Countdown to May 1

The beginning

2006-05-12T09:08:00.001-04:00

one married...four more to go!!!

2006-05-05T19:49:00.000-04:00

no words necessary...

2006-05-05T17:11:00.000-04:00

bon appétit

2006-05-05T14:46:00.000-04:00

I haven't really talked about the food that was served at the reception but I want to give the kitchen staff my compliments for a job well done! If I had been served a meal like the one that Luke (pictured here) and his crew prepared, I would have thought I was in an elegant restaurant, and not in a rural New Hampshire camp dining hall! What was on the menu?

Before the meal: fruit trays of fresh pineapple, kiwi halves, grapes, melon, and strawberries; and cheese trays of assorted cheeses and crackers

Main Course:

Caesar Salad
Chicken Marsala
Spinach Fettuchini
Italian Broccoli (with garlic)
Fresh bread and butter

Jacquie and Dan chose the menu and Luke & company orchestrated the rest. Bravo!

picture postcard

2006-05-05T09:15:00.000-04:00

I know I have mentioned the absolute beauty of the area where Jacquie & Dan work (and play!). For anyone who has never visited New Hampshire, I hope you get the chance to do so sometime. The water of the lakes reflect the blue skies, the lush colors of the vegetation become a palette of greens and blues and purples and golds. The sounds you hear are quiet, soothing and hypnotic.

This place calms your soul.

At Camp Berea, there are no televisions, no video games, no distracting forms of artificial entertainment. What you find there are water, sand, rocks, elevation, and the invitation to experience it with all of your senses. You can swim, rock climb, go tubing down the hill in the winter, water ski in the summer, hike, walk, or relax by a crackling fire at the water's edge. When we were there last weekend, there were no insects - only the Mayflies were our companions as we walked near the lake. But they did not bite or buzz around your ears at night...they were only a reminder of the natural setting we were sharing with them. Newfound Lake - it's a beautiful place. A place to make beautiful memories.

the only time I cried...

2006-05-05T08:54:00.000-04:00

The most touching moment for me (and many others, I think) took place during the reception when Jacquie's bouquet of lilacs & lily of the valley was presented to a very special lady. Her name is Glo - and she is Dan's maternal grandmother. She recently learned that her cancer had returned and had to start chemotherapy again. A few weeks ago, her doctor suspended her treatment so she would feel well enough to attend the wedding. During the reception, instead of throwing her bouquet to a gaggle of single women, Jacquie asked all couples in attendance who have been married at least 20 years to stand. 30 years. 40 years or more. Finally, the only couple standing was Dan's grandmother & grandfather...and to honor them and the celebration of a committed marriage, the bouquet was given to Glo. It was a very touching moment since most of us knew that her presence was a gift. Glo cried, I cried along with many others...and we all gave them a standing ovation.

a few more...

2006-05-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

Instead of the traditional Unity Candle, Jacquie & Dan opted for a Unity Sand ceremony. As Dan's parents sang a duet, they stepped down to the edge of the lake and each poured a handful of sand into a small jar.

And here we all are...Rachael, me, Steve, Stacey and Davy, with the bride & groom in front.

more pictures are coming...check back later

2006-05-04T06:41:00.000-04:00

two very special moments...

One of the first things we did....

2006-05-03T07:20:00.000-04:00

...on Sunday morning after breakfast was to go down to the lake to the site of the ceremony. What a beautiful area...here is Steve with Rachael - taking in the view of Newfound Lake in New Hampshire.

So - here we go...this is what we've all been waiting for...the wedding! Following are photos that do not include all of the characters in the show (like me, for example, or photos of Dan's family and others) but I promise to upload pictures that I receive later from other photographers that day. I hope the wonderful atmosphere of the day is conveyed through these photos...it turned out to be (in the words of the groom) "even better than I imagined."

Sunday was a day of frantic preparation....

2006-05-03T07:11:00.000-04:00

Although I didn't take the time to document everything that happened on Sunday, I am sure you can imagine the frenzy of activity that day...

First came packing for the honeymoon - the two-week trip to Hawaii. Here is Jacquie in the girls' staff cabin, trying to get everything she needs in her bag...

A little surprise for Dan - the black teddy that she received at her lingerie party the night before...
...and here we are pressing the gown (and, yes, I managed to do it without burning a spot in it!)
...and here is Rachael folding the napkins for the reception tables. She did a terrific job, as you will see in later posting...

Rehearsal

2006-05-03T06:59:00.000-04:00

Everyone is in place...(with the photographer setting up his shots at the edge of the lake, too!)

As I was standing where everyone will be seated for the ceremony tomorrow, I looked up and experienced one of those "deja vu" moments. To my left was a birch tree framing the view of the lake. I took a picture....

Although I was never given a photo of this particular view of Newfound Lake...
...I somehow came up with this drawing for the cover of the invitation. Freaky, huh? Jacquie had given me a simple direction for the scene she wanted me to draw: a single birch tree, with the lake and the mountain range in the background. This coincidence is amazing...I can't explain it.
Jacquie & Dan at the edge of the lake
...and at rehearsal dinner - where Hawaiian meatballs were served (in honor of their upcoming honeymoon destination!)

Getting ready...

2006-05-02T22:37:00.000-04:00

Morning morning, the first of May, dawned bright, with no rain in sight. Although the skies were a bit overcast and the breeze was brisk at times, the day turned out to be perfect - in every way.

"Do I have time to floss??"

...lots of princess curls, thanks to Jacquie's cousin, Lisa
"Mom, what time is it?"
"It's time to go, Jacquie"

The Ceremony

2006-05-02T22:23:00.000-04:00

Nate (the officiant) and Dan ~ waiting for the bride to make her appearance.

Josh (Dan's brother) & Stacey.
Jacquie's dad guides her down the steps.
My favorite picture of all...
the bridemaids ~ Anna (Dan's sister) & Stacey
Josh & Dave
Dan saying his vows
...and Jacquie saying hers
husband & wife...

Reception & Farewell...

2006-05-02T22:05:00.000-04:00

The head table

Dan's place setting
...and Jacquie's
the cake (angel food, strawberries and climbers...)
appetizers...
table at entrance with sign-in and seating charts
Jacquie has a smile for her groom
Anna, Stacey, Jacquie & Dan, Josh (Davy is probably at the buffet table!)
time to leave....
Hawaii...here we come!

Tuesday ~ the day after...

2006-05-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

Rachael, Davy and me - on the deck looking out onto Newfound Lake.

This morning, we woke up to cloudy skies and a constant drizzle. What a wonderful day to rain! Yesterday's weather was perfect...
Steve & me at about 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
This is the door Jacquie & Dan will enter as husband & wife in about 2 weeks. Thanks for the memories ~ it was a wonderfully perfect day.

Day 1

2006-04-29T08:48:00.000-04:00

8:48 a.m. - (almost) packed & ready to go...

See you next week!

Day 2

2006-04-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

Well, I never thought today would arrive! As I mentioned in earlier entries, everything is done (here in PA, that is!) so this week I was feeling a little adrift...with nothing major to do - related to the wedding, of course. At work, it's been busy with Administrative Professional Day on Wednesday (we celebrated with hotdogs and brownies) and yesterday, we went out to lunch to celebrate Don's 50th. Today I have a lunch meeting and then afterwards, I'll be picking up the rentals. Tonight, I'll be packing the car and then we'll head out in the morning for Rachael's softball games and then on to NH. The next time I blog may not be until next Tuesday, when we return.

