Mom met the boyfriend

12 Friday May 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Dating

≈ 36 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

“Beauty surrounds us.”
― Rumi

This is a short story: M met mom.  They loved each other. End of story.

M was here last weekend to meet my mom.  He arrived Friday and left on Monday.  Hi fan club is now bigger.  My mom also became a fan.  M is the most caring and considerate person I ever met. He cares.  He truly cares about others and the world around him.

I feel so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. He says he is blessed to have found me. We plan on making sure that this gratitude for each other never leave us.

On the day he arrived he booked his ticket to Brazil.  He wanted to meet my mom first and have her blessing and invitation to come to Brazil.  He is going to arrive there 2 days after I get there, and he will leave the morning after I leave.  We are all excited that he will be coming to Brazil and staying with my family for over 2 weeks.

He had talked about going surfing while there, but I convinced him to leave that for the future. I have warned him that this will be a work trip. I am intent on continuing some repairs to my mom’s house, and he says he is eager to help.

On future trips we want to visit more of Brazil. 

While he was here, my  mom, my sister and I, followed our usual routine.  We had some meals at home and some out, with him saying that everything was delicious.  We went to the casino, where he proceeded to give my mom money to play.  We visited some stores, where he patiently waited while my mother chose what to buy.

He is returning to NY on Sunday, May 14 and will stay till Thursday.  After that we will see other on May 26th when he arrives in Brazil. 

I see him being in my life for all my days, and it feels perfect.

“I am larger, better than I thought; I did not know I held so much goodness.
All seems beautiful to me.
Whoever denies me, it shall not trouble me;
Whoever accepts me, he or she shall be blessed, and shall bless me.”
― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Advertisement

Brazil and back

05 Friday May 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Dating

≈ 33 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
― Maya Angelou, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

My beautiful 88 years old mom, with the flowers she got from M.

My beautiful 88-year-old mom, with the flowers she got from M.

Hi Friends,

Things have been crazy busy.  Since last post:

I went to Brazil to pick up my mom for her biannual visit to the US.  While there, I was hoping to be able to relax for a couple of days.

Instead of resting, it was a very tiring trip.  I left on Friday night and arrived at my home Saturday early afternoon. By then, I had found out that I would have to work on Monday. I scrambled to try to get my desk set up.  I had to go out and buy 2 monitors. 

On top of working remotely, I had a lot cleaning to do.  Mom was having some repair done to a kitchen and bathroom in the little house in the back.  The workers were careless and there was dust everywhere, including on top of all the appliances. They barely covered some items.  

For the 4 days I was there, I always either on the computer or cleaning.  My only break was a trip to the hairdresser. By lunch time, on Wednesday, Mom and I were already on the way to the airport.  It takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, to get to the airport from my city.

I got back to NY Thursday morning and dove right into work.  My assistant/co-worker is out dealing with cancer again.  She had to have a mastectomy, but is doing well.  It will be a few days before we know if she needs Chemotherapy, or just Radiotherapy like last year. 

This time I had already mentioned to the partners at work, that I needed someone to step up and do her job.  Currently, a couple of the partners are doing some of work.  I still have to do the bulk of it.  It is already getting to me and it has been only 10 days. 

I worked Saturday so that I could take Monday off.  Mom turned 88 years old on Monday.  On Sunday morning we left for the casino.  It has been a tradition to celebrate her birthday at Foxwoods Casino every year. It was a quick trip. By Monday evening, I was home already and back at the computer.

It was fun!  We had a celebratory dinner at The Red Lantern.  Everything was delicious.  They brought a slice of cake with a candle, champagne and a display showing her age.  She was pleasantly surprised.

Now, back to work again.  First Republic Bank is gone, so we have been setting up a couple of additional banks, which involves a whole bunch more of work.  The more I wish a time with less work, the more work keeps piling in.  As they say, it is always the darkest before dawn, or something like that. I certainly hope so.

