Happy Birthday, Darling Girl!

Can it be?

Is it your birthday?

Again...already???

I remember as though it were yesterday...

Your Dad and I received the call from the adoption agency.

After five long years of waiting for you,

 finally, you were waiting for us.

I cannot describe the total giddiness that call caused.

We had been watching our progress on the "list" and

fully expected one more year of waiting.

Then, out of the blue (heaven???) there you were!

And now, after what seems a long/fast road,

you're all grown up.

Your imagination was always obvious.

Your smile could always melt my heart.

Your talent was/is abundant.

Humor me and let me share one of my favorite pictures of you!

(By the way, I couldn't find a picture of you at the piano.

Remember the year you took violin, flute AND piano lessons,

...every week?

I love holiday time with you!

And vacation times!

Oh, the places we've been!

But most of all,

I love you!

Happiest of days, darling Kate.

You are the sunshine of my life.

Way To Go Kate!

Nine months, (two weeks and three days) ago

I put my newly graduated daughter Kate

on a plane to NYC.

You can read about it here.

Since she was a young girl, Kate has dreamed of

living in NYC.

It was the extreme opposite of her life and

growing up in a small town in Tennessee.

So, after graduating, Magna Cum Laude, no doubt,

from the University of Tennessee

with a degree in Communications,

Kate set off to create her life.

Kate has had a love of books and reading

all her life.

Now where did that come from???

(Could it be that her Dad and I started reading

to her when we sat and gave her formula?)

Kate's big dream has been to work in publishing.

So, after nine month, two weeks and three days,

numberous interships,

three moves (she's finally out of Jersey and sharing an

apartment with three others in Manhatten),

ups and downs, doubts, dramas and worries...

you're looking at NYC's newest editorial assistant!!!

Excuse my totally daughter-absorbed post today,

but it's been a bumpy ride for me too.

I'm taking a few moments to preen!

So proud of you Kate!

Have a Lucky Day Today!

Hope you have a lovely day today.

In the spirit of the day

here's a very good, very easy recipe!

~~~~~

30 Minute Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

14 1/2 oz. can, ready to serve vegetable broth

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1/2 t. caraway seeds

1/4 t. coarse grind pepper

1 small head cabbage,

cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

(about 1 1/2 lb)

1 1/2 c. baby carrots (about 1/2 lb)

3/4 lb. deli corned beef, sliced 1/8-inch thick

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine broth,

garlic, caraway seeds and pepper;

heat to a boil.

Add cabbage and carrots.

Reduce heat to medium-low;

cover and simmer 15-17 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Place corned beef over vegetables in pan;

cover and remove from heat.

Let stand 5 minutes or until corned beef

is heated through.

Arrange corned beef and vegetables on a large serving platter;

spoon remaining cooking liquid over the top.

Makes 4 servings.

St. Patrick's Day has been a special and lucky day for me

for the past twenty three years.

It's the day my darling Kate

was a wee ten days old

and became my darling daughter Kate!

A Couple of Crazy Weeks at Buttermilk Cottage

It's been a crazy couple of weeks at Buttermilk Cottage...

My daughter Kate has spent the last two weeks packing for her big move to New York City! After graduating at the end of May and before leaving for vacation, she moved out of her apartment at school. That means all her belongings came to Buttermilk Cottage. Since returning from vacation two weeks ago, she's been sorting and packing. What to take, what not to take, what to keep and what to get rid of? Too many decisions to make in a couple of weeks' time. She finally got it narrowed down to a couple of huge suitcases and one carry on bag to take. I'll be shipping some boxes later this week. The rest is overflowing in my basement. We are anticipating a huge yard sale later this summer.

The big day arrived yesterday when my sister Nancy and I put her on the plane and sent her on her way! Intellectually, I know you raise your kid with the intent of making them independent. When you see them go, however, it's a whole different ball game. My emotions have been on a roller coaster this week. She's ready to go, but I'm having a hard time letting go... I'll get over it.

To Kate, it's your big dream. Make it happen. I have no doubt you will. I'll admit I've felt the need to share every ounce of advise that crossed my conscience this week and you've felt a bit of overload from it, but just let me pass on three more tidbits...

Work hard, but remember to enjoy this adventure.

Always strive to do the right thing (you'll know what it is in your heart).

Never forget where home is.

Love you lots!

After getting Kate on her way, we met a couple of our dear and longtime friends, Wynona and Patricia (sisters too!) and had a great lunch together catching up with each other. Friends can always help ease you over the rough spots can't they? Love and thanks to you two, too!








Finally, we had a quick visit to TJ Maxx (another longtime and good friend) and look at this darling plate I found! Actually I got three--all they had. As a knitter I absolutely could not walk away from them, not to mention they were only $2.00 each!!!