I Cannot Tell A Lie...It's Monday

Good morning friends, and happy birthday George and Abe. 

Speaking of Abe, hubs and I watched a movie last week we hadn't seen before, even though it was released in 2011- The Conspirator with James McAvoy, Kevin Kline, Robin Wright, and more. The plot follows the trial of Mary Surrat, the first woman tried in connection with the Lincoln assassination. It was good and I wasn't all that familiar with her story. 

And as long as we're talking about Abe...how do you feel about the penny? The last were minted in November of 2025, and now the penny is no more. I mean except for the pennies we have stashed in pockets, purses, and jars, but I guess nothing is one cent going forward? Or two, three, or four cents either? Or twelve, thirteen, or fourteen and so on and so on. Hmmm. Is everything going to be rounded up or rounded down? I guess we're about to find out. 

Now let's put the train back on the track and discuss the weekend. Hubs and I had plans to celebrate with a nice dinner Friday night since I would be leaving town Saturday morning. We wanted to make a lobster risotto because that sounded fancy, and it's also something we've never made before, but we missed the lobster truck so went with plan B, which was also good. Hubs grilled steaks and he's mastered that so no complaints. 

My mom lives with my younger sister, but my sister had an opportunity to take a big trip so we shifted mom to my brother's house in NJ for the two week holiday. My older sister and I each took a week to be there too so everyone could come and go as needed. We don't leave my mom alone at all so having extra hands in the house helps.

Hubs drove me to the airport and I arrived with plenty of time to spare. It wasn't busy so I sailed through security, grabbed my Dunkin' latte, and settled in with my book until it was time to board. 

The flight was smooth and my brother picked me up on the Philly end and so all in all easy peasy. 

I've spent a lot of my life living in this part of the country, but I'm a Carolina girl now and I forgot about all the snow on the ground. 

When my older sister was here last week the temps were frigid, but I've timed my week better and I think it might hit the 50s so whoohoo! I love seeing freshly fallen snow, but month old dirty snow is not my favorite. 

Celebrating with my first Valentine ❤️

We spent the afternoon watching the Olympics and we did some coloring too. My brother grilled salmon for dinner, and my sister-in-law served a yummy Valentine's Day dessert, and all in all it was a nice low key day. I don't have a chance to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law all that often so it was fun to be in their house and talk about all kinds of things. 

Hubs stayed home with the little brown dog, and he had a good day too. A Clemson baseball game with our son-in-law and the two oldest grandsons, and then dinner at their house which was really nice. 

Sunday morning we had coffee beside the fire in their cozy kitchen nook and did some laundry for mom. My brother and sister-in-law went out for a run and I hung with mom, then they came home and I took a good walk in the crisp fresh air which felt great. 

It wasn't windy and I was bundled up. There's a lot of sitting in our week so trying to move when we can. 

My brother still coaches and had a track meet that afternoon so it was just us girls at home. I blogged, started my new book, chatted with mom who colored some more, became knowledgeable about curling, and watched still more Olympics. The next few days will be more of the same and I'm not mad about it. Hope your weekend was a sweet one too. 

Linking with Hollyand Sarah today for their Hello Monday weekend recap blog hop. 

Merry Monday

Hello Monday. It's still Monday right? The days are a blur this time of year and you just have to roll with it. I'm linking with Holly and Sarah for the weekend recap party they host every Monday. Here we go-

We had a fun weekend spent with hubs brother, sister-in-law, and his momma, not counting of course that Tennessee football game, which was possibly the worst game played in the history of ever. Let's speak of happier things. 

It's not a straight line from our house in SC to theirs in TN these days, due to the wrath of Helene. The interstate remains shut down so we have to take the long way around. 

Long but absolutely beautiful I will say. The road that runs across the mountain from NC into Tennessee is one of the prettiest in all of America. Dusted with snow it was just breathtaking. 

As we came in to Tennessee we saw more remnants of the hurricane. Yellow piping is piled high all along the highway from a plastics plant that was destroyed by rushing water. 

Lives were lost here and it's still such an incredible mess. 

We picked up my mother-in-law on our way to the lake where my brother-in-law lives, and got there just in time to see the Clemson-Texas kickoff. We were rooting for our hometown team, but they ended up losing and then things sped rapidly downhill from there. 

That Tennessee game. Whew! It was painful. My sister-in law had ordered Chicago's famous Lou Malnati's pizzas for dinner and that was the highlight of the evening. 'Nuff said. 

Sunday morning we all went to church together. Their church choir performed their cantata which was so lovely. 

