Tacky Night at Grandma Joan & Grandpa Pete's

We left the city after the Ella Show, took a quick spin around Baxter Village that Joan wanted to show me, and went to mass at St. Philip Neri in Fort Mill.  We rushed home for Tacky Night!  We enjoyed pizza and salad, followed by ice cream sundaes and a round of Quiddler.  The children did very well, and we were especially proud of Boone who just learned to read this year.  He made lots of good words!  But alas, the big winner was Pamela Joan Burton with 137 points.  Good work, Pam!

Please view all the pictures below and submit your vote for best Tacky Night Costume to joanjarviscomerford@yahoo.com.  Please also vote for the best Tacky Night name as well.
Thank you for joining in the fun!

The participants with both their given names and Tacky Night names were:

"Lollipop" ~ Brennan Burton

"Tacky Boy" ~ Boone Burton

"Tabasco" ~ Brady Burton

"Penelope" ~ Brooke Burton

"Tammie" ~ Pam Burton

"Teacup" ~ Alice Jarvis (Me)

"Scoops" ~ Pete Comerford and "Georgio" ~ George Burton


"Lola Loves Alot" ~ Joan Comerford

That's all, folks!  Please cast your vote!!!!

ELLA!!!!

My last afternoon in SC was spent in uptown Charlotte at the Knight Theater with Joan.  We thoroughly enjoyed Ella ~ a musical show about Ella Fitzgerald.  The band was great and topped only by the talent of the star.  I recognized all of the old songs she sang and there were plenty!

Bravo!

My Last Week in SC

Monday night the neighbors came in for dessert and a domino game ~ The Road To Mexico ~ which Dorothy & Dan gave as a gift to Joan and Peter after the Houseboat trip back in 1996 (ish).

Well, Sam & Carol got the time wrong and came when we were having dinner.  So they enjoyed a glass of wine while we ate.  Then Joan trounced (yes, trounced) the lot of us and won handily.

The rest of this week was uneventful and B O R I N G except for one night when we went for a manicure and Peter driving me in the golf cart for my weekly hairdo.

Saturday is shaping up better.   Joan and I are going uptown to a show.  TTYL.

Super Sunday

Hi, y'all!  I guess I've been in the south long enough to talk like them.

Today we went to a play presented by the Carolina Lakes Performing Arts Center right here on campus.  It was called Seniors of the Sahara.  While it started out a little slow, things picked up and it was quite entertaining.  The cast members were all residents who did a fine job.  The sold-out crowd enjoyed the show very much. 

We enjoyed lots of what Joan calls "forbidden fruit" tonight for Super Bowl Supper.......all bets were off and we enjoyed Heart Attack food.  Peter was smiling A LOT.

I am alone rooting for the Steelers, as the Comerford's won't root for anyone who beat the Jets.  They are quite pleased as the Packers are ahead at half time.  Peter may win $90 if the Packers win and the score goes his way; and Joan stands to win 50 cents on a straight bet with a gentleman at her office.

Stay tuned.

Uptown Charlotte

Where has this week gone?  What with Joan and Peter working every day and the rainy week we've had, it was B O R I N G!!!  BUT today Joan and I went to uptown Charlotte and took Boone and Brennan to the Imaginon Children's Theater to see a live production of "If You Take A Mouse To School" and it was adorable.  All the children in the audience loved it.  The Terradyne Players did a fantastic job.

After the show, we met up with Pam and walked over to the EpiCenter for ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery.  It was yummy.  Then the Burton's went home, and we drove back to SC in time to go to Mass and stay afterward for a Pot Luck Supper to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Our Lady of Grace Mission.  Father provided the chicken, ham, beverages and a cake.  All the people brought the side dishes and salads.  We had plenty to eat and enjoyed the company of Gloria & Don who are friends of Joan & Peter.

The sunset was beautiful as we returned home.....so I believe Super Bowl Sunday will be sunny here. 

Tonight we are enjoying "Father of the Bride" ~~ the ORIGINAL with Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor ~~ not the newer version with Steve Martin.  They tell me Huckabee is on later (I have no idea what that show is, but a lot of things are different here.)

Hope all my family is staying warm and snow-free!!!

We Met the Fokkers!

Yesterday was Sunday and we went to the movies to see the latest Fokkers (sp?) movie on the big screen.  We were completely aware that the reviews were less than stellar, but off we went anyway.

