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Friday Favorites

It has been a BUSY week

and I’ve enjoyed most of it!

Here are the HIGHLIGHTS courtesy of my

Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

The Right Stuff

Thirty years later, this “boy band” has still got it!

New Kids On The Block may not be New (formed in 1984), but they are undoubtedly better than ever!

After their split in 1994, NKOTB reconnected in 2007 and have been going strong since!

On Friday night LB and I had the opportunity to see them in concert.

You can read all about that adventure HERE.

~

Favorite # TWO

Saturday Afternoon

Spending the day with the birthday girl!

Before we launched Barbie and a new boat,

I learned all sorts of things from Lydia.

She explained that there are others meant to be a part of this particular boating adventure.  With Lydia looking on, I checked into this on my iPhone and found

this review.

Both Lydia and I were equally mesmerized.

Lydia was convinced that I could buy them all right from my phone.

Immediately.

Instead we decided to explore further.

We moved our investigation upstairs to watch on the big screen and found more!

Although it had escaped my attention, I learned that Barbie and her family are featured in a variety of programs to view on internet/television.

There is

Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures

and

Barbie Dreamtopia

and the pièce de résistance

Barbie meets Isla:

and so…

Favorite # THREE

is

Isla

The Transforming Mermaid

which I ordered on Amazon Prime Day. This surprise will be presented to Miss Lydia on a day when a surprise is deemed necessary.

~

Favorite # FOUR

Bread

The low carb kind.

This week, for the second time, I made a low carb, gluten free bread:

this recipe from Castle in the Mountains is very good!

Although it will never replace Sunbeam or Wonder Bread, it will satisfy a carb craving for the carb starved Paleo, Keto, and gluten free folks.

~

Favorite # FIVE

A Mid-Week Date Night Surprise to see a

Movie

The Lion King

remake of Disney’s 1994 animation has been a much anticipated film.

LB and I got to see it before opening night!

The Lion King

was awesome!

From the very first scene, I was captivated, much the same way I was when I saw the original.  The animals were amazing.  The hyenas were SCARY! Timon and Pumbaa were hilarious!  If I didn’t find myself tearing up, I had a smile on my face.

I highly recommend!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

A Sunday to Remember

It was a Sunday afternoon when I first learned that my son and his wife we were expecting their first baby.  That evening  I jotted down the following:

On November 23, 2014

LB and I were joined by my kids and Mama for our annual Sunday before Thanksgiving dinner.
Except for a few mishaps [a wasp in the cider and paper in the pie] , dinner was excellent.  Shortly after dinner Richard stood up and requested that all conversation CEASE so he could make an announcement. I thought nothing of it because Richard is Never Serious.
Not this time.
In his own special way, Richard announced that he and Emily were expecting their first child.
I didn’t think he was serious since he has teased about the subject in the past, so I didn’t over-dramatize.
But it became clear that he wasn’t joking.
I processed the information.
I wasn’t sure what to think.
Richard asked me if I was mad at him.
“No, Rich, I’m not mad at you.”
Mama broke into a hysterical laughter as she exclaimed “Kim is going to be a GRANDMOTHER!”
And, although [unlike my Mama], I did not show excitement in a dramatic fashion, there is one thing certain:

I’m far from being mad.

On November 24, 2014

at 3:18 PM I received a [group] text message from Emily which included an iPhone pic of what she described as a “little peanut”.
It was a first sonogram photo of the newest member of our family who is 6 weeks and 3 days old.
(I am smiling)
And again… {No, Richard] I’m not at all mad.

On December 12, 2014

I saw Richard and Emily at Grandpa’s 90th birthday party.
They had news: they told me that my grand baby is the size of an olive.
I replied, “I like olives.”

At some point it was decided that I would be known as “Glammy”.

In the weeks that passed, when I was asked about “my Glam-baby” I would happily answer with the information that I knew.  Still I couldn’t appreciate the fascination with grand-parenthood as it was explained to me by those with experience.

This was soon to change.

Fast forward to

July 12, 2015

A large group of family (nucleus, extended, in-laws, out-laws, etc.) and friends (Romans, countrymen, etc.) gathered at the hospital for the arrival of a baby girl.

She finally arrived

…and guess who were the first of the group invited to meet her?

The Grandparents.

While I type this memory, I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat (the kind that comes with strong emotion such as gratitude).