We had a charcuterie style lunch, then spent the afternoon chatting, soaking up some Vitamin D on the sunny back porch, and watching the women's volleyball championship on TV. 

Sunday evening we took hubs mom out for a delicious meal at one of our favorite Italian spots-Bella.

Hubs passed a shop window with a prop that goes with his suit and we had to snap a picture. 

This suit brings out the best in everyone. People stop to wish us merry Christmas with a big smile on their face, and to tell us how much they love it. An easy way to spread holiday cheer. 

Monday morning hubs and I headed south about an hour and a half to Daughter2's home near Chattanooga. We take a back road so it's a country drive with pretty farms dotting the landscape along the way. We made a stop at our favorite smokehouse Bentons, home to the world famous Benton's bacon, and still made it to Daughter2s by lunchtime. 

Sweet Baby J literally jumps up and down and claps his hands when he sees us getting out of the car and it is the best thing ever. Truly. Whatever is weighing you down dissolves at the sight of this precious little boy so happy to see you he can't contain it. And baby sister is right behind him, giving us her whole body smile and showing off her newest skill-walking! 

The excitement level is at a ten with littles in the house and we are here for it. 

Merry Christmas Eve Eve everyone!

Home For The Holidays

Technically we celebrated in my sister's home, but all my sibs plus my mama were there so it felt like home. Family is home, right? 

We put a million miles on the car, but opted to drive because a) we needed to drop our dog off at hubs brother's house in Tennessee and b) we were hauling a lot of stuff. Originally our pup was going to spend his Christmas holiday in a kennel closer to home, but after his Thanksgiving 'mishap' occurred my sister-in-law very kindly offered to have him come there. 

We didn't bring him north with us mainly because my sister has two cats and a pup, and my other sister has a pup, and my niece has two pups. All those dogs would have been a little bit too everything so all the out of town dogs stayed home. 

We drove to Tennessee the Wednesday before Christmas and spent the night at hub's brother and sister-in-law's house. We had a most fabulous Italian dinner at a restaurant there and a really nice evening being together. 

This pasta made inside a wheel of cheese is as deliziosa as it sounds. 

Hubs and I got on the road early Thursday morning for the trek to Philadelphia. There was some slow traffic in spots, but we were never at a standstill so calling it a win. A ten and a half hour drive made in twelve hours four days before Christmas is definitely a win. 

My mom lives with my sister and my brother lives nearby too. My older sister and her daughter and son-in-law flew in from South Carolina early Saturday morning, and then the gang was all together for the duration. Actually my brother was with his wife's family Christmas Eve, but they all came to Philly for Christmas dinner, and then they had my sister's birthday at their house the next day. 

We had the famous breads from Marchiano's Bakery for breakfast on Christmas and the day after too. If you want these breads for Christmas you have to order months ahead, and we definitely want. They are somewhat similar to a calzone, but are filled with egg and pepper, or bacon, egg, and cheese, or ham and cheese, or sausage and egg, and they are so so good. We spend a lot of time talking about these breads on our drive north lol. 

My niece got us all matching shirts to wear with our pjs and the wording was truly on point-ha!  

The boys got shirts too but I don't know how they feel about their pj picture posting here, so how about one of hubs (the dog whisperer) instead-

This dog is not easily won over, but she took to hubs right away this visit. 

My sister is a wonderful cook and made so many delicious meals while we were there. Is this post all about food? Perhaps. But we did spend a lot of time in the kitchen and it was fun to chop and stir and gab unrushed with my sisters and niece.  

Hubs acted as sous chef Christmas Day while my brother-in-law made us a fabulous beef wellington for dinner. They had lobster on the grill too and we ate like kings at every meal. 

On Tuesday hubs and I drove over to NJ in the early afternoon so we could meet up with friends for an in-person catch up before going on to my brother's house. My older sister's birthday is the day after Christmas and we try to make it extra extra. My brother and sister-in-law made yet another scrumptious dinner and there was cake and presents and the happy birthday song sung. 

We lived in this part of the country a long time, and a trip back reminds you of so many things you miss. 

Family most of all. 

We were up early on Wednesday to make the long drive home, with one more overnight stay at my sister-in-laws house to collect the dog. He was not spoiled at all while we were away-ha! 

We were on the road from sun up to literally sun down, which happened to be spectacular. 

It was a lovely holiday, a different kind of Christmas for us without our girls or any grandchildren in the house, but lovely all the same. I'm grateful for family who fill in the spaces, make me laugh, and hold our childhood memories especially close this time of year. 

Oh Brother It's The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. That's how the Hodgepodge rolls. Here we go-

1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother? Older or younger? Did you raise brothers? Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.

