A Bridgerton Sprinkle

 

Over and over, I think I am done with this Blog, but new seasons and life in general swirl around and I find myself contemplating, perhaps maybe it isn't time to stop, just yet. 

My 5th grandbaby is almost here. In celebration of all my grandbabies an event simply had to happen! It's Mariah's 4th baby and we are less than one month from the grand arrival. 

What started off as a girlfriend get together turned into a Bridgerton-theme Sprinkle. Lady Whistledown did indeed make her presence known from the letter of invitation, another arriving to build anticipation a week prior the celebration, and lastly, at the end of the evening the last letter arrived... "Dearest Gentle Reader..."

It was fun to channel my inner Lady Whistledown and host a party with the grace of Regency-era England in florals, music, and the proper spread of cucumber sandwiches, cakes, jams, and other tasty nibbles and a host of mocktails to choose from. 

There was indeed excitement in the air!

My 5th grandbaby, I am so incredibly blessed!

My Sofia is 7, Rowan is 5, Claire is 3, and Amelia is 1-1/2 years old. I love my relationship with each of them and I love that "date days" with me are still wildly cherished.

We don't know what this next baby with be. A boy or a girl, its name, who it resembles, its little heart, loves and interests. I can tell you this, gentle reader, my phone will stay close to me waiting that magical phone call my little girl is in labor. 

God In the Details

 

What a world we live in! After being in the office all day, I like to come home and sit on the front porch with a cup of coffee. The front porch, because that's where the sun is. 

I love tulips! This year more tulips seemed to have popped up than last year. Did you know the petals on a tulip closes at night and opens when the sun is out, as if it knows when it's time to rest. 

My mind raced from the world God created. Animals so unique, some incredible in color, some gentle and some so powerful, to the ocean depths and all that swims in them. His love of beauty from mountains to oceans, tropical islands, to soft and delicate flowers that turn to the sun, yet velvety and so sheer the sun shines through. 

I find such beauty in all season and spring is certainly a season of new life springing forward with the promise of new growth, warmth, and summer. 

Windows open, birds chirping, the season of hibernation is over. 

1st Bike Ride of the Season

 

The sun was shining and that was all we needed to load up the bikes and hit the towpath!

We have an easy 10-mile round trip path we like to ride; well, it's easy mid-season. It takes a bit of adapting to sitting on a bike for that many miles the start of every season. Yes, I may have a comfy Cloud 9 seat on my bike, but it still hurt to stand up after 10 miles.

Spring is so beautiful! The grass so green, wildflowers along the path, with patches of daffodils that popped up randomly. 

The part of the towpath we ride for an easy 10-miles is lovely with a river on one side and a brook on the other. In the brook are trees that have fallen over peppered with turtles. It's really the cutest thing!! 

Many were gathered two by two resting against one another, while the others were lined up together. In one section there were at least 15 of all sizes. We always stop to admire them.

We also stop at a 1/2 way destination for ice cream! I say, you know your old when you see two small cones are $4.50 each and we chose to split a large cone (with just as much ice cream) for $6.50. Splitting a medium would be more than enough for us both. We go with frozen yogurt.

I love being in nature and I love biking. It's hours of great conversation, listening to the birds, appreciating nature, exercise together, and much needed vitamin D. 

He Thinks Of Me

 

Storm clouds were rolling in and I made a cup of coffee and went outside to sit on the front porch. I can hear the thunder in the distance, and I found it a perfect way to end my day.

Admiring my tulips in bloom I glance at the spot in the flower bed where flowers lived last summer from my grandson, Rowan. He thought of me at the store and insisted he buy me flowers. I was careful to point out all summer when he would come over how healthy and well, they were doing and how much I loved them.

Smiling at this memory, it hit me how much he thinks of me. 

On FaceTime calls when they were in Florida for 7-weeks, he took the phone and showed me all over the house and outside wanting to spend time talking. I love hearing his thoughts and what's important to his heart. 

He colored me this photo and brought it to me on Sunday.

When he was here on Sunday, as they were leaving, he looked and pointed that the flowers he had bought me are no longer there. I will find the same kind of flower and plant some this year, so he notices them every time he comes over.

I love him and I love so much that he thinks of me. 

