Fun weekend

We had a great weekend!

Although I did not request to be off work Sat & Sun, it just worked out that way on the scheduled. Sat morning Spouse & I met Steven for a late breakfast, then we returned home where I broke down some cardboard boxes and stuffed them into the recycling bin, which made room for me to assemble a set of garage shelves onto which I put some stuff to get it better organized.  Then I spent a little time weeding the front flower beds before taking a shower.  

Then Spouse & I went to the 5 year anniversary celebration of the Jusst Sooup Ministries facility.  We became acquainted with the Dunnings who founded and run the soup kitchen when they were our neighbors 10 years ago.  But 5 years ago they were surprised with a fabulous state-of-the-art soup kitchen facility and residence and were featured on ABC's "Extreme Make-over: Home Addition" in 2011.  The celebration was a big barbeque and a chance to visit with founders Dale & Ken whom we like so much.  

Later that evening we went out to dinner with Steven & Thad, and then I did my last Boy George performance of the summer in the Legends show.  Several colleagues from work showed up which was a big surprise.  After the show I mingled with the audience, posed for pictures, and accepted some tips!  People really, really enjoyed the Boy George/Culture Club songs and I received 2 $10 tips!!  Once my work friends left I continued chatting with some folks I met after the show.  A straight couple named John & Lucy were nice, but rather inebriated so I didn't mind at all when they said they had to go while they could still walk.  I also met a couple from Philly named Charles & John.  Actually, they're not from Philly; they moved there less than a year ago.  But Charles has been in real estate so we had that in common and both guys were a lot of fun to hang out with.  I gave them my business card and hoped they'd reach out to me, since I'd told them I was going to Philly the next day.  I didn't get home until 2am.

Then Spouse & I were up at 7:30 Sun morning so we could meet Steven & Thad at 8:30 to spend the day in Philly.  We started with a trip to Trader Joe's to stock up.  We typically go to Trader Joe's when we visit our family, but the last couple times were visited we didn't have time, so we were out of everything.  Next we went to the mid-century warehouse to oogle all the lovely pieces.  They're only open to the public twice a month, on Sundays, for 4 hours.  Spouse & I found this lovely dining table that would be perfect for our dining room since its 2 butterfly leaves make it expand to nearly double its original size.  

This table can seat 10-12, while our current dining table only seats 6.  We didn't buy the table but Spouse said if it was there in 2 weeks he'd make an offer.  I predict he'll find a way to talk himself out of that, as much as we both liked it.

Next we went to lunch at Matt & Marie's, an Italian-style sandwich shop, and then onto Century 21 department store.  I got some new underwear (to replace some old pairs) and a new wallet.  Spouse got a shirt.  We got home about 6pm.

What a great weekend!

Holiday happenings

Last week Spouse & I were commenting that it seemed as though fewer of our friends were having holiday parties this year. Then all the sudden, the invitations all came in at once.

On Mon I decorated and bagged Christmas cookies along with the owners, staff, and my fellow entertainers at the Blue Moon. We prepared approximately 400 bags (of 4 large cookies each) to be donated to the Jusst Sooup Ministry, which was featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Nov. Then later that night I went back to the Blue Moon for their staff and entertainers Christmas party and Chinese gift exchange. There served 7 different types of lasagna, salad, bread, and had an open bar. In the gift exchange I came home with a trio of savory dips. We had a really great time.

Tues night was my office Christmas party and secret Santa gift exchange. We decided to have it at my favorite happy hour location: Saketumi. We all had cocktails or wine and sushi and then exchanged gifts. Spouse and Christy's husband Ted came after the gift exchange and we all talked and laughed and had a fun time. I received a gift certificate and peanut butter fudge from my secret Santa, and a cashmere scarf from my boss.

Last night we went to a Christmas party at our friends Bill & Dean's house. They always go 'all out' with their Christmas decorating, but not in a tacky way. Their decorations are very tasteful and elegant and there's a lot of them. They had a full house of friends and family for their party and we ran into several friends we hadn't seen in a while. We had a very nice time.

Next week we're going to Tim & Randy's post-Christmas party on Wed night. I really enjoyed going to their party last year and am happy that Spouse has agreed to go with me next week. I really enjoy holiday parties, but I am going to have to go on a diet after the new year to make up for all my indulging.

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has been in my area this week. I happen to know the recipient of the home makeover and I can't think of anyone more deserving. Mrs. Dale Dunning began her 'Jusst Sooup Ministry' several years ago using funds from her part-time job and her husband's full-time job. She made a brief appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show a couple years ago. Over the years they have gotten donations and grants and despite her ministry's name, her services have expanded to more than just soup. She also provides groceries and toiletries to those in need, and occasionally arranges for temporary housing for some who become homeless. If anyone is truly doing 'God's work', its her! Check out this great article.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Tuesday's earthquake has already turned into a joke:

As if Tuesday's earthquake wasn't enough, we are now bracing for a full-on hit from hurricane Irene. We don't normally get hurricanes here; usually nor'easters. But according to the projected hurricane path we are in for heavy rain, flooding, and damaging winds up to 130 mph late Sat night into Sun. When I got home from work yesterday Spouse & I brought in all of our porch furniture (from both porches), then joined Steven & Thad to take in the yard furniture at 1 of the Bobs'. He fell and broke his wrist earlier this week so we gave him a hand. At the office our broker said we'll close early tomorrow when the rain and wind start up and we'll be closed all day on Sun when the worst is upon us. The Governor declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuation of the areas within 3/4 mile of the coast. I think we are staying put.

Have a great weekend!