The Big-E yesterday..another birthday today..

Almost to the top...

Amy and Dan on the "hell drop..."
Yesterday we headed up to Northampton and had brunch with Gabe and Amy.. While eating we made two decisions..NEVER... to eat at Sylvester's again..and second to go to the BIG-E for the afternoon!
It was a blast..We went to all of the buildings..looked at the animals, watched a sheep-dog trial..ATE WAY TOO MUCH..played games..and went on rides. A very nice way to celebrate another year.

Sooooo September is winding down..and from what I hear..J J and Julie will be into their new house by the end of this week.. A nice way to start October!!! Vic will be heading up to Cape Breton for Celtic Colors and we will be getting ready for Aoife Clancy's concert. We are getting calls and emails already for this one sooooo is anyone out there is thinking about it. Contact me early I think this one might be a biggie..

Not sure what is in the works for today. Dan may be heading to Chelsey's to continue working on the roof..I have LOADS AND LOADS of laundry to catch up on..and that is about it. I am going to bake a cake later for Danny..and fix him a nice dinner later..

So my friends I wish you all a happy Tuesday..stay safe now and go on out and make some memories..remember whatever you do..

BREATHE and smile for me

September 27th...

Today I am 66 years old. I don't feel much more than 30..But the years have a way of ticking by when you least expect it. I woke up this morning and found a lovely card waiting on the kitchen table..and in it was a beautiful thin silver cuff bracelet with the word BREATHE engraved on it. PERFECT!!! I adore it !
It looks a bit like the one pictured here..but mine is prettier..


Often times on this day I surf back thinking of birthdays from my childhood. You see my birthday was a shared event. I was born on my sister's 9th birthday. ( Not exactly the present she wanted.. ) Most of my parties were shared with Grace. Family events with cake and ice cream. When I was little Mom would have the neighborhood kids over and we would sit in the living room and play games, open presents and have cake . Birthdays were simple back then. No theme parties or trips to skating rinks or Chuckie Cheese ( whatever the heck that is). Just friends..and cake and ice cream.

When I turned 14 my best friend in Ellington through me a surprise party. I had moved from Ellington that year and I was having a very tough time adjusting to life in a "big city". That party was special because I was back with all of my childhood friends. I can remember it clearly we had such fun just being silly and running about in Kay's yard, chasing cows in the field and feeling very lucky to have friends like them.

As the years went on parties were back to just family with cake and ice cream. Then when children came into my life there were breakfast surprises and sweet handmade cards. Never anything too fancy. One thing that always happened..on my birthday every year from when I was a child,until I was well into my late 40's..every birthday morning my Mother would greet the day with a song.. She would always sing Happy Birthday to me.. First by coming into my room with a pancake sporting a candle..then after I left home with a phone call sometimes as early as 6:00 in the morning.. So that the first thing I heard was that song.

Soooo of course I started doing the same thing with my children. I call and I sing to them..and I call Molly and Morgan and I sing to them. They now anticipate it happening just like I use to do..It's kinda nice..a tradition that can go on and on. I tell Gabe to be sure to sing to Amy first thing on her birthday morning..I think he does..and Of course today at about 8:00AM my cell phone rang and it was Chelsey, Molly and Morgan singing to me.. The circle of love goes on and on..

So my friends..have yourselves a lovely day. It's raining here but the sun is shining in my heart and I feel quite blessed. Remember whenever you go and whatever you do

Breathe and smile for me...

Another lovely day in Massachusetts

It's been kind of a crazy week. Lots of stuff going on at the house. Playing catch up with things that were booked while I was away..and trying to correct things that were promised to folks when those things are not possible. Ahhhhhh when can I put all of this A W A Y ???

Today I am working on the press for Aoife's concert. I am looking forward to meeting her. She seems like quite a character. From what I have heard she is a lot of fun. Fun is something that I always enjoy.

The Big -E is happening now..so traffic in front of the house is pretty non-stop in the morning. It is a fun place to go..and you know every year even though it is the
S A M E stuff over and over..It's fun..You look forward to the lobster sandwiches..the cream puffs...The frozen strawberry slushies..the horses..the cows and the rabbits. I think next week I take a day and go...I love to see the Clydesdale's, they are my favorite horses.

