Robin Toujours

A Thank You Note

2012-01-31T07:07:00.002-06:00

Dear Larry.

You know me so well.

Thank you, thank you!

Nothing says Happy Valentines Day and I Love You

a bottle of vintage port.

The bottle was stored upright for probably 10 years.

The cork was dry and difficult.

{but I always decant port using cheese-cloth so no crumbs get through}

Once the wine was in the decanter,

I filtered the remaining into a class.

{you can see the process I use}

There was still a lot of cork in the bottle

and

poured out into the last glass.

Imagine

9:00 pm

A glass of Vintage Port and a Carmellow Candy Bar.

It is the perfect Valentine gift.

Merci mon amour. Je t'aime au delà de la lune. Moi

{love you, me}

The Test Kitchen is Open

2012-01-30T06:36:00.002-06:00

The weekend went by very fast,

It feels as if it almost did not exist.

And,

today {I am sorry to say} feels like a blue Monday.

Last week, I tested this cake recipe,

took a photo and hid it away for a day just like today.

Please try it,

enjoy it,

and

know that in 24 hours this day will be over

and

tomorrow will be perfection!

HONEY BUN CAKE

1 box yellow cake mix

4 eggs

3/4 cup oil

2/3 cup water

1 cup sour cream

1 cup brown sugar

3 teaspoons cinnamon

***

Preheat oven to 325

Grease and flour 13X9" baking dish

Mix cake mix, eggs, oil water and sour cream. In separate bowl mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of batter in baking dish. Sprinkle half of cinnamon mixture over batter and swirl in. Pour remaining batter in pan and sprinkle with rest of cinnamon sugar and swirl it in.

Bake for 40 min or till cake tests done.

HONEY BUN GLAZE

4 Tablespoons milk

2 cups Confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine together and pour over HOT cake.

***

This cake is amazing...for breakfast OR dessert.

The recipe is from my DAR Cookbook.

Thank you Paula Jandurn.

***

I love it when you try my recipes from the Test Kitchen postings

and let me know how and IF you liked the recipe.

Thank you for always being part of my life.

Love you.

2012-01-29T09:39:00.000-06:00

I have an addiction.

Noooo, not cooking.

{well, maybe}

My addiction is

ballet flats.

I love flats. Any color leather or satin.

When I find a pair that I love, I wear them to death.

This past week as I organized the closet,

3 pair were retired.

Do you think that there is a 12 step program for shoe addictions?

I am wearing my new pair this morning to church.

Hello.

I am Robin Tolbert

and
I am addicted to shoes.

Love you. Me

The Quiet Life Once More

2012-01-28T12:16:00.002-06:00

My adventures were close to home this week.

The days were filled with all variety of dramas.

I created.{ART not drama}

I stood up for myself.

I was ashamed for the actions of some old friends.

I hugged Matilda.

I made a commitment to get healthy.

I worried about a dear friend.

I cooked, cringed, cried, bought ALMOND MILK,

{what the merde is almond milk?}

and now today,

I have on old jeans, Ugg boots, black turtleneck

and plan to be a lazy dog all day long.

Once as a man took over his duty's at the lighthouse,

he claimed,

"Oh! to live the quiet life once more!"

Love you beyond the sea.

Hearts and Foot Prints

2012-01-27T08:04:00.002-06:00

Yesterday,

I received the very first Valentine

from my My Granddaughter.

It had her foot print on it,

and she handed it to me.

Thank you Matilda!

I shall treasure this card always.

Love you,

Robi

A Defined Feeling

2012-01-26T08:19:00.002-06:00

Finally

I have finished posting the pictures from our Fall Holiday.

Each year, when we come home it takes me longer

and longer to edit and post the shots.

I enjoy the process, reviewing the shots,

and noting things that I missed the first time I looked at them.

This shot, is one of my favorites.

We were strolling one evening, on the way to dinner.

The night was foggy, reservations were for 7:30.

As usual we were early, and for once it was wonderful to be early.

The slow, nosey walk down cobbled streets,

holding hands with Larry,

gave my heart such a full, defined feeling.

Yes.

The...."my cup runneth over" feeling.

If you are interested, go to the link below.

Put on a bit of soft, romantic music, and click on the word,

SLIDE SHOW.

Take a little trip with me.

This is the link to my photos

Appréciez un voyage avec moi.

Love you.

{PS: next year I vow to post the photos alot earlier}

My Entry

2012-01-25T06:42:00.000-06:00

Dear ADG Photography,

ADG PHOTOGRAPHY

Please accept this as my official entry for your Valentine contest.

The above photo was taken in 1996 by Giddings Photography.

Larry was a finalist for Plano Father Of The Year,

and

this portrait was taken for the Dallas Morning News.

It was the last professional photograph taken of

Larry and I together in any form.

{we are with our daughters}

Engaged on Valentines day 1977, my diamond ring is a heart,

married every second since then,

sharing everything that has come to us, good and bad.

How very blessed we have been.

I would love a new photo of "Us",

a romantic memory of our 35th year together.

Thank you for the consideration,

I am always,

Robin Tolbert

{Larry and I have reservations for a weekend in PA soon,

we will be in your area just in case you should choose us}

****

Love you beyond the sepia,

A Bold Red Wine

2012-01-24T07:13:00.003-06:00

It is early.

Really early.

I am dressed to walk 4 miles, new Ipod Nano in hand,

and

ready to feel better.

With so much happening the past few days,

I forgot to post Sunday dinner and movie (football) photos.

It was a delicious dinner.

{wine was a gift from Jami to her Father}

Sausage raviolis,

caesar salad &garlic bread.

Veggie tray and a bold red wine.

It was a meal to remember.

{except the football was boring}

***

Today I am going to contact someone that I have not talked to in ages,

just to say hello.

Do you have someone you have missed in your life?

{Call them, please?}

Love you.

Being Different/A Personal post

2012-01-23T06:59:00.002-06:00

Did you ever wish that M&M'S came in pistachio shells?

Do you ever wish that things were different?

Do you ever wish that you fit in better?

Do you ever wish that people were kinder and more accepting?

Do you ever wish that the moon was full every night?

{oh sorry, I could not help myself. Smile}

This past weekend I had the opportunity

to read on Facebook what a group of women

felt about another person who had unfriended them.

At first I thought that I was in a high school bathroom,

eavesdropping on girls gossiping.

Their comments were sarcastic and bitter.

My heart raced. My ears rung.

Don't they know that even on Facebook,

you have to be a friend to have a friend?

We live in an age where communications are so easy.

Everything can be done from your desk.

Happy Birthday's, Get Wells and Happy Anniversary's

are just an email away.

We do not have to make any effort at all.

Have we reduced the term friendship?

Defining it by how many friends we have on a Facebook list?

My experience is simple.

In real life, facebook or anywhere else.

If you want to be my friend, BE my friend.

Do not take me for granted or play games with me.

If not...

I am not confrontational, I just go away.

It is how I handle being hurt by someone that I care about.

I just go away.

To the ladies posting on Facebook,

did you personally contact the person to see if she was OK?

{no}

How long did it take you to discover the person was gone?

{over a month or never, is not good}

Instead of being angry at the person for unfriending you,

have you asked yourself what you might have done?

