Sunday, March 15, 2015

MARCH MADNESS




I think she's happy.  But I think she misses home, too.  Still, she loves where she is living and this time in her life...every day brings new experiences and makes her more comfortable.  She's stayed here several times for various reasons where she had to be in our area, and I sleep SO well on these nights.  And it's not like we sit up until midnight talking and painting our nails, nor am I making Mickey Mouse pancakes in the morning, but it feels good.  We are all adjusting to the new normal. 



I enjoyed two floral/gift shops that had things I don't get to see too much in our area.  I fell in love with this birch arbor...I even took some very close-up pics because we have so much birch from the two trees we lost the summer before last.  These were drilled and held together with heavy bolts.  Maybe The Husband can make me something like this?  :)













Today is the BIG Chicago Southside Irish Parade.  I've posted about it every year since I started blogging so I will spare you.  It's fun.  The Husband and I enjoyed going when we were younger and then visiting friends who had "Open Houses",  corned beef sandwiches and lots of Guinness was the special of the day.  Now our kids do the parade route and hit all of the Irish bars.  Actually this year I've seen them wane off it a bit.  It seems to be either for the very young twenty year old's, or younger families with kids.  Still, a great Southside tradition.  

I have a nice big corned beef...I usually make it the day of the parade (as in today) which is always the Sunday before St. Paddy's Day.  It's nice because the whole family can smell the aroma as it boils all day.  Today it was just The Husband and I, and I was feeling a little melancholy (baby) and defeated in all the efforts I make for him and I...no one else around the table.  And then I felt foolish and insensitive.  I'm so grateful that as time marches on we are so lucky to have each other...so I made a big Irish Stew.  And it may just be him and I when I make that big corned beef and cabbage on Tuesday but, well... he's my best friend. :)  I'm such a softie.

cead mile failte!

Linking up with Martina at Northern Nesting for Share My Style Thursday

Jane xx

46 comments:

Linda said...

You have had a wonderful weekend! Sounds lovely! Louis Dean and I have enjoyed a quiet one ourselves. We are just now tucked in bed - early for us! He is reading and I'm catching up with you! I totally meant to cook a St. Patrick's Day menu.....but I probably won't. Although I DO have art class that night so I would have some guests here to eat it! It's been years since I fixed a corned beef and cabbage dinner! Perhaps just ONE more trip to the grocery store tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your day trip sounds so fun and relaxing...my husband and I need to take days and do things like that!

Sarah said...

The day trip sounds like a great way to spend the day. I wish I could talk my husband into taking some day trips to a few places near by. '-)

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Sounds like you and husband had lots of fun traveling around seeing all the great shops. What fun to sit and have a drink and some munchies. Let me know how the Alvarado fries turn out - they sound wonderful.
So glad that your daughter comes home and spends the night once in a while.

You seem to stay so busy and that is good. Today I was a lazy bum and didn't do much. It's been so hot that you don't want to move to fast.

Those red velvet cupcakes look so good, wish I had one right now. Can't sleep so that's why I am answering so late.
Enjoyed the post and loved the tulips.
Have a terrific week my dear friend.
Mary

Maria Anagnostopoulou said...

Be always grateful every day that you are in company with your man. dont forget to hug him and tell him every day that you love him. I have lost my beloved two months ago and its a very hard time. Maria from Athens-Greece

jp@A Green Ridge said...

What a great trip you had especially finding good food to enjoy together!...:)JP

It's me said...

Lovely new week Jane....like your Dog !!!...love Ria x!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sounds like the perfect day trip!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, I love going along with you on your day trips! Love the flowers and I can't wait for spring. And, yes, I have really enjoyed the snow but I'm tired of it now and we still have so much on the ground still. If I went out into the back yard, it would be up to my knees still! Yuck! Thanks for popping in and glad your gilr is coming home!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

Jane, your day trip sounds lovely. The avocado fries look delicious! Please be sure to share if you figure out the recipe. I agree with you on the tulips drooping being pretty. I keep seeing things on Pinterest about how to stop your tulips from drooping, and I keep saying to myself...but that's what tulips DO! lol. And your dog is just adorable. Have a great week!

