About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Rain, Babies, Birthdays, Leaving, and Somebody Grab the Maytag Blue

It is "Raining like a Monday" as the song says. At least everything is greening up. The large maple outside my window already has leaves and the dark pink blooms on the Kwanzon cherry tree are about to burst. Today's raw 45-degree temperature presents a startling contrast to the almost 80 degree Saturday and 68-degree Sunday we enjoyed. I noticed on the seven-day forecast that 80 degree temps are again in our near future. I can't wait.

This weekend we celebrated our grand daughter's first birthday. George and Judy, her paternal grandparents, kindly hosted the party at their home. Babies and kids (it actually looked like a public service ad for birth control) of varying ages ran around, played in the yard, whacked a pinata, and feasted on chocolate covered strawberries, Chic-Fil-A nuggets, spanokopita, pizza, veggies, and a yummy, no scrumptious, birthday cake from Costco. And our grand baby -- she was happy to walk around and clap -- oblivious to the party around her!

On Sunday (yesterday), we hosted a good-bye party for our best friends and frequent travel buddies of 34 years. Within three weeks, Margie and Dave will be moving to sunny San Diego to join their kids and as of Monday, their twin grand babies who weighed in at 8lbs 12 oz, and 7 lbs 13 oz, respectively -- that's just shy 17 lbs. of baby!!! We're happy for them, but will miss them dearly. I think this will affect my husband, Richard, even more. An only child, he considers David his brother.

I did most of the cooking on Saturday night and I did cheat a little by purchasing the chicken satay; vegetable spring rolls; Italian cookies from our favorite bakery, Vaccaro's; and cream puffs. I did prepare a cold fondue with cukes, carrots, and bread for dipping; a marinated cherry tomato, basil, artichoke heart, black olive, and fresh mozzarella salad; sesame noodles; cheesy shrimp and grits, and a raspberry-strawberry-banana trifle.

I worried the shrimp and grits would be too 'different', but everyone seemed overjoyed to see them and not a morsel remained. I had every intention of taking photos of the food so I could post them, but by the time I remembered to take the pictures the meal was just a memory. We had a good time -- lots of laughing and surprisingly no tears -- at least yet. I suspect these will come soon, though. David and I are the emotional ones: our spouses, more reserved, tolerate us and have more than once hurriedly left us behind to break into song or 'laugh until we cry' about something that is funny just to us. And then there was the time that David attempted to roll the cheese tray from a favorite restaurant of ours out the door. They didn't have to be that cordial as they escorted us out. Of course, Margie and Richard were already in the car...

12 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

It sounds like you and your best friends have created a big memory bank. The food sounds delicious as does the food for your granddaughter's party. Costco always makes a good cake - no fail.

I'm glad your weekend parties went off famously for you, your family and friends!

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

The line about the public service announcement for birth control cracked me up.

I'm sorry such long-time friends are leaving. We had a get-together Saturday with friends of 20 years. There's just something about being with people who know so much of your history and vice versa.

Cheryl said...

A whole weekend of celebrations. Great times with family and friends. What a joyful post to read.

happyone said...

A weekend of happiness! Sounds wonderful!!
All the food has my mouth watering.

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Glad you had an enjoyable weekend with family and friends.

Your food sounds absolutely delicious! You must be a wonderful chef.

Jay said...

If I were you guys I would be planning a trip to San Diego pretty soon. It's a beautiful place.

Lena said...

Sounds like a great weekend!

It is sad to see good friends move away.

I wished you had taken photos of the food, it sounded wonderful!

Jamie said...

Your post sounds like you are having so much fun. I think it's awesome.

I know how much it hurts to lose your friends, but I can see lots of visits to San Diego in your future...and what a great place to get to go to!

Hope this week goes great. Hugs. :)

Brad said...

Isn't it funny how the cut-up and the conservative always find each other?

The food sounds fantastic. makes my piddly teriyaki take-out lunch seem a bit pedestrian.

Snowbrush said...

Grits? In Maryland. Well, why not, I'm from Mississippi, but I can even buy them here in Oregon.

Rick Rockhill said...

I love baby birthdays, they are so full of hope and happiness. Glad you enjoyed it too!

Anonymous said...

Goodmorning Kathy, thx for visiting and welcom to C.T....hope you'll enjoy your virtual stay at my blog. Buona giornata e ti saluti Carmie.