{from your comments, I am guessing no}

If you answered NO to one or more of these questions,

Perhaps you are not the kind, wonderful, friend you thought you were.

You might have noticed that I posted answers for you under each question.

How could I be so callous?

It is because you were talking about ME.

I saw it, I read it, and it is because of actions like that,

you proved that you were really never a friend.

***

Love you,

Caught Up

2012-01-22T09:04:00.000-06:00

It has been a wonderful weekend.

After these moments, I often wonder what I did

so right to deserve such treasures.

Our Family lunch was at Uncle Julio's.

The food was wonderful,

{we all ate huge plates of food}

I caught up with all of Josh's activities and work,

Lauren held good baby Matilda during lunch, while Jami sat next to them,

making Matilda smile through-out lunch.

Life is SO good.

Love you.

2012-01-21T06:40:00.003-06:00

Have you ever experienced a perfect moment?

That single second that is awe inspiring and breath taking at the same time.

As you make you way through today,

take time to notice the perfect moments.

Love you.

Corn Chowder Alert

2012-01-20T08:14:00.001-06:00

Are you a corn chowder fan?

Then this one is for you.

It makes alot,

you can "half" the recipe

or maybe

share left overs with the neighbors.

Enjoy

photo by Lauren Miller

CORN CHOWDER

Ingredients

1 lb bacon- cut into 1"pieces

4 cups diced red potatoes

2 cups chopped onion

2 cups sour cream

2 1/2 cups milk

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 cans of corn not drained

***

Place potatoes and onions in water, cover with water

Boil 10 min, drain

Fry bacon in empty boil pot

fry 5-10 min

add drained potatoes and onion and a bit of water

cook 15-20 min till tender

drain if needed

Transfer to slow cooker

*combine in large bowl, sour cream milk chicken soup and corn.

Add to ingredients in slow cooker

Cover and cook on low (thanks Mada) 2 hours.

Serve with biscuits or corn bread.

***

Forgive the basic-ness of these instructions.

It is exactly how I took the notes while putting the soup together.

I guess I should work on that.

***

My wish for today,

to find 4 new African violets to replace the ones that the blasted mouse (Herbert) ate while visiting our cottage this summer.

Do you have a wish for this wonderful weekend?

Maybe make a pot of Corn Chowder, and share with your neighbors?

Be happy. Smile often.

Love you lots.

One Of Those Days

2012-01-19T07:21:00.000-06:00

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.

It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections."

***

The sun is not up yet, but it must be close,

because I hear birds singing!

Do you know what I mean?

The song they sing on spring mornings?

When I hear that, it reminds me of my Grandmother.

She had a garage basement in her house in PA.

On spring mornings, she would open the garage doors

and we would eat

Sugar Crisp cereal at the table in the basement.

I can still hear the birds.

Love you.

Before I Forget...

2012-01-18T08:14:00.002-06:00

...I took this shot on Sunday

after I made the snack mix that is our favorite

"go to" treat during the week.

Meaning to post it here on Monday,

but this week has really flown by for me.

So, before I forget again,

THE Snack Mix

INGREDIENTS

1 Zip Loc Bag

1 Box Whole Grain Goldfish

1 can of whole cashews

1 bag of pretzel sticks

Garlic Powder

***

Add entire can of cashews to bag.

Add entire box of goldfish to bag.

Top off with enough pretzel sticks to fill bag.

Add 1 Tablespoon garlic powder to other ingredients.

Close bag.

Turn a few times to mix well.

let set for 24 hours.

***

PS Dot, my good friend shared this TEA site with me,'she adores this brand...

I shall try it soon!

http://www.harney.com/

Have the best day that you can imagine.

Love you.

In Ft Worth

2012-01-17T11:36:00.002-06:00

Seeing the George Washington exhibit, at the Ft Worth Museum of Sience and History

A New Mug

2012-01-17T07:27:00.001-06:00

Last week I broke in my new tea/hot chocolate mug.

It was Dima & Levi's gift to me this Christmas.

It was a wonderful holiday wasn't it?

I find myself smiling as I remember small moments quickly passed.

Good food,

Smiles of my children and friends,

Prayers and Hymns.....

and old Christmas tree ornaments.

It is Tuesday, January 17th already.

2012.

Have I wished you Happy New Year yet?

A whole year, brand new in front of us!

Just imagine the blessings ahead of us.

Love you.

{I toast you with tea, that is in my new Mug}

Sunday Dinner and...Football

2012-01-16T07:21:00.002-06:00

DIP AWAY

FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES

{Larry's favorite, and I finally found a decent recipe

that is made in the crock pot}

Ingredients

3-4 pound Beef Chuck Roast

1 can Campbell's Beef Consomme

12 ounces beer {1 bottle}

2 Beef Bouillon cubes

1 1/4 ounce package of onion soup mix

Large loaf of French or Italian bread

Dry off roast with paper towels.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt.

Rub seasoning in well.

Place in Crock Pot.

Mix consomme & onion soup mix.

Pour over roast.

Pour Bottle of beer over roast. {I use Larry's Smythick Beer}

Place one bouillon cube on each side of roast

Cook on low for 7-8 hours covered.

When finished cooking, shred beef and return to juice.

Cut loaf of bread into 4 pieces

slice open and toast.

Place cheese on bread and broil a moment or two.

using slotted spoon, put meat on bread.

Put au jus in small container....

{I also caramelize onions and use horseradish sauce}

We enjoyed steak fries with our French Dip Sandwiches.

***

6:00am Monday

Larry just called while driving to the office.

He said that the streets of Dallas are empty and it is a wonderful drive this morning.

Martin Luther King Day.

Enjoy!

I have laundry to do and secret plans for the upcoming weekend.

I hope things work out.....

Love you.

Something Totally Decadent

2012-01-15T08:33:00.003-06:00

It was sunny and 66 outside yesterday.

I woke with one thing on my mind.

A picnic....at the Dallas Arboretum.

{Larry is such a good sport to humor me as he does}

This is the view from our bench.

We picked up sandwiches from Jimmy John's,

tomato basil potato chips

and just by chance, we had a bottle of Champagne in the fridge.

We toasted the beautiful day,

cousin Don's birthday as he celebrated in Half Moon Bay,

And baby Matilda because she ate pureed peas for the first time yesterday.

Dessert at a picnic has to be something totally decadent,

like cupcakes with butter cream icing.

We packed up the picnic basket and strolled through the gardens.

These pictures make me sigh....

Did you have a wonderful day?

Love you,

Number 24

2012-01-14T08:47:00.003-06:00

I had a good day yesterday.

Larry was feeling better and went to work.

And because next week is one of my favorite persons birthday,

I got gifts ready to mail away.

Wrapping gifts with

simple tissue paper and good ribbon.

I buy many bolts of ribbon at Costco.

With the white tissue and a colorful ribbon, it does not matter what time of year the gift is given or gender of recipient.

After wrapping, I mailed the goodies.

Sending gifts off in the mail is always fun...anticipation.

Larry and I had dinner at Pei Wei

Number 24 for sure...something light was in order after Larry's illness.

Confession: I LOVE pot stickers.

And

I shared them with Larry.

***

Yesterday I had a nice conversation.

It was about being an authentic person.

Something happened in my past that still nags at my heart.

