Almost Wordless Wednesday Halloween Post brought to you by Dipsy and a White Rapper

Beware!! Enter At Your Own Risk!

Don't say Goblin didn't warn you, it's Time for Teletubbies! Say hello to Dipsy-


And also to "White Rapper"-


No, these aren't Halloween masks, just me and my dear parents at my mom's birthday celebration.

Which we did very much - Enjoy .

Happy November to you and yours with <3.

Just Like Dickens Said

These last few weeks have been just like what Dickens said-

It was the best of times-

Seeing Van Morrison and his band perform at the Greek Theater, they are world class musicians who still have the heart of an Irish pub band.

Going to our oldest son's Fall Concert where he had multiple singing solos and performed in the Dance Ensemble.

Listening to our youngest son beamingly tell us that his Art teacher said he is "an A+ student".

It was the worst of times-

Having a patient attempt suicide and supporting her in picking up the pieces.

Learning of the suicide of a sibling of a dear friend from high school.

Going to the funeral for the Grandmother of our youngest son's best friend.



It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

Just Us Ghouls Hanging Out

The ghouls are tired of just hanging out, waiting for their big day of haunting.

It's hard work just laying around, and even with 250 stations, there's still nothing on.

Say "Cheese" everybody and please don't fight over the remote!

How are you doing getting ready for Halloween?

Thank you so much, and Thank you also for the wonderful Birthday Greetings! XX Martha

It Happens Once a Year for Almost Wordless Wednesday

It happens once a year, (no, not me logging onto Facebook, or dressing in something other than jeans, that's about twice a year ;o), this occasion was my birthday last week. This is what 49 years young looks like.
Thank you all so much and wishing you a joyful day and birthday too, whenever it is!

Dear Loser Letters - "I Can't Believe You Just Said (Did) That" Edition

Dear Close Friend,

Thank you so much to you and your family for gracing us with your presence at our humble abode for like the twentieth or something time as our guests.
It just warms the cockles of my heart when you tell me, that you and your hubby don't ever like to have people over, (don't I know it!!), and, that you prefer to sit in your backyard, just you two! That sounds like a great idea, as I'm sure you have a lovely backyard which I haven't seen in several years. Enjoy.

Signed,

I Finally Get It


Dear Friend and Neighbor,

I am so delighted to help you with your worthy charity and I enjoy spending time together. However, it does get quite tiresome, that whenever I make a comment about having to drive the boys to sports or school, or something else required of raising children, that you say, "I am so glad I don't have to bother with that". Every single time. I finally agreed with you, I am so glad that you don't have to bother with the culmination of my life long dream either. I hope you enjoy your sweet lemons, and no, my grapes are not sour, thank you very much.

Signed,

Never Ever Criticized the Childfree by Choice so WTF??


Dear Clothing Store Checkout Lady,

Thank you so much for processing my return without the holy grail of retail, the receipt. Thank you also for explaining I now have a "one mark against me in the computer" for returning something sans receipt. I also completely understand why you need to see my driver's license to complete the transaction. What I Do Not Understand is why you felt it necessary to use my driver's license to scratch the dry, flaky skin on your arm during this process. I gotta tell you, not too many things catch me off my guard where I don't say anything, but this one got me good. I am not a germaphobe, but I was seriously grossed out and stunned into silence. Well, at least until I got home and called the Manager about your ahem, "personal grooming habits".

Signed,

Sanitized my I.D. for My Protection and Sanity

Mediterranean Pot Luck

Here are some photos from the Mediterranean themed pot luck dinner we hosted over the Labor Day weekend. My husband put up these bright fabric banners with dowels to hang from our porch ceiling. They really lend a festive air as do the lights and lanterns.
As is our usual fashion, we had lots of food, great food- spanakopita, lasagna, Greek salad, home made pizza, roast peppers, lemon chicken, grilled duck breast with lavender sauce, lamb lollipops, bruschetta, among many other yummies.

I made a white nectarine tart with an easy recipe from Food and Wine Magazine. It turned out delish with the most basic and fresh ingredients. I also scored by finding this tart pan for a buck at our local thrift store.
Luckily, I've been burning off a few calories gardening, including lots of flowering plants in containers. (I feel a lot of responsibility when I garden in planters, like I am adopting a plant "pet" that is completely dependent on me for all its needs- soil, sun, water, pruning, feeding, drainage. It's different then when I transplant plants into the soil, it's like they are more independent.)

Thank you so much for your visit and please let me know what you've been up to, foodwise, gardenwise, or any wonderful (or not so wonderful) thing. (I am an equal opportunity blogger with broad shoulders and decent listening skills).

I also wanted to sincerely thank, acknowledge, and show abundant appreciation to my fellow teammates at The Motivation Station blog. They, along with all my other dear, dear bloggy friends, have been a major source of inspiration, perspiration, and Motivation this past year. Happy One Year Birthday, TMS!!! High 5 and a Booty bump!! Please stop by The Motivation Station and consider becoming a follower, we are trying to reach 100 followers. And we are thisclose to 100, so thank you!

Dirty Jobs' Guy Doubles as School Mascot for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Mike Rowe, the host of the TV shows, Dirty Jobs, and The Deadliest Catch, apparently also served as the model for our son's school mascot, The Miners. Way to Go, Mike! No wonder you are one of my favorite TV Hosts, Ever!!

Speaking of dirty jobs, including baking and gardening, please stop by my post today at The Motivation Station. Thank you so much!