Roadstar Wall Of Fame

 

Flashback to our friend Marlaina pointing to Ed's name on the Roadstar Wall of Fame.

The plaque above the list of names says:

This wall is dedicated to the men and women of Landstar who have devoted their lives to setting and maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the transportation industry.

It is through the efforts of these fine people that Landstar continues to provide the safest, highest quality, most innovative transportation solutions in America.

Roadstars, we salute you!

Not only do I salute my husband (not literally), but I am so proud of him.  Not just for achieving the highest award the company we are leased to bestows upon drivers, but proud of him for the daily level of safety he maintains when we are on the road.  

Way to go, Eddie!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: The Stone Quarry
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Little Bitty Lyman
2018: This Little Guy Eats Like A Bird
2017: Vibrant And Vitamin Packed
2016: In The Thicket
2015: Live It
2014: Blizzard To The East, Clear Skies To The West
2013: The Discriminating House Hunter
2012: Oh, Sweet Cream Cheesus
2011: Pit Stop
2010: Sorry, no post for this day.
2009: A Peek Behind The Sacred Pantry Door
2008: Thistle Or Thatle
2007: Big, Rich, And Free
2006: Look, Honey! A Grist Mill.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

My Mother's Hand

This is my mother's hand.  82 years old.  Lifelong nail-biter.  Gardener.  Watercolor artist.  Diaper changer.  Crocheter.  Master coloring book colorer.  Home cook.  Christmas cookie maker.  Wielder of a wooden spoon.  These hands, this hand, have done a LOT.

What I love about this photo is the way she has the blanket woven between her fingers.  She's been doing this since she was a kid.  When she's sleeping, sitting in her recliner with the silky blanket the cats love, or on a road trip with a lap blanket.  She's always done this and still does.  She likes to rub the fabric between her fingers - bonus points if it's silky, or soft and fuzzy.

For as long as she lives and for a lifetime after, I will always remember her doing this with her hand.  

Next time I see her, I'm going to make sure to hold that hand and remember all the things it has done.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: I Drew A Forest
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Circling The Mosque
2018: Shopping For A New Career
2017: Just The Facts
2016: Blue And Crabby
2015: Drive Less, Make More
2014: While You Were Sleeping
2013: Between Brattleboro And Bennington
2012: Man At Work
2011: Under A Rock
2010: Practicing For Retirement
2009: Truckers Are So Sensitive
2008: Light Sweet Crude
2007: A Antiquing Conundrum
2006: How Can You Not Love This Face?
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Sharp Dressed Man

We're heading to a wedding this weekend and Ed went shopping at Dillard's for a new sport coat and two new ties. He was on his own and with the help of the salesman, made some beautiful choices.  The ties are Italian silk!

I, on the other hand, will be wearing my standby Kiyonna black crepe jumpsuit that I've worn to two past weddings and a work event.  And since it'll be cold in Dallas I'll be able to wear my cape with the faux fur collar!  

Ed looks great in everything he puts on but he's especially handsome in a suit.  I'm looking forward to walking into this event on his arm and celebrating the new life his cousin and her fiancé are embarking on.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: A Gateway To Chinese Canadians
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Public Works
2018: Sometimes It's Not Just A Cough
2017: The De Facto Logo Of Brooklyn
2016: There Is Poetry In Change
2015: Ski Or Sun? Sun Won.
2014: All The Better To Cook With, My Dear
2013: I Fancy The Castle Life
2012: There Are No Prison Blues If You Have Naan
2011: Now I’m No Longer Alone
2010: Rings Of Spring
2009: Map Schmap
2008: A Willow Weeps In Arizona
2007: Double Team
2006: Turning One Million
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Cousins Are Forever

 

My cousin Deana was a little beauty.  She looked like a doll.  Porcelain skin, giant brown eyes, glossy cascading hair.  She is 11 months younger than me and one month younger than my brother.

