September went out with a bang around here. My brother, Larry, and his wife, Mary, arrived from California in time to celebrate his and Angel Face's birthdays. We went out for dinner at a revolving Sushi Bar that has become Angel Face's favorite restaurant.
Our fifth child is from China. She joined our family as an exchange student almost 20 years ago and quickly became a child of our hearts. In June of 2024, she married a wonderful man from France.
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This past Saturday was our 34th Wedding Anniversary. We were busy celebrating Frank's 75th Birthday with a Cinco de Mayo party, so Margaritas and Cervezas were the pours for the night. The following day, we visited our niece, who is nearly 2 hours away. We finally had a quiet night alone on the 4th, which is Frank's actual birthday. We celebrated with a refreshing Italian Cocktail, the Hugo Spritz.
We are eagerly awaiting the newest addition to our family. My Marina is due to have her baby boy on March 13, which is also her birthday.
Yesterday morning, we celebrated the life of our dear friend and choir member, Eleanor, who passed to eternal life last week at one hundred and one and a half years old. Eleanor had attended our Christmas choir gathering in December and was still singing with us just 2 weeks ago. She was an amazing lady, and she will be missed.
Today is the day that the Eastern Orthodox Church in Russia celebrates Christmas. Well, actually they follow the Julien calendar that has Christmas Day on January 7th, but festivities began last night and continue until the 7th.
Happy 6th Day of Christmas and New Year's Eve as we welcome in 2026. I pray that this coming year brings peace, security, and safety to all those I hold close in my heart.
Happy First Day of Christmas. We spent this morning straightening up from yesterday's Birthday Celebration.
Boy, this house sure is quiet. Dian and his family left yesterday, and the silence is deafening. I'm going to certainly miss all the squeals and laughter those children brought into our house. It was a wonderful visit, and I look forward to the next time.
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My Little Miss M turned 5 years old on Thursday. She had school during the day, and we had a wine dinner to attend in the evening, so we celebrated last night at The Rainforest Cafe.
We have been busy celebrating around here. April and May are busy months for us. Last week we had 3 children with birthdays.
We didn't get to celebrate with Chuck this year as he lives in Virginia but his birthday was yesterday and we did get to sing to him by telephone.
Six years ago this 14-year-old waltzed into our lives and stole our hearts.
On this second day of Christmas, we are having Frank's cousin Bob and his two daughters and their husbands over to celebrate the season. Don't tell anyone but I am serving up leftovers.....
We had friends over for dinner last night to celebrate the season. We started the festivities with appetizers and a bottle of Dominio de Los Duques Cava. Spain's answer to Champagne. Just as crisp, dry and delicious, and much more affordable.
This sparkling Rosé from Loire Valley is made from Grolleau grapes in the Champagne Method. It is bright, vibrant, and bone-dry. Perfect for welcoming guests with appetizers, pairing with a meal, or toasting with dessert.
What a tremendous week we had and what an amazing week we have coming up. Let me share with you our last day in CA and the excitement we had upon coming home.
The French Winophiles are celebrating Joyeuses Pâques, the resurrection of our Lord and Springtime. To assist us in this venture, Cam of Culinary Cam worked with Kobrand Wine and Spirits and arranged for us to receive some wines to pair with our Spring celebration.
We were not given any monetary compensation and, as always, all writings and opinions on this blog are 100% my own.
I was provided two bottles of rosé one still and one sparkling for this event.
Did you celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany yesterday? Also known as Three Kings Day, Befana Day, Little Christmas, Twelfth Day, The Baptism of Jesus, depending on your location, customs and culture.
We do celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas ending with Little Christmas on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. I had planned a family dinner and was going to serve Italian foods, starting with anitpasti and ending with a Befana Cake.