He is such a handsome little boy! I love his adventurous spirit, his love of all things outdoors and pure boy behaviors, and I love his tenderness when Amelia was a newborn. His beautiful icy blue eyes and the way his face lights up when he is excited telling me something, and his quiet shyness when he's being shy around others and keeps close by my side. 

He's patient and never seems to mind when I kiss his sweet little cheeks and the top of his soft blond little head. 

He is such a joy, such a blessing! They all are. 

Grammy's Snack Shack

 

My memories of walking into my Mimi's house as a little girl was walking through the sliding glass doors, her in her chair telling us there's pop in the frig and cookies in the cookie jar. That metal cookie jar was always filled with some yummy cookies, we assumed was there just for us.

My grandbabies walk through the door and get swooped up with hugs and kisses and they go in three directions: up the stairs to the grandkids bedroom/playroom, pull out the bottom freezer drawer, or the pantry.

The bottom drawer freezer is ideal for grandbabies and honestly, I'd have it no other way. They know that there is a drawer inside the freezer full of treats for them! Ice cream bars, Uncrustables, sausage/pancake sticks, popsicles, ice cream, etc. They have ease of access to get to it and I love their beloved familiarity. 

Then, there is Grammy's Snack Shack nestled away in their own section of my pantry, is a basket filled with different kinds of treats, with the walls surrounding the basket covered with their artwork. 

I love their excitement and I love that they know where everything is, that they can help themselves.

Yes, when they arrive, they act like they haven't eaten all day, to which my daughter always swears they have. I laugh because I know all too well! 

I get so much joy finding something yummy I can put in their basket, excited to see their surprise. 

In my home, they get loads of snuggles and kisses, and sweets. 

It's the beauty of being a Grammy. 

Gorgeous Key West

 

The view was stunning as we flew over the many, many islands that make up the Florida Keys. Flying into Key West was ideal, we arrived sharing one suitcase and no need of a rental car. We were on island time.

Settled into our resort hotel, this photo was my first glimpse of the beach as we walked over the boardwalk. As I breathed in the air, I pulled out my phone to capture this most beautiful first look!

The sun was HOT! The smell of the ocean refreshing, the sound of the waves calming, and laying on that beach was the very moment I had dreamed of planning this vacation.

ALL of Key West is absolutely incredible! Rich in history, this very colorful and diverse southern tip of America, has a vibe all of its own. Truly on island time, slow down, eat, drink, soak up the sunshine, enjoy an excursion, dine outside on gorgeous patios and quaint outdoor restaurants, there is fresh seafood and fruity cocktail drinks to enjoy every direction you look.

We rode the trolley, a must do! There is no way of knowing all the history without riding around with a tour guide pointing and telling stories of its fabulous history. Plus, if you want to hop off, a trolley comes by every 15 minutes. It's a great form of transportation. 

We chose a catamaran Sunset Cruise with live music, open bar, and passed hors d'oeuvres. It made for a lovely evening being on water and as the sun dropped within minutes there were shouts of applause. Well done, God! 

Key Lime every day!! Frozen chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick, Strawberry key lime pie, key lime cookies, key lime sorbet, key lime cocktails, key lime jelly, and key lime white chocolate bars. I was in key lime heaven!

It's beautiful seeing all the boats and fishing boats in the water. Seafood is such big business and we ate and enjoyed food every day. Not seafood, but the Fried Avocado Street Taco photo below was sensational!!  

Smoked Fish Dip is a popular appetizer eaten with fresh veggies and breads. So delicious!! Crab dip, clam chowder, corn chowder, cocoanut shrimp, mahi mahi, fish tacos, conch fritters, fried plantains, we grazed all day. 

Imagine, my joy, when I heard someone share that the author Judy Blume of the very book's I read in my youth lives on the island, owns a bookstore on the island, and works every day!! It felt like Christmas morning as we walked into her bookstore and there, she was putting books away on a shelf. If you didn't know, you'd never know. The whole scene was so ordinary, she is in her late 80's, dressed very understated, and nothing there tells you it's her store. I selected one of her adult books, spoke with her for a moment and got her autograph. At one point, I know I had happy tears in my eyes. 

Sunshine and 80's, gorgeous beach, that iconic Southernmost Point, fabulous restaurants, live music everywhere, rich in history, and incredible Duval Street. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort had all the Jimmy Buffet vibes and yes, we absolutely ate a cheeseburger in paradise!! 

