Danielle - Danielley as we like to call her

Danielley in Cali

I guess we have been busy the last few weeks. Last week we

were lucky enough to have my niece visiting from Florida. Some of us hadn't seen her in several years so we really got to know her again. She has grown into a beautiful, young woman, who at 19 is very focused with a plan for her life. Most impressive.

Kevin and Danielle

As you can see I caught Kevin red handed with a snickerdoodle
Sean probably has one too.

Riley wanted in on the act.



We played sticks ..... it was very painful for me.
Delores (my mother in law), me and Diana (my mom)



Setting up

Sean, Delores, Kristi, Diana and Danielle.
Kristi was the big winner. Sean left early so he had to forfeit his win to Kristi. Sorry Sean.

Danielle giving me a nice pose.

Uncle and niece (I think this picture taking stuff is painful for Kevin)

Delores' famous Snickerdoodles ..... they did not last long

Danielle may have eaten more than her fair share

We miss her already... she headed home to start her 2nd year of college.

Happy Birthday Jim

Jim's Big Day

My father in law is a great guy. I have never seen him anything but up and positive over the last 40 years.

I met him when I was 13.

Over the years he has never failed to take me aside and tell me how delicious my dinner was and what a good time he had in our home.

Jim is truly a gem on this earth.

On Sunday he celebrated his birthday.

Jim is 78 years young, because to me he is the same guy I knew when I was 13.

Happy Birthday Jim, I hope you celebrate many, many more.

Here is Jim and his bride of over 50 years Delores

and here is Jim with that same bride on their wedding day.

Life of the Party

I know, from that title you all are assuming it was me. But alas, no, I have some competition.

We went to Kristi's last night for game night. Danielle will be leaving on Saturday so we are trying to fit in as much "family" time as we can.

Madison decided to clown around, so I will start this series with the "Life of the Party" Madison is so close to walking... the desire is there but the skill level needs to follow. Cruising is what she does best, and she is now a one handed cruiser.

She started on one side of the ottoman.

Are you watching... I'm going to start

Along the way... she wanted to check out what Riley is doing.

Wait a minute... time out to check out something on the floor.



I'm half way .... are you proud of me?


Now if I can only let go and walk over there ...

No .. not yet I want to get to the end of the ottoman. Maybe someone

will give me a cookie.
Look how cute I am...
Do you think I look like a pixie?
I did it.... now I am ready for my cookie.

Foodie Friday ... finishing up the post

Welcome to Foodie Friday

hosted by the ever talented Designs by Gollum

I thought I should just complete this Spa Day post and

show a few shots of the "Birthday "Purse" Cake". Yes this is a cake and it was delicious.

These ladies love their cake and cookies.

I embellished the board with a bit more bling, a pump and a pearl T for Tammie

Here is a shot of the back of the cake. I love this design

Thanks for stopping by .. now head back to Gollum's for some great Foodie recipes.

Tablescape Thursday - Spa Day continued

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday
hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

Susan has the most lovely blog that you will thouroughly enjoy.


Spa Day
Tammie's Birthday
Fun, Fabulous and Fifty

This is a continuation of Spa Day celebrating my girlfriend's 50th birthday.
The ladies and I decided to have beverages, swimming (or floating) and luncheon in my yard. I set up the gazebo for the festivities and everyone brought yummy food to share.

We chose black, hot pink and white for our theme colors. I hung sheer white panels in the gazebo to give it an airy spa look. I think I will change the ribbon color and keep them up for the rest of the summer. I love them.

I incorporated polka dots into the theme and got a piece of fabric in hot pink with black polka dots that I cut into a square and used for accent on white tablecloths.
I bought these white tablecloths several summers ago for my daughters wedding. I purchased them in a 2 pack at Sam's Club. They are a great bargain and have held up, I use them outside on banquet tables all the time.

My girlfriend, and my daughter helped me paint these glasses. We decorated them with jewels and paint. They served double duty as glasses and place cards. We personalized them with names and flourishes.

The were so fun to do and added a personal touch.

My favorite element was my long stemmed gerbera daisies in the center. I place them on mirrors to add a little sparkle.

Tammie the Birthday girl

Some of the food we enjoyed:

Chicken salad croissant sandwiches

Fruit Salad

Pasta salad

Potato salad

Italian Chopped salad

Shrimp cocktail

Carrot salad

I used black chargers, black and white toile dishes (from Target) and pretty black and white napkins.

Here's a closeup of the placesetting


Cake and Decorated Sugar Cookies provided by:

YourSugarRush

Tammie requested chocolate espresso cake with chocolate ganauche filling.

The shape and style was provided by Kristi.

This cake is all buttercream.

Thanks for visiting my tablescape and sharing Tammie's special day.

Now head back to Susan's for more tablescape fun.

Outdoor Wednesday - Spa Day

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday

This event is hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.

Following Susan's blog is a real treat.

Tammies Birthday Bash
Fun .... Fabulous .... and Fifty ....


I belong to a bunco group. This group of women has been together for the better part of 20 years. We range in age from 37 to 83, and I think they are a very special group of women.

One of our girls turned 50 and at her request we had a relaxing pool day.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a party, and the planning is half the fun.

My friend Peggy and I had a shopping day to plan the events. We chose black, hot pink and white as our colors with polka dots and stripes... we had a ball shopping for our goodie bags.

Bathing Beauties...

Charissa had us laughing so hard in the pool I was crying. She is one funny lady.

Vivian our Matriarch and Diana our Matriarch in training are cooling off. Vivian has some fine looking legs don't you think?



Some serious gossip going on. Where's Peggy? Peggy, we missed you so much. It wasn't the same without you, but your chicken salad croissants were to die for.

More feet ... I think those belong to the Baker.


The Birthday girl was the first one in the pool and the last one out.


What do you think they are planning.... maybe another party?


Peggy designed and created these lovely bedazzled flip flops for the occasion.



Everyone brought delicious food and we had a lovely luncheon in the gazebo.


Plenty of comfy relaxing lounge chairs and shade


Happy Birthday Tammie!!

part II to come for Tablescape Thursday.
For now back to Susan's for more outdoor fun.

Whirlwind Weekend

Where did the weekend go?

I can't believe it is Monday already. Where did my weekend go? When I say weekend I always include Friday, because I am off on Fridays.

On Friday I went to the Happiest Place on Earth (again).

My niece from Florida came out to visit her grandparents, so my mother in law decided we should do Disneyland.

Danielle, Sean, Delores and I jumped in the car and headed to Anaheim.

Kevin was wondering why we would go on Friday,

thinking it would be so crowded but we lucked out.

It was not only "not crowded" but the weather was cool and breezy.

We had a great time. I even went on

Space Mountain which is one of those rides I usually avoid.

Delores, who is 76 was a trooper. She kept up with a smile on

her face even after getting totally drenched

on Splash Mountain.

Danielle and Delores upon arrival

Delores with her grandkids .. Sean and Danielle
Don't Sean and Danielle look like they could be brother and sister? Kelley genes are strong.

Thanks Delores and Danielle for including us.