At this point, we were the only girl cousins in the family.  The next girl cousin is 21 years younger than me and came along 15 years after this photo was taken.  She just got married last November.

I was the family's first grandchild and granddaughter, so I reigned for almost a whole year before the next two grandchildren came along within a month of each other. 

Today, I'm happy to say that I have a relationship with both of them and I treasure it.  I have a lot of memories that I hold on to and keeping in contact with them, even if it's sporadic, is important to me. 

Life is definitely better with cousins.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: Surf's Up!
2023: Getting The Lay Of The Land
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Iron Wildcat
2018: The Early Bird And All That
2017: The Early Bird Gets The Education
2016: Love On 4th
2015: Distorted Delicious Beauties
2014: The Cockroach Cowboy
2013: Slap 'Em Right Up Here, Ma'am
2012: A Documentary In My Head
2011: Weeding Out The Assholes
2010: Does It Fall Under Some Kind Of Secret Guy Code?
2009: Over 140 Million Years In The Making
2008: If “G” Means Good, Then “I” Must Mean Incompetent
2007: Ft. Lauderdale Storm
2006: You Don’t Need Makeup Or Starbucks
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

This Is How You Make It To 80

After finding the debris left by the pack rats, I was reminded of all the work my stepfather did on our property to get rid of the majority of the prickly pear cactus, which is one of their main food sources and also where like like to hide and build their nests.

At 80 years old he was out in the yard almost daily, using a giant machete to cut down the prickly pear cactus and then hauling the pieces to the garbage can. He cleared almost a half-acre of cactus.

This photo was taken on one of his "work" days.  80 years old and pushing a wheelchair around an acre of property.  I don't even like to walk to the mailbox!  I might have to put this photo on my refrigerator to inspire me to do what it takes to get to 80!  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: A Spectacular Spiral To The Sky
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: See You On The Flip Side
2018: Let Your Love Light The Sky
2017: Step One, Neutralize
2016: Penetrating Gaze
2015: Worst Trucking Day Ever
2014: Books Are So Much More Interesting Than Guns
2013: Contemplating Broccoli Cheddar
2012: I’m Totally Contemplating Thievery
2011: Some People Are Just Fucking Nuts
2010: 7am In Beantown
2009: Eddie Taking A Moment To Enjoy Nature Friday
2008: Pull Up A Chair
2007: Brad Blows
2006: Expressly American
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

The Front Stoop

My aunt went through old pictures this week and sent me this one of my brother and I with our grandparents, sitting on their front stoop in the Bronx.

Their house smelled like cigarette smoke and my grandmother's perfume.  I was twelve in this photo, my brother was eleven.  And I remember that one-piece romper I was wearing like it was yesterday.

I miss these days.  And I hope my memory of them doesn't fade too soon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2024: The End Of The Road
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Slovakian Scenes
2018: New Jersey Wonderland
2017: A Resting View
2016: Harmoniously Incorporated
2015: Buy Sandwiches
2014: A Room With A View
2013: Is The Coast Clear Yet?
2012: Why So Angry, Birds?
2011: One Hand In The Air For The Empire State
2010: Hitching A Ride From The Frying Pan Into The Fire
2009: Don’t Look At Me Like That. No, Really. Don’t. You’re Making Me Melt.
2008: A Mid-Winter Pick Me Up
2007: I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You
2006: How To Get Rid Of Your Girlfriend
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Nana In Wonderland

 

This is my mother's house (currently our house) in 2005.  My nephews were little - 2, 5, and 7 years old.  You can see the two older ones playing in the yard in the background.  

My mother went all-out with her decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas.  And she bought three of everything so each boy would have the same thing - three snowman ornaments, three Santa hats, three Christmas-themed cereal bowls, three angel figurines.  You get it.

