Thursday:) The Girlfriend Birthdays Continue

“When you are lucky enough to have a couple good friends, you enjoy celebrating a couple of times a year. When you have a whole bunch of awesome amazing fantastic good friends, you pretty much celebrate all year long.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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As you may know already, I have been blessed with a multitude of awesome friends. Not just casual acquaintances, but friends that would go trough fire for you, or give you the shirt off their back. Except for the skinny ones, the shirt just wouldn’t fit me, but they’d offer anyway. That always means a lot of birthdays to celebrate.

Today, we celebrated Karen Thomason’s birthday up in Sherman. We were meeting at The Iron Post Restaurant. Sherri Murphy picked me up, and as we got closer to Sherman, she talked into her phone for directions. She just said, “Directions to The Iron Post.” I said, “Sherri, what if Siri directs you to the nearest iron post on the road and asks you, would you like a rusty iron post or the nearest iron post with a little patina on it.”Then she whacked me on the arm going about 70 mph on Central Expressway. I was being serious.

Girlfriends! (No, we weren’t drinking beer. It was only 11:30 in the morning. We always wait till at least noon.)

Karen loved her presents. Girlfriends think of the greatest presents.

I always try to give a hand-painted or homemade gift. Yellow rose of Texas, also yellow roses are for friendship.

Sherri and I spotted a few cute murals on our way back to the car. Selfie time. I think Sherri is the only friend I know that takes more photos than I do. That’s why we’ve been friends for so long. “Great minds…”

I have wings to soar!

Look at this cool mural. There were several other paintings Of cowboys and cattle and longhorns along the long brick wall.

Great friends, great times, life is good!

Tuesday:) Toni’s Telepathic Girlfriend Network

” I’m not even sure why I need a telephone. I just think about calling someone, or just need to hear a friendly voice, and someone calls me. Oh that’s right. How do I answer the phone,”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Did you ever have one of those days when you just think about someone, and a few minutes later the phone rings and it’s that person? Or maybe you’re thinking you need an oil change for your car and a coupon comes in the mail. Well, that stuff happens to me all the time.

Last Monday, I was still lying in bed at 10am all melancholy and mopey thinking there was nothing on my calendar. My page looked like a snowman in a snow storm, all white and blank. I usually have three or more things on my calendar every day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not OCD or ADD or any of those compulsive initials. I like to keep busy, have fun, and be out with people. I’m not compulsive. My house is a mess, I’m not tidy, I don’t organize or purge junk, I’m a hoarder when it comes to arts and craft supplies, and when I cook, I may leave the mess for days.

Oh,where was I? That’s right. I was feeling sorry for myself, then the phone rang, and Sherri Murphy said, “You want to go to a movie and lunch? Sure. No more blank page. Then Sunday afternoon, nothing to do after church but think about laundry and housework, poor me, Sherri called and asked if I wanted to go to a concert at her church. Saved by the bell.

After I got home, I plopped down with a cup of tea and a few hours of boring television. It was late, so I knew my Chicago family was probably already in bed. I was thinking about my sons, wondering how they were, then the phone rang. My son in California called, and we talked for almost an hour. Yay! I rarely ever call him. Well, not on the phone…just telepathically.

This morning, I went to zumba and wondered what I would do with the rest of my day. A walk of course, but what else? I texted some friends, but they were busy. My friend, Linda Grossman (World’s Greatest Realtor) said she was swamped all day, but maybe we could grab a glass of wine tonight.

Great. I put on my hat and gloves and warm coat and headed out for my walk. Ring…ring. Miss Pat called and asked if I wanted to meet her and her lunch bunch friends at 12:30. Yay! See, I didn’t even need to call. I just think lonely boring thoughts, and someone calls me. It’s the TELEPATHIC GIRLFRIEND NETWORK.

I love it when that happens. All the energy and thoughts and wishes are transmitted out there in the stratosphere. You just have to believe. Life is good.

Friday Friends, Firemen and Other Fun Folks

“Sometimes, the simple things are more fun and meaningful than all the banquets in the world …”

― E.A. Bucchianeri

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Having one best friend is wonderful, but having a zillion best friends is a never ending blessing. One friend isn’t better than another. Each one is unique, special, wonderful, and I like to think of as a special gift from God. God has really blessed me.

