The Year in Review

Another year is almost gone. When I look back at this year we generally had a good one. Dad is still with us, and in relatively good health. Nic graduated from Junior High and is doing great in high school. Andy & I had all the blood work done and are in good health. My dog is still with us, and the cat continues to wreck havoc. And my mom, God bless her is taking good care of Dad, my only wish is that we help her take good care of herself. My Angel, Aunt Gerry is doing well, & I think is hopeful for the New Year.

And, so; Happy New Year everyone. I only hope when I look back on 2009 at this time I am repeating what I have written here. We are truly blessed.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas is finally here.
I can reveal my Christmas card. Yes, I did snatch this idea from a friend - best form of flattery. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We are truly blessed that we are all together on these most sacred of holidays. This morning Nic served mass. It really put into perspective what this season is truly about. Peace on Earth and good will to all. But, bigger than that; being the birth of Jesus Christ. The belief in him and my Catholicism is what brings me through my lowest lows. Happy Birthday Jesus. We are all better for you.

One Day Left!!!

I can't believe it - tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Where did the time go? I look at Nic and think that every day. It seems as we grow up the time goes by quicker than it did when we were young. As kids it seemed as if Christmas would never come, now it comes too fast. Today we are in the midst of a snow storm and tomorrow is not looking too much better either. Good for Santa, bad for Patti and the car.

Tonight it is all about cupcakes! On with the apron and out with the frosting!

Snow!!!!

Here it comes. The white stuff. Never was too fond of snow. But, I must say, here from my office window, it does look beautiful. I finally am feeling slightly Christmassy - and thank God a lot better. That being said, I do not think that I will be meeting up with Frosty anytime soon. Love this picutre. It reminds me of a Frosty book that I had as a child. I remember when Frosty came to life, one of the first places he visited was the bakery - my kind of guy..........

Where are you Christmas?

Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? That's basically how I am feeling lately. Still sick, and so much to do. Why can't I find Christmas? I have so much to be thankful for. My 83 year old father is still with us - God willing - for another Christmas. I have a wonderful Mother, who even drove me to the doctor, a handsome son, and a husband - who has one hell of a hard time showing compassion, yet; is always by my side. Yesterday, however; when I was at my lowest, my cousin Bob, came and surprised me with a gift from my Aunt. So, I guess when I read all my blessings I never lost Christmas to begin with. Just my spirit. On the bright side there is still one week left, and I am becoming stronger. Amen to that.

I guess I should feel like someone who is on the verge of getting their life back, and appreciating every moment. Now, I just need to click my heels together, and repeat " there's no place like home".

Saint Nick's Day

Last Saturday was Saint Nicholas Day.

One of my favorite days. On my blog it passed me by. Not in my house though. It is such a prelude to Christmas. As long as I have a Nicholas, there will always be Saint Nicholas Day in my house. My fondest memories of the day, are of my Grandparents. They always had a stocking ready for each of us at their house. Although I do not remember what they were filled with - I can remember the joy and anticipation of receiving them.

I have been very sick lately, and my blogging has reached a stand still. I will remedy that; as this is my virtual memory book. Here's to many more posts! Enjoy the day!

Thanksgiving

The pictures below are of my Thanksgiving. I am frustrated with this blog - can't get rid of the big spaces between pictures! Anyway, all went well. I brined the turkey for forty eight hours, they I made a mixture of butter and Chardonnay wine - I put a cheese cloth in it, and brought it to a boil - covered the turkey with it and - perfection. I must remember next year that a brined bird will cook quicker than an unbrined one.

As an extra touch I made everyone a little name card (Chinese take-out box) filled with goodies, a little something extra to take home.

I am truly Thankful for all the people who shared this holiday in my home. Although it was a lot of work, there is nothing better than family getting together. I wouldn't change a thing.

I made it!!!!!!

Countdown Day 2

Today is Friday, really five days left until the official Turkey Day. Tonight is shopping night. Between that, and buying the turkey, etc., this Thanksgiving stuff is taking up all my time. Andy is finally better, so; we can get our acts together and get the show on the road. My Menu keeps getting longer - as I have forgotten to include a green vegetable! Who said the meal had to be well balanced? I don't think the pilgrims were concerned with their nutrition! And, by the way darn that Norman Rockwell and his perfect Thanksgiving picture! You know he never cooked a meal! Oh well, Happy Weekend!!!

The Count Down Begins.......

I have Thanksgiving this year. It is now officially my holiday! So, on to place cards, house cleaning, food ordering, etc. It is a big undertaking. I am sure everything will be fine, it's just family; and the spirit of getting together that counts. I must remind myself of this on Wednesday - when I am in the middle of my major melt down........

Goodbye Little Europe

Here I sit.

In pain.

Toothache.

It's either blog or pace.

I choose to blog.

On Sunday we went to say goodbye to our favorite local restaurant Little Europe. It is closing after 40 some years. My Mom remembers that it was actually a French Restaurant, The Blue Bonnet, before it became our Little Europe. It was our mainstay, from everything to birthday parties to funerals. Food was always good, pork tenderloin, liver dumpling soup, roast pork, roast duck, rye bread, Andy's salad bar, and Nic's favorite homemade desserts. We had a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have this family. No matter what hardships I have in my life, they always show me the rainbow.

Veteran's Day

Well, update. Obama won the election - and we are very happy. Change has come and we can't wait. That being said, today is Veteran's Day. I honor my favorite veterans. My Dad, his brothers, and my Uncle Rudy. He just passed away this weekend. My Mom took him to the wake. Funny when you get old you seem to accept death. Maybe you are making peace with it, I don't know. Kinda sad today, but; always thankful for those men and women who have defended our rights and our country.

