Grocery Gaiety

Ah...a nice Friday. The sun actually paid us a visit and it was so much warmer today.

I hope your day was a good one and that no one felt any Friday the 13th repercussions! Silly...but I did notice that I even had a grocery bill whose total ended in .13! I think I may have stepped on a sidewalk crack tonight too but Mom reports that her back feels just fine. Whew!

Okay, first things first! Dawn and Sheila? I am the slowest person on this Earth but your boxes WILL be mailed...they are actually all put together and sealed! I am slow but I get there, eventually...just like that silly race winning turtle.

Secondly, JEN! Where are you??? Your blog site has been changed and I can not get to it. Email me or something okay? I miss you!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog event....Grocery Gaiety. Yes, it is possible. I have seen this rare phenomenon occur. You know how I adore grocery stores. Love them. Odd woman? Why, yes I am. Thank you for asking!

Just a few pictures taken during this evening's grocery store gaiety, frivolity and

fascinating escapade. And yes...I did get a few strange looks while taking these photos but I am quite used to said looks by now. I rather enjoy them. Hmpf.

A future Asparagus Princess?

So I may well be the only woman in the world who chooses a wine based on it's label. I have a rather eclectic little collection here at home. But come on....The Little Penguin...how sweet is that? It would have to taste delectable right?

Like I said...odd woman.

Have a sweet weekend....smile often!

Hugs,

Susie Q

Springtime in Amsterdam

Our family visited Amsterdam in early April, 2005. It was a dream of mine to see the city and visit the Anne Frank Huis. I never dreamed I would one day share that experience with my own daughter. Although she had only been with us for a few short months, she was intrigued, interested and remembers it all clearly. Although Daniel and Bill were moved by this place, for girls, for women, it just always seemed so easy to put ourselves in Anne's place. It was so for me. I read and re-read the diary so many times throughout my youth and still, even now, re-read it once every year.

West Kerk Church

The Oude Kerk ("Old Church") is Amsterdam’s oldest parish church, consecrated in 1306. Rembrandt was a frequent visitor to the church and his children were all christened here.

I just love the juxtaposition of the old and new in this photo...so like Amsterdam itself.

The city seems to thrive on its mix of old and new and, despite hordes of tourists, still manages to feel quintessentially Dutch. The old crooked houses, the cobbled streets, the tree-lined canals and the generous parks all contribute to the atmosphere. Bicycles still seem to be the most popular mode of travel. The people are friendly, open and almost everyone we met spoke tremendous English.

One of the best reasons to visit Amsterdam is for the gezelligheid, a term variously translated as friendliness, or informality.

The Rijksmuseum.... Amsterdam's answer to the Louvre! The Rijksmuseum offers a stunning feast for art lovers, with 17th-century masterpieces, silverware, Delft pottery and icons of Dutch history.

Van Gogh Museum Art lovers will be amazed to see the vast number of treasures the Van Gogh Museum, which holds many of the artist's most famous works, holds. Five hundred drawings, 200 paintings and over 700 letters make up the collection. Any visit to this museum brings the genius and vision of this tortured artist to life. From the dour lumpen-life of The Potato Eaters to the bright, childlike colors of The Yellow House in Arles and the sombre beauty of Starry Night, the Van Gogh museum has curated the strongest ever showing of the artist's works.

Anne Frank Huis More than 80,000 people a year cram into Amsterdam's most famous canal house.

Anne Frank Huis and Museum. That is West Kerk Church near by....the bells were chiming as we entered the house. The bells Anne heard daily...

Anne Frank received a diary for her 13th birthday, three weeks before she went into hiding, and the attic in which she wrote that diary is the focus of this moving, often upsetting place. By July 1942 the Germans were tightening the noose around the neck of Amsterdam's Jewish population and Anne (13) and her sister Margot (16), along with their parents, went into hiding in the family's business premises. They survived there, hidden in the attic, until betrayed to the Germans in August 1944. No one knows positively who betrayed them. The Franks were among the last Jews to be deported. Anne died in the Bergen concentration camp a few weeks before liberation. Otto, Anne's father, was the only surviving family member.

The bookcase which hid the steep staircase up to the living quarters.

Thank you for sharing a little trip memory with me today....

Have a sweet weekend dear friends! I can not tell you what

your kindnesses have meant to me!

Hugs,

Susie Q

A Thought Or Four

Rooster Under Glass....