Yesterday, I connected with a fellow MOB blogger from Illinois and we talked about how mothers of brides are often overlooked. Some may find that troublesome or frustrating, considering all the the behind-the-scenes work we do, but I am looking forward to sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the festivities. I know that a lot of people have contributed to the beauty of the day and I don't need accolades or public declarations of thanks from anyone. All I want is to see the smiles on the faces of my oldest daughter and her new husband. Only then will I know that everything we planned and prepared was more than worth the time and effort. Enjoy the day, J & D. But it is only the beginning of a lifetime of wonderful days. All my love to you both...I'll see you tomorrow.

Day 3

2006-04-27T06:23:00.000-04:00

Only a few more days until May 1, the day that Jacquie and Dan will get married. At first, they chose April 10. But wise New Hampshirites advised them that the lake would probably be still frozen, and standing at the shore of a frosty body of water was not what they had envisioned. So the wedding date became May 1...May Day. Jacquie had always wanted to carry lily-of-the-valley (along with lilacs) at her wedding - and we soon discovered that these flowers are associated with a lovely tradition. In France, May 1 is La Fête du Muguet, and the tradition is to give the ones you love a little bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, for good luck and to celebrate the arrival of spring. So...each wedding guest will find a little bunch of these sweet-smelling blooms at their place at their reception table.

Can you guess where these 'Benders' will be?

2006-04-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

(I'll let you know next week!)

new blog

2006-04-26T16:02:00.000-04:00

This blog will offically come to an end next week with the update of the wedding and photos...lots and lots of photos!
I have already started a new blog in which I will continue to document my days...
Email me for the address...so you know where to find me...

...and thank you, too, Stacey!!

2006-04-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

(sorry, honey!)

mission accomplished....

2006-04-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

This week has been a little strange. The mental list of chores is complete. All of the big projects have been finished, all of the details taken care of, everything is in place, boxed up, and ready to go on Saturday. I'll be picking up the table linens, chair covers & napkins, the china & glassware on Friday from the rental shop. Jacquie & Dan will have the seating charts finalized by Friday so I can print them, as well as the descriptions of the place names they chose for the reception tables.

I'm done. I'm ready...

196 days ago, I wrote:

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
200 days to go...
Yes, the date of the wedding is in 200 days. In 200 days, I WILL have made an unforgettable wedding gown, an equally beautiful dress for Stacey, original invitations using cards that were made in Egypt (thank you, Stacey!), coordinated the decorating for the reception - the tables, the tulle, the twinkling lights, helped with the seating arrangements...I WILL have completed all of my assigned tasks...including making myself a dress. I will do this all in 200 days....yes, I will!

Yes, I have done all of these things, but certainly not by myself! Many, many people helped me get to this point...the most important ones are Steve, Rachael, Sharon, Bernadette, Norma, and, of course, Jacquie & Dan...I have received so many wonderful suggestions and ideas from friends and words of support from everyone who read this blog faithfully. I appreciated all of the advice and, especially, the understanding of all who may have been influenced by my preoccupation with this event. Thank you.

Day 4

2006-04-26T09:14:00.000-04:00

Keep your fingers crossed! Forecast for Monday: Partly sunny. Winds from the WNW at 13 mph. High: 63° F RealFeel®: 59° F

Dan & Jacquie had a date last night - they were going out for a seafood dinner. Jacquie had a hair appointment earlier in the day - she got her hair highlighted & cut, and they also stopped at the jeweler to get her ring cleaned. They also made a stop at the bookstore to pick up a couple of guidebooks on Hawaii and Acadia National Park in Maine, their destinations for their extended honeymoon. They will be traveling for almost the entire month of May! Enjoy yourselves, kids! And take lots of pictures!

LOL

2006-04-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

Mostly cloudy, chance of a little rain. Winds from the N at 8 mph. High: 65° F RealFeel: 64° F

Day 5

2006-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

For the past couple of days, I have been conducting a low-key search for nail polish. Low-key...yes. I won't be devastated if I can't find that right shade of pinkish-purplish-mauvish polish - but it would be nice if I could. And who am I conducting this search with? Why, my sort-of color-blind husband, of course! He has been extra-ordinarily patient about this, too. Although I have spent maybe a total of 10 minutes looking at polish colors, every minute is like an hour to a man trapped in the aisles of beauty products. First, we looked in the 88-cent itsy-bitsy bottle section, thinking that it should be easy to find...but, alas, we found the shiniest, sparkliest, radioactive-glow polish (targeted for the 14 and under crowd, I assume), so we moved on to the more expensive line-up of 'diamond tough,' super-longlasting colors and tints. Not a good idea. We were left trying to decide if a polish was too sheer, too shiny, too purple, too pink.
Finally, I said, "This one will do," and we left.
If I ever want to fry an egg on my nails, at least I know it won't stick...

what a tease!

2006-04-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

This morning, Accuweather reported that it would RAIN and be in the low 50s on Monday. Now, it is saying: Partly sunny. Winds from the N at 8 mph. High: 65° F

The local TV station in New Hampshire, http://www.wmur.com, has an "Ask your Meteorologist" column. Guess what the very first FAQ is???

QUESTION: I've heard people say that New Hampshire is one of the most difficult places to forecast the weather. Why is that?

ANSWER: You're right, it IS very difficult for several reasons.
1. New Hampshire is a tall state, meaning that the weather can be very different between its northern and southern zones. Temperature differences of 40 degrees or more are often seen from top to bottom.
2. New Hampshire's hilly terrain and mountains actually change the weather! The weather charts we use operate on a larger scale and often don't pick up on these changes. Mountains can create clouds or dissipate them. The same can be said about rain and snow, as well. This is because as air rushes up a mountainside, it cools and condenses moisture and can form clouds and precipitation if there is enough moisture in the air. Likewise, as air rushes down a hill, it warms and dries. Also, as you go higher in altitude, often times (but not always) the temperature is colder.
3. The ocean. Since New Hampshire also has the Atlantic Ocean nearby, that ALSO changes the weather. Oceans take longer to warm up than the air, yet once they do heat up, they hold that warmth longer. Therefore, oceans are often cooler than the air in the summer (sometimes creating a seabreeze if the winds are right) and warmer than the air in the winter (often changing snow to rain).
Add all these factors up, and you get all kinds of weather -- weather that can often be very hard to predict because our weather charts and computer models can't account for what these variables will do.
Thanks for the question!
-Josh Judge, meteorologist

Day 6

2006-04-24T12:22:00.000-04:00

More shopping! Rachael & her mom went out yesterday to pick up a few things for the outfit she's wearing ...love the new earrings & necklace!

(Have you noticed that I am ignoring the weather forecast? "Rain, rain, go away...come again another day!")

Day 7

2006-04-23T18:20:00.000-04:00

It seems that everyone is doing some last-minute shopping! Yesterday, Steve & I ventured over to the Selinsgrove Mall and picked up a tie for him to wear (I never thought he'd consent to wearing a tie with pink in it! He always wears Jerry Garcia-designed ties http://www.thesilktiefactory.com/jergarnecmet.html!).

