First Pot of Veggie Soup this Fall

Even though its not actually that fall-like in SC yet, I couldn't wait any longer to fix a pot of vegetable soup with all of our leftover veggies from the summer. It is a little overcast today at least, so I broke down and started the soup at lunch. Hopefully Baby B will enjoy it... although it is going to be difficult for him to eat it with his favorite utensil the fork.

Since he had to get a flu shot this morning, we celebrated his braveness with a kids meal from Burger King. (He didn't even shed a tear!) I showed him how to dip his nuggets in the sweet and sour sauce and once he got used to the tangy taste, he LOVED it! Then he delicately started dipping his french fries and grapes in the sauce too after he ran out of nuggets. I guess he learned early that everything tastes better dipped in sweet and sour;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyUq4cpyxxs

Happy Thursday Pamela's Girls!

Love,

~Mommy M

SF Giants Jonathan Sanchez

Last night I went to the Giants game to see my favorite player pitch, Jonathan Sanchez. BK gave me a Sanchez jersey awhile back because I'm a fan, but the stadium is always too cold to wear it and I'm always wearing hoodies and coats. San Francisco is having our Indian Summer this week, finally. It's been a whopping 93 degrees during the day and mid 70's at night! So BK and I decided to go to the game last night and enjoy the rare warm weather, I could wear my Sanchez jersey and watch him pitch- perfect.

Taken during the game.

After the game we decided to go to the sports restaurant across from the stadium to get a small bite to eat. While sitting at the table, I noticed a guy at the bar that looked like Jonathan Sanchez. I thought noooo it couldn't be. He was wearing, unfortunately, a tacky shirt, a huge bling-bling watch, a huge silver chain necklace and bracelet. I personally prefer the baseball uniform.
Anyways, I weighed my odds. I've seen random celebrities while living in California and New York but none that I'd like to be that annoying person to ask for a picture with them. I even think I walked past Jennifer Aniston across from my NYC apartment one night, but didn't stop her. But I'm a huge fan of Sanchez, obviously wearing his jersey, so I decided to be that annoying girl to him because although at the moment I may feel weird, I'd always have the picture with him. I went up to him, tapped him on the shoulder and said "Congratulations on the game. I'm a huge fan. Would you mind taking a picture with me?". I smiled my nervous smile. I don't even know if he said anything, but he kind of hesitated, then stood up and took a picture with me. That was nice of him. Until then, I was the only one that recognized him in the place. I guess nobody figured the pitcher that night would be hanging out across the street. Once I walked away and sat back down at my table, I notice people started saying "Is that Jonathan Sanchez? No that's not him". Then some guy approached him to sign his ball, haha oops! Maybe that's why I sensed a little hesitation because it would draw attention to him with the flash went off and all.
Anyways, I'm still very excited! Here's a link about him.
I hope you are having a great week Pamela's Girls! I am now. :)
Love you,
SanFran S

Fall 2010

Although today was rainy, it was the first afternoon with a touch of fall weather (at least not in the high 80's) so it was a good excuse for Baby B to wear his first pair of jeans for the fall and the shirt BK sent him all the way from California.
Hoping Pamela's Girls are enjoying autumn weather too!
Love,
~Mommy M

My New Electric Kettle

OK… It’s probably just odd me that would get excited over an electric kettle… but I am really thrilled about our new purchase from this past weekend.

When we stay at Chez R, I always miss the ease of whipping up a cup of tea to sip while reading out on the amazing screened in porch or maybe some instant coffee on a Saturday morning - not to mention the occasional bowl of instant oatmeal. My only option for boiling water was heating it up in a pan on the stove or in a mug in the microwave – and neither of those works very well.

I have heard for quite some time that electric kettles make the best cup of tea because of getting the water to exactly the right temperature and with us being at Chez R so much this Autumn, it just seemed like a good time to find the right one for us. Uncle R encouraged me to go for the deluxe Cuisinart model that I found on-line and I love the way it has settings for each of the kinds of tea and even a “French press” setting.

