Ireland in New York

  A couple of dear relatives of Bills were in the states.  One couple was on their honey moon and she brought her brother and his fiance for company.  They had never been to the US and wanted experience travelers.

We met them in Times Square.  I thought I would have noticed Dee first but I recognized Dermot, her husband first.   The saw the Naked Cowboy walk around with his guitar.

It was so good seeing them.  I had missed them.  I was introduced to Liam, Dee's brother and Ann Marie, Liam's fiance.  I didn't get a chance to meet them the last time I was in Ireland.  He was busy getting engaged at the time I as visiting. 


We went to Planet Hollywood for lunch.  As you walk in, they take your picture.  The picture was good but I am not paying $24 for one picture and some magnets.  I took a few, it was a little dark. 

We ordered a couple of rounds of drinks to start the lunch!!

Dee had asked what we should see.  We were supposed to take  them sightseeing but Liam spoke up and said we didn't have since to go anywhere.  I didn't know what to do.  I asked Dee and she said we didn't have to do anything. 

Liam, Dermot, and Ann Marie wanted to do a "session".  They hadn't done one  since they arrived.  I didn't know what it was at first, but I was all game.  In other words, go do some serious drinking.


We went to an Irish pub .  Dee wanted to sit outside but there are no bars where you can in Times Square.  We got one that did a close job.  We sat just inside the bar but the wall was missing and you felt like you were outside.

The drinks flowed 

and flowed they did.

I almost kept up with them.   I had cosmos.  The others had beers. I think I was behind by no more than one.  Not that I was trying to they went down smooth.

Bill ordered the first round of shots..  They were called Baby Guinness.  They were delicious.  Dee thought they were too sweet. 

We got one more round than someone order a sour apple or apple sour shot.  They were amazing.  We had two rounds of those.  Some time later someone order a redheaded slut.  It was ok.  They went down.

Things start to become a little fuzzy but someone wanted to go to another pub. 

We went to another place and had another  round.  We had been drinking for 8 hours.  I could believe it .  Around 7pm,  Bill ordered us some fries.  Let me tell you that they were the best fries in the world.

We had a great time.  Liam commented that he enjoyed meeting us.  Ann Marie was happy that we could hang.  She had a great time and knew that Dee wouldn't have had us over, if we were fuddy duddies.   

I had an awesome time with them. 

Glad Bill and I took pictures.

Mind you I have no idea how but they came out great . Except for one.  It looks like I am falling off the bar stool  lol
I am not showing that one!

Boozy Abbie

Cost of Maintaining

I went to the nail salon last night.  I love that I can say that.  Little did I know that to maintian the illusion of beautiful nails, it would come with a small price.


A couple of months ago, I went and got my nails done with my daughter.  I have been faithful and went back every two weeks to get them filled.  No pain. 


I would chit chat with the other ladies and walk out with the sense of pride on my little fingers.  The nails provided length to my otherwise child size hands.  I loved the sound when I tapped on  the table.  I liked looking at my old hands.   It made me like an old girl. 


I go there on this particular day and look to see if Samantha is there.  She is one nail tech that my daughter loves.  Alas, she wasn't there.  I have gone there a few times and I have gone to a different one each time.  I figure this way I can get to know them all and I would pick the one I could gel with.


A pretty one comes to me and leads me to her station.  Let me tell you I will not go with her again.  I told her I needed a new set.  She sat me down and proceeded to use one of the fake nails to pry my nail off.  She was not gentle and it felt like she ripped my real nail with the fake nail off.  I yelp.  My daughter said it is not suppose to hurt, so you let them know if it does.  Well I did and she tells me you are not used to it and showed that my nail wasn't bleeding. "see".  I see alright but hell woman warn a woman first. 


My poor nails got there revenge.   One of the nails didnt peel right off, so she used another torture device to clip the edges.  She snipped and it shot right in her eye.    Hell lady, if you didn't do it so fast maybe you wouldn't be blind.