It was something unfair and life changing.

Yesterday, I was told that just living the life that your heart commands,

proclaiming it every day,

and

by living the life you chose ,

the world knows who you really are.

My conversation ended with a wink from the other person

and a crushing hug.

Affirmation. Follow your heart and you will always be happy.

Crushing hugs to you,

Love you.

2012-01-13T14:12:00.001-06:00

Today,I baked gingerbread cookies with butter cream icing.

Wish you were here.

Love you.

It Oinks

2012-01-13T05:09:00.005-06:00

I am so glad that this week is almost over.

If I re-capped it for you, it would be filled with:

Jami being gone to who knows where.

Business dinners {and bowling}that I should not have been at.

Rainy days, and winter arriving.
Larry booking my birthday celebration at the Black Bass Inn.

Full moon, known as Wolf Moon
G~daughter Matilda sleeping in her cib.

An evening at Kenny's burgers that was PERFECT.

A squirrel demolishing my bird feeders.

{remind me to take pictures}

Libby and Larry Recovering

Larry was ill Thursday.

{I bribed him, so he would see the DR. 3:00 appointment.

Good news.

His lungs were clear, and there was no evidence of an episode of

his diverticulitis}

He is sleeping now, but will get up at 5 am.

Yes. He will go to work today and I do not know how he will manage it.

I baked yesterday,

and used my new timer.

I LOVE it so much.

When the timer goes off, it does not buzz or beep.

It oinks!

***

Today is Friday the 13th.

Stay safe and happy.

Love you.

A Crock Pot Sort of Day

2012-01-12T08:30:00.002-06:00

It finally feels like winter outside!

A real honest to goodness winter!

YAY

BUT

Larry woke up ill this morning, and went to work between barfs.

He just called me and is still sick.

Lets hope he calls his DR.....

{I am taking bets if he does or not}

I am dressed and ready to knock a few projects out.

I will order a new top for myself from Sundance.

{photo above}

I will make Madeleines, recipe is from my new cookbook.

{Thank you Lars, it is the perfect Christmas gift}

and

I would like very much to finish the needlepoint on Libby's pillow,

I have about 1 inch of handwork left to do.

***

Larry is sick and I have wonderful projects do work on,

it sounds like a soup in the Crock Pot sort of day.

May your day be filled with hot soup and warm bread.

Love you.

Schooners & Sliders

2012-01-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

Last evening,

was a work evening for Larry.

We met coworkers for beer and bowling.

I drank a "schooner" of Shiner Bock and had 2 sliders.

Why do they call that glass a schooner and the little burgers sliders?

There was a prize for the couple with the highest score from two games.

The winners were Charlene & David.

Bowlers extraordinaire.

And....

yes, they won Sam The Gnome.

***

Have a happy day.

Love you.

Blessed Indeed

2012-01-10T08:36:00.001-06:00

My favorite soldiers are away.

We do not know where they are or when they will return.

They will be doing what they have been trained to do,

with confidence and love.

May God watch over them.

***

New Hampshire is making decisions today.

The Republican Presidential race reminds me

of a kick ball game in elementary school.

Do you think the popular boy will win?

***

I am incensed.

If Beyonce & Jay-Z reserved an entire hospital floor,

and spent 1.5 million dollars ro renovate it...

I am angry.

1. Hospitals make enough money off our unfortunate health problems to renovate using their own dollars.

2. What (regular) hospital do you know of that has bullet proof doors?

3. Who needs that kind of space, and spend that kind of money to welcome one of God's greatest gifts into the world?

(I am a new grandmother, I know the joy that comes with this blessing)

4. Imagine the hungry American children you could feed with a million dollars.

5. Imagine the cholera medicine you could buy for the people of Haiti.

If you are an introverted, wealthy, entertainer,

you can do pretty much what you want to do.

Do you know of any school teachers that deliver their babys in private wings of hospitals?

***

While Jami's unit is away,

New Hampshire is voting

and

babys are being born,

I wish that we would remember what our lives are all about.

Follow your heart and you will always be happy.

We are blessed indeed.

Love you lots.

Hot Java

2012-01-09T09:27:00.001-06:00

I will do anything for my daughters.
{they are the ones who shared the People of Walmart site with me}

Yes, I just sent this to People of Walmart photo site.

{People of Walmart}

A man was looking at coffee makers, thus the name.

"HOT JAVA"

I look at this now and wonder how I had the nerve to take his photo,

he might have turned around and spit on me.

It is a rainy Monday in my part of town.

Laundry is on load two, I am still not dressed....

and

I am happy.

Love you.

OH OH OH!

2012-01-08T16:54:00.001-06:00

What is better than a "late" Christmas gift?

NOTHING!

On Christmas, son in law, Josh, gave me a box that rattled.

He and I looked at each other and frowned.

He said, I will take care if it.

{He always takes care of everything}

Today he gave me what was in the rattle box.....

and oh oh oh......

I am quite in love this this cake plate.

Thank you Josh.

I love it!

Finally, Peter Cetera

2012-01-08T08:18:00.001-06:00

It was Early September in 1995 when Larry came to me

and said: come with me..we are off to buy tickets.

Mother had died about 3 weeks earlier.

Happy moments were at a premium in our lives

and Larry discovered that Peter Cetera would be preforming in Dallas.

{my FAVORITE! Peter Cetera}

In 1995, Dillards was the place to buy tickets for concerts.

You could end up waiting in line for hours.

We were lucky that day. Five people were in line.

{and were were waiting for the the box office to open}

As we waited, Larry & I discussed family things.

Dealing with so much that summer.

My heart was broken. My best friend had just died.

Then the nicest thing happened.

The man first in line, came back to me.

He said that he had been listening to our discussion

and

would like me to be first to buy tickets.

I said, thank you, but no.

He insisted. I MEAN insisted.

He was so sweet. I will never forget how he whispered to me,

I lost my Mom and miss her so much too.

Larry and I bought our tickets.

First row, Smack dab in the middle.

I hugged the kind man, Thank you sir.

***

I was so excited. It was something to look forward to.

Until Mr Cetera cancelled the concert.

{news came to us about 4 weeks after buying the tickets}

I have been MAD at him all of these years.

Till, last week, Larry said, look what I have,

then handed me two tickets for Peter Cetera.

After 15 years.

Mr Cetera was not what I expected.

He was handsome, self confident, funny

and

his voice was still perfection.

25 or 6 to 4 was my favorite song of the night...

well not really.

The evening was total perfection.

Thank you Larry....there is something wonderful

about life going full circle.

So much has happened in the time since we bought the tickets

in 1995.

I am smiling.

Love you.

Into My Suitcase

2012-01-07T09:51:00.001-06:00

"Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf is a flower"

~Albert Camus~

***

Each year I bring home a leaf from autumn holiday.

This year, the leaf was found on the street where we live.

It was muddy and in need of a home.

I washed it,let it dry for days

and

placed it into the pages of a magazine,

and then into my suitcase.

It now lives in the studio,

reminding me of how wonderfully basic life is.

Happy, wonderful, basic days.

Filled with joy & love.

{and leaves}

Love you.

Paris Leaf At Home In Texas

Dear Pioneer Woman

2012-01-06T09:22:00.004-06:00

CONFESSION:

I have been married since 1977 and could NEVER make a decent Pot Roast.

