Class of 2011 Graduation Day

Leah Barbara Carlson

 

 

How I've watched over you since the day you were born.  I watched you struggle to take your first breaths, I watched you take your first steps, start kindergarten and before I knew it off to Mona Shores High School.  And today, you graduate and go off into the real world.

Be strong, happy, believe in yourself, live with integrity,dignity and respect.

I'll continue to watch over you as you spread  your wings.

I'm proud of you Leah Barbara!  Congratulations.

Love, Your Aunt Barb

We Remember

Those that have gone before us, may their souls rest in peace!

Dad

Richard's Mom and Dad

Richard's nephew Larry

And all those who served our country.

God Bless America!

The Last Supper was only the beginning!

January 1, 1917 to May 29, 2006

 

Five years ago today, Dad left us for a better place.  We miss you Bruno!  A new tradition was started in Orlando following your death.

 Mom and Dad went to visit my brother Mike in Florida in March 2006.  Dad was obviously failing but he still liked to do some of finer things. Before they headed back to Michigan, Mike made a dinner reservation for  Mom and Dad and him at Ruth Chris in Orlando.  Bruno, being the connoisseur he was, enjoyed his fine dining and cocktails.  Mike believed this would be perfect for Dad.  And impressed he was!  He told Mike it was the best dining experience he ever had.  Mike and Dad enjoyed a flight of Grand Marnier after dinner and Bruno really thought that was top shelf.  It turned out that that evening was Dad's last supper (in the fine dining world).

They went back home to Michigan and Dad spiraled downwards and passed away 6 weeks later.

Following that experience, a new tradition began.  Mike and his boys now dine at Ruth Chris in Orlando every May 29th.  The first year after Dad's death, Mike made a reservation for dinner. They were seated at the same table they had sat at when Mom and Dad were there.  Not only was it the same table, but as they were seated, the seat Bruno had sat in remained empty.  Coincidence?  Mike explained to the waiter about Dad being there previously, etc. and asked the maitre'd to bring an empty martini glass in Dad's honor.  It was set at Dad's place setting along with a black linen napkin.  They enjoyed a nice dinner and talked all about Dad through out the dinner.  Following their meal, they finished off with a flight of Grand Marnier.  Tradition began.  The next year when they dined at Ruth Chris, the maitre'd recalled the celebration and the table was set for them, same table, same seating, and black napkin and chilled martini glass.

Last night, was the annual celebration dinner of Dad's life.  As in the four years past, the staff  prepared Dad's chilled martini glass, two olives in the glass and they fill it with water....and the black napkin.  There sits Bruno's spirit awaiting their arrival.  Mike and the boys talk about Dad all evening and reminesce.  What a fine tradition.  Bruno would love it.

As Dad always said,  "Why not?"  Cheers Dad, we miss you!

Love, Barbie

Lily of the Valley

These are one of my favorite spring time flavors.  Not only for their beauty and simplicity, but for the fragrance.  I have so many of these scattered in various areas in the yard.  Mother Nature just places them here and there and are they spreading.  I enjoy them and enjoy giving bouquets to friends.  Did you notice that  Princess Kate carried a bouquet of these for her wedding a few weeks ago? Lovely and simple elegance.

Wish you could smell them.  Their scent fills the entire room.
Babs

Happy 18th Birthday Leah!

We had the pleasure of celebrating Leah's 18th birthday Tuesday night.  I am in awe at how  fast the years have gone.

I was there, with my sister Maggie, for Leah's birth.  An unbelieveable moment for me.  There she was, that little tiny human being, all purple and not breathing.  And look at her today.  Gorgeous. I've always been her biggest cheerleader.

This birthday teapot was a gift I gave Leah years ago for her birthday.  It is resting on a wind up music box that belongs to my Mom.  It plays Happy Birthday.  Mom used this for all of us kids when we had birthday cakes.

I posted earlier about the Rainbow Cake.  It was a hit.  And was it a tall one.  I had to place wooden skewers in it so it didn't tumble in transit.  I think in all it was probably ten inches tall.  It was delicious too.  I'd definitely make it again.

Here's Maggie with her daughter.  Noise Maker and all.  Getting ready to blow out her 18 candles!

 And, what would a party be without Uncle Richie's enthusiasm?

All Photographs courtesy of Phil Chmura

Happy Birthday Leah darling!  Graduation in a week!  Yikes!

I love you sweetie!

Aunt Barb

My Challenge for the Week

Our adorable Leah Barbara, my niece, is having a birthday this week.  Generally, I make her birthday cake every year.  She always has a special request, beginning back when she was little, and I had a Barbie cake made for her.  It was so cute....the kind that had a doll in the middle and the skirt was all ruffled with frosting.
That little girl will be 18 this week.  No more Barbie cakes.

This year her request is this rainbow cake.

Pinks and Needles.blogspot.com

I must admit it is cute.  I've seen another one similar but it's all done in graduating pink tones.
Wish me luck.  I believe we will be serving it up on Tuesday as she has soccer games, work, etc. and is unable to celebrate on her actual day, which is Thursday.

I'll take pictures and we can compare this one to mine!
Have a good week.
Babs

Slackin'

Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been so on the go. We checked out two vintage campers in the past few days. I found the perfect canned ham but, not for sale. I'll stay with the hunt. I'm starting to put together an inspiration board for the campers interior.

I will be back to posting soon...promise
babs