Very nice and it truly makes a wonderful cup of tea.

Come up to Nashville and we’ll have a tea party!!!

Happy yaps and tail wags to the Pamela’s girls from Merry & Bright!

Auntie J

Barkley has been in need of a hair cut, so yesterday Baby B and I dropped him off at the groomers while we went to run some errands. I was looking for a cute Halloween frame to display one of Baby B's costume photos from last year. When I couldn't find a frame that I liked at Hobby Lobby, I decided just to buy materials to make my own.
After we picked Barkley up, with his new fall hair-do, I came home and worked on the frame as Baby B was napping. Once I finished the frame, I searched for a photo of Baby B in his pumpkin costume. As I flipped through pictures, I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry as I gazed at the chubby-faced little butter-ball in the photos. I barely recognize him compared to the tall, slender toddler that now runs, laughs and plays.
It is amazing how things change and the blessings we receive in a year.




Happy fall and happy weekend Pamela's Girls!
Love,
~Mommy M

Cardinals

The other day while walking to meet BK for dinner and the Giants ballgame, I stumbled upon this cute, eccentric, totally random boutique. I saw baby clothes in the window which drew me in originally as I'm always on the lookout for Baby B clothes and toys. I thought to myself "This store is so cute and different. How have I never seen it when passing by or heard of it before? It was in my favorite neighborhood." Then I walked towards the counter where jewelry caught my eye. There were about 5 different necklaces with animals on them. I saw this one with 2 cardinals and instantly was reminded of Grandmother V and her love for them. She loved anything with cardinal on it. I knew I had to have it as long as I could afford; $10, definitely! So I bought it to remember her whenever I wear it.
As I left the store and continued walking down the street I thought about how easily I could have missed that store because it was so small and rather hidden. Also, I'm a city girl now and hurriedly walk down the sidewalks to get to where I'm going as soon as possible. I then started thinking that maybe it was a sign from Grandmother V to go there.
The next day was corresponding with a photographer that lives somewhere in the middle of the country. She's really really sweet, a grandmother herself and an amazing photographer who sends me all the free photographs of pollinators that I use for both of our websites. She mentioned in the email, the day after I bought the necklace that it was her mother's birthday and she was in her yard surrounded by the beautiful monarchs preparing to migrate. Her mother loved butterflies and she felt closer to her mom when surrounded by them. I told her about my grandmother's love for cardinals and buying that necklace. She replied that when I see a cardinal, it was my grandmother saying hello to me. Then it made me really think about it more. I live in the city of San Francisco and I've never seen a cardinal here. I believe now that Grandmother V led me to this store with the cardinal necklace to let me know she is watching over me from heaven.
Enjoy your weekend Pamela's Girls and I hope will recognize the signs from our loved ones up above.
Much love,
SanFran S

Video

Have I mentioned that Baby B only likes to eat with forks these days? He's so advanced;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORZAq5UbXFA

Love,

~Mommy M

Our Creative Baby B

Baby B amazes me at least once a day by something different he shows me he can do or by expressing himself in a new way. Yesterday, I was on the phone and when I looked up he had picked out all of the single legos and placed them perfectly around the arms of the chair. I thought it was so creative the way he thought of doing this on his own.

The only thing that worries me is how meticulous he is about these things... hopefully not going to be an OCD:)
Love you Pamela's Girls!
~Mommy M

Christmas in September

Our house has been like Santa’s workshop this month. Almost all of our Christmas gifts we are giving this year are painting projects, so I have started now since it is hard to tell how much time I’ll need to get everything completed.

Baby B has seen me painting over the last few weeks and has been very intrigued by what I am doing. When Cici and I went to Hobby Lobby the other night, I picked him up some washable finger paint. Today I covered his high-chair tray with newspaper and stripped Baby B down to his diaper. At first he was a little hesitant, but as you can see in the photos, once he got the hang of it, I think he really enjoyed himself. Afterwards, I washed his hands good, but he was trying to touch everything in the house with his hands like he did on the paper… I think in hopes that he could paint our walls and furniture with his beautiful colors. I am glad Baby B seems to like art… Hopefully as he gets older he will continue to be well-rounded and like art along with sports, animals, books and tools.