Day 8

2006-04-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Forecast for Monday, May 1 - Sunny. Winds from the NNW at 2 mph. High: 58° F RealFeel: 67° F (Now, we're talkin'!)

This morning, I folded the sewing machine down into its cabinet and closed the top, folded the patterns, put away the white satin covered buttons (I had a couple left over), pack away the scraps of fabric, and vacuumed the floor of Rachael's bedroom. This is where all of the dress-making took place over the last 6 months. Hard to believe it is all finished.

weather watch...continued

2006-04-21T08:56:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of http://wwwa.accuweather.com - local forecast for Hebron, NH - For Monday, May 1st: Turning warmer with times of clouds and sun. Winds from the ESE at 6 mph. High: 59° F RealFeel®: 57° F

Day 9 ~ flat shoes! don't forget your flat shoes!

2006-04-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, this is what the bride is wearing, so please...if you are going to the wedding...feel free to wear your flat shoes. In fact, we encourage you to do so! There will be sand, dirt, hills to climb, loose pebbles and other assorted naturally occurring phenomena to maneuver, so bring shoes that are comfortable!

my worst nightmare

2006-04-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

I had this dream last night. Well, actually, it was one of those semi-conscious thoughts that seemed like a dream, but was more like a nightmare...the nightmare of all nightmares. I've been having these terrible "what if this happened....oh, what an awful thing if that happened" kind of thoughts - like what if I forgot my dress - or Stacey's dress - or any of the programs or rocks, or I forgot to pick up the table linens & napkins & dinner plates from the rental place? OK - those are awful things that probably wouldn't happen - but the most awful thing that could happen would be if the iron is too hot when I press any of the dresses and I scorched a spot in the front or melted the lace or some awful thing??!? That's what made me break out into a cold sweat last night. Now that I have time to sit back & relax a little, these fears are intruding into my mind....they are most unwelcome, believe me! MOST unwelcome!

Day 10 ~ the ball begins to drop!

2006-04-20T06:50:00.000-04:00

(I feel like Dick Clark is lurking around the corner, ready to start his famous countdown, "10, 9, 8...") Ten days to go? Yes - and if you have realized that I have been counting the day before the wedding as day 'zero' - very good! I figured that if we didn't have everything done by the day before the wedding, it was probably too late!
And the weather? Ha! Now it's back to "Partly sunny...and a high of 68." Need I say more?

Dee Dee is going home today...

2006-04-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

I could NEVER have made any of the dresses for this wedding if I didn't have Dee Dee standing in for all of us - in our many shapes and sizes. Thank you again, Bernadette!

Day 11 ~ LOL

2006-04-19T06:54:00.000-04:00

What a joke! It is impossible to predict weather that will happen more than a week away! I don't know why I am torturing myself like this! As you know, I have been monitoring accuweather.com's 15-day forecast. Yesterday, the forecast was for sun and temps in the 60s for next weekend. This morning, it nows says: Cloudy, chance of rain or snow showers - SNOW SHOWERS?! - and in the low 50s. How ridiculous!

just in case...

2006-04-18T20:22:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the $2 wraps...

Day 12 ~ weather watch...and wraps for the girls

2006-04-18T08:58:00.000-04:00

I do realize that predicting the weather is part science and part luck...but come on now! Can you guess what they are predicting for the weekend of April 29, 30, and May 1st (the day)? Now it's supposed to be sunny and in the high 50s and low 60s - all three days!

And - just to be prepared...I have been on the lookout for an inexpensive wrap for Anna and Stacey to have - in case there is a chill in the air. Last week Anna, one of the ladies here in the office, announced that she was going on a shopping trip to Ikea, an outlet in South Philadelphia that carries home furnishings & decor http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/. She had come across a fleece throw when she was browsing online and asked if I wanted one...for $3.99! What a deal! But the closer I looked, I thought that it might work as a wrap for the girls - maybe. I asked her to get 2 of them for me. Anna brought them in today and they are perfect! I will cut them in half, thread a skinny sage green ribbon through the punched holes near the fringe...and ta-da! So here's a picture on the throw...later on tonight, I'll post a picture of it with the decorative ribbon - with Stacey's dress. Imagine...a wrap for two bucks! You can't beat that!

weather watch

2006-04-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

OK - I checked Accuweather yesterday. It predicted rain for the weekend in question with cloudy skies on Monday. Today, it changed to clouds for the weekend with rain on Monday (high temp 61 - at least it's not cold!). Obviously, changes will occur in the forecast...updates will be forthcoming...

Day 13 ~ packing up & making lists

2006-04-17T09:50:00.000-04:00

My goal for next weekend is to be prepared: An unexpected guest? No problem! Let me rub your name on a stone for your place at the table. A split seam? No problem! I have a sewing kit right here. A headache? Heartburn? Wait! I have Tylenol...I have Tums. But in order to be prepared, I have to think about these possible scenarios...and pack accordingly. So I am in the midst of making lists, packing, and making more lists. Will I forget anything? Oh, probably! Oh well, at least I will make the attempt...

Day 14 ~ mom's struggle

2006-04-16T21:28:00.000-04:00

I was looking forward to seeing my mom today. She wanted me to go with her to the afternoon church services at the nursing facility. I had asked her what she wanted the Easter Bunny to bring her...she wanted some cashews and some chocolate. So I went to the local grocery that sells nuts in bulk and I was able to mix some salted cashews with unsalted ones and I found some of the chocolate covered shortcake cookies that she likes. I left my house, anticipating a pleasant afternoon visiting with mom. When I arrived, however, she wasn't in her room. Not a good sign. Then I saw the bloody washcloth, the rubber gloves, and the gauze pad wrappers on the bed. I went out to the nurse's station to talk to someone.
As I suspected, mom had gotten another nosebleed that couldn't be stopped and she was taken over to the ER. The nurse and I talked about the "catch-22" that my mom is caught in: she has A-fib which means that her heart does not pump properly; blood clots can form, travel to the brain and cause stroke. So to prevent the blood clots from forming, she takes a blood thinner medication. However, thinning the blood can result in frequent nosebleeds...and, in my mom's case, nosebleeds that are even more frequent because of the dry air in her room and the oxygen she is on. When I say nosebleeds, I mean nosebleeds! They are intense, frightening things and the episode drains you physically and emotionally. My mom has had them at least once a week during the past month - and these are ones that require a speedy trip down the hallway to the ER.
You may ask: What is the solution? There's gotta be a solution! Well, no, not really. The solution right now is to eliminate all blood thinning meds. That may (or may not) eliminate the frequent nosebleeds but this also would increase her risk of a stroke. Not a good solution...obviously.

We are all on this earth for a finite number of days. None of us know exactly how many we are destined to have. The only thing we do know is that we have a choice about how we spend our days, the choices we make, the legacy we leave behind. My mom is leaving a wonderful legacy; she is a proud woman - a simple, wholesome housewife who led a simple, wholesome life...but it saddens me to see her struggling with these issues, which is leaving her depressed, exhausted, and hopeless. She is maintaining her sense of humor and takes delight in enjoying her days, however, however many she may have left....

Note to my friend Sam, who is going through a similar situation with her grandfather: I understand how sad you feel...it's hard to witness the decline of those we love...my thoughts and prayers are with you. (http://www.newsie96.com/ - entry for Sunday, April 16)

Day 15 ~ full bloom

2006-04-15T12:18:00.000-04:00

A little planning...a little preparation...and (months later) you are rewarded with a beautiful display of color!

