December 7 to December 15, 2014

Sunday, the 7th:  I got up around 5:30 and was showered, dressed and ready to leave by 6:00 a.m.  Jay, of course, was NOT up at that time even though he wanted to leave EARLY!!!  I had a cup of coffee and let him sleep until about 7 o'clock.  While he showered, I loaded the car with all MY stuff, which included my suitcase, the Keurig coffee maker, a small stained glass Christmas tree, a Christmas night light, my yarn for crocheting, HIS Gatorade, etc.  We FINALLY left the driveway at 8:02 a.m.  And they say you have to wait for women!!!  BOSH on that!

After a little over two hours, we stopped at a Burger King so Jay could have his new discovery:  bacon, egg and cheese croissant that isn't soaked in dripping grease!  Two hours after that, he had to have a DQ cone.  There are mandatory stops along I35 that MUST be made.

Thankfully, the trip was uneventful though the fog in Oklahoma and Kansas was very thick in spots.  Thank goodness for WAZE, a wonderful app that I've used for a couple of years.

We got to Liberty, Missouri at around 4:15 and checked into the Hampton Inn.  Since I'd neglected to pack PJs or a nightgown [due to my stress over making sure Jay packed what he needed], our first stop after checking in was the TJ Maxx near the hotel, where a nifty pair of PJs was purchased.  Then, off to dinner at Longhorn Steak House.  Jay enjoyed his scotch

and I enjoyed my KJ chardonnay. Food was eaten but secondarily.  Just relaxing was in order.

Right now, we're back at the hotel.  I've washed the catsup stains out of Jay's jeans down by the river on the rocks, and we're now settled in for the night.  Another five or six hours to Bettendorf tomorrow and then we'll settle into Jay's dad's house for a week.  There's a lot to do this week and, thankfully, the temps are supposed to be above freezing and maybe even into the mid-40s!

Monday, the 8th: After a VERY quick [and not terrific] bite at the hotel, we headed out.  We stopped only one time for gasoline and made it to the house much earlier than we anticipated.  However, even though we had the keys, we couldn't get in the door, so a call to cousin J.O. was made.  He arrived and discovered the door was, indeed, unlocked but we hadn't used enough "shoulder" to open it.  Oh, well!

While Jay and J.O. talked about things, I made up the beds and started emptying drawers.  So much of Ada's things were still in closets, drawers and cabinets even though she passed nearly 25 years ago.  Much to do - much to do.

After a few hours of going through things, we headed across the Mississippi to Miss Mamie's for dinner.  I love this place - really good, unpretentious food and GENEROUS adult beverages.  I had a really nice horseradish encrusted salmon!  And their Garlic Salad is WONDERFUL!!! I really could eat two and forego the main meal.

Then, back across the Mississippi to the house and an early bedtime as we were both pretty whipped.

Tuesday, the 9th:  We started getting rid of things in earnest!  On one of my trips outside to the trash bins, I spotted a black [or nearly black] squirrel.  I'd never seen one before.  Grey, yes; and brown, yes - but never a black one.  I've got my Nikon charged and if given the opportunity again, I will try to get a photo.

We loaded up the car [and I DO mean LOADED] and made a trip to the local Good Will.  Then, a grocery run and home again to do more work on the house.  J.O. stopped by to see our progress and then the neighbor, Steve, came over.  He and his wife had been in Austin when Jay's dad passed and thought they'd missed the service.  He GRACIOUSLY shared their WiFi with me and I'm quite the Happy Camper - well, Happier Camper.  I do NOT plan on abusing their generosity.

Ada was happy doing needlepoint and did a number of wonderful pieces.  I'm taking one back to Dallas and it will have a place of honor next to my Mother's pieces.

Headboard in Master Bedroom - Not going to Dallas

Moving to Dallas

What an amazing lady Ada was!  The articles and tributes following her death in 1990 were amazing.  Here is the Amazing Lady in a portrait she really didn't like and neither does Jay [it doesn't do her justice], so we're not taking it to Dallas.  Ada was a fashion icon in the Midwest.  She modeled, then owned her own modeling school, agency, wrote several fashion columns, and had her own cosmetics line.  A true Lady of Grace.

Diane, who passed suddenly in June, was artistic as well and this home is filled with pieces that she did.  We're taking a few back to Dallas and here are two of them:

A pen and ink Diane did of this home.  

