Movies, Malbec and Micky D

One of the good things about working part time is that we can do things during the week without competing with crowds.  Now, some might argue that since we are "senior citizens" we have less of a chance of running into crowds because "seniors" eat dinner at 4:00 in the afternoon.  Well, not us...but some.

 

Anyway, we went to see "The Intern," with Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro and then, last week, we saw "Martian" with Matt Damon. 

 

"The Intern," is sort of a "beauty and the beast" story with Anne Hathaway being the beast.   The happy part of the movie to me was demonstrating that senior citizens still have something to offer in a vibrant, fast paced business environment. 

 

"Martian," on the other hand, was cool.  Being lost on a different planet....being the only one on a different planet...it posed some interesting questions and solutions.  Matt Damon was really good in this.  He keeps a sense of humor, but you get the feeling that if he doesn't keep laughing, he will go crazy with the many possibilities of the of how and when he could die....and die alone.  He uses his mind...his knowledge of his field to solve problems.  He gambles.  He's a space cowboy.

 

"The Intern," was not the "chick flick" I thought it was going to  be, but "Martian," was not the "sci-fi" stranger than fiction, I  was expecting, either.   Both were good investments.

 

This week, we went to the City Club for their wine tasting event.  It was disappointing. The presenter really didn't present, she just pointed out which wine we were drinking and then left the room.  Not a problem for us, really, but not the wine presentation we are used to.  Still, it was nice to be back at the City Club. 

 

Before we went to the City Club, we went out to dinner.  We got coupons from McDonalds in the mail and decided to use them.  It was fun.  After the City Club, we went to a new favorite wine bar, "The Tasting Room."   It's a store in the front, a tasting area in the middle and a casual seating place outside in the back.  We always manage to meet interesting people and have good conversations.

 

Recently, Dixie had her spa day and Tony is in Tampa to see David, Brenda and Betty.  He is playing in a charity golf game on Saturday and hopes to be able to see his cousin, who suffered with a stroke, just to keep in touch.  I am blissfully off of work until Tuesday. 

 

Dixie has had to go back to Training 101....I just don't jump when she barks like Daddy does.  She is quite frustrated with me.    When I got home last night, I took her out, we played for a bit and then, I just wanted to watch the re-broadcast of Project Runway.   Dixie had other ideas.  She barked and barked.  She jumped up on me, she tugged at me and I just sat there.     I finally figured out she wanted to go to bed.  I moved her food into our bedroom and turned on the fan.  Away she went, happy as a clam, into her little bed and stayed there until 8:00 this morning.  She has her routine and doesn't like to mess with it.  Hmmm....maybe she is the senior citizen. 

 

Tomorrow, it's cleaning, laundry and Dixie stuff...but not working!!    Tony gets home on Monday and Dixie will be very  happy to have him back.  I just don't do things like he does. 

 

 

Just back from the spa....very hot!!

OK, now she's laughing at me because I used to be the hottest bitch in the house!!

 

What Did The Turkish Man Say To The Vietnamese Lady???

Actually, quite a bit. 

We are used to Tony and Marie putting on events disguised as children's birthday parties for the boys, but the "event" for Anthony's first birthday party was not only watching him enjoy the smash cake, it was getting to know some new friends that live in the neighborhood, or whose children attend the same school as Coleton and Anthony. 

 

The Turkish couple (she was from Raleigh) are expecting a baby in November.  He is a mathematical engineer, she has just self published her first children's book.  He has a Turkish name, in spelling and pronunciation, and I wish I could include it.  All I remember was it had a lot of a's, e's, i's and o's in it.  They were very nice. 

 

The couple from Vietnam, Tony and Twee, have two boys, Evan and Issac,  who are as American as the flag.  Evan is 3, like Coleton.  While they were tossing a football in the living room (really really close to lamps and burning candles,) I heard Evan say, "Coleton, I brought a present for Anthony's birthday."  Coleton said, "You did?"  To which Evan replied, "Yep."   Coleton said, "Aw, thank you very much."   It was a cute exchange for these little quarterbacks. 

 

Marie's mom, Mona (originally from Lebanon) was there too, so we had quite the United Nations at the party. 

 

Anthony has changed so much since we saw him in July at Coleton's party.   In July, he was just perfecting his crawling technique.   Yesterday, he was balancing on furniture and racing across the kitchen floor on his hands and knees.  As always, he was Mr. Smiley.   I don't think he was sure why we were there, but he sure did enjoy the smash cake. 