Having good memories of my Mothers pot roast on Sunday afternoons,

I often tried, to no avail.

BUT

Over the Christmas holidays while working on gifts,

the house was quiet and I turned on the Food Network.

Pioneer Woman, You were on!

Of course I have heard of you, and was given your cookbook a long time ago,

but I knew almost nothing about you.

Till now.

The show was fun and relaxing,

and you made a POT ROAST!

I got your cookbook off the shelf, and went shopping.

I followed the recipe to the letter but put it all into my crock-pot...

and imagine this.

I made the BEST POT ROAST....

just like Mothers.

So, while playing Scrabble,

I tried to stay humble..

when I really wanted to do the

"I made the best pot roast in the world dance!"

Dear Pioneer Woman,

Thank you.

I made a pot roast just like my Mothers.

I owe you.

2012-01-06T07:35:00.002-06:00

GIRLS DAY

Yesterday was filled with fun moments.

Jami, Lauren, Matilda and myself

met at our favorite nail salon.

Lauren had her fingers & toes done, while Jami and I took care of Matilda.

Then we went shopping and to lunch at Panera Bread.

Matilda fell asleep at lunch.

I sat, listening to the chatter at the table,

Thanking God for each moment.

We all go through trials...

difficult moments that bring us to our knees.

But one second of love, can remind even the hardest heart,

that blessings abound.

Gosh!

Please forgive me.

I meant today's posting to be light and happy.

This past holiday, I found myself missing some special people,

and yesterday being

Twelfth Night, was the perfect day to refocus

and

whisper thanks.

***

Yesterday,we found out that one of the men who Larry works with,

is a match for his brother who needs a bone marrow transplant.

That is something to be thankful for!

How amazing that must feel, for both of them.

Larry is a bit jealous.

He has been in the bone marrow registry for 20 years,

and has never been called as a match.

He would like that very much.....

Have you ever considered being a bone marrow donor?

{BONE MARROW REGISTRY}

{I had an illness that prevents me from donating anything,

so Larry says that he gives blood and hopefully marrow one day,

for me. That is an amazing gift}

***

Enough rambling.......

I am off to start Valentine gifts!

Have the best day that you can imagine.

Love you beyond the red nail polish,

Unreal

2012-01-05T07:28:00.000-06:00

My yesterday seemed unreal.

It was busy, busy.

Not run around busy, but catch-up busy.

Boring errands and projects being finished.

New, fun projects being started.

{I have news to share in a day or two.

Contracts must be signed before I can smile}

My only wish for yesterday was,

that

if Larry came home early enough,

we would go to our favorite pizza cafe for dinner.

I dug a bottle of my favorite wine out of the wine jail.

{that is what I call Larry's wine rack}

Then the impossible happened. Larry came home!

Poor Larry, did not even have time to sit down before

I handed him the wine.

{in our new, wonderful wine bag from Rosemary & David}

and we went to the cafe.....

Where we shared our favorite pizza

and

visited about the day.

My unreal day turned into reality.

Love you.

This Time Of Day

2012-01-04T07:03:00.000-06:00

Friends are like windows through which you see out into the world and back into yourself... If you don't have friends you see much less than you otherwise might.”

~Merle Shain~

***

Yesterday

I skipped walking 4 miles.

I went to the Thrift Store and bought old shirts for a project I am working on.

I wrote 25 Thank you notes.

{you cannot know how happy I am that they are done!}

I escaped to the movies, sharing my afternoon with Robert Downey, Jr.

Sherlock Holmes was perfection.

I served Turkey sandwiches on Crescent rolls for dinner

and

watched The Biggest Loser on TV

while reading REBECCA.

Today

I will walk 4 miles,

other than that who knows what the day will hold?

Larry is crazy busy at the office.

I must finish a crushed velvet dress I am making.

Starting the valentine project is an option,

and

tonight I would love to grab a bottle of wine and slip away

to our little pizza cafe for dinner.

The best part about this time of day is,

anything is possible.

What will YOU do today?

Love you.

AGELESS: Life In Paris

2012-01-03T08:04:00.001-06:00

I have been posting HOLIDAY photos with a vengeance.

Trying to post them all

so I could be inspired by the new year and wonderful friends,

shooting new shots in 2012.

{find Paris photos HERE}

Below is one of my favorites from this year.

Titled: AGELESS. Life in Paris

Today, in my mail box was an email,

from a very kind man.

May I share a short story?

***

Short Story. I promise.

Larry and I have been going to France each Autumn

for about 16 years,

and have been blessed to discover, on Sunday nights,

FREE concerts at The American Church in Paris.

Talented musicians, sharing their ART

with anyone who can find their way to the beautiful church

sitting proudly along the Seine River.

So, as we approach Twelfth Night,

Fred Gramann from The American Church in Paris

sent me an email

and link to a holiday greeting from the church.

I would like to share the beautiful greeting with you

American Church In Paris 2012 Greeting

If you ever find yourself in Paris,

a visit to the American Church for services,

or evening concerts, is a complete joy.

Larry and I prepare for next years holiday,

we have a small calendar, adding appointments, etc.

The American Church is already noted for next year.

I take a deep breath,

life touches us in the most wonderful way!

Today, I wish you reminders of how you touch others,

and how they touch you.

Thank you Fred Gramann for making today

the best reminder of all.

Test Kitchen is Open

2012-01-02T08:10:00.000-06:00

Choco Cherry LOVE Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box Pillsbury white cake mix

1 tub of Pillsbury vanilla icing

1 teaspoon amaretto

3 boxes of chocolate covered cherries

Prepare 24 cupcakes as box instructs.

Using a cupcake corer,

{find one here, HERE}

Core 24 cupcakes.

Take chocolate covered cherry,

press gently into the cupcake.

(round side of cherry downward)

Taking one teaspoon of amaretto,

stir into prepared Pillsbury icing, till well mixed.

Ice cupcakes sparingly.

because they are so incredibly sweet......

Then package and deliver to special people in your life!

We shared these with neighbors on New Years Day.

One thing Larry asked me to remind you of,

when you say the name of these cupcakes,

{yes, he named them}

You say it like Barry White would and when you get to the word LOVE,

you say it long and low.

PS: remember these cupcakes can be a bit drippy,

depending on the chocolate covered cherrys you use.

***

These past holidays have been wonderful.

Christmas, New Years....

I am excited to see what this new year will bring.

I owe so many thank you notes....

Please excuse me, just for a week or two

I am just happy breathing in the fresh air of 2012.

Love you.

Nothing Ever Stays The Same

2011-12-31T22:18:00.001-06:00

A Susan Branch calendar is always in my laundry room.
While I was taking 2011 down

and putting 2012 up....it made me cry.

What a wonderful reminder.

Happy New Year.

Love you.

Paperwhites In The East Window

2011-12-31T09:27:00.001-06:00

This is the last photo of my paperwhites before I put them outside.

{they will be planted in the side garden}

I shall also wash and store my favorite Christmas tablecloth.

Next Christmas seems so far away.

What will 2012 hold for us?

So much happened in 2011, how can I even imagine 2012?

365 days....527,040 minutes {this is a leap year}

As we reflect on last year and project into 2012...

