Easter Weekend Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our Easter weekend/visit from Mom B. and Aunt Judy:

Aunt Judy treated us to dinner Saturday night. We tried a new place near home called Truman's Tap and Grill. They've got a few kinks regarding service to work out, but the food was pretty good!

Sisters!

Sisters again! Easter morning on our way to church. Lovely sunny day!

With two of his favorite ladies

Mark and Mom B

I feel sorta tall...

Mr. B with another favorite lady (I'm guessing :-) )

Jack's Easter Lily

Grandma W's. She LOVED Easter

The yum-o ham. Seriously, whomped all over Honey Baked

Mrs. B

RIP Mr. Senior B

John "Jack" Mr. Sr. B

August 7th 1931-March 20th 2012

My Father-In-Law passed away early Tuesday morning. He was 80, in ill-health and in a heck of a lot of pain and discomfort. Of course we all say "He's in a better place now" and I truly hope that is the case. Although I only knew him a bit shy of eight years, he was a welcome presence in my life and always treated me well. I will miss him a great deal.

RIP, my dear FIL!

Mrs. B

Au Revoir Mais Ne Pas Adieu

Now that we're pretty much settled into our new home (this means the majority of the boxes are unpacked and those that are not are hidden in closets), I'll take a moment to reflect on our departure from Durham; the hard part, the "saying good-bye" part. And, also, post a few pictures from the last family get-together we held in the Durham house.

It seemed fitting that, despite the fact the majority of our worldly possession were packed into cartons and boxes, we had the gathering at our house; back in 2006, many of the same folks were with us celebrating our purchase of that house when all that was there was a table and chair set we'd recently purchased and a few boxes we'd brought in a U-Haul. That night, December 19th, 2006, we slept on blankets on the floor in our bedroom; me, Mr. B and our now departed Clyde. That was before Lucy; before the cat colony, before a lot of things. Ah, memories, they can certainly be bittersweet.

And, so, almost five years later, our family gathered, as we had done many, many times throughout those five years, to hang out in the kitchen and visit, share food and drink and watch the children play. Of course, that first time, there were not yet any children to watch play. Yet another significant change that time has brought.

Thinking about this, I am struck by the similarities of a time many, many years prior. The year was 1969 and we, my mom and dad and my sister and I, were staying with my maternal grandparents on the eve of our departure from Indiana to move to San Diego, California. Earlier that day, we'd taken the obligatory "good-bye" pictures in front of their house and later visited with many of the extended family. The next morning, we were up bright and early; and I can still remember sitting at my grandma's kitchen table eating those small Hostess donuts covered in powdered sugar with my grandpa.

Grandpa and Grandma with Mom Summer 1969

Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, (a quite little) Mrs. B and Mom

I wonder what, if anything, my brothers's children will remember from their last visit to Aunt Mamie's and Uncle Mark's North Carolina house?

Mrs. B AKA Aunt Mamie, with Sophie (left) and Holly August 2011

Sophie and Jacqueline

Mrs. B with Holly, her bros Jon and Doc and Mr. B

SILs Analee and Shannon

Doc checking out the dwindling B's booze supply

Kendal and Grandpa

Lucy

My mom told me years later that leaving her family in Indiana was extremely difficult, especially considering how close they'd been, how frequently they'd seen one another and how unlikely it would be that they'd see each other any more often than once a year. Of course back then, there was no Internet, no email, no instant chat, no Facebook, no Skype; in fact, even phone calls were quite expensive. Folks had to rely on the good old US Postal service to facilitate much of their communication. And, certainly, it wasn't as affordable to travel, either. It wasn't "adieu"; but, it was a pretty long "au revoir".

Which brings me to an explanation for the title of this entry.

Many, many years ago, I took French in junior/senior high school (and later, college). As happens, I don't recall a lot; "J'oblige beaucop de ma francais!" but, there are certain things I'll never forget; one of which is the difference between two salutations which mean "good-bye". Unlike English, where "good-bye" can refer to all sorts of situations, the French are much more specific. "Au Revoir" is used when you WILL see the person again, regardless of the length of time between meetings. On the other hand, "adieu" pretty much equates to, "This is IT; we'll never see each other again, EVER".

