The Joy of Six...

Happy Valentine's Day!

If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?  ~Lily Tomlin

Love is sharing your popcorn.  ~Charles Schultz

Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia.  ~Judith Viorst

Love doesn't drop on you unexpectedly; you have to give off signals, sort of like an amateur radio operator.  ~Helen Gurley Brown

Gravitation can't be held responsible for people falling in love.  ~Albert Einstein

When you're in love, it's the most glorious two-and-a-half days of your life.  ~Richard Lewis

Romantic love is mental illness.  But it's a pleasurable one.  ~Fran Lebowitz

I wasn't kissing her, I was whispering in her mouth!  ~Chico Marx

I kissed my first girl and smoked my first cigarette on the same day.  I haven't had time for tobacco ever since.  ~Arturo Toscanini

I love you no matter what you do, but do you have to do so much of it?      ~Jean Illsley Clarke

Romance is the icing, but love is the cake.  ~Anonymous

Love is the same as like except you feel sexier.  ~Judith Viorst

Love doesn't make the world go round.  Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.  ~Franklin P. Jones

Lots of love to you all.... ~Joy  xo

 

Happy 2012

I'll be having a quiet New Year's Eve again this year.  It's how I've spent it for the last umpteen years...and I really don't mind.  Jenna will be with her boyfriend, Dan; and Joe will hang out and be silly with me for most of the day. 

Years ago it became a tradition for Joel and I to attend the NYE party of a couple who had an apartment right on Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago.  They were part of a group of friends that we played bridge with on a regular basis.  It was always kind of a formal thing, and Carol, the hostess, was a gourmet cook who made the most wonderful hors d'oeuvres...not to mention a beautiful sit-down dinner.  We had the best time, great conversation, lots of laughs; and the view overlooking Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan was stunning.

One year we spent the evening at a fancy restaurant in Chicago where Joel was hired to go around to all the tables and do card tricks. (He use to dabble in magic and card tricks for many years when he was younger.)  I didn't really know many people there, outside of recognizing some local tv newscasters, etc.....but it was a lot of fun.

Then of course there were the years when the kids were small when we'd have a few friends over for the evening.  Times sure do change.  I can't remember the last time I actually went out for New Year's Eve; now I watch some of the festivities on tv if I can even make it to midnight.

Since I'm not making any resolutions....again; because I'm so horrible at keeping them....I'm posting some messages...inspirational and funny... that I thought I'd share with all of you to start out the new year.

Happy New Year to all of my dear blogging buddies, family and friends.  May you all be blessed with an abundance of love, good health, happiness and peace throughout this new year; and may we all find many moments of laughter and joy in our lives.  Love, Joy  xo



















































However you're celebrating the New Year....enjoy!  Cheers to all of you...  ~Joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday odds & ends....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This came a couple of days ago from Julie, Chris and the kids.  One of my most favorite bouquets.  I'm trying not to open it and inhale those cookies for as long as possible.  Looks way too pretty to eat...but somehow I think I'll manage.

I was treated to dinner the other night by two fabulous ladies.  Denise and TW picked me up at 6:00 and we made our way to Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, Il.  Nice place, really good food...and I don't think we stopped laughing the whole time we were there.  Those ladies kill me.  Denise is the Community Manager for BlogHer...so I work with her all the time.  You couldn't ask for a better boss.  What a nice evening....I think it was just what I needed.  Thanks again sweet friends...

We had a little snow...not much, maybe an inch; but it's almost melted already.  That's fine by me...even though I do like a little whiteness for Christmas.  I can't remember ever going this long into December without getting some horrendous snow storm or blizzard.  I think we're all a little shocked here in the midwest...but hey, noone is complaining.  Especially since we keep hearing that 'it's coming.'  "It" is what scares me.  I just try to block it out of my thoughts.  My survival tactic.

Jen, Joe and I got all of our presents mailed off to Bella, Bastian and Olive the other day....and they were delivered without any problems.  I know those kids are excited....even little Olive could hardly contain herself.  No peeking before Christmas guys.

I hope you all are doing well and your holiday preparations are running smoothly.  Only one week away....YIKES!   Bless you all....and Happy Holidays.  ~Joy  xo

 

 

How true...how true

Friends are like underpants.... Some crawl up your ass... Some snap under pressure... Some don't have the strength to hold you up... Some get a little twisted... Some support you... Some are your favorite... Some are cheap and just get bent out of shape... And some actually DO cover your ass when you need them to.

