Girls Night In

I received an email a couple of weeks ago and it was so funny  that I couldn’t turn down the request.

It reads in part – ” That’s right, it’s time to bring “the b’s” back to Friday night. (It’s been a year for crying out loud.)  No, we’re not reinstating the group, no dice. Just a get-together, replete with booze and empty calories, in order to catch up with each other.  Clear your schedules.  Be indulgent. Let the dads run the kids around that night.  Be there or be talked about.”

And since I didn’t want to be talked about I absolutely cleared my schedule and made it a priority.

As always Neighbor Sue outdid herself.

There were plenty of libations but I don’t normally indulge in the above.

I chose instead to drink this. I love the pink label. It was cheap but good – as evidenced by the name of the wine. I don’t condone the use of the word by the way, I just like the wine. Somehow that seems justification enough.

I didn’t get home until a half hour before I was to be at the celebration so I stopped at the grocery store and bought this salad. Then I put it in a pretty plate and pretended it was mine. I would have gotten away with it if Neighbor Jolene hadn’t also been at the store and saw me. “Don’t get the ambrosia salad!” I yell to her. She was obviously running late as well.

It must be Halloween. Look at this cake. How great is this? I didn’t hear the entire conversation on the how, why or where of the cake so Neighbor Sue, if you are here – tell us where we can get this. It was divine! To die for! Even the spiders on it didn’t deter me. The caramel icing tasted home made, it was delicious.

I wanted to show you the layers of icing inside the cake. Yum. I brought a big piece home.

I had such a wonderful time. It was exactly what I needed. Exactly.

It’s Never Over Til It’s Over

“It’s weird…you know the end of something great is coming, but you want to hold on, just for one more second…just so it can hurt a little more.” Author unknown.

That quote is so appropo for the subject of this post.

I love it when there are people in my kitchen.

This is truly my dream kitchen. Not because of the counter space or the tile or the convection oven.

It’s because of the people that come and hang out at the counter. And eat the food and drink the wine.

Are they both holding the same wine glass? Interesting. Well, neighbors share.

This was the last “official” bunco gathering. We decided as a group that after seven years, the monthly dice game has run its course. I can’t believe we have been meeting like this for that long. It’s pretty hard to keep a group together for any extended period of time. After all, we all have lives to lead, families to feed, and work to do. We’re busy but still we found time for all sixteen of us to meet, once a month from September to May for the last seven years. We decided that we will continue to rotate hostesses and get together but at the hostess’s discretion as to what we would do and when we would meet.

Even if we are sad that we can’t meet in this capacity anymore, we came together one last time in my kitchen to celebrate what was.

In the spirit of bunco, we purchased the prizes, even though we didn’t play for them.

Neighbor Susan decided that the chicken looked good on her head.

Neighbor Mary Ann won this beautiful silver Martha Stewart platter/bowl thing. I love it. I should have bought one for myself.

Even though we are not going to get together in this manner again, we’re not sad.

As a matter of fact, we had a great time. Something was really funny, I wish I remember what it was.

I really wish I remembered what it was.

The girls came home after spending the evening together and away from us. I wonder why. The boy was upstairs on his computer, texting his father to complain about how loud we were.

Then we did a pinky promise that we will continue to get together, if not every month, then every quarter. Anything to keep our community together and connected. I was laughing so hard that I forgot to zoom out but trust me, we were all pinky swearing.

So long bunco. Thanks for the memories. I really mean that.

Life In The Suburban Fast Lane

Miss Yvonne and I ran into each other this weekend while we were walking our dogs. As we walked together we wondered how long it had been since we had last seen each other. She lives right across the street but our lives are so busy and take such different paths that we hardly ever just “run” into each other.

Here she is running away from me to retrieve something she dropped.

Actually the last time we saw each other was at bunco a few weeks ago. It reinforced the point that unless we make a point to see each other that we would pass our neighbors like strangers in the night.

And while we make it a point to get together once a month, when we do get together, we realize that even in that a short a period, we have missed some major happenings.

Things like job loss. We’re laughing here, but not about that.

And like moving away to Texas when you thought you’ve moved for the last time and bought your home last year.