M remains the sweetest! He sent beautiful roses for my mom for her birthday and sent her $100 to spend at the casino.  He will be coming to town tomorrow, Friday, to meet her. Hw will be staying at a hotel a couple of blocks away.  While here, we will work on his itinerary in Brazil, and get his ticket.  He will probably get there a couple of days after I am there. He is talking about surfing, but I am talking him out of it.  Surfing locations are very far from my home, and I have a lot to do. There will be still some more repairs to mom’s house being scheduled to start as soon as we get there.  He has been warned that this will be a work trip 😊

So much excitement, and busy times ahead. 

Wishing you all a blessed weekend!

“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness — just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder, Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder: On Wisdom and Virtues

SCAM ALERT: Domain Name emails

21 Friday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

≈ 33 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

“Fraud is the daughter of greed.”
― Jonathan Gash, The Great California Game

Yesterday, I got the following email:

I didn’t know what to think, but I immediately grew concerned.  What if I lose my blog’s name?  A name that I have been using for over 10 years, and that means a lot to me.

How can a simple email have the power to make me feel so vulnerable?  Well, I know the answer to that: because I allow it.

“To feel helpless is to acknowledge our limitations, but it does not have to be an acceptance of them.”  ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Moving on:

I contacted the IT support for my company.  He said that the email and company was legit, and they would probably come back and try to get me to sign up for the other extensions. 

I replied to the email saying I was not affiliated with that company and I would give no permission to anyone to use that name.

I haven’t heard anything yet.  This was just last night, so I assume I will hear something today.

In the meantime, I was talking to M and mentioned the email (without mentioning my blog’s name, since I don’t really share it with anyone I know – now, if you are a stranger, please come on over lol).  This morning he sent me an article, that eventually led me to: https://squelchdesign.com/featured/chinese-domain-name-registration-scams/

So, it is a scam! And it has been going around for years.  So, folks, be aware!  I am not sure how the scam unfolds, but I will not be going along to find out.  For me it stops here.

How do I make sure my blog’s name protected?  Or is there nothing to worry about?

It is such a scary world, online and otherwise.  The more I read, watch, see what is going on around me, the more I want to run and hide.  I am becoming afraid of my own shadow. 

Instead of hiding, I will be boarding a plane to Brazil tonight.  I am returning in a few days.  You all have the most blessed weekend!

“IN THE HANDS OF MAN

He who creates a poison, also has the cure.
He who creates a virus, also has the antidote.
He who creates chaos, also has the ability to create peace.
He who sparks hate, also has the ability to transform it to love.
He who creates misery, also has the ability to destroy it with kindness.
He who creates sadness, also has the ability to to covert it to happiness.
He who creates darkness, can also be awakened to produce illumination.
He who spreads fear, can also be shaken to spread comfort.
Any problems created by the left hand of man,
Can also be solved with the right,
For he who manifests anything,
Also has the ability to
Destroy it.”
― Suzy Kassem

 

 

 

 

 

A cow in love… with blue flowers

19 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me, Mosaic and other crafts

≈ 37 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”  ― Bryant McGill, Simple Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life

Life progresses likes waves in the ocean, with highs and lows. As the spring flowers blossom, so does M and I.  We continue flying high, so excited to have found each other and so eager for a future together.  

Unfortunately, at work now is a low point.  My co-worker will be having another surgery on Monday, to deal with cancer.  Fortunately, she thinks that it will be an easier operation this time. Is there anything easy about cancer?  I am bracing myself for another 3 months without her.

As she is leaving to have surgery, I am leaving for Brazil.  I am still trying to figure out how to do her job while in Brazil, without driving myself insane.  This time I am unwilling to take it all upon myself.  I have done that for over 20 years at this job.  Everything has always been seemingless and perfect no matter what the circumstances were.  I am not willing to do it anymore. Some people here will have to step up.

In the meantime, the mosaic studio continues to be my happy place.  There, I often do more talking than creating.   The ladies there look forward to hearing about the latest news about M.  They are so happy for me, as you all are.