Theresa said...

My Hubby is my best friend too:) Love spending time at home or away with him! That's what makes a great marriage, enjoying each other! Day trips are my favorite! Have a blessed day dear friend!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Jane! I love going along on your journeys, and it sounds like you've had a good time since we last ventured out. Tulo does look like a goofball, but a quite handsome one!
I'm nursing either a sinus infection or abscessed tooth, not sure which, but I'm off to see my doc and dentist now.
TTYL
Rita

Betsy Brock said...

Such fun stuff...love the relaxed weekend trip to the nearby charming town! And yummy food.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

That margarita looks so good - my favorite and when I find a good one, I am a happy girl!

Barbara F. said...

I do love a good day trip. I love outings like this. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Terri Steffes said...

Love day trips! I hope that Bob and I will do more this year. We both have class on St. Patty's day tomorrow so we'll probably bypass the Irish fare, but we eat it year round so that's ok. Love the tulips and I like them a bit droopy, too!

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful weekend. Sounds like you are adjusting to being an "empty nester". It gets better and better with time...and then the grandkids come along and fill those spaces again.
Your day trips are a great way to spend those "crummy weather" weekends.

Hope the lake house project moves along quickly for you. xo Diana

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Hi Jane,
Abby surely misses you unbelievably ... But flexing her wings, moving into her apartment will make her a strong independence woman. Hey Jane Red Velvet cupcakes? You're killing me - they are my favorite!!!

White Birch Arbor (sigh) delicate yet rustic. Simply stunning. John and I too love day trips. My hubby will go into shops unless there is potpourri or smelly candles involved. Once when he was sick with a fever and cold I made him a cup of Earl Grey Tea to which he spit out and asked if it was Potpourri tea!!!

Sharing times out and about with your hubby makes for a perfect memorable day. Food and drinks ... Even better.

Tulo looks like such a loving sweetie pie. Jane thank you for sharing Blondies Journal with us, always enjoy each and every post.
xoxo,
Vera

Marigene said...

Sounds like you had a fun weekend, Jane! I hope you can get hubby to make you a birch arbor...it would be perfect for a garden entrance.
I have been waffling on whether to do my corned beef today so all I have to do is heat it up tomorrow or just do it all tomorrow.
Thanks for the tip on not overly filling the tulip vase!
Have a wonderful week.

SImple and Serene Living said...

It sounds like you had such a wonderful weekend, Jane. That shop looks like somewhere I would love. It is so nice to be able to throw open my windows and air out the house after such a long winter. We have cooler days ahead, but they are still something I can live with. xo Laura

sweetbriardreams said...

Such a lovely day that you two of you enjoyed together. The food and shopping looked perfect. I love tulips too and was lucky enough to receive some yesterday for our Mother's Day. Funnily enough I had corned beef this evening for dinner - love it! Take care xx

Stacey said...

Aww, I love this post because I understand how you feel at this time in life. Your days are much like ours. :)

Barb said...

Hi Jane,

Thanks for popping in...so good to see you again.

Love your post...so full of good stuff! Love the tulips.

Hope your day is blessed.

Hugs, Barb

Rue said...

I love going on trips with you. It almost feels like I'm there :)

Thanks for the dog collar tip! I'm planning on giving mine a bath and I think you're right about where the stink comes from.

I hope you had a great dinner :)

xo,
rue

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Those cupcakes totally just made my stomach growl! Yum! And avocado fries??? Yes, please! Gosh, that sounds so good. Tulo-droolo sure is getting big! :)

Linda said...