 

We only stayed at the party for a short time.  The hurricane in the Atlantic was churning up rain and winds so we left Dixie at home with Godparents, Stu and Jan,  watching her and braved the elements.  It was nice to stretch out in the car without our Princess jumping from my lap to Tony's.

 

Marie used the card game, UNO, as the birthday theme and had cards all over with pictures of Anthony.  She is so creative.  I guess when event planners marry, you attend events!

 

We have much coming up in the near future.  Tony Sr.  is going to Tampa to see David and Brenda and to play in a charity golf outing.  In November, they are coming down here for Thanksgiving and David will be doing the cooking.  I'll probably have to medicate Tony, as he is not used to people cooking in "his kitchen."   I sure don't spend much time there!!   After that, it will be another quick trip to Cleveland and viola, we are in 2016!  Another fast year.

 

Tony continues to paint and has another President to add to our walls of fame.  I continue to do my thing at the hospital, although, I must admit to be envious of Brittany, (Mrs.Turkish man,) when she talked about writing her book. 

 

We had a really good time at Anthony's party and enjoyed meeting everyone. 

 

Here are some highlights:

 

 

The Smash Cake

The UNO Cake

Anthony and the cake.....SMASHED!!

 

The Birthday Boy, navigating the furniture on is own two feet....OK, with

 an assist from Mom

Anthony doesn't know why Papa is putting a ball on his head, but he

seems to be enjoying it!

"Seriously, I'm One Year Old...Don't Mess With Me!!"

 

Anthony on an "UNO" card...looking a lot like big brother!!

Tony found out Mona made baklava

All for him!!

 

 

 

Papa and his boys

 

 

Pretty Mommy and the Birthday Boy

 

What do guys do at a kids birthday party??? Drink beer!!

(The one in  the middle is Mr. Turkey)

Football Buddies, Evan  and Coleton

 

 

"I'm So Shy" was written on her shirt...she was. 

 

Tony and Isaac

Brittany and son (Mrs. Turkey)

 

 

2 Month Old, Camille and her proud Daddy

Bree feeds Camille

A big boy....and another Turkish name!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 Coleton, Age 1                                                      Anthony, Age 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Cat or Coyote?

What a great time we had in Hilton Head!  The weather was perfect, it wasn't crowded, Emma was funny and we had fun, the entire time we were there.  We went to a different restaurant than last year to celebrate Chris' 41st  birthday and the food and view were fantastic. 

 

I was off of work for 12 days straight and it was wonderful.  I slept in, I read, I cleaned out boxes from the attic.  It was my time and I enjoyed every minute of it.

 

Donna and I did our best to instill the "shopping gene" into Emma and I think it worked.  She was walking around stores, picking things up and saying, "oh, Nana, isn't this cute?"

 

We ended up buying her something called "Magic Clips,"  which are Mattel/Disney brand dolls dressed in plastic clothes.  You hold the bottom of the dress together, like a clothes pin, and the dress comes off.  You can change the Cinderella dress with the Bella dress or the Snow White dress.  Emma played with them for seven or so hours.  Those things were the best babysitters ever!!

 

Donna and I got a chance to go to Harbor Town, a small place with tons of shops and restaurants, on our own and had fun.  We shopped and then sat by the water in front of the million dollar yachts and had wine and shrimp.  It was a great time.

 

I love this time of year...warm yet balmy and enjoyable.  Warm enough to be in the pool and cool enough to be in the hot tub. 

 

Donna and Bob spent a few extra days with us after leaving Hilton Head.  Unfortunately, just like last year, Shannon lost another grandparent.  Her grandfather died on Monday evening, right around the time his wife died last year.  Donna and Bob left today to help with Emma and support Shannon.

 

After they left, Tony informed me that we had "strange" poop in our backyard.  Definitely not canine.  Swell, what now?  Tony did some research and narrowed it down.  We either have a bob cat or coyote pooping in our yard.  The good news is, according to Tony, it's not bear poop.   How thankful you can be for basic things.

 

Our next big event is Anthony's first birthday party coming up in early October. 

 

If we don't get eaten by a bob cat, coyote or bear, I will be posting pictures of the birthday party...stay tuned.

 

Emma and Papa in the pool

Shannon and Emma enjoying the pool

Shannon, Emma, Dixie and Donna in the hot tub

 

Chris' first night of being 41

Emma enjoys her Magic Clips

Tony and Donna enjoy wine by the pool

 

You decide....bob cat or coyote poop????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catching Up...Small Stuff That Makes Up Daily Living

I haven't blogged since my birthday; in part because it's been "same old, same old," stuff. 