Leaving our NC family was tough, to be sure. My heart ached for both Mr. B and The Kid as they said their farewells and even I, tough old step-mother broad that I am, found water in my eyes as I gave her a big hug and kissed the top of her head. I've already blogged about the emotional good-bye I shared with my youngest brother and also the tug of the heart strings when I stood next to my mom for our obligatory good-bye photo.

Mrs. B and Mom August 15th, 2011

Unlike with her and HER mom, however, it won't be a year before I see her again and I can also reach her much more often via cell phone, email and the like. Still, it's tough, it always is, to leave; to walk down a different path and turn your back on the one you were just on.

But, I remind myself frequently, this is "au revoir mais ne pas adieu"; "good-bye, but not for forever".

Mrs. B

Parade of Homes: Part One

I can't remember when exactly I started doing this, but, instead of counting sheep when I cannot sleep (something, really, that never made much sense to me), I take a mental tour through all of the homes I have lived in. I start out with the one I can remember everything about (or mostly everything); this being the first house we lived in after we moved to San Diego in 1969.

I do recall bits and pieces; odds and ends, about earlier houses, but, interestingly enough, I remember more of things to do with the neighbors/the neighborhood than those actual houses.

For example, the house on Sunset Lane in West Lafayette, IN where my sister and I lived with our Father and Mom, I remember it was next to a energy station and there was a constant buzz in the air. My not-yet Step Dad and his first wife lived on the same street, several houses away. I remember sitting outside at a picnic table there in what was like a breeze-way. And, of course, I remember being knocked off the back-end of my sister's tricycle by a huge standard poodle named Cocoa. How could I NOT remember this as Cocoa, after straddling my chest, bent his head down and bit through the lobe of my left ear. My mom kept the news clipping and I still have it, "Girl, 3 bit by neighborhood dog". Obviously, there wasn't much exciting going on in that town!

The Sunset Lane House

Amy and Ann at Sunset Lane 1964

Amy and Father at Sunset Lane 1965

The next house, the first that my Mom and Step Dad lived in together, was over in Lafayette (as opposed to WEST Lafayette; crossing a bridge over the Wabash meant the difference between the two) was on Carlisle Road. Once again, I don't recall overly much about the house other than snippets. Sitting on the back of the couch watching "The Wizard of Oz" with my sister Ann (duly terrified of the witch and her flying monkeys). Hanging out in this incredible backyard with an astonishing garden with my sisters (now plural as the marriage brought me another sister) and Ann's friend Debbie Boyd. Sitting in Mrs. Boyd's kitchen waiting for her freshly baked bread to come out of the oven. To this day, I remember her killer bread! Vague recollection of spending time in the house behind ours with a boy my age named Simon.

Kathy, Amy and Ann at Carlisle Road 1968

Ann, Debbie and Amy at Carlisle Road 1969

There is probably something more scientific regarding memory than this, but, I think when your memory is still young; meaning, there isn't much yet to remember, what you tend to recall are memories of feelings, events, people; nothing terribly specific. As you mature, your mind is able to hold onto details and put them into their proper place. Hence, the earlier houses I lived in, I don't remember things like how many bedrooms there were, the color of the carpet or where the bathroom was located but I do remember the people surrounding me and certain things that happened. Obviously had I remained in either of those houses for a longer period of time, those things would have stuck with me, just like I can remember every detail of my Grandma's house on Highland because, even though my very first visit there occurred when I was an infant, my last was when I was in my thirties.

Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Mom and Amy at the

Highland House 1969

Mom, Grandma, Amy and Rebecca at the

Highland House 1994

So, our first house in San Diego on Terrace Drive. That is where my ritualistic Parade of Homes commences when I cannot sleep. With it, and every house the follows, I allow myself to walk up to the front door and go inside. I look to the left, to the right; taking note of the various rooms and even small details like a window seat over there or the placement of the dining room table. With each house, with each room, memories flood and I might find myself a bit distracted. Depending on the mood and what memories chose to come, I may end up in one house for a very long time indeed. Sometimes, in fact, I'll fall asleep never having left the Terrace Drive house.

Sometimes while in the Terrace Drive house, I spend time thinking about the two elderly ladies that lived, by themselves, on either side of us. I liked one "better" than the other, Mrs. Aiken. Her house was pretty large (compared to ours, I guess, which was sort of like a bungalow) and she had this really neat ottoman in her living room that opened up to reveal a stash of toys and games she let me play with. She'd give me treats in her tidy kitchen. The other lady, Mrs. M (I can't recall her last name) lived in a house similar to ours. She also would give me treats but I don't think I had as much fun with her as I did with Mrs. Aiken. Looking back, I do believe they had a sort of adversarial relationship and used me to poke each other; "Take that, Mrs. M., the child is visiting with ME today!" Now, I wonder why; and also why they were always alone. Where were their families? Their grandchildren? I'm sure there were stories, there always are. And, how interesting that my Mom allowed me to go pester them on a routine basis! I cannot imagine anything like that going on these days! But, of course, that was over forty years ago and things have really changed in this world.

Amy and Mom at Terrace Drive. 1969

Note: Mrs. M's house is on the left!

We had this nasty all-black cat named Warlock when we lived on Terrace Drive. Seriously, he was AWFUL. For whatever reason, he took a particular dislike to my sister Ann and would purposefully hide underneath the dining room table, stalking her. When she'd walk by, he'd leap out and pounce on her legs, all claws out. She forever had scratches up and down her skinny white legs (yet another memory!) Because this was before Mom and Dad wised up to leaving cats outside, Warlock met an end he more than likely deserved; squashed on the entrance ramp to I-15 (which was literally a hop, skip and jump down the street).

In the same dining room where Warlock once had his lair, me and a group of my friends chased each other around the table with balloons tied to our ankles. It was my 6th birthday party and my Mom had come up with this brilliant idea; we all had the balloons on our ankles, we went around in a circle and attempted to stomp on the balloons of the girl ahead of us. Once your balloons were stomped, you were out of the circle. The girl with last balloons standing (so to speak) won the game and a prize.

My brother Jon was born when we lived in that house. I woke up one September morning to discover our usual babysitter was there instead of Mom and Dad (we still called him Uncle Butch at that point in time, though). I still remember that the babysitter was tying my shoes when she informed me and Ann that we now had a baby brother.

Ann made me an angel food cake with white frosting and poinsettia decorations for my 7th birthday.

Amy at Terrace Drive with cake by Ann 1970

Dad tells me I learned to really, really read sitting in the window seat with the Little House series. One of his memories is working in the kitchen, hearing me read out loud. One of my chores while living in that house was to empty the trash and clean the ashtrays. I took great pride in being the best ashtray cleaner ever. I had a ritual and an order to the process, the last ashtray I cleaned was always the big heavy clear glass one in the TV room in the back of the house.

Sisters at Terrace Drive: Kathy, Amy and Ann

Ah, having begun this Blog entry, I've realized I have a lot more to remember and write about. So, I'll carry this forward in the next post, as, it's time to get cracking with my present day.

Mrs. B

Monday Monday Ramble Ramble

What a busy weekend. It seems I spent most of it in the kitchen preparing for Mr. B's (early) b-day celebration, which was a somewhat impromptu gathering. The Kid's off to college this coming Thursday; she suggested coming over yesterday to celebrate her dad's birthday, which got me to thinking, "why not invite the whole family?" Anyway, we had a great time! I'm posting a few pictures; some I took, some my (very talented semi-pro photographer SIL) Analee took.