I had the same reaction when she was placed in my arms for the first time.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

The Right Stuff

hangin tough new kids on the block GIF

New Kids On The Block

had it!

Thirty years later, this “boy band” has still got it!

New Kids On The Block may not be New (formed in 1984), but they are undoubtedly better than ever!  After a split in 1994, NKOTB reconnected in 2007 and have been going strong since!

On Friday night LB and I had the opportunity to see them in concert on their

Mixtape Tour

We trekked through the rain to the Arena, passed the wand test, headed to concessions for nachos, and then made our way to our seats.

When I stepped into the row toward my seat, someone was anxiously awaiting my arrival.  The young lady introduced herself as Shianna and gave me a hug.  I felt so welcomed!  Although this was not her first, she was so excited to be at the Mixtape concert!  I’m so glad she had experienced a NKOTB concert previously, because she did not make it through the entire show.

BUT WHAT

GREAT SEATS

LB & I HAD! 

Because there were TWO stages, we basically had 4th row seats for half of the concert.

Illtown Sluggaz warmed up the early crowd with a preview of things to come during a sing/dance-a-long performing a fast-paced mix of hits from our 80s mixtapes.

NKOTB was the main attraction on their Mixtape Tour which included special guest musicians Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Salt-N-Pepa, and Naughty By Nature.

Unlike most concerts I’ve attended, the featured group opened the show and kept it hopping for the next 3 hours, taking turns with their guest performers, moving between stages   and popping up in the audience.They sang songs like “Hangin’ Tough,” “Block Party,” and “Cover Girl,” and “Single” which were full of energy.  Then they toned it down with some of my favorites :

“Please Don’t Go Girl” which was performed with emotion by Joey, and “I’ll be Loving You” by Jordan, both nostalgic and loved by all, receiving an extended ovation.

 

The concert ended with “80s Baby,” a collaboration performed by NKOTB and their guests:

It was an appropriate nod to the mixtape those of us living our teenage years in the 80s used to amass our favorite tunes.

Although I’m hoarse, I’m still singing as I write this! I would have to say it was the best concert ever!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Because today is a very special Friday

happy birthday GIF by Amy Ciavolino

I’m sharing a special edition of Friday Favorites dedicated to a very special little girl.

On July 12th, four years ago, Lydia was born!

Favorite # ONE

My Favorite 4-year-old

Lydia!

 Beautiful Smart Creative Talented Lydia!

She is a perfect blend of Richard and Emily!

She loves all things Disney and enjoyed seeing Toy Story 4 recently, which brings me to my

Favorite # TWO

This Picture

I borrowed it from Stephanie’s FB post because it is adorable!

Favorite # THREE

Inspiration

for a BLOG.
A one-year-old Lydia was featured as the subject of my very first blog post.

You can read my first blog post HERE.

Thank you for inspiring me Little Lydia!

 

Favorite # FOUR

Birthday Parties

To date, we’ve had three of them for Lydia.

Her Glammy missed her first birthday party because she HAD TO WORK !  But Glammy left early that morning and stopped by Lydia’s house to wish her a happy day and deliver presents.

Lydia’s second birthday party was supposed to be at Mema Mary’s house, however there was an incident that caused the party to be moved next door to Glammy’s house.  It all worked out great and everyone was happy!  You can read about Lydia’s second birthday party HERE.

 Last year Emily decided that the theme of Lydia’s 3rd birthday party would be Mermaids.  It was the cutest idea for a birthday party!  There were all kinds of activities and mermaid inspired food. I participated by creating Mermaid Tail Cupcakes for the party.  The blog post I began writing wasn’t finished in a timely manner, so I haven’t published it.

Yet.

Birthday party #4 happens tomorrow!

Favorite # FIVE

Being Glammy

I love it!

Thank you Lydia for making me a GLAMMY!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

I didn’t have to work today!  Talk about a HAPPY FRIDAY!

It’s the first week of July and a significant time in America as we celebrate our nation’s independence!

happy flag day GIF

Although it is JULY, June was a great month and in my family there were several Birthdays.  We gathered last Saturday evening at Mama’s house to CELEBRATE

Favorite # ONE

JUNE Birthdays

Stuart became part of our family in 1988 when he married my sister.  Chynna joined the family when she married my nephew Clay.  Emily became my daughter-in-law when she married Richard in 2013.  And the newest member of our family is Adrian who was born in 2018.

There was a time when I was the only person in my family to celebrate a birthday in June.