Finally, we decided to quit and grab dinner at Biaggi which really wasn't as good as either one of us remembered, and then home again.  Another early bedtime.

Wednesday, the 10th:  More sorting, tossing, and donating going on at the house.  Then we met with Amy Karnavas of Mel Foster Realtors to get an idea what the house could bring on the market.  Of course, since it's in dire need of a new roof, new carpeting, wiring, paint, etc, Jay's going to sell AS IS.  Amy knows a few investors who are interested.  So, hopefully, we can get that task started before we head back home.  We then went to Clinton to have lunch with cousin John and wife Evelyn.  They own a farm that's been in the family for a very long time.  We had a lovely lunch/visit at The Candlelight Inn which is right on the Mississippi River.  The River has begun to freeze in parts which just amazes me that a river with such a current could actually freeze.  Folks say that people have actually walked across the frozen river!  After lunch, John drove us around the farm, quarry [which used to be owned by the Shaff family], the family's former dairy, and former family homes.  What a history John has compiled for the family.  Yes, it's cold but the worst part is - the sun is hiding which makes it feel even colder.  We then headed back to the house for more work.

If you look hard, you can see the ice forming.

Evelyn, John and Jay

Barn at the old family dairy.

Evelyn's beautiful handmade quilt.

Since I've been awakening between 2 am and 3 am every day [due to a neighbor warming up his truck for 30 minutes each day at an unGodly hour], bedtime was extended to nearly 11:00 p.m. in the hopes I'd fall asleep and STAY asleep.  Fingers crossed and earplugs inserted!

Thursday, the 11th:  Wonder of wonders, I actually slept for 6-1/2 hours!!!  I feel so much better today than I have the past few days.

Jay took another carload over to Good Will while I started to search through file cabinets for pertinent paperwork.  Thankfully, I found the Abstract of Title right away, for which Jay is very thankful.  The trash bin and recycle bin are full and about 1/4 of the garage has stacks of garbage bags full of papers, magazines and other trash they accumulated since 1955!

In the hopes of luring the black squirrel, I threw out some popcorn into the backyard.  After a bit, not one but TWO black squirrels arrived and I was lucky enough to snap a shot!

They didn't go for the popcorn but several Cardinals, male and female, came by but I wasn't able to get a shot.

After several more hours of working on the house, we readied ourselves and rode off to fetch J.O. for dinner.  We stopped in to see his Mom, Lissi, who's been fighting the good fight and is a wonderful Lady.  Off to Bass Street Chop House and after an adult beverage [or two] a wonderful meal was had by all.  Our waitress was a TAD over the top on the Perk Factor which did NOT add to our [my] overall enjoyment.  And I know the new thing is to have eyebrows but NOT done like Groucho Marx as hers were.  We could hardly avert our eyes and Jay said he was waiting for the duck to drop.  But the steaks were good; adult beverages were good; fellowship was great!

Cousin Jay O. Shaff

Moi and My Jay

Jay, Me, Jay - tuneful?

Now, back at the house - one of us is watching TV and the other is in bed with her laptop. ;0) Hoping for another good night's sleep.

Friday, the 12th: Still trying to de-clutter the house but are running out of time.  Met with Martha Shaff, the family attorney, and Jay signed some documents in the event the estate goes into probate.  We got some good information and advice from her.  Afterward, we crossed the Mississippi and grabbed a quick lunch at Lagomarsino's, picked up a few things from Sam's and then to HyVee's, the local grocery chain.  Jay's back at work on the house for a while.  J.O. stopped by and the two men put their heads together to figure out what to do with all the things still in the house.  J.O. is going to try to sell a few things and the rest will go to Salvation Army or the like.  More chatting was done before Jay and I headed down the hill to The Village Inn for a not so rich dinner.

Back to the house with just a little more work.  I opted for the bed at an early hour!

Saturday, the 13th:  My Paleo lifestyle has pretty much gone out the window as Jay has gone, nearly every day, to the Burger King for his bacon, egg and cheese croissant - I get the BEC biscuit.  BAD!!!  but tasty - sort of.  The graveside service is at two and I've gotten everything packed that we're NOT going to use today and in the morning.  We could probably fill a U-Haul with all the things Jay would like to take home but he's being realistic.  His dad's English saddle will definitely get into the car as well as a few other items.