Well, we were the first 3 people in the theater; but then about 10 or 12 more arrived.  We enjoyed Ben Stiller and the story very much.  Not the best movie ever, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Last night we enjoyed the Hallmark movie with Betty White on network TV and Peter and Joan were in tears at the end.....very touching story.

Today was a grey day in SC, just ugly to look at.

Au Revoir!

VERY Eleven!

Brooke turned 11 earlier this week.  On Saturday we drove up and watched Brady and Boone play basketball again......a loss, as the other team was pretty darn good.  The Burton's did put forth a good effort though.

We then all went out to lunch to celebrate Brooke's birthday.  She opened her gifts from Grandma Joan and Grandpa Pete and seemed quite happy.  I gave her a few dollars to add to her Shopping Trip money from her other birthday gifts.....and from what I hear, Brooke loves to shop, especially at Justice for Girls!

Brooke told us all about the Photo Shoot Party on Friday night with 7 or so girls.  Sounds like all enjoyed it, and we are looking forward to Pamela posting the shots on Facebook.

Saturday was Sean and Patrick's actual 10th birthday.  Since we couldn't be in Atlanta this weekend, we spoke to them on the phone to learn that they had also played basketball and were heading to a bowling party with the family.  In a few weeks, they will enjoy an Atlanta Hawks NBA game with some friends to close the celebration.

Seems like the Comerford grandchildren are enjoying life!

Savannah's Tea Room

Sorry I haven't been keeping up on a daily basis......I am very busy watching the weather around the U.S. along with the unrest in Egypt.

On Thursday, I was invited out to lunch with 3 of Joan's friends and one visiting Mom.  Donna drove us to Savannah's Tea Room in Fort Mill.  Jane and I had lunched there with Joan and a group two years ago.  It was a lovely setting in a house with delicious food.  We had lots of good conversation and stopped at the library on the way back.  They were having a book sale and I scored a romance novel for $1.

This will make 4 books I am reading at the same time........sometimes I amaze myself!

Tuesday ~ Late in the evening

Blog Followers ~ I do apologize!  I have been remiss in logging on and updating you on my doings.

Sunday we went to Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  This is the parish the Comerfords attended when they lived in Ballantyne.  I was amazed then and I was more amazed now ~ This is the largest congregation I have ever seen.  There were 20+ Eucharistic Ministers and the church bulletin was 16 pages!

We then went to the mall where I found a pretty pantsuit.  The jacket fits perfectly and Joan will take me for alterations on the pants next weekend.  I also bought a few gifts, but I'm not saying who will be the lucky recipients.

We rushed home to join Carol & Sam at their beautiful home for an early dinner.  Sam whipped up a chocolate martini for Joan (never realized how much she drinks!) and Carol prepared a delicious beef stew.  We went home for 10 minutes then left for a concert of chamber music......that is, Joan and I attended the concert; Peter stayed home for obvious reasons.  The music was delightful ~ some pieces we recognized and some were new to us; but they were all well performed.

We came home to a dejected PWC near the end of the first half of the Jets/Steelers game.  As you know, the Jets came back a bit in the second half, but ran out of time and disappointed us.  If they only had a few more minutes, they could have won that game.

Monday and Today were ordinary.  P&J went to work and I relaxed, read, watched my soaps.  We just finished watching the State of the Union and President Obama delivered a good speech.  Time will tell if things will change.  We can hope!

It seems to be warming up a tad and we are all voting for that.  It seems where most of you are is even colder.  Good luck staying toasty!

Music and Dancing!!

We went to see Billy Elliott the Musical this afternoon and it was FANTASTIC!  We were amazed by the young man who starred in the play.  What talent!  It is easy to see why this show won so many awards.  This is not the first time I've enjoyed a play from the Broadway Lights Series here in Charlotte.  These are quality plays with quality performers, most who enjoy a long resume of successes. 

Tonight we went to an Upstate NY Club dinner and dance.  Peter pretends to be from Plattsburgh so they can participate in this club.  (For some reason, Joan and he enjoy the people in this group more than those in the Tri-State Club......go figure!)  Anyway, Peter's aunt & uncle lived in Plattsburgh for many years and he visited enough to remember some facts and he fudged his way through some conversations......it was a hoot to listen to him tell bold-faced lies!  We had a delicious and plentiful meal and J&P got up to dance a few times.  A nice couple sat on my other side and they were very sociable, especially the husband, Patrick.  Actually, everyone was very nice and several people stopped by to say hello.

