Well, this is a tough day for me, sometimes…….I remember a lot of the things my Mom did for us…..the funny things she said and did…..I remember how she treated company, when they came to the door…”never let your Company go without serving a fresh pot of tea/coffee and a store bought cookie if that is all you have on hand.”
I swear this is where I got my pattern from….we treat everyone – be it family, friends, neighbors or first-timers like royalty.
I remember raising my daughter and feeling like a total failure for not being able to give her the opportunities everyone else had. I was a single parent most of the time and money was scarce. She has never, ever said anything except thank you….for everything. Wow! I did something right. My daughter has never received a present that she did not sit down and write a thank you note. For everyone……Again, I did something right here too.
I married a fabulous man who had four children and now have four beautiful grandchildren to spoil ….Grandbys can do this, you know. This is one position I would not, could not and absolutely will not give up.
Yesterday, after a few thoughts and, yes, tears, my wonderful, God’s gift- to- me -husband, gave me the funniest card ever and another charm for my Pandora bracelet (Shamrock). He prepared a breakfast for a Queen…fresh asparagus on toast with a hollandaise sauce drizzled over AND on the other side of the plate an Eggs Bennie with even more of that awesome sauce.
Then the phone rang and my wonderful daughter called and that was a great present. As a parent you will understand what I mean when I say her laughter is a wonderful sound and I can never tire of it. Too bad we live so far apart.
For dinner, my beloved prepared a perfect meal….we shared a wine/beverage on our fantastic deck in the bright sunshine and then came in to feast of roast beef with a breathtaking jus and my favourite recipe for squash. He asked if I would prefer risotto (my very favourite) or sit out on the deck together. I chose….him! He made me feel so very special today and I love him even more because of it.
I hope all mothers, step-mothers and adopted mothers were able to hear those three little words that make any and all trials and tribulations seem a long distant past…I love you. If you are estranged from family…make the effort and phone or write…..those three little words are heart-mending, heart growing and glowing…..being a Mother is God’s greatest gift.
Mom I miss you and yes, I do love you and I’m thankful to be a Mom myself….a very proud Mom at that.
Holiday Tips
Just when you think you don’t have ‘anything’, take another look around. Is there a Dollar Store near you? If so, go pick up some small cookie cutters. Make them different. Then when you set your table, pull your napkin through, Voila! Now let your guests take them home with them.
AND
If you want a simple but elegant, table centre, use a pretty glass container, fill it with fresh cranberries, insert a floating candle or three and again, it is inexpensive yet pretty to look at. If you have a tree outside, cut off some cedar and wrap it around the base of the glass container. Now THAT is a showpiece. Right?
Cost: Minimal, Look: terrific, Memories: Priceless!
OR
Use small Christmas balls, and take a place card for each one, write their name on individual cards, insert into the top of the ball (or use glue or doublesided tape) and set it on the table. Pretty, innovative and costs next to nothing.
The thing to remember is it doesn’t have to be expensive. Just let your imagination run with new ideas. It makes a HUGE difference and, again, the memories people come away with are priceless.
If you have other ideas, please comment and everyone benefits.
Romance At Its Best
A few years back prior to Valentine’s Day, my husband pulled a fast one. We had already decided to give each other golf lessons, but he went one step further and left me with a memory I will never forget.
I was at work and we always went for coffee next door. This one day (February 14) the girls were “hurry up and let’s go” and they literally left in a cloud. It took me a minute to close down my computer and when I opened the door at the bottom of the stairs that led into the store, everyone was standing there with big, silly grins on their faces.
Customers and staff alike listened while a Barber Shop Quartet sang two incredible love songs, gave me a white rose (my favourite) and chocolates. I was so taken aback as never in my life before had someone been so thoughtful. The result: they had to get a mop and wipe up the tears. I was sobbing. I kid you not. This is true.
When I got home, I laid the table as I would for royalty coming, candles, flowers, champagne, “Jenny Craig” dinners, homemade angel food cake and homemade buttermilk sorbet. It was absolutely fabulous.
It is what I have been saying all along, it is HOW you present not WHAT you present. This is a memory never to be forgotten and yes, it is 20 plus years at this time and I love him most dearly. Lucky me!
Father’s Day Weekend
My husband, his two sons go on a golf weekend along with about 16 other fellows and it is a tradition. A nice tradition I can assure you. To see father and sons together for fun times is a wonderful thing to watch.
We had a nice steak dinner with Trevor on Friday night as he leaves Sunday afternoon and tomorrow I am preparing scallops and lobster tails for Maurice and Don for their special day.
For those who still have their fathers, enjoy them, love them and keep them in your hearts. For us who have lost our fathers, there is a large hole in my heart, wishing my Dad would be at the end of the table tomorrow revelling in the spotlight. It was always a joy and believe me,he is ever missed and loved.
Time for a martini I think. Back at it tomorrow. Enjoy the day and put in your memory book in your mind. They are a treasure.