I have been honored this week with Thinking Blogger awards from several dear blogging friends. I have also been given a Bright Light award from another very special blogging friend. Oh how sweet it is of you to think of my blog in this way and how happy and appreciative I am.

I do plan on posting my choices this week and give credit to those dear hearts that humble me with their votes of confidence. Before I do that though, I feel the need to say a few things first.

I have ignored an argumentative email and 3 comments (deleted them actually) made in the past week and will continue to do so in the future. They are few, very few, and those comments made by you, with whom I feel a great kinship, are many. Those from all of you who I hold so dear are what makes blogging so very special. I began this venture as a way to stay in touch with friends and family far away. A journal of sorts for myself, my husband and my children. It has become something far more than even I would have anticipated it could be. It has become a part of me, as have all of you. I feel a debt of gratitude to you all, a debt that I will never be able to repay. For your friendship and camaraderie, I warmly thank you.

The sour email/comments dealt mostly with how I am not *ahem* pushing myself to "be all that I can be" (An Army reference?), "spinning fluff" to make people happy and that I am "catering to the Martha Stewart wannabes" in the blogging community. Uh huh. Really.

Then, just tonight, I came across a blog in which the writer mentioned she had been honored by a "Thinking Blog" link. She also went on to talk about how MOST blogs were of the "Martha Stewart" variety (EGAD! There is another blasted Martha reference!) and, although "pretty to look at" do not push a reader to think or feel deeply. She, on the other hand, I am betting, feels that HER blog is profound and life changing. Of course I am projecting here as I do not know the dear lady except what I have read. Some of which I find a tad self indulgent to say the least.

Normally, the "pretty to look at" comment would have just caused me to roll my eyes and chuckle but coming on the heels of my *personal blog critique*, I feel the need to answer such comments.

The last time I checked, I had no desire to be Martha Stewart. Save for the fact that she used to work on Wall Street with my adored Brian Dennehy, I truly have no desire to BE her. Come to think of it, I really don't think any of my blogging friends are desperate to BE Martha either. If I had MY druthers, I would BE Paula Deen. Martha, nope.

I do not CHOOSE to discuss politics, delve deeply into religion, most world events or my deeply ingrained ideals and beliefs here on this blog. I really do not think you come to me to be enlightened! As much as I love to read and study and stay informed, I do not believe it is MY place to enlighten ANYONE. I think all of you are quite capable of finding your way down life's path all by yourself without any help from moi. I have that much confidence in you!

I did not choose to make this blog something that, once read, would have you contemplating Plato's theories or debating the severity of ozone levels in our air.

That said, I see that to some, such a revelation puts me in the category of "people pleaser". Okay, if that is the worst thing I am ever called, I believe that is blissful cause to do the happy dance!

I have no desire to write about how perfect my husband is. He is not. Neither is our marriage. Oh how I hope not. How boring that would be. I think he is cute and smart as a crackerjack, hard working and a great kisser. He is also stubborn,

messy, forgetful. I still like the guy but perfect?

In that same vein, neither of my children are perfect. Shocking I know. Try to stay calm in the face of this tragic news. I think they are all pretty keen and I love 'em a bunch but perfect? Nah. Gee, even our pets are not perfect. They shed. Handfuls. Awful isn't it?

And now the biggest news....*I* am not perfect! Do you need to sit down? Can I get you a glass of water?

I love to share a recipe here or there, particularly one I found to be easy and good.

I often share a story I found amusing or a moment that made me smile. I might even share with you a special city I visited, a movie or book that I enjoyed but I will never try to convince you that it will change your life! Well, except for "Ernest Goes To Camp". Now THAT film will change your life in ways you cannot even inagine....er...well....

I have many beliefs that are important to me. One is volunteerism and charitable giving. That said, you will never read about what we do or when. It is a VERY private matter to us. I do not think that anyone else need follow this or necessarily should. Each person must do what is right for themselves at a given point in their lives. Do it for others, do it for your soul, not because anyone made you feel guilty and certainly not for the public recognition. And that is as profound as I will ever get about that subject here!

I am deeply concerned about many things happening in our world today. I have strong religious beliefs. I am active in some world, national & community groups and feel a sense of peace in my church. That is as deep as I will ever go with either of those subjects here. I have no desire whatsoever to lead you to MY way of thinking. I really have no desire to make you crinkle up your forehead and rub your temples. I have no desire to have you think any deeper here than you need to in order to guide that little cursor around the page. If that makes me less than scholarly so be it. Nobody usually confuses me with Nikola Tesla or Stephen Hawking. But, just in case, I'm the chubby blond on the right if anyone asks....

