Wednesday, December 28, 2005
It's official.......the last of the chicks have left the nest! The last hugs have been given and Christmas 2005 is officially closed and in the picture books.

The last hugs are always the sweetest....

The last hugs are promises of future hello's.

The last hugs are reminders of shared memories.

The last hugs are the brain's picture taking mechanism in four dimensions......sight, sound, smell, and physical touch.

The last hugs are salty reminders of time too quickly past.

The last hugs are the heart's longings to hold on "just a bit longer" and empty arms prolonging the last goodbye.

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 11:42 PM | 1 comments
Is it ever right to be too right? You know, is it ever politically, morally or spiritually correct to tell someone who is already frustrated and irritated that if they had only listen to you in the first place they would not be in their present circumstances?

Years ago I remember reading about a curse the Greek gods placed on a man that he would always know what was going to happen in the future. The curse.....No one would believe him!

Some times I think that my mister has been cursed with the same affliction. He invariably knows the right way, the right timing, the right road, the right answer, the right course, the right equipment, the right tools etc.

However, he fails to factor in the human element...... emotions, lack of motivation, unforeseen circumstances, mechanical failures, procrastination and airplanes being over booked.

This was the situation this afternoon when we drove two hours to Richmond to get my Canadians on a plane bound for the frozen north land. We left in plenty of time despite having to turn around once for a forgotten pillow and blanket. We had a lovely meal and even did the some shopping.......Thus the problem.

You can't always make the line at the check out counter go faster. By the time we got to the airport a wild dash ensued to the ticket counter to get bags aboard. That's when it turned ugly.

There was only one counter person with 6 disgruntled consumers with lost luggage from a previous flight, the current flight was over-booked and they were not letting any one else check their baggage.

It was a very intense scene with lots of emotions and no satisfaction to my travelers. Oldest daughter in tears, having to pay extra to ensure they have tickets for tomorrow's flight leaving at the same time, lost wages from not being able to go to work, his parents inconvenienced as they were to pick them up at the airport, another two hour trip back home and the road trip continues tomorrow to get them back to the airport.

The mister taking all this in......begins venting that he knew this was going to happen, that's why he didn't want to leave later than.....how he hates to be late......why he always allows extra time especially at the airport.....and especially during a holiday! (I'm sure there was more to follow, but no one heard , especially me, as Mount Saint Lazy Daisy erupted.)

I have always been told that everyone carries two buckets with them.....one filled with water, one filled with gasoline. Whenever a fire breaks out we have the choice of which bucket we will throw on the fire......water, or gasoline!

The fire is already blazing......My child already feels bad enough about the whole situation. Is telling her how she messed up really the right time for a teaching opportunity?

I have learned many things from doing things badly. Failure has taught me to change certain habits. I remember harsh words said to me in anger, and frustration.......words that still haunt me even as an adult......words that were never quite erased from the "tape that starts playing in my head whenever things go wrong."

To the Mister's credit......Kindness won out! My child knows that we love them enough to be inconvenienced. (That Family does come first.....that even though the skies may not be so friendly they will always have a soft landing place in us.)

Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 1:13 AM | 6 comments
How's this for some good looking kids?

This is my favorite picture. I had my darling daughter (grrrl #1.) make a screen saver out of this picture.

They're so cute I'd claim them even if they weren't mine.

From Left to Right : Boy Wonder (aka "The Heir Apparent), new son-in-law (aka "The Cute Canadian) , grrrl #1 (grrrlmeetsworld), Texas T (baby girl's hubby) and baby girl.

Three are in New York, the other two in Canada....mom and dad in Virginia. Thank goodness for cell phones and emails.

Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 12:34 AM | 2 comments
Monday, December 26, 2005

My bro and I at Rockefeller Center
Originally uploaded by becky b..

Very RARE PICTURE.....Andy and Becky together....2 years in the making! What a great picture of both of them.

Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 11:26 PM | 3 comments
Here we are at the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. Since I missed the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center my family took pity on me and took me to see lots of trees, flowers, gingerbread houses, and even a holiday train with different buildings of New York made with all natural items and to scale.

This is the original 5.....Baby girl, My Mister, Lazy Daisy , boy wonder and big sister. This is the first time we have all been together in 2 years!

Boy Wonder was a great tour guide of Manhattan for big sis and hubby and they had a whirlwind adventure Friday. They went to the Moma and saw great art, Central Park, Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center, China Town, A Buddhist Temple, Strawberry Fields, the display windows of the huge department stores, a tour of Brooklyn and Boy Wonder's apartment as well as a tour of his work place in Chelsea.

Saturday after our tour of the Botanical Gardens we all went to eat at a very nice Mexican restaurant and visited baby sister's favorite places including Trader Joe's (wha a great place to get hard to find grocery items!)

Saturday evening we met Meghan (Boy Wonder's girlfriend) and went to Christmas Eve services. We also had a "Chinese Auction" with gag gifts that we all participated in. The best gift (or the one fought over the most) was a Santa hat with braids!

It was a really nice day and the weather was great for all our outdoor activities.

We really had a great time just being together.

Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 9:48 PM | 4 comments
Saturday, December 24, 2005
We made it to the Big Apple. Here we are minus Tim (who took the picture) on Time Square.

Note my mister with his "don't mess with me bodyguard" face!

Boy Wonder on the far left, grrrl #1 with hubby, baby grrrl, me, and the mister.

My time in the city was short. We did see Grand Central Station, Times Square,and the huge Toys R Us store (packed with shoppers!)

Shortly after this picture was taken we went back to Tuckahoe and I spent the day in the ER with a mysterious episode of weakness, and almost passing out that we could not find a reason for. All test came back alright which was a blessing, but it surly took the wind out of my sails.

I'm feeling much better now. If nothing else a little more thankful to be spending time with my family this Christmas. Life is short, cherish those you love while you can.

Labels: ,

Posted by becky at 8:53 AM | 5 comments
Thursday, December 22, 2005

Thirteen Things about Lazy Daisy
13 Things I Hate About Christmas
  1. I hate Christmas cards that have the name printed in them and no message or just signed with no message.( why bother?)
  2. I hate long, Chritmas wish lists.....whose birthday is it anyway?
  3. I hate that Christmas decorations go up earlier and earlier every year.....maybe next year they will go up after the 4th of July!
  4. I hate pop boy bands singing Christmas classics just to sell a few more albums, or silly Christmas songs like "Grandma got run over by a Reindeer "or the "barking dogs."
  5. I hate exchanging gifts out of obligation to people I don't even really like or know.
  6. I hate the commericalization of Christmas.
  7. I hate the debate about the politically correctness of wishing some one Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or Seasons Greetings.
  8. I hate that there is no Salvation Army Bell Ringers in front of some department stores anymore.
  9. I hate that there are few "magical Chrsitmas store window displays" any more.
  10. I hate that there is a mass transit strike in New York City that will mar our holiday plans with the family as well as cripple the city.
  11. I hate that there are political factions working at removing "Nativity Scenes from public buildings, and parks.
  12. I hate that so many people are alone on Christmas.
  13. I hate that our military families will be without love ones this Christmas.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 1:38 PM | 5 comments
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The last few days have been really hectic here. We have been doing last minute baking, laundry, and packing as we head out for New York City tomorrow for the holidays.

Needless to say preparing dinner sometimes get pushed to the back of the list. Yesterday was one of those days so we decided to make it a "Chinese Night".

After the meal we turned to the fortune cookie for some light entertainment. The fortunes are very "generic" in order to appeal to a larger audience.

We began to read them out loud to each other......each was met with hilarious laughter by my daughter and son-in-law.

Fearing I had missed the obvious joke....I looked over at the mister who was looking at me with a questioning look. Okay, neither one of us "got it", now what? That's when I was informed of a new way to read the fortune. You simply add just three words to the end of the fortune. The three words are: " In the bedroom."

