A Blessed Event

My nephew (brothers son) and his wife just had a baby boy. The pictures are amazing, and I am sorry that I can't make the bris, but am glad to be going to Orlando on vacation. What was really touching about the birth is that his middle name (and last name) together make my father's name. I got choked up when I heard and then saw the name in print. Almost a week later, and it still makes me both happy and choked up (in a good way). I am so glad that my father's name will live in this new addition to the family. Mazel Tov to father, mother and son, and to all of his immediate family.

Power Failure - Again!

After 4 days without power weekend before Christmas, we went out that Monday and bought a generator. Of course, then our power came back on, and we didn't use it. But, we were prepared on Christmas Eve when our power went out due to high winds at 2:00 am. We didn't try to start it then, but Dana fired it up that morning and we had our refrigerator humming, were able to make coffee and had some lights. After throwing away quite a bit of food, last weekend, it was nice to keep the new food we had bought. Heat isn't a problem with a gas fireplace and a gas stove to cook on. The generator was relatively quiet (Honda), and I am so thankful that we now have one. We got our power back around noon on Christmas day. Oh when will they come up with a better method of running power lines?

Snow Pictures

I finally got my picture software loaded onto my computer, and downloaded my snow photos. I love my new 12 megapixel camera with lots of options (but not too many for me to handle). I ended up getting one without a view finder which is the hardest change for me to handle, I have trouble figuring out which way to hold the camera to get what I want in the picture. (For anyone who cares, it is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-CR1with a Leica Lens, and 8X optical zoom). Picture to left is neighbors house, then Panda playing in the snow.

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Not sure why these penguins are hiding out inside, when they should be out in the snow. But, here they are being grateful for being displayed once a year. (They are part of a large penguin collection that I have). The bear thought that dressed as a penguin he could be part of the grouping.

After the new year we are heading to Disney World. Am looking forward to new camera and being able to download pictures and viewing during our vacation.

Technorati Tags: Snow,Dogs,Penguins

Snow Part 2

Friday we lost power about 3:00 pm and we just got it back today, Monday at about 6:00 pm. Phew, what a weekend! Fortunately after the last blizzard years ago, we installed a gas fireplace and gas stove as part of our remodel. So, we were warm and could cook... cook the food that was going to spoil out of the refrigerator and freezer! We got out yesterday for about 5 years, checked into a hotel, showered, watched movies, and so forth. Then came back home. Played lots of board games, read a lot of books and generally got massive cabin fever. We had about 12 inches of heavy wet snow. The type that takes down trees, (not sure how many we lost), tops off bushes (including some of our favorite) and so forth. I have some pictures from when it was pretty out, but am too fatigued to post. Right now we still don't have water out of the faucet, but still have plenty from the big jugs that we keep in the house for drinking, etc (and melted snow for the flush).

It's Snowing

They say that this will be the snow of the year, worse we've had in a number of years. Do I believe the weather people? Ask me again tomorrow night. At any rate, we are down to almost no one in the office. Think I'll eat a bag of mixed nuts for lunch instead of trying to brave the rain/snow and bad weather.

I got a new camera about a week ago, and took some pictures to post... do you see them? Well, that was my best intentions anyways. It is so cool. I took a picture of Panda in the dark, and the flash made the picture look like there were actually lights on! So, today, I am looking at all the nice white snow on the trees and wondering why my camera isn't in my purse. That was part of my idea - have the camera with me at all times to capture events. But, first I need the case I saw at Best Buy but didn't buy yet. I promise to do better. Really.

New Vehicle

I hate vehicle shopping. I don’t like to test drive cars, especially with the sales person in the vehicle talking to you while you are trying to not wreck the vehicle. But, we needed to replace a 16 year old pick up truck. I pretty much avoided some of the trips out with Dana, but Saturday I really had to go with him. I refused to test drive two vehicles, but the last one I drove around the parking lot. We got a great deal, a car that had about 7000 miles, just driven by a dealer person, and they extended the warranty to 5 years, 60,0000 miles. It is a VW Tiguan, which is basically a small SUV. Will haul quite a bit, not quite as open as a pickup but still a wonderful vehicle for us. And, trust me, a really good buy. It is a bit fancier than originally anticipated but with a tall family, need something a bit larger for the guys to fit into. And best of all, no yucky new car smell! We really wanted a red vehicle, but this one is white. Salesman told us it was the safest color on the road.

