Taking The Jump

It has finally arrived.

The dreaded weekend.

Larry left this morning for work,

 and

 I have no idea when I will see him again.

This is the weekend of the big conversion

that will merge two companies into one.

The corporate gurus are in town,

everything is in place,

much like an Evil Knievel jump.

Everything is ready, but you are not sure how it go.

(one salesman is driving down from OK City to

spend the night in Dallas,just in case)

That is true loyalty.

Fingers crossed and spit into the wind....

***

It is still HOT outside.

That blasted mouse is still a house guest.

Today is my"off" day and I will not be walking.

Because I will be alone so much of the weekend I have

downloaded books and will Kindle it up!

(IF Larry is free tomorrow night, we have reservations for dinner-

but my hopes have been dashed)

If this is a transitional weekend for you also,

I wish you a smooth jump,

If you are supporting someone taking a jump this weekend,

I wish you patience.

So,

Off I go to feed Libby, and....

merde, I do not know what I wil do today.

Perhaps I should walk after all?

Love you.

Me

 

 

We Were All Winners

It is Monday morning and I am happy to be home.

Last week was crazy, tense, long and busy.

Today,I am looking forward to taking a power walk,

doing laundry, cooking dinner

 (slow roasted pork tenderloin and potato pancakes)

and work at the sewing machine on a few new designs.

***

On Friday night,

We shared a family poker night with one of Larry's managers.

We all brought food, children were included

and cases of poker chips were produced.

After steaks were grilled out, and we stuffed our faces,

(remember, these are Foodservice people!)

the games began.

Texas Hold 'em

David & Vickie concentrated while Bob dealt the cards.

Bob won so much,

I asked to see up his sleeve.

Amos and his beautiful family were the big winners of the night.

Wait!

We all had such a great time,

we were all winners.

***

So,

Monday of a normal week begins.

Love you.

Me

Three White, Three Red

Larry hosts wine tastings.

He loves the process of sharing, tasting & teaching.

About 4 months ago, he was asked to host a tasting for his company.

It would be one of the "events" after the annual food show.

Larry said that of course he could do it, for 30 guests.

(with me as his assistant)

But the guest list kept growing.

Larry was thrilled that the customers were excited about the event.

Final head count was 45.

Wine bottle count 54

3 white

3 red

6 different cheeses,

and

a room full of the most

wonderful, spirited, happy, gracious customers I have ever seen.

Problems started...

the cases of water brought in for the event vanished,

our room was not set up,

NO wine glasses (six glasses were needed at each place)at the table.

No plates at the placesettings.

(Larry had communicted this list of things

to his CO's marketing dept,

1 month prior to this event)

I cut my finger.

A team of 10 employees from LOST PINES RESORT

came in, washed  and set 270 glasses for us...

Jillian, you are the BEST.

Thank you so much for everything.

What started out being the most organized event,

almost turned into a disaster.

Larry stayed calm,

and LISA CALLAHAN, how can I thank you?

You stayed calm and graceful during the hours of pouring wine.

And,

to all of the customers.

Thank you for attending,

Lisa, Larry & I had the best time getting to know you all.

You know...

Larry & I, and Lisa, volunteered our time do to this.

WE found glasses, plates, water,pens & chairs.

Still looking for a thank you.

As of this posting,

I am retiring from wine tastings.

Please get my gold watch ready.

Love you.

Me

Wednesday In A Box

Yesterday, I had the most interesting day. It seemed busy, but when I look back on things, it was not THAT busy....just hot in Texas and tedious errands that seemed to take forever. I power walked, baked a cake, painted, ironed and went to one of Larry's managers team meetings. The meeting was held outside, (HOT) but the good news is that the pool was beautiful, Rita & Matt have made their new home charming, and were the perfect hosts. As at most company meetings, there was sucking up. I loved watching the corporate activities, while sitting, drinking a diet coke and nibbling the most amazing chocolate chip cookies. (Thank you Amos for baking such delights)

We returned home about 8...and I found a box on the porch. I LOVE boxes.

Kevin & Darren had remembered my birthday! I was touched and thrilled, not to mention tired and hot.

