Happy Birthday Dear Daughter In Law!
Love up that cutie pie in your arms for me too!
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Or are you people having a difficult time with American Idol voting? What talent this season huh???I have my fingers on the texter, and really have a tough time deciding!( I have been loyal to Danny, however) Having said that, I am truly amazed at the voices coming out of the Season 8 box!!!
I have been retiring early lately, due to some health issues, so I can sit in bed and whine or yell all that I want to. READ: throw shoes high at TV. What? Purely cheap entertainment, and it keeps me off the streets right? Not sure I like the new Judge Kara, but Im keeping my eye on her. I sure hope I never hear crappy things about Simon, cause he really amuses me.
About the health issues. I'm kind of scared, so I finally made a doctor appt. Sure enough, as suspected, he has me running all over town testing things. GRUNT. This, I tell you, scares me even more.When I have a prognosis, I'll report. I think. Unless I have myself dead and buried, then in that case, refer to Walt.
I am currently trudging through boxes over here. The studio is about...shall we say.... HALF up and running. Walt and I are scratching things to make everything fit. Me thinks we need a Ebayathon for stash fabrics, then start all over again woohoo!Greta Gammil is back on the table in her new home, clean and shined whispering to me:) The pegboards are up, but we cant find even half of the thread boxes! The TV is up, and so is the customer shelving/closets/ oh! and the stencil pole thingy is hung. We cant find room for the ironing board or Rudy. This caused us both to stop scratching, leave the room and empty boxes elsewhere. I really would take pictures, but then YOU may run out of the room screaming! Soon, very soon I will have the machine purring like a kitten while Fergie blasts the room, and somethings in the oven! Soon...very soon. Chat soon dear blog readers:)
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How many by a show of hands thinks she needs an underwear day?
I KNOW ME TOO!!!
We enjoyed what little time that we had with Karen Art & Aviana, in between building things, unpacking things, and hunting eggs?Avi told me our house was too big to do this...lol
Its just amazing what we got done, really.
Poor Walt didnt fair so well with a trip to the hospital for slicing his forefinger while hurriedly opening boxes. ( watch out for those box cutters people!!) He will be fine, but he did 12 stitches worth of damage and had to have a tetenus shot. READ: painful. Avi, we decided needs piano lessons as she seems so natural at it. ( see pic below) We had a very nice dinner and our in house guests didnt even mind the bog blue bunny in the dining room at all? LOL
I'm so grateful for thier short visit that it was all I could do to keep myself from dragging them back into the house against thier will. Theres not a lot of rest for Karen in the nursing program for 5 more months. I'm so very proud of her. ( btw, came in handy with Walt bleeding all over too)
I am a bit blurry this morning, but on the attack list. Happy Marvelous Monday to all, and chat soon:)
G
M & M's:
That Walts wound was not worse!!
Karen & Arts help (come back Shane.....)
Aviana , heart food for me
Jakes call
Wine sales!!
Those darn robins eggs malt ball candies... darn it!!!
the found remote control!
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Not sure, its a big blurr right about now. Walt and I are truly over spent. We take turns whining, with a smile, of course. His thumbs, my hips. His feet, my bwain.
Psst... come mere...... ::::this is a hellofa lotta work!!::::
If not, I would say how fun it is. Right now I'm tired? It will come round, I'm sure. We have met some very interesting people I tell ya. Thats so cool. I just love that part. Walt has his spring vacation coming up so I think we will get a better handle on the "MOVE" next week. My studio needs attention asap as I have customers in there too! I really didnt expect so many guests right out of the gate you know? I hope to have some of our own here for Easter. I sure miss them. I put about a dozen calls on my to do list today. So far, Ma is the only one I have made. She asked me if I disowned her....dang it. I just need to hear their voices. Ok, and I need a nap. I hope all of you are doing well, and maybe missing my posts a little too? I have had no time to hit my own blogs. I think I better put them on a list somewhere to. Happy hump day to ya, I think?