The service at the family cemetery was short and very sweet.  Right off, laughter ignited as Ariel, J.O.'s beautiful big old Lab pee'd on Jay's dad's grave.  The Dad really liked the dog so it wasn't done with a mean spirit but how else can dogs mark their territory?

The cemetery is in the middle of the Shaff Family Farm and only relatives have been buried there since 1837 or earlier.  Just Google "Shaff Cemetery" and it pops right up.  There were four deaths this year - not a good year for the Shaff Family.  Diane, Jay's sister, passed unexpectedly in June, two aunts passed and now The Dad.  But what a long life he had!  101 years!

There were about 30 folks at the cemetery and nearly all of them came back to the house for light refreshments and good fellowship.  We told the family that no one could leave the house empty handed and that turned out to be a good thing.  Even Jay's Uncle Jim took a needlepoint pillow that said "I'd rather be golfing."  There's still a lot in the house but the gracious J.O. is going to see if some of the things can be sold on EBay.  Today I found a bible from 1887 which might interest someone.

Jay's got a terrific family some of whom I'd met for the first time today:  Grace, a lovely attorney from Chicago; and Karen and her husband Steve, from Des Moines - she's also an attorney.  I'd met Martha, the family attorney, and her husband Tom and kiddos, Maddie and Chase, at Jay's dad's 100th birthday party, and think most highly of them.  And of course, J.O. who has been My Jay's savior over the last six months.  And, John and Evelyn who I met the other day and think they're terrific.  John is basically the family historian and has done an amazing job.  Last but certainly not least is Lissi, the widow of The Dad's younger brother, David.  She's one elegant lady and I hope she beats this insidious disease!

After everyone left, Jay and I went over to Moline to have dinner at Miss Mamie's again as we really enjoy it.

I'm not positive, but I think you might be able to tell we're pretty tired.

We're pretty much all packed and I'm setting my iPhone for 4:00 a.m.  We're planning on driving straight through - 14 hours - as we need to get back to our home and get totally into the Christmas Spirit.  It's been a rough week but it had highlights and, as I said, the family is really terrific.

We're planning on retiring early - due to early reveille - but I'm not going to publish this post until we get back to Dallas.

Sunday, the 14th:  Up at 4:00 a.m. but due to the male member of this duo, we didn't leave the house until 5:20 a.m.  It was a riot loading the car!  Men!!!  Give it up!  Women know how to pack!!!  So, off we went with Jay behind the wheel.  After a couple of hours and Jay's eyes closing while driving, I put my foot down and drove for a tankful.  Of course, he had to have his breakfast sandwich but couldn't find a Burger King so he settled for a McDonald's breakfast sandwich.  MEH!!!  It was a good thing that it was cloudy and overcast the entire way - with rain even.  After going through Oklahoma City, we heard on the radio that they were experiencing a huge hail and wind storm.  Thankfully, we missed it.

Due to Jay's "unsettledness", I drove most of the way home and AM TIRED right now.  Once we got home, I ordered a pizza, we unloaded half of the car and are now settled into our beloved environs.

Oh, on a gasoline / pee stop south of Oklahoma City, I was sitting in the car and waiting for Jay when I happened to pick up my iPhone, and tried to check in on Facebook when what to my wondering eyes should appear but Birdsong Wedding Chapel so I checked in.  By the time we got home I had four comments on Facebook.  RIOT.  No, we're not married - WHY???  If it's beneficial we will so be on the lookout.

So, now I'm going to finish my glass of wine and hit the sack.  It's been a rough week to say the least. Not only to deal with J.M.'s death but to deal with Jay dealing with his dad's death.  I should have taken photos of the family at the cemetery and at the house afterward, but I FAILED.

Second glass of wine poured and about half finished.  I think it's time to head to bed and to publish this post.

On another note, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

xo

East Coast Wrap Up - 2014

First of all, I think I've eaten more in the last four weeks than I have in the previous four months!!!  Bread - pasta - pie - candy - popcorn!  All the things I've avoided for so long.  So when I get back to Dallas, it's back on the Paleo bandwagon.