I haven't quite adorned the porch outside like this but it's very inspiring for next year.  I think the greenery helps.  I'm going to have to get planting!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: An Enchanting Labyrinth
2017: Hot Monkey Sex
2016: Early Warning
2015: Palm Trees And Ocean
2014: Good Morning, Newport
2013: One Very Happy Sloth
2012: Overnight In Ohio
2011: If It Ain’t Sweet, It Ain’t Southern Made
2010: Portland Bound
2009: Dear Blog Santa 
2008: The Trees Help Guide The Way
2007: Just In Time For The Holidays
2006: Eddie Leans On A Barrio Door Friday
2005: Glowing Reminders

Handmade Memories

This is an ornament my Aunt Ronni made in 1989.  

Aunt Ronni was one of the most creative people in our family.  She made everyone a special ornament each year.  Everyone was excited to get one of her pieces.  I have saved most of mine.  There were tiny angels, clear blown-glass balls decorated with ribbons and encrusted with gems, and hand-crocheted delicate crosses.  Always beautiful, always so special.

I have a box of all my childhood ornaments that one day will grace the third tree in my house.  Maybe next year.  I'm sure several of Aunt Ronni's creations will be among the memories.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Inviting
2017: George In Situ
2016: Purgatory
2015: Happy Little Machinery
2014: Yo, Brooklyn!
2013: ALL Weather Is Tarping Weather Now
2012: 132" Of Christmas
2011: Breakdown = Extra Nap Time
2010: Dr. Lettera Said The Very Same Thing, She Just Wasn’t Qualified To Write The Prescription
2009: The First Snow I’ve Seen This Season
2008: Not That There’s Any Reason To Park Here
2007: A Game You Wouldn’t Want To Play If You Were Say, IN The Witness Protection Program
2006: Companionship Is Just A Phone Call Away. Beauty Is Another Story.
2005: Who Stole My Cheese?

Missing Them

I've been talking about my grandparents a lot lately and then I came across this photo on my phone of my maternal grandparents sitting on their porch in the Bronx.

Could this be any more vintage?  Look at my Poppy's socks.  And his guinea tee  And my Nanny's little housedress.  And her glasses.  With the chain. 

Boy, I miss both of them so much!  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2018:  My Feet Are Getting Itchy, Too
2017:  Of Course
2016:  This Butt Is No Joke
2015:  A Day Of Amusement On The Lake
2014:  法拉盛華埠
2013:  The Pumpkin Master
2012:  Prime Viewing
2011:  Still Flowering
2010:  Wishing I Could Trade My Feet For Wheels
2009:  And The Winner Is…
2008:  Palm In The Dirty South
2007:  Ed Makes Out With Fair Fluff Friday
2006:  Blue Light Special
2005:  Blue Collar

A Corner Of Marche

 

This is a little lane in Fossombrone, Italy. We were here in 2010 to visit members of my step-cousin's side of the family, and I hope to return to this beautiful, unexplored region someday.  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2018:  When Does The Next Ocean Liner Leave?
2017:  Young And Jazzy
2016:  The Happy Cyclist
2015:  Walkin' In The Rain With The One I Love
2014:  Where The Cranberry Is King
2013:  How To Lower Your Blood Pressure While Raising Another's
2012:  I Made It Because I Like The Word Schnitzel
2011:  I May Be Old, But I’m Not That Old
2010:  Today’s The Day!!
2009:  Ed Getting Jiggy Among The Sunflowers
2008:  The Bridge To Everywhere
2007:  Scared Into Anorexia
2006:  A Good Hot Cup Is Desperately Needed
2005:  Am I The Only One Who Noticed This??

Saying Goodbye To The City Of Brotherly Love

So long, Philly!  See you again soon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2018:  Football Season In Minnesota
2017:  Ideas Blooming
2016:  Blushing Rain Clouds
2015:  Last Night Was Super!
2014:  Sloths Are The New Kittens
2013:  In The Shadow Of Mount Olympus
2012:  Toni And Her Sisters
2011:  Paper Boy…And Girl
2010:  Breakfast Of Champions (And Truck Drivers)
2009:  Vegetarianism Brings On Extinction
2008:  It’s Beauty Is Just The Beginning
2007:  Eddie Relaxes In Style Friday
2006:  How To Tell Your Parents You Don’t Have A Roommate
2005:  You Just Know When You’ve Met “The One”

The Hawk Will Never Die

We went to Philadelphia a week and a half ago to attend my cousin's wedding.  You've already seen some photos of Philly from our trip.  We had a great time.

