I can't wait till my daughter sees this! Considering it was my first and only try at quilling, I think it came out very nice. Maybe now I will terminate my relationship with Hallmark. </div>
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So the day of the celebration arrived and here are the photos:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNofC7wGb0EziEF0sfi1JliYHJsqegbVorb6BJwjgQWsNKR7s25N9rQWhJR5vapn0jFO-FxxWLDVE0eepcURXcaKVh961DxfBcSxufXgO4qI7VNWkWxNcvRWjn1qvUnpxDEZvZVm0N6i7R/s1600/First+Anniversary+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNofC7wGb0EziEF0sfi1JliYHJsqegbVorb6BJwjgQWsNKR7s25N9rQWhJR5vapn0jFO-FxxWLDVE0eepcURXcaKVh961DxfBcSxufXgO4qI7VNWkWxNcvRWjn1qvUnpxDEZvZVm0N6i7R/s400/First+Anniversary+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Quilled Card </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNybtnpzJYKP0gjq5IX-ij8ONT_M2iH210lKJ7GAZPAZw3_Q9kWSzGmcm44ETgJsqQxuSwIKzw21EAPzCdacp7BKf6-nH_XDM_MA8Kxo-4xMMsq38U58T8RSnCAJmBbcrJFtIZE3k-lCu/s1600/First+Anniversary+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNybtnpzJYKP0gjq5IX-ij8ONT_M2iH210lKJ7GAZPAZw3_Q9kWSzGmcm44ETgJsqQxuSwIKzw21EAPzCdacp7BKf6-nH_XDM_MA8Kxo-4xMMsq38U58T8RSnCAJmBbcrJFtIZE3k-lCu/s400/First+Anniversary+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Favorite Wedding Picture</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMlkTRlPSAKLCnEfQlU9EwfQcyKtsFQTDkMKa4LMSI7uO7zHWSbEaYfv6koYvcm2Eo_veiTCUHxS2O_7Ddca_D6ng96W_9XTT-sciq29ch2-NND5g44D19Ew2UQWAng5SCntXl5zbQzh2/s1600/First+Anniversary+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMlkTRlPSAKLCnEfQlU9EwfQcyKtsFQTDkMKa4LMSI7uO7zHWSbEaYfv6koYvcm2Eo_veiTCUHxS2O_7Ddca_D6ng96W_9XTT-sciq29ch2-NND5g44D19Ew2UQWAng5SCntXl5zbQzh2/s400/First+Anniversary+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Anniversary Picture Album</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP_cklkBQFMhpewrlRUbBopiZeueutJqjasGAFtrFLDRMy6DjBdILDFH0xUZBLLay6RC0WHVZQUTL4wKdLm7bdn3S4LwZxdvSRJV_sZEssfFrUb5Deq0BYMGTyyptwagKVODmWa4tDEiC/s1600/First+Anniversary+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP_cklkBQFMhpewrlRUbBopiZeueutJqjasGAFtrFLDRMy6DjBdILDFH0xUZBLLay6RC0WHVZQUTL4wKdLm7bdn3S4LwZxdvSRJV_sZEssfFrUb5Deq0BYMGTyyptwagKVODmWa4tDEiC/s400/First+Anniversary+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Art: Tree with words to wedding song with hearts with</div>
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names and date of anniversary</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMqkzhZkAcd3usyzRxwlXwrRabKFNv6OXHAvRKDtQk-Ng2QAXdeMRjfutF4VadUgLIYMThNShjLLUQRvyma4OBIKct0uVYfKjgEtzvzJ5rFDINw1dR716L73dvfUmPRUZ8J-SlMpORuba/s1600/First+Anniversary+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMqkzhZkAcd3usyzRxwlXwrRabKFNv6OXHAvRKDtQk-Ng2QAXdeMRjfutF4VadUgLIYMThNShjLLUQRvyma4OBIKct0uVYfKjgEtzvzJ5rFDINw1dR716L73dvfUmPRUZ8J-SlMpORuba/s400/First+Anniversary+8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Heart Throw Blanket</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35XC2WjwbG-AonmyoWB0R9pLQShqORrNr7gWQ6IReNJMBwNDS6THo5gx_vhzOmOg2PizkUxohrl0vVnYngIem8hP3LOu7ZuYiQdFFWOuCVOyq7eotAtlfrdB7NUazorcE2bZQ_qbKrZr4/s1600/First+Anniversary+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35XC2WjwbG-AonmyoWB0R9pLQShqORrNr7gWQ6IReNJMBwNDS6THo5gx_vhzOmOg2PizkUxohrl0vVnYngIem8hP3LOu7ZuYiQdFFWOuCVOyq7eotAtlfrdB7NUazorcE2bZQ_qbKrZr4/s400/First+Anniversary+9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5HAl8Xjfa8pNYLyw_2_W3u97rsJ5ZrX37oV5vWqsEis6lhLh4_jruN7uF2ijqLaFM41Wyi5SnGGopTNW9Kqcg4viR9ZI41PhEU0_S7u1iVnIbAGm5gV1Ma823zIbZRK4PCapVxO4bpOe/s1600/First+Anniversay+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5HAl8Xjfa8pNYLyw_2_W3u97rsJ5ZrX37oV5vWqsEis6lhLh4_jruN7uF2ijqLaFM41Wyi5SnGGopTNW9Kqcg4viR9ZI41PhEU0_S7u1iVnIbAGm5gV1Ma823zIbZRK4PCapVxO4bpOe/s400/First+Anniversay+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYae4mD7_bhoaHM4sdBi4WJqmCUa2Dle14SUD_1Jg9voigc9s55XV3tVwhKHDO6oKJ7vTtXPu0BuI9g8XPGo0WzgALZpplBOtd0_MwGW_tP1Lp2D8EZVljy0__6riORrOIi2tOMHSCSW5x/s1600/First+anniversary+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYae4mD7_bhoaHM4sdBi4WJqmCUa2Dle14SUD_1Jg9voigc9s55XV3tVwhKHDO6oKJ7vTtXPu0BuI9g8XPGo0WzgALZpplBOtd0_MwGW_tP1Lp2D8EZVljy0__6riORrOIi2tOMHSCSW5x/s400/First+anniversary+12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OHuqN-uorK1QJFKN5TMahvbElkj9NIGH98mZZ8_K_PTzsarzriXMUFs9ex9ci8AxShGKKr5fNl0Kc4X4is5zuu9LTU50WJR_JxyTLQtJBKF0L3uciaDCEdVpRCydXkTlQ702QbSB26uB/s1600/First+Anniversay+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OHuqN-uorK1QJFKN5TMahvbElkj9NIGH98mZZ8_K_PTzsarzriXMUFs9ex9ci8AxShGKKr5fNl0Kc4X4is5zuu9LTU50WJR_JxyTLQtJBKF0L3uciaDCEdVpRCydXkTlQ702QbSB26uB/s400/First+Anniversay+11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-32093597891575296792017-06-25T09:42:00.003-04:002017-06-25T09:42:57.380-04:00Reflecting on Our 34th Anniversary . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaHTeP1VDrpE2cjLPFafNNnv5SVm6epzWITqqVMoczONTLGYaTBqaTfmw65RU5rrSB8o2lUpTpBKCxDj21o5c65N4JTn9AeMlR8u6KY91jmxRzYzUtMogz5Z9RoRU8fcev1DIp2gfUD5j/s1600/Our+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaHTeP1VDrpE2cjLPFafNNnv5SVm6epzWITqqVMoczONTLGYaTBqaTfmw65RU5rrSB8o2lUpTpBKCxDj21o5c65N4JTn9AeMlR8u6KY91jmxRzYzUtMogz5Z9RoRU8fcev1DIp2gfUD5j/s400/Our+Wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today my husband and I celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. And, while it doesn't seem like yesterday when we took our vows, the years have passed by much more quickly than we would've liked. We've been blessed with two beautiful, intelligent daughters who have made our lives full, rich and complete. They have given us joy and happiness every day of their lives. We've lost our parents and other loved ones through the years, and have gotten through the rough times with each other's love and support. We have shared countless happy moments with family and friends. We worked hard for everything we have, made many wise decisions and some mistakes along the way. We've gotten through some significant health crises through prayer and by being there for each other. Looking back, I am amazed at all we have lived through to get to this point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Someone recently asked me what is the secret to a long marriage. I think it's a combination of things. For us it was having a good foundation that began with a friendship that we built on. Friendship grows into love and trust. Without trust, all the love in the world will not make a marriage survive. Without love, all the trust in the world will not make you happy. You need an unwavering commitment to work through your problems. You need to communicate with each other so there is understanding. Our focus was always on each other and our family. We spent quality time together as much as possible. We weren't materialistic. Things will make you happy for a short time, a solid relationship will make you happy for a lifetime. Decide to stay out of debt. Money issues are stressful and destructive. Better to have a little less and no debt, than to be burdened with paying bills for a lot of things. As far as working overtime, if you don't really need the extra money, limit the overtime. The time spent with your children will make you richer than any check. And, no one I know ever got rich from working overtime. It's a matter of priorities. Before you know it, the years will go by, your children will be adults, and you will see they have adopted all the good family values you modeled for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In two weeks my older daughter and son in law will be celebrating their first anniversary. As I listen to them and watch them together, I can see that they are on the right path. They have been brought up to appreciate marriage and family and everything that means. I have no doubt that, when the the time is right, they will be wonderful parents and raise their children in a loving, supportive family just as their parents have done with them. I couldn't ask for anything more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If my husband and I had our lives to live over again we would do it in a heartbeat. When you are with the right person, thirty-four years goes by way too fast. </span></div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-23923904420535180022017-04-29T17:13:00.002-04:002017-05-17T11:56:28.875-04:00Preserving Family Recipes . . . and Turning 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRo1Tv5CXaJ8vD1yvR6y7vth7HzqmdjT0txkrP06o3OgY-j-fJywcgFMF5ebwvfxydMoFenxz4sIANucVhaadZh9eUj-b3R7xEgAMFHU0qOz7xzCG0LiFhTMsrl0C3vS6yyawQRS9JILd/s1600/Recipe+box+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRo1Tv5CXaJ8vD1yvR6y7vth7HzqmdjT0txkrP06o3OgY-j-fJywcgFMF5ebwvfxydMoFenxz4sIANucVhaadZh9eUj-b3R7xEgAMFHU0qOz7xzCG0LiFhTMsrl0C3vS6yyawQRS9JILd/s320/Recipe+box+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Front: Pictures of my Sicilian Grandmother, my mother, me and my daughter,</b></div>
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<b>four generations.</b></div>