I guess all this bluster just comes down to this, if you want to *thunk a chunk* about life than this blog is not for you. If you want to smile and, perhaps, share a giggle, I hope you find it here. If you want to see how I love making my house a home, you are most welcome but never will I ever try to convince you that my way is THE way. It is decidedly not. Life is far too challenging out there. While you are here I hope you can relax a bit and just be....just BE.

I do not know how "pretty to look at" this blog actually is but I hope that I can, in some small way, bring a little "pretty" into your lives. You surely have done that for mine.

Even if I don't have an ounce of Martha in me.

Our First Batch

Oh the eggs we had...marbleized eggs, solid color eggs, glitter eggs...these photos are of Grace's first batch. She keeps them in the dye for ever such a long time and out they pop, rich and bright.

Of course, no matter whether the eggs are marbled, glittered or dyed a deep orange, they all taste yummy. After all, what is more important? Just ask Kipper!

Springtime In Ohio

*I have added this photo tonight. We saw this glorious rainbow on our way to pick up my mother. We had 2 rounds of thunder storms, this beautiful sight appeared just after the first blew by. I wish I could have gotten myself in a better position to take a picture but the darned traffic would not cooperate! Still, a rainbow is always a precious thing to behold...after a storm, there is always a sense of peace.... It is like that in life as well as nature.*

Okay, so these are pictures from the Amsterdam Flower Market. Amsterdam HOLLAND, not Ohio. But, they are Spring flowers nevertheless! We were in Amsterdam, in April, 2005. It was an amazing trip and the tulips were delightful!

It has been cold, rainy and not exactly glorious weather....but then you know? I am alive, well and surrounded by people I love. I am safe and secure and actually *like* rain. So, on second thought, the weather is quite glorious today! The cloudiness helps little babies sleep well so their babysitters can get more done around the house! Always a huge plus. And I love the sound of rain tip tapping on our windows and roof. I even love the occasional rumble of thunder. My Grandnother always told me it was the angels bowling. I have passed this image on to my children and even today Daniel will tease me that his Grandpas are having a go on the lanes again!

I will download a few Easter pictures for you this evening. I took some family time and did not get online at all recently. I have missed checking in with all of you and am catching up now!

I feel blessed that so many of you dropped by and wished us a happy holiday and told us that yours was sweet.

We shared dinners and lunches with friends and family, watched movies, read, took walks, talked and laughed. Just quiet delights. The best.

I also have a few of you to thank in considering my blog for a special honor. If I have made even one of you smile or giggle along the way, them I am truly blessed. To you Sheila at As Time Goes By, Betty Jo at Digi Scribbles, Dawn at Be Inspired, I Am, Lisa at LisaOceandreamer and Rhoda at Southern Hospitality...I offer my heartfelt thank yous and will do my part with a post later today or tomorrow. I want to do honorably by you all.

Thank yous go out to all of you for understanding when I get behind here!

I hope your week has been a good one so far...no matter the weather where you are, enjoy it. Find something good about the day, something to smile about. Those things are never far away.

Hugs,

Susie Q

Easter Weekend...

We do hope that your weekend was a lovely one. I will be back posting soon...but I did want to pop in tonight and wish you all a safe and happy week ahead. Blessings!

Hugs,

Susie Q

The Rabbits Send Their Wishes

May your holiday be as special to you as you are special to me. We here at Rabbit Run Cottage wish you and yours many wonderous blessings this joyous Spring season.

Hugs,

Susie Q

Paper Roses...Er...Flowers

These flowers are quick to make and your

children/grandchildren just might enjoy making them as little Easter/Spring/Just Because gifts! Gracie loves this project.

Pastel colored tissue paper

Chenille stem

Scissors

Ruler

Cut tissue paper into rectangles of desired size (5x7" is the size pictured). Stack 4-6 pieces of tissue paper. Use the same color or different colors. Accordion pleat the tissue paper working from the long side. Wind one end of the chenille stem around the middle of the accordion pleated tissue paper. Gently separate each layer pulling upwards toward the middle of the flower. Now, how easy is that? SO easy that even Susie Q can do it!

What To Do With All Those Eggs...