I couldn't wait for it to be over.  A lady that was sitting next to me said that it does hurt but if you soak your nails it would be easier.  If I want to do it myself and pain free, I need to soak them in acetone.  Guess who will be trying that one?


If it doesn't work I will not do this again.  My poor nails were so tender.  I am now just feeling better. 


What makes it worse is when it was time to pay.  I gave her my card and she brings it back and says cash please.  I look at the slip and do not see a tip line.  I tell her "I have no cash I was planning to put it on the slip."  "You should have told me I would have added to the amount."    She points to the atm machine just outside the door.  She shakes her head and I am ticked.  Not only did she torture me now she is ticked because I have no cash. 


What did I do?  Like a dumb #$%^ I go and get the cash and make her break the twenty.  She was not pleased that I  interrupted her time with her new client who scooted in my seat as I got up.  I should have said something but I guess I was still in shock from the trauma I just went through.  Where were Cyn or Destiny when I needed someone?


I will turn my ass around the next time I go in and she is the only one available. Yes, I am a masochist. I have to go back. I like my girly hands I even got a complement.  I never received a compliment before about my hands.  It made me feel good.

I need help but I will look good while needing it!


  Manicure Addicted Abbie

Zoe World

Zoe is a breath of sunshine and rainbows all rolled up. When she gets tired, she grabs Pappy's glasses and hands it to him with his ipod. Zoe knows that the ipod touch can play her favorite shows. Zoe will climb up on his lap and watch it with him. 

Bill and I have missed her terribly. In one of our little talks, he expressed he did not want them to leave. Made my heart ache. I already know it will be hard for me when it is time for them to go back home but now to know it won't be just me makes it worse.

I could do without the late nights of crying.  She doesn't want to go to bed and wants the whole city to know that tid bit.  I could also do without toys being scattered around the house 24/7.  I was used to it being only one or two days a week when my other grandkids visited.  I feel like I am Godzilla and I am stomping through a Japanese city and screeching along the way.  Why you say? because those damn toys hurt. 

You would think I would pick them up it is my home after all but shouldn't the parents be doing this job?

I guess they are on vacation and I am too tired at the end of the day/night to do much about it. It will only be for a few more weeks and then I go back to my normal routine but without the sweet smile of Zoe or the baby smelling Liam to greet me.

Wistful Abbie
 
'PS - I wrote this when I had the energy a few weeks ago

Tough Weekend

Sean and his family left on Friday.  I couldn't believe how fast time flew by.  I don't know how moms do what they do and still keep up with blogs.  If I had time, it was to go to sleep.  The computer was the last thing on my mind.  Even though there were times, when I thought I should be jotting down all the things that were going on in this family. Hopefully, I will remember them.  The weather, family occasions, and food stick out in my mind.

Little milestones were reached.  Liam grew longer and heavier. His appetite grew from 2 oz to 6 oz by the time he left.  Zoe's changes were more internal and I got to see more of her personality.

This is what he look liked at the beginning of August.

Zoe on August 9.

Zoe adores her brother and kissed him often.  She knew how to use the word "No".  Zoe also refused to say the word "please".  It was like she thought it was only for the little people and not for a princess.     We are working on this!

This is them in September. Small changes.

I am so happy to have been a part of this time in their lives.  They have my heart.

These little rascals knocked me out at night.  I dragged to work on weekday mornings.  I couldn't wait for the weekend where I didn't have to rush out the door. I relished staying home and helping with the babies.  I enjoyed being home and be surrounded by happy noise.  Greeting the mornings with the little ones. 

I guess it had to end sometime.  It was quiet coming home from the airport.  The was no little voice humming a little ditty or asking for something to eat.

When we got home, there were no sounds of little pitter pats on the hardwood floors.  I had purposely  savored those sounds that morning.  I knew they would be the last time I would hear them from Zoe for awhile. 