On Monday, we picked up Lorraine and the three of us had lunch at Rutt's Hut.  Rippers; onion rings [too greasy for my taste]; and fries with brown gravy!!!  I tasted the onion rings long into the night!  After lunch, we did a little light shopping and then took Lorraine to two furniture stores to look for a loveseat for her TV room.  We found one at Raymour and Flanagan that all three of us liked.  During our "looking" we commented on the rudeness of Lorraine; her anti socialism; her orneriness; and her big ASS - none of which is true - LOTS and LOTS of laughter ensued!  She really is Our Big Sister! And is LOVED so very much!

We tried to stop in to see Uncle Tony Giuseffi who will be 100 in January, but he wasn't at home!  That man!!!!

Vicki prepared a beautiful dinner and we watched a little TV and hit the sack early!

Tuesday!  What a perfectly beautiful day!  It was colder in Dallas than it was here today.  And SUN!!!  Beautiful blue skies!  Just a great day.

Vicki INSISTED that I try a slice from Rose's Pizza in Garfield and thank God she did.  It was probably the BEST pizza I've had in nearly 50 years.  I sure could have eaten another slice but we had other plans.  If you're ever within 50 miles of this place, you MUST go get a slice.

Now, off to Hot Grill in Clifton.  It's a hot dog joint that's been there for over 60 years but I was committed to Ott's Spot back in The Day so I wasn't aware of it.  They're called Texas Weiners but in Dallas, we call them chili dogs.  Vicki and I decided to share as we're also planning to go out to dinner tonight.  The fries are doused with chili as well but I only had one.  I liked the "Texas Weiner" a lot!

We were going to hit DiAnna's Bakery Garfield to get a cannoli, but we decided against it.

We decided to head back over to Wood-Ridge to see if Uncle Tony was home.  In fact, he was.  The reason he wasn't there yesterday was he was in the hospital!!!!  He'd SAID he'd had a little heart attack last Friday and had been there until last night or today.  He doesn't look bad for a man who just got out of the hospital and who is going to turn ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD in January!!!  Being who he is, he poo pooed his "alleged" heart attack and said he'd been kept too long.  What a feisty guy he is now and always has been!

So, after a little rest at home, we had dinner at The Crow's Nest, which has become a ritual these past several years, on my last evening in New Jersey.  As we were finishing dinner, Gail and John Dunn [Gail is Uncle Tony's daughter] came in and were seated behind us.

John and Gail Dunn

Naturally, we asked about Uncle Tony's condition and what to our wondering ears should we hear:  he didn't have a heart attack.  He had some symptoms but all was clean and clear.  Very thankful for that!  Oh, and by the way, our dinners were great.  I had short ribs and Vicki had monkfish francaise.  She'll be eating leftovers for several days.  They give WAY too much food at that place!!!

So, now I'm settled in on Vicki's loveseat.  I'm pretty much all packed except for the last minute things.  It's been such a wonderful trip and I LOVE MY FAMILY SO VERY MUCH!!!!  I'm anxious to get back to Dallas but hate leaving.  Bittersweet!  But so very thankful for the time spent here and for Vicki who is the Ultimate Tour Guide / Chauffeur / Sister / Friend / Chef / Hostess - not necessarily in that order!

 So . . .

November 2014 - Vermont

We were able to leave Hackensack at 7:15-ish on Wednesday but just a few miles north on Route 17, we encountered standstill traffic due to an accident involving a few cars.  Fortunately, the delay was only about 20 minutes and the remainder of the trip was smooth sailing.

Interesting bridge on the New York Thruway

Me and my Very Capable Driver

Steve's plane was due in Burlington around 1:00 p.m. and our original plan was for him to Uber into town and we'd meet up with him.  Due to the reliability of the Garmin, we got to BIA around 1:10 p.m., saving Steve Uber money!  We went into town and grabbed lunch at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill.  Steve had the crispy pig head and declared it delicious.  Vicki and I each had the chicken salad sandwich [which we should have shared as it was huge] and they got our whole hearted approval.

Steeple in Burlington

One of the many things I love about Vermont is the abundance of steeples!  I photographed many in Montpelier last year and may have to make a calendar for me!

After a little walk, we headed to the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe.  In years past, we've stayed in Waterbury but decided on a change.  The grounds are enormous!

And the rooms are very large, each with a balcony.  Above is our view!

