The Mourning After

I made it. Last night was the anniversary of my dad’s sudden passing. I was 18 and a freshman in college like my youngest son. Eventhough my dad was much older than I, the thought of an ironic fate had crossed my mind over the last couple of months. I think that is natural when a mortal benchmark is present. I wasn’t concerned but nevertheless a part of me was glad to get past the remembrance of the night and… [Read More]

Life Over The Last Week

3 big dinners two of which I hosted. The Mad About Plaid Family Lowland Games Day After Thanksgiving Extravaganza were a smashing success.Why didn’t I take pictures?? Hearing from son2 before he left yesterday to go back to school… “Thanks mom for making my first trip back home so wonderful. The food was so good and you made the house look so cozy with all the decorations. It makes it hard to leave.” I sent with him 4 sandwiches and… [Read More]

In Honor Of All Who Served And Walked The Line.

Thank you,for a life disrupted to keep us safe. WWIIAunt Mildred – WAC nurse – EuropeAunt Kathryn – WAV nurse – EuropeUncle Weegar – Army – EuropeUncle Royce – Air Force – EuropeUncle Alex – Navy – EuropeUncle Dick – Air Force – South Pacific & EuropeUncle Bill – ArmyUncle Carm – Army – Europe & Saudi ArabiaDad Art – Air Force – StatesideUncle Jack – NavyPapa Hal – Air Force – EuropeMom Jeana – USO – Los AngelesAunt Lorraine… [Read More]

The Trad Guy

I’ve always been a sucker for a guy in a pair of khakis, a long sleeve RL button-down shirt, tasseled loafers, a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and the scent of Polo. This package is classic and timeless. This is Mr. P. M. and I have been raising two boys to fill his Sperry Top-Siders to continue the tradition. These three men have been ideal participants simply by possessing a Y chromosome which means they will wear practically anything that I… [Read More]

“Yes, This Clutter Does Make My Butt Look Fat.”

I am feeling better today. Yesterday was difficult.The reality of no children in the house hit me hard. The transition alone can make one think of their mortality and getting the results of blood work done the week previously didn’t help. Sign me up for anything with a little heart on it that says no trans fat, no sugar, no salt, no taste and no fun. My day began waking from a deep early morning sleep to the phone ringing…. [Read More]

How Stella Is Losing Her Groove Tonight.

So what is the next project? I feel such a let down today.Son2 gets his wisdom teeth out this Friday so I need to rally and start to get my thoughts organized to take care of him. College boy comes home Saturday for his break between work and school. I must put fresh sheets on his bed and lay out fresh towels and make his favorite foods. Before he even steps foot in the door I start to think of… [Read More]

Heather & Will’s Wedding Weekend.

The rehearsal. The bride entered from behind these doors in Vera Wang less than 24 hours from this moment.A place for everyone… … and everyone in their place. As the rehearsal was under way, son2 and I were just finishing hanging the rosettes. Mr. P. Martini came just in time to supervise the job and take the luggage to the Westin since my car was full of decorations when I left in the morning. L.L. Bean tote bag, paper cutter,… [Read More]

Wedding Decorations Dress Rehearsal…

wedding decorations paper rosettes

Just a quick update on the decorations dress rehearsal… I chose from stacks and stacks of paper rosettes I made and brought one set to play with for the prototype.This is what I decided on. The additional larger sizes worked out great. I will flip the tails of the ribbons over to hang on the right side. These will go on 12 interior doors of the ballroom. The groom-to-be approving one of the two entry doors to the villa. Today… [Read More]

Road Trip!

College registration time. Just me and son2 are heading up the coast.See ‘y’all’ (I am from Southern California, you know 😉 ) in a few days. Have a great rest if the week, BF’s. 🙂

Weekend Update #3: The Bridal Shower

After the ‘design consultation’ at the villa, the trip to the church for our table setting dress rehearsal and a consult with the florist, this bride still had plenty of smiles left for her party! I gave my niece 3 gifts for her bridal shower. The big package first. A plate of my mom’s. Very 50’s. Very cute. Next was the medium package. I gave her a framed picture of my mom (Grandma Mac) and her that I took 21… [Read More]