I spoke to Jacquie this morning. It seems that the planning and preparation we invested our time in is now rewarding us with a couple of weeks of relaxed anticipation. Everything is on track...all of the major chores have been accomplished and all we have to do is count down the days until next weekend.

...and Stacey's dress ... check

2006-04-14T23:11:00.000-04:00

Day 16 ~ my dress ... check

2006-04-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

The buttons are on, the hem(s) are finished, and I added a scalloped edge to the neckline of the jacket, as well as the top of the purse (see below). Now I am working on Stacey's hem & bag.....I see the end in sight! Woo hoo!

Day 17 ~ TGI (Good) F

2006-04-13T08:37:00.000-04:00

I've been looking forward this long weekend for weeks now! (One full day at home is priceless now that I am working fulltime!)

We will be working on our taxes - the good news is that we have until Monday, the 17th, to mail them out.
I'll be working on the two dresses...my hem, buttons, adjustment to the collar; Stacey's hem, sash & bow... once I get the dresses finished, I am pretty much finished with everything except for the printed of the seating charts.
On Sunday afternoon, I'll be joining Mom for church services at the nursing home. She advised me that I should come early to get her over to the room that is used for the services in order to "find her a parking place" for her wheelchair! I guess they expect quite a crowd!
Last night, I finished up the "anti-place card" name stones for the tables...finished is a relative term, of course...more people can certainly decide to come...I'll just bring extra stones and the rub-on letters and I can make them on the spot!

Day 18 ~ the flamingo is happy

2006-04-12T07:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, our pink friend is happy...he is no longer covered with snow...spring has sprung in central PA. Yesterday's high temp was a balmy 72 and today will be the same. Love it, love it, love it!

Day 19 ~ thank you, ladies!

2006-04-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Tonight (after a long day at a work-related workshop in Harrisburg), my friends Sharon and Bernadette came over to have dinner (recipe for a great Chinese salad follows) and a few laughs and then I put on my dress for the wedding and Bernadette pinned up the hem. We had a great time (the chocolate at the bottom of the parfait was the perfect touch, Sharon!) and I thank you both for coming over the mountain!
Here's the recipe: (it's crunchy and yummy)
Chinese Salad
1 head chinese cabbage (shredded)
1/2 bunch green onions/scallions (sliced thin)
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 package crunchy rice noodles (substituted for 2 pkgs. crushed beef flavored ramen noodles)
Mix together.
Dressing: 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 or 4 Tbls. beef boullion powder (substituted for 2 packs beef ramen seasoning). Pour over salad.
(thanks to Anna W. for the recipe!)

summer at Berea

2006-04-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

I was poking around Camp Berea's website www.berea.com and found this photo of Jacquie with a group of her 'charges' from one of last summer's week-long retreats. She doesn't look much older than the other girls - who are probably around 14-15 yrs. old. (She's on the extreme right...in case you couldn't pick her out!)

weather talk

2006-04-10T14:37:00.000-04:00

Although we can't change the weather, we can prepare for it when planning an outdoor wedding - and we do have an alternative plan if there's snow or rain falling. Accuweather will forcast 15 days in advance so this Sunday, we can begin checking to see what's in store for us on May 1. On www.almanac.com there is an extended weather page which states:
Expect snow in early April, and very warm temperatures in early May. As I recall, NH got a snowstorm (as did most of the northeast) on April 4-5. OK - they've got my attention. Warm temperatures in early May? That sounds good...but then I scroll down the page and I see:
May 2006
May. 1-3: T-storms, warm
Well, that's just fine & dandy. Thunderstorms. So unpredictable. I know it's early...and there's nothing we can do to change the weather...so hakuna matada....
: )

Day 20 (20!? Where is the time going?!?)

2006-04-10T06:58:00.000-04:00

Last week, I had mentioned that I wanted to look for pearl buttons for my dress. Well, yesterday, when I went to Walmart to get an ink cartridge for my printer (yes, the programs are finished!), I also looked for buttons. Alas, they had pink ones, white ones, maroon ones, and every other color in the rainbow, but nothing that looked halfway decent...until I came across the "make your own-cover your own buttons" kit. Seemed like the best solution - and it was very easy. Just cut the fabric, stick it into a cup-like plastic thingy, push in the button shell, tuck in the fabric, push in the back and I was done! Tonight, I'll be working on my dress (hemming the sleeves and adding the buttons), and figuring out what to serve my friends when they come over tomorrow after work. They will be measuring and pinning up the hem of my dress (which is kind of difficult to do by yourself!).

Day 21 ~ the ceremony programs ... (almost) check

2006-04-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

Using paper that Stacey brought from Egypt, these are the programs...held together at the fold by some funky yarn that is similar to the threadlike design of the paper.

I am running low on black ink for the printer...guess I'll have to make a run to Walmart...I can look for buttons for my dress while I'm there....

Day 22 ~ reception table names

2006-04-08T11:01:00.000-04:00

Instead of giving each reception table a number (how boring!), Jacquie & Dan are using names of special places - trails, falls, rock climbs - for their table names. To identify the tables, I found 25 cent wooden plaques at Joanne Fabric and then I glued triangular pieces of wood on the back of each one (so they will stand up), whitewashed them and then used (my wonderful) rub-on letters to print the names on the front. Can you picture these with the birch logs and tealights, the stones, and the sage green table covering?

Day 23 ~ my dress ... check

2006-04-07T12:01:00.000-04:00

I think I'll look for some pink pearl bottons to close the jacket at the top.

...the shoes & bag.

Day 24 ~ a few more...

2006-04-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

lunch at the max...

2006-04-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

I am starting to go to a gym http://www.maxfitnesscenter.com/ across the street from work at lunchtime (I can make it maybe 3x a week). Marci talked me into going over a week ago...and it really felt good to do the treadmill. Today I did an 18-minute mile!! It's also nice to take a quick shower in the middle of the day! (LOL) But I have yet to see anyone who looks like this guy...

Day 25 ~ the colors of spring ...

2006-04-05T07:21:00.000-04:00

... yellow daffodil, purple crocus (look closely - you'll see them!), pink flamingo, white snow (and it's STILL snowing this morning!)

the anti-place card

2006-04-04T22:30:00.000-04:00

18 (oops...make that 19) done ... 41 to go ...

Day 26 ~ wedding rings picked up ... check

2006-04-04T08:56:00.000-04:00

Last night, I spoke to Jacquie as she & Dan were returning from Maine, which is where they had ordered their wedding bands. I know that wasn't on MY list of chores, but it's one less thing to worry about...

I also spoke to Dan's mom about the dress that is being made for Anna...one that matches Stacey's dress. Norma was repeating the "Mothers of the Bride and Groom Mantra": IT WILL ALL WORK OUT... or, as Timon sang in The Lion King, "Hakuna Matata...no worries for the rest of your days!"
Last week, there were some worries about the condition of Anna's dress...but it seems to be all working out...hakuna matata....hakuna matata...hakuna matata...

