Last month, I was looking forward to going skiing at Camel Back Mountain Resort in the Poconos, but due to heavy rains my plans changed.  Instead, I went to a Game Watching Party at Villanova to see Villanova’s Basketball team play Providence. We were in the Connelly Center, which is the cultural, recreational and social hangout for the students. We were in a room with sofas, chairs, and a large screen TV.

There were also students watching on other levels and we could hear cheering on all the different floors. While watching we had drinks, snacks, and played cheese basket ball!!!

(My favorite part!) I had so much fun with all my Villanova Friends. Love hanging out with them.  And the best part was…Villanova won! Yeah WildCats!

I decided to do a last minute pumpkin painting project and thought I would post it just in time for Halloween to give you ideas for next year! So here’s my DIY designer pumpkins!  I had several sizes and wanted to do something decorative and festive so I checked out some ideas on line. Although very untraditional ~ I decided to go with turquoise, gold, and white, to go with my office area which is light turquoise. Here are some supplies you will need to start: pumpkins, small craft paints and maybe spray paint, brushes, newspaper or plastic cloth to protect table, latex gloves (optional), wax paper, paper towels and glitter.

My mom and I pulled out our small bottles of paints that can be purchased at Michaels, A.C.More, or Joanns. We didn’t really have a plan~ but after cleaning all the dirt off of the pumpkins, we sprayed (in the garage) a couple with gold spray paint. We decided on some drips, so we added some water to thin the white and turquoise ~ then dripped white over the gold, and blue over the white pumpkin. You can use a small paint bush or an old chopstick to help control the drips. Before the drips dried ~ I sprinkled on some white glitter. Then I painted one of the pumpkins turquoise mixed with metallic white. After it dried I used some gold glitter paint to lightly brushed the white and turquoise, and the solid turquoise. I added some little gold dots to one of the small ones. I placed them on wax paper to dry so they didn’t stick to anything.  It didn’t take very long and I really like the results.

The are very different, but look cool. You could use any size pumpkins and any color to go with your decor. Look for twisty long stems for added Interest. Hopefully you’ll start your project a bit sooner than I did! Happy Halloween!

Recently I had the most fun experience doing something that I never would have considered possible. I went Surfing!  There is a program out of California that goes around to different coastal cities in the summer and offers a day of adaptive surfing for physically disabled people. The founder Jesse, was about to become a pro surfer when he had his accident. He wiped out while surfing and ended up with a spinal cord injury.  After a long recovery and therapy he decided he wanted to surf again, so he started “Life Rolls On.”

The day was really special. We stayed overnight at a hotel and got up at 6am to get ready. We arrived early and all the volunteers were there. There were about seven teams each with their own colors.  I was with the blue team. There were tons of volunteers, including my trainer “M.”  They helped me on the board and paddled me out while lining  up in the ocean.

I felt like I was in California.  They take you out beyond where the waves break. Then at the right wave ~ you’re off! ~ gliding in between two rows of volunteers.

It was the greatest feeling! I did wipe out a few times but was rescued by my team! I had a mouthful of salt water ~ but survived and went right back on the board. At the end of the surf, the team came out of the ocean and took a photo with us.

The other fun thing about the day was that my friend Shannon was there with us and also got to surf for the first time. 

I have always loved the waves and water, oceans, pools, and swimming. This was so exhilarating and freeing. When I’m swimming or walking in a pool without help from anyone, I feel free. This was the same. Most of the other surfers I saw looked like they felt the same. I’m grateful to Jesse for starting this organization. His accident was sad ~ but he has created something so great because of it. I can’t wait to try this again!  Hang Ten!

Last month I began fitness exercise and training at Fitness Trainers.  Anyone can join, but they have a special program for people who have a physical disability.  You work one on one with a trainer to maintain, strengthen and improve movements and function.   I was introduced to this by my friend who has been training there for about 20 years!  All the trainers and clients seem to be really nice and are like family to each other.  I was assigned to a trainer, initial ~”M~”.  She has been doing this for years now!!!  She has also worked at Magee Rehab.  I felt like I hit the Jackpot!!! and won a million dollars with M. She is amazing!  She pushes me and makes me work ~but I Love It!!!  I’ve worked on the large exercise ball, the new step bike, the rowing machine, the arm press, battle crawled, ankle weights and more. By the time I leave I’m sweating!!! ~But feel great.  I am so grateful to be part of this program.

M also introduced me to other programs that she volunteers with that have adaptive sports for disabled people. So last week I attended one outing and went rock climbing. It was so invigorating. There were many volunteers helping to get me up that wall!  It was a little scary being strapped in to a harness making my way up to the top.  At times I felt like Peter Pan flying in air ~ especially on the way down.

Everyone said I did great for my first time.  I also enjoyed meeting so many new people.  After the climb, we had pizza and talked in a separate room at the rock gym.  It is so amazing to be a part of this program that gives people with disability a chance to experience this physical activity.  This was the best feeling!  I am looking forward to participating in other adaptive sports.  I will be doing adaptive surfing for the first time in August!  Can’t wait!! 