LYG
G
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My foot, spring break. Gemme a break. Walt doesnt break until Friday, but that means nothing when he will have 9 days to accomplish all of this! I sort of thought that we would have a week or so before the guests would begin arriving during week days. NOT. I forgot about Easter vacations and teachers on holiday!!!! So...upon check in, I ask, " Are you a teacher?" The answers are coming in one after the other, YEP. So yes indeed, all of this week, I am cooking, Innkeepering, and unpacking boxes. Oh! Re packing boxes too, for cold storage. I sure wish that one of my kids were here to help me too dang it. I spoke with Jake last night and it made me so sad. I unpacked a box of old letters written by me( cause writing is what I do a lot of) and many of the letters were about Jamie. I hadnt seen them in years. In one letter he was only 16 and I was bragging about how he was so responsible and wanted to take care of me and didnt know how to. My heart is truly broken. I can only hope that someday it can be mended enough to smile about those days.
CLIC
Where was I? Ah yes.. Spring break I hope to see Karen and the kids at least. I have a HUGE list of things to help with. I wonder if she will make me breakfast? Come onnnnn Karen! I suppose I better get to all of these dishes again. I swear my nails are toast! ::no pun intended::
Have a good week, Happy Passover, Palm Sunday, and Easter shopping week!( dang I need to go shopping)
LYG!
M & M's include:
*Understanding guests at the Inn!
* Blimas recipe for Latkes!
*this "haul around" laptop
*fresh fruits n veggies, all year!
* My new bed...ahhhhh
*Prilosec, yep... Prilosec
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Walt is a prankster I tell you. Here's how it went down............
Its a ROCK!!! He is ignoring my hollering, probobly doing a dick dasterdly snicker in a corner somewhere!
Large child.
I'm thinkin 12 ish.
Grunt
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It's nearly impossible to believe how time is whizzing past us these days, but yes...yes it has been a year since Emily arrived. Truly an unforgetable year. Happy Birthday Emi! Hope to see you soon!
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To move into one home, and out of another, entertain, organize, clean, be presentable and social. We are indeed spent, and it is nowhere near over! If you read the Pickford Pages, ( our new humble abode blogabout) you can see that we are multi-tasking to beat all. Walt & I have quarter bets on who will drop first. We should be finished moving all things by Wednesday, but then what do we do with it all? And...and... and... Guests keep coming! And..and.. and.. Spring Break is here!
OMGOODNESS! NO... control....::calm:::breathe:::: ( almost lost it)
I lost other things! My camera! My favorite Jacket! Its gotta be somewhere right? I miss Aviana:(
oh sorry... just crossed my mind. Which is nearing pulp stage. GRUNT. I'll have more to report soon. Happy Monday, I'm off to scrub the "other" house.
Marvelous... come on Gina... MARVELOUS Mondays include:
*Man this is taking too much thought.............
*Go along, get along pets! They just lub their humans eh?
* My new bed! (did I tell you that Walt hero'd up a new bed from Costco? Its sumptous!)
*Lemon Drops, love em, but sure makes me miss my Jake, he needs to come home dang it.
*Those really cool tape dispensers to strap boxes with. What a cool tool:)
*Walts health, its holding up!
* Corey, a friend who (even far away) comes to the rescue when I call and meltdown.
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Sorry I'm late on Monday Blogabout. WOW, What a ride! We are nearly half the way moved, complete chaos, and the word exhausted doesnt even describe how we are. I'm certain that it will all be okay....SOMEDAY, but for now, our heads are about to spin off. Walt continues to go to work, we have managed to find matching clothes, and that hasnt been easy! I am free of guests until tomorrow, then I need to find matching clothes again! I do have my sneakers and Ugg slippers?? Does that count? I havent made heads or tails from any one room in 2 houses. Its so unnerving I tell ya. I thought it peculiar that I did manage to hit a grocery store for some fresh foods, then failed to locate the bag of produce last evening. No kidding, 3 tomatoes, 2 avocados, a red onion and a couple bananas... NOWHERE to be found. Not in a box, a room, 2 cars, THE TRASH..... I finally threw my arms in the air and took a bubble bath. I needed that. Today will be better now. We havent moved the shop yet but we did drop the top on my car and loaded up Greta Gammil head:) I wrapped and kissed her and told her not to break. She now resides safe in a closet somewhere here. ( I think) Rudy is chatty, and thats a good sign. He didnt much like all of the guests in the Inn last week end, but then again, he is in different surroundings. He will be fine, Im thankful that we raised him to go here and there with us because now, he is adaptable as long as he is with his humans. Ginger on the other hand has gone into her poodle protective mode. READ: Bark O Rama. GRUNT. Damned annoying. Julie came to help over the week end and Geez what a help that was! We are trying to get her to come back. I think she likes her room in the Inn:) Thanks Julie.