Nature Center Holiday Celebration

We have long been members of the Nature Center, and decided to do their winter holiday lights Friday. First we went out for Indian Food (yum) and then over to the Nature Center. Boy were we disappointed in the happenings. Yes, there were lots of lights, but not many activities. What was fun was a nice brisk walk at night around the grounds. The nicest part was the cabin were they had decorations, and a Santa Claus. I think that they had something going on about once an hour, but there were no carolers and so forth. But, here are some pictures of some of the lights, and a camel that just wouldn't pose. They did have 2 camels in for the occasion.

Movies

So, what did we see last weekend? Amazingly only one live action movie. First we saw Disney's Christmas Carol in 3-D which was really awesome. It more closely followed the book than other recent movies of the same title, and some people didn't like it because of some of the things that they were "used to". That same day we saw Old Dogs with Robin Williams and John Travolta. Nothing great, but fun. Has not been well rated, but would recommend seeing on DVD.

Day after Thanksgiving we saw Planet 51 and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Both movies were packed, as was the whole movie theatre complex. Planet 51 had a lot of inside jokes that you need to be a regular movie goer to get. But, it was a lot of fun. Our favorite was Fantastic Mr. Fox. It was stop action and was definitely an adult movie. It is based on a Ronald Dahl book, and was absolutely fascinating. It is so amazing the different techniques that can be used to create a movie. In between movies we checked out a new Barnes and Noble (very nice), and afterward tried out a new Italian Restaurant next to the theatre. The place was packed, but with reservations got seated within about 3 minutes. Good food and service.

Our next big movie weekend will be before Christmas. Not sure what we will see, but I am sure that our son will make good recommendations. I am fairly certain it will include the Princess and the Frog and Avatar (but not sure if I will see that one or not). Hard to believe it is already December. Where did this year go?

Traditions

Many years ago, our family started a tradition of seeing movies on Thanksgiving and the next day. It always seemed like between work and school and household chores there wasn't much time just to spend time together. So the movie theater beckoned to us with all the movies that are released this time of year. So this year, in following that tradition, we are seeing 2 movies today, and 2 tomorrow. Supper tonight will be light fare at home and supper tomorrow night will probably be at a restaurant. I think I'll put some bread in the bread machine to make it more festive. And Saturday I might even bake a pumpkin pie. Whatever is your family tradition, enjoy!

Chicago Photos

I was in Chicago for a business trip, but had one really nice morning to myself. I walked from the hotel over to Navy Pier. On  the way over, I saw some interesting gates that said Northwest University on them. All of the other pictures are in the area surrounding Navy Pier. I loved the outdoor sculptures, and got down real low to take the picture of the last picture to capture the children playing in the park with the Chicago skyline behind them.

New Computer

I won a laptop! Now I don’t have to hibernate into my office in order to put up a new blog entry. Yeah. It is kind of a low end laptop… no not kind of a really low end. 15” Dell, no office programs, has Vista (was purchased in Aug, but I just got it), no mouse (but I just won one of those also). Well, it was actually winning a laptop. I submitted referral names for a vendor we use, and one of the referrals signed up.

I am trying Windows Life Writer on the laptop to see how it works for posting.

First weekend in Nov I was in Chicago, last weekend Dana was gone to FL to visit his dad, and this weekend Adam is home and we are going to Greenville this afternoon to see a Cirque Du Soleil show. I hope to post some neat photos I took in Chicago once I see how all this works.

Another Trip - Traveling to Chicago

Tomorrow I am off to Chicago on a business trip. I am tired tonight and I always over pack when I am tired. Too tired to decide exactly what I will wear each day, so I bring along options. Usually a bad idea as I end up packing enough to last more than the number of days I am gone. Saturday I will have most of the day to shop or go to museums, or just walk around and enjoy being in a big city. Sunday is meetings all day, then meetings Monday morning and right back to the airport. So, Saturday will be my time - until my first meeting at 3:45. Need to grab my ipod and a book and my phone charger, and then off to bed.

Unexpected VIsitor

We always keep our spare bed made up. Never know when a friend might drop in, as was the case this past week. We had a call one night, and the next day a guy who hiked the AT with Dana, and who has become a good friend dropped in for a couple of nights. He lives in New Hampshire and was down here to hike, camp, see fall colors and visit. It was like a mini-vacation for us, and D took one day off from work to go hiking with him. Thanks for reminding us what life is all about -- friends and fun. For some reason, last minute visitors seem like so much more fun, no planning, very spur of the moment, and just relaxing on the back porch, drinking wine, and talking and sharing memories of different trips.