Now there are FIVE of us!

~

Favorite # TWO

A Short Work Week

This week I went to work on Monday and Tuesday then took off on Wednesday for a Beach Day in St. Augustine with LB!

and later that evening…

Favorite # THREE

Hanging out at the Pier

Each Wednesday night throughout the summer there is the Music by the Sea event at the St. Johns County Pier.  This week the Ain’t Too Proud band entertained and motivated LB and I to sing along.

With Thursday being a holiday, we were able to stay for the entire event.

We had a GREAT time!

~

Favorite # FOUR

Independence

presented by individual style!

vacation love GIF by Molang

To celebrate Independence Day the family came by for food and festivities!

LB grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.

Some of us enjoyed the pool.

Emily brought sparklers, which we had a good time with later that evening.

~

Favorite # FIVE

Outdoor Décor

to show our patriotism.

We finally got around to displaying the American Flag.

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I am blessed and grateful to be an American!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Free samples and Floor models

Everyone appreciates something free!  One of the perks of shopping at Costco is the free samples.

Occasionally LB and I will go to

Costco

 and, by the time we leave, there is no reason to have dinner.

At least for me.

Since we are planning to cookout on July 4th, last Sunday LB decided we would go to Costco to pick up some of their sirloin burgers.  I agreed with his good idea, so off we went.

While LB was looking at some Levis, I noticed a lady handing out samples.

“I wonder what she’s giving away”, I said.

To which he replied, “let’s go find out”.

Although very odd in appearance, the chicken burger was okay.  Nevertheless, LB and I decided to purchase the sirloin burgers instead.

Then there was potato salad raspberry jalapeño dip with crackers salsa with tortilla chips a popsicle (aka a piece of a popsicle) Madeline’sNathan’s hotdogs and more.

After all of that, I was done.

But the shopping continued.

LB and I have been looking to purchase patio furniture.

We saw a very nice set floor model at Costco which was marked down $600 less than the online price.  I liked it.

He liked it.

But there was still some uncertainty.

After some discussion, by the time we arrived back home, the decision was made.  Later that day, LB called Costco. He learned that there were 3 sets available and he would be able to pick up a set that was still packaged the next day.  LB checked with Wayne to see if he would be available to help, and on Monday morning, LB and Wayne collected and delivered 3 large boxes to our backyard.

The Barcalounger 6 piece Theater Seating Set

It was quite an undertaking to unbox and setup the collection, but LB was a champ, and I helped a little.

We enjoyed the remainder of the evening relaxing in our new Barcalounger recliners!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

What a whirlwind of a week this has been, and the activity began six days ago.

Last Saturday morning LB and I left for Georgia to attend the wedding of his youngest nephew.  After lunch at the Thomasville Garden Club we headed back to Florida to attend the birthday party of one of his closest friends.

Heading up my Friday Favorites is LB’s Friend!

Favorite # ONE

Wayne

Also known as “The Count”

I like him too.

And his sweet wife Laurie.

LB and Wayne worked together for many years and have been there for each other through good times and not-so-good times.

I would venture to say that Wayne is his best friend.

Happy Birthday Wayne!

🎂

Sunday was a bit more laid back as we attempted to recharge after a busy Saturday.

A private pool party was the prescription for rejuvenation!

Favorite # TWO

This Pool

And this photo is dedicated to my co-worker Kathy, who (though she follows me on social media), had no idea that there was a pool in my back yard.

🦢

It has been a HOT week and, as such, a great time to have a pool.  LB and I are not the only ones who have enjoyed it. On Tuesday evening, Richard, Emily, Lydia, and Rory came by.  Lydia wanted Glammy to go swimming, but Glammy needs a swimsuit that will stay in place and is appropriate for community swim time.

It arrived Wednesday.

Favorite # THREE

My New Swimsuit

Mine is RED!

Although I didn’t have it in time for this first weeknight pool party of the summer, I’ll have it next time.

Luckily Lydia’s Mama and Daddy enjoyed swimming and playing in the pool with her.  Rory, however, did not want to participate.  She “told” me that she wanted to go back inside and play in the bath tub.  Lydia would eventually come in for her bath too, and where there is Lydia, there is creativity and imagination.

🛀

Favorite # FOUR

Bath Time

with all its particulars!

🦆

And last but not least, there is a new recipe in my life

Favorite # FIVE

Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes

Read about my Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes HERE!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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