I had a great Easter week visiting California. It started out visiting friends in Laguna Beach, and having dinner at a pier at the ocean. The next morning we headed up to Los Angels and had dinner at our favorite restaurant, Marias Italian Kitchen owned by a friend.  I had the pasta with broccoli and chicken.  My mom had what she calls “Heavenly Raviolis”  because the pasta is so thin and light and the puff of ricotta is like a heavenly cloud!  Maria’s also brings a basket of the most delicious rosemary bread with dipping oil…it’s to die for.  We met the owner at the UCLA Early  Intervention Program for  Handicapped Children in 1991. Her son Max was in my program. He became a friend of mine. He went to heaven many years ago. I miss seeing him.

 A few times we had acai bowls for lunch.  Once was at a courtyard in Malibu.  There is a large sand area with swing sets in the center of the courtyard.  My parents used to bring us there the we were very young.  If you have never had an Acai bowl…you should try it.  It’s a blend of frozen Acai and other fruit or juice.  Mine had bananas, strawberries and blueberries and granola on top.  Not only refreshing, but good for you! It was fun hanging with my sister!

It was a scenic drive with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, and a beautiful sunny day.  On Good Friday we met one of my sister’s friends, who prayed with us. It was very peaceful.  At night we had the most fun at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. I would recommend that if you want to laugh until your belly hurts. Ten professional comedians perform ~ and they are amazing! Some of them you may have seen on TV. 

On Easter Sunday we attended service at Bel Air Presbyterian. It’s always so beautiful. The backdrop to the left of the altar is all glass with spectacular views and from their back patio there is a view of the San Fernando Valley. 

Then we were off to visit my Godparents and family who are truly my extended family. There were 23 of us! The food was great especially Tony’s famous meatballs! My mom made an “Easter/Birthday” cake and we sang Happy Birthday six times! The cake sat in our warm car during the church service and then took a long ride to Tony’s.  It was funny because it was bumping and sliding and sunk a bit, but was still as yummy as ever! The eight grandchildren had a blast on the egg hunt and then a swim in the pool. It was a fun day!

One day when my mom was busy, my dad and I visited Santa Monica Airport because he loves planes! On the last day we had lunch at the “Grove” which is a beautiful outdoor shopping experience!  OH! We also drove by the hospital where I was born. My parents said it the renovations makes it look a bit different than when I was there! Lastly, we made a couple of stops at Stan’s Donuts ~ Best Donuts Anywhere! If it sounds like this trip revolved around food ~ You are absolutely right ! Of course I love our family and friends too!

On Friday, February 8th I attended a special event organized by The Tim Tebow Foundation. It’s called “Night to Shine,” a prom-like formal dance to celebrate young adults with special needs. The prom is held at locations all around the world ~ on the same night.  I believe there were 100,000 participants!  He created his foundation based on his faith in God and his passion to help people. His mission is to bring faith hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. My mom found the perfect dress for the event. It was dark green/teal velvet, off the shoulder, and floor length. It fit perfectly…(After I dieted for two weeks!) I came home from work, and my mom helped me with a quick makeover!

I attended with my Friday Night Group from the “Y.” We arrived to a red carpet entrance!

  Each person was assigned a volunteer assistant for the evening. Mine were two teen twins sisters. They were so much fun! The room was decorated in light turquoise, silver, black, and white. The tables were set with center pieces. We received wrist corsages, and a tiara as we entered. There was a cool DJ with great music and  dancing. The best part of the night was the “Party Bus”!  It was decorated with lights and music was playing, and they had drinks for everyone. We drove around for a bit and partied. Then returned to the main dance. There was a karaoke room and photo machine. I hung out with my friends Joe and Shawn. It was amazing. At the end of the night we all received gift bags with a Tim Tebow wrist band, a cold cup tumbler and a note card with a Bible verse. Mine said, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14.

There was also a video message from Tim Tebow for all in attendance, which was played on a large screen TV.  From seeing Tim on different TV shows and reading about him, I think he is a very good and inspiring person!  It was an unbelievably fun night and I can’t wait for next year! You can check out  www.TimTebowfoundation.org to read all the services under his foundation, and donate if you want to! The group Rascal Flatts wrote a song exclusively for the Night to Shine Video ~ which can be seen on this sight.  I love the song! Can’t wait to attend again next year!  Tim’s the Best!

Last month I enjoyed a birthday treat lunch at the restaurant Terrain and a visit to the shop Anthropology.  I wish all of my friends could have joined me.  I had lunch and a fun walk through Anthropology to see all the neat clothing and items they sell. 

Terrain is like an outside forest ~ with plants, vines, and flowers.  Some are real, and some are fake. Candles and lights add to the warmth and beauty of the room. The background music was pleasant but not overpowering.  An improvement would be to add more space, and less crowding to the attractive tables and the “so-so” chairs (not to sturdy).  A better placement of the tables would enhance ones ability to get into the restaurant and be seated, especially for a person with a walker or wheelchair.