After checking in and resting a bit, we headed out to meet Jim and Sue for dinner.  This year, we selected Michael's on the Hill which was highly rated.  Thanks to the time change, there was no view.  The restaurant is charming and cozy, and the food was very nice.  One of the highlights [to me] was the Fig Manhattan which I had for dessert!  It was my first manhattan of any kind and I've now become a fan.  We chatted for quite some time but since we who traveled were tired, we decided to end our evening at a reasonable hour.

Brother Jim and SIL Sue

Jim, Sue, Steve, me and Vicki

On Thursday, Jim and Sue picked us up around 10:30 and we headed off to Hill Farmhouse Brewery which is touted as having the BEST brews in the U.S.  The trip was interesting as we drove through beautiful farm land but in some places, it looked as if we were passing meth labs!  The Brewery didn't open until noon and when we got there, of course, there was a line. The wait was only about 20 minutes and the weather wasn't too bad yet.  We sampled four brews and dubbed Nelson the best!

I learned what a Growler was a few years ago at Heady Topper, but this year I learned that a smaller Growler is a Growlet!  Steve and Jim each bought a Growler filled with Nelson to take back to the Markley House for our festivities.

This interesting building is across the street from the Brewery.  I just liked the image so I thought I'd share.

On the way back to Stowe, we stopped in the cute little town of Hardwick.  We checked out the Co-Op and then grabbed lunch at Positive Pie.  For the table, we had fried Brussels Sprouts which were absolutely wonderful, and the dipping sauce [which I can't name] was terrific!  Steve and I split a pulled [local] pork sandwich which was the best I've ever had.  Vicki enjoyed her Italian Chicken as did Jim; and Sue said the Beef Stew was very good.  Here are a few photos I took in Hardwick.

Jim and Sue dropped us back at the GER and they headed home to wait for Sidney and Chris to arrive from New Hampshire.

Vicki's son, Matt, and his family were on their way from Massachusetts but didn't get an early start as Laura had a field trip to Plymouth Plantation.  So, while we waited for them to arrive, Vicki, Steve and I went across the street to The Bench for a little something to eat.

Finally, at 8:30 p.m., after over five hours of driving in the rain, The Little People and their parents arrived.  WOW but those kiddos have grown!

After a few hours of chatting and playing, it was time for This Old Broad to hit the sack!

On Friday, after breakfast at McCarthy's across the street, Steve, Vicki and I did some hunting and gathering for things to take to Jim and Sue's.  The snow had already fallen on the ski slopes but was now falling in town.  Nothing serious, but it sure was nice to look at.  We stopped back at the GER to pick up Laura and Josh while Matt and Carol had some free time.  We made the annual trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some absolutely fabulous cider!

Long-legged Laura and Goofball Josh!

Then, we were off to Ben & Jerry's for a cone!

As always, Jim and Sue hosted an absolutely wonderful feast!

Carol and Laura

Me, SIL Sue and Sis Vicki

Cousins Chris, Steve, Matt and Pat

Steve and Jim guarding the Burgundy and Bordeaux

Chris and Sydney

On Saturday, everyone gathered at the Golden Eagle Resort for a hike on one of their trails.  What a beautiful day for a hike!  Cold with snow here and there.

Vicki, Chris and Sydney

Vicki, Pat, Chris, Sydney, Steve and Me

The Markleys:  Jim, Sue, Pat, Chris and Sydney

We all didn't finish the hike together but met at the bottom of the trail.

Some of us worked up an appetite on the hike, so we went over to the Vermont Ale House and enjoyed a bite to eat.  Then back to get freshened up and back up to Jim and Sue's to finish off the feast from the previous evening, and a fun-filled game of Heads Up for all!!!

On Sunday, Steve, Vicki and I stopped up at Jim and Sue's to say farewell until next year.  [sad face, for sure].  Steve's flight wasn't until 3:30 or so but we dropped him off at BIA and he was able to get a much early flight.  Vicki and I stopped at Shelburne Farms [Vicki needed a t-shirt] and then had breakfast in Middlebury at Rosie's.  As we got to Hackensack around 6:30, I got a text from Steve that he'd just landed, and when Vicki called Matt to let him know we'd gotten home safely, he said they'd just arrived home as well.  So all the chicklets were in their homes at an early time.

So that's it for this year in Vermont.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  I sure wish we all lived closer to each other!!!  I just LOVE my family and LOVE the time I get to spend with everyone in Vermont.  Of course, I don't leave New Jersey until Wednesday, so there just might be more fun to be had.