All the things you hear in the news, about normal people suffering…a note to our elected officials, it’s real life you’re messing with busters.

It’s out of my system now.

Neighbor Kaishia had a story for us…

Before I tell you about it, I wanted to say that I loved her dress. She came right from work and had on this retro designed dress that was just really pretty.

And when she had the flowered wrapped gift in her hands, the patterns were overwhelming and I became really dizzy.

Okay…Neighbor Alonzo (husband of) was driving out of our little subdivision and was stopped by a police man and questioned thoroughly about who he was, where he lived and why he was driving an Audi.

Neighbor Alonzo replied that he lived in the neighborhood, that he was a lawyer and was a on the Governor’s board of military advisors (among other prestigious boards), and yes, it was his car.

After producing all the documents that backed up his story, the policeman then told Neighbor Alonzo that he was speeding and that’s why he was stopped.

But he never gave him a ticket.

Now Neighbor Alonzo is a very laid-backed guy, but the one thing I love about Neighbor Kaishia is her animated hot blooded I’m-not-taking-it personality. I love it because it’s so American, and ummm…I was once told I was of a similar disposition.

That policeman should be happy that he stopped Neighbor Alonzo and not Neighbor Kaishia. He was one lucky troooper.

So that’s what happening here in our quiet little slice of America. Cheerio.

Desperate Housewives ~ November Edition 2009

Friday came after a long, long, long week. And the weekend was full of commitments…I know I have a  blessed life. Lets just leave it at that.

I was looking forward to Friday because it was our monthly bunco game. It was at Neighbor Sherry’s beautiful home. I had not been there in year…so I drove to the wrong house, parked  in the drive way, and declared to Miss Shannon who was my passenger, “We’re here!”

She said, “Uh Puna? There’s no one here.”

I looked around and realized I was at the house next door. I told you it was along week.

I said, “Oh wait a minute, this is the Other Neighbor Susan’s house.” The Other Neighbor Susan moved away last year and the house was occupied by someone else. So essentially, I was going to make a grand entrance at a total stranger’s home. Righto!

But let us not dicker about who killed who (Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I may be Thai but I know my English comedians.) Lets look at Neighbor Sherry’s home shall we?

It’s gorgeous. No really…it’s gorgeous. This is Neighbor Sherry, standing in her kitchen with her living room visible through the arch behind her. There was splendid display of fall foliage and peacock feathers on her fireplace mantle. I ask, “Where did you get the peacock feathers?”, thinking Target or some other super store.

She said, “I know someone who had a peacock as a pet and would get feathers from her as her peacock shed them.”

Really? People have peacocks as pets in Maryland? Is this the Twilight Zone?

Her foyer was big enough to hold an entire bunco table. Unlike my home where the foyer was big enough to hold my cat.

Her livingroom was so big and so gorgeous. Do you see what she has stenciled on her wall? Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After.

Sigh.

I love her kitchen. Not because of the oak cabinets, her six burner stove, or her functional island. But because it’s warm and friendly. And fits 16 bunco ladies all at one time.

I love this photo of the ladies. It’s so genuine. We like getting outside of our daily lives every once in a while. We are a realtor, a physical therapist, a housewives/world traveler and marathon runner, and a special needs teacher. Believe me, we need to get out.

I have weakness for antiques. I just cannot explain, shake or articulate it. Is it the patina? The unique lines? The history? That’s it, the history. If only furniture can talk. Neighbor Sherry had the most beautiful antiques pieces. She told me that she used to go antiquing all the time. I confessed I did too. Before I decided to procreate. When I had money and a life.

And the first mosaic was of these beautiful Nippon pieces that Neighbor Sherry coveted. And now I covet them too. I’m a sucker for dishes…There was a beautiful old bottle opener that sat at the end of her antique buffet.

Okay, enough. Lets play “What’s With the Goofy Hat?”

I don’t know. What is with the goofy hat?

One more antique…I love this old church pew.

I was standing on it with my heels when I took this photo of Neighbor Yvonne opening up her prize, a beautiful candle holder. I’m a sucker for candles too. I have issues.

Until next month, mes cheries! It’s December…then Christmas…are we ready?

Happy Mosaic Monday.

