Thursday, December 30, 2010

lalala Lola (no, not that Lola)

as usual, click pic to expand
Sunday night we celebrated Jake and Emily's birthday at Lola in downtown St. Louis. I'd been to Lola a couple times before but never for dinner. It's an interesting place with a different kind of menu. Silly me; I always thought crêpes were just some sort of breakfast thing or dessert or something. Actually Lola's is located in what used to be "Crepes in the City", a popular downtown eatery that closed over a year ago. I think it's pretty cool that Lola decided to keep crepes around for the people who loved them so much. The crepes on their menu include:

Lola
Ratatouille and Goat cheese, topped with crème fraiche

Madahari
Roasted chicken, spinach, roasted red pepper, topped with our Feta cream sauce

Lolita
Pancetta, asparagus, and carmalized onion, topped cherry tomatoes & Lola’s white sauce

Salome
Smoked salmon, capers, red onion and tomato, topped with dill crème

Jezebel
Balsamic glazed wild mushrooms topped with lola’s white sauce

Marilyn
Sliced roasted roma tomatoes, smoked mozzarella and herb pesto

For the big birthday celebration I chose the Madahari with a small spinach salad on the side. The crepe was good but my spinach salad was excellent. Yum! Jake and Emily didn't choose crepes at all. Jake had a steak (could he be any less adventurous?) and Emily chose a lobster dog (now that's adventurous!). You go girl! :-)

Lola now has an absinthe bar with organic martinis. Read about it:
Lola unveils its new lounge this weekend

Lola's website: http://www.welovelola.com/

Holiday scrapbook

It was a good Christmas and that's about all I have to say about that.

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook

Monday, December 27, 2010

Happy 25th Birthday Jake and Emily

Happy 25th Birthday to Jake and Emily...one day late. Love you both soooooooooooo much!



Friday, December 24, 2010

A holiday funny

This SNL skit's a little dated but still cracks me up.
(this is not for kiddies)

Dogs love Christmas too :)


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Better than a poke in the eye

The results are in... my department (Inside Sales) won 2nd place for the annual Holiday Decorating Contest! Last year we came in 3rd for our elf wall (i.e., Christmas Tree of Wins). This year, though we didn’t nab the coveted 1st place position as planned, we did manage to move up a notch to 2nd. I guess that’s kinda like winning a Silver instead of a Gold, or maybe an Emmy instead of an Oscar? Any which way, 2nd place is better than 3rd and it's definitely better than a poke in the eye. Because as everyone knows...a poke in the eye really hurts.

Last year breakfast was the third place prize. This year for second place we'll get lunch, which really makes me wonder about that 1st place prize. Could it be dinner? And maybe a bottle of fine wine...or just wine? I don’t know…nobody’s talkin around here.

Without further adieu, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners…

Come on...elves are cuter than Charlie Brown and gang right?
Though it is hard to beat psychiatric help for 5 cents I guess.

Elves are Santa's helpers, yes?
Shouldn't that count for something (like 1st place)?

This years 3rd place winners...Suckas. ;-)
 ***

Another day, another competition…
The Holiday season wouldn’t be complete without its annual heartwarming Ugly Sweater Contest. And this year’s winners are:
Scott (left) who walked away in first place with his amazing holiday outfit (I’m thinking the santa shorts cinched it) while Kenny (2nd to left) strutted his stuff into second place. A special thanks go to Marianne and Regina, our runners up. Love those snowflake earrings.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

It's a good thing I love sloths

"Which one doesn't belong?"

Yes, it's a good thing I love sloths since I sorta live with one (see above). Sloths are the cutest! I'm pretty sure I could watch sloth videos all day. I can't get enough of these strange yet adorable critters (see below).


OMG, now I know what I really want for Christmas (no offense Lola)

 

If only Lola would poo once a week... (I'd have a much nicer lawn)


That's it!  Lola, I'm trading you in for the real thing.

Monday, December 20, 2010

The very best present

The very best Christmas present this year is . . .
without a doubt, my grandson Jude. 'Nuff said. :-)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Thank you dad

Christmas isn't the same without dad; life isn't the same. Sometimes it feels as if he's just away on a long trip and I have to remind myself he isn't coming back. Thoughts of not talking to him, seeing him, laughing with him, or even patting his hand again can be hard. It's difficult to lose a parent, no matter how old you become. It changes the balance of life. It can change the way you feel about living. Since dad passed away I think more about my own mortality. His passing also left me with the crystal clear realization that my loved ones won’t always be here. Of course I already knew this but sometimes knowing and accepting are two different things. Accepting is the hard part. If only I could I would go back and let dad know how important he was while he was still here. Because once someone is gone from your life it's impossible to say the things you wish you’d said or do the things you wish you’d done. If only I could...

I'd go back and tell dad how much his kids remember the little things he did -- like the time in 1966 when we moved into a new house and he carved our names on the front porch walk. I remember Mel was 12 that year, Jeff was 10, and I was 5. I wish I had told him how much we loved him for doing that.