These are a few samples of some of the Christmas projects I’ve been creating… a tray and a Christmas wall plaque. I’m also working on “She’ll Paint Anything” originals for each of Pamela’s Girls, but you’ll have to wait until December to see those.
Love to Pamela’s Girls!
~Mommy M

Hello To Barkley - And The Pamela's Girls - From Merry & Bright

Last night I rushed to the Chez R to check on the girls and eat a quick bite before French class and threw the ball a few times for Merry as I was eating.

At some point I noticed that she didn’t bring the ball back but sat beside my chair with an intense, iron-melting stare.

Where is your ball, Merry?” I asked as I ate.

Stare. Nervous wiggle.

“Where is it, little Merry?”

Stare. Pant. Stare.

So, I went looking with Merry following. We looked all over the den – under chairs and ottomans, under tables behind dressers…. All the while Merry’s eyes screamed “Find it! Find it!!!”

Finally I went to check their little indoor piddle pad before I left for class and there sat the ball where she had left it while taking a little potty break – right in the middle of the piddle pad.

Bless her heart. We all get a little forgetful when we have a few years on us, don’t we!

Many tail wags and happy yapps are sent to BarkBark in particular.... but also to The Pamela's Girls.

Love from Auntie J too!

Hair Color Change

I decided to go ahead and get my hair colored as mentioned in a previous blog. I'm so glad I did because I love the subtle change! In the sun and certain light the orange/red/auburn really shows and looks really cool. Then in regular light my hair just looks like a darker brown. He said he took it 2 shades darker. What do Pamela's Girls think?

Outside the salon in the mission.

Reading a book Cici got for me, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, while BK watches multiple football games. Do you know who I got this from? That is reading while others are watching sports? I personally can't stand football but love baseball, softball and basketball. :)

Love you all!
SanFranS

A Mommas Meal

On Saturday, I had an eye appointment in Florence in the morning. On the way back, I stopped by the Farmer's Market to buy some fresh vegetables for one last summer Mommas meal and wanted to share it with Pamela's girls. It included meat loaf(a must for a token meat), a "mess of peas" on rice, creamed corn with biscuits, fried okra and a sliced tomato. Although I dirtied about every pot and pan, I must say it was yummy and well worth the effort.

I also want to thank all the Pamela's Girls for all they did to make the 40th anniversary for SS and me so special. Mommy M put together an amazing album with a beautiful hand-painted cover, which included such sweet letters from all of you. We are continuing to enjoy looking through it and reading all the letters, and wondering how in the world Mommy M was able to do it all without us ever suspecting a thing.

Then while we were at the beach, SanFran S arranged a wonderful meal for us at a unique little restaurant, the Collector's Cafe:

We were free to order whatever we wanted, all expenses paid including tip, with a special dessert of peanut butter chocolate pie. It was all delicious! We knew SanFran S assumed, rightly so, that if left to our own devices we would go to our regular favorite, The Sea Captains; but this way we tried some place new and had a wonderful memorable evening.

SS and I have been most fortunate to have the sweetest, most thoughful, loving daughters EVER, and we thank the Lord daily for them.

Love to all my Pamela's Girls,

CiCi

Our Beach Trip

Baby B and I had such a great time with Leslie and Baby S at the beach this week. It was a lot of work keeping up with two toddlers on the go, but they had such a great time together and Leslie and I had so many laughs as usual. I’ve included all of the photos on Facebook, but these are some of my favorites.
The babies learned a lot from each other… Baby S taught our Baby B how to feed her doll a bottle and Baby S was amazed by all of the “cool” things that Baby B could do. They also had their first kiss in the bathtub which we have documented with many photos… They are going to be so angry with us about that one day:)
Baby B also developed his very first freckle on his foot while we were there. I tried to make an arrow pointing to it since it was hard to capture with my camera.
From chasing the seagulls, suckers on the beach, to golf cart rides to the park and beach, it was a fun, monumental week with our good friends that we will always remember.
Happy Friday to my Pamela’s girls!
Love,
~Mommy M

Duffield Adventures - Past & Present

Being in Duffield, VA this past Labor Day Weekend made us all remember the (now) humorous GPS adventure that Uncle R & I experienced trying to use our iPhone maps to get Aunt Callie to her favorite lunch spot - The Hob Nob Drive-In.