I am keeping J J and Julie right in the front of my thoughts. I hope hope hope that their house is up and that they are working 24/7 so they can get moved in. They are such a special family..and this past summer has been really tough for them. So my dear ones if you are reading this..here comes a big H U G.. I miss you like crazy and pray that everything is better now !!!

So my friends stay safe today.. I am worried about my friends in the NYC area..damn it is so scary with all this talk about attacks. Stay safe..I worry about you....I am going to keep you all in my thoughts too. This weekend will see yet another year gone from my life.. Good grief I don't feel old but those years keep flying by. I 'll just keep on going and I'll keep on smiling. So all of you remember now stay safe, make some memories for your loves to treasure..and whatever you do remember..

Análaigh.....and smile for me

One quick note

DECEMBER CONCERT POSTPONED...

Last night I heard from Doug Lamey and due to the fact that he is now working full time he will not be available for the December 19 concert. I wrote to Kimberley and we both agreed to reschedule at a later date. December is crazy for me with a wedding and Christmas.. Having NO CONCERT to work on will be a relief. I promise I will do my very best to get Kimberley and Doug and maybe someone else ASAP..

Thanks for your support. Take care now..stay safe and remember

Análaigh.....and smile for me

Great concert and what is next!!!!!

Janine, Nikki and Sean

SEAN

NIKKI

Our first concert was great! . A very nice appreciative audience was treated to a night of songs and tunes from a trio of wonderful performers. Nikki Engstrom, Sean Brennan and Janine Randall presented a wonderful evening of traditional and original tunes and songs. What a terrific start to this season's concert line up. THANK YOU all and again thank you to our audience.. You make all of this possible!!

Next month October 17, 2009 at &:30 PM we will be treated to the amazing singer Aoife Clancy..

"Aoife Clancy (pronounced “Eefa”) brings a refreshing new voice to folk music, one that ranges from traditional Irish songs to ballads and contemporary folk. Aoife comes from the small town of Carrick-on-Suir, in Co Tipperary, Ireland, where her musical career began at an early age. Her father Bobby Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers, placed a guitar in her hands at age ten, and by age fourteen was playing with her father in nearby pubs.
For the past four years Aoife has toured extensively doing no less than two hundred dates a year throughout the United States and Europe. She has been a featured soloist with orchestras such as the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops and ,while performing with Cherish the Ladies, collaborated with the Boston Pops on their Grammy nominated Celtic album."
We are thrilled to be able to present her here in this intimate setting. Seats for the show will be $14 reserved or $18 the night of the show at the door. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 413-789-9267 or email msullgreen@gmail.com..

So my friends I just realized i forget something..and HOW COULD I DO THAT..

What ever you do today..wherever you go..stay safe..have fun and remember

Análaigh and smile for me

Concert day..

The hall is ready..the pumpkin bread baked..the cookies are here..the soup is simmering..All is good. Tonight I will be listening to the tunes and songs from Nikki Maranchie Engstrom , Sean Brennan and Janine Randall.. or better described as "Stanley and Grimm plus 1"..Should be a good time. I will post photo's and video tomorrow.

So my friends till next time..I must warn you of one thing.. Today is "talk like a pirate day" Soooooo you will have to be extra careful..pirates have a field day today sneaking about and smirking as all of us talk like them.. so SHIVER ME TIMBERS..and stay safe...

Have a great day..stay safe. watch out for pirates.....and whatever you do remember

Análaigh...and smile for me

Well now..what happened to that week?

The new living room..looK..ready for after parties, weddings and family gatherings

Notice the great Fashion sense.. LOL

Lets see.. Monday I went up to Northampton and had a nice visit with Gabe and Amy..Tuesday I baby sat Sam all day..Wednesday the rest of the living room furniture arrived and yesterday I cleaned all morning in preparation for this weekends concert and a meeting with The Trustees..