I'd go back and tell dad how the way he always signed the gifts we gave him with the name of who they were from and the date given meant something. I wish I had told him how important that made us feel.

I'd go back and tell dad what a kick we got from his quick wit and humor, his quirky ways and expressions, and especially his sly smile as he’d mischievously say his name was John Henry Jackson. I wish I had told him what joy he gave us in life.

I'd go back and tell dad how much we enjoyed our long drives with him and how just being near him felt good. I wish I had told him we knew words weren't always necessary and how riding without them was sometimes appreciated and never uncomfortable with him.

I'd go back and tell dad how we treasured him for his quietness, his outward calm, and gentle ways. I wish I had told him he was the one person that could make us feel calm in a not so calm life.

I'd go back and tell dad we loved him for who he was, for his tinkering, inventing, ginseng and mushroom hunting, metal detecting and treasure finding, exploring and walking in the woods, his appreciation for country, nature, barns, trees, birds, dogs, cats, and his lifelong sense of wonder. I wish I had told him what a truly special man he was to us.

I'd go back and tell dad we knew he loved us without his even saying so. I wish I had told him his smiling eyes when we came in the door and his words of “be careful” every time we walked out the door were just a couple ways we knew.

I'd go back and tell dad that no matter where we are he is always near. I wish I had told him it was going to be ok when he had to leave and that we understood and believed.

I think most of all, if I could, I'd go back and tell dad thank you, thank you so much for being our dad.   

driving with dad
We love you dad.

On my way home from Upper Alton Cemetery today I saw three deer out of the corner of my eye. They were in a grassy area behind a building, just barely off its parking lot. I turned my car around and sat and watched them a while. Thankfully, they were kind enough to let me take pictures before dashing off into the woods. Just the sight of them lifted some of the sadness I was feeling and made me feel better. My dad loved deer and thought they were beautiful gentle creatures. I love them too and couldn't have been happier to see them than I was at that moment. Somehow I think I was meant to see them today...maybe as a little sign from dad that he already knows all the things I wish I'd said. 

deer on left, middle, and a tired one on the right





x

Santa at the beach

Yes, it's true. There was an official Santa sighting in Pontoon Beach Wednesday night...and not just any ole Santa sighting. No reindeer or sled for this Santa...pfft! Ho ho ho, this modern-day Santa came by red fire truck and as he walked down the street calling for kiddies to greet, not a one in sight came out in the night...except (and this is where the rhyme ends)...for the big kid in the plaid flannel shirt below. :-o



hohoho

Thursday, December 16, 2010

We're goin to see The Jayhawks!

We're goin to see The Jayhawks...live...at The Vic...in Chicago...in January. Brrrr, call Mark and I crazy for traipsing around Chicago during the coldest, blusteriest month of the year (go ahead!) but crazy or not... we’re goin!! The Jayhawks together again, oh yeah! Their 5-city January tour celebrates the reissue and expansion of their first two classic albums for American Recordings - Hollywood Town Hall (1992) and Tomorrow The Green Grass (1995).

My introduction to (and still favorite song by) the Jayhawks is Two Angels (listen below). I love love LOVE this song!



Can any two others harmonize like Louris and Olson?



The Jayhawks Tour
(Mark Olson, Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg and Tim O’Reagan)

January
18 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
20 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
21 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
22 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
27 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
28 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
29 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Time Travel - May 2008

I think I'll start a new monthly post. The subject of the posts (until I run out of subjects) will be time travel. Except I won’t be traveling forward in time like in the movie “Back to the Future”. Nope, instead I’ll travel backward, specifically backward to a time or place I’d like to return.

It might be the frigid Midwest temperatures of late or maybe I’m just thinking of summer way too early but this month I'd like to transport myself back to May 2008 as the time and Anna Maria Island as the place. Just watching the images below and listening to the little song by Josh Rouse (sounding a lot like Paul Simon) makes me feel about 60 degrees warmer. Well, until I step outside anyway. Damn it's slick out there.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Mom's heart

Sometimes I think my heart could burst with all the love it holds for my grandson. It makes me wonder how my mom's heart must feel. I can't imagine how it has room inside for 7 grandchildren, let alone 6 great grandchildren. Just how full can a heart get? How much love can it hold? Emily asked recently if I thought parents loved their grandchildren as much as their own children. My instant answer was yes, they do...but maybe in a different way. I didn't say maybe in a stronger way. I know my mom loves my kids as much as she loves me...possibly more. It's not easy to differentiate types and strengths of love. To me a grandchild feels like a continuation of the love I have for my own children, an extension of that love. It's like part two of a never-ending story, a story I never want to have an ending.

Below are pics of the great grandchildren that fill my mom's heart.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dance like an elf

Tis the season to be jolly and dance like an elf.

How about a little hip hop...

or maybe a good ole' country hoe-down?

The 80's are always cool

Disco anyone?


and now, saving the best for last, tada!...