This cow is the latest piece I finished.  It is a cow that is in love and sees flowers all around.  She was going to have legs, but it seemed too complicated so I just put her behind some bushes. 

              

“Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”, here’s an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!” ― Frank Kaiser

Love is in the Air – Easter Weekend Update

13 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

≈ 45 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 I cannot pretend I am without fear. But my predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved; I have been given much and I have given something in return; I have read and traveled and thought and written. I have had an intercourse with the world, the special intercourse of writers and readers.

Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.”
― Oliver Sacks, Gratitude

As usual, I am short on time, but I wanted to give everyone an update.  Things with M are going marvelously well!  Love is blooming to coincide with spring. Sometimes I am afraid to talk about it and jinx it.  He adores everything about me.  I keep finding reasons to adore him.

I believe in fairy-tales, and he is becoming my version of fairy-tale.  I plan on enjoying every second for as long as it lasts.  With him I feel natural and beautiful, I don’t care about the stubborn several pounds that I keep losing and getting it back.  I still cannot find a single thing about him that gives me pause.  Nothing.

It doesn’t even matter to me that he lives in Florida.  A state that I said I would never live at.  He gave me the house keys, and says it is my home now.  He said that any time I need, I can just call and he will catch the next flight to NY.

We started communication on Match.com on February 8.  On February 23 we met in person when he flew to NY.  We barely know each other and yet it feels so right.

At times I remind myself that I have been searching for someone for over 10 years, so it may seem fast, and yet it is not. I am grateful, but also aware that it was about time lol

I have already been to Florida twice, and he has come to NY twice.   And we spent time in Park City, UT.

The last meeting was when he came to spend Easter.  He arrived last Thursday afternoon and stayed until Tuesday.  Yesterday, Wednesday, he visited some relatives in NJ and flew back home.

This time he stayed in my apartment.  It was just so easy having him there.  On the day that I had to work, he stayed out of the way watching his financial channels and doing research on some things for me.  When I went to the mosaic studio on Saturday morning, he walked around my neighborhood with my sister.

“That I may be able to say of love (that I had) 

Be not immortal, since it is a flame,

 But be infinite while it lasts” – Vinicius de Moraes

 On the other days he fixed some stuff around my apartment, we went to Kohls, and a couple of other stores, and we also went out to eat a bunch of times.  The most memorable restaurants were:

  • Harvest on Hudson in Hastings, NY. The location is just gorgeous.  The food was not as amazing as it normally is, but still was very good.  We had cod fritters, eggplant meatballs, cod fish with mashed potatoes and cauliflower, and a pasta and asparagus dish.  For dessert we had tiramisu and chocolate tart.  To drink we had the Brazilian Caipirinha (sugar cane alcohol, lime and passionfruit).
  • Telly Taverna in Port Chester.  Beautiful place, great waiters, and amazing food.  We had so many different foods, so is hard to remember, but among the dishes were:  For appetizers: Mixed fried vegetables, zucchini croquettes, fried potatoes, pita bread with hummus and yogurt dip, spanakopita (the best ever!).  For entrees we had: the flounder, the cod, and the salmon.  For dessert they gave us what looked like donut holes with cinnamon and honey.  We went a little nuts with the ordering and took some food home. To drink we all had a different cocktail and all 3 were delicious.  They were: Drunken Telly’s (Passion fruit, citrus, Metaxa and malibu), Paros (Aperol, St Germain, prosecco, Greek honey) and he third one I don’t remember the name, but it had cucumbers in, and it was my least favorite.
  • Alvin and Friends in New Rochelle. We were going to another restaurant, but it was closed for Easter, so we just walked into Alvins.  Always great, but some of the items were not as usual, and a bit pricy as it was $65 per person for the food, as it was an Easter pre-fix menu.  We had cod fritters and empanadas for appetizers.  Entrees were: Fried chicken with macaroni and cheese.  I had coconut rice with ribs, and M had salmon with macaroni and cheese.  For desserts we took home chocolate cake and fruit tarts.  To drink we each had a different cocktail and they were all awesome. They were: rum punch, peach martini and a prosecco raspberry.  The owner visits every table, every time, and that always feels like the nicest thing to do.

