Love Notes

Who remembers sitting at the kids table? 

My late ex-Aunt-in-law put on an annual Thanksgiving dinner which epitomized Virginia hospitality - although it wasn't the ham biscuits, oyster dressing, wild turkey and venison that created the magic.  It was the way she managed to make every guest feel special.  With a sign on the porch that read "Martha Stewart doesn't live here", she welcomed a crowd which peaked at 72 guests for Thanksgiving dinner, often while carrying a grandchild on her hip.   READ MORE

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If you're anything like me, you're probably feeling a little like that Christmas tree on the Parisian balcony.   Standing tall and looking out brightly over the last wispy trails of another Christmas .   Look a little more closely, and you'll see that the top half of the tree's lights are out.    I can relate to that.    READ MORE

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How's your week going?   Mine had a few hiccups ... our internet was out for two days (ugh, really? during the busiest shipping week of the season?),  a family of mice set up camp in our attic - right in the Christmas decoration storage area (and I have a huge rodent phobia), and a brush with covid scrooged some fun party plans, (but everyone is healthy).    Life is what happens when you're busy planning it.   READ MORE

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"Well there's nooooo place like home for the holidays" ... go on, sing along with Bing.  But what is home, exactly?   Maybe it's not a place so much as a feeling of being with people you love.    READ MORE

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Good morning dear readers!   Who's ready to sparkle and shine?   Me! Me!  Me!   I think this holiday season is going to be one for the record books - parties are back, weddings abound, travel is up.  We eagerly await the ability to gather together to celebrate this season of JOY.  (Even if that means spending Thanksgiving with your weird uncle who is definitely getting an ear hair trimmer for Christmas.)  READ MORE

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