My Dad....

My Dad has been gone for one year. Today is the 1st anniversary of his passing. As my therapist daughter advised me,"the first year is the hardest." No words could be more true. It is the first of everything without him... Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter..really every single day. We had a wonderful celebration of his life on his birthday, September 23rd. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him-I miss his smile, his laughter and his voice. He had a million friends and a big family-all of which he loved so much. He was so proud of his girls and his grandchildren. He loved the Earth, plants, and all of Her beings...furry ones especially. My Dad adored his bride of 68 plus years. My Mom will look at his pictures and she lights up-a sparkle in her eye and a big beautiful smile will spread across her face. We have all struggled over the last year and she has been the strong one...holding us all up. She remembers the good times and remains so positive...always.
I love you so much Dad...I promise to continue to surround Mom with love and make sure she is happy and well cared for. I cherish your every memory.

An Autumn Wedding!

We traveled to a wonderful spot this past weekend for 

a magical event.....a wedding. 

There is something very special about a wedding day. It is a day that stands out in ones mind forever. The bride was beautiful and her groom was beaming!!! My cousin, the father of the bride, was so proud and handsome. I saw family I have not seen in many many years. The location was perfect...outdoors, gorgeous fall afternoon, old stone walls and archways. 

I shed some happy tears..thinking about the bright future of the newlyweds and the joining of these wonderful families. 

Cheers to you Jessica and Jorge..wishing you love and happiness forever!!!

Grandpa Gale's Beach Week 5

The sand buckets and toys have been rinsed off...the beach chairs have found their place in the loft of our shed....the annual Corona commercial is a wrap.

Beach Week is a very fond memory. We gather yearly in a lovely place, the past two years at Topsail Island, for a week of family. 

There was jogging, biking and plenty of time on Joyride.....the name of my paddle board. 

We took to the ocean and the sound...it has become my new favorite thing to do for exercise. There were decadent dinners, great conversations, lots of laughter, and a couple dance parties with the kiddos. There were some new faces this year, bright, beautiful and welcomed with open arms. The beach is my place of happiness... I love it....the calm of the water, the sound of the surf. So until next year, we bid a bittersweet adieu to Grandpa Gale's Beach Week.......and can' t wait till next year!!!!!!

Love Story!

On this very day, July 5, 1944 a young soldier married his beautiful bride. She was a student at North Central College, and worked at the base where the handsome soldier was stationed. The G.I was far from Ohio, his home. The bride was in her hometown, Ada Oklahoma, where she lived with her parents and three sisters. They fell in love, and eloped to Denton Texas, where their love story began. Today would have been their 69th wedding anniversary....the first one they have ever spent apart. So..Dad, we showered your Bride with love today. Every time she walks by your pictures she gazes into those beautiful blue eyes... And is grateful for all of the years of love, loyalty and devotion to her. She still says, " He was the best "......and you were. Happy Anniversary in Heaven Dad. We will continue to wrap Mom in love and care...you are missed and loved by many.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I can't believe my birthday is already here.......again!! Wasn't it just yesterday when when the fabulous party for my 60th occurred? 

The old adage time flies when you're having fun is the honest to God truth. For sure, it has been a very busy year-obviously, the last time I blogged was October 1, 2012 . My blogger daughter (Lovely Life of Liz-check her out !) puts me to shame!!
The event from my last year that stands out from the rest was the relocation of my parents to Raleigh, NC. Fiercely independent at 92, my Dad became ill and being closer to family became necessary. There have been challenges, tears, much love and laughter. They are all settled in at a wonderful independent living facility and are both happy as clams.

Having this opportunity to be close to them at this time of their lives has been precious to me. The devotion and dedication to their grandparents shown by Tom, Liz, Brian, Stephan and Christie has been amazing. As always and forever, my Pizzaman is my rock.

So here's to another year flown by. I love my life, welcome these years and feel lucky to have them. My blessings are many and I am grateful for each of them. And finally, a quote for the next year...... "The older you get, the more important it is to not act your age." Perfect.....just perfect. Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

mountains to the coast

Sunday morning began an adventure for my guy....riding his bike across N.C....the mountains to the coast. He has been diligently training for months and months....racking up mind boggling miles in preparation. I left him in Brevard with a sea of tents and bikes. It felt like dropping a kid off at camp, nervous anticipation, driving away in tears of happiness for him and his accomplishment. 

Oh, the countryside he will see, welcomed every day into small towns along the way anxious to celebrate the 1,000 plus guests for the evening. Not to mention the new fellow cycling enthusiasts he will get to know well...sharing stories of the ride, the hills, the scenery, the fun. I will join him on Friday for his last night in White Lake.

You won't find me in the tent though, I am not a camping kinda girl. 

On Saturday I will be at the finish line with chilled champagne, a great big smile and hug for my hero. Safe travels be with you.

Our Yard

This time of early summer is an explosion of hydrangea in our yard. Most elegant Lacecaps, Mopheads, Oakleaf, Annabelles as big as your head...even varigated leaf Lacecap.....absolutely gorgeous, each and every one. As I walked the yard today, I knew it was time to share.!!!! 

Oh.....and just in case you wanted a cute pic of the new addition to the family, may we present Scout....an 11 week old yellow lab that has captured our hearts. She has been chewing on the hydrangea!!!!!