Breakfasts, and one meal I cooked at home.  He later commented to my sister that he keeps finding amazing things about me, such as the fact that I can cook.  All I did was makes eggs in the morning, and for dinner, heat up left overs and make some salmon, which I overcooked.  For some reason he is so easily impressed by me. (yes, I giggled writing that)

I will be taking 2 trips to Brazil.  The first one, in about one week, will be very short, just to get my mom and bring her to NY for her 88th birthday.  I will be returning to Brazil in May to take my mom back. I will stay there about 3 weeks.  At that time, M will come to stay some time and meet the rest of the family.  We haven’t discussed the itinerary yet, but we are both excited about it.

He has been learning Portuguese since meeting me.  I so appreciate his efforts in being ready to communicate with my family. He even offered to stay with my parents in Brazil if I needed a break.  He is one of a kind! And he is now mine! 😉

“You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect—you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break—her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.” ― Bob Marley

Mirror, mirror on the wall

10 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” ― John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love

M. came to spend the Easter weekend.  He is leaving tomorrow.  I will be posting about it in the next couple of day.  In the meantime, here is a mirror I made at the studio a month ago.  I forgot to take pictures at the beginning and along the way.    “Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.”
― W.H. Auden, The Dyer’s Hand and Other Essays

  

“For I do not exist: there exist but the thousands of mirrors that reflect me. With every acquaintance I make, the population of phantoms resembling me increases. Somewhere they live, somewhere they multiply. I alone do not exist.” ― Vladimir Nabokov

   

“Mirrors,’ she said, ‘are never to be trusted.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

“Why on earth do you carry a mirror around with you?”
“It’s purely a defensive device. We seldom quarrel, and this is one of the reasons. Can you imagine yourself getting all worked up and contorted and illogical and then coming face to face with yourself, looking at yourself exactly as you look to everyone else?”
― Theodore Sturgeon, Venus Plus X

 

 

 

About last weekend- 2nd weekend in New Smyrna

06 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

“…And my heart opened
like a flower under sky,
its petals of desire,
its stamens of dreams…”
― Federico García Lorca

On this visit to M’s house in Florida I went alone.  Everything else was the same.  I took the same flights. Left Friday evening from LaGuardia to Orlando and returned Sunday night.

We didn’t have any set plans.  On Friday he picked me up at the airport.  When we arrived at his home, we had some cheese and crackers with a Prosecco drink.  

On Saturday morning, after a late breakfast, I organized his closet and some drawers. I had been wanting to do that since the first trip.  His home is very clean, but it needed some organizing, which I am happy to do.

After I was done, we took a walk into town, picked up nachos at Yellow Dog Eats and drove to the beach. There was a line to get into the beach at this time, so we started eating in the car.  We finally got settled in our spot at about 4pm.

It was great at the beach.  We sat looking to the ocean, people watching, got ice cream at the only vendor in the beach. In Brazil, there are a lot vendors on the beach.  Here there is only an ice cream truck that drives by.  And immediately I want ice cream.  Yes, sometimes I behave like a 5 year old.

We would have stayed longer, but at 7 pm the beach was closing.  When we got home we were supposed to get ready and go to dinner.  I was tired and decided to just order pizza.  We went to Baci Restaurant to pick it up.

It was delicious. Then while stopping at a convenience store to get lemons, I saw Dippin Dots ice cream (some version of it), and I had to bring it home for dessert.  At home,  I made a drink of Prosecco and St Germain.  I had two drinks and fell sleep while sitting on the couch.  I think it was a combination of the ocean and the alcohol that made me just pass out.