Okay. So I am a geek. But then you knew that already right? Let me clarify. I am an *EGG Salad sandwich* geek. I love a good egg salad sandwich. Actually, I love ANY "_____ Salad Sandwich" You fill in the blank. Chicken, Tuna, Ham, Egg, Watermelon. Okay, so NOT watermelon although I have not actually tasted it in a sandwich so I could be surprised...

Basic Egg Salad

4 hard-boiled egg, chopped salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

Toasted bread of your choice (with or without crust!)

Interesting Add-Ins

1/4 cup minced celery, 2 tablespoons minced onion, and 2 tablespoons chili sauce.

1/4 cup cooked chopped chicken and 1 teaspoon curry powder.

1/2 cup minced ham and 2 teaspoons prepared mustard.

2 tablespoons minced pickles, 1 teaspoon prepared mustard, and 1 teaspoon minced onion.

1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped pimiento, and 1 teaspoon chili powder.

1/4 cup chopped green pepper, horseradish, bacon, chopped onions or chopped red onions.

Dried dill, fresh basil leaves, celery seed, olives, pimentos.

But this is good too!

Easter Egg Sandwiches

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped green pepper (optional)

2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon salt

A dash of pepper

Mix all ingredients and spread on bread; makes 6 sandwiches. Yummy!

And if you decide to fix a vegetables too, here are 2 Spring time asparagus ideas!

Spring Vegetables with Shallots and Lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 shallots, cut crosswise into thin slices

Salt to taste 1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into

2-inch pieces

3 pounds fresh fava beans , shelled, blanched in boiling water 1 minute, and outer shell removed or 1 pound frozen Fordhook lima beans, blanched and, if desired, skinned in same manner.

1 tablespoon finely chopped or grated lemon zest

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and saute shallots, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon transfer shallots to a bowl. In fat remaining in skillet, saute snap peas with salt to taste, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender and add shallots. In another skillet, heat remaining oil and butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and saute asparagus with salt to taste, stirring occasionally until crisp tender. Add fava beans and saute, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add zest, lemon juice, snap peas and shallots, and salt and pepper to taste and saute, stirring until just heated through.

Asparagus, Tomato and Pine Nut Salad

1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces

4 plum tomatoes, cored and quartered

3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper

In a large bowl combine the asparagus, tomatoes and pine nuts. In a small bowl blend together the garlic, vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil with a fork or whisk. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

The Delicate Lily

Easter Morn

Louise Lewin Matthews Easter morn with lilies fair

Fills the church with perfumes rare,

As their clouds of incense rise,

Sweetest offerings to the skies.

Stately lilies pure and white

Flooding darkness with their light,

Bloom and sorrow drifts away,

On this holy hallow'd day.

Easter Lilies bending low

in the golden afterglow,

Bear a message from the sod

To the heavenly towers of our God

In early Christian art, the lily is a symbol of purity because of its delicacy of form and its snow white color. The White Trumpet or Easter Lily has come to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus. The lily has often been considered to be temperamental in cultivation; however, being one of the best garden plants, the lily can be brought down to the earth. Biblical legend tells us that the lily flower came from Eve's tears when she and Adam were banished from the Garden of Eden. No matter whether you come from the East or the West, the lily is usually a symbol of purity, grace and beauty. Christians treat the lily as the Virgin Mary's flower, so the Lily becomes the accepted floral decoration on Easter Sunday and for wedding ceremonies in the Western world.

A Spot Of Tea Dear Gertie?

"Would you care for a spot of tea dear Gertie?" queried Beatrice Bunny. "Why yes Bea! I think I would love some of your delicious Lady Grey" happily answered Gertrude Goose. Bea asked, "Have you tried your carrot cake yet Florence? I used an old family recipe passed down through the generations. Each of my 4, 277 sisters love it so. We make it every Easter." Florence Fox smiled and silently shook her head yes. She was a timid thing poor dear.

"Oh my Bea! Your bonnet is just too stunning!" cackled Gertie. "Oh thank you dear. Just a little something I whipped up especially for this occasion.", Bea proudly responded trying ever so hard to sound just the teeniest bit modest. "Now, Florence love, do tell us about all of your little ones....there haven't been any further run ins with those nasty hounds I pray." "HOUNDS! HOUNDS! OH MY!" cried Gert. "Oh DO calm yourself sweet Gertrude", Beatrice admonished. "You will give yourself the vapors again." At that thought, Florence began to giggle...quietly at first but those shy giggles soon gave way to delightful peals of laughter. She began to laugh so hard that her bonnet slipped over her eyes. "Oh MY" Gert snapped. "OH MY!"

