last glance

Maybe it wasn't a glance, but a complete look.  One last time.

 

Chistmas with all of Us (almost)

My Parents' were so pleased to have all of us together, almost.  We were missing 4.  It would have been really great if Jennifer, Wes, and the boys were here.  Jenn has the Flu.  I have my fingers crossed for Sunday. 

I love when we are all together, simply and truly.  I do.  I do......

We sang and danced around the Christmas Tree......we really need some lessons....

We exchanged gifts, talked, laughed, and enjoyed being together...

We were all given the most fabulous gift from our Parents......

We all were blown away by the stained glass that Mom and Dad made.  They really went overboard.  I can't wait to hang ours'. 

All the prep, all the hustle, everything was worth it, nothing is better than us together.

a little peek...

Sometime in July, I proposed to Andrew my thoughts for Christmas gifts for our family.  I think that he mixes up some of the best seasonings that I have ever had.  The meat rubs are simply delicious and lately we have been enjoying some seriously fantastic Seafood Boils.  Last year, we gave one of his Meat Rub and a Lodge gill pan to Glenette as a Christmas gift.  She has told me on numerous occasions that the flavors are awesome.  I thought that this would be a great idea if Andrew made a few different rubs and mixes to give to our family.  This way they would be able to enjoy his handiwork when they are not with us.

A few weeks ago, we purchased hermetic jars for the rubs and mixes.  Yesterday we or should I say he began preparing them.  What did I do, well I named them, not an easy task, and made the label, my favorite.

 My Mom and Dad are not ones that enjoy heat in their food.  Andrew made some hot/sweet, sweet/tasty, last minute.  His Seafood Boil is on.....and banging.

Andrew really did a great job.  His flavors are just fantastic.  All we have to get now are bags that are bigger than the ones we got. 

little things, big smiles

Sometimes it is the smallest things that give us the most pleasure.  Andrew and I went on a day trip to my fourth favorite store,William-Sonoma Outlet.  It is not often that I get to go as it is a haul, not really, but it is a 2.5 hour drive without traffic.  William-Sonoma is at the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, Long Island, NY and the tolls to get there and back are pretty exorbitant.   There are only two other stores there that I really like, Dooney & Bourke and Le Creuset.

I got a few something somethings....new knobs.  You just don't know how happy I am for them.  I have one pot that had the stainless knob on it when I bought it, and I just love the way it looks.  I have been looking at them on Ebay, just looking.  So when I was asked  it I would like to get a two or three, I gave a resounding yes..... 

Don't they look amazing.....

I started the dining tablescape, I don't know if I am happy with it just yet.  I need to change up the a few pieces.  I love these battery operated lights.  Most of all I love, love, love this faux fruit box.  I still have to do the faux tomato can and salt can.

I put my favorite building up in its' spot...

We have been planning our Christmas gifts and for the most part we know what it is that we are giving.  They are going to be labors of love, things that bring us joy.  Andrew has been experimenting with different flavors, spices, and herbs to enhance the taste of food.  His rubs have been outstanding and his "boil" flavors have been pretty awesome.  So I almost think we are good to go.  We picked up different size hermetic clamp jars.  I really like Weck jars, but they are hard to find.  The other jars are easy to find and everyone can close them.   I would really like to give canning a try.  I think that it would be a hoot.

Oh, just a few more.....

Mel and Andrew brought Skazi to visit.....Hi Biggie....

And yes, he left me tufts all over the house.  I most certainly don't miss the dog hair.  Although the pretty kitty does an awful lot of shedding.  I was able to vacuum the dogs, Luna is not having any of that.  She does like to do what they do, go outside.  Luna tells Andrew everyday she wants to go out and comes when he snaps his fingers, we call her Cat-Dog.  She even comes when he calls or whistles.  So if he goes out so does she. 

 She is very busy outside hunting.  She has already gotten a chipmunk. 




forgiveness is the only way to heal

"The Ties That Bind" @ Monmouth U

Last night was spectacular....I went down to Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ to see a preview screening of "The Ties That Bind".  It is a movie about the making of Springsteen's "The River" double album.  He is releasing a new boxed set in a couple of weeks and I for one can't wait.

It was in word.....FANTASTIC

Let me tell you we were all a bit younger then...

He is still all that.....

Bruce (like he is my friend) was being interviewed about making the album.  He talked about where he was at, where his head was at.  He talked about what he wanted to get out of the album.  Bruce was ultimately frank about his personal life and was very open.  I thought it was fantastic.  It was great to see his process and more wonderful to get to go back in time.  I love the album.  I have it two copies of it, CD and vinyl, the vinyl is probably worn out I listened so much.  It really is a great album, my favorite song....."Wreck on the Highway".  It has always been my favorite, the truth about getting older, the preciousness of life, and how it can all disappear in the blink of an eye.

The movie lasted for an hour or so, then we were treated to a sneak preview of the Tempe AZ 1980 concert, that is also included.  That was fantabulous.

Thanks for pushing me to go....