We stayed at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, which is right downtown, and a block from the Wanamaker Building where the reception was held.

The Crystal Tea Room was a beautiful venue and Finley Catering did a fabulous job with the food. 

This wedding was one of the finest events Ed and I have ever been to.  The cocktail hour food was amaaaazing - Seafood (shrimp cocktail, crab legs, lobster tails), Mexican (tacos, beans, tortilla chips, salsa), Italian (ravioli, mozzarella sticks, tortellini, assorted meats and cheeses, bread), Meditteranean (hummus, grilled vegetables, olives, roasted red peppers, button mushrooms), in addition to the canapés being served by the wait staff.  And, an open bar.  It's not a big deal for us since we don't drink, but man, that's something else considering it extended all through the reception, too.

The meal was also very good.  Ed had the eggplant parmigiana and I had the filet mignon.  The seafood option was crabcakes.  Delicious dinner served by the professional and attentive waitstaff.  

They had a band that played all night - much too loud for me (considering I'm deaf these days!) but several good singers and lots of well-known songs, new and old.  

After the cake was cut, we asked about getting some because it wasn't automatically served at our table.  While the server poured coffee, he directed us to not a Viennese dessert table, but a Viennese dessert room.  That's right.  A room full of treats!  Wedding cake, cream puffs, pastries, puddings, hot beverages, and liqueurs served in chocolate shot glasses.  Holy cannoli!

I have never seen such a display at a wedding.  Maybe I'm not attending the right kinds of weddings but in all the years I've had to go to various events, even ones that were considered "nicer" than others, this one takes the cake.  I couldn't have been more impressed.

Although, wait...

I'm not sure this impresses me because I'm not much of a sports fan, but it's certainly something I've never seen at a wedding - the Saint Joseph's University Hawk!  Yes, there was a hawk on the dance floor.  Cutting a serious rug!  And no, I didn't get a picture because it was kinda impossible...

As if the wedding events at this point weren't impressive enough, there was an afterparty.  We didn't attend because we were kinda pooped at that point and since it was being held at the pub affiliated with the wedding venue, we figured it would be a lot of drinking and probably, mostly the young people.  But...my cousin told me they were serving Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.  What?!  Yes, more food!  I should have gone just for the cheesesteak.

The next morning, the day we were set to leave, they hosted a brunch at the hotel.  That, too, was delicious.  So we joined everyone for breakfast and then headed back to the room to get ready to check out of the hotel.  Since we had an evening flight, we did a little sightseeing in the afternoon and then had lunch at a delicious stir-fry place we found close to the hotel.

Overall, we had a fantastic weekend and we are so glad we decided to attend.  I am thrilled that we were able to make this happen and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the near future.

Best wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs.!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2022:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2021:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2020:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2019:  Sorry, no post on this day.
2018:  Morning At MOA
2017:  Ed And The Goddess Of Agave
2016:  Toys At The Continental Divide
2015:  Where Indiana 558 Ends
2014:  Steeler Nation Night Life
2013:  The City Of Dreams Is A Dreamy City
2012:  Five Fantastic Finds
2011:  Hand Dipping Tastes Better
2010:  The Skies Were So Dark, Even GE Couldn’t Brighten Things Up
2009:  Not So Deep Impact
2008:  My America. Your America. OUR America.
2007:  Frozen In Time
2006:  Ohhh, Paaablo
2005:  Apparently, Aliens Tell Time With Their Ass

The Climb To Fifty-Six

Happy Birthday to my brother, the cutest tree climber there ever was! 