We toasted with a red beverage and had to recite a poem about Red Cat.....funny stuff!  There was a trivia contest but our table didn't fare too well.

Cinderella, Cinderella!

A quiet Thursday in SC.......but it did reach into the 50's today, so the weather is heading in the right direction.  This was not an exciting day, but stay tuned to my blog, things usually pick up around here on the weekend.

Biggest excitement of the day was polishing the silver!

Worthy of a French Patisserie!

The day was like many others -- grey and cold.  I read my book and watched my soaps and spoke to Dorothy when she called to report 75 degree weather in California.......Perhaps I am at the wrong daughter's home this winter???

Carol & Bob, the neighbors across the street, came for dinner tonight.......and Carol made us creme puffs for dessert.  Normal creme puffs are the size of golf balls, but as you can see from the photo of one above, Carol's treats are the size of softballs!  They are outstanding!  The only reason there was one left to photograph is that Joan and I shared one....no way could I have managed an entire one!

We watched American Idol for a short time until we saw the young man from LI who is a neighbor of a friend of Eileen........6 degrees of separation and all that!  He was good and made the cut for Hollywood!  We now have someone to cheer for.



93 Trumps 90!

Joan was back to work and it was another cold and grey day in the Carolinas.  Peter was off all day and Joan had him vacuuming and running errands.  He is a saint to put up with that woman!

Joan & Peter's friends visited tonight for Dessert and Dominos.  The surprise was Judy's 93-year-old mother, Ruth, who is visiting from Pittsburgh.  They are big game players and tonight we agreed on dominos.

Ruth and I held our own in a rousing game that left Peter in last place!  He was busy trash talking to the Steelers' fans all night ~~ and it took his mind off the game.  Hah!!!  I beat him!

Sunday's "Dilemma"

Joan and I decided to go to the movies again and saw "The Dilemma" which was okay, but far from great.  Kevin James and Vince Vaughn starred and we enjoyed it......but don't run out; you may want to wait for the DVD.

When we arrived home, Peter was happy because the Jets were ahead of New England.  I had just told Joan in the car that Tom Brady hadn't thrown an interception all season ~ but the Jets ended that record today.  We watched the rest of the game, and I can't decide which was more entertaining -- the actual game or Peter yelling and screaming at the TV.  I have never witnessed that before......probably because the Jets only make the playoffs every 20 or 30 years!

Pam sent along a few photos from her Blackberry from yesterday.  Hope you blog readers are enjoying my winter sabatical!

A Sunny Saturday

We had a fun Saturday with the Burton family!  First we watched Brady & Boone play basketball - children have so much energy running back and forth the length of the court.  Their team won the game.  They are very fortunate to have a young lady who is a dynamite player (and scored most of their points) on their team.

Then we had lunch and witness a contest between Brady and Boone for who could make the most unique sandwich........turkey, pickles, blueberries, peanut butter......not my thing, but they ate them up.  We then played Children's Phase 10 and had lots of laughs.  Boone was quite the player!

The children were proud to give me a tour of their rooms.  Brady was first and showed off his extremely U.S. MARINE QUALITY neatness!  George built him a loft bed so under it is a sitting area, complete with a Carolina Panther chair and hassock from Grandma Mary to rest his feet.  His desk drawers and closet rival Grandma Joan for orderliness.

Boone & Brennan share a very large room with a super rug that has games on it.  They have bunk beds and lots of toys, including race tracks and robots.  I suspect a lot of fun goes on in this space!

Brooke's Room and Spa was last.  Oh my goodness, there is even a Menu of Services and Price List on the bulletin board!  Brook has lots of clothes and make up "girlie" stuff.  We saw a brand new purple sequined skirt that she plans to wear over skinny jeans -- Wow! Wow! and Wow! 

I should mention that Brooke had on really cute boots today, with pom pom ties on them.  She is a very stylish great grand!

We then drove south back to SC for Mass and out to dinner!



Home Alone

Well, they finally both went to work and left me home alone yesterday and today!  Yippee I could do what I want.  Thank Goodness!  I ate in every room of the house and dropped crumbs on the floor wherever I wanted.  (See photo above.)  That Joan is just so darn fussy and just expects me to eat at the kitchen table ~ even for snacks!  Ha!  Well, I got her good.