And…

I am so thankful for my life. As is. Unedited.

Desperate Housewives ~ October Edition 2009

I had been meaning to post photos of our last bunco meeting for a while and just couldn’t find the time to get to it. Every time I would sit down to gather a few thoughts to write this post, life would happen. And then last week, life happened again.

Neighbor Sue is not a permanent member of our bunco group but she is the permanent sub. Whenever anyone can’t make the game, Neighbor Sue would be the first to be called. She plays more than some of the permanent members! Last week, her husband passed away after a long battle with cancer.

You never know why God puts people in your path. You just take advantage of the fellowship when you can you know?

She said to me this week, “You ladies have been such a light to me.”

This post and all of the goofiness that goes on in this group, will be dedicated to you sweetie.

I like to host bunco early in the year so that I can use my porch to play. As it turns out, it never happens that way. Oh well, everyone inside! I made an Asian smorgasbord (is there such a thing?) and some fresh fig chutney, which is not Asian but fun nonetheless. What a sentence huh? English teachers all over are groaning.

Here is someone else who subs when she can. Neighbor Pat however will be leaving for Florida (lucky her) and will not be back until the spring. Safe travels Neighbor Pat.

And another sub still. This is hard-body Tiff. She’s my boss at the gym and someone with whom I don’t like to get my picture taken for fear of comparison…you know what I mean?

This conversation looks very earnest. See the blond lady to the right? That’s Neighbor Hillary, another sub. I just met her that evening. She just became an American citizen this month. I was touched…I love that. I love this country. Then I quizzed her on the Ten Amendments. (Update: the husband wanted me to add that it’s the Bill of Rights, not the Ten Commandments.)

Lots of subs last month…hmmmm, no one wants to come to my house? Everything’s about me:)

And this won’t be the last time I say this…I love my kitchen.

I was busy playing hostess so Neighbor Kaki absconded my camera. She took this photo of me and the dog. It was a bad hair night. Bad hair nights to me means my ears show. I’m very self-conscious about my Obama ears, just like the President. I feel his pain. However, I’m photographed a lot less than he is. I’ve learned to live with my insecurities and he will have to as well.

She took some beautiful photos. Like this one of Neighbor Yvonne. She looks so calm, so sophisticated, so glam. You’d never know that she just ran to my house from a muddy football game. Being a physical therapist will give you the best cut arms in the group. And she’s good too. She worked on my slip disc.

But then there’s this photo. Neighbor Kaki chased after my kitty all night.

I saw this photo of Neighbor Tiff…and thought, oh my, that silly Pampered Chef party invite is in it. If you are a pastor and you are reading this, please know I can’t attend the party. Wonder what I’ll miss?

Why hello Neighbor Jolene. I think Neighbor Kaki’s aim is a little off.

Okay, back to our regular scheduled programming…Neighbor Sue wins again. It’s getting a little annoying.

I thought this was a nice photo of mother and daughter. They are so close, it’s adorable. We’ll miss your mom just as much as you will Neighbor Mary Ann!

And she wins the other Polish Pottery plate. It’s one of my favorites, the heart shaped serving plate.

Oooohhhh…a trivet! Neighbor Beth has on the husband’s tie. Alrighty now.

Neighbor Kay takes the rest of the haul.

It’s all about doing life together. Through the good times and the bad times. Life promises to bring all of us plenty of both. We really are all just a phone call away.

So Neighbor Sue, I’m thinking a lot about you this week. And there’s a crab casserole coming your way for your guests this weekend. I hope you won’t be too lonely without your husband. You know that you are welcome to play with us any time…

Desperate Housewives ~ Edition September 2009

Last weekend was the official kick-off of the Desperate Housewives bunco group.

We were so excited since we hadn’t seen each other since, oh…the weekend before. But no matter it’s time to party again. It’s what we do in suburbia.

We corresponded with each other to iron out the details the previous weeks. “Who’s coming?” “Anyone need a sub?” “I need one, can your friend sub for me?” “Wait, I can come now, I’m freeeeee…”

Finally, we get this email from a stranger named Dean in Florida. Apparently, his email address ended up in the bunco roster somehow. Poor guy.