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My older daughter has been interested in preserving all the told family photos, oral history, documents and genealogy of our family for quite some time now. Although she has taken a break from it to plan her wedding and work extra hours to save up for a home, I know it's never far from her mind. But I really didn't know how much it really meant to her until I asked her in the beginning the new year what she wanted for her 30th birthday. Traditionally we would either go out to eat at a nice restaurant or I would cook a favorite meal at home. Since this was her 30th birthday, a milestone, I wanted to know if she wanted to do anything special and told her to think about it. About a week later, while we were talking the phone, she announced, "I know what I want for my birthday. I want to cook grandma's recipes." <br />
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<b>Top: Map of Italy where our maternal recipes originated</b></div>
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At first I was stunned. Speechless. I wasn't expecting that at all. Selfishly speaking, I wanted a nice day out where I wouldn't have to cook, and here she wanted to do nothing but cook. After getting over the initial shock, I said to her, "We can't do all that cooking in one day. You'll have to decide what you want to make and we'll do that." All the while my mind is swimming with all the meals my mother cooked over the years and how I hated some of them so I never paid any attention to how she made them, like lentils and pasta. But, my daughter made her request clear and she was serious about it, I could hear it in the tone of her voice. It's my job to make her wish come true and suddenly I regretted not asking my mother to write down all her recipes for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2Y3Q4J4dsZWl4rdvQcNUAkscR-odcS8YuUKdGYIe8gmqMFlhs7meSqRcliGTb2CrvldgACXABmkAlg5U88kJsdVAKoa3roa9kbl0QTKMU-0dz10uD67lKgwjdCescs2CIVGiaKXRtUYO/s1600/Recipe+box+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2Y3Q4J4dsZWl4rdvQcNUAkscR-odcS8YuUKdGYIe8gmqMFlhs7meSqRcliGTb2CrvldgACXABmkAlg5U88kJsdVAKoa3roa9kbl0QTKMU-0dz10uD67lKgwjdCescs2CIVGiaKXRtUYO/s320/Recipe+box+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIVJp2NF3hNFS0jempUJACSE3wlgy_Ksd5hqHnz4sGw15rbcCCxL5NOwVvJa8n6r_evZb2_PsROkf3s7i85VJ2bdnY2wOuxyxtYSt43CV-SkWaYVVerty-dFBIunf_c33rO9Om77lT8Om/s1600/Recipe+box+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIVJp2NF3hNFS0jempUJACSE3wlgy_Ksd5hqHnz4sGw15rbcCCxL5NOwVvJa8n6r_evZb2_PsROkf3s7i85VJ2bdnY2wOuxyxtYSt43CV-SkWaYVVerty-dFBIunf_c33rO9Om77lT8Om/s320/Recipe+box+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sides: The top one is her paternal grandmother who came here from Malta</b></div>
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<b>The bottom picture is her paternal great-grandmother who came from Austria</b></div>
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So, without telling her anything, I compiled a list of all the things I remembered my mother making. Then I got the brainstorm to get a recipe box to decoupage with the faces and places where her recipes would come from. I got my materials together and watched youtube videos on how to decoupage on wood. I ordered recipes cards and dividers and even a binder with pages, so I could have two complete sets of recipes for her. I planned to write them all out and present her with the whole two sets of recipes on her birthday. I hoped this would put her mind at ease that the recipes would be well preserved for future generations. I even had some recipes hand written by my mother and mother in law that I slipped into plastic sleeves to preserve for her with her family tree notes and charts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EORHfM06_VBDFxYs3CzNKRsR_vaj0PXJVPwKotOGjqlvp4CNGxu2XgWdYWL5f0r3mKlc9HUxGnmCXCw1j-rAsoTVUK5lBgemu27JNcNa7w1kzY-LP9VgXaFUaBJY5mIZeL3HlfUDtKPT/s1600/recipe+box+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EORHfM06_VBDFxYs3CzNKRsR_vaj0PXJVPwKotOGjqlvp4CNGxu2XgWdYWL5f0r3mKlc9HUxGnmCXCw1j-rAsoTVUK5lBgemu27JNcNa7w1kzY-LP9VgXaFUaBJY5mIZeL3HlfUDtKPT/s320/recipe+box+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The inside: is me and my daughter on her wedding day.</b></div>
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<b>Behind us is a copy of my mother's "fig cookie recipe" which we made together.</b></div>
