Are you serious?

Tonight after work I headed up to West Farms (why do I say "up" to West Farms when it's south of here?) to see if I could find a gown for an upcoming gala we're attending on May 9th. Let's face it - there's really not much hope of finding anything locally. I was able to find a fancy top at Lord & Taylor to go with a black taffeta skirt I have from a previous gala. Not my fave, but it'll do.

A must these days is a pair of these...


After purchasing my top, I went over to the hosiery area and picked myself up a pair. I brought my purchase over to the closest register. It's important to note that this was the only item I was purchasing. The service associate (is that what they're called these days? I think I was called a cashier or clerk or something....) proceeded to offer me a Lord & Taylor charge, which I politely declined. She then proceeded to ask me a question which proves that they are completely on auto-pilot....she asked me if I'd be needing a gift receipt. Really, lady? Do you really think I'm buying these as a gift for somebody? Geez - who in my life would possibly want to get these as a gift from me? Happy Birthday, dear. I thought you'd enjoy a nice pair of Spanx.

Seriously....feel free to pay attention to what you're doing before you just run through your litany of questions. Man, that irks me.

Take Me Back Tuesday

I've been waiting for just the right time to post this picture. This is Dennis with his Uncle Matt (Matthew's namesake), after a fishing excursion to a beautiful little stream in Tyringham. Some of you may remember I posted about it once before. We took a ride out there again on Saturday, and this time stopped for lunch at the Monterey General Store, the very same spot where Dennis and Uncle Matt had lunch after catching all these fish. Hence, the perfect timing for this post.

This is a treasured picture, proudly displayed on our mantel. Dennis and his Uncle Matt had a very special bond. Sadly, he passed away much too young, but pictures like this help to relive the wonderful times they shared.

Thanks for your support!

We'd like to thank everyone who supported us in our March for Babies today. We truly appreciate your generosity. We had a beautiful day - little warm for April, but we are definitely not complaining! Here a few shots from the day....

Waiting for the go-ahead to step off

Moms and boys

Dude, are you ready for this?

Matthew clowning around - dancing to the blaring music

The home stretch - coming through the arch at Bushnell Park

Another successful year for Team Squeaks!

Happy Earth Day!

Please do your part.

Take Me Back Tuesday

Date Taken: May 10, 1986

This picture has a permanent place in a frame on my nightstand. It was taken the afternoon of my junior prom. I was dressed and ready to go, my date waiting, and I posed for this picture with my mother before leaving home. I was SO excited about my dress (and my fabulous accessories - gloves, cameo, corsage, hair helmet!) We had shopped and shopped, and were so thrilled when we found this dress at the Holyoke Mall. It was pink with an overlay with raised tiny white polka dots, with a crinoline underneath and tons and tons of lace - so Victorian. Got itchy by the end of the night, but I loved it just the same.

Hard to believe that my mother will be gone 22 years this Thursday. My God, how those years have flown. Feels like only yesterday, and yet a lifetime ago just the same.