Karen & Art are expected soon too... I wish it were sooner than later, We need em:) I'm off to get another load... times running out before the guests begin to trickle in, and I havent even hit the store yet. I sure hope I dont lose THAT grocery run! Be back when I can, send good thoughts for safety and SANITY for us. You can also check Pickford blog to see what Im doing INBETWEEN moving!! GRUNT. Love All yalls Guts:)
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Please Note: New Email address as of 3.31.09. Gina@deargina.com
It's really happening? WOW.
All is going well, Today begins official move and will carry on through next week. I will be hosting my guests while pointing at box deliveries. Grunt. 10 months is the shortest time I have ever lived anywhere. I think before this, 12 years was my shortest? WOW again. Rudy is VERY nervous these days and I feel for him. We are too! He went from saying "where ya going?" TO......."Wanna Go?" I think he may be wondering if he gets to come too:(
Poor Ginny is scratching at the box where she bewilderly watched her toy basket being packed into. She is also wondering the house in search of her fancy doggie dishes. Picky prissy doesnt like paper plates much eh? (she's brilliant I tell ya.) ( Oh geez LOOK at all those P's!!!)
I will try to get some pics of the mayhem, but its a bit difficult to do right now. I did however deliver that custom and the Gammil is free to break down, but I may sneak in a panto or 2 before she goes. We shall see. I am NOT looking forward to breaking down that studio for sure. My leaders are taking a beating and frankly, I cant seem to replace them correctly!
Times keep changing for me dont they? Its very freaky. Good & Bad. Thats all I have to say about that.
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That at least takes me to a happier place:)
Here's Aviana planting her own tomato and Basil plants...
You go Baby girl, and Thanks from Nonni..................
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Was it the luck of the Irish for my Mama to have been born on St. Patricks Day? Did you know that they named her Patricia? Yep.. Little known family secret:::WINK::: Just told it:) She didnt like it much, so she chose the name Ruth.
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Did you people catch Mario with his new Bruschetta creation? I'm going to try it ASAP!
Heres a clip to watch, get a napkin, you'll drool too! All I can say is.... MERCY! Hey really, do we even need whole meals when one can be made from a crusty yummy piece of bread? Ok... and Wine? Let me know if ya made it, liked it:)
I'm off to the Inn today!
Oh! Just one more thing! WTH is all the controversy regarding the Girl Scout Cookie sales? Ban Online sales? Are ya kidding me?? Leave the poor kid to her young capitalism ,entrepreneur ways! We teach to be self starters, enterprising independent lil women, and then throw them under the bus when exhibited? I'm screaming YOU GO GIRL!! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29676427/ Heres One clip..........
If IT IS indeed the parents idea... What about all the parents who sell our cookies at work for our girls? Could it be that ONE parent just upstaged the other? Again I say, Why ya cryin? Jeez....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29636884/
Heres the recipe if you dont have time.
Spiedini Alla Romana
Mario Batali
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups (1-inch) crusty bread, cut in cubes
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 anchovy fillets, rinsed, drained, boned and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons basil, cut into chiffonade
• Pinch hot chili flakes
DIRECTIONS
Skewer bread and cheese, alternating cheese and bread. Heat oil in a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, add the skewers and cook until crusty.
Remove from pan to a platter. Add the anchovies and white wine to the pan. Swirl the pan over medium heat to deglaze and, if necessary, scrape with a wooden spoon. Add the parsley, basil and chili flakes, and cook for 1 more minute.
Drizzle the sauce over the skewers and serve at once.
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http://www.quilterblogs.com/
Have you joined yet?I wonder here on my lunch break! Good stuff! Lotsa inspiration to get your creative juices flowing! I think I used to have the link, lost it, re found it! ( tuff 2Bme) Check it out:)
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I'm feeling stronger today,either that or I'm once again in denial today... who knows... Just roll with it. Even though I didnt win the 216 Mega Million that I thought I would, I just read the story and it was a wonderful feeling for the 10 people who did win it!I can just imagine thier feelings today too.. I have em all the time:::wink:::Next week............