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The question remains, "Which recipe do we make for her birthday?" As I thought about it, there was only one clear answer, one choice above all the others, and that was my mother's tradition Sunday sauce. Sunday sauce is the most important recipe we will ever make. It's the meal we grew up on, the meal that means home and family and love. It's handed down from generation to generation. You can find recipes for all the other meals in books or online, but you can never find one for your family's Sunday sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrWMoc3ASEvefAaZkeTS1-0hhyphenhyphenfUfRoH3KKbcxqW5CAwOyS3RwbN_g9At_GOTPBE_7IV1VjH4DrICBizKZ8iyN661LAINCQ_6jwEz8gVBtb9j0dTy9PbiC-D48uEarxcBiVa7X6xoGW-T/s1600/Recipe+Box+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrWMoc3ASEvefAaZkeTS1-0hhyphenhyphenfUfRoH3KKbcxqW5CAwOyS3RwbN_g9At_GOTPBE_7IV1VjH4DrICBizKZ8iyN661LAINCQ_6jwEz8gVBtb9j0dTy9PbiC-D48uEarxcBiVa7X6xoGW-T/s320/Recipe+Box+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The back is my son in law's mother and maternal grandmother from the Philippines;</b></div>
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<b>and his paternal grandmother from England.</b></div>
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Now, I had shown her how to make the sauce about 15 years ago when I was going through a medical crisis and I wanted to be sure both my girls knew how to make it. It's not written down anywhere, it's in my mind's eye from watching my mother make it every Sunday throughout my life. Back in the day, when kids only had 6 channels on tv (no computers, no smart phones, no HBO, no Netflix, no cable, no nothing), we had nothing better to do than watch our moms cook. That was our reality TV. And as we watched them we would talk and they would explain what they were doing and we would learn. Not today. Most kids only go into a kitchen when they need a snack, and even then, they probably have their eyes glued to the phone. However, after 15 years I'm sure she has forgotten everything I taught her about making Sunday sauce. So, I am fairly sure this will be the recipe we will start with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUhfTBOn4UBCbCjkQmOYReRwXoEBMmaYYEr0VIxXf7f8dshRbes9bt6iw0fd7sZGQjqbWgtHZxoqeF_jSC7zif5YPta1-9BV8MwVPiLoVUMazsJf8G-LFW5L-RazKgSHGbnXeAOBTrd20/s1600/Recipe+box+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUhfTBOn4UBCbCjkQmOYReRwXoEBMmaYYEr0VIxXf7f8dshRbes9bt6iw0fd7sZGQjqbWgtHZxoqeF_jSC7zif5YPta1-9BV8MwVPiLoVUMazsJf8G-LFW5L-RazKgSHGbnXeAOBTrd20/s320/Recipe+box+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The bottom </b></div>
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Sunday sauce is a basic meat sauce that includes lots of meatballs (a little job in themselves), Italian pork sausage, and pork meat in chunks. However, there is more to it than that. For example, if you want to make a lasagna (another big job) you have to make the Sunday sauce first and add loose chop meat to the pot so the sauce that layers the lasagna is full of meat. This is true for baked ziti too. Then there is another Italian delicacy called braciole, which is thin slices of beef stuffed with salami, hard boiled egg, raisins and sliced onion, rolled up and sealed with toothpicks. This is something usually reserved for holidays and special occasions. Suffice to say that Sunday sauce and everything that goes with it, is the most traditional and most important family recipe we have.<br />
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I remembered some of the other recipes and for others I drew blanks. There were things my mother made that I never ate, so I had just a flimsy idea of how she cooked them. I went online and looked for recipes that would jog my memory and fill in the gaps so I could complete the recipes for the collection. I would compare two or three recipes to try to get as close as I could to my mother's cooking. I spent a couple of weeks writing them out in a notebook and going over each recipe until I was satisfied that I had captured the essence of what my mother did in her kitchen. Now, I just had to recopy them all on cards for the box and pages for the binder and get them ready for her birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gQkngRMbw3xxzYmb5fmABfrRqxNI2Ac-2apGPicxE1LSb_qQAHrgDtsUJpvSEOOgYAAZWdr5LbeQEMF4Z6FQy6-XM2_xW3YX_oi4D5V3riuFfyUg9gGfBFcbAaXMsfP7MRIw7xOntC3Y/s1600/Recipe+Box+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gQkngRMbw3xxzYmb5fmABfrRqxNI2Ac-2apGPicxE1LSb_qQAHrgDtsUJpvSEOOgYAAZWdr5LbeQEMF4Z6FQy6-XM2_xW3YX_oi4D5V3riuFfyUg9gGfBFcbAaXMsfP7MRIw7xOntC3Y/s320/Recipe+Box+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Now to fill up these cards!</b></div>
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Writing all the recipes two times, in neat handwriting, wasn't easy. I'd write a couple a day wanting them to be perfect, but of course I made mistakes. Thank God for white out! I could have typed them all, but it wouldn't have been nearly as personal as I wanted this gift to be. Slowly, but surely, I finished all the recopying and now I just have to wrap all the items and place them in a box. I picked up a small rolling pin that holds recipe cards so you can stand them up when using them. I think she will a kick out of that. </div>