Day 27 ~ tablecloths, napkins, chair covers ... check

2006-04-03T22:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday after breakfast, Jacquie and I discussed the setup of the tables for the reception...positions and sizes of the tables...and the linens required for each one. We also had to think about where the piano was going to be, how many chairs to put at each table and even the rug that would be necessary to place over the open grate leading to the door into the dining hall! (The grate is great {LOL} for eliminating mud and grime from little campers' feet, but it might be problematic for wedding guests sporting high heels...which we hope won't be too many since they are also going to be schlepping around in sand along the shore of the lake...)
Anyway, my goal for the day was to place the order for the table linens and chair covers...
And, that mission is ACCOMPLISHED....thank you very much!

Day 28 ~ breakfast and then the drive home

2006-04-02T21:44:00.000-04:00

This morning, we awoke to sunshine, clearing skies...

...and the sight of water, not ice, on the lake! Overnight, the ice had broken up and floated away.
We gathered for breakfast in the dining hall.

~ Stacey, Jacquie & Dan ~

~ Stephanie & Barb ~

~ Megan & Peg ~

...and Rachael, me, Stacey, Jacquie & Dan ~

What a weekend!

Day 29 ~ was a big day!

2006-04-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, Rachael & I met Davy at his house to load up a rocking chair and go out to breakfast...

Davy & Rachael at Shady Glen...the best spot in town for breakfast - and crispy-cheese cheeseburgers & ice cream...

and then we hit the road for New Hampshire. We arrived around 3:00, unloaded, and met in Jacquie's cabin to try on dresses and relax...

Stacey and her friend Davia snack on Doritos (but NOT while wearing your dress, Stacey!)

My friend Barb and her daughter Stephanie watch the dress-fittings, etc.

Then we walked down to the site of the wedding ceremony - at the edge of the lake (which was still ice-covered!).

Saturday evening sunset over Newfound Lake...unbelievable colors, aren't they?

Suddenly, it was time for the bridal shower...

the food -

Stacey's cheeseballs were a big hit!

and the opening of the gifts begin!

First....things for the kitchen:

and then, something for Jacquie's bath...

...and a new air mattress and camping equipment ...

...and a special gift from her sister!!!!!

scrapbooks supplies...

a kitchen rug...

Sateen sheets...

a rack for the quilted wall-hanging

...and, finally, cutting the cake that made the trip from PA to NH...

Friday night with the girls (& Justin, too!)

2006-03-31T23:39:00.000-05:00

Rachael & I made it into Plainville (CT) a little after 9 PM Friday night. Heather and Jenn (and her two little ones, Lindsay and Justin) met us at Sam's place. We ordered chinese food and got caught up...

...and then they brought out an ice-cream birthday cake (yes, we celebrated my 50th once more! Thanks again for the great gift, guys!). The entertainment of the evening was watching Sam's pug, Murphy, and his buddy, Seamus, play together... as only pugs can play!

Murphy - all tuckered out on Heather's lap...

Sam with Murphy & Seamus.

Day 30 ~ sunshine & blue skies

2006-03-31T08:38:00.000-05:00

It is absolutely gorgeous today! Forecast is for temps to hit 70 degrees and the windows in my office are clean & sparkly! Ever since I started working here, I've had to look through some particularly grimy windows but yesterday, we noticed that the windows were being washed...and today, we can all enjoy the beautiful view, even though we won't be able to enjoy the warm temps outside. Yes, it's a good day. Tomorrow, I'll be seeing all three of my children: we are stopping to visit with Davy on the way though CT and then, in the afternoon, Stacey will be coming in for the shower for Jacquie.

Day 31 ~ all packed & ready to go

2006-03-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

I feel like I am going to forget something really important...here is what is in the car:

Jacquie's gown
Stacey's dress
assorted sewing items (thread, needles, straight pins, etc.)
two gifts for the shower - and they are big & bulky...
about a dozen birch logs for the reception tables
digital camera
cake for the shower (ok - it's not in the car, it's at home - waiting to be picked up since it's going to be quite warm during the day tomorrow and I don't want to leave it in the car all day and then find a puddle of frosting...)

I think I've got the most essential items...

cake preview

2006-03-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

Rachael came over tonight and after her softball practice and driving practice, she & I decorated Jacquie's cake. We are both perfectionists when it comes to making the 'perfect rose' so there were lots of 'bad' roses that were dumped back into the bowl! Here are our best ones...

Day 32 (& 31, 30, 29 & 28!)

2006-03-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to devote to this blog over the next few days, so I will let you know now what is on the schedule:
Day 32 - Wed. 3/29 - decorating the cake for Jacquie's shower with Rachael (watch for posted pictures)
Day 31 - Thurs. 3/30 - packing the car for the trip to CT & NH
Day 30 - Fri. 3/31 - driving with Rachael up to see Sam & Jenn & Heather (I hope!) & sleep over at Sam's place
Day 29 - Sat. 4/1 - driving rest of way to NH (after a brief stop to see Davy & pick up a rocking chair); final fitting for Jacquie's gown, pin hem of Stacey's dress, marathon wedding details discussion; celebrate with Jacquie, her friends & Stacey & a couple of my old friends at shower Sat. nite
Day 28 - Sun. 4/2 - head back to PA (it's gonna be a looooong trip!)

the cake is in the oven...

2006-03-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I remembered to buy cocoa on the way home from work tonight...and then I stopped to see Mom and drop off some more clothes for her. She asked if I found the dishes she told me about a few days ago. Yes, I found them, Mom. Growing up, my mom and grandma had a habit of showing me different pieces of their prized dish collection...there must have been 3 or 4 dish cabinets in the house...and they also had a habit of writing the history of each dish ("from Ella Poust, bought about 1880") on a slip of tablet paper and secreting it away inside the teapot or taping it to the bottom of a plate. The other day my mom said, "Your grandma always said she wanted you to have the tea leaf dishes." OK - where are they, I asked...I didn't remember ever seeing any dishes like that. "They're out in the dry sink in the shanty," mom says. That's Pennsylvania-eeze for "look in the cabinet in the room behind the kitchen."
OK - so I go to mom's house and literally crawl over a myriad of thrown-outs and odds & ends to the cabinet situated in the back corner of the room, pry open the doors and discover a set of dishes that I never knew existed. Here they are - minus the 8 or 10 dinner plates and a half dozen cups & saucers. They are in pretty good shape, too, considering they are about 120 years old. I am thinking I will display them in my kitchen in the space above my cabinets. They've been hidden in the dark for too long - they deserve to be seen and admired...

Day 33 ~ another day....

2006-03-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, the key is organization and preparation...
I wasn't prepared last night, however. I was going to bake the chocolate cake for Jacquie's shower and put the layers in the freezer. Tomorrow night, Rachael will be coming over to help me decorate it. I planned my evening to fit the cake mixing in between a couple of TV shows I like to watch...but when I pulled out my ingredients for the cake, I did not have any Hershey's cocoa! WHAT!??!? How can this happen?
Fooey! I can't remember using the very last bit of cocoa - usually there is about a quarter of a cup left in the tin...and that is the signal to buy more cocoa. What is happening to my mind? (No comments, please...)
By the time I discovered that I had no cocoa, it was almost 9 PM - and in our little burg, the local Weis store closes by 7 - I kid you not...
So....the baking will commence tonight - a little off schedule, but manageable.

