The gang's all here: (left to right) Mom, Brother, Cousin, Aunt, Norma, Todd, Julie, Aunt Chef, Jamie & Uncle.

Today's Joy: Celebrating.
Happy Tuesday, Reader. Today was a special milestone birthday for Aunt. As one does not reveal a lady's age, we'll just say it was important that we 'do it up right'. She requested a gathering of friends and family at Cabana Charley's in Sycamore, a crazy-fun tiki bar crossed with a sports bar and Caribbean cheeseburger joint. It's the sort of place Kenny Chesney & Jimmy Buffett might open, if they ever went into the restaurant business together.

What a great evening! We all had a wonderful time laughing and relaxing. Mom, Brother & Uncle all tried fried alligator tail for the first time and liked it! Tastes like chicken, Uncle said.

While I don't often have a drink, I did succumb to the charms of the $6 bucket (see the Shipwreck pictured below) and something wonderful called a Swing Wam Cherry Bomb (also below). Both were fruity deliciousness. I love these evenings when we get the usual cast of characters together and all try something new. You never quite know what will happen, but whatever it is, it'll be darn funny.

After we had our fill, the waitress presented Aunt with a decadent birthday dessert which was quickly passed around the table. All agreed it was a most enjoyable birthday. Here, for your enjoyment, Reader, are some favorite highlights:


Having a ball!


Swing Wam Cherry Bomb

Birthday Girl

Crawfish Etouffee

Somebody's fabulous!

Umbrella Girl

Shipwreck

What's inside?

Freshly Showered

Birthday Dessert

Fried Grouper Sandwich

Mmmm, oranges...

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. ~William Makepeace Thackeray

There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Terri Guillemets

Today's Joy: Spending Mother's Day with The Moms in My Life.

It's been a lovely day, Reader. Got up early this morning and went over to make breakfast for my Mom before I had to go to work. She loves my omelets so I whipped her up a delicious one, with fresh veggies & Oaxaca cheese. We perused her garden a bit and had a nice talk. While she has always been my biggest fan, I'm especially grateful for her counsel & support over these last months. She keeps me centered when the world comes tumbling down. Love you, Mom!

After our delightful breakfast, I went to work and spent the afternoon helping many mothers find something nice in celebration of their day. Several husbands came into our store, spread their arms wide and said, "Honey, pick out whatever you want." There were also more than a few teenage sons tagging along with Mom while she shopped, holding her purse or shopping basket and patiently waiting while she compared curtains, patio cushions or dishware patterns. Everywhere I looked, there were little bits of love being demonstrated.

After work, I went home to have dinner with Aunt, Aunt Chef & Uncle. We went to our favorite local restaurant and yakked about this weekend's adventures. A wonderful way to wind up such a sweet day.

To all the Mothers of the World:

Thank You for raising us up right, and for not letting us roller blade/ride our bikes/play ball in the house.

Thank You for always listening to our problems and for loving us even when we're little stinkers.

Thank You for encouraging us to be our best selves and supporting us in whatever we do.

And Thank You for always making us feel special & loved. You hold our world in your hands!

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. ~Spanish Proverb

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Photo: Mom & I at Bridal Shower Tea, 2006.

Today's Joy: Celebrating Life Beginning Anew.
Tomorrow is Easter, dear Reader, and I can't wait to get up and spend the day celebrating this sacred day and the rebirth of spring with friends & family!