Hi Jane...
Just read 2 posts...phew....you are a busy gal!
Love the photo of Grandfather and Granddaughter♥️
I love those day trips too....
And I also go with my best friend....
Thinking of your cottage...
Enjoy your week...
Think I'll do a corned beef tomorrow!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Doreen@foxdenrd said...


Days just exploring, with no particular agenda, are the best days aren't they? I was just thinking this morning we need to do that a bit more when the weather gets just a tad warmer.

Glad to hear Emily is doing well, but I knew she would. This is truly a great timei of life for her, and it is for you too (or should I say you two).

That's a good idea about the risotto Jane. I will file that one away.

xxx

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
I always enjoy reading your posts. You are so honest. xx oo
Enjoy your Irish Meal. :-)
We will be having one on Thursday with friends, I always look forward to it.
Carla

RURAL said...

Hi Jane, oh my to have places like that so close to your house...sigh. And yes I am in love with the birch arbor too...wondering where I could build one here. Oh am I inspired.

Jen

Kathleen Grace said...

I have been on such a flower kick lately, like you, tulips just say spring tome and I love the shades of pink the best.
Isn't it wonderful and affirming when our grown kids want to come spend time with us? As heartbreaking as it is when they move out, I have to admit it is pure joy when they hang out with us because they want to. My youngest, Victoria, spent her day off last Thursday with us. Breakfast with her dad, (so fortunate that he works from home and makes his own hours!), and then the day spent shopping and lunch out with me. It made us both over the moon to have her all to ourselves for the day so I understand how happy you must have been to have your daughter home.
Earl and I love to look around new places on vacations too, antique stores, home decorating and garden stores and farmers markets are some favorites. I had to laugh when you said you felt a little sad about the fuss you were making and it only being the two of you. Remember when you were newlyweds and you were thrilled that it was just the two of you. I try to remember that when I miss my girls. We are lucky to have wonderful husbands and the opportunity to be a couple again.

Poppy said...

Jane, how lucky you are to have all those charming and quaint small towns so nearby! I so miss exploring these little gems when I'm in Toronto. Hope to have some new adventures on my next trip home.

Glad to hear that Emily came to visit, and that she's adapted so well to her new environment.

I'm sure your hubby is in for a real treat tonight with the traditional Irish fare you are cooking up!

Enjoy, my friend, and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

podso said...

You and your husband seem to have good times together. I think you will savor time with him without the kids more and more as you get older. It's such a gift. Enjoyed all your news today (Guess I'm reading it a few days late.)

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane your posts are awesome!! I love taking day trips...sounds like you guys had a great one...pretty shops too;-) Your red velvet cupcakes sure looked good and you granddog is such a beauty! Hope you enjoyed your corn beef tonight...we did. I tried something new on mine this year...after it's all done cooking I made a glaze a baked it for 20mins it was DELISH!! Got the recipe from my mom's friend. Enjoy the rest of your week:-)

Traci said...

I didn't know that about tulips. Very interesting. Although, I'm with you I do like them to droop.

Bluebird49 said...

