Oh St. Patrick's Day. The Saturday before.

I guess Mary-Frances is the recent blog post theme, because she equats St. Patrick's Day up there with her birthday!  I love that we skip the parade, and go on to watch the river be dyed that random neon green, and start with coffee and move on to lunch.  This year we were down in physical numbers, but we had a great time.  Pictures follow after the jump!

Mary-Frances is Getting Married!!!

One of my best friends in the world is getting married on November 19, 2010.  Mary-Frances and Jeff have been together for quite a few years now, and he popped the question in December.  Mackie and I are Co-Maids-of-Honor, or as Mary's family likes to call me Matron of Honor.  I understand that I'm married, but Matron just seems OLD.  Regardless, I'm done fighting with the ladies, so I'll be the Matron of Honor.  So, these pictures are from the beautiful engagement party that Aunt Mari-Jo threw for Mary-Frances and Jeff.  They got tons of presents and there were so many people there to celebrate!

Mrs. Brady and Aunt Lu gave them Irish Crystal Toasting Glasses.

Mary-Frances, Jeff, Aunt Lu + Mrs. Brady

And Kathleen kept jumping in the photo!

The beautiful cake that was made by Mary's aunt.  It was like a mini wedding cake!

And they got to practice cutting - Mary is so cute here!

And the baker - amazing, huh?

Julie is Cooking Part Cinq

Thanks to Rachel, I made one hella a sandwich. You know when you really just need a really great sandwich?  Well - welcome to the Julie Caprese!  I went on a grocery shopping spree and the greatest grocery store ever, Caputo's  and I got lots of fresh veggies, cheese, bread and irresistible Italian Pesto.

Pictures after the jump!

This house!

Ok - this is it: I really, really want this and we can afford it! Maybe!

Julie is Cooking Part Quatre

So heading back into the kitchen, we decided to do an "International" dinner night with John + Kadima.  They were coming over for Greek, and soon we will be dining at their house for Chinese.
Somehow dinner turned into a party, but above all the food was good. I just wish I remembered to photograph all the food!  DUH! I made Hummus (my recipe is way better) - amazingly delicious -, Chicken + Beef Soulvaki, grilled veggies and Tzatziki.
Yummy photos after the jump!

Wordle?

I'm a dummy and can't figure out how to put Wordle into my blog, so here's what would be there if I could figure it out.

Day To Day

Day to day, minute by minute.  Georgeanna emailed me and made a great point, that the loss of a pet makes us realize how precious and valuable life is.  It's so easy to take for granted.
We are trying to adjust, in the words of Mackie, to our "New Normal".  Its so hard.  Friday was my first day of coming home from work and not being greeted by the door.  Today was the first time I went grocery shopping and didn't have Victor to search through the bags for treats.  And then there is the uneasy feeling.  Victor protected me.  He made me feel safe.
And then its the noises.  I think I hear him but I don't see him.  And also I always wake up around 3:30 a.m. for some reason, and I would always stop and pet Victor on my way to or from the refrigerator when I grab my glass of water.
I will start talking about cooking again, soon.  I just need to keep on venting for a bit.