 

Thanks for your support over the years.

 

 
 

Life from the seat of a tractor... A Nebraska Farmer's Words of Wisdom we could all live by...

 
 

“Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.”

“Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.”

“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

“A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.”

“Words that soak into your ears are whispered…....not yelled.”

“Meanness don't just happen overnight.”

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.”

“It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.”

“You cannot unsay a cruel word.”

“Every path has a few puddles.”

“When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.”

“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”

“Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.”

“Don't judge folks by their relatives.”

“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”

“Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.”

“Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.”

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”

“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.”

“Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.”

“The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.”

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”

“Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.”

“If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.”

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply,
speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.”

“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”
 

And...that's my good deed for the day.  Happy weekend everyone!  Big hugs,  Joy

Mom's Day....with love

I wanted to wish a Happy Mother's Day to some very special ladies in my family....and to all of you moms out there who have lived the ups and downs of raising and nurturing a small soul or two on their journey in this thing called life.  It's the hardest and most rewarding job any of us could ever have....and I hope you have a most beautiful day.

Happy Mom's Day to my 94 year old mother-in-law; whom we lovingly call Nana.  She's one of the most remarkable people I know, and I love her dearly.

Happy Mom's Day to all my wonderful sisters-in-law....Mary Kay, Susan, Jill and Jill (we have two in the family), and Heidi...and also to my neices...Jeannie and Dana.

And a very BIG Happy Mother's Day to my daughters, Julie and Jory; who are pretty terrific moms...I'm so proud to say.  Have a wonderful day with your babes...

 

Julie, Bella & Bastian

 

 

 

Jory and Olive

 

 

 

And a Happy Mother's Day to my mom...watching over us from above....hugs to you all....  ~Joy 

The Mettle of Your Fellow Man

    The day started out in absolute dread.

  I awoke early knowing I had a dubious task ahead of me….shoveling myself out of the horrendous mounds of snow unceremoniously dumped upon us mortal Midwesterners for the last couple of days.  It was a task I was afraid to tackle; but I knew I had to open that front door soon to keep from sinking so deeply in Mother Nature’s handiwork…never to be heard from again.

 

Apparently my son, Joe, was thinking the same thing.

 

After his overnight shift at the police station on Tuesday, and shoveling out his car and two other friends that work with him; he headed home to catch up on some much needed sleep.  He was exhausted from the onslaught of emergency calls that came into the station all night.  Blizzards have a way of changing everything around them…and they make no apologies. 

 

Unfortunately Joe couldn’t even drive down some of the streets by his apartment…they were impassable.  There was absolutely nowhere to park, and the cars that did find a spot were snowed-in or plowed-in big time.  So, he came to my house; but didn’t find any answers or relief there either.  He was just tired and needed to sleep if he was going to be coherent and effective should he be called into work this evening (Wednesday)….he was on call.  I knew I had to help get him some sleep.

 

After he finally found a place to park down the block from me, he attempted to shovel my walk as best he could.  The drifts were so high in places, they came up to his chest….and he’s 6’2” tall.  The majority of my walkway was covered in two feet or more of snow.  At least he dented it before he threw in the towel for warmer pastures.  He was covered in snow.  He almost blended in to the WHITE that was everywhere.

 

Now that I could at least open my front door, Joe was on his way upstairs to take a shower and crash.  I washed his uniform in possible preparation for the next night of craziness.  As I sit here typing this, I haven’t heard a sound from him from the other room.  Shades pulled, pillows fluffed and earplugs in so as to keep the noise of the plows and plowees out; I hoped he would sleep well.

 

So I’m sure he never heard my doorbell ring about 10:30 in the morning when one of my neighbors informed me…”Hey, I was parked behind you and shoveled my car out.  We shoveled your car out too, and I’d be happy to move it for you if you give me the keys.”  A miracle.  A kind, generous…and much appreciated miracle.  I had been worried about how Joe and I were going to attempt to move my car to abide by the city’s “alternate parking” ordinance during snow storms.  I wasn’t so sure if they were seriously going to give a ticket to anyone who didn’t move their car to the correct side of the street to allow the plows to do their job…..but I really didn’t want to test them.  They have been known to be serious about these things.