Of course during all of this I managed to have some down time too. I had a nice conversation with Sean on Tuesday evening he is a dear guy. J J called and filled us in on the goings on with his new house. Last night I had a one hour conversation with Margie and that was great. Earlier in the week my good friend Susan had a life altering event happen. She was eating supper and choked on a raw carrot. She could NOT BREATHE..Managed to dial 911..and her daughter age 12 grabbed her and did the Heimlich maneuver dis-lodging the carrot. By the time the ambulance arrived Susan was able to breathe but was very shaken up as was her daughter. Shows you just how fragile this life can be. Too much, huh!

Yesterday I was going through my "BABY BOOK" and found some really funny early photo's of myself. I had fun putting them up on Facebook.. I love that site..It is so much fun talking back and forth with folks..

Today I am setting up the downstairs hall for Saturdays concert. We are slowly reaching the safe point with numbers..I just have to make expenses..then I can relax.

So I wish you all a happy day and a great weekend.. If you are in the area and looking for something to do on saturday night..Stop by for the concert. If you mention this blog I'll let you in for the reserved rate. : )

Take care now everyone and remember..

Análaigh....and smile for me

What the heck happened to Sunday and Monday?

Lets see..good grief I can't even remember. Just got home from spending a day with my little nephew Sam. He is so sweet and has he ever grown since June. It has been pretty busy here..way too much going on. Tomorrow the second half of the new living room is arriving. I have to drive over to Westfield in the AM hope to get my hair done while I'm there.

I am so tired today. Didn't sleep well last night. Just all wound up over future events. I really have no control over it so I have to just let those who are involved take charge. If they don't do what they are supposed to do ..it's not my problem.

Had a nice morning yesterday with Gabe and Amy..We went to Sylvester's for brunch. It was so good. Then we drove Amy to work and since the RMV is in the same building I got my license renewed while I was there.. All set for another 5 years.

Tonight I am going to call J J and Julie.. It is making me crazy not knowing what the heck is going on up there. I can't wait to see their new house. I'm sure they must be busy busy..trying to get as much done as they can as fast as they can so they can move in!! Hope it's going well for them.

Saturday night will be the first concert of the season.. Seats are moving
S L O W L Y..I am a little disappointed..because the main reason I chose this group was because they have local ties. Usually friends and family want to come and support these performers. But not this time.. Interesting.. maybe they all think they will get in free.. SURPRISE..without a reservation they are going to pay $18.00..

Oh well..I am thinking that this will be the last year I do this..It's just to nerve racking..We'll see how things go. I am going to hold off bookings for 2010 Fall/ Winter till after the first of the year.

So my friends I wish you all well..have a great evening..Stay safe now and remember

BREATHE and SMILE for me

Saturday has come and almost gone..

A week from tonight will be the first concert of this season. I am hoping that during this next week the numbers will grow a bit. I am thinking that this may be a slow starting year. We'll see.

My thoughts are up in PEI today. Last time I heard from Julie their new house was supposed to be arriving on Thursday and Friday. Haven't heard anything at all from J J since we got home sooooo I am hoping that everything is going well. I can't wait to see the new place. So if you guys are reading this

P I C T U R E S... please..

Tomorrow heading over to Chelsey's in the afternoon. We will be doing something with the girlies not sure what but we'll keep them busy. The week ahead looks fine..The concert looming on Saturday.. But on Monday I am heading up to NOHO to have brunch with Gabe and Amy and on Tuesday I am taking care of S A M M Y !!! Can't wait to see the little guy. I haven't seen him since June..

So my friends you all take care now.. Stay safe and have some fun. J J please give us a call if you read this we MISS YOU.. Everyone else remember now

BREATHE and smile for me

9-11-2009

Today I am thinking back to the tragic day in NYC..the images..the sounds..the sadness..the fear. I was living in Deerfield then. Turned on the TV to hear Charlie Gibson say.." We have word that a plane has just hit the World Trade Center, we are going there live now.."..then as we watched a second plane hit...we saw the confusion in the eyes of those news people..the fear..and then the towers fell..

As the day went on I learned that a young lady I knew was on the first plane.. A beautiful young woman with two young children..someone I had taught how to balance her checking account when she was a college student..a beautiful young girl who came into the Credit Union when she was engaged to show me her ring..Tara..I will never forget you dear one..nor will the community of Westfield where you grew up. So sad..so tragic..

