New Porch Furniture

Ordered new Berlin Gardens chairs and table for our much loved and used front porch. They are taller and sit straighter than our adirondack chairs and will be perfect for working on our devices and enjoying wine and meals outdoors. Going to leave my old chair for McGee to lounge in since he can easily jump in. I think Allan and I are going to love our new chairs!

Kiwi green counter height chairs and Pacific blue table. Pretty cool, huh! Made by the Amish in Berlin, Ohio. We sell this at the Bronze Lady Home Furnishings and has quickly become one of our leading vendors. Has a twenty year warranty, too! Mary Jo and Joe, Lois and Tom, and Mom Mom and Pop Pop all have pieces from this company.

Come on by - the next couple of months are perfect porch sitting months! And thanks, Bill and Carol!

Moving Forward

He is a very capable attorney. He knows the system and has connections. He can not guarantee the outcome. He comes with a very steep price. But Patrick will be bonded out of jail and will be in treatment and in a safe place. I think he is very lucky. His brothers are not so happy about this. They think he might take off and Allan might be left owing the bond money. I can understand their pain and frustration. But the decision has been made and the wheels of this system are turning and there is no going back. We are all moving forward. Prayers would so be appreciated!

I Love Vera Bradley!

I am lucky to work for a retailer who has Vera Bradley in one of their shops. Which means I get a generous discount on all of their products. Which means I can buy LOTS and regularly add to my growing collection. Vera Bradley is ALL about color and style and fun. It's about mixing and matching with your clothing and the seasons. It's also about simplifying and organizing your life.

I bought this cute cabinet last year to hold my Vera collection. Since all the patterns are so colorful, it makes a nice display all by itself! The basket on the bottom shelf holds smaller cases and wallets.

I can display lots of different bags and accessories. I like Vera umbrellas, too!

I also invested in larger pieces and luggage. I think I have enough Vera Bradley to travel around the world!

Handmaiden of the Lord

Our Council of Catholic Women at St. Raphael's parish had their spring conference today. The program included breakfast, business meeting, the Rosary, Mass, luncheon, and program with guest speaker. Also, the presentation of the Handmaiden of the Lord award.

I got a call from the CCW president a week ago saying Mom had been selected for this years award. Seems she felt sorry for the oversight and that Mom should have been given this honor awhile back!

We told my Mom that members were begging for people to attend the conference so that she wouldn't suspect anything if my sisters and I showed up since this award is a complete surprise.

We joined the group for Mass in our beautiful sanctuary and slipped into the pew next to our Mom.
Afterwards, we all headed to the hall for lunch and socializing. And picture taking.

My mother was completely surprised when they called her name! She did not suspect a thing! We were so proud of her and I know she deserved this honor. She has been a tireless worker in our parish for over thirty years. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Celebrating Mom Mom

 Mom Mom celebrated her February birthday with a family dinner at Marchands, in the Vinoy Hotel.
It was supposed to be a surprise - but we're told that she figured something was up!
We enjoyed a splendid dinner - and then showered her with birthday presents and cards and flowers.

 We all sat at a large table in one of their smaller private dining rooms. Mom Mom's friend, Peggy, was able to join in, as were Mary Jo and Joe, Kate and Gabe, Matt and Jessie, Lois and Tom, Pop Pop, and Allan and Niki.

A group shot of everyone before leaving. Happy Birthday, Mom Mom.

Seaside Holiday

I surprised Allan on Christmas eve with a three-day beach getaway over New Years ... on Sanibel Island. I found a delightful small resort on the gulf, near everything and with reasonable rates.
We packed up our new shorts and light weight shirts, sandals, and swimsuits, and early on New Years eve, hit the road headed south!

We checked out the Island, checked into our room, and then checked out the beach!

 

 Sanibel is known for a huge variety of shells. These two I just picked out of the water moments after stepping onto the sand.

Allan in his new hat! Me thinks Sanibel agrees with him! Happy New Year!

 An incredible sunset on the last day of 2013!

 

Cheers from the Bubble Room on Captiva Island. Allan first brought me here right after he proposed!

Always kinda special! Happy 2014!

Next morning, we were right back on the beach! Got some beautiful shells, and later found a beautiful jar in a gift shop to put them in! What a beautiful and fun day!

On our bikes, we hit the shops and points of interest on the island. Even Allan loved riding on the miles of bike paths!

Could not resist a dip in the heated pool. There is something wonderful about swimming in January!

Dinner that night was at Doc Ford's - with a special dessert at Thistle Lodge. We even scored an autograph from Randy Wayne White - a Florida friction writer. Allan snapped this under a pretty outdoor gazebo!

 We had a wonderful three days and are thinking about making this trip an annual tradition!

Sights of the Season

Santa table

Christmas tree

Christmas village

Nativity

Gingerbread house

Santa rug

making his list!