Until next time Key West, much love!

Eye of the Tiger

 

I had Amelia for the afternoon when she took her first climb to stairs! I believe it all began at swim lessons earlier that day when one of the tasks was to learn to crawl out of the pool in an Army crawl fashion. She took her skills and applied them to the stairs.

At first, I watched to see what she would do on the 2nd step. Then, I got behind her so she wouldn't fall back. When she made it 1/2 way up the steps, I started to videotape her to send to her mommy & daddy.

As she got close to the top, Papa David, was cheering her on!!

"Good girl! A little further! Come on sugar! Almost there! Don't give up! Don't give up! Almost up! [friendly growl] Eye of the tiger!! Eye of the tiger! Finish up strong! Finish up strong! YES! You did it!" He swoops her up, holds her in the air and kisses her cheek.

Brooke & Alex arrived minutes after and when I told her she just climbed the stairs, Brooke said, "No she didn't." I proudly shared she did AND we have a video!

Left attended grandchildren will be loved, spoiled, and quite possibly taught new tricks!  

And Then There Were Four

 

Mariah and I were having a Momma + Daughter date night in a cozy cafe, both of us drinking Honeybush tea with extra honey, when she bent down and held up the sweetest little onesie...

And then there were four 

There are such special moments of realization forever etched in life where your brain registers that life is about to significantly change, that immediately triggers your heart, that goes straight to happy tears, all in less than 2 seconds! My sweet girl is pregnant!!

To tell the kids, they did a photo shoot on the beach in Florida. Here they are holding up the ultrasound photos. What a wonderful moment and I so love that the kids are running towards them. They Face Timed me from the beach, I wanted them to be able to tell me, too, "mOmMy'S gOinG tO hAvE a bAbY!"

How blessed I am with extraordinary grandchildren! My Sofia is 6 years old, Rowan is 4 years, Claire is 2 years, Amelia (Brooke's) is 1 year old, and another one arriving in October. Each so unique with different personalities and wonderful qualities. 

Sofia with her brown hair and brown eyes and the mini-me of her momma, is so sweet, so funny, incredibly loving, smart as can be, nurturing, and feels emotions so deeply. I love conversations with her. 

Rowan is all boy!! Frog holding, arrow shooting, chicken chasing, working with his daddy and building things. I love to hear him talk and I smile when he shares stories with me. He's the one who sticks close by me at all times with snuggles. 

Claire, looking like an angel with icy blue eyes, blond hair, and kissable lips, the quiet one, is matter of fact, unapologetically herself! If she did it, she claims it! She's funny and doesn't take anything off her older siblings. 

Amelia is cute as a button, fabulous smile, on the go on the verge of walking, independent, with bright blue eyes, bows in her thick head of hair, 50% Brooke/50% Alex, crazy over the moon over Papa (my dad), loves to clap, laugh, and a little fish in water. 

It is indescribable how wonderful my little descendants are to my soul, and another is on the way!

Thank you, Lord! 

Hello March

 

Did I just blink through winter and see daffodils starting to bloom? This January and February were quite possibly the fastest winter months on record. Hello March!

Ahh, it's almost vacation and we are looking forward to the changes in latitudes and changes in attitudes in beautiful Key West! 

We got the sweetest compliment from my Mariah. She is at a training in Florida and her instructor was talking about a 60-year old woman in fabulous shape, when Mariah pulled a photo on her phone of David and I on the beach last year. David is 61 with a rock hard 6 pack stomach and me, well, I'm still able to pull off bikini's at going on 54 years old. That said, guess who is knows a beach vacation is approaching? This girl!!! 

Nothing says Keto, intermittent fasting, lots of water, and exercise like a beach vacation. 

We are Carribean Life (tv show) junkies in winter months. My husband wants to buy a house in the Carribean when we officially retire for a snowbird lifestyle. Me, the thought of constant sunshine, outdoor adventures, fresh seafood and fruit sounds divine. 

In the meantime, I am working on a base tan so I can spend my days in sunny Key West.

I got my toes in the water, a~~ in the sand

Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand

Life is good today

Life is good today

Back From Hiatus

 

Sometimes we need a temporary break for lots of reasons. Mine was... life is beautiful, and I didn't want to share it. I wanted to keep it in a warm cocoon, just the two of us. To let the world slip away and be lost in the dream of us. 

