A read a post, Plans and Sabotage , at Laugh with us Blog, and it reminded me of my own flub a while ago: ~~ When Eddie's mom and friend came to visit us a few months ago, we decided to take them to "The Lion King" on Broadway, the essence of a Broadway musical that we knew they'd love. The tickets were expensive, about $150 each, but we all agreed it would be a well worth it, once in a lifetime experience.  The tickets needed to be purchased all at once in order to get seats together, so I bought them a few weeks before their arrival with our credit card. Excited, I printed the tickets and looked them over. That's when I realized...I bought them for the WRONG weekend!!! I think my heart stopped for a second. Broadway tickets are like airline tickets...the prices constantly change and they're practically impossible to return. I immediately called the theatre, but couldn't get ahold of anyone. I called the 800 emergency number on the tickets, and sti...

This is another video from a recent performance at Gizzi's Cafe in NYC. Saint Louis Blues is definitely my favorite boogie-woogie tune to play. It always gets my foot tappin. Thanks Mr. Capps for teaching me that left hand boogie-woogie and walkin bass! (I'll be out for a day or two, but will catch up on all your posts soon!)

My husband Eddie, is quite romantic. He brings me gifts, takes me on dates, and sends me flowers. One day we returned from lunch to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to our doorstep. I picked them up and noticed they were addressed to me! The return address was the flower company, so I assumed they were from Eddie. "Awww!" I mooned over them. But when I looked at Eddie, rather than seeing an adoring expression staring back at me, he looked completely puzzled. "Those aren't from me!" He accused, not so romantically or adoringly. I was just as surprised. I couldn't think of a single person who would send me flowers. It wasn't my birthday or any kind of special occasion. But curiosity, or was it something  else , overtook Eddie. He tore open the cardboard packaging like a ravage beast, searching for any clue of who the flowers could be from.  "It's from that one guy from that one place! I  knew  he had a crush on you!" I rolled m...

I'm expecting company! My sister Erica, and best friend Deb will arrive today. When Erica and I get together, things like this happen: And when Deb and I get together, things like this happen: And when my little sister, best friend, and I are all together in NYC for a week, it makes my husband go like this: But he'll survive. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? ~~~ The wig explanation: Gaga For Erica How Deb and I have stayed best friends for nearly 18 years: Friendiversary A pretty safe bet for the next week: Giggles

Sorting through a box of old photographs, I came across this one... Taken on a disposal camera about 7 years ago during some Army training as a cadet. I recall feeling very homesick, as it was a new experience, and very exhausted. I found a rose (I have no idea where) and kept it alive in my canteen of water for a few days before I was forced to throw it away during a room inspection. A vibrant red rose, bringing beauty to drab olive green.

I watched a little girl on the bus. For her, the ride was a new adventure.  For me, it was a routine inconvenience.  To pass the time, she played with her stuffed animals, a polka dotted kitten and princess bear. I scanned e-mails on my phone as I fought off motion sickness. Her feet hovered above the floor as she sat. She swung her legs back and forth, holding them out in front of her for a moment as she admired her pretty, glittery shoes...the ones that maybe belonged to her Halloween costume, but she convinced her mom to let her wear them out. My feet ached and I longed to kick my heels off throw them into a river. She pointed out the window to the flashing lights up ahead in the road. Exciting, like on TV. I inwardly groaned at the thought of another traffic hold up. She nearly burst with nervous glee when it came time to push the "stop" button. She smiled proudly when it lit up and chimed for all the bus to hear. But it wasn't the correct stop after all.  ...

When my older sister and I were little, our mother would take us on a pretty common outing. First we would go swimming at the YWCA, then she would take us next door to the library where we picked out books and movies. And for a special treat, we would walk across the street and get a bag of rainbow popcorn. That's what these photos remind me of. Eddie took these while he was at work in the park. He saw the trio in the park all day long and even into the night. Enjoy.