And without Peter home watching Fox News 24/7, I can finally watch and hear my soaps and read my book in peace and quiet.

Last night they dragged me to a recital with a piano player, a violinist and a viola expert.  They were quite talented, though classical music really isn’t my thing.  I fooled everyone by behaving properly and sitting still, but I was missing Jeopardy and Entertainment Tonight.

It was pretty cold out but Joan dropped us off right at the door.  Just when I thought we were going home, we had to drive to Harris Teeter because Peter had forgotten his jacket earlier in the day.  Is he nuts?  It was so cold out and he drove home in his golf cart with no winter jacket!  I’ll bet I know why ~ the cable guy was coming to fix something in his man cave and he probably was frantic he wouldn’t get home in time.  Well, he made it in time and that poor man worked in Pwick’s Last Stand for over an hour to get Peter’s TV, DVD, VCR, PDQ, and ABC fixed.  Maybe now he’ll stop complaining.  How many movies can you watch anyway?

Today was VERY cold again and I was holed up just cozy all day.  Looking out at the ice you would think we were in Alaska.  I practiced Hearts on the computer and wrinkled up the comforters just to see if "she" would notice.  All was just fine and then that Joan came home and dragged me out to the CVS just because I was out of two OTC meds......I could have waited a few days, but oh no ~ we HAD to go today.  Then we went to buy some tuna steaks and finally home again.  Tonight I am watching Grey's Anatomy no matter what!

Groundhog Day

This is Tuesday, 1/11/11 - now that type of date doesn't happen too often!  Today was a repeat of yesterday.  Remember the movie, Groundhog Day?  The snow and ice continues to monopolize the TV and radio.  Thank goodness, my soaps were on!

All the great grands in Charlotte and Atlanta have been enjoying the snow.  Joan showed me the pictures both on Pam's Facebook page and in a Slideshow from Molly.  Oh, to be a child!!!!

Joan worked at home again today, but Peter traveled by golf cart to work and put in 4 hours.  It sounds like things will return to normal workwise tomorrow.

Since I couldn't get to the fitness center in the Lake House due to the ice, I worked out at home to keep in shape.  You think a body this good comes easy?  No, sir eee bob!

The Carolinas are CLOSED!!!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!  I came south to escape the snow, and here we are holed up inside trying to stay warm.  Peter is off today and Joan didn't go to the office.  She worked at home diligently for over 6 hours at the computer.  Around 3:30 pm I think I saw her hitting the wine bottle and saying something about it being five o'clock somewhere ~ but let's keep that our little secret!

The first picture above is Peter and me just outside the front door looking in.  The second is the view from the back door and the third is Peter's friend, Pepper, who lives across the street and his sister, Bella (who is visiting en route to Florida) in her hot pink dog coat.  Looks like we got about 5" but it's hard to tell.  Pam called to say the children played for hours outside and were have a ball.  By the way, Brady scored 3 times yesterday at lacrosse.....one a penalty shot!

Other than eat, read, watch TV, and play a word game, this has been a lost day.  Hope you are all warm and toasty!



I'm feeling STRONG!

Lazy day in SC.  The news is predicting snow and ice tomorrow, and the entire area has gone nuts!  Peter was called in to work at the Harris Teeter because of the crowds of people shopping like the end of the world is imminent........where there is usually one bagger working, today they needed three!

We couldn't go anywhere until a couple came to provide an estimate for crown molding.  Joan was perfectly happy with this house; that is, until Jane & Jim came to town and started looking at mansions with molding everywhere.........(I think Joan is jealous!)  Anyway, the craftsman spoke only Spanish, but his girlfriend and work partner translated.  I have no idea if any decisions were made.  If I was a betting woman, I'd bet the Comerfords will have crown molding installed.  Peter is perfectly content with no molding, but you know how Joan is if she wants something, she will figure out a way to get it.

We had to go back to see Jane & Jim's model homes again to look at molding.  These houses are so beautifully put together with lots of trim work; I can see why everyone loves them.  (By the way, I was joking the other day when I said they were too small........Now I realize that those of you who have not seen them might take me literally........Actually, both homes are HUGE and quite fantastic!)