2008 Election - In This Moment

This is history in the making. We are very very lucky to be alive during this historic time. I heard something on TV today - that struck me. It said this is the moment - before it appears in the textbooks, before it appears on the mid-terms, before it appears in the papers, this is the moment that will make history. We should dwell in and live in this moment- for it will live forever, and will never come to us again. Tonight I, and my family will live in, and dwell in this historic moment, proud to be alive, and proud to be an American.

Indiana Pictures

Nature's artwork here is Indiana. Beautiful. I saw God today.....

Indiana

I walked in the house today to close I could still hear my Uncle Bob telling me how to shut everything down, and my father walking behind him trying to remember exactally what to do. My Uncle has since gone, and my father; even though he is still here physically he is rapidly leaving us mentally. Whats left of our family is kind of what is left of this house. Broken. Some of us are trying to fix what is broken while others of us do not care at all. The overwhelming sadness of this day has taken me back, while the memories and nature's awesome painting keeps me here...

Halloween Eve

Tonight is All Hallows Eve. We carved this pumpkin. It would not make Martha Stewart proud. But, we did it anyway. And, although it had no seeds it turned out wonderful. We broke 2 pumpkin carving knives in the process - I have absolutely no idea what types of pumpkins they are growing now a days, but I think they should stick to the carvable ones.

Great Pumpkin

Last night the great Pumpkin was on. Leading me to believe that Halloween is right around the corner, Friday; to be exact. It is a little different now with Nic being in High School. For the first time in 14 years we will be home on Halloween night. We used to go to Mom & Dad's for pizza and trick or treating, but; they are getting older, and so too; are the kids. Time marches on, and so too do we...........

A Good Night's Sleep

And so it is;

that as fast as football season comes - it ends. But this year, was a little different. Friday night was about as cold and rainy as it could get. The boys played until the halftime. ..... Then, the lightning came. And, the game was put on hold for thirty minuets, which became fifty minuets, which then; postponed the game until tomorrow at 4:30. Nic is disgusted. He is not happy to go against a 250 pound kid - again. But, such is life, as quickly as the walls in front of us come up - they go down. All in all for Nic it was a fantastic season. He always started and played the entire game. He has finally progressed to the little athlete that we hoped he could be. He loves his school and is achieving an A average. We couldn't be prouder. By the way; he is number 60.

On the home front, things are difficult.
I had an argument with my sister; that I truly feel bad about. Truth be told I am feeling maxed out in so many ways and I do not know how to keep up. So; I vent. My sister did make one statement to me that I will never forget she said you should not care about what other people do - as long as you can put your head down on the pillow at night and sleep you should only care about yourself. I disagree, how are we to get ahead without any form of competition? And, if we only think of ourselves and what we are doing how can we ever better ourselves or get ahead. I do agree with one comment though I am able to lay down my head at night with a clean conscience. I give all of myself in every aspect of my life, from wife, to mother, to daughter, niece, employee, sister, friend. I love my family - I am just at a cross roads. I do know one thing however, that; no matter what anyone else does I will always be myself, and I will always be able to sleep with a clean conscience knowing that I gave it my all. We feel the same way about Mom & Dad and where they are in their life. We just express it differently, not making either of us wrong. I love you Sherri, I just do not agree with you all the time.

Creativity

Today, I received my two most favorite magazines, Country Home, and Country Living. Through these magazines I receive my inspiration for my home. Halloween is my most favorite time of the year. I just love to decorate for it. These pictures are of the back part of my kitchen. My next challenge is going to be Thanksgiving - it is my holiday this year, and I have to do Martha Stewart proud. Stay Tuned!

Homecoming

Well, I have made it through, Nic's first date; and his official highschool homecoming. I couldn't asked for more. He took a girl that he has known since grammer school, Tiffany. Her mother and I were best friends through out Nic's grammer school years. Then her mother became sick. Anna has since passed away, and I miss her very much. We always laughed at how we would like to become in-laws since; we got along so well. I remember seeing her in the hospital a couple of weeks before she died, she said "we better get these two together soon Patti, I am running out of time". Well, although they went to this dance as friends, I am sure that Anna was smiling down from above that night, and sending her blessing.

To Anna, I miss you my dear friend. You would have been proud. God bless you.

Rainy Days & Wednesdays always get me Down..

Very dark, dreary and grim. Typical mid-October day..... On the bright side this is Nic's homecoming weekend - and his first dance - ever..... Yes, the panic is starting to set in. I so envy Nic. Having never gone to a dance myself - this is me knowing that I raised a confident young man. Now, if I could just cut that cord that ties us so very strong - I think I could be alright.

The Weekend

I can't believe that is finally here. It comes out of nowhere like an old friend. My weekend is filled with things to do, football games to attend, housework, Church, cooking, and of course Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Pound Cake, which I hope to make this weekend. With the weather being in the 70's this is the best time of the year.

Just Another Day

Today day was just an average day. Hurry up to get up, get Nic off to school, and of course get off to work. The only thing that makes this day palatable are the beautiful colors that are coming with the change of the season. I am totally missing last fall when I was able to go on a short trip with my parents to Amish country. God certainly paints magical pictures this time of year.

Peace

Today was truly a crazy day. In order to end it on a good note, I am drawn to this picture I took this year in Maine.

It was taken of a far island that the woman, Margaret Hamilton; the wicked witch from the wizard of oz had lived for many years. She has since passed, but the island, like herself remains alone.

On to tomorrow, and; even though I am tired the joy of being able to put my feet on the ground and prepare for the day.

I Have Arrived

This marks my first post on my blog. This blog is dedicated to my son, and my family. I hope this will be a way of expressing myself, and sharing my pictures and life with my family and friends.

Welcome to my "virtual" scrapbook.