Aren't the tulips always so beautiful-no matter what color! I kind of like the little droop, too, but I won't question Ina!
And Tulo--a big, slobbery cutie grand-dog! I know Layla and Milo breathe a sigh of relief when he leaves, though. ;)
You are fortunate, dear---to have The Husband to go with you on the adventures of shopping and "looking", and stopping for little eats and drinks! The Husband at my house is a very dear man--but not a SHOPPING man! He's quite happy for me to go, though--and that's great-so many don't want their wives to go at all. I'm just not much of a shopper. And, as for him=--please, just let him stay at home!
He does like to go out to eat sometimes, but neve to little "hole in the wall" places that look interesting to me. (Outback and Ruby Tuesdays are about his taste! And that's ok.)
Today, DIL and I went to a clothing shop and picked up a few things for us both. I've lost some weight (not enough--is it ever enough?!), and needed some sort of dressy pants, found some on sale! Also, a couple of spring tops and a light, drape-y thin shirt to wear with most anything. She loves to shop--and I really don't, but I love having her there to help make decisions with me. It was nice.
I know you've enjoyed having your baby with you some nights.
And Monday night, we went to the Sushi place my son had told me about--it was awesome. The children love sushi and sushimi, too--so, except for Dil's mom, all of us ate that. She had a shrimp plate. Hubby wasn't feeling well, so he stayed here and we brought him a burger and fries.
It has been good, being here, with the "grands"--who are spending SO much time with us after school.... on their iPod games!But that is the norm now. At almost 8 and 11, they're growing up---but they still love cuddling under our arms and snuggling---and talking. I'll miss it when it goes! I hope it won't ever.
I think we're going to cook ribs Saturday and leave Sunday and stay somewhere on the way home a couple of nights. We've needed to get out of the house and away to something different.
No corned beef and cabbage here--although Mama always cooked it on St. Patrick's Day. We're not Irish--but she loved any traditions and we loved her for it! :) Black eyed peas and ham hock for New Years for Mama, too! I miss her.
I'm feeling somewhat better. Being here does do me good. Seeing and having talks with my handsome son, cooking and shopping with my DIL--and just--being with them all. It gets me out of myself. It always helps!! I will take your advice though--and talk to my doctor when I get home. We just live in such a small town, I'm not sure how much help I can find....
I used to paint "back in the day", I'm thinking of looking to see if there are any art classes being offered at the local college or museum. Maybe that would get me out. I'm also looking on Amazon for yoga dvds.:)
Anyway--I'll write soon. Hope things are very good with you!!

Bluebird49 said...

Oh my--I didn't mean to write a tome! ;)

sweet violets said...

Didn't read through all the comments, there were so many, so don't know if someone already told you this tip for tulips.......put a copper penny in the water, stems will be straight and strong. Cut the stems every other day and change the water and don't forget the copper penny!! I am a retired florist and it always works for me.

Loved your day trips!!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog -- I've loved reading your adventures, especially those avocado fries! I'll have to check back and see if you came up with a recipe. :)

Botanic Bleu said...

What a wonderful trip for you and your husband. I just read about the serious damage to your lake house, and think your day trip was really needed. Thanks for leaving a lovely comment.

Judith

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I love getting caught up with you! And you know, Dan and I love our get togethers with you two. Exploring new towns and trying new things.
Oh last weeks weather was so beautiful!
It was 70 here one day.
I have a few tulips coming up from that gorgeous weather. Only 1 more week for my daughter. It's getting hard on her now. My mom, Addison and I went to see Cinderella yesterday, that was fun. I hope your getting to spend time with that beautiful new gd of yours. And I will try to pick some dates for our get together soon.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

As usual you have a bazillion interesting things wrapped into one post ! Very enjoyable.

If you did or do get pussy willow branches the last time that I go some, I did not water them but left them be...they stay preserved dry, without water ! Amazing.

Well when you take that Mexican recipe to the Lab it will be fun to hear how it turned out :)

Maggie said...

Lovely to catch up with your news, mooching around shops together is a fun thing to do but sometimes the Senior Partner seeks out the "man chair" and leaves me to it.
Hugs,
Maggie

Scribbler said...

I just got caught up with your blog, and I am so sorry about what happened to your lake house. You have managed to get a good perspective and things will be OK.

Anonymous said...

What a happy post. Love your Tulo dog - he looks so cute. I have two dogs and one of them is very goofy indeed!

Susan Freeman said...

You have taken me back to my childhood. I remember we used to take little trips to places like Longview and up to Lake Delavan in Wisconsin. Such happy days. It's always such a pleasure to visit you. Like a letter from a dear, dear friend.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Donna@LivingFromHappiness said...

Popping over from Over 40 Bloggers on FB to this wonderful post with a little bit of everything...I adore tulips but my weather does not like them and no spring here until at least April and no real planting until May as it is cold and snowy still here in the NE. I would love to try those avocado fries...