Last year on this date another friend lost his battle with cancer. Bennett Campbell..from Prince Edward Island.. Bennett was the voice of the Rollobay Fiddle Festival..he was a delightful man. Father to I think 8 or 9..uncle to at least 50.. grand father to quite a few..and husband to Shirley. Friend to anyone he met... Bennett was also Premier of PEI and served the country of Canada in Trudeau's cabinet..He was an amazing man.. His smile brightened every day. He will always be missed and never forgotten..


So 9-11-2009..I am remembering those two friends..and I am reflecting on the WHYS..Why cancer strikes with such force tearing about lives and families.. WHY terrorists kill innocent people..WHY the world seems to forget so quickly..Today my life is going on as usual I am smiling and awaiting the delivery of a new living room set..an ordinary life ...
But in the back of my mind I am remembering the lives that were lost this day 8 years ago in NYC..and I am remembering Bennett and wishing well his wonderful family on PEI and throughout Canada. Stay safe my friends..smile and make memories to last forever.. Whatever you do..Remember to

Breathe and smile for me..

Thursday already...

Last night I was busy switching between the President's speech and the Yankees game. Both were well worth watching. Derrick Jeter tied Lou Gehrig's batting score last night..It was great to see..and better because the Yankees won the game too. Jeter is a class act and he is well deserving of any praise he is awarded.

President Obama addressed Congress and the nation last night. His agenda was to convince the Congress that a revamping of our health care system is necessary and urgent. The right-wing pundits are spinning tales of "socialism" death panels..and free health care for illegal aliens. The public is being mislead and is confused about what the goals are. Those well off folks who have excellent health insurance are screaming in fear that they may loose some of their benefits while the 40+ million people without any insurance wait for something to help them out. I cannot even begin to grasp the mind set of our nation. What is wrong..with seeing to it that EVERYONE who is a citizen of the country is COVERED by some sort of a health care plan?

I always felt that EXCELLENT HEALTH CARE should be a guarantee to anyone who has retired from work within this country. NOT the ridiculous Medicare Plan that we still pay for and get nothing from. When you consider the facts..that millions..and millions of children, elderly, teens and average working citizens HAVE NO HEALTH CARE ..and millions more are paying well over $12,000 a year to see that their families are covered in some small way..There is something very wrong. Insurance Companies have to be held accountable..Pharmaceutical Companies have to be held accountable..Hospitals have to be held accountable..Dr's have to be held accountable..

But last night as our President spoke..in Congress before the nation..a so called leader YELLED out.. "YOU ARE LIAR" a Republican Senator from the South doesn't like the fact that a black man is in charge..PLAIN AND SIMPLE.. The right wing conservatives are working their mumbo- jumbo..spinning talk shows on the radio..portraying this delightful, educated man as someone who has a hidden agenda. I am so sick of it.. I fear for our nation and I fear for our president.

So that's my talk for this morning.. LOL did it wake you all up? It is a beautiful day here in Massachusetts.. I hope where ever you it is just a beautiful. I hope you find time to get out and make some memories for yourself.. go for a walk..smile and stay safe. Remember now..

BREATHE and smile for me..

Lots done today....

So today we went to look at "the chair" and make a decision..While we were walking through the store we saw a living room set on sale for $799..a couch, love seat, two end tables two lamps and a coffee table ..sooooooo what the heck we got it.. It is comfortable and really nice. How do you like it.. Too funny huh..

Then we came home and put new drawer pulls on my dresser which I have had for 32 years without functioning drawer pulls.. Somethings just take time.. LOL

Tonight I think we are heading up to Northampton to see Gabe perform an early show.. Aside from that not much. Just had a quick conversation with Julie..but things were a bit crazed at her place so it was a quick call. I miss them so much..I guess the house is on target for delivery to the site..and I can only imagine how READY they will be to get into their own place again.. Right Julie.. : )

This will be a quicky because I am getting hungry and have to get dinner going.. You all have a great evening and take care now.. Remember to stay safe and have fun but do not forget to

BREATHE and smile for me...