Day 34 ~ workout

2006-03-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

It can't get much easier! From work, all I have to do is cross the street, climb a set of stairs and I am standing at the door of a workout center. It has treadmills, machines to work the legs, the arms, and anything else you want. A friend persuaded me to go with her today at lunchtime. OK - I'll join - I'll have a buddy to go with. And I felt really good after I got back.

Day 35 ~ clippings

2006-03-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

My mom never threw anything away. Most people her age didn't. She was born in 1918 on a farm where you used everything you had and saved what you didn't use because you might find a use for it tomorrow, next month, or next year. What you see here is maybe one-tenth of one percent of the newspaper clippings, papers, letters, cards, announcements, programs, church bulletins, and other assorted paper items that she collected in drawers, bags, shelves, and other cubby-holes in her house. Last night, I brought home a shopping bag filled with stuff that I wanted to go through (just in case I found a one-of-a-kind photo or momento). Instead, I found obituary notices, birth and wedding announcements, notices of "barn-raisings" and prize fish catches. This was my mom's life: cataloging the rhythm of her life through brittle snips of newspaper print. Did she ever look at the clippings again? Sure, she did! She used them to remember a wedding anniversary party, the birth of the neighbor girl, the time when daddy was featured in a local news story...This kept her mind sharp, even when her body was failing her. She can still tell you how old her Aunt Clara (her namesake) would be on her next birthday...

Day 36 ~ catch-up day

2006-03-25T23:13:00.000-05:00

Things have been a little nutty for the past few weeks so, this morning, Steve & I devoted a few hours to housework: he tackled cleaning the bathroom ( ! ) and I put away all of the clean clothes that were piled in about 3 clothes baskets and 2 large hampers. Then I got out the vacuum but, when I turned it on, there was a horrible smell of burning rubber! Hmmm...a screwdriver was located and some disassembly was performed, which produced a broken belt...another hmmm....So out came the backup vacuum (we have backups for most everything in this house!) and the cleaning job was completed. Steve then went golfing (it was a balmy afternoon) and I headed up to mom's house to clear out a few more things. This time, it was the Lane cedar chest (do they even make cedar chests anymore?!?) that she got in 1951...and will eventually go to Stacey to store her treasures. What kind of treasures did my mom have tucked away? Well, there was a petrified piece of her wedding cake from 1954, a receipt for her wedding dress ($10.95), a variety of special birthday cards, old sweaters, dried flowers and scraps of memories since faded.
NOTE: To answer my own question about whether or not Lane continues to make cedar chests, I started searching the internet for an answer. What I found was a recall regarding their locks. Apparently, a number of children were being trapped inside these chests because the latch automatically locks when the top is closed. Luckily, there is a number to call at Lane who is offering replacement locks. I will be calling first thing in the morning...

Day 37 ~ RSVP update

2006-03-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

Jacquie called tonight & we went over the list of people who have RSVP'd so far... tomorrow is the "please let us know by..." date and we have received only a 50% response. 60 invitations were mailed out; we have not heard from 30. Now Jacquie and Dan will have to call or email these people to find out if they are planning to come...Why don't people have the courtesy to respond, I wonder? We've found it to be a problem for the wedding shower this weekend, too. You feel funny calling and asking...but we'd kinda like to know! It's not that big of an issue with Jacquie & Dan's wedding since it's a pretty informal affair with a buffet dinner and casual seating arrangements...but we still need to know how many tables to set up/how many chairs to cover/how many favors to buy/etc...

Day 38 ~ OK - let's get back to business!!

2006-03-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

Wedding prep is back on my calendar...this weekend, I'll be organizing the things I will be taking up to NH next weekend. Rachael will be coming along and I might have to pick up Stacey, too, if she doesn't find a ride so I have to prioritize what to take and what I can wait to bring on the weekend of the wedding. Jacquie & Dan are working on the contents of the program (order of the service, music, etc.) so I can get it printed soon. When I return, I have to concentrate on finishing my dress, hemming (and altering, if necessary) Stacey's dress, ordering the linens for the reception tables, finishing the stones for the tables and getting scrapbooking materials together for everyone to use at the reception. The big question will soon be: will the ceremony be outside (as we planned) or inside (depending on the weather....)? If it is inside, it will be in front of the fireplace in the lodge (see above). It will be wonderful no matter where it is...

recovering...

2006-03-23T13:37:00.000-05:00

Steve is back at work today - but he's only functioning at about 50%. He has had nothing in his stomach except saltines and Gatorade since Tuesday night so he's a little light-headed and weak but he's all excited about the 5+ pounds he's lost through this ordeal...

Day 39 ~ sick as a...

2006-03-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

Poor Steve. We stopped to get a bite to eat last night after we dropped off Caleb at school. Steve got some bad chicken. Steve got sick this morning. Really sick. He threw up...more than once. He's still in bed. Yes, he is sick as a dawg! Feel better, honey!

Day 40 ~ a little quiz

2006-03-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

1. Who is older, me or the state of Alaska?
Answer: Me. Alaska became a state in 1959 and I was born in 1956.
2. Which is older, me or the Ten Commandments?
Answer: Ha ha....just checking to see if you were paying attention.
3. A little tougher? Me or Disneyland?
Answer: Both are 50 years old, but Disneyland opened in December 1955 and I was born in March of 1956, so Disneyland is older.
4. How about me or the first publication of Winnie the Pooh?
Answer: Winnie the Pooh was first published in 1928.
5. Me or Leggo Toy Bricks?
Answer: Me. Leggo toy bricks came out in 1958.
6. Me or Hula Hoops?
Answer: Me. Hula hoops were patented in 1958.
7. Me or the invention of the TV remote control?
Answer: The same age. Both came out in 1956.
8. Who is older, me or GI Joe?
Answer: Me. The GI Joe Action figure was first produced in 1964.
9. Me or the first modern credit card?
Answer: The first modern credit card heated up in 1950.
10. Me or The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess?
Answer: Me. The Cat in the Hat was first published in 1957.
11. Me or Polaroid cameras?
Answer: Polaroid cameras, 1947.
12. Me or the discovery of DNA?
Answer: DNA. It was discovered in 1953.
13. Me or the pocket calculator?
Answer: Me. The pocket calculator didn't arrive until 1972. We used adding machines...or pencil and paper!!
14. Me or the PG13 movie rating?
Answer: Me - the PG13 rating came out in 1984.
15. Me or when Velcro was first introduced?
Answer: We both arrived the same year, 1956!

This quiz is solely meant for the private use, entertainment and amusement of baby-boomers and their friends everywhere. Any unauthorized use without the express written permission of baby-boomers throughout the world is prohibited. (See quiz in its entirety at http://www.joegenius.com/article.php?id=20&accept=1)

Day 41 ~ : )

2006-03-20T20:49:00.000-05:00

I had always considered anyone aged 50 and over as someone on the downside of life...nearing the end of a career, certainly middle-aged...yeah, right! Here I am - on the eve of my 50th birthday, considering what I bring to my middle-aged years. It certainly has been an interesting life! Twenty years spent in Connecticut and three marvelous children...and then some unforseen circumstances and a fortunate turn of events brought me back to Steve and a life here in a community near family and old friends. I could never have planned this life - but it's a ride I am continuing to enjoy and savor.

pieces of the past

2006-03-19T18:06:00.000-05:00

This is one of the pieces of my past that was always present in the living room at my mom & dad's house. It's Grandpa's bookcase (it still has the delivery label with his name and address on the back) - but it never held books. It always contained grandma's knick-knacks and mom's collectibles (we found a souvenier plate from the 1964 New York World's Fair and a glass cup with "Hazel" etched on it - something our grandma brought back from the county fair in 1917). Now it's in my dining room.