May all of your memories be happy ones,

and

all of your dreams of the future be filled with smiles.

So,

as I prepare to say goodbye to 2011,

my heart feels heavy.

Many wonderful personal and family milestones.....

May the blessing of this past year,

spill into this next year, filling us with happiness and health.

Thank you for being part of my life,

Thank you for supporting me,

Thank you for being you.

Happy New Year.

Love you.

Pillsbury Crescent Rounds!

2011-12-30T07:10:00.002-06:00

Last night was Thursday Dinner and Movie.

Sunshine Cleaning was a Lauren Netflix pic for us.

I did not understand why she chose it for us,

until the end.

Then I cried.

Larry had requested Piggies in a Blanket for dinner,

but,

I messed up and bought Pillsbury Crescent Rounds.

Making do with what I bought,

They turned into Hot Dog Spirals.

We liked them so much!

Dessert,

a home made custard pie.

It had a bubble in the crust. Larry laughed.

I put Larry in bed,{he is still sick}

and turned the movie on....

Perfection.

Love you,

me.

Good Night Moon, A Quilt

2011-12-29T06:47:00.003-06:00

On Christmas Day,

I gave Matilda the quilt that I made for her,

{and the book, Good Night Moon, that matches}

Yes, I did all of the embroidery , piecing and quilting.

Lauren sent this photo yesterday...

Matilda loves it.

Love you.

{PS: Thank you Blue Ribbon Quilt Shoppe in Wylie, Texas, for help in getting the fabric I needed}

Just In Time! *Sangria Recipe

2011-12-28T07:58:00.003-06:00

Just in time for New Years Eve.

My favorite

SANGRIA

recipe!

SANGRIA

1/2 cup brandy

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup frozen lemonade from concentrate

1/3 cup orange juice

1 bottle of dry red wine

1/2 cup triple sec

1 lemon, cut into rounds

1 orange cut into rounds

1lime cut into rounds

2 cups of carbonated water (optional) I do not use this

In a large pitcher, mix together brandy, lemon juice, lemonade from concentrate, orange juice, red wine & triple sec.

Float slices of orange, lemon and lime in mixture.

Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.

Serve over ice with tiny straws, perfection.

For a fuzzy sangria, add club soda before serving.

***

I LOVE sangria, having discovered the drink in a small cantina in Frisco, TX.

We would go to the restaurant just so I could have the drink.

It took me a long time to find a recipe and tweak it a wee bit,

enough to adore it.

I hope that you adore it also.

Love you.

Learn To Trust Your Heart

2011-12-27T09:09:00.002-06:00

"Follow your heart, but be quiet for awhile first.

Ask questions, then feel the answer.

Learn to trust your heart."

***

2011 Holidays.

Guests from CA.

Matilda's first Christmas.

Happy family all together.

Larry has been really sick.

{Acute Bronchitis}

As usual it is a nightmare getting him to a Dr or Hospital.

So, I said that he could sleep in the guest room till he worked it out.

Mission accomplished.

He saw a DR at 11 yesterday,{1 hour after our discussion}

He got a steroid shot and a Z-pac

and slept in the big bed last night.

{smile here}

***

This time of year always tugs at my heart.

Wonderful memories of long ago

that no one can take away from me.

But aren't we all like that?

The bâtards, {pardon my French} in our lives,

are only lashing out because they are so sad.

That is what we must remember.

A kind heart is a happy heart....

and now I must run.

Larry sweat so much on the linens last night,

I am changing sheets and washing linens.

Have a happy, wonderful day.

Love you beyond the clean duvet.

PS: Facebook shut me out for no reason.

You can find me

Google +

Perfection

2011-12-26T07:42:00.001-06:00

Christmas morning has become one of my favorite times of the year.

Gentle, sweet anticipation of the day.

Thoughts of the new year,

and

being thankful for the many blessings in our life.

I hope that your Christmas Morning was perfection....

Love you.

2011-12-25T01:54:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

Today I send you love and best wishes,

during this blessed season.

Love you beyond the colored lights.

Christmas Magic

2011-12-24T07:50:00.001-06:00

I googled,

"Christmas Magic"

There was a lot of silliness listed.

It was disappointing, so I went in search of it.

I grabbed a turkey sandwich from Subway,

and headed to the country.

Look what I found!

Matilda & a rabbit in a hat!

This is Christmas Magic for sure.

Matilda tried to show us,

reaching the the Magicians Hat........

she is still just a wee bit small to share

such important magic with us.

Maybe next year.

BUT...

I found a poem called

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

It's not the glow you feel when snow appears,
It's not the Christmas card you've sent for years,
Not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring,
Or the merry songs children sing.

The little things you do on Christmas Day
Will not bring back the friend you've turned away.
So may I suggest the secret of Christmas
Is not the things you do at Christmas time,
But the little things you do all year through.

***

Love you beyond the magic,

May the Spirit of Christmas Bring You Peace,

2011-12-23T08:05:00.002-06:00

I walked through the house this morning, while the sun was rising,

and it felt like Christmas.

A wonderful, cookie eating, meeting friends,

slipping $$$ into the Salvation Army Bucket, hugging neighbors,

and wrapping well chosen gifts,

kind of Christmas.

Do you ever wonder,

what turns on your

"Happy Button"?

It is basic.

It is love, laughter and faith.

It is the realization that you lived through certain things,

and survived.

As my daughters grew, my mantra to them was

"Follow your heart and you shall always be happy"

That alone might be the best reason of all.

This year, I plan to smile at the memory of those I have lost,

whispering prayers for friends in need,

and eat to many cookies.

Hey, who said that I was an angel?

{smile here}

***

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.

Love you.

Santa Meets Matilda

2011-12-22T19:39:00.002-06:00

It was an amazing moment.

Matilda{my grand daughter} & Santa looked at each other.

Taking in each other in the most genuine way.

And...

I was there!

I took the photos.

Matilda was intrigued and happy.

Santa pleased that Matilda was such a sweetie.

Tonight, as I reflect on Matilda, her Mother, her aunt and even myself,

generations of children and their first visit

to see the "Jolly" one.

It is always so wonderful?

Why don't I remember it as so wonderful?

You have to be bored with me....

but I rejoice in life.

My life, YOUR life!

So happy, happy....

Love you.

Looking For Col O.J. Ritland

2011-12-22T07:02:00.001-06:00

Do you remember these lyrics?

We'll follow the old man wherever he wants to go
Long as he wants to go opposite to the foe

We'll stay with the old man wherever he wants to stay
Long as he stays away from the battle's fray

Because we love him, we love him
Especially when he keeps us on the ball

And we'll tell the kiddies we answered duty's call
With the grandest son of a soldier of them all

*******

After watching "White Christmas" a few days ago

That song has stayed in my mind.

It is a touching acceptance of authority and conflict.

I LOVE that song.

Yesterday,

while browsing in a local vintage shop,

look what I found.

The name on the back of the photo

Col. O.J. Ritland

So much is said in this photo.....

if you are O.J. Ritland, or know him or his family,

please contact me.

I have a photo that is yours.

Merry Christmas!

Love you,

Just A Thought

2011-12-21T08:41:00.002-06:00

This was our Christmas Card, years ago.

Moody teenagers did not want to pose.