Dance like a surfer dude

Sorry Mark, I couldn't resist. ;)
x

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Happy Anniversary true companion

My first date with Mark five years ago today was fun…and interesting. Interesting because we were strangers in a way and in another way not really. We’d known each other in childhood and had been casual acquaintances in high school but truthfully I don’t think either one of us gave the other much thought back then. Fast forward twenty-plus years we meet again and have our first date. It was on a Wednesday night at Norton’s in Soulard, when there still was a Norton’s in Soulard (it is now Molly’s). I remember practically running from the car into the restaurant in the cold night air and sitting down to a dinner of Cajun food that made my nose run…romantic indeed. I also remember a fireplace with a nice fire going and how warm, toasty, and good it felt to be inside. After talking a while of the good ole' days and catching up on the present I remember thinking I probably wanted to know my old acquaintance better. By the time the evening was over I was sure I did.

Now here we are five years later (below) celebrating our 5th anniversary. This year we celebrated on a Saturday night at The Melting Pot in U-City. In another situation I may have been a little squeamish at being served a plate of raw cut up chicken, steak, and shrimp but not with Mark at The Melting Pot. What a fun time we had sitting and simmering (by fondue) our own dinner, waiting patiently for it to be done, one skewer at a time. Cooking over a simmering pot kind of reminds me of relationships in a way…sometimes they can take a while for everything to cook gently, to simmer, and ultimately meld into something good and flavorful. That’s how I feel about my relationship with Mark. Everyone grows and changes with time. Maybe he and I are where we are today, together, because we had a lot of growing to do, separately, when we were younger. I hope we continue to grow together and get a little better and stronger every day.






the best for last, chocolate turtle fondue

The old song below is one I’ve loved for a long time and although written for a woman, I'd like to dedicate the sentiment of it to my true companion on our 5th anniversary. Turn it up Mark...it's a good one.



Link: http://www.meltingpot.com/

Monday, December 6, 2010

A friday afternoon with Jude

Working half day Fridays certainly has its perks...especially now as I'm hoping to spend a lot of them with my grandson Jude. The older Jude becomes and the more his personality shines through the more fun he is to be around. This past Friday was the first time I picked him up from his sitter's house and when I arrived Jude was in his car seat and ready to go . . . so off we went. Lola and Winnie are always happy when Jude comes to visit and G-pa Mark enjoys spending time with Jude too. Just look at that baby face below...who wouldn't?





Saturday, December 4, 2010

The elves are back and better than ever...

Last year at this time there was a “decorate your space” contest where I work. Yep, nothing like a little competition to get one in the holiday spirit. Some participants chose to decorate their personal cubes, others an office, or a window, or a door, but my department chose to decorate a wall...a communal wall. Well, actually my co-worker Paula did most of the decorating of our wall…the rest of us just shared in the credit. Paula came up with the idea of placing elves around a Christmas tree, tailored elves to fit something unique (or not) about each individual in our department. For instance, her personal elf had a sombrero because she LOVES Mexico…our boss Mark had a paint brush because he’s such a good artist…our big boss Carol had a tennis racket because she loves tennis…Stacey had a cowboy hat because she lives on a farm and loves horses...Lora an airplane because she owns one and loves to fly...Denise had a helmet because she loves motorcycles, and I, of course, had dogs because, well, you get the point. Although hard to tell from the picture below, the ornaments on our tree represented some of our big engineering "Wins” of 2009. How delightfully clever is that? Although I can't recall who won 1st or 2nd place that year, our elf tree ultimately won 3rd place and if my memory serves me correct the prize that year was . . . breakfast. Yeah that's it, plenty of bagels and fruit, or nuts, or something like that. (Click pics once for a good view, twice even better) 

Our wall of elves and 2009 3rd place winner. woot woot!

Some pics of our stiff competition below:

This window was kinda cool and somebody
had to know how to draw pretty darn good.

a joint effort (and waste of a lot of good wrapping paper)

a traditional looking Christmas tree...ho-hum.

a war-related effort (this one probably took 1st)

hmm...wonder what happened to 2008's wish list

a little inside humor
("Big J" snowman looking down on acquired companies...true story)

more acquired companies...[sigh]

cute...and easy cube (I could do this)

I strangely like the Grinch...a lot.

yawn...

not very attractive but a neat idea

a bit more attractive

This is my personal favorite. Yeah, that Mark Beumer...he went all out. :)

*****

Moving on to the 2010 annual "decorate your space" contest...The elves are back and better than ever! Paula, the busiest elf of us all has been busy sprucing up our departmental wall utilizing what else but last year's elf tree (see new and improved version below). Thanks to Paula and her ever faithful assistant Paul (our eager new garland and light stringer) things are looking up. The best and most cool thing about this new old tree is that not only last years elves are all present and accounted for but now there are two additional members to our family tree...elf Nicole with baby in the box, and elf Jill with brown dog (and to whom I say a hearty... "welcome, fellow dog lover").

In today's day, to not only retain worker elves but actually add to them is a wonderful thing. Now, if we can just nab 1st place and maybe get a little bacon and eggs with our bagels and fruit. hohoho...woot woot!

This could be a winner.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

November recap

Bye Bye November, Hello December


song: Cold November by The Maldives