To the Happy Couple

OH, HAPPY DAY!!!!

Photo courtesy of MSNBC

Sending Prayers to the Southeast

A tornado that ripped throught Tuscaloosa, Alabama yesterday was caught on film.

My thoughts and prayers go to our neighbors farther south who experienced a horrific series of storms and tornadoes yesterday, which caused widespread devastation. As of this morning, more than 180 deaths have been reported and that number continues to rise. Alabama was especially hard hit, with entire communities destroyed.

For the first time in several days, we actually have a reprieve from the rain here, and the sun is shining. We are blessed to have not awakened to the loss of loved ones or a dismantled home. May God be with these people during this difficult time.
Image from The Tuscaloosa News

Standing on my Soapbox

Okay, folks, I’m operating on very little sleep right now, so it seems like a perfect time for one of my periodic rants. Buckle up.

1. Mother Nature, we've experienced your wrath. We are more than aware of what you can do. You’ve proven it time and time again over the last year. But, would you mind pulling back just a little, pretty please? It’s been raining for days, more severe storms passed through last night and our power went off again. Due to the thunder, lightning and general worry that a tree would fall on my house, I haven't slept much in the last few days. I bet you’re worn out, too. So, why don’t you take a break, sit back and enjoy the beauty that spring has to offer. Sound like a plan?

2. Yesterday, I saw the number ticker at the gas pump go higher than I’ve ever seen in my life. At one point I found myself pleading out loud in the middle of the gas station, “For the love of God, please stop!” I am now paying more than $4 a gallon for gasoline. INSANITY. Hey, Washington, get on this NOW. (Although, when I complained about this on Facebook the other day, a British friend of mine reminded me that he's currently paying $9 a gallon for petrol. So, I know, it could always be far worse.)

3. Donald Trump: Shut up. Whether or not many of us support the current administration, I am willing to bet most of us don't like you or your hair. Your alleged will-I-or-won’t-I run for president is a joke. You’re not going to run; this is just a giant, insulting promo for “The Apprentice.” And now we’re subjected to front-page headlines of the president’s birth certificate, and you're taking credit for it. Really? Must we dwell on this? Do us a favor – back off and make way for more important business.

Okay, I’ll push the soap box back under the desk for now. As you know, I am not one to talk politics in this blog – we're surrounded by the bickering 24/7 and I hate to be one to add to the noise. But, I’m tired and cranky and the latest events are just making my headache worse.

Are any of these topics getting on your nerves? Please share. I want to take comfort in the fact that I’m not the only crazy lady screaming in the middle of a Speedway gas station on a Tuesday afternoon.

Thanks for sticking with me. I promise I’ll be peppier in the morning. Luckily, the work week is going to end on a happier note with the royal wedding this Friday. I can’t wait to see Kate’s dress and watch William’s face as his bride enters the church. It should be a magical day. I know some people are fed up with the frenzy surrounding it, but for those of us who, as children, rose early to watch Charles and Diana get married, and have since watched Prince William and Prince Harry grow up, this is a special day many of us will take joy in viewing. Cheers to the happy couple!
Images from mygtv.net and photographer Mario Testino

Guess Who Has Tickets?

Yesterday evening, I found out that on the first Saturday in May, I'll be sipping one of these...

While wearing one of these...

Here...


May the sun shine bright on my old Kentucky home...

Sincere thanks to my mother-in-law for giving us this opportunity. It's been a few years and we're extremely excited and grateful to be returning to a box seat at Churchill.
Images attributed to photographers Rick Schmitt and Sam English

The Fabulous Beekman Boys

Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, aka "The Fabulous Beekman Boys"

I have a new favorite program: “The Fabulous Beekman Boys.” I read about these guys on a couple of other blogs, so I had to check them out to see if all of the tales of fabulousness were true. And, yes, they are! 

 The Beekman Mansion and Farm, Sharon Springs, New York.