“It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy;—it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others.” ― Jane Austen

Next day, Sunday, we had a late breakfast. Then I organized the pantry.  I love organizing, and he seems to enjoy my interest in doing that.

We spent the morning at home talking about investments, and other subjects.  I want to retire as soon as possible and join him in travels and adventures.

We were supposed to go to a couple of stores to get some little things for his home, and for me to have it there when I come, but instead we shopped online. I got bathroom rugs, hangers, small containers for Q-tips, a phone charger, Valrhona chocolate for my coffee, a bath robe, etc.  He wants to make sure that I have all I need there.  So thoughtful!

After shopping instead of having lunch, we decided to just drive to the airport.  I was not hungry, but we left in plenty of time so we could stop for lunch if we wanted to. We stopped by Publix to see if they had asiago cheese Einstein bagels for my sister.  His idea.

I ended up eating at at the airport.  I had rice and beef at the Delta lounge. It was delicious. No kidding.  I wrote Delta to let them know.

Speaking of delicious, everything about this trip was delicious. All was perfect, laid back, fun,no pressure. We seem to just mesh so well.  He is very easy going. With him I feel calmer.

He will be here any minute to spend a few days.  We don’t have a lot planned.  We will be doing life together, going to Costco, cook, go out to eat.  He will fix some stuff around the apartment for me, as well as my sister’s apartment.

All is great!!

The celebrity on the plane this time was Chevy Chase. Seeing him made me want to watch European Vacation again.

Please forgive typos, and other errors.  I don’t have time to edit this, and wanted you all to have an update.  This love continues to blossom. Thank you all for your good wishes!

“I was for a while troubled with the haunting fear that if I handled the flower freely its bloom would fade—the sweet charm of freshness would leave it. I did not know then that it was no transitory blossom, but rather the radiant resemblance of one, cut in an indestructible gem.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Flowers done right

30 Thursday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating

≈ 48 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
― Claude Monet

If you recall the first time that M sent me flowers, I felt that 1-800Flowers didn’t do a good job.  I wrote about it here: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/03/09/they-are-yellow-but-they-can-also-be-red-they-love-the-sun-and-they-make-my-heart-sing/ 

 On my birthday, I got to my door and there was another box from 1-800Flowers. It was a surprise as we had already celebrated my birthday. 

As I opened the box I couldn’t help but expect to see damaged flowers.  I was already thinking I would have to tell him about it, and ask him to choose another delivery place.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the flowers individually wrapped in netting.  Each flower had a straw holding it up. They were perfect!

My heart is full and happy! I am enjoying the attention and looking forward to the blossoming of this relationship.

“A flower blossoms for its own joy.”
― Oscar Wilde

“Surely the flowers of a hundred spring are simply the souls of beautiful things!”
― L.M. Montgomery, The Watchman and Other Poems

“In love, treat your relationship as if you are growing the most beautiful flower. Keep watering it, tend to its roots, give it lots of sunlight, and always make sure the petals are full of color and are never curling. Once you neglect your plant, it will die, as will your relationship.” ― Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem

Being blessed with seeing another year – 57 and it feels so good!

28 Tuesday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

≈ 54 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

“I grabbed a pile of dust, and holding it up, foolishly asked for as many birthdays as the grains of dust, I forgot to ask that they be years of youth. ” ― Ovid, Metamorphoses

Thank you all for your birthday wishes.  I don’t feel 57 at all.  Well, don’t ask my body.  Sometimes it feels like 107.  My mind keeps getting younger and younger.  

I knew my trip to Florida would be good and I was correct.  I have a lot to write about about Utah, and now about Florida, but will keep this short and write additional posts in the future.

M was the most gracious and caring host to my sister and I.  I asked him not to buy anything special as we would be there for only 2 days.  He didn’t listen.  He had all kinds of foods that he thought we would like. He had paid attention when he was at my home, and made sure to have some of the same things waiting for us.

