Presbyterian Women Brunch

The St. Mark Presbyterian Women Brunch is an opportunity to kick off a new year with my church friends. The theme this year was "Talking Hands". (Thanks to my hand model---Jerie)
Mary Beth is always so thorough in her planning---don't you love the cookies!
Before the program and meal began, we had an opportunity to mix and socialize--to the left of Alice is Marilyn whom I've known for 45 years (her sorority was across the sidewalk from mine in college).
Then, there were those who had children the same ages as mine--I've known these ladies (Ellen, Jean, Nancy) for over 30 years.
Phyllis was a friend before she became one of the girls' teacher. Beside her are "newer" friends Nancy, Heidi and Doris.
Donna (another college friend) with several other women, performed "Happy Talk".
Here is Shirley also performing "Happy Talk".
A moving performance of the song "My Life in in Your Hands" by the interpreter Pam Mohr.
The food was also delicious. Thanks again to all that makes this such a fun occasion---especially the cooks: Marie Holt, Nancy Kinder, Shirley Weir.

Happy Birthday, Harry

Happy Birthday, Harry! Now that you are beginning your new life as a retired artist, I thought I'd remind you of some of your art from the past. Above is the Arctic Tern that you painted in Mechanicsburg.
This was done in browns, blues and blacks because those were the only colors you had at the time.
These Indian paintings above and below were done for Grover and Eloise.
We wish you the best on this birthday and hope you are again creating wonderful paintings.

Happy Birthday, Debbie

Last year, I gave Debbie a Whole Foods gift card, but she says she just bought food to feed my brother. So, I decided that this year, I would give her other options.
Debbie, you can buy a nice bottle of wine with your gift card.
Or, some fun brewskis!
Or, some nice Italian soda pops!
You can buy nuts, party mixes. . .
a new shopping bag. . .
Or, some nice ceramic pieces. I know one of my daughters has the plate above that they fill with lots of fun crackers.
If nothing else strikes your fancy. . . how about some of these delicious pastries. But, do NOT buy something just for my brother to eat. It is your birthday. If we lived close by, I would have bought some of the things I featured, but since we're so far away, pick out something nice---I'm going to ask!

Resolution Update

I have really done well with my New Year's Resolutions. Click here. One thing that helped was writing at the top of each month of my calendar what my resolutions were. This month's resolution was to clean out the bathrooms and medicine cabinets.
I don't know how long Merthiolate stays "good" but I suspect after 31 years, it loses its curative values.
Sometimes, it was hard to read the expiration date. Dave thought this said "05" but I thought it was "85"---the magnifying glass said, "65"---think we'll toss that ointment.
We may be able to contribute these to the Dr. Scholl's Foot Powder museum. Now I know my girls will guffaw at the Venture price tag----obviously old since they've been out of business for 15 years. But, wait a minute---the one on the left has 1/2 ounce more which usually means an older can.
I turned them around and the one on the right (left in the upper photo) has a copyright of 1949 while the other bears the date 1970.
I thought for sure this was a newer powder, but, wait, the copyright is 1969 for it. . . hmm! They're antiques so we'll keep them for their collectible value!
OK, these are tins which shout, "old" but the Phillips tin still had instructions. . .I'll let them speak for themselves.

After 40-50 years, these tins have immunity to being tossed in the trash can. Although these were all Dave's, he's not the only one who holds onto items which have "expired."
Am I the only one who can't throw out these little packets with buttons and yarn. . .even after I've gotten rid of the garment. . .no expiration date---they're keepers.
I save all of the hang tags in case. . .I need to return the garment or I need a book mark. :-)
OK, some of my make up did have expiration dates---they also bore the names of 3 different Mary Kay ladies---sorry, Georgie, I tossed the tubes with your name. I did save some of this makeup for my grandchildren---I remember loving to put Grandma's make-up on. I'm sure mine will enjoy it someday, too.

Lunch at the Boat House

Recently, we went to lunch at the Boat House in Forest Park---hard to believe this is in the middle of St. Louis. It was a beautiful setting and beautiful weather.
We ate outside but the big fireplace inside would make enjoyable dining in the winter, too. The food was very good at a reasonable price. But the best part was sharing it with old friends.
Kay and I taught together in the early years while her husband Dave lived in our apartment complex. When we were all single, we ran around in a large group going skiing, on float-trips, and of course having parties.

Eventually, we started pairing up and getting married. Arleen and Dave, Jaclyn and Dave, Kay and Dave---no, it didn't get too confusing----the guys became "Arleen's Dave" "Kay's Dave" and my husband became "My Dave."The real bonus with Kay and Dave is, Kay is also my 2nd cousin once removed. So, I always have someone I can go to with questions about her branch of the family and she can bring photos to lunch for me to help identify. She also brought the wedding photo of her grandparents which I hadn't seen before. But, you'll have to go to my "family history" blog to see that. Click here.


Kay and Kay's Dave, we'll have to get together again now that we have a great place to meet.