When we removed the piles of magazines and rolls of maps of PA fishing streams and stacks of family photographs, we found this beauty of a table hiding underneath. I had to turn on my sisterly charm to talk my brother into letting me bring this home...big sisters sometimes do have clout!

Day 42 ~ Room 206

2006-03-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

That's where my mom is living now. She's no longer at the farm ~ where a knock on the front door would initiate a shout of "Come on in! The door's open!" That door is now closed and locked. But memories will remain in the minds of all who came through that door. The things I will remember? My most vivid ones are the smell of smoke from my dad's pipe, the bark of the beagle penned up down by the garden, my mom's apron wet from washing dishes, the whistling tea pot full of hot water for daddy's mug of tea and milk, watching my brother carefully lifting the flat rocks in the creek behind the house and seeing the crayfish scurry away, and the whisper of the breeze through the maple tree in the side yard.

Day 43 ~ memories to sort

2006-03-18T14:27:00.000-05:00

This morning, I dropped Rachael off at softball practice at 8:00 a.m. and then I headed up to mom's house to meet my brother to start the inevitable job of clearing out the house of the most valuable things. Value is relative, of course. Looking around, I saw so many things that reminded me of the life my parents shared in this house. The history of the place is typical rural PA. My great-grandfather built this two-story farm house in the late 18oos. My grandfather was their only child; he married and continued to live and farm there; when my mother married, my dad moved in with his new wife and his in-laws, and when my brother and I were born, it became a house of three generations living in relatively calm co-existance. As you can imagine, the collected clutter of 150 years has accumulated and we must now decide what to keep and what to sell and what to throw away.

Day 44 ~ another day

2006-03-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

Mom looked even better tonight when I stopped in to see her. Sometimes a difficult decision is made for you and you have no choice but to accept it and move on. That's easy to say but difficult to experience. This was a stressful week for us, for my mom and myself and my brother. I woke up this morning with some frightening-looking blood-shot eyes. I have no other explanation for them other than lack of sleep. My mom, on the other hand, looked rested, relaxed...and anxious for her transfer to the nursing home unit in the morning.
Steve returns from his golf trip tonight and Rachael will be coming over for the weekend. Things will be getting back to normal...

Day 45 ~ relief

2006-03-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

I stopped to see my mom at the hospital after work tonight and I was so relieved to see how good she looked! This was such a good decision! She is relaxed and content, her shortness of breath has disappeared and she seems happy. She no longer has to struggle to get to the bathroom or into bed. Now there are two or three nurses with strong backs and the knowledge of the proper way to transfer non-ambulatory patients to help her with that. She spoke with the social worker from the skilled unit today and mentioned that her friend Agnes was living there. The social worker is looking into the possibility of putting my mom in with Agnes when she moves over to the unit - probably on Saturday. Wouldn't that be a wonderful situation?

Day 46 ~ coffee please

2006-03-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

Once the decision was made to get Mom admitted to the hospital, things started falling into place. Arrangements were make, people were notified, appointments were confirmed. We gave her a day to prepare herself for the move...and she was ready. She realized that it was, indeed, time for her to go. She made calls herself to let her friends and others know that she was going to be going into a nursing home. By the time the ambulance arrived at her door tonight, she was looking forward to the process of allowing others to take care of her needs completely. She no longer had to endure a daily routine of stress and pain. But first, we had to endure the lengthy process of getting her admitted to the hospital. Briefly: we arrived at the hospital at 6:45 pm., she was seen by 2 doctors, blood was drawn, x-rays were taken, charts were checked, and we waited and waited and waited and waited. She was finally admitted around 11 pm. and was taken to her room at midnight. But, wait! We had to then provide a litany of information that was entered into a laptop computer at her bedside. This took an additional hour. I finally got home - at 1:30 am.

Day 47 ~ it's time

2006-03-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

My mom & I have been having this discussion for months, now. With her declining health, I have been talking to her about how to determine when she will have to leave her home to go to a nursing facility. She said that she wanted to stay at her home as long as possible. I understood that. But now is the time for her to leave. Her sight is gone. Her mobility is gone. And she needs constant supervision. Today, she admitted that she needed to make a change. Finally. Tomorrow she will be going to either the hospital or to the skilled care facility. She needs to go before she falls, before it's too late. And I will be assured that she is getting the care she needs.

Day 48 ~ ...a bag for me

2006-03-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

After all, I will need to have somewhere to put my emergency sewing kit and my tissues!

Dress # 3 ... mine

2006-03-12T23:20:00.000-05:00

Please keep in mind that this is only pinned together...nothing is sewn. That's why it looks bumpy and it has only one arm! I just wanted to make sure it fit Dee Dee...which is now my size (that was quite a reality-check when I adjusted her nuts & bolts from Stacey's size 7 - or 9, if she eats breakfast - to mine). I think it will look ok...and be comfortable. That's the goal...to be comfortable.

Day 49 ~ the final big one...

2006-03-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

It's all finished, boxed up and ready to be mailed tomorrow...my last BIG job for Globe. Kind of ironic, too, is the fact that it is Insiders' Guide to the Twin Cities, which was one of the first books I worked on as a new editor at Globe 4 years ago. Funny...huh?

Steve left for his golf trip early this morning. He is trying to get over a beast of a cold he got earlier in the week. Poor guy was dragging yesterday when he was trying to pack his suitcase...no energy...lots of coughing, etc. I'm sure his energy level will improve dramatically as he & his golfing buddies find themselves in South Carolina later on this afternoon...let me check the weather down there for today...let's see...aw, gee! It's 66 down in Florence, SC right now (9:45 a.m.) and the forecast is a high of 85 degrees today. I have a feeling that the warm weather will make him feel so much better! After all, he is planning to play 36 holes a day/every day this week! (Why? I ask...why?!)

Day 50 ~ ...as in 50 more days until...

2006-03-11T17:33:00.000-05:00

I have big plans for the coming week. Once I get this job sent back to Globe on Monday, I can concentrate on working on some unfinished details, like:

(finally) doing the final hand stitching on Jacquie's gown top (the waistband and parts of the lining need to be secured)
pressing the gown's hem and satin border
cutting the storage box (for the gown) down to size
storing the gown (and the slip and Jacquie's bustier!) in the box in prep for transport up to NH on the 31st
making another bag for Stacey like the one I made for Anna
taking photos (360 degree views!) of Stacey's dress to send to Dan's mom, along with Anna's bag
starting my dress...(yes, I really must get that started!)

Day 51 ~ TGIF

2006-03-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

What a week this has been!

Monday: Starting first day on a new job
Tuesday: Deciding to resign from major proofreading job availability
Wednesday: Accepting more responsibilities in new job
Thursday: Caleb's birthday festivities
Friday: Moving to new office/training for additional duties

Plan for the weekend:

Getting Steve packed for his golf trip
Finishing final proofreading job : (
Collapsing

...sounds like a plan.

Day 52 ~ celebration...