I have been thinking about past holidays alot.

Do you think that if the mean nasty people in your life,

knew that their actions would ruin THEIR holidays,

{along with yours}

might they chose a different way of handling situations?

Just a thought.
{smile}

***

After the photo above was taken,

Lauren & Jami cheered up.

They escaped Larry and myself to

explore Paris alone.

How lucky we have been.

Happy, lucky and blessed.

But this year....

it is going to be quite a Christmas this year!

{I cannot wait}

Love you.

Working

2011-12-20T09:55:00.001-06:00

At my work desk today. Think Christmas gifts!

2011-12-20T06:55:00.002-06:00

It has been so much fun posting my holiday photos on FlickR this year.

I wanted them all posted by Christmas, that might not happen.

{But I will TRY!}

Yesterday, Jami and I spent the day Christmas shopping.

It is it is our tradition to spend the day together shopping,

have lunch, laughing, and enjoying each other

the holiday gets closer.

***

It is an amazing holiday this year.

Perhaps it is because I have a new Granddaughter,

Larry has a new position at work,

Lauren & Josh are parents,

Jami is preparing to continue her education at a different college,

and

I wish that I could put every ones feelings into a file,

under one title.

Did you know,

That when your daughter has a child, she looks at you differently?

Did you know,

That when your husband gets a promotion, you lose friends who were his co-workers?

Did you know,

transferring colleges is an exciting experience?

Did you know

that I am extremely happy with my life?

Happy, healthy, children, Jami acing her courses,

Larry working hard, loving his job,

and

as Christmas gets closer each day

blessings come to us in so many ways.

Secret: On Christmas eve, while at church, when my favorite carol is sung,

I cry.

The Holly and The Ivy is my favorite

find it HERE.

Have the best day.

Love you.

{What is your favorite carol?}

Here I COME!

2011-12-19T06:40:00.000-06:00

It is a BUSY day for me today,

but I wanted to share with you,

Yesterday's

Sunday Dinner & Movie.

Dinner: Full Turkey dinner with trimmings,

including my new Sangria recipe.

{it made me forget that I had a cold!}

well,not really but it WAS wonderful.

Jamison joined us for dinner,

our movie for the day was one of my FAVORITES!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

***

I am getting dressed to go to McKinney Texas to shop with Jami.

It is raining and I am still sneezing.

It will be the perfect day.

Christmas Spirit here I come!

Love you.

Love Your Thoughtfulness

2011-12-18T09:36:00.000-06:00

It is Sunday Morning.

Dinner and Movie are planned.....

but may I ask about a package that arrived here?

Larry and I have a habit of saving all packages that arrive,

and

opening them while we are together,

placing wrapped packages under the tree.

There is something that reminds me

of my childhood when I do that.

Today a charming box marked ORNAMENT

was opened.

A note on the box said,

Merry Christmas Robin & Larry.

No sender was mentioned!

Please, please.....

whoever sent us this most wonderful Santa,

drinking coffee at the Eiffel,

fess up!

We LOVE him,

We love your thoughtfulness,

We love that someone out there shared such a thoughtful gift.

Today,

As my busy day continues,

I shall walk pass Dear Santa,

Touching him lightly,

and whispering thank you to a thoughtful friend.

Merci Beaucoup.

Love you.

Wine, Traveling and Me

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000-06:00

Larry had his holiday photos made into hard copy.

I know, because I ordered them from a file on my computer.

During the rain yesterday, he picked them up from Costco,

coming to me, laughing.

Larry:Look at this picture. What are you doing?

Me:What? I asked that you stop taking photos of me like this.

Larry:But look how funny you look. How can I resist?

Me:Try.

***

Men.

Sheesh.

I never know what to get Larry for Christmas.

He loves, wine, traveling and me.

Not in that order.

Trying to find that special gift for Larry

makes me Christmas Grumpy.

Maybe today, I will find that one gift that glows.

Wish me luck.

Love you.

{have you had luck with all of your Christmas gifts?}

Need A Hug

2011-12-15T07:47:00.001-06:00

I have been posting my holiday photos daily on FlickR.

Adding a few each day has made the process fun for me.

{it makes me a bit homesick too}

Go HERE and click on slide show...

and you can come with me on an adventure.

I add new each day.

This shawl is amazing. I found the pattern this week.

I would love to make it.

It takes 3 hanks of cashmere, that are $30.00 each.

I love it, but maybe not that much.

Perhaps I can find comparable yarn for about $10.00 a hank?

Find the pattern HERE

{you may have to register to Vogue}

This morning, I also found this cake.....

it looks good.

Maybe to good.

Need the recipe?

Find it HERE

***

The evidence is here.

I have been putzing all morning.

Distracted by all of the holiday HOOP-LA,

and hating each moment of it.

Please do me a favor?

If some one is being ignorant, rude and edgy today.

give them a hug?

Christmas, this year seems a bit tenuous.

Someone might need a hug and you never know it.

Love you lots.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

2011-12-14T07:08:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was gloomy and gross.

Droplets hung in the air like diamonds.

Matilda came over to hang out,

brightening up the day substantially.

And wouldn't you know it, her Aunt Jami happened by.

Jami was on her way to the track for a jog.

She and Matilda are so close.....

they remind me of peanut butter and jelly.

You know what I mean?

Great alone, but together, amazing.

I am blessed to have such children and grandchild in my life.

It leaves me speechless.

Love you.

PS: if you were jelly, what kind would you be?

2011-12-13T07:55:00.000-06:00

MATILDA

is coming over today.

Her Mother has holiday shopping to finish.

She and I shall play the morning away.

Have a lovely day.....

love you.

I Stood Alone For Quite Awhile

2011-12-12T08:46:00.004-06:00

I am so behind today.

{Are you?}

I am baking for parties, making gifts,

decorating the house

and I still have this blasted cold I caught in France.

***

Today I posted one of my favorite

photos from France on my FlickR site.

{Taken about two weeks ago. May I share it with you?}

The photo is of a boat in the Seine River.

The sun was out that day and as I walked along the river,

diamonds danced on the water.

I stood alone for quite awhile,

while the colors from the stained glass thrilled me,

the diamonds teased my senses and my heart sang.

Life is so amazing!

Cake in the oven, have to scoot....

Love you!

Garnish With Raspberries

2011-12-11T08:27:00.002-06:00

This is a wonderful amaretto cake recipe.

{it passed our dinner party test last evening}

Just in time for the holidays.

Please enjoy.

AMARETTO CAKE

1 white cake mix

4 eggs

5oz instant vanilla pudding

2 Tablespoons amaretto liqueur

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze recipe

1 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 cup amaretto liqueur

*****

Preheat oven to 350

Grease and flour bundt pan (or mini bundt pan)

In large bowl, combine, cake mix, eggs, instant pudding, water, oil,

almond extract and 2 tablespoons of the amaretto.

Blend together well, pour into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 min.

(is using mini bundt pan, use cake box time for cupcakes)

GLAZE

To make glaze, mix, confectioners sugar and amaretto.

blend till smooth.

Remove from oven, and while still warm in the pan, poke holes in surface.

Drizzle with half of amaretto glaze, insuring that some of the glaze fills the holes.

Turn cake out of pan onto plate and spoon remaining glaze over top of cake.

