Mom and Dad

Let me tell you a story about my Mom and Dad.  I’m sitting around one day drinking some wine – the day that my Dad came home from a 5 day hospitalization for bronchitis.  And all of a sudden, I realize that I haven’t been crazy worried about my Dad this week.  Not that I didn’t care.  I did.  I called and talked to him every day.  I got a blow by blow from him on what medicine he had taken, the bowel movements he’d had, and the Doctors prognosis and how they came to that conclusion based on these tests that they performed and an update on his latest roommate and what condition he was in and that he had overheard the nurse asking this interesting fella about where he was from . . . (and on and on and on . . . ) 

and I chit-chatted with Mom as she ran errands in her cute little car and her cute little outfit and “Wouldn’t it be nice to get a coke on ice?”, and “I have to get my hearing aid checked when I leave here”, and “Did you know Madison is still running a fever”, and “How’s Riley doing since his vet appt yesterday?” . . . . (and I got regular updates from Mom on how they were both doing.)

And then he came home, and you’re all like YAY – Dad can get in his recliner and take a long nap, and Mom will bring him soup and remind him to take his medicine, even though he had already set his alarm for when he needed to take his medicine and that alarm had already gone off and he had already taken that medicine.

We Were on a Break

I just logged into my Blogger account . . . . having felt this yearning to write that I haven't done in some time.  I looked at the posts from this past year - I posted 4 times.  When we started the blog, the goal was to post once a week.  But, shit happens.  Life happens.  The point of this blog for me, from the beginning, was an outlet for me to express myself.  Its never been about the amount of followers or likes or comments that I get, though in all honesty and with deep humility, every acknowledgement that someone read something that I wrote is gratifying.

Home

We've lived in our current home for over 10 years in Chesapeake.  It has been our haven - the place we've shared with family and friends.  We have celebrated success and grieved over losses here.  We have eaten our best meals and drank the best wines here.  The backyard has been our oasis.  The kitchen has been our dance floor.  We've put blood, sweat and tears into making this our home and maintaining this home.  

I believe that your home should be your sanctuary.  The one place you feel the most safe and protected.  The place that you feel utter contentment and joy.  Your home becomes an extension of yourself, of the places you've traveled and the things that make you feel at peace and bring you happiness.  This is our home . . . .

Fuck Gluten

I follow a "Work Hard, Play Hard" mentality.  I believe life should be enjoyed - it's too fucking short!  So, eat what you want!  Drink what you want!  Love who you want!  Go where you want!  It would be great if it were all that simple but in general, I try to follow the principles as rebelliously as I can.

Power of Conscious Thought

Amidst stress, chaos and the uncertainty of late, I've watched and listened to those around me react to life, politics, family, future.  Often times I'll tell someone that they are in my thoughts and prayers.  It's a powerful statement, I believe.  Telling someone that you intentionally pray for them, as I learned from my father, holds special meaning.

Post Hiatus - Happy New Year

Have been on a serious hiatus through the holidays and into the new year.  It's taken me until Jan 20 to write this New Years post because I hate conforming.  I refuse to make a damn resolution.  New Year, New Me . . . My Ass!  Simply put, we have the opportunity to re-invent ourselves or resolve to make changes at any point during the 12 months of every year.  So, I refuse to conform to the idea that come January 1, I'm going to be a new, healthier me.  I ate McDonald's on New Year's Day and I've also drank my weight in alcohol these past few weeks.  The Christmas decorations only just came down this past week so we were still celebrating!  My mother calls me a rebel, and I own that.  I simply hate abiding by rules and am detracted by the conformity and conventionality of things.  (I am, however, quite entertained by Snapchat filters - how conventional is that?!)

Comfort Food

I'm more of a seasonal cook.  Spring and Summer are "eh" - I'm not that inspired.  But, when it comes to Fall and Winter, oh, the inspiration flows.  I can come up with a dozen reasons to make a new dish or craft a new cocktail.  If you've followed the blog, you know that I hate (wait - that's too mild a word), I despise Summer.  But, when Fall arrives, my soul comes alive.  Right now, I'm really into comfort foods.  The cooler weather insists that a meal be warm and comforting, savory and rich and always served with a glass of wine.

Falling in Love with Fall

Metaphorically speaking, I believe you go through seasons in your life, in your marriage, in your emotions.  Without these seasons, wouldn't life be so dull?  I catch myself falling madly in love with Fall each year.  She is one of my greatest loves!  And these are a few of my favorite things to indulge in at this special time of year.  Happy Fall Y'all!

Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa at The Bee & The Biscuit

The perfect ski coat . . . . now what to do with it?

My husband finally bought me the ski coat I've been coveting for years. It was a birthday present. I picked it out, I tried it on, he paid for it. Two extra sizes up because I like them roomy and long enough to cover my bum. Black parka with a faux fur trimmed collar. I will finally ski gracefully down the slopes as the diva in the perfect outfit as I've always imagined. Well, at least in theory. First and foremost, I am nothing if not ungraceful and clumsy. But, I live off the fact that despite skiing down the slopes disgracefully, By God, I will look good doing it.  I can't wait to rock that ski outfit albeit if I never ski down a single slope. Because the thing is, I had a minor incident on the slopes last year, tearing my MCL after a very clumsy right hand turn maneuver and am . . . . 1) slightly scared to re-injure my knee B) petrified of anything but the bunny slope and 3) not willing to mess up my beautiful new ski coat.

Memories from previous ski trips abound . . . . .

Hatteras Island

There is a place on the far Eastern Coast that is a jewel among the sea.  Off the coast of North Carolina and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, lies Hatteras Island.  It is an extension of part of the greater known and beloved Outer Banks.  It is isolated, picturesque and romantic.