The Kid, Mark and Jon hanging out

Birthday Boy (photo courtesy of Analee)

We had food coming out of our ears; in a mostly Mexican theme. The jalapeño poppers were SMOKIN' (click here if you want the recipe) and, in typical I Am My Mother's Daughter fashion, I made a ton of burritos, two types of rice, homemade salsa, and a cool green tomato-cuke-avocado soup (for those who could eat it). Unfortunately, my German chocolate cake did a crack-act. Too humid; should have added more flour/less water. C'est la vie; it was eaten, all the same (the rest is going to work with Mr. B tomorrow as I do NOT need it around!)

German chocolate crack-cake (photo courtesy of Analee)

Grammy doing what she does best. Holly loved my crack-cake! (photo courtesy of Analee)

Holly seems to like to play with unusual toys! Here, sitting in the cat toy from my Father and Margot (photo courtesy of Analee)

And here "riding" Great Uncle Jack's decoy duck!

The future Senator from NC! (photo courtesy of Analee)

Living the life in the "Goodliest" land of NC: Grammy, Grandpa, Kendal and Holly (photo courtesy of Analee)

As for the rest of my ramble, here it 'tis:

Speaking of The Ramble; was very sorry to learn that one of my Father's favorite haunts, Thee Ramble Inn, burned down the other day. He's taken me there at least twice, maybe more, when I've been in Florida visiting. I even have a tee shirt (as does Mr. B). The beer was always reasonable and the staff friendly. RIP, Ramble.

So, yeah, The Kid is off to college this coming Thursday. She appears to be geared up for it with the most difficult aspect of it (for now) being leaving her dog. Mr. B told her we'd come visit "from time to time" to take her out to dinner (it being about an hour and a half away; not too far from the company that I still do occasional consulting for).

The Kid and her dad

Speaking of THAT, I still am. The other day I was in the salon getting my mani/pedi and looked over to see some man slumped in one of the pedi chairs taking a nap whilst getting his pedi (you don't see this too often, BTW; men in pedi chairs). Anyway, he was a DEAD RINGER for the guy who hired me two years ago (can't believe it's been two years). Of course, what would HE be doing in Raleigh getting a pedicure? Suffice it to say, it was not him. Thank God. I don't know what I would have thought to say.

I just received the disk of Lucy's photo shoot in the mail today. I don't have the particulars on ordering the calendar yet, but, they are forthcoming. Alert to those who may be interested; they are not terribly cheap. We won't be offended if you decide not to buy one.

Lucy begging for cookie crumbs from Analee (who also took this picture!)

Lucy is probably wondering why Analee is lying on the ground with her. Analee's pictures of Lucy were just as nice as the photographer's!

KB is coming tomorrow to stretch the carpets. Again. Long story short; the carpet is buckling again, I pitched a fit, and they are coming. Hey, if you don't ask, you don't receive. Let's hope this works but I'm not that optimistic since it didn't really work the last time.

This has meant that I had to remove all the books from our SIX book cases again. This served to remind me that we have a ton of books, many of which I've not read. The Kid's bathroom is loaded up with them; it's an interesting site. I should go take a picture!

I am working on a photo book of our cruise. It's taking me a lot longer than I thought it would to compile. I did one for our trip to Orlando last fall and I really liked the way that one turned out. This one, though, is already about twice its size. I'd best hurry so it's done before we go on our NEXT cruise in January. I was able to get Royal Caribbean to honor a coupon we received after we'd booked the cruise, even though it said we had to have it when we booked. Well, they sent it as an encouragement for us to book another cruise (which we already had), so, we had done what they wanted us to, just six weeks before they sent the coupon!

How many times does this happen to me! I buy something, anything; and, the very next day, there is a coupon for it in the mail or in the paper. This time, at least, it all worked out.

Using coupons does pay. I'm already up to $500 or so saved since February, just by using coupons (and I'm not even counting the dry cleaning coupons). This will go towards our vacation(s). People who don't use coupons (or sign up for My Points) are throwing money down the drain.

We wrapped up the execution of our updated wills last week. Such a fun thing to do, but, necessary. There are a few handwritten things we need to take care of, but, at least the major part of it is done (or, rather, redone). Sigh.