I garnished with raspberries....but be creative.

This cake is delightful, plain.

***

It is almost 8:30 am.

Larry is rushing to go to storage and bring Christmas decorations home.

Our church will welcome the new minister today, I must get dressed,

cannot wait to hear his sermon.

Today, I find myself sentimental.

Maybe it is the holiday or that Matilda is here.

The sun is shinning and life is wonderful.

Love you,

Me.

2011-12-10T09:55:00.002-06:00

A Full Moon Holiday Dinner Party

The table was just set. {by me}

I love company.

Tonight is a "full moon holiday" dinner.

The longest full moon of the year is tonight.

Amaretto cakes are almost done.

{have to make 20}

Look for the recipe tomorrow...

Kosher salt is my favorite.

Who likes anything plain?

Tonight it is citrus salt.

I took a moment to post my shots,

and

while I was out of the kitchen,

LOOK.

Someone started celebrating early.

Larry I know it was you.

Libby does not have any thumbs.

***

Tonight,

wherever you might be,

Take a moment and peek at the full moon.

Our universe.

What an amazing miracle.

Love you beyond the moon.

The Unknown Story

2011-12-09T07:59:00.002-06:00

Yesterday a big envelope arrived for me in the mail.

I LOVE Packages, but not gifts.

Addressed to me, without a note,

inside I found a movie.

A documentary really, about my favorite artist.

M. Matisse.

Dun Dun Dunnnnnn.

A mystery.

I am preparing the house for a holiday party,

and do not have time to watch this wonderful DVD yet,

but my itchy fingers opened the cellophane

and

I hung over the synopsis and disk.

Who shared this wonderful unknown story

of M. Matisse?

The case is propped up in the studio,

and every time I walk past it,

my heart beats a bit faster.

Someone knows me quite well.

Thank you so much Mystery Person.

I send you love and hugs....

Being thoughtful is a gift.

Love you so much.

PS: I love this mystery so much, that I think that I shall send a

mystery gift to someone.

Look out, it might be YOU!

LUM.

A Birthday Boy

2011-12-08T07:39:00.006-06:00

Larry loves his family,

wine,

his career,

chocolate,

France,

kisses,

good shoes,

Sunday dinner and a movie,

honesty,

good friends,

laughter,

cuddling with me,

Matilda....

this list is so long because,

Larry is my most favorite, loving, caring person.

His list of dislikes is short,

including

wine out of plastic glasses,

lazy coworkers,

my sisters,

food without sugar,

dishonesty,

plane trips with lay-overs,

schemers,

people who do not reciprocate,

romantic novels

junk mail.

Hey!

This was a fun list to make.

Dear Larry,

Today is the anniversary of the day you were born.

A snowy day in St Louis, from what your Mother says.

May this day be filled with all the things that you love,

people whom you adore,

smiles, love and moments to remember.

I love you beyond the moon.

Current Events

2011-12-07T07:36:00.004-06:00

Today the family will meet for lunch and celebrate Larry's birthday.
{his B-day is tomorrow}

Secret: Larry is the worlds worst person to buy a gift for.

My sparse offerings are wrapped though,

still in their Amazon boxes.

What DO you get a person like Larry?

*****

Today is Pearl Harbor Day
My Hawaiian friends call Pearl Harbor Pu'uloa.

I am lucky to have visited the Pu'uloa a few times,

and

when I arrive, I have the same overwhelming feeling

that I have when I am in Normandy France.

It is a spirit if love and faith.

It takes over my heart.

I am speechless.

This is my favorite shot.

I took it while on a boat going out to the Arizona.

Even now, looking at the memorial,

my throat gets tight and tears come to my eyes.

It never ceases to amaze me,

the sacrifices made by strangers for us.

Could you give your life for the freedoms of others?
{1,177 souls died on the Arizona}

*****

Pearl Harbor Day.

Love you.

17 Days?

2011-12-06T07:56:00.002-06:00

What?

17 days till Christmas?

Noooo.

Larry and I have avoided the rat race till now.

Today I shall jump into that race with both feet.

Below,are the words to the song,

We Need A Little Christmas....

Larry always laughs when he hears it.

He says: Hey Robi, here is YOUR song.

Ba Humbug!

Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
So climb down the chimney;
Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For I've grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older,
And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder,Need a little Christmas now.

{To listen: Song 162 on my playlist}

Have a happy day...

Please remember what this holiday is about.

I love you

A Star is Born

2011-12-05T09:19:00.001-06:00

It feels like I have been gone from home for 6 months.

Jet lag, flu....but I am really home now

and feeling so much better.

Yesterday we celebrated Sunday, Dinner & Movie.

Salmon with orange vinaigrette & rice with peas.

The movie, we had not seen since 1977.

{so depressing}

I am so happy to be home,

Happy that my family is healthy and happy.

Happy that I cooked that salmon

and neither Larry nor I got sick.

Happy Monday!

Love you.

Green Love

2011-12-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

Don't forget,

love shows itself in many ways this holiday.

Do not miss the signs.

Love you!

Notes From A Tiny Red Book

2011-11-28T03:29:00.049-06:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pastelginger/sets/72157627800681398/

*Will be adding all French photos to this site this week*

Why does time fly past

when you are having the most wonderful of times?

Your heart is singing, and the moments speed by so fast

that your brain can almost not register the joy.

***

Over the past weeks, I have made notes.

Silly, sad, memorable, joyful notes in a tiny red book.

If it is OK, I shall add certain entries to this posting.

The entries shall all be added to the bottom of this entry,

that way,

all my notes will be in one place.

***

I am glad to be home.

{kind of}

Love you.

{Photo above, as seen in a Paris window,

price was 90e...I want to make one like it!}

*****

FIVE DAYS TILL PARIS

Larry is home today, from one week in Florida.

I fell into a hole in the side garden, that Garfield had dug.

My Ankle and left knee are killing me.

Please God, let me rest and heal before I go away.

PS: it is 2;24 am Dallas time.

I hurt and cannot sleep.

If I had a sleeping pill, I WOULD take it.

LUM.

***

FOUR DAYS TILL PARIS

You cannot know how GOOD my foot and knee are feeling!

Good news, yes!

Libby knows that something is happening. {going away}

I hate when she is upset.

Larry came home yesterday from his trip and he is still working.

{it is the week-end}

Some of the salesmen by-pass their managers and call Larry

Guess what???

Rule of thumb: Not an emergency, do not interrupt the man on the weekend.

He does not interrupt you!

Now I get to wash his trip laundry.

I cannot wait to go away.

LUM

*****

THREE DAYS TILL PARIS

Because we go away during the "Thankful Holidays" The Family Meets for High Tea at the Dallas Arboretum before we leave.
Today's tea was special in many ways, but mainly,

it was Matilda's 1st tea.

{Matilda with Aunt Jami at Tea}

Lauren and Josh were so attentive with Matilda.

It was her first tea and we ALL did so well.

{It was so much fun for me. I love it so much!}

Champagne toasts were made and after tea,

we strolled and took photos on the grounds.

It was a most beautiful day.

LUM.

*****

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

I am in the plane.

5:25 pm, 20 min late from take off.

My phone was running warm all day,

and the battery is almost dead. I am having trouble calling the girls.

