Just Beachin'

Connor and I have been spending our days "off" doing some cleaning/updating at the bars.  Or, as Connor says, "putting perfume on the pig."  It has been fun and we will probably blog about it at some point.  But, we had an official day off on Sunday and we put it to good use.

I woke up in the mood for a good breakfast... so I made coffees and waffles while CT went to do a tiny bit of work.  Over breakfast, Connor suggested driving to the beach. Why not?!

It was a really pretty day, and not even that cold!

We wore our Muck boots and waded all along the coast and around little islands.

Love the heart on this shell!

One of the main reasons for our trip... Oysters! We love them raw on the half shell.

This place also has amazing bbq'd oysters. We were very lucky...it had been a busy weekend; we got the last dozen oysters that they had!

Eagle-eyes Connor spotted a bald eagle nest. Still amazes us every time we spot one.

Thought PC would like to see some ships. This one was docked in a small mountain of oyster shells.

This old gal didn't look like she had been out much lately...

Lovebirds forever.

One other sweet picture from the weekend.  When we got home from work on Saturday, we decided to take a short nap...Woke up after an hour and had all three cats (our two plus the neighbor's cat, Felix - we were cat-sitting for the weekend) on the bed with us. 

Seat, Tank, and another Sold!

I'll start with the sold part first.....it's my most exciting news and if you know me you know that I love that green paper!  I finally dialed in on the "Brat's" engine and did a 60 mile journey last week.  I loved every minute of the sunny ride.  I only wished that Marie could join me, but unfortunately I removed the passenger pegs....so this ride is a one person machine.  After my ride I did a little polishing and took some pictures.  I wrote a detailed Craigslist posting and less than 24 hours later money was in my hand.  A real nice person from Seattle purchased it.

Before my hands touched her....

what a machine....one of my favorites.

For my next build......"Ellie".  I left off with making a rear hoop for the frame and a seat pan.  I purchased some leather from our local glove factory and took the pan and leather to my upholster.  He created a beatiful seat...using a vintage tuck and roll design.  I love it!

Why is her name Ellie?  Ellie is short for Elsinore.  The Honda Elsinore (named after Lake Elsinore, California) was Honda's first built from scratch motocross bike....built in the  1960's.  It was a 250cc 2-stroked engine.  The Honda Elsinore is the Grandaddy of all dirt bikes.  So, I'm taking this 500cc 4-stroked street bike and giving it a motocross look. 

black leather...so smooth.

smells so good too.....

I have been working on the fuel tank for a few weeks now.  I striped the old paint, spread body filler on some uneven surfaces, primed, painted, added a decal, and clear coated for a gloss finish.

nasty stripper....

primed....

Metallic silver....getting masked off for striping.  That German Pils is a damn good brew too!

starting to look like something....

vintage decal.....now off to clear coating....

ready to paint the frame...

The bike is all mocked up.  Now it's in a million pieces ready to be painted.  The frame will be glossy black.  

Marchin' into Spring

I never found time to blog about our whirlwind weekend visit to PA for my 15-year high school reunion... it was a great excuse to go and spend a day or so with Karen, Matt, and Leo.  It was the weekend right after Maggie's shower...so I was a bit travel weary by the time I got home.  It was such a great time though.

The reunion was a lot of fun... but Karen was the most important one to see. Will always love that sweet girl.

Her little boy, Leo, turned 1 on March 5. He keeps her busy and is such a cutie!

Back home...I had traveling to do for work too.  So, I have enjoyed my weekends at home and finally did some cooking in the last few weeks. I must have been in the mood for ethnic food... here are some highlights.

Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Indian spiced chicken thighs and a lentil/chickpea dish. With naan and basmati rice. So yummy. Sorry. I can't find the recipes I used.

Finally made St. Patrick's day dinner... on March 29th. And Brown Soda Bread. With a Guinness of course.

Brazilian Feijoada.  Not as spicy as I like...but tasty and different.

Of course...my hubby is always preparing fantastic food. Just on a whim. Just because he is amazing.

Chef Willie with home-made wontons for soup. Isn't he the cutest chef ever?

Wonton soup and spring rolls. Fun!

I don't know how he makes such perfect scallops and sauces. Delicious.

Leigh Ann gave us some truffle butter a few months back. Connor used it to prepare a sauce for a perfect filet mignon. With Big Daddy mushrooms and grilled asparagus. Who needs restaurants when you have Connor for a husband?

We'll close with a pic of our fat cat. Dozing. Because that is what a 15-lb short legged cat does.