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And now all that remains is for her to open her gifts and capture her reaction.</div>
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The BIG day arrives and we begin by cooking the sauce. We set up the pot, stuff the braciole, fry up the meats (sausage, pork meat and braciole) and add everything to the pot. Then we make the meatballs, fry them and add them to the pot.</div>
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And there's more to come!</div>
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A small bangle bracelet with cooking charms.</div>
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And then came the gifts. What Baby wants, Baby gets.</div>
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Gold Hoop earrings</div>
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Recipe box filled with old family recipes</div>
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Binder filled with old family recipes</div>
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The Cake!</div>
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Happy 30th Birthday to my Baby!</div>
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-91080568225526118432017-03-07T07:37:00.000-05:002017-03-07T07:37:40.849-05:00Our Kind of Family . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I grew up in a family where anyone would do anything for you if you needed help. At the same time we grew up to be independent and handle our own business. Asking for help from anyone was a last resort and, because we all knew that, help was usually offered without ever having to ask.<br />
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My brother and I grew up knowing we were going to college. There was never any talk about who would pay for it or where the money would come from. Without any thought about the expense, we applied, got accepted and we each paid for our own education, including books, fees, tuition and transportation. When I graduated, I paid back my student loans in full within a year. We found jobs, saved our own money, and contributed to the family household. The money my parents collected from us would eventually come back to us in the form of birthday and Christmas gifts, but we learned a valuable lesson about standing on our own two feet. That's the kind of family I was raised in.<br />
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When my husband and I got engaged, we planned and paid for our own formal wedding. We never thought about asking our parents to contribute towards the expenses. We paid for the venue, the limousines, the flowers, the rings, the photographer, invitations and favors. We had enough money left over for a two week honeymoon in Hawaii. No one offered to help us out, we did it on our own. But, knowing we had so many expenses right before we were married, my mother offered to buy us our first living room furniture as a wedding gift and my brother got us a complete, queen size bedroom set so we could furnish our home. That's the kind of thing my family does.<br />
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Before I had my first baby, my husband and I couldn't afford to buy a home. The houses were priced high and the interest rate was 14%. I wanted to be a stay at home mom, so we could not count on my income to pay expenses. My mother offered to finish her basement for my cousin to live in so that we could have the apartment on the first floor of her house, at a modest rent, and continue saving money towards our own home. When our first daughter was 18 months, we began looking at houses again. The rates had come down to 10% and that was still high. We found a home we thought was reasonable, but we worried we didn't have enough of a downpayment to keep the monthly payment affordable on one salary. My parents and my husband's parents both kicked in an equal and substantial amount of money, as a gift, to help purchase our home and ease our minds about the payments. That's the kind of help you don't dare ask for, but gets offered with no strings attached.<br />
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The outside of our house needed painting because it was faded from the years of sun rays hitting it. I mentioned to my mother that we were looking for a painter and getting estimates. The lowest one we got was for $900. After our conversation ended, not ten minutes had past, and the phone was ringing. It was my mother. She said she had spoken to my father and they wanted to pay for the paint job on the house. They wouldn't take no for an answer. And, that's how our new house got painted. It was never mentioned again. That's the kind of parents I had.<br />