Quite honestly, I thought I was done on here and was thinking about doing a whole new blog dedicated to my grandbabies. A few people have asked and when I shared my thoughts, I was encouraged to stay on this path, so my grands have 13 more years of my stories.

Quick update, life with my husband is a constant adventure full of laughter, love, and wit. He is still extraordinary, and I am beautifully spoiled. 

Oh my gosh, we have become such homebodies, which is wonderful. We so love to be at home! We've been in our home 1-1/2 years now and it has become such a reflection of us. We do have a new project going on now, we are finishing our basement. Going with an industrial look, I've become the project manager, as I have more free time than David does. Which kind of means, I get to do it how I want, and he goes along with my vision. Truth be told, he is such a loving husband, and would truly do anything to make me happy. I am so blessed and love him so much!

David acclimated well with the Marshalls. I just came off my best year yet with events. We have very busy schedules and make the most out of all free time we have. 

Today was a much longed for day off. After running all morning, I couldn't wait to come home and actually slow down, relax, binge watch my favorite shows, make some protein balls, and figured it was a good time to hop on here and say hello. 

We have much to catch up on. 

One Year

 

One year... wow, did one year of marriage go by quickly! 

David and I opted for Anniversary Week and found we did something special every day. For our 1st anniversary, we decided to stay home and have dinner in. Ordering the top layer of our wedding cake, inside it is chocolate chocolate chip with double toffee filling, It's so delicious and he lit up when he saw it. We LOVED our wedding cake!! At the end of our wedding, we went to the hotel and realized we were really hungry, so we dove into our wedding cake, thrilled I chose to take it with us. 

Playing the cd, complements of our DJ, transported me back in time to our magical wedding. I could close my eyes and fully remember the wonder of it all. 

Cooking dinner, listening to this music, we perused through our wedding photo album. As we sat down to eat, we held hands to pray as "A Thousand Years" began to play. It's the song I walked down the aisle to. What timing. 

We took our time eating dinner, reminiscing one year ago. After we cleaned up, I grabbed the knife to cut our cake, when David placed is hand over mind and we cut it together. At that moment, "At Last" by Etta James began to play. The song we 1st danced to. He pulled me in his arms, and we danced in the kitchen. 

Then, we played our wedding day video...

All I can say is, I was initially low-key disappointed when I waited too long and couldn't get reservations at our two favorite restaurants. Honestly, neither of them could have compared to the magic of nostalgia we shared with the air filled with the music of our wedding day, our album, our wedding video, and dancing in my husband's arms.

Happy 1st Anniversary, my Love!

xo

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

 

The day off together, summer nights, and a ballfield. 

We did a taste testing of wine at the ballpark. Our favorite choice was the Peach Lemonade Moscato. We provided our one-word description for their marketing purposes, had a blast with the staff in the tent and the woman asked if she could take a photo us by their sign. This isn't the photo, but I'm hoping I can find it online somewhere.

I'm hoping I can also find this refreshing new beverage, too!

US Marshals

 

My husband retired on Friday, June 2, 2023 and began with the US Marshals on Monday, June 5th. 

Retiring from a career is a major life change and bittersweet. Shifting and being sworn in as a US Marshal is another impressive professional accomplishment. 

He's ready for this new season and I am proud of him. 

David's Retirement Party

Congratulations and well done, my love, on a very successful career! 

We've had several conversations that going to David's retirement celebration, it felt more like going to someone else's party. How can my husband be retiring?! When you're young, I always thought of retirement when you're old and can no longer work. My husband bounds in energy, yet he has retired with 31 years, 8 months, and 28 days of service to the Sheriff's Office. 

His celebration was the "Thin Blue Line" theme, with two joined, magnificent charcuterie tables, and an exceptional dinner everyone was WOW'd over and spoke about all night. I did a plated double entree dinner, Asiago Chicken, Braised Beef with light Gravy, Cavatappi Carbonara, and Roasted Vegetable Medley. Our salad incorporated watermelon (David's favorite) and fresh blueberries to complement the TBL theme, topped with our new Champagne dressing. Guests expressions when the food was brought to the table brought me the exact satisfaction I was going for, and everyone raved all night how fabulous dinner was. 