After a steamy morning walk and a very cold shower, I scooted over to the Square for the McKinney Chamber Ribbon cutting ceremony at Sweet Spot Bakery. They had been closed for nearly 3 months for renovations. But, it is also their 5 year anniversary. I was honored to be included as part of their ceremony and special ceremony.

Sweet Spot has been my home away from home for 5 years and Kathy and Elizabeth have become best friends and family. When the chamber members asked Kathy about the bakery and what they offer the community, I had to chime in and say, “Everyone who walks in the door becomes a friend. It’s a very special place. These wonderful ladies are not only good friends, they’ve helped me get through some tough times. They even helped me move. Now, that’s friendship.”

After the ribbon cutting, I was meeting three other great girlfriends for an impromptu lunch. I love it when I get a text that just says, “Who can meet for lunch tomorrow?”

We had hot dogs over at Top Dog on the Square, then over to Fritos for cold refreshing popsicles.

The mounted patrol were stopping for lunch and cooling down the horses. I went over to say hi. Of course, they know me pretty well. We’re friends.

While I was chatting with Officer Lindsey about her recent trips, (We’re Facebook friends) Justice leaned over and gave me a nudge and a big kiss.

I’m just squinting from the sun, I look scared here. Justice is a sweet loving horse. He likes to give kisses.

After those adventures, I stopped back at Sweet Spot to meet another friend, Mercedes. But, I forgot to take a picture. Oops.

Now, for my firemen. This was from the other day, but I was waiting for Friday to post my picture. I like alliteration, if you haven’t noticed. I took some brownies and cookies over to the guys at our new Station 9. They’re always happy to get some goodies, but I think it’s even nicer that they know how much they are appreciated. Thanks guys!!!

Wednesday:) Wild, Wacky Women and Best Friends

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”

― Anaïs Nin

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Being blessed with a fine loving family is wonderful, and being blessed with so many, wacky wonderful friends is the frosting on a giant twenty foot chocolate cake.

When I get back to e Chicago area, or “back home,” as I like to call it, I love getting together with old friends. Yep! We’re all getting older. Not that old. Just a little older, a tiny bit. A few of us discussed our Medicare options and plans over dinner. Sad! How did that sneak up on us?

Monday night, our old bowling buddies got together for our Christmas gift exchange, and also to celebrate Lin’s birthday. I think she’s 29? Maybe 30? Not more than that.

We were pretty lucky. The restaurant was pretty empty and we dillied and dallied, and were loud and crazy and had wrapping paper strewn all over the place. And gifts…gifts every where.

Me, Vicky, Lin, Diane, and Vivian. This is our old bowling team. We used to bowl together every Wednesday while the kids were young and in school. Now, most the kids are parents of their own, and we are grandmas. Yikes! I met Vivian when our sons were in third grade together. That was about 28 years ago. When we get together, it seems like yesterday.

We had a wonderful Italian dinner, great conversation, lots of hugs and kisses, many presents, and celebrated our long and loving friendship. Girlfriends rule!

My wonderful friends carefully gifted by God. Love you girls!

Throwback Theme Song Thursday:) You’ve Got A Friend

“There is no friend like an old friend who has shared our morning days, no greeting like his welcome, no homage like his praise.”

~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

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I was waxing nostalgic the other day, looking at old photos on Facebook. I ran across this picture of my “BIG BLUE CUP.”

My friend Lin gave me this cup a long time ago. Was it before I moved to Texas in ’04, or maybe she sent it after I moved? I don’t remember now.  Either way, my big blue cup reminds me of my dear friend, and all the good times we’ve shared. It reminded me of the importance of friendship, and love, and memories, and more.

It was funny, because Lin called me this afternoon, and we talked for about an hour and a half, just catching up and reminiscing. I told her about the cup, it’s my favorite. It’s very big and holds a lot of tea. But, it also holds so many memories.

I often wonder if other people surround themselves with special treasures and gifts from friends and family. They are just things, but sometimes, one little thing can tell a long story. This is the story of the big blue cup…

I’ll see you in December, my friend.

Saturday:) Somemore Painting and Silly Friends

“Silly is always good, but silly  with friends is mandatory.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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“It’s okay to be absurd, ridiculous, and downright irrational at times; silliness is sweet syrup that helps us swallow the bitter pills of life.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich

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Yesterday, I painted with my senior artist friends, and today, I taught a wine glass painting glass at Lone Star Wine Cellars on the Square. It was a group of nine girlfriends, out for the day and evening. They came in rowdy and giggling, and they just louder and sillier as the evening progressed. At one point, I had to use my loud school teacher whistle to get their attention. It was a fun night, and the energy was contagious. 