New York City Fashion

I didn't realize just how little shopping opportunities we have in Asheville NC until I walked along 5th Ave, Madison Ave, and more in NYC. And, how I could spot a New Yorker a mile away. Dressed fashionably in black with expensive shoes walking purposefully down the streets. My clothes budget wouldn't last a day in NYC which really explains to me why my sister in law is such an avid sewer of really beautiful fashionable clothes. Oh well. My family (son and husband) didn't let me go near the front entrances to any of these stores, but I will be by myself for most of one day in Chicago on Michigan Avenue in about a week. But, usually one look at a few price tags is all I need to not spend any money!

New York City

I figure it has to be over 35 years since I have been to NYC. So, the memories were vague and was not sure what to expect. A direct flight from Asheville to Laguardia was certainly convenient and only about 30 minutes to the hotel.

First night there were no real plans, and since the flight was over an hour late leaving Asheville, it made life a bit calmer. Our hotel was a really nice one at 62nd St and Park Ave. Nice size room with kitchenette but no real view. We found a movie theatre (thanks to the concierge) and saw "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs". Better than expected. Afterwards, we hit Dylans Candy bar for dessert (cupcakes) and candy shopping - yum.

Friday we walked across Central Park (and it was cleaner, and safer than I remember) and went to the Museum of Natural History. Lots of fun. My favorite was the dioramas that haven't changed since I was a kid.  Husband loved the dinosaurs, and mammals, and just about everything.

Friday night was dinner in the theater district, then into the Toys R Us (which is so big, it has a Ferris wheel in it!) and then to see Mary Poppins, which was just off of Times Square. This was at the New Amsterdam Theater which was the most gorgeous of all the theaters we went into. And, the singing, and sets and show was fantastic. It is so hard to describe, they added some songs, deleted some from the movie, and, well we were in the second row and it was fabulous. Every night we walked down to the theater district and then took a taxi back to the hotel.

Saturday we had 2 plays to go see --On the way down we did some shopping -- F A O Schwarz, and Disney Store were the highlights.  We started with a  Matinee Performance of Avenue Q (Just Moved Off Broadway).  The best way to describe this show is "Sesame Street for Adults". Four of the developers actually worked on Sesame Street at one time. There are muppets, run by people that you see (but they blend in) and people, and a street scene of an old NY City neighborhood. To give you an idea, one of the song titles is "What do you do with a BA in English?". Although it wasn't the glitziest show that we saw, we really enjoyed it the most (probably had to do with the fun, and the adult theme) The building we were in housed about 6 theaters total.

The evening show was "Wicked". The one everybody goes to see in NY. It is based on the book, but does not follow the plot of the book. The singing in this show was operatic in quality and in that regard was awesome. Our seats were not as good as some of the theaters (almost last row of the Orchestra -- row Y), but none the less a wonderful performance. Compared to Avenue Q the theater was huge!!

We learned fast to walk a couple of avenues away from Broadway to get taxis after the show back to the hotel, and having a tall son, helped us to find an empty one.

Sunday was Central Park Zoo. Quite small, but very nice -- and we did the children's zoo area also. Looking for a place for lunch, we did a real NY treat -- pizza by the slice. Yummy. We ended up at a Borders Book Store near our hotel, bought a lot of books, and then had to run Dana back to the room with them. Adam and I walked down to the district and we were going to meet Dana and do the Wax Museum. But, the line just was not moving, and we ended up in Ripley's Believe It or Not next door. It was fun, followed by an early supper as our Sunday play was at 7:00.

Sunday we ended with Shrek the Musical (after eating Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square). It was fun, but unfortunately we had the understudy for Shrek. Not as good as the other plays, but had we not seen the other ones we have been wowed! Maybe 4 plays in 1-weekend is too much!?

As you can see, we didn't explore all of NYC, but we still had a blast. I got to see the Torah's being carried at the Temple near our hotel (they were crossing from one building into another one), we got to see part of a parade that went on for over 3 hours, and we got to have a good time together.

Monday we had breakfast at LaGuardia airport (yum!) so we treated ourselves to lunch at Stoney Knob when we got home. Stoney Knob is about 1/2 the price of the same meals in NYC! Made it seem more than affordable.