In the box was the PINK MARTINI dvd of their world concert! Oh I love this! Thank you so much! It must be said now, that it was Kevin & Darren who introduced Larry and myself to Pink Martini a few years ago. We became fans and have had the privilege to sit, front row at The House Of Blues at the Dallas concert last year. (My play list contains Pink Martini) It really is not the box or the DVD, but about friendships and celebrating lives. I adore birthdays....it is your own special celebration. Kevin-san, Darren-san, your gift makes my heart sing. Sunday July 5th , Sunday dinner and movie will feature this most wonderful DVD...I wish that you where here to share it with us, but know that a toast will be said, and pictures snapped. Love you beyond the moon. Me

Sorry. I am baking again. The blog is about baking, AGAIN!~ Today one of Larry's North Texas Sales Teams, is having a sales meeting, sharing broker ideas, and including the wives. The brokers will be cooking and tasting different meats. Yes, of course cooked on the grill. I have baked a chocolate pound cake for dessert. Larry said, since you are baking, I will clean the dishes. How wonderful is that? Larry,Love-vous au-delà de la lune. Me

Would you like me to do you a favor? One of Larry's favorite clients, COUSINS BBQ in Ft Worth Texas, (owner, Bootsy and his son Cliff are amazing artists, chefs & people) are running for the title of the best BBQ in the nation. Good Morning America came down and filmed on the 18th. Everyone was thrilled to host the film crew and Mr Ron Claiborne. Please note all food served at Cousins is bought from Larry's company, PFG.

Larry and I love our diners at COUSINS. The ribs are comfort food, and the potato salad is my favorite!

COUSINS is in competition with a few other restaurants, please go to the GMA site listed below and VOTE.

http://abcnews.go.com/gma/weekend

When you get to the GMA site, go to the SHOUT OUT section and write in COUSINS!

Here is a message for Cliff (the pit boss) and Regina, you are always welcome to join us in France...our Apt is in the 3rd, mark off the last two weeks in November.

Happy samedi everyone, it is Memorial Day weekend.

Love you,

Me

*************************************************************************

The Kidnap Plan

It is amazing to me that today is the 9th of December. 2008 has sped along in the most interesting of ways. *** Yesterday I had my nose zapped because of so many nose bleeds. My amazing DR, Dr Evan Bates entertained me by sharing "marathon" stories while he treated me. On Sunday Dr Bates will run his 6th marathon this year. The Whiterock Lake marathon is a local (Dallas)tradition, but is becoming known nationally and has become quite an event. Dr Bates, I told you that you I would blog about you. Smile. Have a safe, fast, strong run on Sunday. ( Larry and I hope to be at the lake watching) *** Today, I am free! Almost nothing planned, except for kidnapping Larry. Yesterday was Larry's birthday. He worked from 7am to 9pm . Taking time out for a sushi dinner with Lars, Josh & Jami. Today though, after his last meeting, I shall take him to see a movie. BURN AFTER READING. It was all over Paris while we were there, and now we shall enjoy it in English. *** Sometime today, sit down, put your feet up and close your eyes. Just for a few moments. Renewing your spirit is so easy, IF you take the time. I love you. Me

Crazy Spiral

Crazy. Today promises to be crazy, busy and mixed up.

Trying to catch up with work, getting things ready for Holiday and tonight is the PFG "North" Casino Night in Ft Worth.

It is raining, and flooding in Dallas & Ft Worth, Libby is having a reaction to the shampoo I used on her last Sunday....and if I want to get everything finished today before leaving for the Stock Yards this afternoon, I better get moving. Have a nice day...love you. Me.

Laser Tag, You Are It

Last night a co-worker of Larry's had a meeting for his "group". The meeting included pool, shuffle board, mini bowling....and Laser Tag. I shall tell you right now, that this was my first Laser Tag experience, and my last. That was the longest 20 minutes of my life. Yes. I was on the team that lost. ( Larry was on the winning team!) The trophy above is Larry's. Laser tag is an interesting concept. You seem to expel many aggressions during one session, not to mention being worn out when the game is finished. At Dinner one of the team members asked a high scorer if he played laser tag with his children, he said nooooo...and then she asked if he hunted. He said yes to that. In my mind I cannot concieve how the laser light, hitting random vests and the computer that the hits are sent to can be accurate in the least. There is just to much room for error. It was interesting none the less...... I am waiting for the "Door Man" to come and measure the back door....This should be fun. The old door is over 40 years old.....fingers crossed and spit into the wind, there is a replacement door on the market that will fit this space. Back to the laser tag......wouldn't it be fun, if when you hit someone with your laser light, it would be a positive thing, instead of the hunters and the hunted, winners and losers.....Oh well, just a thought. I must be really tired today. Be happy always, watch out for laser lights! Love you, Me

Tuesday In Marble Falls, Texas

IPod selection for this morning is: Mozart For The Morning Commute

***** The morning is foggy. I shall dress and make my way to the tennis courts. After noon, will travel to Fredricksburg, and find the tiny shoppe that sells the BEST fudge in the world, well maybe the states..... The City of Fredericksburg, Texas Official Web Site Larry is at his company food show.(PFG) Costumers have arrived from all of Texas. Brokers have cooked and presented new items for restaurant owners to taste and view....Many wives, and sig others are down getting massages. The day has many options for many people...golf, fishing, spa treatments...but I opted out of everything and will find my own adventure. I just took a steamy bath....and now am off to spend the afternoon in the HILL COUNTRY of Texas.... Have a happy Tuesday! I love you. Me