 

After profusely thanking my neighbor for his thoughtfulness, I looked past him to see seven or eight other neighbors with shovels and a snow blower who had already started working on the gigantic piles of snow at the end of my walk.  They were happily going at it, and I periodically opened the storm door to thank them for being so wonderful.  Then the neighbor with the snow blower stepped up and did the rest.  I was almost teary, and I don’t think thanks is enough sometimes; but I let him know how touched I was by his help.  Then they all were off down the street to see who else needed their help.

 

I can’t say that I’m surprised when people ban together to help out in emergency situations…but I am always so touched and inspired when they do.  I don't think the kind and thoughtful acts people bestow upon others are lost on any of us....nor should they be.

 

It looks like the worst is over right now…the snow has not been falling for quite a while and those menacing gusts of wind have subsided.  Now we need ‘ol Ma Nature to make it up to us…..try a little tenderness, mixed with some sunshine and warmer temps.

 

February 2^nd…..If that ground hog would have woken up anywhere near HERE this morning, he would have had trouble finding his way to the top to predict anything....and even more trouble running like hell to get back down.  Stay warm and wonderful everyone….  Big Blizzard-less Hugs,  Joy

 

Thank you to Izzy who sent me these to cheer me up during my winter woes.  Enjoy….

 

What Some People Do When It Snows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally...when winter becomes just a little too much...for everyone.

 

 

To all of you who are going through winter headaches similar to mine....I send you my love and condolences.

To those of you who don't know what the heck I'm talking about and haven't seen a flake of snow in eons....I send you my love and deep-seeded envy.  ~Joy xo

Christmas at the DJ's

My kids would tell me all the time, "Relax, don't overdo."

But organizing's what I need to help to get me through.

 

I think the kids now realize that Mom is slowing down.

She needs to feel that things are right when everyone hits town.

 

So she sidelined every ache and pain and focused on the days

the house would be turned upside down, in oh so many ways.

 

From tip-to-toe each room was filled with 'stuff' from bags and cases;

and children's toys and baby things; wherever there were places.

 

I knew I had to 'give it up'...surrender to the chaos;

And know each day would reach its end with memories to repay us.

 

The days were packed with activity; with things that should be done;

Bolstered by their energy...the small ones made it fun.

(click on photos to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aunt Jenna and Grandma had no time to spare

when Bella and Bastian were left in their care.

 

While Mommy and Daddy took time on their own;

and called us from Mexico every day on the phone.

 

A trip to Jenna's school room was one thing to do;

The park and the mall...where they saw Santa too.

 

A play date with friends that was such a fun time;

And lunch out at a favorite restaurant nearby.

 

Traditional gingerbread cookies were planned,

With Aunt Jory in charge and giving a hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some presents were wrapped for ones that were small;

Whenever the wee ones wouldn't witness it all.

 

And old friends came visiting from near and far places

to help celebrate and to meet little faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United in friendship and love through the years;

Cemented these moments in laughter and tears.

 

And when little Liv came with Mommy and Dad,

she met the two cousins she didn't know she had.

 

That was just the beginning of what was in store;

when come Xmas Eve, she met so many more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

A night filled with laughter, great fun and good food.

The babes were quite busy, and setting the mood.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then Xmas morning all early and quiet;

Bella tiptoed downstairs...that child is a riot.

 

Aunt Jenna and Grandma were laying in wait;

knowing those small ones would never be late.

 

Not long after Bella came Bastian to see

just what Santa left for him under the tree.

 

Then Mommy and Daddy were next to arrive;

and grabbed for some coffee to feel more alive.

 

Now where was Aunt Jory, baby Liv and Uncle Jess?

Their flight down the stairs was anyone's guess.

 

With instructions from Mom to "just peek and see,"

B & B went to see what the delay might be.

 

They were back down the stairs in no time at all;

and then we heard stirrings upstairs in the hall.

 

"You didn't wake them did you?"...but somehow we knew.

"No!" blurted Bastian.  "Well, we had to."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonderful dinner....wonderful day.  This old house is quiet again and back to its normal routine....and so are my aches and pains.  I'd much rather have my other visitors.  Happy New Year everyone!  ~Joy

Happy New Year 2011

  

          This says it all....Happy New Year, and may it be a beautiful one....  ~Joy

 

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastro-enterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.