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I need help. I need a packer, mover, a hell of a lot more than a list I tell ya! I just wanted to scream that before I jump up and move my ass this morning. I tried to get Blima over under the guise of "snowbirding", didnt work. I called H, she is as swamped as I am! I tested out Karen, she laughed at me siting her nursing school and my Grands. I spoke with my son in Idaho, didnt dare mention how he should drive down here and help his Mommy. Tried Sis... she delightfully explained her upcoming trip to Disneyland. GRUNT. Next up.... lunchtime today, BA!! ( hope she doesnt read this before) I just know theres an Ethel out there... what you think? Can I do it? Sure I can, given enough time. ::think positively::
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Idol was fun last night yes? I enjoy the whole "wild card" thing. Now tell me... who among us DIDNT think that that dingy Tatiana wouldn't be asked to come back? RATINGS PEOPLE RATINGS!!!
What a nice time to bind a quilt, smile and laugh and give my mind a resting spot for a short time. Thanks Idol.
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Coffee chat was good, Wish you could chat back? I'm off to work. one job or the other:)
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And then... before I left, I bought myself a lil somepin::::SQUEAL::: (4 work u know)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300292876924&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123
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Not certain yet if these will be on the table as a staple at the Inn, still THINKIN... (cause its what I do) So I will share them with you here:) My kids called it "Puffy Bread". Enjoy.
Hidden deep in the center of the State of Utah, in a beautiful green canyon (Beaver Canyon) was a restaurant named The Black Steer.They had the tastiest steaks in the State! ( say that 3 times fast) The best thing about this steak house was NOT on the menu, however it was placed on every table with your meal, as a bread. This is like no other bread I have ever tasted! Not even Italian fried bread is this good! I must have the recipe!
I must tell you, it took a good deal of Chef Shmoozing on this one. But I didn’t leave without it. I slightly remember telling that man one whopper of a tale about being from another country and needing to introduce his fine creation…lol Something like that. I wonder if he ever found out that the other Country I was from is California? Bad girl.
Through out the years I have served this to my family, friends, gatherings, and even my places of employment, much to the raves of my guests. My fondest memory now being of my son Jamie on the Chefs line pumping these out to patrons at The Ramada Inn on Mothers day, 1998 with a big grin on his face. He was so proud of his Mom, and of himself for knowing the recipe. God I miss my son.
Tip: Always pursue a good recipe. Put it in your purse, dissect it, Play with it, perfect it, and Voila! You will have a signature masterpiece of your very own to share!
2Tblsp salt
4 Tblsp sugar
2 ½ Tblsp corn oil
2 pkg yeast ( 2T)
2 cups milk
4 cups warm water
Start with 6 cups flour
Oil for frying
Combine salt, sugar and oil. Add milk and warm water. Dissolve yeast in mixture. Stir in by hand the flour a little at a time until mixture is like a batter. Continue adding flour until it is the consistency of a bread dough. Knead for several minutes. Put into a large greased bowl and let rise to double in size. Mix down and repeat. Heat oil on med-high
Pull off small balls and stretch ball apart. ( it should look like a circle gone wrong…lol)
Drop into oil a few at a time and fry until golden brown. Do not crowd them. Place on paper towels to catch excess oil.
Serve immediately with honey butter, and/or Jam
Warning: Addictive
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Spending time away at a 5 star hotel, sewing the day away. Nice huh? Walt's in a conferance and I stowed away in his suitcase. ( got a visual on that one?) We have HAD A GREAT TIME!! But, I do have a few blisters from walking so much around town. My croc flops let me down....sad. Beautiful poppies absolutley everywhere! We are in Los Angeles, on our way back this afternoon with a most memorable stop coming near Malibu. (more on that later, dont wanna jinx it) Hope that everyone had a good weekend!
Marvelous Monday gratitudes include:
Time away to think
Good company to holiday with
Time away to piece
Nice hotels
delivered coffee!
things to smile about
no middle of the night phone calls.
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The tall ships have made their yearly landing here in Morro Bay! People come from miles around to board and witness an honest to goodness pirate ship battle at sea. Walt and I did this last yaer, and he is whining for me to do it again, however, it scared the beejeezees out of me! We sat in the back,,,ah...ah....Stern of the ship, yeah, stern.. And I tossed several cookies while children on the Bough ( front) were happily jumping up and down with every swell. I agreed to this trip as a birthday gift to Walt... Please tell me I dont have to do it again....grunt. BUT, I must say that it was fascinating, impressive, and COLD! I rather fancy sitting at home by a warm fire being entertained by Russell Crowe in Master & Commander. HBO THANKS. I know I know... boring. Walt loved it, and I swear half of California comes to see too, they cant all be wrong now can they?