“Dear Ladies,

As flattered as I am that you’ve included me in your Bunco group I’m sorry to say that I cannot participate. I live in Florida and don’t think I will be able to make any regular trips to your area.

On the outside chance that I’ve been included in your emails be mistake kindly check your address books and rectify the error (this isn’t uncommon, it’s happened before).

Thanks and sorry I can’t make it.

May God bless you all where you need it the most.

Dean G.”

That sent all of us into a stuttering, fluttering tail-spin loop. His note was followed by additional emails containing apologies from Neighbors Beth, Kay and Maureen. He cannot get rid of us!

So Dean, I’m sending you one last email with this link. I want to show you what you missed…and we missed you too.

And it’s not bunco without the delicious food. This is some kind of taco pie thing that Neighbor Maureen made. It was absolutely to die for.

And all these years that I’ve known Neighbor Maureen, I’ve never seen her beautiful backyard. It’s like a golf course.

Neighbor Kaishia lost some weight so she wanted me to take a lot of photos of her and I did. None except this one turned out. It was dark and she moves way too fast. Anyway…I know she won’t like this photo but she really does look good.

Then Neighbor Jolene says, “So what do you think about the health care debate?” eeekkk…I’d rather talk about this…

Before the game I stopped and put this book into Neighbor Janet’s mailbox. It’s a steamy, sexy, story about a medicine woman in the 1600’s who became the mistress of an English lord. It’s not to be read in public if you know what I mean.

Have fun Neighbor Janet.

So Dean G., we apologize for bothering you again. We hope you forgive us,

Love,
the Desperate Housewives Bunco Group

Desperate Housewives ~ May(a) Edition, Bunco & Billiards

This month, the ladies of our great bunco group met for the last time this year. We take the summer off and meet again in the fall. To mark this special event, we invited the men as well. They were to play pool, watch the game, and of course be men – in the basement.

And oh were they ever themselves…we shouldn’t have left them alone and unsupervised.

It started innocently enough with a game of pool.

But because they’re men, they had to start talking about about politics. They were not only talking but they were taking sides, drawing lines in the sand, and basically being men.

And of course there’s the recliner.

There’s Bill. I just love him and the guy behind him too.

Neighbor Sue said (to paraphrase) “We girls, in spite of our political, theological and social differences, have survived as a group for a long time.” I said “That’s because we know what is important.”

That is – neighbors, community, and friends. We know that no matter what our differences are, we can celebrate them. We also know that we cannot solve the world’s problems around the kitchen table – or in this case, the basement – in one night.

Aren’t we pretty in pink? We were upstairs doing this…

And now back to the men.

As my pastor once told me, “You can’t argue people into heaven.” You’re not going to change people’s minds by belittling their beliefs, personally attacking them and yelling as loud as you can.

Maybe they just like to argue with each other, sort of the peacock mentality.

They’re not invited anymore.

Desperate Housewives – March (d) Edition

I was going to eat dinner before I went to bunco but I thought, “It’s at Neighbor Sue’s house.”

Chocolate Mousse with petit fours.

So I literally ate 20 of these instead.

Keylime pie with raspberry torts.

I didn’t have enough room to fit in a piece of cake but trust me, I wanted to.

Amish coconut cake.

And these? Forgetaboutit.

Chocolate truffles. (Neighbor Sue made these)

Oh and the cosmos…

It had vodka in it or did I say that already?

I had to show you the island.

This is THE ISLAND. It’s as big as Kauai. And just as gorgeous.

I’m totally hooked. Totally.

Desperate Housewives – March (b) Edition

I don’t have a lot of pictures of Neighbor Yvonne.

I don’t know why, she lives right across the street.

Maybe it’s because she’s shy.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone.

Desperate Housewives – February(b) Edition

February is almost over so I thought I’d better post this because once March gets here, the February edition is no longer valid. Something like that.

I said I’d show you Neighbor Kaishia’s bedroom. Beautiful isn’t it?

But it’s just too tempting. Neighbor Susan refused to join in and said, “Once is enough. We’re going to get a reputation.”

All I can say to that is this. Too late.

What’s the big deal? We always make the bed later.

We’re coming to your house next.

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