So big, he takes up your entire lap. And it makes your legs hurt after a certain period of time.

Bliss. He is in cat heaven having cat dreams. So TUTE!

Connor will chime in on brews and bikes soon. Hope your spring is off to a great start! Sending Love.

Best Baby Shower EVER...

In my humble opinion. :)  It was soooo wonderful to spend the last few days of February and first few days of March with the MLGs in beautiful Raleigh.  They were excellent hosts - not really fair since they were only about 6 weeks from blast off. I am sure they were both exhausted after everything was over...but hopefully they felt a bit more ready for baby's arrival.
In honor of Matt's bday, I am FINALLY doing a posting about the fantastic weekend.  Happy Birthday, Matt! You are going to be a great dad!

Mags picked me up from the airport. I couldn't wait to rub her belly and say hello to my future niece.  Lucky for me, Mags didn't mind.

Mags lookin fierce. Nothing but a watermelon under that shirt people. No need for concern.

 We spent Friday running errands and prepping for Saturday's party. Mags had to work from home...but I was glad to just be there and "piddle" my way through my to-do list.  Honey was my faithful helper too!

Mason jars with pretty ribbons...and paper straws.

I went a little crazy with all the pretty ribbons... too many gorgeous ones to choose from!

I also went a little flower crazy. I know it is silly and extravagant, but I really think flowers are the prettiest decoration you can have. They are a must for everyday, so why not go crazy for a sweet baby shower?

My helper.

Candies, colors, and candles... so many fun decorations!

 By Friday night, it was time to welcome other guests. Bob and Fran arrived from SC.  Mom and Amber arrived from Marion (bringing along my requested serving platters and pretty dishes and candlesticks!). We had a little pizza party... then Amber and I got busy doing some food prep for the big day!

Not fair that Amber's miniscule waist would make anyone look pregnant.

Saturday morning, Aunt Debbi and her mom, Marlene, (traveling all the way from Florida!) treated us to a beautiful brunch.  Then they got busy helping us finish party favors and decorating.

We have the best family in the world...

Debbi and Marlene add a perfect delicate touch to the light fixture...tulle and bows.

Carolyn showed up with cake and got busy helping in the kitchen.  I was SOOO lucky that Mags has such great friends.  Alison brought several items for the shower and food...Melissa took charge on preparing some fun games.  By the time the party started, I felt like everything was ready. Everyone pitched in and got candles lit and we were ready to roll!

My dessert table spread was picture perfect... if I do say so myself.

I hate that I didn't get a picture after we added Tyrone's orange cream cheesecake to the platter. I was too caught up in the moment.

Mag's homemade bookshelf provided a perfect decoration location.

Still bummed that I never got a minute to look at the wedding album or baby book.

Mags made her own favors - mason jars with layers of cookie ingredients.  Debbi and Marlene topped with tulle and pretty ribbons.  I also had some cute mini polishes in pinks and teals for favors.

So much delicious food!  Cheeses, caramelized onion dip, Amber's rice/veggie salad.

The hot foods... slider-sandwiches, buffalo chicken dip.

The beverages: cucumber water, cranberry punch, and raspberry beer punch. The fruit salad was over there too. Dang - didn't get a picture of it!

Their house was packed!! I ran out of beer punch way too fast!

Everyone loves the MLGs.

Our family claimed the kitchen table.

Mom and sweet, sweet Amber.

Mom and Margaret.

Carolyn getting in on the gift-opening fun.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Fran with Mags.

So excited to see Tyrone and meet his girfriend, Danielle.

People hung out for hours!!

By the time it was over, I think Mom was a little tired. :) She was making faces for the camera. 

My friend from WA loaned me flag banners...they were PERFECT!

Baby's nursery is really coming together with all the generous gifts from friends/family.

Anyway... that is a lot of pictures. I know. But even the pictures didn't capture the beauty of the occasion. When it was over... it hit me really hard. Mom and Amber were leaving... and I couldn't believe that the weekend I had worried over and hoped for had come and gone in the blink of an eye. I got all emotional because so many people pitched in to make it happen... Especially sweet brother bear Mark who took care of Dad and Brad so Mom could get away for a little 24 hour break and celebrate their coming grandchild.  I get choked up thinking about it. I know I am biased...but I am also a perfectionist... so for me to say that it was the best shower ever - and take a little bit of credit for it - means that it must have been really damn good.  I wanted to play it again as soon as I realized that the weekend was fading away.

Can't wait to meet you sweet niece. You are so loved... hope you feel it everyday - even though I am 3,000 miles away!