When It Rains It Pours

It's been a rough week:

My husband and youngest son were in a car accident.

(I'm thankful no one was hurt.)

His car is not drivable.

(I'm thankful we have two vehicles.)

But now my two year old mini-van needs a new transmission.

(I'm thankful it's under warranty.)

Now we have two cars in the shop.

(I'm thankful our friends have a spare van we can borrow.)

Our dog is prone to ear infections - another $160 at the vet yesterday.

(I'm thankful she's on the mend.)

We're now two days late going to Ohio for Thanksgiving while we wait for my van to be repaired.

(I'm thankful I have a loving family to go home to.)

I went shopping with my sons yesterday for new shoes and clothes.

I hate shopping.

(I'm thankful I have children.)

Giving thanks for my life, today, and every day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

(I'm thankful you took the time to visit my blog today!)

Leo's Birthday

Today would have been my dad's 75th birthday.

He passed away too soon, six years ago.

And I still miss him.

My sons were seven and five when he died and

I worry that their memories of him are fading.

So, I talk about him, alot.

To remind them of who their grandfather was:

The baby of the family (like me)

Tall! 6'4"

That he cried at commercials.

And when he watched "Brian's Song" and "Something for Joey" he bawled like a baby!

He was a big man, with a soft heart.

He was a star baseball and basketball player.

Who refused to coach until his own sons were out of little league.

Because fathers should cheer instead of coach their kids.

He coached countless other kids for over 20 years.

More than a few of which told me he was the best coach they ever had.

Everyone knew him!

He cared little for possessions,

Was a veteran of the Korean War.

And was proud of his Irish heritage.

He was not without faults!

(There were many!)

He hated all of my boyfriends except one.

And that one became my husband.

He loved him!

He loved my children!

And he loved me!

So I keep his memory alive with my children!

But, still, I miss him.

(Photo of my dad, Leo Meenachan and I, 2002)

More memories of my dad here.

The Chartreuse Ladies

One of the things I love most about being a part of Chartreuse and Co., is that I've made a bunch of new friends!

They're an incredibly talented, creative group of women that turn an old dairy barn into an amazing shopping experience the third weekend of every month.

We kicked off the holiday season last Thursday night and it truly was a magical evening.

I'm so proud to be a part of the group!

That's me in the chartreuse sweater in the back row.

Yes, the one with her eyes closed!

And that's Molly to my right.

The super talented artist I call my partner in crime at Chartreuse!

For the holidays we'll be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until mid December.

I hope you can stop by!

Kicking Off the Season!

Yes,I know it's only been five days since Halloween, but the holidays really are right around the corner!

Chartreuse and Co. is all decked out for the holidays and we're kicking off the season with our gala grand opening tomorrow (Nov. 5th) night!

We'll have chartinis, appetizers and lots of great shopping!

Find a comfortable spot, sit back, relax and check out some pictures of what we've put together here!

Oh, and that gorgeous settee pictured above?

It's French, fabulous and available this weekend at Chartreuse!

I hope to see you there!