An unexpected pleasure....

On Monday morning, while diligently working in my office, the Englishman popped in and asked if I would like to go to lunch. My "to do" list that day was miles long, but I didn't hesitate to say yes. Because I have finally learned that spending time with my loved ones is the better choice. That if I don't wash the floor today or rake the leaves, those those things will eventually get done. And if they don't, that's ok too.

When I enquired where we were lunching, the Englishman got a huge grin on his face and said he had found a new Indian restaurant nearby. The Englishman loves a hot curry with the same fervor I feel for chocolate.

When we first entered The Brick Lane Curry House, we were feeling a little skeptical. There was an overwhelming smell of ammonia, as they were still mopping the floor. We quickly noted we were the only patrons. The Englishman suggested we go somewhere else but I was hopeful that it would all turn out well. Actually, it far exceeded our expectations!

When I was growing up, the only curry I had was when my mother made curried shrimp. Which was a simple white sauce with added curry powder. The Englishman has vastly broadened my culinary experiences since we met. I have become more adventurous, but do draw the line when it comes to hot sauces that cause me to gasp for air or have tears running down my face.

So I ordered the mild chicken tika masala, while he had a vindaloo sauce. Our meal was fabulous! We had the lunchtime special which included our main dish, rice, naan bread, two side dishes and dessert. All for ten dollars each! The service was also excellent. The waiter said they have only been opened for two weeks, but hope that word will spread. I assured him I would do my part. Later research found they are a chain, also located in several spots in Manhattan and Montclair, as well as the new location we went to in Ridgewood.

Now I know this post is getting longer, but I cannot fail to mention the rest of our outing. The Englishman and I strolled hand and hand down the main street of the town. We popped in a toy shop and made a purchase for Baby C's Christmas gift. And then ,we saw it. The cupcake shop I've been longing to patronise since sampling a bite of heaven at daughter #2's house. As I went to open the door, the Englishman said, "Oh shame. They're closed on Monday's". Fortunately I immediately detected that "That English sense of humor" and walked right in. The vision of cupcakes before me was overwhelming! But I zeroed right in on the chocolate mousse ones. After selecting additional cupcakes for family and paying for my purchases, I pointed out to the Englishman which cake would be appropriate for my birthday. Which doesn't roll around for several months. But I want him to be prepared with the proper information. I know he would hate to disappoint me!

Oh, right. I believe it's called The Cupcake Carousel. I just know it's the one next to the movie theatre. About a fifteen minute drive. Maybe ten, without traffic and exceeding the speed limit. Depends how desperate I am.

Happy Birthday, M !

Today my darling granddaughter, M, turns 3!  Where has the time gone?  As her mother says, she is a proper little girl now - no longer a struggling toddler.  And the joy and love I feel in my heart for her grows along with her!

I remember the day she was born.  As my daughter placed her in my arms, I gazed down at her and thought, "She looks so familiar.  And I didn't have to do anything!"  No pregnancy, no morning sickness, no childbirth.  And here was this tiny creature, who so resembled her mother and two aunts.  And all I had to do was hold her and love her.

So Happy Birthday, Little Miss - as your English Grandad calls you.  Thank you for bringing pure, absolute joy into my life.  You are truly a gift!

Before and after.....

As it happens, I can show you a "before"  dining room picture with a photo of our Thanksgiving table as it was coming together.

When we bought this house, one half of the first floor had been converted into small offices for a chiropractor.  After much work, we were able to restore the back entrance, the dining room, and a small office for me.  The pictures below show one corner area in the dining room that we worked on.

Thanksgiving dinner with our family was wonderful!  The Englishman cooked a fantastic meal (yes, I am that lucky -  he cooks!)  We celebrated the engagement of daughter #3, shared many laughs and cuddles with our granddaughters.  Our blessings are far too numerous to count!

I hope that everyone enjoyed the day and that gratitude still fills your heart!

We are happy to announce.....

The Englishman and I are thrilled to announce the engagement of daughter #3 to the love of her life!

They are perfect for each other!

And most importantly, this girl has given her blessing:

Details are yet to be decided.  The happy couple is still grinning from ear to ear.  Will pin them down in the nearby future for plans.

Thursday's thought for the day....

Just found this on someone's blog.  This is so true for me.  When my desk becomes covered with a blanket of papers, magazines and notes, I see it as a sign that I am slowly losing control over my surroundings.  And my life.  I know, despite many a struggle with it, that in reality there is so little that is actually in my control.  But my house and belongings are.  So last night I did a thorough sweep of my desk and can now see the surface.  Sometimes that's all it takes to turn things around and bring even a smidgen of calm to my soul.

Next? The kitchen.  With Thanksgiving looming, best to gain some control over that too.

Here we go again.....

They're back!  Yes, the Basset Brigade has reunited and are in my charge for the week while the Englishman and daughter #1 are away on business.

Now, I would like to say that this is how we look as we walk down the road:

But alas, this morning, while attempting to "walk" the two most energetic of the group, we actually looked more like this:

You can't believe the strength inside these stubby legged dogs!  It took everything I had to keep from flying down the sidewalk and into the construction site at the bottom of the hill.  Good thing I didn't have on roller skates!

And now it is raining.  Pouring with rain.  So fingers crossed that all the pent up energy has been dispelled and we can get through till bedtime.  Six and a half hours from now.  Yes. Yes, I am counting......

But in truth, look at these faces.  How could I possibly ever get upset with them?  They are all so sweet, eager to please and simply wanting to be loved.  So I've decided it's ok if we don't accomplish anything today.  Some days are for just being with "my boys" and counting my blessings.  (Besides, I did get my "Grandmom" fix earlier this morning with snuggles with my granddaughters.  So, "I'm good" as they say.)

Dudley

Bentley

Barney

Oliver

*Dudley and Bentley are the loves of the Englishman and I

*Barney and Oliver live with their Mommy, daughter #1

Tip for a Tuesday....

Just a note....

When I was in grammar school, my mother would pack me a special lunch on my birthday.  She would put in a birthday napkin and a note reminiscing about the day I was born.  It always made me feel so special.  When I became a mother, I decided to take that one step further.

Starting as young as pre-school, I would tuck notes in the girls backpacks.  If they weren't reading yet, I would write their name and draw a picture.  As they grew, I might wish them good luck on a test or presentation, or simply say "I love you".

But notes aren't just for kids.  The Englishman has been off on many business trips over the years.  I try to make sure to sneak a note into his suitcase or briefcase after he packs. (In fact, I stashed one in his bag this morning just before he left for the airport.)  When our girls were little, they would join in with their own special notes to Daddy.

Today's technology offers us numerous ways to be in touch, instantaneously.  But I still think there is something special about finding a hand-written note, with a reminder that someone is thinking about us and loves us.  Don't you agree?