Bill and I decided to go on a sugar bender.  Nothing cures heartache than sugar.  And sugar is what we had! We stopped off at Dunkin Donuts got a dozen donuts and our ice coffees.  We then went to the local corner store and got Swedish fish and ice cream.   We sat down on the couch and watched a mini marathon of Rescue Me.  It helped.

I do miss them.  There is no one waiting for me at home.  Well, there is Lando.  His kisses are messy instead of air kisses.  He barks instead of coos.   He wags his tail or what can be called a tail instead of saying hi like Zoe. 

My faithful friend.  Lando bided his time, while I doted on the grandkids.  Lando is my comfort to an achy heart.  I know he is not going anywhere.  He is a good boy.

Empty Nester Abbie (again)

Missing some zzz's

It has been a whirlwind.  My son and his family have arrive and I am now only able to blog about it.  I normally blog this during the the work week but my time with my little angels has taken up my time at the computer.  It is amazing the difference between visiting grandchildren and living with grandchildren.  They consume the energy and time I took for granted.

Nap times are different between the siblings.   Good thing, Liam doesn't mind the noise of a full house.  The more noise the better. They have taken sleeping with the radio on so Liam can sleep a little longer.
Zoe, on the other hand, she needs to be isolated with minimum noise.  Unless she goes to bed exhausted, she will fight nap time if she can still hear us.

I haven't forgotten the intense prep work for a baby.  Measuring the formula, having a burper at the ready, and changing a boys diaper.  Needing to be ready to dodge the stream of urine.  I have been lucky so far that hasn't happened. Yet!

Sleep, poop, and eat. The life of a baby.  It sounds simple and easy to take care of a newborn.  But the little angel wears me out. People jump when they hear him cry.  It has been awhile since I have heard the cries of a newborn in the house.  I say about 21 years,  Good lord!  After I feed him, he goes to sleep.  As he sleeps, I think he gives off sleeping waves because all of a sudden I am sleepy too.  Do the baby formulas give off sleeping gas? (Yawn)  Just writing about it makes me sleepy. 


I have to buy stock in Pepsi Max.  I have been buying that a lot lately.  Only thing that helps me maintain the energy I need for Zoe.  She is all over the place.  The funniest thing is she growls.  I have learned what the different grunts mean. She wants to be picked up all the time.  Wouldn't be bad, if she didn't weigh so much.  Good work out though!

I can't nap anymore.  Not that I took many, once in awhile. but the option is no longer there. I go to bed and I am out like a light before my head hits the pillow.  I hear baby cries in the middle of the night.  It makes me smile because I am not the one who has to take the night shift.  I am also reminded that they are still here. 


So tired...zzz...  Can there be a good tired?


Night, Night...zzz...

Sleepyhead Abbie


http://www.google.com/search?q=sleepy+clip+art&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7ADFA_en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=t8lLTvfyCJTrgQf36ahz&ved=0CDYQsAQ&biw=1477&bih=778

Peruvian Invasion

With the little sleep I got the night before the party, I was dragging.   With my son and his family belongings, I had to clean my house all over again.  They left a trail of damage along the way.  It would not be a problem on a normal day but when I get additional guests whom I haven't seen or haven't seen in over 30 years its a dilemma.

Since the kids came so late and their internal clock off with the change of time zones, they went down for a nap.  All four of them.  It was a good  thing.  I was able to do more  without them being underfoot. 

Liam

I also got a blessing.  My dad called and said he wouldn't be in until 4 because they got a late start.  They were coming from New York.  Everyone else would get a good nap in, I can cook a little more, and straighten up the house.

Zoe

Bill got the drinks, ice, and helped get the bar ready.  Donna Marie showed up after her kids woke up from a nap. It worked out for everyone with the time change.

If things could go wrong, well, they kind of did.  The beer we got was not the best.  Instead of Corona, it was Corona light. Didn't know there was a different.  I am not a beer drinker.  I like vodka so if it is like that, yes there can be a difference. 