2006-03-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

The picture is a little fuzzy...but here is the birthday boy with Stephanie. We came back to the house after dinner at Red Lobster to cut the cake and open cards (Caleb refused to "make a scene" at the restaurant by opening his cards and calling attention to the fact that today was his birthday!). We had a very nice evening. Happy 19th, Caleb!

Day 53 ~ getting ready for the birthday boy

2006-03-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Caleb turns 19 tomorrow. So that means a cake (the Hershey's cocoa one, of course) is baked tonight. The frosting is chocolate and peanut butter, his 2 favorite flavors. But the addition of the peanut butter gives the icing a funny consistency and the petals of the roses I tried to make would not cooperate - so he's getting stars on top instead.

Day 54 ~ I can't do this...

2006-03-07T14:19:00.000-05:00

...nope, I am not going to be able to work a full-time job and still be able to continue my proofreading on the side. There just are not enough hours in a day (well, there are, but my body thinks it should be sleeping during those hours...). When I was working at the church, I had at least three, wonderful, golden hours - between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. - when I could do a good chunk of proofreading, throw in some laundry, get dinner started...
Alas. Those golden hours no longer exist. No matter what I do, I can't find them! I must let Globe know that I can't take any more big jobs. I still hope I can fit in those fun, little books that I could do over a weekend, or even maybe a bigger project...now and then...(I would really miss them...).

Day 55 ~ First day at Human Resources

2006-03-06T18:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I survived the day...it went very well. First, a lovely little pot of yellow mums greeted me when I walked into the office - a quite wonderful gift from my friends at the church, wishing me well on my first day. Most of my time was spent trouble-shooting problems with the computer: email, printer, calendar access, etc. Hopefully, we'll get some positive results tomorrow! During my one (whole!) hour lunch break, I walked over to the church...and discovered that there is a triple funeral scheduled for this weekend (terrible car accident). So they will be dealing with that extra work this week. They have my new phone number! Call me, B!

Day 56 ~ One monster Mounds bar!

2006-03-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

Rachael & I decided to make a Mounds cake today...it was quite simple, really. You just take a chocolate cake mix, follow the instructions on the box & bake it in a 9 x 13 inch pan. While it is baking, heat in a pan: 24 large marshmallows, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk until the marshmallows are melted and then add a 14 oz. bag coconut. Spread on top of the cake while it's still warm. Then heat 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk and 1 stick margarine until boiling then stir in 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Pour slowly over the cake. Let cool. What do you have? One huge Mounds Bar!

Day 57 ~ the past is the present...

2006-03-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

My work is on schedule so I have calmed down a bit about the deadline. Rachael is with us this weekend and she was hoping to hang out with her brother. He decided, however, not to come home since he will be coming home next Wednesday for spring break. So, we decided to take a drive up to campus and take him to dinner. I always smile when we head up that driveway to North Hall, since that is the building that Steve & I first met in 1976 - 30 years ago - and coincidently, is where Caleb is living as a freshman at Lock Haven. When I walk into the lobby of North, go up the elevator, walk down the halls, I don't even have to close my eyes to remember the things that happened in '76. 1976 - when we were very young. And I met this guy...

Day 58 ~ last day at the church

2006-03-03T17:50:00.000-05:00

Today was my last day as St. Mark's secretary. Everyone was so kind, so generous with their praises and wishes of good luck in my new job. I have met so many people at St. Mark's who are now my friends and I am grateful for that. I promised to return each month (at least) for their noon lunch and fellowship. I look forward to that but I am sad that I will not be seeing those familiar faces every day.

Day 59 ~ I am feeling a bit overwhelmed...

2006-03-02T17:26:00.000-05:00

No, I don't know how to say it. The word "No." I can't do it. I should, I know. But I didn't. Even though I knew it was going to be a bad time to accept another proofreading job...but I said yes. This monster is due on the 14th. So that means I have to finish it by the 12th so I can mail it the 13th. So...in 10 days, I have to proofread 400 pages (that's 40 pages per day). Also during those 10 days, I will be:

1. starting a new full-time job (Monday, the 6th)

2. welcoming Caleb back home for spring break (Wednesday, the 8th)

3. helping Steve get ready for his golf trip (he's leaving Sunday, the 12th)

With all of these interruptions, I am a little worried about keeping to my timetable. Stressed? Me? Ha! I laugh in the face of stress! I THRIVE on stress!

I really must learn how to say "No."

Day 60 ~ (or IT'S ONLY TWO MONTHS AWAY!!!)

2006-03-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

Stacey is planning a shower for her sister for the weekend of 3/31 - 4/2 at the camp in New Hampshire (that's one month from today). I'll be taking the gown and Stacey's dress with me (and Rachael, too, I hope!); Stacey's dress will be pinned up and brought back to be hemmed. Jacquie's gown will stay in NH (what? I'll have to entrust its safety to someone else? I don't know...I just don't know!). While I am there, I have lots to do! Let's see...for starters, we will need to talk about table seating arrangements (by then, all of the RSVPs will be returned....) and decorations (indoor and outdoor), & the food and cake (no, I am not decorating it! They want angel food cake with fresh fruit...at least that was what they were talking about at Christmastime). Today is 3/1. When I see 4/1 on the calendar, I will be with my girls in NH, finalizing the details, anticipating the culmination of all of our planning and preparation. I can't wait!

Day 61 ~ Wow!

2006-02-28T20:45:00.000-05:00

Our icing for the roses was a little soft so the petals aren't as perky as they should be...but we're impressed! Hey Jacquie...Rachael & I want to practice our rose-making...how about on a cake for the shower? By the way - we highly recommend the Wilton Cake Decorating classes - check out your local ACMoore store!

Day 62 ~ after 4 hours of mixing and measuring and blending and baking....

2006-02-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

I finally produced a decent-looking cake to take to decorating class tomorrow night! You know how it is sometimes...no matter how closely you follow a recipe, something happens and the thing explodes in the oven. OK - it doesn't really explode, but for some unknown reason, the 2 layers of cake batter turn into 2 mounds of slowly growing lava-like blobs that flow over the sides of the pans and produce an amazing amount of acrid smoke that hovers near the ceiling in the kitchen. I turned on the exhaust fan and composed myself...Steve said he was sorry (it wasn't his fault...was it?!) and I started all over again. I finally have a nice lemon pound bundt cake waiting to be frosted...and to be adorned with lemon yellow roses tomorrow.

Day 63 ~ those of you who had faith....

2006-02-26T20:53:00.000-05:00

...thank you for hanging in there with me! I had promised that I would get back to the sewing...and look at this! I did! This morning, Steve & I went to Long John Silver's to pick up some fish & fries for my mom. We had lunch & spent a couple of hours with her, then we headed back home. While Steve sorted through his golf bag & boxes of balls and tees (he's going on his annual golf trip in a couple of weeks), I ventured upstairs to see if I could finish Stacey's dress. First I made the shoulder straps narrower and then I fixed the sash & bow (are they the right size now, Jacquie? They are about an inch wide now). Then I put in the zipper under the arm. Pressed it a bit...and then I made one of the bags...the girls will need some kind of bag to put their tissues, cell phone, etc. They won't be carrying them during the ceremony but at least they'll have something to use later... All finished! (except for the hem...)
closeup of bow