Sorry for the long time that it took me to finish this entry. I really wanted to buy a new camera in NYC, but with Simchat Torah the store I wanted to go to was closed, and another one was too far away. Oh well, may have to live with Best Buy.

Apologies to my New York Relatives

This is an advance apology to all my relatives in NY that have been reading my blog. Yes, we are going to be in New York City this weekend. No, we don't plan on seeing any of you. Why you ask? Well, Adam wanted a trip to NYC to see Broadway Plays, and see some of the city. So, we arrive Thursday afternoon. See a play Friday night, two on Saturday (one matinee), one on Sunday (early evening), and then leave Monday morning. I love visiting relatives, so please don't be insulted. The problem lies in wanting to sleep in, wanting to explore with no schedule, and then having a schedule to get to the theaters. So, don't be mad at me. Just be glad that I am taking my son on his first trip to New York. And, introducing him to the culture that I grew up with.

And yes, I will blog on our return about the plays and what we liked.

Summer is Over

My definition of a good weekend during the summer is having nice enough weather to swim in our pool on both Saturday and Sunday. This weekend although the weather was only about 75 degrees, we turned on the pool heater and went for some very relaxing swims. This is the first time in a long time that our pool was still open the first week of October. But, now summer and swimming are over. The pool towels have been washed, folded and put away for another year. And the pool people come Wednesday to officially "close the pool".

It seemed like a good idea at the time!

It seems like I keep over committing myself to different things, and then when the project needs to be done, or the travel needs to happen, or whatever, I find myself exhausted trying to keep my commitment. So, I look back at when and why I said "sure I'll do it" and then always seem to say "it seemed like a good idea at the time."

A year ago, I committed to write two articles for the Door and Hardware Magazine. One was published in September, and the other has a December publication date. I figured I would get them done over the winter when I wasn't as busy, and then there would be no stress. Hmmm.... the first article took me 3-4 months off and on to write and was published in September. I had just barely started the second article (with an Oct. 1 due date), when the first one hit my desk around Sept 10th. So, the last few weeks at work, I scrambled to finish the second article. Thank goodness, I managed to get about a week extension from the publication. I did finish the text in time to have 2 different people proof it for me (for technical and grammatical errors), and it is going to them with a couple of days to spare. Phew. But the stress showed.

And then there is the trip to Roanoke for one night stay. Sure, I told my mom months ago, anytime you want to go to Roanoke I'll drive you up there. Now, those of you that saw me there before you get upset -- it was definitely worth it to see all of you and spend time with family. However, it rained on the way up and it poured (heavy rain) on the way back. about 4 hours of driving with short stops. I crashed the next day after I got back and got behind on other things that needed doing (like laundry).


Will I stop saying "sure I'll do that". I doubt it. But, I do realize that the stress I put on myself is from me. And I often wonder if what I said I'd do was a "good idea". Other people do appreciate what I do and it is that appreciation that keeps me saying "sure, I'll do that".

Now, for the fun part of this blog - some pictures from the Roanoke Trip. Went up to Roanoke with my Mom to see my nephew and his wife that live there (they are expecting a boy), and to see my brother from New York with his daughter (my niece) who has been in South Korea for a year.

Here is my brother (in the center) and his two children.











Brother and Sister who haven't seen each other for a year.










Mother / granddaughter (my niece). Hate to say it ... but there is certainly a family resemblance.

Inspired to Bake

I had a choice about a month ago. Either buy a new work bowl for my food processor or buy a new one. The new work bowl with shipping was more than I wanted to spend, and besides I had seen a much larger food processor at Williams Sonoma website, and it looked like it could turn out bread dough and it has multiple work bowls that nest inside each other. There was a month wait to get it (but I waited, and waited) and finally, I went to the store and picked it up.

It is amazing to me how a new appliance inspires me to bake. First I had to try out a Challah for Rosh Hashona. What was so great is that I have trouble kneading dough, it really hurts my fingers. This did all the kneading for me. The loaves were great! It has been a while since I did a bread other than one in the bread machine. And, for me that isn't quite the same as an oven baked bread, especially a Challah which I love to braid.