I do have a brother, just one and he's five years older than me. He grew up as the only boy in a family of sisters and is the nicest person we all know. Everyone loves my brother. He's kind, funny, smart, and young-at-heart. He's spent his life teaching, coaching, and mentoring high school students, particularly runners, and was recently inducted into the South Jersey Track and Field Hall of Fame. He is also extremely humble and would not mention this huge honor if asked to describe himself. 

I did not birth any brothers, but Daughter1 is raising two of the sweetest boys I know. Their relationship is so special and they are best buds. 

2. A great book you've read or movie you enjoy that features brothers? 

Book-The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles-the two central figures in the book are brothers, and while the character list is long, it's the brother's story and relationship I loved best. 

Film-Seven Brides for Seven Brothers-completely crazy story line but it's still a favorite in our house. The picnic scene with the dancers on the log is amazing. 

3. Something you think is overrated? Something you think is underrated?

Overrated? Popularity

Underrated? Living a quiet life 

4. How much does your past shape you? What parts have shaped you the most? 

I think our past definitely shapes us, but if your past was difficult or troubled (mine was not) I don't think it has to define you going forward. 

The parts of my past that have shaped me the most? Growing up with siblings both older and younger,  parents who loved me and lived out their faith, who gave me a sense of self and security, and then other caring adult influences including youth leaders, church members, camp counselors, and wonderful neighbors. 

5. What's your favorite simple pleasure? 

My morning coffee. The house is quiet, the day is new, the possibilities endless. Sometimes when I lay down to go to sleep at night I will tell hubs how much I'm looking forward to that first cup of coffee. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hubs and I have been out of town since last Friday, visiting Daughter1 and her crew in Tennessee. My mother-in-law lives half way between here and there so we picked her up on our way home today, for a few days at the lake. 

Life is the best kind of whirlwind here. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 505

Here are the questions to the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother? Older or younger? Did you raise brothers? Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.

2. A great book you've read or movie you enjoy that features brothers? 

3. Something you think is overrated? Something you think is underrated? 

4. How much does your past shape you? What parts have shaped you the most? 

5. What's your favorite simple pleasure? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Nine Out Of Ten People Read The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. Last time you were 'dressed to the nines'? 

I'm not sure 'to the nines' describes it, but I suppose it would be a late September wedding we attended. My favorite heels and fancy jewelry made it so. 

2. Something recently that had you on 'cloud nine'? 

The birth of this little beauty of course-

3. Tell us about a time, circumstance, experience, or decision you made where the saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' proved true. 

Hmmm...I guess adding the wood to the stairwell wall when we did 'saved nine'. This wasn't part of the plan but when  the carpenters were here doing another project we had them price it out and then went ahead with it. The painted wall had been taking a beating with both big and little hands going up and down the stairs and especially with suitcases being toted up and down. Now that we have the wood installed we won't need to spackle, sand, and repaint on a regular basis.

4. A recipe you make that calls for exactly nine ingredients? 

I immediately did a mental run through of my Mexican style recipes because it feels like there are lots of little ingredients in many of those. This yummy baked taco dip calls for exactly nine items. So good! 

5. This coming Friday is Veterans Day in the US of A. Will you mark the day in some way? Are you a veteran? If you live outside the US does your country have a day dedicated to celebrating veterans? 

I'm not a veteran but my dad served and my son-in-law currently serves. Members of our military are near and dear to my heart always. If I see someone when hubs and I are out and about wearing a cap that indicates they served I make an effort to speak to them and thank them for their service. 

Our neighborhood is having an event in the clubhouse with a speaker and the chance to recognize neighbors who are vets. We're hoping to attend. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is my one and only brother's birthday. He grew up in a sea of women (three sisters, which I'm sure probably felt more like an ocean at times) and he is one of the nicest most easy going people I know. 

I like to think we sisters helped shape his character ha! He's a good listener and has always had boatloads of patience for all of our moods, worries, and emotion. 

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~Clara Ortega

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Two posts in one day, but one does what one must to catch up with the alphabet in this month's A-Z Blog Challenge. 

Day 3-C is for Celebration

We had a good one this past weekend y'all.   

Hubs has three siblings, all married, and no two living in the same city or even state. His mom has not had all of her children with her in the same place at the same time since June of 2019. That's a long time to be without your people, people. We decided a reunion was long overdue so we messaged all the sibs, synched our calendars, and landed on the weekend of April 1st. April Fool's Day to be precise, but we didn't think about it at the time. We just picked a date that everyone could make happen and we made it happen. 

It wasn't originally intended to be a surprise, but when we realized early on in the planning nobody had mentioned it to my mother-in-law, we decided to keep quiet. 