There were various types of coffees, bagels and popcorn for my sister. For me it was cappuccino mix, oat milk, scones, macarons and Pellegrino water.  He also got prosecco, St. Germain, lemon and lime to make my sister’s favorite drink.

He also gave my sister and I a cute mug (the one above), along with a birthday card and an Amazon gift card.  I love that he gave my sister and I the same amount $100.00.  He has been gifting me things since I met him.  In Utah he gave me an electric hairbrush when I pointed  one out in a store and commented that mine was getting old.  This weekend we were talking about electric toothbrushes and he had one delivered to my house. 

“I was brought up to respect my elders, so now I don’t have to respect anybody.” ― George Burns

I am now very careful when talking about things. I don’t want him thinking I am hinting at him buying me stuff.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy him wanting to make me happy by getting me stuff, but it is not necessary.

On Friday night, he picked us up at Orlando Airport.  It was already late when we got to his house so we just had a drink and some cheese and crackers.  

He lives in a condo, townhouse style, in a golfing community in New Smyrna Beach.  He doesn’t golf.  He prefers surfing.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a breakfast of bagels and croissants.  We declined eggs.  After, we went to the beach.  It is a cool beach where one can drive the car on the beach.  That was a whole new experience to me. Supposedly there are sharks in these waters.  But apparently these are good sharks.  Is there such a thing?

I really wanted to feel the sun, so I used sunscreen on my face only. I think that my Brazilian skin never burns.  Wrong!  Burned cleavage anyone?  It turned out that it was one of the hottest days ever there.  Lesson learned. Always use sunscreen all over.

“I see birthdays as a reward for having shown up 365 in a row. It’s like getting a badge for attendance.” ― Gina Barreca

After the beach we stopped at a local favorite Joe’s Subs where we had fish sandwiches and burgers.  Then we went home to get ready for dinner.  We could have skipped lunch or dinner, but on vacation my sister and I forget all reason.

We had dinner at Norwood Restaurant and Treehouse Bar.  The food was great, but the drinks were awful. We ordered too much food.  That night my sister and I come to an agreement: no more ordering of appetizers when out to dinner. 

We got home and watched The Whale.  I fell sleep towards the end.  I woke up with M and my sister wanting their money back. It was great acting by Brendan Fraser, but we didn’t really like the movie.  Expectations, I guess we had too many.

“We do have funerals for the living,” Jill said. “They’re called birthday parties.” ― Andrew Shaffer, Hope Never Dies

On Sunday we had a late start and skipped the beach.  We drove his golf cart around the complex to get a tour.  Then we went to a small spiritual community called Cassadaga.  It has many psychics, healers and mediums. 

M knew I am interested in such things and wanted my sister and I to get a reading. It was interesting.  I will be talking about the reading in a future post.

After the reading, I chose Olive Garden for lunch.  I have never eaten there before.  We were passing by it, and I remember a friend mentioning that he loves their tiramisu.  It seemed like the perfect time to try it.

First thing we do at the restaurant?  Order appetizers!! We were pleasantly surprised with the food and drinks we got.  Everything was great.  And the tiramisu was indeed delicious.

We got back to his house, packed and got ready to go to the airport.  Our flight was delayed.  There were long lines. I try not to let those things bother me.  But my sister got a little stressed, worrying about getting home very late and having to get up early the next day.

As I am at the gate, I realized I didn’t have my carry-on. After being sent to different locations, I went back to the TSA screening and saw it on a table.  I had to wait for an officer to inspect and then was free to go.  In 40 years traveling it has never happened.  I told my sister it was her fault, she got me so frazzled and made me forget.  She smiled sheepishly, because she knows it is true.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

We boarded, it was a quick flight, just a little over 2 hours.  Kristin Chenoweth was on my flight with her dog and her fiance.  She is a tiny little thing.  She was escorted to the plane first.  Everyone left her alone.  I am not sure a lot people recognized her.