Labor Day..why are people working????

So yesterday was Brian's surprise party.. It went off very well..he was surprised..and everyone had a blast.. It was a TEXAS HOEDOWN theme.. I think Molly enjoyed it the most she loved being a "cowgirl"


Today was a lazy kind of a day..I hung around all morning because someone was supposed to come and see the house..then at about 12:30 they called and asked if they could come tomorrow instead.. GRRRRR...
SO I moved the furniture around in the bedroom.. I am sick of having the lights from the bank next door glaring in my eyes all night.. So we'll see if this new arrangement will work better.

I also did some work on MYSPACE updating the slide show with new information about the concerts. Getting a bit anxious about the September concert.. only a few reservations so far..It is sooooo hard to get people out and with the economy the way it is it's even harder.. We'll see how it goes.. This may indeed be our last year.. It's just too nerve racking..

So my friends I wish you all a lovely evening.. I am going to make a PIZZA for dinner and have a nice glass of Shiraz wine with it.. Take care now and stay safe.. Remember

BREATHE and smile for me

What a lovely morning...

Yesterday was Chelsey's birthday..Spent most of the day in Westfield.. Chelsey and I took the girlies shopping..I wanted to get each of them two outfits for school. Morgan being the pistol that she is wanted to go to "JUSTICE for GIRLS"..a trendy little shop with all the latest fufu..for girlies. She immediately picked out a short black flouncy shirt a wild pink and silver printed shirt with matching "gloves"..things that go way up your arm almost to the shoulder but the fingers are exposed.. "WHATEVER".. Then we found PINK sequined gloves and a matching tie.. so of course she had to find something that would "GO WITH THOSE".. What a riot she is.. We left that shop happy.and headed on Molly was not thrilled at this point in time.. She HATES girlie clothes.. Next stop was "David's Bridal"..Chelsey wanted to see what they had for flower girl dresses.. of course Morgan wants a "brides dress" for the wedding and HIGH HEELS and a CROWN " Whose wedding is this? Anyway Molly was really antsy..by this time.. Morgan was flitting about picking out dress after dress and we just kind of let Molly be..when out she comes with " A DRESS" SHE LIKED..


AND this girl knows how to shop.. It was in the sale rack marked down from $129.00 to $29.99.. YES $29.99.. and there was one for Morgan ...just like it... and there were MUFFS..which MOLLY REALLY LOVED...

>

As you can see in the photo's Morgan found a "crown" but that one stayed in the store as the price tag was $149.99....imagine... I told her I could make her a crown..and I will.. : )

So we left David's with two pretty dresses, one that will need a bit of alterations.. but we had two happy girls and one happy Mom and one happy Grammy.

Next stop was Kohls for Molly's two outfits and we hit pay dirt again.. Finding YOGA PANTS the only thing she will wear at the moment.. one "camo" shirt with a peace sign..and one shirt in the "boys department" that passed inspection for not being GIRLIE..

Headed back to Westfield where Brian and Dan had been working all afternoon replacing the kitchen door.. All was complete and looking lovely. We grilled up some steaks and had a lovely birthday dinner..ending the day with cake and ice-cream..



A perfect day..

Today Chelsey is throwing Brian a surprise birthday party.. "TEXAS HOEDOWN STYLE".. So we are heading over there in the early afternoon to help set things up while Brian is off golfing with a friend who has to keep him busy till 4:00..Another fun day...

So my friends as you can see we are still just as busy as we were all summer.. I hope all my friends on PEI are well and happy.. I miss hearing from J J and Julie.. and seeing Ella and Brady.. But my thoughts are with them always.. So take care everyone..have some fun but stay safe..and remember

BREATHE and SMILE FOR ME

Another beautiful day

I have been on the phone most of the morning..making calls for Chelsey to try and set things up for her wedding. Looks good..It will be fun I'm sure. Later this afternoon I am going to buy that comfy chair..

Tonight I am heading up to Northampton to meet Gabe and Amy for dinner. I have MISSED THEM SOOOOO MUCH !!! We are going to the Paradise Tavern "because they have mussels and oysters from PEI " as Gabe said.. I would eat grass as long as I was with them !!