Sunday I was really tired, but wanted to bake again. I went to the store and saw a huge display of apples. So, instead of bread it was apple pie. Now, it has been years and years since I made my own crust. I have relied on the not so good Pillsbury unroll from the package crust. But, the food processor had a recipe, and just to be sure I went to www.foodnetwork.com and checked out Alton Brown's take on a pie crust. His version was almost identical, but what was great was that his video showed me exactly how to work the dough in the food processor, how to tell when ready to chill, and some good hints on rolling it out. I also like the fact he doesn't do anything fancy to the top of the crust. I will tell you that it was the best crust I have probably ever made in terms of texture, flakiness, and so forth. (I am eating a piece while writing this). He starts out by baking the pie on the floor of the oven (of course on a cookie sheet), and then movies it up into the lower part of the oven on a rack. This really browns the bottom crust. And the other tip was I have always used lemon juice in my apple pie. He used Lime Juice! And, it was so much better!

What fun to be inspired by something mechanical. My other inspiration this week was potato pancakes (with a small zucchini in them for flavor). They grate so nicely in the processor.

DHI Show Photos and Show Wrapup

Nothing like traveling to make a person tired, and the best laid plans of updating my blog on Friday just don't work out. The second day of the show was similar to the first. Lots of presenters telling us how to run our companies better, what to do when the economy recovers, and way too many pie charts as to what distributors and manufacturers think of how things are being run in the industry.

We then returned to the trade show floor for more walking and talking. We took a little time out in-between events to shoot some photos around the hotel and convention center. I found out that the facility is about 4-5 years old.

The convention center was opulent with beautiful decorations.

One part of the hotel atrium was called Key West and featured this "scenery" complete with a fish restaurant. The food was very good, but over priced, even for a hotel.

What a welcoming site as you walk into the main part of the convention center.

The hotel atrium even had an area full of alligators!

Todd, from Karpen Steel, and myself at the Hollow Metal Manufacturer's Show Booth.

So, with my eternal optimism, I did sign up to exhibit at next year's show in Chicago.

Once the show ended, we took a cab ride over to Disney Downtown and ate dinner at Wolfgang Pucks (very good), walked and walked around, and then desert at Planet Hollywood. I was surprised to see that the Virgin Megastore is closed down. The whole area was very busy, and the restaurants were certainly busy, but the stores not as busy. We had a good trip home on Friday and in the end felt that the trip was worth making, but also knowing that we were correct in not exhibiting this year.

Food and Family

Today was a family day. Various family members were in town for Rosh Hashona and we all had lunch together. This included my mom, two brothers and two sister-in-laws, a cousin, a nephew and his wife, and of course my dear husband. We were boisterous (so fortunately the restaurant wasn't too busy inside) but had a wonderful time together. Telling stories, talking about our current lives, checking up on the status of other family members and touching base. For some reason, even though the restaurant service was not up to par, I had a wonderful time. Sometimes being with a lot of family members can be stressful, but this was one of those times where I just took it for what it was.

I was still a little tired from my trip to Orlando (got in last night about 9:00 pm), so afterward I unwound a little (but did not unpack) and went for a swim in the pool to finish the unwinding process. I love to travel, but it is so exhausting. It was so nice to be in my own bed last night.

Supper tonight was another one put together from visiting a farmer's market. We had trout cakes (made by the trout people), turnips braised with carrots and biale's for our bread. I knew I wouldn't feel much like cooking but it was all delicious. Especially the fresh sliced tomatoes. I don't think I have ever cooked turnips before. Found a simple recipe on the internet and they were delicious. Will have to buy them again! Unfortunately I got to the market a little late as we had gone to an Art Show in Weaverville before I headed out to the market. So, my choices were not as great as some weeks, but still a nice selection. Now that I have discovered the Saturday Farmers Market I have expanded my horizons with different choices.

DHI Trade Show Orlando

For the first time in many years, I decided not to have my company exhibit at the annual Door and Hardware trade show, even though it is near (in Orlando). The cost was just too great, and a survey of customers seemed like about a quarter of the typical crowd would be coming. But, I decided to attend to help staff a trade association booth, be a co-presenter on technical hollow metal programs, and attend some industry classes. And to take our customer service coordinator with me.

Was it a good decision?

First day here we had a committee meeting and made plans for technical presentations for the next day. The mood of most manufacturers that we met and talked to was somber. Too many people being laid off, not enough work, bringing out new products in hope of generating some interest. And everyone wondering if tomorrow would bring distributors to the show to see the new products, and to try to drum up some sales.