Peter's Puzzlement

"Oh what a naughty rabbit I have been", said Peter. "Mother says I may not come out to play." "Never fear", chuckled Mitchell Mouse. "We will play tomorrow. Just promise me you will be a good rabbit." "Oh yes dear Mitchell", Peter exclaimed through his tears. "I will be the bestest rabbit in all the forest!"

"I must remember what sort of mischief I was into yesterday so I may avoid it today!" Peter thought and thought and thought until his little ears turned quite red and sore. Alas, it did no good.

"I simply can not remember what I was to remember not to do again", thought Peter. "Now, how will I behave myself if I can not remember what I must not do? This is quite the puzzlement!"

More Corners

My basement family room....the little school desk. It has the sweetest little seat with it. There are names etched into it, Mike and John. Most of the old books were my mother's, one was my Grandfather's. The old inkwell and abacus were gifts from Navy friends years ago. The tin lunch pail was a gift from the inn keeper of a special place we stayed several years ago. The eraser was a gift from one of my pre-school students in Virginia Beach. My last name seemed too difficult for some so we went with Mrs. Sue. I liked that!

It is so chilly here. Spring has left the building, well, so to speak. There was so much black ice on the roads this morning and it caused quite a few accidents.

Bill had to drive up to his company's home office and what should have taken 2 1/2 hours took him 5. But he made it safely and that is what is important.

Stay safe dear friends...

Hugs,

Susie Q

Eggsactly!

Hey! Let's Get Crackin’! It’s egg season right? This is an easy skillet

soufflé for Easter or Passover.

Skillet Soufflé with Strawberries

Makes 6 servings

This mock soufflé made in a skillet tastes just as delicate as those *real* ones and is a lot less fussy—and more foolproof.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pint strawberries, thickly sliced (3 cups)

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur

2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup granulated sugar

6 large eggs, separated

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 tablespoons butter

Confectioners sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a small bowl, toss the strawberries with the Grand Marnier and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Let stand at room temperature while you make the “soufflé.” 3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until thick. 4. In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the salt until frothy. Beat in the water and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until soft peaks form. Beat in the vanilla. 5. In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the butter over medium-low heat, swirling the pan so the butter coats the sides. Heat until the butter starts to bubble. 6. Gently fold the egg-white mixture into the egg yolks and pour the mixture into the pan. Cook until a light crust begins to form on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Serve straight from the pan. Spoon the strawberries and juices alongside.

Fashionistas

Okay. So the kid has a Mom who is as fashion challenged as can be. Mommy does not know an Issac Mizrahi from a Donatella Versace. A Tom Ford from a Gucci. A Yves Saint Laurent from a Stella McCartney. No wait. She is Paul's kid right? Yves? Nope...not even Ringo's kid. If it isn't jeans and a sweater, it's jeans and a T- Shirt. I know, how DO I make THAT big of a style decision? Well, you see, if I stick my head out of the front door and my upper lip starts to sweat, I don a T-shirt. If the end of my nose turns blue and forms ice crystals, I put on a sweater. It is truly that easy. Gee whiz. Socks, pick a color that kinda goes with the T-shirt or sweater or just go with white. White goes with anything. Black too. Gray? Maybe. White tennis shoes or loafers. Crocs, sandals. And they say I can't put an outfit together...HA! But the kid loves clothes. She never had any in China, maybe one outfit that was hers alone, maybe. One pair of shoes. She came here and Target's Girl's department beckoned seductively. Mom could afford Target and still let the kid think she was as high style as anyone on NYC's Fifth Avenue. Heck, what's Fifth Avenue have that Target doesn't? Okay, there's that but let's not nit pick okay? Her late paternal Grandparents had always wanted a granddaughter and went a bit silly with dolls but it was really sweet. My late Father In Law, who would not know the difference between a Bratz Doll and a Chess Board, wanted to make sure his one and only granddaughter was well stocked in dolls. And doll clothes. Doll accessories. Doll accouterments if you will. And so she was...so she is. If she can not have a Mommy who is sartorially well turned out then she will have dolls who are. And so she does. Hey, someone around here has to be. We have an image to uphold. Kipper surely isn't helping. Hope your day is a lovely one...Winter has returned to Ohio. Brrr.... OH! Congratulations to Dawn and Sheila again. Dawn? I need your snail mail address okay? Just email it on over to me....