The charcuterie tables were done by Taylour. She loves doing this and asked if she could help, so I tasked her with the table listing what I wanted to see on it and rose-shaped appetizers. She practiced and nailed it!! 

I began the program with a video custom made for him talking about being in law enforcement, the Training Center, and Michelle answering the phone telling the caller David is reading to blind children. That was what he always told her to tell his callers. Taylour & Brooke began by sharing David's many roles and professional achievements, then Captain (Rich) was the main guest speaker. Working with David throughout their career together and dear friends, there is nobody better than him. In closing, I had my sister-in-law, the Sheriff, came up to share final words. Their tribute to David was beautiful, honoring, and well-deserved. I could feel David squeeze my hand; I knew he was fighting tears. 

But wait... there's more! I had a special surprise for him before we closed this portion of the evening. Being shipped from the Eastcoast of the United States, is the Best Seller with White Glove Delivery... his massage chair. [It arrived and it is amazing!]

The DJ playing 80's rock and a variety of music, family and friends mingled, ate, drank, and celebrated. 

The room looked fabulous, every detail coming together beautifully. 

What a blessing it is to have a successful career. Every speech shared a common theme, he has touched thousands of lives throughout his career and made a difference. He is a legend at Training, he is admired, valued, and respected. Colleagues coming out of the woodwork, phone calls, wishing him well. 

To retire with such a legacy, to retire with good health, and to retire with the ability to do whatever he wants, he is a blessed man.

Happy Retirement, husband.

 

June 2, 2023

 

"There's My Morning Glory!"

 

Every morning I wake up and come downstairs, my husband greets me with a warm and enthusiastic, "There's my morning glory!" I confess, I don't often feel like a morning glory before a cup of coffee!

He is bounding with energy and happiness when he wakes up, usually around 4:00 a.m. and goes downstairs to stretch and workout. Me, I'm more of a 5:45 a.m. girl every day. It's our morning routine. 

Next week my husband retires from the Sheriff's Office. What a milestone in life and what a fantastic career he has had!! He's retiring from the Sheriff's Office and hired on with the US Marshals. 

Preparations are underway for his retirement celebration.

He is admired, loved, and respected by so many in his profession. These last couple of weeks have been bittersweet. So many conversations, emotions, and reflection. 

Plans are in place, good thing his wife is an Events Director! I've got a few surprises for him.

If I am a morning glory, he is truly the sun that shines on everyone. 

"You Looked Stunning Today"

 

My husband always lavishly loves me and showers me with words how beautiful I am even when I have no makeup on, glasses, a sloppy knot on top of my head, or a favorite worst outfit. Prior to dating, being caught like that would have been a certain death. Oh, how easily that changed!

He genuinely doesn't care and he genuinely makes me feel beautiful when I'm at my worst. 

About 8-9 years ago I found an outfit I fell in love with, but it was a bit too tight. I bought it anyway. I wore it once a couple years later, probably still a bit too tight, then back into the closet it went.

Since January, I've been doing intermittent fasting, Keto, and strength training. I don't remember when I weighed what I weigh now, last. I have a couple favorite outfits, I've held onto for many years and they all fit beautifully.

All this to say, that one outfit I bought when it was too small, looks great! I wore it a couple days ago and my husband told me several times how beautiful I looked and he asked me to twirl. Doesn't every girl dream of that?!. 

It was later that night in bed, when he whispered, "You looked stunning today..." I smiled and loved that he was still thinking about me in it. 

The Promise of May

 

May has a certain je ne sais quoi. 

The promise of warmth, sunshine, rebirth and flourish after a long winter. Six months ahead of being outdoors, playing in the sunshine, and basking in nature. Biking, pickleball, long walks holding hands, sipping wine in the sunshine, and patio nights. 

The thrill of knowing so much wonderful has arrived. The appeal of hope, sunshine, fauna and flora. 

To linger in the sunshine and rejuvenate in relaxation, play, and pleasure. 

Hello May, we welcome you. 

Spring Vacation 2023

 

Spring Vacation 2023 was everything we hoped it to be with the sun feeling hotter, and the food tasting even better. Our first stop was in The Villages to see mom and dad. Eighty square miles, four quadrants, 71K homes, everything in pristine condition and everyone riding golf carts. It's like a Jetson's playground for seniors with money! 