We ran out of chicken.  The only thing that my parents can eat.  We ran out of the other food as well.  I couldn't ask anyone to go for a run because either they were drinking or didn't know the area.  I had wished I hadn't had anything to drink because I would have run out. 

Then it started to rain and we sought shelter in my home.  A few stayed behind to help me bring everything inside and keep it from getting wet.

As much as I was looking forward to seeing them, it still felt weird.  I know they are family but there was a little disconnection.  I don't know why I held back.  I should have been a social butterfly and talk with each one like a proper host but I was trying to make sure every thing was tidy, beer in everyone hands and trash thrown out.  At least, that is what I keep telling myself.   I guess I could have put that to the side and let it go but it was different. 

I normally am able to talk to each one and go from room to room .  Keeping an eye on everyone and  laughing and carrying on. I did  this with my little family but I couldn't quite extend it to the others.

I wish I had enough food.  Wish I had enough liquor. I wish I had drank a few more glasses of my libation. Wish I socialize more.  Where's that genie with those wishes?

Bill and Uncle Juanito

I did talk with my uncle. It was great with him but I didn't do it with the rest of them.  I sure regret that.  I only hope I get another chance with the ones that live in New York.  I'll have to work on that. 

My mom and dad were very happy. It meant allot to me to see them content. 

There was one moment that everything was good.   I looked around and everyone was smiling and talking. 

Why do I always put myself in a bystander mode?  Why do I not participate? I want to be a part of it.  I want to feel like I belong.  I am so use to being an outsider that when an opportunity comes up where I am not, I don't know how to act. 

The liquor was starting to run out and I knew it was getting close to them leaving.  Funny how when the liquor dries up people see it as an end to the party.  Lol.

Bill made a few rounds of shots.  It sure livened the party and we heard lots of hoots and hollers. A parting shot so to speak. My parents even had one each.  That was the most hysterical thing I have ever seen. They do not drink outside of beer and with their medical conditions they should not have partaken but they had a good time.  I'll let it go for now.

We ended on a high note.  Shots are always a winner.  Bill, the perfect party partner, saved the day.

Dad, Danny, Donna Marie, Me, Sean

Bill on top and Denis on the bottom

We said our goodbyes and they went on their way. 

Not the perfect Hostess Abbie

The Arrival

I had the most busiest Friday of my life.  I worked a full day and I wanted to give the house a final cleaning.  Sean and his family were coming in late.   I get a call not a half hour after I started the clean sweep.  It is my dad,  "Are you ready?"  I blink and say with hesitation "yeah".  "Good, we will see you tomorrow at noon."  "Great, see you then!"  I think I passed out for a second. 


After I recovered from my initial shock, I go into overdrive.  My dad likes to wait until the last minute to tell me his plans.  I had asked him all week to let me know when he and his family would be arriving.  I was hoping he would have given me a full day notice. 

My Dad and his brother Juanito

I hadn't bought the extra food or beverages for the party.  I know  I had to get the house ready for the extra guests.


Thank goodness for Donna Marie!  She went to the store for me to get the extra party supplies.  I wouldn't have had the time in the morning to do all the needed to be done.

With the lack of sleep and the babies, I honestly didn't think everything would be ready for the party.  Bill went out in the morning to get the liquor.  Boy, did I want to partake as soon as it came into the house.
I cleaned until it was time to pick them up at 1 in the morning.  We left early which was a good thing.  There were road construction and one accident on the way to the airport.  We arrive just in time to meet them at the door.

I squealed with delight as soon as I saw them.

Sean told me Liam did very well on the plane ride.  What an angel!! 

While Zoe not so much, I don't know what to believe.  Look at her smile.  She looks like an angel :)

Bill couldn't wait to get her out of the stroller.

Bill carried her all the way to the car.  He didn't put her down until we had to drive. 

Denis waited for us back at home.  He couldn't wait to see his brother and his family.  

We stayed up for a few hours.  I was so exhausted but I was very happy.  I had a very long day ahead of me. But right before I past out on my pillow, I felt I was in heaven. 

 Abbie