My sister and I will be having a quiet birthday evening.  I will be getting her her favorite Black Forest cake, and also the Nutella cake from Martine’s Bakery.  I am thinking of getting Walter’s Hot Dogs for dinner.  

When my sister and I were discussing what to have for a special dinner, we realized, once again, how blessed we are.  We want for nothing.  

Tomorrow I am having dinner with my friend A.  Then Thursday dinner with my sister and another friend.

On Friday, guess who is boarding a flight to Florida again?

Life keeps getting better and better.  So infinitely blessed and thankful!

“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.” ― Robert Frost

ps. Happy Birthday Lady Gaga!

Where fear and happiness meet

24 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me, Food

≈ 58 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ― Kahlil Gibran

Time is short, so here is a quick summary of my quick trip to Park City, Utah.

I had the most awesome time. M is the most thoughtful and caring guy I ever met. He was always making sure that everything was exactly how I wanted. I had to keep reminding him that it is not all about me. oh wait, it should be all about me 😉

And the mountains are just majestic!  A mixture of beauty, freedom and happiness permeates the air. And yes, a bit of fear and panic I get some times.

I arrived in Salt Lake City on Saturday, we spent the night there and drove to Park City the next day. No skiing on Sunday, just getting our equipment, getting to know the town, and getting to our charming 1-bedroom condo with a balcony and fireplace.
I had been to Park City in 2015, it was fun to remember some areas.

We skied only 2 days, Monday and Tuesday. On Monday I did okay. I still struggle with fear. The moment I pick up speed or it is a steeper hill I lose confidence. Still, I love it! I love the challenge; I love the freedom.

On Tuesday, while in line to get our skis M befriended an older man that is a ski instructor in a resort in Virginia. He offered to give me a few pointers. He spent the whole day teaching me. It is incredible to see how much I improved from one day to the next. I take lessons every time I go skiing, but this time I didn’t book any. This man was so helpful. His instructions really boosted my confidence.

We bought him lunch, and at the end of the day we gave him $100 as an appreciation.  We asked if we could buy him dinner.  He said it was not necessary, but accepted.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

I had memorable meals, and forgettable meals. The memorable ones were at:
• Aqua Terra Steak Sushi in Salt Lake. The best ever! Everything about this restaurant was awesome. He had sushi, and salmon. I had the black cod. To drink I had the Golden Goose and he had the Garden Party. Best drinks ever! We shared a chocolate tart for dessert.
• 710 Bodega in Park City. We had a bunch of tapas, including patatas bravas, almondigas for me, shrimp for him, and others. To drink he had beer, I had the Laverstoke- I asked for vodka instead of gin. The waiter said no one ever asked for that before, but it was so delicious. For dessert we shared the Broken Pavlova -Yummy!
• Baan Thai Cuisine in Park City. We had noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice, and chicken satay (not my favorite, but still good). Lychee martini for me, beer for him. Great meal!

I bought my ticket to Salt Lake City, and he paid for everything else, lodging, lift tickets, meals, etc as my birthday present. The big 57 is on Tuesday. He even wanted to pay for the souvenirs I bought for my family. I didn’t let him do it, though. I felt it would be taking advantage of his kindness.

On Wednesday morning we left Park City and drove to Salt Lake City Airport. My flight was leaving first, his would take another 5 hours. He made a point of making sure to be there when I arrived and also when I left, even if it meant staying at the airport several more hours.

“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

I got home Wednesday at 9:30pm. I worked Thursday, and part of today. At 5pm my sister and I are flying to his house in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for the weekend.

It is a quick trip, just as a trial to see how would this long distance relationship work.  He will be showing us around and also talking us to dinner for our birthdays (sis and I). He had offered to fly to NY to take us out to dinner on Tuesday, but I decided to go there this weekend instead.  

I remain very happy and excited about this blossoming relationship. I am afraid to talk too much about and jinx it.  I will be mentioning some additional details about Park City as time permits.

Stay tuned for the Florida report.

“It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.” ― John Guare