May every New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity.

 

May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.

And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart. 

A Little Holiday Humor...Ho, Ho, Ho

 

Well see, I did manage another post before everyone arrives...but I don't think I'll be able to squeeze in another one for a while. 

I hope all your plans and preparations are coming along beautifully.  I just have a couple more things to check off of my list...I'm about as ready for everyone as I can be.  This is a time when hopefully we can put aside all the things in our lives that might weigh us down day in and day out; and absorb all the love, hugs, warmth, laughter and memory-making that we can with the ones we love...we all deserve it. 

Thanks to my blogging buddy, Darlene, for sending me this Xmas cheer... (click on pics to enlarge)....'let the merriment begin.'   Much love to you all.... ~Joy  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

  And finally....we all know how hard our mail carriers work to get everything delivered during the holiday season; and I have to say...they do a pretty wonderful job.  Maybe this guy got a little 'too' caught up trying to bring some Christmas cheer....

It seems a mailman in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin said he just wanted to cheer up a woman on his mail route who seemed kind of "stressed out."

But now he admits it probably was stupid to deliver her mail 'in the nude.'

The 52-year-old mailman told the woman he would deliver the mail to her office...completely naked to "make her laugh."

He said the woman dared him to do it, which the lady denied. But, she also said she didn't think he meant her any harm when he brought her mail one early December day wearing 'nothing but a smile.'

In any event, the mailman was arrested for lewd and lascivious behavior several days later at the post office where he works.

It's hard to believe this happened anywhere in Wisconsin, where it's been bitterly cold most of December. (I know because my brother lives there.)  I think this guy should 'count his blessings' this holiday season that the only 'things' he may be in jeopardy of losing are his job and his dignity.  Happy Holidays everyone!

 

 

Thanksgiving Thoughts....

Joy's List

 

~ get last minute stuff at the store -

~ go back to store for things I forgot -

~ take turkey out of freezer & put in refrig. -  

~ remind Jenna about dessert -  

~ remember to stuff ONLY the turkey....DON'T PIG-OUT! -

~ continue daily psych sessions to put Xmas decorations up right after Thanksgiving -

~ go back to store for more Aleve -     

 
 

TURKEY RECIPE  

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing ingredient -- imagine that. 

 

 

8 - 15 lb. turkey
 1 cup melted butter
 1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good)
 1 cup un-popped popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT IS BEST.)Salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt, and pepper. 

Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan making sure the neck end is toward the front of the oven, not the back.

After about 4 hours listen for the popping sounds.

When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room,.... it's done.

Now who thought I couldn't cook?

 

Pass The Gravy….  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh dear God if you’re listening take my words to be true;

Thanksgiving Day’s here, so I’m coming to you.

An abundance of food is sure to be found.

I’m praying you’ll guide me….and help slow me down.                                                                                                                  

 

Please give me strength…I implore and beseech

That you’ll keep ‘second helpings’ well out of my reach.

That you’ll keep me in check as my plate grows;

And you’ll stop me from hogging the mashed potatoes.                                                                                                               

 

That veggie-cheese casserole can’t come my way,

And somehow you must keep the gravy at bay.

I’m asking a lot for this day so divine,

And I’m sure you’ve got other requests…not just mine.                                                                                                                   

 

Remind me that one scoop of stuffing suffices;

And turkey is fine….just not five or six slices.

With all that is laid out on splendid display,

I hope buttered rolls won’t be part of my day.                                                         

 

Why can’t I load up on things better for me?

Because on this day….there are none to be seen.

Cranberries or jello might work for me best;

But who in their right mind could give up the rest?                                                                                                                     

 

Let me eat a bit slower and take it all in;

Small bites, so the gravy won’t drip from my chin.

Let me breathe in the joy of every aroma;

And don’t lay me victim to some turkey coma.                                                         

 

Yes, I need you to know that my wishes are dire;

For one of these times I’m sure to expire.

I figured a prayer just a few days before,

Might keep me from ending up flat on the floor.                                                       

 

So God keep me honest, and please stay alert.

I have to leave room for all the dessert.

                                         ~ Joy                 

  

 

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Blessings to you all, and may yourThanksgiving be filled with a cornucopia of warm and beautiful moments and an abundance of love....  ~Joy  xo