Thank you for all your wonderful birthday comments, texts, and emails yesterday – you made me feel the love and I felt all the virtual hugs on having my first birthday without Tony. I saw on my Timehop that two years ago we went to Ruth’s Chris – I love Tony’s comment, this made me smile yesterday.
I ran some errands at lunch. Thanks to blog reader Bonnie B. who sent me a generous gift card after Tony passed away, I was able to get some new skillets – they are the green skillets and are non-stick. I need to read up on how to take care of them, but I do like the fact that they can go straight from the top of the stove to the oven up to 600 degrees! Note to self though, I did read in the instruction manual that you need to use an oven mitt when removing your green skillet from a 600 degree oven. Huh – good to know!
I stopped at Noodles & Co. and got their Thais soup and 3 potstickers. It all tasted like ass. The broth of the soup had this weird aftertaste, and the potstickers were completely flat. Kinda sucked because that meal cost $12.41!
I cut out of work 20 minutes early. When I got home the kids wanted me to open their gift right away. Remember the sign I saw in Key West that I wanted but didn’t come close to buying because of the $150 pricetag?
This is what they made me:
The only thing they have to finish is the bike part. I guess Jacob liked how it turned out, but Hannah didn’t so they will finish it over the weekend. It was so thoughtful! I ended up buying some new cutting boards for myself at Sur la Table too, got cards in the mail and my Aunt Martha sent me earrings that she bought in Key West.
We went to Duke O’Brien’s in Crystal Lake. Probably one of the most eclectic and extensive beer menu’s that would rival any Chicago bar. I ended up getting the Brooklyn Lager and then a Pale Ale which I can’t remember – the second one was a bit too bitter for me, but the first one was good. I ordered a burger with bacon and goat cheese and I love that they will cook it medium rare if you want it like that. We also started out with tempura green beans – totally counts as a veggie, right?!
We enjoyed live music too – a xylophone and base that played really interesting music!
And later after we had gotten home and into comfy clothes, Hannah brought out a piece of sugar free Boston cream pie that our local diner sells – another tradition that Tony did for me that they kept alive.
And I finished off the evening by watching American Idol – is anyone watching this season? There are amazing performers this year, but so far Joey is the front runner for the girls and Clark for the boys.
SO TODAY IS THE ANNOUCEMENT FOR THE PIZZA CONTEST! I submitted the recipe for my Cheezy Chicago Italian Beef pizza way back in October, learned I was a finalist the day after Tony died on December 3, and the winner will be announced on Facebook at noon PST. Keep your fingers crossed for me – this Momma needs some new kitchen cabinets and $10,000 in my pocket would certainly help!
Make it a great day!
for personal reasons I HAAAATE THE TIMEHOP.
you too could choose to hate it.
you dont.
I need to be more like the BIZZ.
So glad you had a special Birthday!! I would have been hanging right there with you on the beers! Lol
Love the sign! They did an awesome job! Hmmm….I need to find out how they got the words on there. Paint, stencil…?? I’m trying to work on being a little more crafty. Lol 😀
Cheers Sherry!
I just knew Hannah would be Hannah
I don’t know where the rest of my comment went. See… that boss is up to no good. I said the comment would make more sense to you in a few days. They did an amazing job on the sign. Very creative and talented. I love that you bought yourself pots/pans as a gift. Something I would do too. So glad your birthday was special.
Looks like you had a very special day that goes along with a special lady!! Love the way Hannah keeps up the traditions Tony started. Sweet. Here’s hoping you are a winner so you can have new cabinets 😀
I’m glad you had a lovely day – such love all around! That sign is wonderful – they really are some talented kids! Fingers crossed for the pizza contest. Happy Spring!
I love that sign! How thoughtful!!
Oh the food, the FOOD! Now THAT in my opinion makes a birthday a BIRTHDAY. Sometimes I forget what gifts I got, but always remember the food! Now though, since I have lost a ton of weight, it is getting to be where they are all getting me clothes! Size TWELVE for the first time in my life. Soon to be a “Selfie Queen” though. I was once a hairdresser and had my own shop and so now I tried a wig (er wigs!) just to have fun and found out that as much as I love doing my own hair, I LOVE changing up these wigs…one day blond, one day red head, one day high lighted brown.
Every day I am a different person and hubs is LOVING it. Agility is a wonderful thing! Hehe.
Belated Happy BD Biz. You are a fun inspiration to all of us. Sending you hugs and thanks for your fantastic Blog!!
Aw, such a sweet comment Joyce – I appreciate it! Are you on Instagram? I need to see those selfies!
I like the sign the kids made a lot better than the one you saw at a store! WOW, those are some talented people you have in your life.
Sounds like an awesome day all around.
Ronda, they are so crafty, I am thinking of all the things we (well, they) can do for me – we are contemplating making wood pallet benches around our fire pit with cushions – it will be like we have our own crafty corner!
So glad the day was a good one!!! Lots of love is being sent your way Vat!!!!
Thanks Roz – I felt the love! 😀
It turned out to be a great day for you. What a lovely gift Hannah and Jacob gave you, I love it. You have 2 very sweet caring kids in your house right now. I bet Tony is happy about that when he looks down on you.
I agree Fran! 😀 And thank you for the lovely card!!
I’m cracking up over Tony’s comment! That sounds like something my hubby would say.I can appreciate a good sense of humor.Biz, I must say you are looking radiant!
Thank you Kimberly – I appreciate it! Only 3 more years until I turn 50 – yikes!
Biz – You didn’t say it was on a PRETZEL BUN!?!!!! 😉
Glad it was a great day. Those kids sure do love you!!!!
Um, yes it was Carrie! If you guys ever make it to my neck of the woods Rob would love the beer and the burgers.
http://thedukeabides.com/beer/
If Jacob or Hannah actually drank alcohol, I would have jumped at the 1/2 price wine bottle special on Thursday nights!