I can't remember which of the Pamela's Girls I sent this to - back when it happened - so thought I'd include it here along with some new photos...



From: Auntie J
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: hi

We had such a good time with Aunt Callie!

I think that she was feeling pretty good and we all talked non-stop and ate and also took a nice drive on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and so we drove to Big Stone Gap, Appalachia and a little town called Norton (I think it was…).

Before we went on our drive we thought we’d go to the Hob Nob and eat lunch. We thought we remembered where it was, but Uncle R googled it on his iPhone and it gave us a route to take. It hit us as odd, because we thought that the Hob Nob was off to the right on the 4-lane highway heading to Kingsport and that it was located somewhere before you get to Gate City. Well, the route that Uncle R was shown said for him to turn off to the left - and when we got to the turn indicated we were pretty surprised because it was a little gravel road.

Interesting, we thought. It must be a handy-dandy little shortcut that will dump us out on the right road. Maybe we were remembering some other place off to the right. Good thing we have an SUV because this road wound and curved in steep slopes and hairpin turns that dropped off to oblivion on one side of the car and rocky moss-covered boulders on the other. Aunt Callie kept remarking; “I’ve never been out HERE before! It’s amazing what’s right out in your own backyard!” while Uncle R and I tittered nervously.

We got to a point where my iPhone’s GPS said; “I don’t know – don’t ask me!” and we passed a sign that said; “If you think the county is going to come out and make sure this road hasn’t washed away – think again!”

Then we were at a dead end where a creepy dueling banjos kinda house was perched on a hill above us with a front porch piled with various junk heaps that extended down the front steps, across the yard and ended with a couple of rusting cars that made turning around an impossible looking feat. Uncle R almost tried turning around in one spot and I yelped that it looked like some other cars had gotten stuck there and had been forced into getting a tow-out. So Uncle R went to the very end of the road where the junk cars were and he did a slick three-point-turn as only he can do, while a couple of hound dogs licked their chops and a cat ran down from the house like we were a rolling can of Fancy Feast… which,…I guess we were. It was seriously bizarre. I wish now that I had taken a photo of this place, but at the time I was locked in a frozen stare thinking that I’d better start praying.

We could see what was probably the connecting road, but it was across a rock-strewn river and stand of trees. The GPS mapping dude must have been mistaken for a revenuer and never turned back up to notify anyone that there was not a connection to this nifty little shortcut.

So we backtracked and made our way back to where we THOUGHT the Hob Nob was, which was INDEED where it was. As we munched on our hamburgers, we asked Aunt Callie what she thought about that drive and she smiled, sipped her decaf and shook her head in disbelief; “That was SOMETHING ELSE!” she said. I giggled till I cried.

Her short term memory is a bit faulty, but for 95 she’s totally amazing and sweet and interested in everyone and everything around her. She’s an absolute pleasure and hopes to maybe see us again soon. We told her that YooDee would love to come back with us next time maybe and would have come this time except for a church retreat. We told her maybe Nephew J and his wife, Niece J, could come too.

Duffield was its beautiful self, but we also got some interesting glimpses of Big Stone Gap and Appalachia that would we like to go back and see. What cool places they were.

We miss you guys! Love you!!!