Tomorrow is Chelsey's birthday.. will head over there in the AM and spend the day with her. Probably make dinner for them and of course have "ANGEL FOOD CAKE" as always. It is hard to believe that my baby girl is 38..where has the time gone. 38 years.. WOW..

38 years ago..I was still not certain I wanted to be in a marriage..I was restless and not exactly happy. Marriage wasn't what I had hoped it would be.. I was alone too much and over whelmed with being a new mother. Thank goodness for my parents, family and friends who helped me so much. It was a tough time..But there have been a lot of tough times in this life of mine. LOL Somehow I manage to plug along and get it done. I am waiting for my next life... : )

So to all my friends out there KEEP PLUGGING along and stay safe..Make some memories and hold onto those kids..They grow up so fast..but they will forever be in your hearts ..Remember whatever you do don't forget to

BREATHE and smile for me..

Another day is done

Just back from a walk..and I realized I hadn't written my Blog today..
Morgan spent the afternoon here again..We went to Costco and then came back here and played all afternoon..She loves going next door to the playground..so of course we did that.

The plan was to go and buy a new chair for the living room..But things got so busy that I decided to wait till tomorrow for that chore. I want to get an easy chair with a hassock.. I do not want a recliner..just something comfy..to curl up in and read or watch TV.. I am going to rearrange the living room so it will fit nicely..

Tomorrow I am also going to be talking with caterers for Chelsey's wedding..and in the evening heading up to Northampton for dinner with Gabe and Amy and after that to a show at The Iron Horse to hear and see Zoe and her family. Should be a fun day.
I haven't been with Gabe in two months and I have missed him and Amy so much!!!

So my friends I hope this finds everyone happy and safe.. Remember to go out and make some memories whenever you can and whatever you do..don't forget to

BREATHE and smile for me

First day of school today

Morgan will be spending the morning in her Kindergarten Classroom..Molly will be entering 3rd grade.. Where does the time go. I can remember dropping Chelsey off on her first day of school she was so afraid she wouldn't be able to open "the big door" but the teachers were there waiting.. and Gabe..he was so cute..He loved school right from the first day..

Morgan will be fine..she will put on a show for her Dad and Mom I can guarantee that..but she will be fine. Molly has so many friends that school is just like a big club house for her. She is quite shy in the classroom..barely talks..but when recess or gym are happening watch out..She will be having some special help this year for her reading and math skills. Seems that she may have inherited her Mom's learning disabilities..But we all know how to work through that.

So this morning I am finishing up the kitchen down stairs..and then heading over to Southwick to pick up Morgan.. She will spend the afternoon here and Chelsey and Molly will pick her up after school. I hope that I can get outside this afternoon with Morgan and clean up my garden here at the house..

I saw that little Ryan MacKinnon starts his nursery school today.. Have fun Ryan.. I know he will be a star. To all my friends on the island.. I MISS YOU GUYS.. Hi J J ..Julie, Ella and Brady.. XXOO.. Everyone up there have a great day..stay safe and STAY IN TOUCH I miss you..



Remember now whatever you do don't forget to

BREATHE and smile for me...

Back in Agawam..

Missing my house on PEI and all my friends..Missing Ella and Brady and Julie and J J..But we will see then all soon. It has been a busy day today. Cleaning the down stairs was a nightmare. The kitchen was totally GROSS..the outside work is almost done ..except for the gardens..tomorrow I will tackle them. Dan has been trimming the bushes and cleaning up around the house..Some of the trustees has stopped by and they were pleased with how the summer went..All is well..Now we can start counting down till next July...

The concerts will keep me busy and the first one is just 19 days from today. December will be very busy with a wedding and Christmas..I'm tired already..But we will get through it I am certain. Planning the details will start this week..Having it here at the Leonard House will be nice. I am looking forward to it..

Heading out in a few to get a big box on tomato's and some corn on the cob! Looking forward to having them for dinner tonight.. So

For now I will say have a great day..stay safe and be happy..whatever you do

remember to

BREATHE and smile for me