Joan and I went to the movies to see Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw in "Country Strong" which was about a country music star with problems, an ingenue, and a handsome young singer.  If you like country music, you will love this film.  It is chock full of music from beginning to end.....and, surprisingly, Tim McGraw never sings.  We both enjoyed the movie.

Then we did a stint around Target for a few things and came home.  I was served my lunch at 5:10 p.m.

Is this a nuthouse or what?

Peace & Quiet

I finally got some peace & quiet.  They asked me last night to be ready to go out to breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and I told them in no uncertain terms that I had not been out to breakfast in 90 years and I wasn't about to start now.  At 8:00 a.m. when they left, I was cozy in my Murphy Bed (which thankfully has not folded up with me in it.)  Joan & Peter were gone 3 hours because they also had to take George to the airport and get the dirty car washed.  I was really embarrassed riding around in such a filthy car and am glad they took care of it.  How can I go cruising for guys in a dirty car?  It just isn't done!

Joan and I went to a Dogwood Glen Ladies Luncheon and everyone was very nice.  I met people from all over who ended up here in Carolina Lakes Sleep Away Camp for the over 50 set. 

After lunch Joan napped in the sunroom ~ I wanted to go to the gym, but Joan was such a tired dud, we stayed home until time to leave for Mass.  Father Joe was accommodating when Joan took the above photo.  Next week I hope we have Father John, the Pastor, as I don't like to deal with underlings.

Dinner is all finished and they made me dry the pots again........Don't you think I should get paid to help out?

Now it's time for  J E T S  Jets Jets Jets!!!  Go green!

 



Guns -- Both Firearms and Arms on Fire

The day did not start well.  Joan prepared a very nice breakfast for us which George did nothing but complain and *#*%# about.  Then we drove to get me a new watch battery at a jewelry/gun shop......there was pink gun for sale which I considered for protection, but then I decided against it.  I'm on a fixed income and can't bandy my money about.

On the way back, we stopped for groceries and George had to get a coffee at Starbucks because Joan's coffee was not up to par.  I am worried that my two oldest children may be coming to blows if George doesn't stop his complaining.  We heard there might be snow, and Joan started to cry at the thought of George staying even one extra day.  This may be good practice if she ever wants to go into politics, but please, everyone, pray for clear weather tomorrow!

George prepared lunch for us; and while Peter was at work, we played Hearts.  They got me very confused.  I want hearts.  I don't want hearts.  I want the Queen of Spades.  I don't want the Queen of Spades.....and they kept wanting to go to the moon or something!  I liked last night's word game much better.  It feels good to be a winner!

George and Joan went up to the gym for a private workout lesson with Coralee.  As you can see from the photo above, Joan and Coralee have a lot in common.  Coralee worked them hard because they came home moaning and groaning.

Carol and Sam from next door are joining us for dinner and I remember how nice they are and how much fun Sam is.  I think we will have some laughs.

Day 1 - Travel with George

Welcome to my first blog!  I figured it was time I moved into the electronic century and didn't have too much trouble setting this up.  I hope you will enjoy following my stay here in South Carolina over the next five weeks.

After an early start to the day, I managed to get through Security at LaGuardia Airport with only one body scan and four pat-downs.  George and I enjoyed an uneventful flight to sunny Charlotte, NC.  US Airways did not lose my luggage, and Joan was on time to pick us up.

We had a late lunch and then headed over to the Carolina Lakes Lake House for some table tennis.  The table tennis club was beginning shortly after we started playing and welcomed us to play doubles with them, which we all did.  Of course, I managed to beat everyone and was the Champion of the Day!

Then we walked over to the model homes and Joan & Peter showed us around the two homes Jane & Jim are considering.  Personally, I think they are way too small to accommodate all of our family who will visit, but it's not for me to say.

Joan is about to prepare a delicious dinner of Scallops which will be served in the Dining Room.  I believe I saw champagne in the fridge so my guess is they will be toasting my arrival.

Well, when George looked over the wine selection, it was apparently not up to his Princeton quality, so he and Peter went off in the golf cart to the Harris Teeter (or Titter as Geo calls it) to purchase some better wine.  George returned with enough wine for six weeks, complaining about freezing in the golf car"t" because Julia said he can't say "t" at the end of any words, French or otherwise.

After dinner, we played a new word game which I was slow to learn.  But when we played the second time, I beat the pants off everyone!  It's only taken 90 years, but I found my game!!!