Good parts of today included flights arriving early into their destinations, pretty smooth flights, and a really nice dinner at a Japanese restaurant with a group of 6 people total. The hotel I am booked at was at one time really nice, but the guest rooms are showing some wear. The lobby and public places have been renovated and kept up. At one time this was probably a really nice resort. Now, it is just OK.

The convention center at Gaylord however is another story. Very opulent. A smaller version of the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

First day of Show - Industry Marketplace

Our committee was pleasantly surprised at the attendance at our sessions. First session had only about 14 people, (too early), but then we went up to 22, 24 and finally 29 at the final session. Since some of the industry marketplaces had only 4-5 people at their sessions, then ours was a rousing success. I had really good 'face time' in front of distributors, and this alone made my visit here worth while. Especially since later on in the day, a number of the attendees stopped to thank me for the presentation, and the obvious work that went into it.

First day of Show - Forum for the Future

Let's say I am not into writing really depressing blogs. The economist was an excellent speaker, with humour and good stories, but in between those parts were graphs upon graphs upon graphs, and the trends were not cause for rejoicing. But we can also say that the food was good. The attendance was close to 1000 people by my estimates. Give us free food, and we will come!!

Trade Show - from the view of a "Non Exhibiting Manufacturer" *Brown Badge*

Not being an exhibitor means there is no "home plate" to return to after talking to people, no place where people know they can find you and so forth. That being said, not exhibiting has given me a lot more time to talk to the vendors that provide product to our company, and search out new products that might be of use to us.

There were not a lot of distributors on the show floor, but those that were there really wanted to talk, to learn and to get information. It made me sad that we didn't have a booth when I saw all of our competitors booth, but I still know that it was the right decision. Today, I will be signing up for a booth in Chicago - a great convention venue. My only question is whether I will get cold feet again next year and pull out. There are a lot of empty booth spaces on the show floor. Many manufacturers are missing in action. Will this keep distributors from returning next year?

More later and I should have a few pictures to post after I return to home base.

Dog Care While Traveling

I absolutely love my dogs -- Panda and Athena. They were both rescue dogs and they have brought me a lot of smiles, especially when they are stealing toys from each other, or demanding to be pet, or just running around being crazy. But, the thing I don't like is figuring out dog care when we go on a trip. It makes spontaneity a lot harder (such as on Friday saying "lets go away for the weekend"). Through the years we have used a kennel (where you had to pay extra if you brought your own food, and extra for daily walks in the woods), and house sitters (one ended up having a baby nine months later), to bringing to a person who had cabins just for dogs, and they had cable TV, and each cabin area had its own fenced in yard. (But then she moved to TN). And she didn't charge extra for walks! So, due to circumstances our current house/dog sitter is no longer available and I try to figure this out all over again. Standard kennels just won't do for these wonderful rescue dogs. Athena, the older one, just gets too strung out. (Panda is shown in the picture).

So, today I visited a lady with a fenced in yard, and a dog friendly house, and the dogs get the run of the house and the yard (sounds like here). Her rates are reasonable, not too far away from the house, and she had a good recommendation. Well, my dogs had a blast in her yard and house, were OK with her dogs, and we ended up sitting and visiting together for longer than I thought. Now, I can breathe easier and know that at least for my next few family trips I have dog care figured out. I mean, it is like hiring a sitter, not just anyone will do. Yeah, one problem solved.

09-09-09

Yesterday was my day! Look at the numbers that my birthday fell on! I invited some friends to lunch that did not know each other, but had all known me for somewhere between 12 and 20 years. And Dana who knew them all also came. I started out by telling the story of how I met each one of them. It brought some laughs, and reminded us of good times quite a while ago. And most of all, my friends got a chance to make some new acquaintenances.

Work was fun in a different way. We are having a 09 special during September in celebration of my birthday. About a dozen or so customers remembered the e-mail and the reason for the celebration and sent faxes and e-mails, and even sang happy birthday into my voice mail. Plus, at break they had a surprise for me -- big platters of fresh fruit (because everyone knows I am eating healthier foods now!), and a helium balloon to decorate my desk.

We had a simple dinner at home. I bought tuna at the Weaverville Farmers Market, Dana made some salsa with mixed cherry tomatoes (yellow and red) and jalapeno, and onion, from the market to go with the tuna and I pan fried some Okra with an easy new recipe I've discovered. The meal was great and a good prelude to the real event of the evening. We went to an "educational" wine tasting at a local wine shop. It was a blast. You know they say you should never stop learning, so the Wine 101 class was perfect. We learned about something we have always really enjoyed -- good wines. The presenter was excellent, and we liked 2 out of six (or was it seven) of the wines enough to buy them.