Jami and I texted a few moments ago,

I hope that there is power left in the phone in the morning

to let them know that we arrived safe and sound.

Flight (48) has 60 empty seats. That is unusual.

Larry is already deep into his book.

It is going to be a loooong trip.

The pilot just informed us that we are late because

something was wrong with the plane. (eeek)

I guess they fixed it because it is

cross check time!

Bon Voyage!

LUM

*****

ARRIVAL DAY

Uneventful flight.

Smoothest landing in 15 years! Merci Capt.

After customs and baggage claim,

the taxi line was so long.

Finally our car came.

Driver: Perfection and well known in Paris as "The Driver"

{he usually only sets appointments for actors and business people.

How did we get so lucky?}

Apartment was wonderful and waiting for us with a light on

and a bottle of wine.

First off.....

A shower in my favorite French shower in the world.

Yes, I had to turn the heat up.

It was chilly when we arrived.

After cleaning myself up,

we went on a stroll to buy stamps for holiday cards,

{PS: you can see the Eiffel from our post office!}

Then on to Notre Dame to whisper prayers for special people.

After lighting our candles,

I sat in the church. It seemed like a long time.

It has been an amazing year.

Then,

time to get home and write all of the Thankful cards.

We bought poulet sandwiches from the bakery near our apartment.

We went home, signed all of the Thankful cards, drank wine

and

smiled ALOT.

Exhausted.

Went to bed.

LUM

*****

OUCH Day!

I woke today with much ankle pain.

{from that fall last week}

Larry opened the shutters and got me one Motrin

and a glass of cold Paris water from the tap.

{ I LOVE Paris water}

Today was a lazy day, really.

Letting the Motrin work while I showered and dressed.

The sun was shining.

Larry watched TV.

After we both were dressed and ready,

Our one chore was to go to AUGE to buy wine

for our picnic.

{Picnic to be later in the week}

AUGE CAVE

Mission accomplished....

and LOOK at that champagne.

Decided to walk to lunch.

Stopped and

ate lunch at a cafe across from the Louvre that we like,

Then strolled home.

Later that evening.....

After a "sit" on a charming bench at St Germain,

7:30 reservations were at le Procope

LOOK HERE

Taxi home.

Read.

Tired.

Thank you God for today.

LUM

*****

CIRCUS DAY!

It was beautiful when I woke up today.

I took this photo {left hand}

view from our living room.

Larry winked, asked if I would like to go

"out" for breakfast.

YES, please.

We walked to Champ de Mars,

LOOK HERE

{a 5 min walk from the apartment}

and had crepes at the Eiffel Tower.

But nothing could calm me down.

It was CIRCUS DAY!

We left early to visit a few friends from our old neighborhood...

and

then on to the circus.

This MEAN lady butted in front of us

at the Circus to get in line.

I shamelessly took this pic of her to get back at her.

{oh go ahead, smile!}

I believe I made my point.

Larry has taken me to this circus for many years.

I will just post a few photos

and let you enjoy little moments.

Yes, he was THAT close to us.

Perfect balance.

The person on the bottom is a woman!

I always get teary when the circus ends.

It reminds me how lucky I am to be somewhere that I love,

with someone I love and to never take tomorrow for granted.

After the circus,

We went to dinner at an Italian Cafe at Republique

The owner and her daughter are good friends,

Jacklyn & Jackie

we write notes often during the year.

The night went so fast,

before we knew it, it was 12:30 am,

and

we were taking the metro home, that closes at 1:00.

Crushing hugs were given...

promises of letters and love.

LUM

******

An AMERICAN CHURCH In Paris

Each Sunday evening, in Paris,

a small concert happens.

The American Church hosts a concert

{check their schedule}

CHECK HERE

that is the most wonderful respite

in the middle of a long holiday.

Assorted musicians entertain, and make themselves

available to us in an intimate way.

Tonight I sat and listened in awe....

While Jane Thorngren, soprano; Laurana Mitchelmore, piano.

Sang works of Dørumsgaard, Sibelius, Grieg, Grainger, Britten, Coward, Porter

Sunday evening in quiet Paris.

Talent exposes itself in the most unusual places.

LUM.

*****

PICNIC DAY

Today started cloudy and foggy.

We collected lunch at various favorite locations.

The sun came out{for a moment}

as we settled in to enjoy Champagne

crisps, jambon & cheese sandwiches

and

macaroons.

The experience was totally amazing,

unlike last years expisode and Joseph's negative writing of it.

This year was better and the absolute best picnic we have ever had.

The bridge was a disgrace,

with "locks of love" in my view.

The locks are a meaningless example of

AMOUR.

SHOW someone that you love them.

Don't put a silly lock on a bridge gate.

We posed for pictures for tourists this year,

and in the process met the most charming women from Toronto.

Sharing our macaroons with them,

finishing our picnic,

and then strolling down the river, home.

LUM

****

THANKSGIVING DAY

I am going to end this rambling post with

THANKSGIVING DAY.

Each year Larry and I visit the Rodin Museum,

where we spend hours strolling & eating lunch

in the cafe in the gardens.

We go back hone to rest a bit, before going to dinner.

Le Grand Mericourt

This year, Crystal & Chef served us 8 courses.

It was the most amazing meal.

FRIDAY

{not black Friday in France}

we headed for the Picasso Museum but it is closed for a few months.

SAD FACE

BUT

We ended up at HABITAT shopping for

table decorations for this Saturday's party!

The evening was spent in the Latin Quarter.

I felt emotional this year. It has been a good holiday.

SATURDAY

The big flea market .

We found many treasures, spending many hours browsing.

Went back to the apartment,

Packed.

I was getting sick. Felt the flu taking hold.

Our last night dinner was on rue Cler.

At TRIBECA Cafe

It is true.

I miss everyone back home so much,

but my time in France is always special,

and I am sad until I return.

***

I have left out much from this posting.

So many days of good weather,

shared ART,

wonderful food,

romantic moments,

good friends....

and soulful, thoughtful inspiration.

Thank you so much for being nosey enough to

stick through all this journal....

Love you beyond the.........

Claude Monet

2011-11-14T09:48:00.003-06:00

Meet Claude Oscar Monet.
New friend and inspiration.
Life is wonderful.
Love you.
Me

Method & Composition

2011-11-13T07:21:00.000-06:00

"No one is an artist unless he carries his picture in his head before painting it, and is sure of his method and composition."

~Claude Monet~

***

Have a perfect day.

Love you.

Waiting

2011-11-10T07:32:00.001-06:00

I think that

Libby is waiting for Larry to come home today.

***

Have a special day dear Blogger.

Love you.

Spelling Biorythms, P-e-d-i-c-u-r-e

2011-11-09T07:24:00.003-06:00

My Biorhythms are so low today,

{Nov 9, 2011~triple caution}

they are gathering dust bunnies off the floor.

{Find Biorhythms HERE}

A manicure and pedicure sound like the perfect

thing to rest, relax and waste a few hours of

a triple caution day.

***

Libby has taken to sitting at the studio window,

waiting for Larry to return home from FLA.

It is heartbreaking and reminds me somehow

of the old Lassie movie.

Sweet and heartbreaking all rolled into one.

***

Have you ever had a pedicure?

Do it!

Today!

Love you.