 

Ben turned 9 on August 29...wow, I can still remember going to the hospital to see him and the first time Jenna asked if I wanted to hold him.  Hold him?   I wanted to grab him up, throw my arms around him and make sure nothing ever hurt him.   After 9 years, I still feel the same way.  We have six grandchildren--and we love them all equally, but we have loved Ben the longest. 

 

I had a back breaking shift last night.  We had a ton of EMS cases come in and it seemed like the families of everyone in the Emergency Room were nuts and stupid.   Seriously, how do you walk up to an Emergency Room employee and say, "please unlock the door and let me in....I'm here to see my mom."    "And what is your mom's name?" You ask.  "Mary," they respond.   DUH...we have 30 beds, can you give me a clue as to what your mother's last name might be or should I go room to room and guess which one she is?

 

Don't get me wrong, I know that when people go to the Emergency Room because a relative or friend is there, they are upset and worried, but come on, they will get back to see their loved one faster if they give me something to work with.

 

Anyway, that was last night...I'm glad to be off until September 14.  We are going to Hilton Head with Donna and Bob for a few days.  This Sunday, we are having friends over for appetizers and good conversation.  It is so nice to kick back and relax without looking at my watch or the calendar to see when I have to go to work.

 

I am happy to say that the manicure that I got with my niece, Sarah, the first week of August is still in tact and looking good.  Love that shellac!

 

I am also amazed that it is September already.  I love this time of year.  We can sit out on the Lanai and enjoy cool breezes in the evening.  We did get a bit of "Erica" rain for a few days, enough to make my commute miserable (I hate driving in the rain...) but that seems to be a memory at this point. 

 

The other thing that has been taking up more time than I ever imagined is following the Republican Presidential bid mess.  I am not "political" per se, I don't vote and I truly don't think that any President, will change my life for the better.  That doesn't seem to be what Washington is all about.  To me, it seems like they are all about pushing their own party agenda and individual careers while screwing the American people they are supposed to serve.  But Donald Trump intrigues me.  He says what people are saying to each other in their own homes.   He's coming across as a "no bullshit" kind of leader.  There are days when I hope he gets the party nod and wins the election, but then I remember that the President doesn't operate in a vacuum.   There is still Congress to deal with.  Can Trump do that effectively?  I don't know.  But for now, with his positive poll ratings, I hope he is giving both political parties something to think about.   I often say, about many things...."when is enough, enough?"   I think America is getting to the "enough" point, and I hope that translates into a better political system for all of us in the country.  (Stepping down off of the soap box,  now.)

 

Tony is painting again.  I love standing at the foot of the steps to the studio and watching him carefully create a new piece.  He turns music on and seems lost in the rhythm of notes and brush strokes.  It's Teddy Roosevelt this time, and our hall of Presidents will have a new resident.  Hey, maybe Trump will be on our wall one day!

 

So, that is catching up.  Dixie is well and remains Mistress of all she surveys.  She spends her mornings sitting on the top of Tony's reclining chair, her afternoons napping in his closet and her late evenings, chasing me when I come in from work.  She goes to the spa soon, and our sweet smelling, little girl will be back.

 

Stay tuned for Hilton Head pictures...coming soon!!

 

September Sun

 

 

                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

PRESENTS!!

I honestly don't think that anyone can see a box wrapped in pretty paper and not scream...."PRESENT!!"

 

I got some wonderful things for my birthday--things that came in pretty boxes and a colorful gift bag.  I got my absolute favorite gifts--pictures of my grandchildren (all 6 of them, in two different photos)  and tons of cards and letters.  I got some original artwork from the grandchildren in Cleveland that I treasure and an updated photo of Jenna and Jon with the kids. 

 

Take a look:

See my photo of Coleton and Anthony?   On the other side are cards and letters from Ben, Sam, Ellie and Zach.   In the back are cards/letters I got from family and friends (although, the jury is still out on one that says, "90 Wonderful years!!" HA HA)

 

The wooden art piece is from Tony, done by our neighbor, Stu Friedman, otherwise known as Dixie's Godfather!  It is made of Maple Burl and looks like marble.   I love it.  It's smooth and cool to the touch.  My Brighton jewelry pieces (a white stone with silver starfish on it and a separate starfish (my favorite)  from Tony are resting on artwork by Ellie!

 

See the "butt" card on top of the paper that says, "5?"  That is from David, who gave me permission to take 5  photos of him that I can put on the blog.  Little does he know that I'll be hiding in the bathroom when he comes out of the shower!!

