Catching up

Mike and I visited AC last week and had a good time, as usual. John and Noreen and Nor's brother, Tommy were there, too. We were joined by John Joseph and his girlfriend, Sarah. John's 14th birthday was 7/11 so we celebrated at Hooter's one day and Buca de Beppo (not sure the exact name) another day. Not to mention the all-you-can-eat buffet one day for lunch.

Our room had an ocean view.

I actually came home with money in my wallet. Not that I won, but we racked up some good points that Mike hopes will take us to the next tier.

My garden is coming along, at least as far as tomatoes and peppers. I'm not seeing results for cucumbers or zucchini or squash. I did get one really pretty purple pepper called "Pinot Noir."
Mike had that on salad.

It has been a year since Michael and Megan got engaged in Atlantic City. The wedding is coming up fast! I still have no idea what I'm wearing.

Katherine came by with  Jeff yesterday and painted the hood of her car. It took a lot of layers and they kept having to go back for more 'stuff.' It doesn't look perfect but better than it was.

James took all last week off. It was a much-needed vacation for him. Standing all day behind a fish counter and dealing with customers can't be fun. Nick is still working at S&S, too. He's actually full-time now, and goes in the same time each day he works. Sometimes he rides with Jamie.

We had a crazy freak storm last Sunday. The sky went very dark and it got very windy. The storm only lasted about 10 minutes (maybe 20) but the wind hit 60 mph. It took down big branches, including my neighbor's:

Pulled a wire down but we did not lose electricity. Some people did, and many trees were damaged or down. It was like a tornado or hurricane. Now they have been cutting away branches that might fall if there is another storm. Good idea, since we are in hurricane season.

I got my office painted, and new shelves! I have to send some pictures from my camera to this computer. My walls are a pretty blue color. Mike put in 3 shelves for me and I am able to store a lot in there. I still have a way to go until this room is really organized, but it's getting there.

Started on Ancestry again and learned more about Mike's mother's family. I only wish Marta had been alive to hear it.  I would also like to be able to tell my Mom that I have traced the Hoffer line back to 1788, Bavaria, Germany. My Great Great Great Great Grandma was named Margaret!

Today Mike is 65

We had a nice lunch at the diner. Mike had a Monte Cristo and I had a Reuben. It was a quiet day, as he likes. He is now officially on Medicare, too. Wow, time goes by. We were just teenagers when we met! Now we ask for senior discounts.

Storm and Physical

We had quite a big wind and rain earlier this week, and woke up to this:

A big chunk of the tree in front of our  house came down. Luckily, it came down on the opposite side of Jamie's car! 

Took Mike (with chainsaw) and me (hauling whatever I could to the curb) nearly and hour to clean it up

Another day this week (Tuesday, actually) I had my first physical in 3 years. Apparently, the visits before my surgeries didn't count.) All looks well, but I need to see a gyn and to get a mammogram. I'm also supposed to see someone about this cough I have been unable to shake. Probably allergies.

Mom Day 19

I got a really nice surprise last Saturday, the day before Mother's Day: a fruit bouquet! A balloon, too, although it was sadly deflated. Not that I cared, I've always wanted one of these fruity things. (Why can't I remember the company name?) I also got candy and some Home Depot gift cards. I will use the latter for garden/yard stuff. (Actually, this is nearly a week later and I've already bought various vegetable plants.)

Michael came and made me a really good shrimp parmesan hero. The kids also took me to dinner at Aki later in the week.

Edible Arrangements! That's the name! 

The fruit was soooo good, esp. the chocolate covered strawberries.

Big Win

We went to Atlantic City with John and Noreen last week and had a really nice time. I actually earned 100 free spins on a slots machine and ended up raking in over $200!

The game was Snow Leopard. I doubt lightning will strike twice for me, but you can be sure  I'll try that game out again next time we go.

It was actually the first time ever that I came home from AC with money in my wallet.

Mother of the Groom

I've created a board on Pinterest that I named "My Son's Wedding." I know it is a ways off, but I want to have plenty of time to pick something out that looks good on me.

This is just an example of what I'm considering. Definitely want something with a jacket. My color preferences are rose or red.

Doing this was a good way to get my mind off the amount of pain I've been in. I had a bridge removed a while back and one of the old teeth disintegrated with half of it left behind under my gums. A little stuck out but it never bothered me--until about a week ago. Then the whole right side of my face hurt.

I made an appointment to have it extracted but they couldn't see me for nearly a month! But the other day I was in so much pain I called my regular dentist. They suggested calling the oral surgeon and mentioning that I'm Dr. L's patient and in a lot of pain. Happily, they took me the same day! (Wednesday past). Had to have about 4 shot of novocaine and it still hurt like hell. At least it was quick. The o.s. was so nice. Now I'm healing. Had to take some meds right after and took a few yesterday, but so far today I don't need any. Also taking antibiotics. It hurt so much because it was infected.Ugh.

I'm happy that is over with!

We meet Meg's Parents

Bob, Ellen and Megan

We all met at a really nice Italian restaurant. Meg's parents are so nice! Mike and Bob really hit it off and I enjoyed talking to Ellen. It was a little noisy so sometimes we had to repeat ourselves but it was still enjoyable. The food was outrageous and I ate a little too much (so my stomach tells me today) but really liked it. I had shrimp parmigiana.

Michael sat next to me so I was mostly talking with him. He had osso buco, which we learned means 'bone with a hole.' It is made with veal shank. Michael said it was very  tender and delicious. I might try it someday.

Mike snuck off, pretending to look for the men's room, but he actually stopped the waiter for the check. Bob asked for it too but somehow it ended up going to Mike. I hear that Ellen was upset because she felt they should pay for it, since they made the arrangements. I feel it was mutual and it was just easier for Mike to pay. Bob handled the tip.

I'll have to have Megan tell her mother we can meet out our way another time and they can pick up the bill, lol!