Blessings Abound!

It's the time of year to reflect on the blessings which are present all around us. Whether a big event like getting a defense verdict in a trial in which you were on the defense team, or a small thing like walking out your front door into the fragrant fresh air on a sunny day, and all the events in between, it is evident that we have much for which to be thankful.

Between my husband and me we have four parents. After a summer of heart issues in a couple of them, we are thankful they are all still with us. I'm thrilled that Miss Fanny has found a new home where the love between them is all mutual. So fun to watch!

As a mom of a teenage son, I was especially grateful for the uninterrupted time he and I were able to spend together a few weeks ago on a college visit. We mixed some fun into the trip as well. The Astronaut Hall of Fame was close by so we spent hours wandering thru the exhibits, imagining the possibilities that come through space explorations. We laughed together as we discussed that had our entire family been present, we would not have been able to be as thorough and spontaneous as we both wanted. The conversations, laughs, and exploring we did together I will hold dearly in my memory bank.

(Yes, he looks like an alien, but he really is our son)

Prior to that trip, I was blessed to have R&R (both in CA and abroad) with my best friend who happens to be my hubby of 25 years. We had lots of time to reflect on our lives together and our dreams for our future as empty nesters which is approaching at lightning speed. We both are wondering how in a blink of an eye our babies can possibly have morphed into these two incredible individuals.

I find it interesting that the things for which we are most grateful are not material things at all, but relationships. So as you trudge through this Holiday season, make time for those you hold dear. Think about spending time on your loved ones instead of money. Consider spending your money on those who really do need it. It will make you feel better at the end of the day.

Here are a few I think are really worthwhile:

Boone County's Love Inc. A more global cause could be: Falling Whistles, or KIVA.

There are many animals that need our funds as well: A Horse Sanctuary,

Heart for Dog Rescue, Indianapolis Humane Society, to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Housewife of Boone County visits the OC

Little did I know when I jumped on a plane with Kevin for a quick trip to the West coast, that a surreal experience was in store for me. Understand that had I chosen to forego said trip I would be doing the typical "Housewife of Boone County" things: mucking stalls, doing laundry, scrubbing toilets, fertilizing the field...(or refer to my July 2010 post) much much different than life for a "Housewife of Oranage County." Let me explain. Upon our arrival at the John Wayne Regional Airport we were whisked away in a black Lincoln with tinted windows where iced water bottles were placed by each seat. After a quick ride down the "PCH" or the Pacific Coast Highway to you and me, we arrived at our destination in Laguna Beach - The Montage Resort. Not only did the Reception clerk check us in, but she also toured us around the property before depositing us in our room where a bottle of champagne was already being iced and a bowl of fresh fruit brightened the entryway. Of course the view from our balcony was breathtaking.

A quick stroll through the property confirmed the beauty of the location with countless varieties of flowers and plants (meticulously cared for by dozens of staff members) leading down to a lovely sandy beach where Catalina Island could be seen way off in the distance. Whew!

After we got settled, we realized that with the time difference we had completely missed lunch and dinner East coast time, but our real dinner wouldn't be served for hours. To remedy the situation, we walked (yes! -under our own power, no driver required, much to the staff's dismay) a block down the road to Ruby's Diner (imagine our Steak 'n Shake.) Again it was clear to us we weren't in Boone County when we looked at the menu and found Tofu burgers, bunless burgers, hi-protein lettuce wraps, etc. in addition to the usual hamburger, fries, and shake options. It didn't take us long to realize as we made our way around the resort that whenever staff members saw us they stopped in their own tracks until we passed. At first I thought maybe I was taking up too much of the walkway...but no. After multiple tests, I concluded that this was required. Unnerving, or described with an "S" word, SURREAL. A few nights later having a night cap at the hotel bar, the bartender explained the "Four S's" each staff member, regardless of rank, is required to perform at the first sight of a guest. STOP! STEP ASIDE! SMILE! (and make eye contact), and make an appropriate SALUTATION! There you have it- Surreal!

To top off all the service during the day, each night not only was our bed turned down, but we each had a fluffy pair of slippers perfectly placed on a white pressed linen square by the bed which had a sleeve of fancy chocolates waiting for us. During all of this, I really just wanted to tell them to relax...if I weren't here, I'd be at home in Boone County, Indiana, loading up my poop truck with muck buckets! So, if your travels ever call for you to be in Orange County, CA, opt for the Montage so you too can pretend to be a STAR while enjoying the breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean in the lap of luxury!

No trip to LA would be complete without a meal shared with Kevin's cousin Gregory who we fondly refer as our family's "Forrest Gump," but only in a positive way! (He's even running the LA Marathon for a great cause...please consider donating!)Having lived in LA and worked in the "business" for several years now, he has had his fair share of famous/interesting encounters. As we learned this time, he expanded his "encounter" territory recently as he travelled to London to see his Chicago Bears play at Wembley Stadium, ending up with a photo of himself between Hall of Fame Steelers Running Back Jerome Bettis and NFL Commissioner Goodell. Not only was he called on to ask a question during the press conference, but also was quoted in the Chicago Tribune (see link!) We also heard about his visit with our Sarah in Paris. Funny that after years apart, it was in Paris of all places, that they reconnected. It is proof positive that family values have been instilled in both of these young adults. We are so proud of both of them! I figured here would be a good spot to insert a photo of these cousins from years past...but after scouring the photo albums, I could only come up with this one circa 1992.

Most pictures of Gregory involved a rambunctious giggling Eric...as seen here! We look forward to our next story filled meal with Greg, and in the meantime, wish him well on his "Forrest Gump" like running and encounters!