 

 

I had a wonderful birthday and thank all of you for thinking of me.  Tonight....a crab leg dinner.  It's good to be 63 (sort of!!)

 



I Turned 63 Today

Time is an incredibly odd thing.  You can watch it go by without really seeing anything,  you can wait it out with no idea of the outcome or you can surrender to it.

 

I think for many years, I was fighting surrender.  I didn't want to get "old," because my idea of "old," was terrible.  I remember Jane Fonda (oh, please say you remember, too,) getting a tee shirt that said, "This IS What 40 Looks Like," because so many people commented, when she admitted her age of 40, said, "you don't look 40."  Jane wasn't "old."  She was trendy.  I want to be trendy. 

 

At the hospital, I hear many people telling me that when I get to be their age, I will suffer from this or that.  I look at their arm band and see that I am already 10 to 15 years older than they are.  "Well, you don't look it," they reply; and for that I am glad.

 

But, this year, I have a different outlook.  Maybe it's because I will be retiring soon, maybe it's because of a book everyone at Novant has to read, called, "Being Mortal," or maybe I'm just tired of fighting the inevitable.  I am 63 and this is what my 63 looks like.

 

Tony made it a wonderful day.  We went to Sunset Beach to have lunch at one of my favorite places, Fibber McGee's.  We strolled into boutiques and a bookstore and even stopped in at the Planetarium.  Tonight we're going to watch the Browns beat the Buffalo Bills in a pre-season game.  He gave me two Brighton pieces for my necklace--a white bead with starfish on it and a silver starfish.   He also commissioned our neighbor, Stu, to do a wooden art piece for me since I love the work that Stu does.  It was a wonderful gift.

 

The game is on now, so I will finish by saying....today, blog words....tomorrow....pictures of presents!!!

 

I turned 63 today.  I guess that's a good thing. 

When The Swegle's Entertain....Here Comes The Rain!!

It's no secret that during the course of our marriage, almost every time Tony and I hosted an event, rain was the biggest and constant uninvited guest.

 

I thought for awhile it was Strongsville, but now I know,  it's us.

 

Our niece, Sarah, and our "hopefully soon to be," nephew, Steven, came to visit us this week.  They had one thing on their minds:  GOING TO THE BEACH!!!!

 

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate.  It rained, it poured, it monsooned, IT RAINED!!!   The few minutes it didn't rain, we got high 90 degree muggy, stinky,  air. "The kids." even played tennis in the pouring rain.

 

But, we did find other things to do.  Sarah and Steve surprised us with Cleveland based tee shirts.  Mine is like a 5 day weather forecast you see on TV.  But, anyone who has spent any time at all in Cleveland knows that at any given time, the weather can and will change.  So, the "forecast" on my shirt goes from 78 degrees one day to snow the next day. It's SO Cleveland.  Tony's is a "real Browns" shirt....and anyone who knows our story will understand what I mean.

 

Sarah and I got manicures and pedicures while Tony and Steve visited the USS North Carolina battleship downtown.  It was the first time my nails were shellaced and they look really good. 

 

We went to a place called New River Pottery.  It's kind of an Old Time Pottery place, but with tons of beachy things you can decorate with and all kinds of out of the ordinary stuff.  Sarah and I got "no shoes" sandals.  It's like a decorated band that slips over a toe and goes up to your ankle.  It will look great with our pedicures.

 

We went out to dinner a few times, watched movies at night, did lunch at McGrooders and stopped for Baskin Robbins ice cream.  Sarah and Steve finally got to go the beach on Wednesday, the day before they left.  Of course, the day they left is sunny and beautiful....it's the Swegle weather curse.

 

I must admit that the little girl I took shopping so many years ago has grown up to be a beautiful, charming, career-minded young woman.   I think that growing up, she kind of got lost in the mix of my mother's grandchildren.  She wasn't the first grandchild like Jenna, she wasn't the only boy grandchild like Joey and she often shared time and attention with Katie, our family's special needs baby.  I was happy to see her shine in her own happy light.

 

Time went to quickly by and we are all headed back to our routines.  Dixie is going to miss the extra loving and belly rubs that she got and we will miss the laughter that Sarah and Steven brought to our house.  

 

Dinner, our last night together

 

Personally, I think we make Steve look good!!!

Real Ketchup lovers....Steve didn't get it either!!

 

 

A huge spider stopped by and ultimately caught a dragon fly.  Sarah was a bit spooked by the spider, who wouldn't be????

 

 

 

Red toes and fat feet!

It's all about the nails!

 

 

 

Love the look!

 

 

 

No manicure for Steven, but we love him anyway!