So here are some samples of last night's fortunes:

"Everything I do, I do to make my heart sing.....in the bedroom."

" Every important call is a close call.....in the bedroom."

"If you wait too long for the perfect moment, the perfect moment will pass you by...in the bedroom.

Next time you have a fortune cookie try it.....bet it will make you smile!

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 7:57 PM | 6 comments
Monday, December 19, 2005
Can you believe it? I am usually Cheerful so that fits.....Sugar Socks! My sister Bev always sends me seasonal socks. My Christmas socks usually have Santa or Snowmen on them. I am a sock wearer and I have been baking lately......so I guess it fits. Think I'll stick with Lazy Daisy.
Christmas Elf Name

My Christmas Elf Name is
Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 10:59 PM | 4 comments
This is a Christmas Quiz that the mister emailed me: How many can you figure out?

A customer left this in the print shop. at the top it says:
"Each of these will translate into a common Xmas saying or song" .

I'll post answers once I figure them out!

1. Move thither ward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief.
2. Listen, the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds.
3. Nocturnal timespan of unbroken quietness.
4. An emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good given to the terrestrial sphere.
5. Embellish the interior passageways.
6. Twelve o'clock on a clement night witnessed its arrival.
7. The Christmas preceding all others.
8. Small municipality in Judea southwest of Jerusalem.
9. Diminutive masculine master of skin-covered percussionistic cylinder.
10. Omnipotent supreme being who elicits respite to ecstatic distinguished males.
11. Tranquility upon the terrestrial sphere.
12. Expectations of arrival to populated area by mythical, masculine perennial gift-giver.
13. Natal celebration devoid of color.
14. In awe of the nocturnal time span characterized by religiosity.
15. Geographic state of fantasy during the season of mother nature's dormancy.
16. The first person plural of a triumvirate of far eastern heads of state.
17. Tintinnabulation of vaccillating pendulums in inverted metallic resonant cups.
18. In a distant location the existence of an improvised unit of newborn children's slumber furniture.
19. Proceed forth declaring upon a specific geological alpine formation.
20. Jovial yuletide desired for the second person singular or plural by us.
«-»«-»«-»«-»«-»
Example: #1. O Come All Ye Faithful

We ( me, and my brilliant daughter ) figured them out (we think!)

How many did you get....Post your answers! I'll post mine later!

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 11:47 AM | 6 comments
Sunday, December 18, 2005

I recently read an article about "Famous Food". No, I'm not talking about Famous Amos Cookies.....or any other particular brand name of food that people would easily recognize.

I'm talking about "my world famous Lasagna" or my "World Famous Apple Cake". (I should note....only famous in my world.) My recipes were handed down from other world famous cooks.....again, only famous in my world, such as my mom, sister, or even ripped out of a magazine.

What makes these "favorite" recipes famous. Just the fact that this is a meal that my family loved enough to want me to make for them again.....it becomes a tradition, a standard, a refuge, a source of anticipation and comfort. The simple dinner or dessert I made announced that everything was okay with the world....at least for one more night.

Over the years we start to associate different holidays with different foods. Christmas definitely has it's own food. So maybe the Pillsbury Dough boy had it right all along, ...." nothing says lovin....like something from the oven!"

As Paula Dean would say, "Merry Christmas and "best dishes!"

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 9:47 PM | 2 comments
The following was stolen off her site:


I Wonder...

If Mary ever said, "Jesus, close the door! What, were you born in a ba.... never mind."

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 2:41 PM | 7 comments
Saturday, December 17, 2005

ah, do you smell the cookies baking?

Today is cookie day. We are making everyone's favorite cookies ( and yes, that means many varieties) to take with us for our Christmas in New York Holiday. Isn't it remarkable the things you do for your kids that you wouldn't do for yourself?