Hugs,

Susie Q

A Surprise And An Announcement!

What a very sweet surprise! A little package appeared on our porch today, just ahead of the storms. Inside was this precious gift and the sweetest card. Andi said she had found this little treasure in an antique shop and it had begged to live with me. I decided to add the pink egg as a small Easter touch. Andi, you are just so dear and thoughtful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! What a special new piece for my collection.

Grace and I decided that we had so many names in our hat that we would draw 2! The first name she pulled out of the hat (a very jaunty red fire helmet that belonged to my late Father)

was.......may I have drum roll please?.......

It was Sheila whose blog is titled, "From Me To You".

The next name pulled was.......okay, I'll hurry. The drummer is getting really tired......

Dawn B. from the blog, "Be Inspired, I Am".

And, once again, thanks to ALL of you who visit me here, who leave comments and who make my life just so much brighter. I so love dropping in on your blogs many times a week and continuing to be inspired, awed, tickled, enlightened and just plain *DElighted*. I can not tell you how much this blogging community has meant to me.

I am grateful for it, for each of you, for the opportunity to share and create and just plain have fun. If anything I post gives you a giggle from time to time then *I* am the lucky one. Thanks to you all....many, many special blessings are wished for each and every one of you.

Hugs,

Susie Q

It Was Dark And Stormy Night...

I think I will settle in right here tonight and watch a little television with my family. This is the comfiest couch...it resembles Jean's sofa on the BBC's "As Time Goes By". My favorite sit com and yes, I adore her home! Mom is coming for dinner (We have a Crock Pot full of chicken and veggies and all sorts of yummy smelling goodies) and bringing her little dog Abby. I think we will convince her to stay the night. We are getting lots of storms over night as the cold front approaches. Good night to stay in and cuddle up. And...Grace and I have a bit of a drawing to oversee...gotta get those names all written down... Stay well, stay safe!

Hugs,

Susie Q

Well! I Never!

Okay, now this will set my self confidence back a bit. Hmpf...I can not imagine WHY Brian Dennehy would NOT want me to be in one of his plays or movies. Gee...just because I have never acted before, or don't have any real talent, or can't act my way out of a paper bag...gee. It is all so harsh...and unexpected. I will just have to gather my courage and move on with as much dignity as I can muster...

On that note, Grace and I will be drawing the name of our belated 300th post comment winner tomorrow evening! You all have outdone yourself with such sweet and funny and silly comments lately. Even when I forget to say it, I do thank each of you for visiting here and leaving a comment or two. Hey, even if you can't leave a comment, I LOVE that you are here!

Thank you from the bottom of my acting challenged heart...

Hugs,

Susie Q

Dog's Nite Out

Ritter's is a local frozen custard place and on the first Monday of every month they sponsor Dog's Nite Out.

Where the elite meet...

Every dog gets a dish of vanilla custard with a dog bone on top!

Kip just wants to know if he is getting any more ice cream!

Sweet dreams Kipper...

An Andy Warhol Kinda Day

The movie poster and this Warholesque creation were made with help...

From: http://www.bighugelabs.com/flickr

Great fun with your digital photos!

Big News...

A new, cutting edge, independent film debuted today in select cities across the US. I wanted you to be the first to know about it....my first lead film role and a sure Academy Award win for Brian Dennehy.

Please click on the poster for a better, up close and personal, look!

Oh, and a Happy April Fool's Day to you all!

Hugs,

Susie Q

Just An Ordinary Spring Evening Here On Planet Tatooie...

So Grace says, "Darth? Honey? We need to talk. Why don't you give all this dark clothing a rest. It is Spring! Lighten up a little big guy. Try some pastels...pink would go so well with your eyes!" Tonight's event at the Philharmonic was "Heroes and Villains : A Tribute To John Williams" Of course, no tribute to Mr. JW would be complete without a rousing send up of the score from "Star Wars". At least that is what the little boy fidgeting in the seat next to me said just before his Mother told him to hush and leave the grouchy old lady alone. Of course there were a few stormtroopers, one Lord Vader brandishing a light saber but not one Indiana Jones or Han Solo in the bunch. Dang. The music was amazing, as always. Grace got tired and fell asleep, as always. But Mom and I loved it. More tomorrow....must run. I need to check the hoses & pistons on the Millennium Falcon.

Hugs,

Susie Q