Their program is on Planet Green TV, which if you don’t have this cable channel, you can watch episodes for free On Demand. Anyhoo, the Beekman Boys are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, two city guys who found a beautiful mansion and farm in upstate New York and are trying to make a go of it by selling goat milk products, as well as other goods inspired by their farm living. Their product line is Beekman 1802.

After becoming so enamored with the boys, I just had to order Josh’s book on my Kindle last night. The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers – An Unconventional Memoir, is a hilarious account of their efforts to purchase the farm and make a go of it in the country. Along the way, both men lost their jobs during the peak of the recession; but rest assured, they bounced back. If you like David Sedaris, you’ll really like this book. Josh is a former drag queen turned ad executive. Brent is a doctor, who also served as vice president of healthy living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia. So, with ties to Martha and the world of drag queens, it’s never a dull moment with these two.

I think I may have to purchase the first season of “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” on DVD. I’ve only seen a few episodes of season two via On Demand and they are such fun. If you can, be sure to check it out.

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter. Our weekend was full of a variety of activities leading up to the special day. It was wonderful spending time with family and watching the kids’ excitement over their Easter baskets. I could have done without the endless rain, though. It would have been nice to release our sugar-filled kids into the great outdoors yesterday afternoon. Oh, well. The basement had to suffice.


Happy Easter Monday!Images from www.beekman1802.com and www.planetgreen.discovery.com

Hats, Glorious Hats

Within the next few weeks, we will be seeing lots of hats. From Easter, to the Royal Wedding to the Kentucky Derby, ladies will have many opportunities to break out their fine millinery.

During Derby-time in Louisville, it seems like every other storefront you pass, there are hats in the window - even if it’s not a dress shop. Heck, florists, art galleries and candy stores get in on the act. It’s Derby; hats are EVERYWHERE.

So, for those out-of-towners who may score a last-minute ticket to Derby, don’t worry about finding a hat in your hometown. There is a HUGE selection here. I’ve heard many-a-story about last-minute buyers hitting the stores on Derby morning and finding a fabulous chapeau. Yes, Virginia, it can be done.

Kate Middleton attending Ascot. Oh, what a fashion plate she is - eight more days until the wedding. Woo hoo!

And, for those those ladies flying out the day after Derby, Hats for Hope always has a table set up at the airport for those who would like to donate their hats to the charitable organization. Hats for Hope raises funds for the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by holding a annual hat auction and cocktail party. Some hats are new, some are donated (cleaned, of course) and all are fabulous. Many out-of-town guests who attend the Derby have no itention of ever wearing their hats again. So, they donate the hats to Hats for Hope, get a nice tax deduction and help a good cause. Win, win, win!

Dear readers, will you be donning a hat for Easter, Derby, a wedding or other special event in the near future? If so, do tell!

By the way, our power was restored yesterday afternoon. As I was driving home with the kids, I saw three utility trucks leaving our of neighborhood. It was like seeing the cavalry coming to our rescue! Thanks to everyone for your kind words! And, In case I don't have a chance to blog during the rest of Holy Week and into Easter Sunday, I wish you the happiest of Easters. Celebrate the Reason for the Season, enjoy time with your families and dig into those Easter baskets. My Lenten chocolate fast will be coming to end this Sunday and I plan to eat myself into a chocolate haze. Yum!!
Images from kentuckyderby.com, thebusinesspage.com, blogtown.portlandmercury and paigingjoyblog

Power Outage - Fun Times

Bad storms. Tornado sirens blaring at 12:30 a.m.
Power out.
Back hurts after camping out in the basement with the kids.
Tried to apply make-up this morning by candlelight.
Really, really bad hair day.
The kids say they like playing in the dark - can they do it again?
Mommy says, "Dear, God, I hope not."
Can't get to Starbuck's fast enough.

Thankfully we only lost power - no damage to our home. I'm well aware it could be far worse. If the power doesn't return this evening, we may be hoofing it over to my mother-in-law's. Fingers crossed it returns soon.

Hope the sun is shining where you are!