When I rated the service, the food, and the table settings, they all got a 10!  The eating utensils could be a bit better quantity ~ to go with this level of restaurant.  Over all it was a delicious lunch and tasty beverages, and I look forward to eating there again!  If you have an occasion to enjoy a special lunch or fancy dinner ~ go to Terrain in Devon!

I was looking through my photos from summer of 2017, and saw my Vegas pictures.  I wasn’t going on my group trip that year, so I decided to go Las Vegas. My friend and helper Kay went with me, and my sister came in from Los Angeles to join us.

When I was younger, I went to see the Backstreet Boys in concert in Philly and have loved them ever since. I started to look to see where they were performing and that’s the reason I choose Las Vegas. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Fourth of July weekend for their last show there. It was one of the Best Concerts I have ever seen. They were just as amazing as they were all those years ago… maybe even better. The stage and lighting and outfits were unbelievable. There were two big screens at each side and they showed some scenes from their past years.

The next night we decided at the last minute to check for tickets to see “Magic Mike Live.”  At First they said none available, but after checking with a manager, they found three seats in the third row. That was an unbelievable show! They gave us fake money to throw at the guys. Of course some people gave the guys real money too! It was a blast! A group of guys came up to me and danced pretty close. Channing Tatum was not there, but many other hot guys with No Shirts were! Very Cool! The audience was almost all women~ and half were screaming…it was so much fun!

I also hung out at the pool at Planet Hollywood where we stayed. There was a cool slide ~ but to risky for me.  A bunch of people were tanning and drinking and listening to the DJ. The Last show I went to was the Cirque Du Soleil~Michael Jackson One. The acrobats performed to the music of Michael Jackson. People were flying all over doing tricks on high wires. They appeared to be levitating and floating though the air. I had never seen this in person before. It was phenomenal. The only disappointment was that none of the hotels had a firework display for the 4th.  Overall it was so much fun~ I would Love to go there again!

My Dad became very sick starting on June 1st last year.  He Had shingles in his inner ear that caused Bells Palsy and Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. He looked like he had a stroke on the right side of his face. He lost hearing in his right ear, some vision, the ability to swallow, his balance was off and he kept fainting. It was very scary. There were many trips to the ER and he could barely do anything for thee months. With lots of prayers and time, my Dads face recovered completely.  He is better now with just pain around his ear, but it could take up to two years for all the nerve damage to heal.

We have a very close friend in California named Warren. He is a great guy and super funny. When he found out about my dad, he started sending cards. Now you might say~ oh that’s nice, but these cards were the BEST! Funniest things you ever read and not only were the cards hilarious, but Warren was very creative in addressing the envelopes. We usually throw out the envelopes, but these were so precious that we had to save them. Instead of my Dads name on the envelope, here are some of the ways they were addressed.

“To: Mr. Getting Better”   “To: So Not Joking – I am the Man of the House”,   “To: Yup! This one is for you!” and   “To: Mr. Big Daddy.”

He would also write funny notes on the cards, like ~ “Oh come on~ It is from me.” Some cards had instructions in them like a To-Do List.  These cards were so amazing and gave my Dad, Mom and me some great laughs and smiles in our hearts.  

  Each time a card came it really make our day. I think maybe Warren has another calling as a greeting card creator!  We feel grateful and blessed to have Warren as our friend. We are also thankful to all our other friends that visited, called, brought food, sent cards and were so kind and gave support to help my Dad though this very tough time. 

Recently my older brother passed away. His name was John. He was an Executive Chef. During the winters he worked in Florida and summers he worked at the SandBar, a restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard.  

In Florida he sometimes worked a food truck that he named Johnny Fives! He arrived early this year to renovate the kitchen and outdoor bar and eating area. He was a great cook and a really hard worker. I used to visit restaurants that John helped open. We would go to the taste testings. It was fun trying different foods and I was always excited to see him

He loved pets and owned a German Shepard named Zoe.  I always saw photos and videos of her on FaceBook. She looked so sweet and innocent. When we finally had a chance to meet her, she lunged at my Dad and bit his arm and ripped his jacket! She still looks sweet in her photos, but I’m standing back!

We went up to MV to view my brother. I was happy to be able to see him to say goodbye. The next weekend we went back up for the service. It was in a small church in Oak Bluffs and was so nice.

Afterwards we went over to the SandBar for a small reception. I was only sad that John wasn’t there to celebrate with us. I do believe he was there in spirit watching over us. On the way home we saw the most beautiful skies and a rainbow. I knew then everything was ok for John! I met all of his friends and co-workers and owners of the SandBar. Now I know why loved working there. I am keeping in contact with Mark and Mike ~ the owners. They are fun guys. I also had a chance to see John’s Mom again. She is a very nice person. We all like her very much. I also met four of John’s closest friends from Florida. They are like his family too.

I will miss my brother very much, but am glad that I can see his photos and videos and hear his voice. That brings me some comfort.