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous year!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Born In MCMLXVIII
2017: A Big Delivery
2016: Killing Two Birthday Birds With One Stone
2015: The Greatest Spectacle In Racing
2014: Fall Babies
2013: We Are Family! I Got My Brother And Me!
2012: The Highlight Of My Life
2011: Dream Big. Live Bigger.
2010: Always Merry When Around My Brother
2009: Living Outside The Touch Of Time
2008: Girls And Their Boys
2007: Living History
2006: Company On The Prairie
2005: Rack Eyes

The Smell Of Wood Evokes A Memory

Today would have been my grandfather's 108th birthday had he lived this long.  Here's a little story to honor him in a small way.

My mother is known for making unintended gaffs, like the time she told the guy who was installing shelves at her house that she "used to really like to screw" as he was using the electric screwdriver to put in the shelving hardware. 

She also says funny or outrageous things in general, like thinking, "the blind are doing so many things these days," when she saw the Braille keypad on the drive-up ATM machine or stereotyping an entire neighborhood because she just didn't understand what I was saying.

This sign was made by my brother, on a scrap piece of wood he was using to put up shelves in her garage.  She commented that the smell of the wood reminded her of Poppy, our maternal grandfather, who was a self-taught handyman and all around Mr. Fix It.

I wasn't there the day this conversation took place but I can hear her voice saying this and I can see my brother's reaction - a small chuckle and a gentle eye-roll.

And then he made her a plaque to commemorate the moment. 

Classic.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Love In A Slot Canyon
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Between The Swell
2017: Don't Monkey With The Meat
2016: The Image Character Of Poop
2015: Buckeye Affluence
2014: Snaking Through Idaho
2013: Fun Funky Freaky Friday The 13th
2012: Scooting Around Town
2011: Eureka! Sand For The Golden State
2010: Eddie Lounging In Black And White
2009: Not Quick Enough For A Sunset
2008: We’ve Got Onions, Cream Cheese, And Choppers!
2007: Just Steps Away From The River
2006: The Anything But Itty Bitty Co-Op City
2005: What The Hell Are You Looking At? 

One Of The Boys

 

A throwback to one of my nephews riding his dirt bike on the desert track my brother built on his property.  Can't quite make out which one it is with the helmet and all the gear on!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: A Little Bit Of Emotion
2017: Rainy Arezzo
2016: Snippet Of Texas
2015: Half The Size, Twice The Violence!
2014: Wildly Fierce Candy Cactus
2013: How I Spent The Day
2012: From Farm To Table
2011: Ups And Downs
2010: Three Men, Two Generations, One Passion
2009: Miss Tooth Reigns Supreme
2008: And This Is Why She Will Always Be A Maid At A Hotel
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: Family Reunion Rules
2005: Chillin’ In Anchorage

Two Generations Of Hands

 

This photo was taken about eight years ago.  The top hand is my mother's, the bottom one is mine. She is 25 years older than me.

I noticed three things in this photo.

1.  I think I like an oval-shaped nail better than my lifelong square nails.

2.  This was before my pinky and ring finger got all jacked up with arthritis.  My fingers started to noticeably change after I turned fifty.

3.  I have an idea of what my 75-year-old hands might look like.

And at 82, my mother's hands are still working so that's a good thing, too. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Exploring The American Southwest
2017: Celebrate Like A Cat
2016: Cargnegiea Gigantea
2015: Celebrating Labor Day By Not Laboring
2014: A Taco Garage Worth Pulling Into
2013: Who?
2012: You Can’t Ask For A More Convenient Setup
2011: The Thoughts In My Mind About This Guy, Are Criminal
2010: The Queen Of High Society
2009: An Icy Glare For The Heat Miser
2008: Jazz Funeral On Decatur
2007: Keeping The Homeland Secure One Dog At A Time
2006: Reputation Is Everything
2005: ”_________________”