I think I'm becoming my mother! Mom has been a widow for over 20 years now but she never comes or goes anywhere without bringing an array of food with her. ( Usually all our favorite comfort foods!) We always tease her and ask her if she thought we couldn't feed her!

Anyway, I'm now the one who wouldn't think of seeing "the kids" without bringing food with me or making a food run to the grocery store when we arrive. I assume one day when they have children I will pass the baton on to them as "the designated soup carrier."

But for today, I'm enjoying having my grown daughter be a little girl again, making cut out cookies, licking the bowl and being nostalgic .

I look forward to being together with all the family in just a few days...so for me the"magic" of Christmas has already begun.

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 8:10 AM | 6 comments
Friday, December 16, 2005
Just finished the parade route for the FFMB. It was an interesting tour starting in California and ending in Texas....guess that's why my feet are hurting tonight.

It's and interesting group with a wild variety of instruments...everything from a kazoo to a rolling piano! I don't know if we make beautiful music together but at least we let people know that they are being read and appreciated for their diversities.

The Friends of the Friendless Marching Band leave comments on the blog sites of bloggers who get little traffic or very few comments. It's nice to know you are not alone out in the blogsphere and some one has taken the time to write an encouraging note.


On another note: (music....notes...oh never mind)

My joy is over flowing tonight as we have my "Canadian Cuties" visiting for Christmas. We picked them up from the airport tonight and I have them for the next 10 days!

We are already plotting our adventures for the next few days till we leave for New York City for Christmas with the rest of the family.

Tomorrow will be a full day of cooking, baking, sight seeing, lots of smiles and giggles. Becky is my "computer expert" and the reason I have falling snowflakes! She is already looking over my blog and making suggestions, so look for some changes in the next few days. It's really nice to have talented children!

Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 10:26 PM | 1 comments
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Thirteen Things about Lazy Daisy
13 Christmas Movies I already Own!
  1. It's a Wonderful Life: (1946 ) Jimmy Stewart/Donna Reed
  2. The Bells of St. Mary's: (1945) Bing Crosby/Ingrid Bergman
  3. Miracle on 34th Street: (1947) Maureen O'Hara/Natalie Wood
  4. Holiday Inn: (1942) Bing Crosby/ Fred Astaire
  5. A Christmas Wish: ( 1950) Jimmy Durante/ Terry Moore
  6. White Christmas: (1954) Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye
  7. Christmas is Connecticut: (1945) Barbara Stanwyck
  8. The Bishop's Wife : (1947) Loretta Young/Cary Grant/David Niven
  9. Christmas Vacation: ( 1989) Chevy Chase/ Beverly D'Angelo
  10. The Preacher's Wife: ( 1996) Denzel Washington/Whitney Houston
  11. Miracle on 34th Street: (1994) Mara Wilson/ Elizabeth Perkins
  12. Elmo Saves Christmas: (1996) Maya Angelou
  13. The Littlest Angel: Animated (1997)




Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

  1. Better Safe Than Sorry

    The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Labels: ,

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 2:08 AM | 22 comments
Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Advent Ribbons
Originally uploaded by Momma B.

I promised you a Picture of my Advent/Epipany Ribbons that I made!

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 11:33 AM | 7 comments
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Rockafeller Andy
Originally uploaded by peachicken.

This dark figures in front of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City are my kids....Suzy and little brother Andy.

This year's tree is a 74 foot Norwegian Spruce.Weighing nine tons and boasting a 42-foot limb span, the tree was loaded onto a 115-foot-long trailer and transported to the city.

The tree, Rockefeller Center's 73rd, is to be hoisted into place next to the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center on Thursday morning.

Last year's tree, a 71-foot-tall Norway spruce, came from Suffern, N.Y.

The first Rockefeller Center tree was put up in 1931 by workers helping to build the complex, and the first formal tree-lighting ceremony took place in 1933

I'm hoping to have a picture of the whole family in front of the tree this Christmas. What fun!

Labels:

Posted by Lazy Daisy at 2:00 PM | 1 comments