And boy did we surprise her! 

We picked her up in Tennessee on our way home from the Bourbon Trail last Monday. We had invited her to spend the week with us at the lake and told her we'd get her home the following Sunday. I got all the beds ready, bathrooms cleaned, groceries mostly purchased, and a lasagne made and frozen ahead of time so she wouldn't be suspicious. 

Hubs smoked a pork butt all day Friday and while she wondered why we were smoking such a ginormous piece of meat for the three of us she didn't worry about it too much. Leftovers, right? One brother lives near my mother-in-law and they turned up on our doorstep about 4 PM. I had the drapes closed in the front of the house because my mother-in-law is sharp as a tack and doesn't miss a thing. 

Hubs came in the room where she and I were working on a sewing project and told her there was a birthday present for her on the front porch, and he wasn't going to carry it inside. She opened the door to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law exclaiming "April Fool's"!! 

And she burst in to tears. 

About an hour later hubs sister drove down the drive. She and her family live in Maryland and her hubs was supposed to be with her but had been in Florida all week, and his flight was cancelled. There was a lot of scheduling and rescheduling that ended with him renting a car and driving the whole way here, but more about him later. 

I said I was going out to get the mail and when I came back in with my sister-in-law, I said to my mother-in-law, "Look what I found in the mail."

And she burst into tears. 

Another hour passed and hubs other brother and sister-in-law, who live in Virginia, arrived. We had them walk around back and sneak in through the lower level. The hubs told his mom to come downstairs, he wanted to show her something. She only got about halfway down when she spotted them. 

And she burst into tears. 

The gang's all here, or so she thought. She knew my brother-in-law had a cancelled flight so she was not expecting him. We were all standing around our kitchen island talking and laughing and he very quietly walked  into the house and slipped into a spot at the island. We all tried our best not to laugh while my mother-in-law looked everywhere in the room except there. He was right in front of her for at least five full minutes before it registered.

And she burst into tears. 

All her kids together for one whole entire weekend was so special. We had the best time eating too much, talking too much, and laughing too much. 

We went into town to browse the shops, we played cornhole and cutthroat pool, talked about our kids, the grandbabies, work, home improvement projects, travel plans, and our aches and pains because hey, we're all that age. Also, my mother-in-law is a pool shark. Who knew? 

The weekend went too fast and these people have trouble NOT talking and standing still for pictures but we took a few anyway. These are her originals-

And they are. 

In every sense of the word.

Brotherly Love

Moving right along in the April A-Z blog challenge with the second letter of the alphabet. My theme this year is 'these are a few of my favorite things'. It feels broad and I'm sure will go in a hundred different directions, or at least 26. 

Day 2-B is for Bourbon

Okay technically bourbon is not one of my favorite things, but we hit the Bourbon Trail a little over a week ago with hubs brother and brothers are one of my favorites. As are birthdays, but I digress. I took a lot of pictures and they gotta go somewhere. 

Also, I don't drink bourbon. 

Anyhoo, my brother-in-law celebrated a birthday a little over a week ago, and my sister-in-law planned a fun long weekend in the Bluegrass State to mark the occasion. 

Best of all daughter2 and her hubs joined the party and we had a great time hanging out, dining out, playing cards, and watching college basketball in our cozy lodgings. 

We stayed in a cute Airbnb in Bardstown and I didn't have to do a thing in terms of booking, planning, or reserving. My sister-in-law had the most perfect itinerary set up well in advance, and note to folks wanting to visit the trail...book ahead. Most places allow cancellation up to the day before and you may not get in to some of the more popular distilleries without a reservation. 

Bourbon country is also horse country and I love the scenery. 

We toured many a distillery and even though I don't drink bourbon I do really enjoy seeing the process, the landscape, and shopping in the small towns that dot this part of the Kentucky countryside. 

While all bourbon is made in much the same way no two distilleries are exactly the same. 

The pregnant lady sipped zero bourbon lest anyone be concerned. She may have ordered two pieces of pie but she did not have even a drop of bourbon-ha! Actually we all had a bite of the pies, but she did do the ordering. 

A highlight for the birthday boy and the hubs was bottling their own at Bardstown Bourbon Company. It's a newer and more modern facility and their marketing department knows what they're doing. 

We had sunny skies all weekend long, but it was cold. And windy. That feels worth a mention. The tours are mostly inside but you do walk outside to get to the rickhouses where the barrels are stored. I had mittens with me which everyone made fun of but were secretly wishing they had thought to bring lol. 

Cheers to the birthday boy, to brothers, and to blogging a Bourbon Trail road trip!