A couple nights at mom and dads where we perused the quaint shops of Lake Sumter and eating alligator for the first time, we stopped by the magical location where David proposed and I said, "YES!!" 

We rented a romantic little cottage on Anna Marie Island with a private beach and fell in love with this relaxed island that exists truly on "island time." Our skin sun-kissed, we walked hand in hand on the beach for days, going to several beaches, and lingering in the cutest beach shops. 

We couldn't wait to get to the ocean for fresh seafood and we dined well. From several seafood shacks (our favorites!!) on the ocean with phenomenal seafood, to a darling Parisian cafe, Le Creperie, we sampled and tasted everything fresh seafood. 

After a couple days at Anna Marie Island, we drove down the coast to our beloved Siesta Key Beach for sun, sand, and that fabulous Mango Tango. The very inspiration of one of our wedding day signature cocktails! My favorite seafood meal being Shrimp & Grits at Captain Curt's, a giant tiki hut restaurant with outdoor dining. 

Our skin thoroughly cooked, hours in the sun, we went back to mom and dad's before heading home. 

Thank you mom and dad for allowing us to stay with you, the fun playing cards every night, the use of your golf cart, and delicious meals!! We had the best time, and we love you!

Easter Dinner

 

We hosted Easter dinner in our home with an Easter basket for Amelia and an outdoor Easter egg hunt that led to Easter presents for Sofia, Rowan, and Claire. 

The kids were excited walking in the house shouting they saw Easter eggs outside!!! I had three empty baskets for them to choose a color to grab and run around collecting eggs. On the back porch was their presents with frilly bows. A sit-and-spin (one of my favorite toys when I was young), a seat on wheels they can ride around the house, Seek & Find cards for outdoor scavenger hunts, and a giant bottle of bubbles from Great Grammy (Gigi). 

Having my grandbabies together was wonderful to watch. Amelia sitting in her bouncy seat with the kids gathered around her quiet as to not startle or scare her. They would gentle touch her hair and watch her. Me, it's as if I've blinked in life and I have four grandbabies. 

The sun was shining, the food delicious, and yummy desserts. Lots of conversations going at once and little ones eating their special ice cream in their new ice cream cups and playing with their toys. 

Most visits end WWE with Papa David. David is swift and quick, and the kids love full on wrestle mania with him until they are flushed and overheated. 

Claire-bear is the quiet one. She likes to get into the pantry into napkins and cups, changes the channels on the television, and at the end of the day, I had to delete over 70 videos and photos she took with my phone. For the most part, I had no idea she even had it. She's quiet, smiles sweetly, and is unapologetically her. I love their unique personalities. 

It was a beautiful day for an Easter celebration. 

Rage and Prayer

 

My husband walked out the door this morning with a bullet proof vest on. 

Emotions are raging war in love, fear, understanding him, and zero acceptance of the cause. 

My husband made to protect what we don't believe in and I cannot even speak about it without becoming "F-bombing" furious. I go from fury to tears, from prayer to admiring the man he is. He's so loving and allows me to rage truth verbally, to him speaking into me that he is law enforcement in the gentlest and most loving way. Assuring me that all is well. 

Until... he walked in the door last night with an arsenal of "protection" and the seriousness of what he is taking and why quickly has me at the reality of the situation all over again. Pinning his uniform, loading magazines, filling duffle bags with weapons and a trauma bag, I laid across the bed and watched him. 

My husband is gentle, affectionate, patient, over the top loving, kind, and always super funny. He is my love and he is my Boaz. He is everything a husband is supposed to be, sprinkled in magnificence! 

My husband, going in with his team of close friends, those who train law enforcement. My husband, years on SWAT, trains SWAT, he is highly trained in defensive tactics, weapons of all kinds, armed, equipped, and lethal with crazy-skilled talent.

He is at the 11th hour on the verge of retirement. To be put in a situation we do not believe in, to protect those who choose to put themselves in a place of threat of violence, threatening my husband's safety, puts me in a significant heart condition of extreme conflict between rage and prayer. 

All it takes is one person for hell to break loose and today is April Fool's Day. 

My husband is maintaining order among fools. 

UPDATE:  All went well, thankfully. Ended up being an unnecessary expense for taxpayers.