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When my second daughter was three years old she needed private speech therapy. We learned it would cost $90 a session for 45 minutes every week. We weren't sure we could afford an extra $360 a month at that time and we didn't know how many months this would last. While we were considering our options, we got two phone calls. One was from my brother and the other from my mother in law, each of them offering to pay for half of the therapy sessions so we wouldn't have to worry or fall behind on our bills. No mention of a loan. Just something they wanted to do for us and our daughter. That's the kind of thing our family does.<br />
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Our parents lived for their children. They gave us life. They gave us unconditional love. They gave us strong family values. They gave us their complete support. They made sacrifices every day of their lives to make sure we always got what we needed. All of this went unspoken, but it was understood. It was ingrained in who we grew up to be because we lived it every day. We were blessed beyond measure to have had them and to have grown up in such a loving family. And, I can say without a doubt, that their legacy of love has been continued with my own girls, who have been raised with the same values. I know it's how they will raise their children because they don't know any other way. And I hope one day, when they look back on their lives, they will feel the same way about my husband and I.<br />
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<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414950226934513220.post-40933250918701297452017-03-06T10:25:00.000-05:002017-03-06T10:26:32.211-05:00The Dreaded Doctor's Appointment <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Doctor's visits are nothing new to me. In fact, since 2004 I have seen more doctors than I can count and had CT scans, MRIs, a few sonograms and biopsies and even a PET scan. I've had so much radiation that I should be glowing in the dark by now (and that's not even counting routine mammograms and dental x-rays). And in a couple of weeks I'll be going for another MRI and follow-up visit for a growth found in my neck the summer of 2015. You might call it "The Birdhouse Summer" because in order to cope with all the tests and waiting I took up painting and giving away birdhouses. My poor husband might call it "Our Summer Vacation at Michael's." We got through it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last winter when I saw this doctor, I was too preoccupied with my daughter's wedding to get worked up over my MRI. I didn't have time for any distractions. I didn't ask any questions, especially since the doctor was happy and said there had been no change. Why look for trouble? Everything was under control. And as he asked to see me in one year, I asked if we could make it a couple of months earlier or later because January weather is very unpredictable. He agreed to see me two months later, in March. Well it's March. Here we are. And, I'm dreading it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone who has a medical cloud over their head probably knows the feeling. As your appointment approaches you are afraid to make any plans in case there's a change and you have to cancel them. You sit in limbo, keeping your fears to yourself so as not to upset anyone else unnecessarily. Often you get paranoia, getting suspicious over every ache and twinge and sometimes thinking the worst. At least I'm not doing any online research and driving myself crazy over it. Instead, I've gone back to crocheting and crafting whatever comes into my mind. I'm being productive . . . sort of. I don't feel the need to do an extra cleaning around the house, so I'm not that productive. I'm just sitting here with fleeting thoughts of anxiety between projects. Wondering. Should I ask any questions? Do I want to know the answers? Should I just let sleeping dogs lie? I get the impression the doctor doesn't want to worry about something that might not happen. That "something" being surgery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I guess I'll pass the next few days as creatively as I can. I have three projects to distract me and the sun has been shining. Spring is around the corner. I wonder what Michael's has on sale?</span></div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145036422935867061noreply@blogger.com0