Not a Drop in Sight...

...but the schools are already closed for tomorrow and I've got my food supplies in stock for the promised blizzard. Actually there is a prediction for 8-13" of snow, which didn't count as a blizzard when I was growing up. But I'm prepared...

Spent yesterday at the oral surgeon and at the dentist. Luckily they're right around the corner from each other, so I could run over to the dentist's office after the oral surgeon was done with me. Not a terrible experience, especially as dental procedures go, but I took today off and may even take tomorrow off if I'm not quite 100% recovered. 

Had a very nice weekend in Providence. Lots of family and friends and my eight year old cousin was thrilled that the whole family had come for her Hebrew School dedication. There was a lovely luncheon after services and it was great to catch up with the family. All six of my teenage cousins were there and I had a great time chatting with all of them. 

Dental work or not, I love having a quiet evening ahead. I'm going to catch up with all of my blog friends, enter some contests, read -- I'm at the beginning of "The Help" and liking it a lot --  and maybe catch "The Biggest Loser." What are your evening plans?

It's Never Too Soon...

To ask my blog friends to be my Valentine!

Somehow the Week Ran Away

I had the best intentions to post all this week, but somehow the week ran away. The week at work wasn't too bad, but two issues seemed to soak up extra time. My dishwasher has washed its last dish and that precipitated some visits by my super. I can't complain at all about this. For the last few years I've been saying "When the dishwasher finally goes..." knowing that the day was coming and it arrived on February 2, 2010. I'll start thinking about a replacement when I have a better sense how much Issue #2 will cost. In the meantime, I'm going to be washing my dishes by hand.

Issue #2 is my on-going dental issue. I had to chuckle when I left the office today. One of my friends at work called after me "We'll start praying." My teeth have been the focus of much prayer over the years, for which I am very appreciative. After an emergency visit this afternoon I learned one of the implants I have is coming out. Not an emergency, but it needs to fixed very soon. I have an appointment on Monday afternoon with the oral surgeon. My dentist, who is so nice, assures me it's relatively minor and that this oral surgeon works only on implants and is very accustomed to these issues.

Happily, I won't have much time to ponder either of these issues this weekend. I'm spending the weekend in Providence with my cousins. It's supposed to be snowy, but we're New Englanders and I couldn't let a little -- I hope it's only a little -- snow stop a long planned visit to favorite family in a favorite city. Hope to be back with pictures next week.

Thanks, all, for the comments on "French White." I enjoyed seeing everyone's answers. The slippers I wrote about in December were on my "French White" list. I also bought what I call "The Cadillac of Bath Mats" in January. I replaced my very well worn bath mat with the fluffiest one imaginable and I love it. The price was quite modest, but it seemed more than one should spend on a bath mat. There is no logic here and I know it and I am so glad I "splurged" on this cozy gift to me.

 Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

French White

At yesterday's shower I got into conversation with a woman sitting next to me, Vicki. She was a friend of the mother of the bride and a lot of fun to chat with. One of the gifts that Amanda received was a set of Corning Ware French White. I remarked to Vicki that I'd always wanted a set of French White and maybe I'd put it on my wish list for my sixtieth birthday this summer. 

She responded that she'd always wanted a set, too, and why didn't we just go out and buy some pieces for ourselves? I had no good response. I have one piece of the traditional Corning Ware, with the blue cornflower, given to me by my mother at least thirty years ago. I use it at least once a week and it's my favorite cookware. She added let's promise each other that by the time we meet again at the wedding -- April 10 -- we will have our French White. 

How right she is! I just  looked at Amazon and will keep my lookout for a quick sale in the next month. If nothing looks better, I will hit the one-stop button at Amazon and my long desired cookware will be on its way to me.   

Are there things you've been wanting for years that you've put off buying? I'm not thinking of a bucket list of things like a cottage at the sea or diamond earrings, but small useful things that you don't really need, but would make your life so much easier or more fun? What's the "French White" in your life?

Two Wakes, Five Funerals and a Shower

A movie I liked very much was "Four Weddings and a Funeral." I don't think that the span of time in which it took place was a week, but in my slightly elongated week -- last Friday night to tomorrow afternoon -- I will attend two wakes for relatives of colleagues and I spent this afternoon at a bridal shower. There were also funerals for five other people I know, from just about every part of my life and throughout the country.

I am so glad that the shower has been on my schedule for the last two months. The bride is the daughter of a dear work colleague. I've known her since she was ten and it is a delight to see the lovely young woman she has become. The food was great, the company was warm and I even genuinely enjoyed the shower games. I won an adorable basket that was the table centerpiece for my participation in an "Iron Chef" game, and just like at birthday parties in elementary school, it's fun to have prizes at parties. It's also fun to laugh, to hug and to remember that even in the saddest week, there is definitely something to smile about.

I'm tired now. It may be working too many hours and the emotional overload of all that happened this week. It may be the two mimosas I had at the shower and the red velvet cupcake I ate just a little while ago, which was one of the shower favors. And it may be the combination of all of the above. But I am so grateful that in the midst of all that happened there was joy to embrace!

And to one of my dearest friends and dearest blog readers, Happy birthday to Kate! Wishing you the best of years, with health, much happiness and a wonderful new horizons -- including a trip to Montana. One more great time to look forward to. Love and hugs to you!

And love and hugs to all of you who come and visit, leave thoughtful and sweet comments and have made my life that much richer.  

Pop Culture is Calling Me

I've got a bunch of posts I want to do...thoughtful, deep, reflective. But in 5 minutes the 250th episode of "What Not to Wear" comes on, and "What Not..." is just about my only must-see on television. This episode sounds great and my erudite reflections on love, death, life and literature will just have to wait. Popular culture is calling.

It's Spring...

Memories of last spring

...for a day. It was a blessed 55 degrees today. I just about skipped as I walked home from the subway tonight.No hat, no scarf, not even gloves. I wish I could bottle this evening and send it out to all of you. Tomorrow is supposed to be much colder, but I was in paradise tonight. Can't ask for more. 

Wishing you all moments of paradise.