Auntie J


On January 26, 2009, at 9:27 PM, ednjudy@comcast.net wrote:


Dear Uncle R, Auntie J and Sister B,
I enjoyed your description of your visit immensely!
About your little side trip: You may be right about the fate of the GPS dude. On the other hand, did anyone else detect something kinda familiar here? Now I don't know exactly what sort of things people do in heaven: I don't know if Dad plays a golden harp or if he prefers the baritone, or if he has joined the heavenly chorus, but I would not be surprised to learn that he enjoys tinkering with GPS gadgets, maybe enjoys it A LOT. I can see hear Dad saying, this road has got to be a shortcut to somewhere, and if you don't go down it today, you may never again have the opportunity to see the sights there today. And it is sure to be an adventure!
Love, Judy

From: Uncle R
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 11:02 PM
Subject: Re: hi

Dear everyone,

We did, indeed, have a marvelous time with Aunt Callie... and our little drive was, um, even more of an adventure than Auntie J quite makes it out to be. There were indeed hairpin turns on this dirt and gravel road so narrow that it was a close choice between scraping a gaping hole in the one side of our SUV against the jutting rocks, versus the earth giving way under our back wheels, precipitating a slide and tumble down untold height of mountain on the other hand. There were several places our wheels spun and kicked gravel just to climb a steep rise, and going downhill around sharp blind curves was a bit more like 4-wheel skiing than driving (with the added incentive that driving off the side of the mountain would, I suppose, have allowed us to ask Papa what he meant by tinkering with the GPS face to face!)

And as for the place where the road ended... the sign notifying us that “State maintenance of this road ends here” (to which I say, "What? You actually claim to have maintained this goat path of a road?") and the real dirt road began leading to the mud pit and the littered “yard” of the frightening cabin... I can only say this-- the movie “Jaws” did something which alerted the public conscience of the dangers of swimming in the ocean in a way that still gives ocean swimmers the heebe-jeebies... what “Jaws” did for the oceans, the movie, “Deliverance” did for anyone potentially stranded or mud-stuck in the backwoods without benefit of a gun, hatchet or kevlar underwear. Let’s just say that when the wheels started spinning in the mud on our quick 3-point turnaround (being real-careful NOT to run over one of the dogs that seemed to have never SEEN an actual car before, let alone have caught one and have it surrounded...) well, I’ll just say this-- I could could not imagine we had more than a moment’s time before someone emerged from that cabin with firearms cocked, aimed, locked and loaded. They say of the opera, “It’s not over till the fat lady sings”-- in the mud of that holler, I could hear the dueling banjos playing.

All of this became amusing when we sat in our relative comfort back at the Hob Nob eating burgers and fries and all of us got the giggles. Cousin Do later wondered if perhaps the mapping software had been trying to direct us to “High Nob”. I don’t know where that is, but it sounds like a desolate, lonely place to die. But sitting there eating, our GPS had steered us so wrong, I decided to give it another chance-- Now you can type in a phrase (like, say, “Mexican Restaurants”) into the iPhone and it will drop 3 or 4 pins onto the map around you showing your current location and how to get to each one... (complete with phone numbers, ratings, menus, sometimes even a photo of the building). So, sitting there in the Hob Nob, I typed in “Moonshine” and “Certain Death” and it dropped in pins all around us. We laughed until we cried! And went to Big Stone Gap on the main highway instead.

Uncle R

Los Angeles Trip

Over Labor Day weekend, BK and I took a trip down south to Los Angeles after getting a really good deal on tickets ($33 each way). It was so fun to see the sites, my best friend who is from there and to be in such amazing weather! We went to a pool that had an awesome view of the city skyline and celebs often visit it because it is small, quiet and not a huge "LA Scene" like other pools. It's one of Jennifer Aniston's favorite restaurants and spots, but unfort. I didn't see her. I usually only see D List celebs who I know look familiar but can't place until I go home and start googling. While I was going through security at LAX, across from me was this couple (Giuliana and Bill) who have their own show. At first when I see celebs I just feel like I know them and try to figure out how. That's what happened until I realized they were way too perfect looking and knew I'd seen them on t.v.
I took a lot of pictures for Pamela's Girls, I hope you enjoy them.

Sunset Tower Pool

At the Dodgers vs. Giants Game



Putting My Feet In the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica

Love You Pamela's Girls!