   
   
The ladies had a good time. The noise level was off the charts. At one point they asked if they were the loudest group that I ever had. I told them that they were not the loudest, but they were the “funnest.” They had dinner reservations at 6:30, so they left their glasses so they could finish drying and came back later to pick them up. 

   
 
  

Wednesday:) Words of Wisdom and Wonderful Wacky Women

There’s a point in every true friendship, where friends stop being friends and become sisters.- Unknown

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Friends may spend a couple of hours together, but best friends spend all day long just having lunch. 
-Toni Andrukaitis

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Today, a few girlfriends got together to celebrate Sherry’s birthday. We met at noon at a local Italian restaurant. It’s difficult to get everyone together, but those of us who can make it to lunch to celebrate a birthday, always make it a special occasion. There is always laughing, sharing stories, passing around cell phones with pictures, presents, and of course, having lunch. 

  
We started our lunch celebration around noon and sat there till after 5pm. We always joke and say, “I guess we should order dinner now.”

Happy birthday Sherry!

  
 
It was really only 5:19 when I got in my car. I’m still trying to figure out how to set my clock back for daylight saving time.(But, that’s another story.)

Long lunch! We have the greatest group of girlfriends, and they are all wild and wacky women. We aren’t friends anymore, we are sisters. 

   
 
I am thankful every day for my family and girlfriends. I have been blessed with many friends all over the country, here in Texas, back home in Illinois, and places along the way. LIFE IS A DANCE…and I love to dance. 

Monday Morning With Michele:) Happy Birthday!

The year you were born marks only your entry into the world. Other years where you prove your worth, they are the ones worth celebrating.~Jarod Kintz

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Today, the TOTS (Table Of Talented Sisters) met for breakfast to celebrate Michele Bernard’s birthday. Michele has been “burning the candle at both ends” lately, and it’s difficult for her to find time to visit with girlfriends. But, a brief birthday breakfast was arranged, complete with handmade or thoughtful presents. Gotta love girlfriend gifts !

   
    
    
 “You’re kidding, Sherry ! You started these succulents from cuttings? ”

We love you , Michele !!!

  

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

Most of us don’t need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with. ~Robert Brault,*******

The best therapist is a girlfriend. Better than one girlfriend is several really great girlfriends. Group therapy at its best. 

This morning was cloudy “with a chance of meatballs.” No meatballs, but it was cooler with a slight breeze. I ran/walked for 1 1/2 hours, did some laundry, then looking forward to a long lunch with girlfriends at 12:30. 

  
Glorious clouds, but still no rain. 

We met for lunch and caught up, shared iPhone photos, chatted, and laughed so hard, that a few times, I nearly snorted iced tea out my nose. 

  
Lynne, yours truly, and Sherry. Karen had to leave at 2 before photo op. We don’t get together too often, so when we do, we always have a lot to share. 

Do you ever take a long lunch with friends? Our lunch started at 12:30 pm and we left around 6:15 pm. One of our usual marathon lunches. 

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“Note on a door: Out to lunch; if not back by five, out for dinner also.”

— Unknown

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I am blessed with the greatest therapist/girlfriends. Lin, sorry I missed your call. Long distance therapy works wonders too.  

 

Wednesday: Wild, Whacky, and Wonderful Women (TOTS)

“I would always rather be happy than dignified.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
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Today, we celebrated our annual TOTS (Table of Talent Sisters) Christmas extravaganza. Normally, we meet a a local restaurant, but this year, the girls agreed to meet at my house. This way I could celebrate my new home and my new life with my old friends. Very special!

What makes our gathering so special is that each creative and talented girlfriend usually makes, designs, bakes, or paints a fabulous gift for our exchange. We used to make one gift for each member, but as our group multiplied in numbers, we started having a drawing, or we’d be crafting till the cows came home. Wait, I think Gail has cows, or is that horses and sheep?

We have such a fun group of wild whacky women. Everyone brought tons of food, so, we ate, laughed, chatted and got down right silly. (As evidenced in this video.)

I totally forgot to take individual pictures of each gift. Duh! Silly me. I did take pictures of the food. Shows where my priorities are.

Now, a picture of the original TOTS. Lynne, Sherry and me, in front of my beautiful TOTS tree with handmade ornaments.

LOVE YOU GIRLFRIENDS!!!!!!!