We didn't do much this week end but photograph the hoopla going on on the Embarcadero. I've been a bit under the weather, and speaking of weather, its been sucky here for days! read: More of the Gail forced winds, rain and hail! I hear tell its snowing in the valley...WOW
This up coming week I have a bunch of quilts to do and hopefully a little trip next week end... we shall see. My lil Ginger had some matt issues this month so her beloved groomer is no longer beloved. SUPER GRUNT. Poor dang pup is embarrassed to be shaved all over her body, not to mention freezing!
She wouldnt stand for the lil hat that matches her sweater, and the pom poms are noticibly working on her last nerve. She does however appreciate the sweater:) Thank God hair grows back. Happy Monday, dont let rainy days and Mondays get ya down:)
M & M's
* Cute sweaters for dogs and moms with a complex
*Happy customers
* caring friends
*grand valentines
*LQS Owners who care
*Rudy's vocabulary
*tulips
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And if you just cant get enough and wish to melt your heart further..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W2Rpe9lJI0
And the most hauntingly beautiful arrangement..........
Thanks for humoring me:) Lora's Name was drawn from only 7 correct answers! Yes blim and Karen you were in there...sheesh.... I used the Random number generator. Send me your snail mail:)
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The word bruschetta is pronounced "broo-SKET-ta,' not "broo-shetta. It hurts my ears when I see commercials here muddying up an otherwise beautiful language. GRUNT.
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Let me tell you its pouring again! WOW! I was up all night just watching hail THE SIZE OF WALNUTS & wind driven rain! I have enough trouble sleeping without adding that eh.... We need it, so I wont complain. Mondays are Marvelous in more ways than one! Thats all I have to say about that.
M & M Gratitudes include:
* Really cute red shoes to wear to an important appointment
* Friends who let me be the crazy lady caller in the early morning hours
*A working stove, fridge and dishwasher!!!
* Fresh Sushi houses nearby
*more than one email address...dang outlook
*Nimble fingers for tricky quilt repairs
* quilt repair jobs!
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Hows that for a weekly recipe? Story? Restaurant review? Lets run with this shall we? We will just add Foodie Friday to our Blog constant content. Feel free to suggest away.
Last evening I made Stuffed Zucchini for 2, as an Entree. Now, no self respecting Italian would be without this dish in her cookbook, but I needed to make it healthier for myself. My DQL (daily quality of life) is at stake here. Walt and I are eating very little these days, he is losing a gazillion pounds, I unfortunately, am finding them. Chit. Must be the wine. Anyway... while playing with this to make it more figure friendly, I reduced the cheese, butter and omitted the cooked rice. I found that I didnt miss it a bit, and they came out wonderful! I would have loved a slice of garlic toast with it, but I passed, and again, I didnt miss it a bit! The recipe can be easily doubled. Also, in years passed I have made this meatless and cut in half diagonally serving as an appetizer. Just in case ya need one for wine 30 or somepin.....::wink::
Stuffed Zucchini W/Ground Beef
2 medium zucchini, rinsed and sliced in half, lengthwise
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup diced mushrooms
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup diced red pepper
1 tablespoon dry white wine (just splash some from your own glass, why measure?)
8 oz lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
carefully scoop out the insides of the zucchini halves with a small spoon and reserve in a separate bowl. Set aside the cored halves.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Over medium heat saute onion and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes more. Add the celery, red pepper and the reserved insides of the zucchini and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the white wine and cook it down for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, maybe 5 minutes. Stir in the seasonings and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat, place in a bowl, and allow to cool.
Once the mixture has cooled, blend in the cheese, egg, butter, salt, and pepper. Fill the cored zucchini with the mixture.
Fill a baking pan with 1/4 inch of water. Place the filled zucchini halves in the pan and bake for 40 minutes at 375 F (preheated), until golden brown. Remove the zucchini carefully from the pan to a warm platter, spooning the juices from the pan on top of them, and serve.
Manja!
I had some mixture left over and baked in ramikins on the side. ( good freezer fast food!!)I also put a few strips of my red peppers I had in fridge on top for presentation. ( pre dieting, I covered with cheese!!!)
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I have no idea what I will be doing. I may have company, I may be out and about, I may be working. Here's just a few of my Valentines...................I have been blessed with many:::WINK:::
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"I Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping, My Son, my Mom, forever in my heart."