Today I had lunch with a friend who couldn't come yesterday. And, she had me tell her the story of how I met each person!  One of my presents to myself, is making time to stay connected to people.

All, in all, a great way to celebrate. Friends, Food and Wine!

Packing for Trips

I love to travel. I hate to pack. I know have all my toiletries ready to go, so no worries there. Packing for family trips is fine. Figure number of day and pack accordingly. I know whether it is shorts, or jeans, throw in a jacket, and ready to go. But business trips are another story especially when the trip involves a convention.

There are classes (informal), trade show time (business), social hours (business casual), traveling, down time and if we are exhibiting clothes to set up and tear down the show booth. One time I figured I needed 3 changes of clothing to get through just one day. Yes, I know all the tricks. I have black, and dark grey pants, I know to layer, and so forth and so on. But, it is the actual decisions of what I will bring that cause the problem. San Antonio was supposed to be warm, but it was cold, and even 3 layers couldn't seem to warm us up. And, I want to look just right, I am representing my company. So, which of my logo shirts will I bring? And which events will be in clothes without the company logo?

You can tell when I've had trouble with decisions. My suitcase gets heavier. With the new weight rules, that has stopped some of my over packing. So, I pack, and I make a list by day and event as to what I am going to wear. And, I pack the list on top. It does help, but it doesn't alleviate the stress. Need jewelry, need dress up shoes, need my charger and i-pod and lap-top, and like Alex books to read. And, I made it to the library book sale this past weekend, and bought a lot of books for only $1 or $2 each. If they are only fair, I give them to flight attendants when I am done with them. Need my notebook full of reservations, and schedules, and event details.

Yet, somehow I manage to always make the plane on time, pull it together, and look good. And only occasionally have to buy something extra that was forgotten. This weekend I pack for a convention in Orlando. I don't leave until Sept 15th, but I am already trying to figure out my wardrobe. The good news is that I cut back on the number of days I'll be gone, and the number of events I am committed to attending. I know every day this week when I dress for work I'll think, hmmmmm do I need this for the trip? If so, I better not wear it today. So, that is what is top and foremost on my mind this week. As well as getting through 2 weeks worth of work in one week, so I leave my desk looking clean and organized and have assigned jobs to be done to everyone else.

And, lastly, I have to figure out how to order healthier smaller portions in restaurants. I am getting better at it, but it is tough! And, why do the restaurants think healthy has to be bland (but that is probably another post all together). Any on the road eating tips would certainly be appreciated!

My Grandfather's Blog

My grandfather Robinson (shown in a picture from 1913) was what I now know to be a "blogger" with different technology. He had six children. So, to keep in touch, he wrote out his thoughts, and had his secretary type them into a letter with carbon copies - one for each of his children! When I was in college, my mother then mailed her copy of the letter to me to read. His letters were about his hikes, what different family members were doing, his work, and his life in Asheville, NC. Now, when I think back on these letters, I realize in essence he was blogging. Not just writing a diary for only himself to read (but there are volumes of his diaries that we still have), but his life to be shared to people that meant a lot to him. My only question in thinking back on this -- how was it decided who got the original, and who got the bottom carbon copy? Because, the bottom of 6 was always pretty light!

Oh why did I do this?

I have been enjoying AAA: Alex's Adventures in Asia and Nancy K Sews blogs for the past year. So, I thought today, I would set up my own blog. Now, I am wondering why? There are so many decisions to make -- style was the easiest, and then there are multiple choices to make that I have no idea how to answer. So, I did the best I could, I'll write a bit and then see how it all looks.

I was thinking that next summer I would start a blog about the Weaverville Tailgate Market. How, I go, find what looks appealing to me at that moment, and then create a meal around it. One of my favorite farmers, Paul, is always interested each week in hearing what I have made from the farmers bounty. But, that is for the summer of 2010. So why now?

I guess it will be a way to put down my comments as I travel. Lots of trips coming up, Orlando for a convention, then New York City to see Broadway Shows, then Chicago for a meeting, then Orlando for a family vacation, and next summer, Bryce and Zion Parks, and then Las Vegas for a family vacation. And who knows what else will go in between as my business and personal travel plans unfold.