I was looking through pictures of my high school's annual reunion weekend (held last weekend in San Diego) on Facebook. I can see a bunch of people's pictures, even though we are not Friends. This is because some folks have no idea how to keep their information private. Anyway, in so doing, I came across one and, lo and behold, there was a lady who'd been a great friend of mine in high school. I've tried on several occasions to get back in touch with her; but, she never replies/reaches back. This makes me somewhat sad, but, whatever. I guess some people just don't want to be found. At least found by me :-)

We're off to the Yadkin Valley this weekend for a sojourn at a few of the wineries there (including a tour with one of the wine makers), a stay at a B&B, and dinner (for Mr. B's b-day) at what is supposed to be a real nice restaurant. At least the menu looks fantastic!

Then, a family reunion in September will mean a trip to Indiana. These two outings are helping my itchy feet syndrome somewhat. Mom opined the other day that I must have gypsy blood in me. I just like to travel. Anywhere. Ok, maybe not to Oklahoma.

Our pets are all fine. Knock on wood that there hasn't been a reoccurrence of Lucy's MCT. Her fur is growing back (that which isn't falling out due to the shed season, I mean!) The cats seem happy enough. Ares has developed an odd habit of wanting to hang out in the downstairs coat closet. I swear, he is one WERIDO cat. So, I let him; otherwise, he sits outside the door and howls. He also cries and carries on in the early morning hours. I think he's got some Siamese in him. Pete and Lily are getting through the summer by hanging in the bathroom; Lily in the sink

Fantastic picture of Lily taken by Analee last night!

and Pete sprawled out on the floor. Athena and Apollo are so little compared to the other three and still freak out a bit at times when we approach them. Apollo, though, will now tolerate Mr. B because he gives him (and the rest) turkey lunch meat in the mornings. Athena always looks bug-eyed.

Athena: "Nope. I am NOT coming out from under the bed, Analee!

It's been a LONG HOT summer. Here is hoping some refreshing changes in the weather (and other areas) will be upon us soon.

Oh and yes; seven years ago, I was just beginning my adventure in Italy (without my suitcase). I'll never regret what I did.

Mrs. B

Happy Birthday Dad B!

And, happy anniversary to you and Mom B, too!

Love,

Mrs. B the Younger

Oh How the Years Go By

And they keep on going by, too.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Family Get Together!!!!!

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Recent Trip to Alexandria/DC

Mom and I went up to Alexandria/DC last Sunday to visit with sister Kathy for a few days. All in all, we had a really nice time (despite the fact there were "health" concerns regarding loved ones back home). It was great seeing Kathy and having her as a tour guide. She definitely knows her city!

Here are a few pictures from the journey (with a bit of commentary).

Mrs. B

View from our table at Ristorante Geranio Sunday night. The car out the window is a "Hip Hop" car. I'd never seen one before! It pulled up to the light, stopped, and flipped over onto its side.

Apres dinner. The food was decent enough, especially the calamari!

Kathy and Mom inside the Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress. Mom was there to get a CD of her Uncle Andy's interview for the Veteran's Project. We finally tracked it down although it was a comedy of errors. The volunteer staff need a bit more training, me thinks!

There was a special exhibit at the Library of Congress on the Gershwin Brothers, George and Ira. Here is George's piano. I didn't realize that he'd passed away so young (38) while Ira lived into his 80s.

Mom and Mrs. B in front of the Capitol. Yes, we do look a like (identical shirts not with standing!)

Sisters. What a lovely day! Kathy drove us around DC (since she knew where she was going and that way, I didn't have to attempt to parallel park!)

In front of the Washington Monument. I'd say mid-April is a good time to visit DC. Not too many tourists and the weather was mild. It was a beautiful day Monday! It did rain quite a bit on Tuesday, however.

Hanging out in our room at the Sheraton Suites, Old Town Alexandria. The hotel was ok; the location its strongest point (convenient to everything, including Kathy's apartment).