Saturday, April 8, 2017

Giorgio, Anderson, Wolf, Shopping and a Baby Grand!

Life. It's filled with all those little bits, good and bad, interesting and dull, expensive and a bargain, and everything in-between.


This lovely music is part of the good. Enjoy while you look down the post!

 

At the Market



This falls into the category of odd things. Do you know what it is?


I think it's a cherimoya, given that it's the most expensive thing on the price list -- and the largest.


They are bigger than my head. Bigger than a big pumpkin with spiky, soft green points. I have no idea what to do with them so I did this. I love the internet. Now, what to do with all the other things. Maybe I'll buy one and see! Chopped in my own kitchen!


What's Up with This?



This one threw me for a loop. It's a horrible photo but Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer seem to be doing the twin thing. Think they called each other in the morning? "Hey, Andy! What are you wearing to work today?" "Oh, I'm wearing the blue tie, black suit and white shirt. With glasses." "Oh boy! Me too!" Go figure.

Technology


Alert the media! I finally got a big HD TV set -- 40 inches! So far, I'm just watching regular cable still.


(Yes, I know. I worked in TV for more than three decades. It just wasn't a priority to see it big.) But now I'm getting ready to get Acorn and Netflix! Woo hoo!

Shopping


I shouldn't go into Home Goods without a keeper. The other day I went in just to look and came out with six pillows. (Two for fall because if you don't get them now, they are gone next week.) These were my favorites!


And I couldn't resist this table runner! Isn't it pretty?


I shouldn't be spending money on such frivolous things because while this next thing doesn't count as shopping, it is expensive. The other day when I went to the basement to check Lizzie's litter right after I got out of the shower I noticed a serious amount of dripping. The plumber said the pipes were fine. But there are cracks in the tile, the lead pan at the floor of the shower is either leaking or worn out. End game? Tearing out all the shower tile/floor, probably the dry wall and having it redone. To the tune of approximately $8,000. I paid less for the foundation on my cottage. He can't get at it for another five weeks -- good thing I have a second shower!

Entertaining


As I mentioned in an earlier post, Rick is hosting a classical guitarist from Italy so we threw together a bit of a spur of the moment gathering to welcome him.


We held it at Rick's house. The food was pretty simple. Meats and cheeses, crostini and bread, cookies and wine.


I love doing this. Especially when the cooking is so easy! I did most of it at my house then brought it down the street.


That's Giorgio you're hearing if you clicked the youtube link above! We were delighted that he performed for the guests!


They were delighted too!

Just for Fun


Remember that jigsaw puzzle I did from one of my photos? I was sure it must have a piece missing.


I was wrong! Glad to see that one done!


And I've been painting and drawing too. More on that later but here is a sneak preview!


Just for Not-Fun


I spent 12 hours in the ER this week and it turns out I need gall bladder surgery (a stone or two) and maybe pneumonia. I'm less confident of that than the ER was because I sure don't feel like pneumonia. The the gallstone? Oh yeah. Swell. They could have done surgery in the ER but I want to get my doc's recommendation on a surgeon so I am eating very boring food between now and whenever that is! And not drinking wine, which is sad because I'll miss the popping part of Cork Poppers!

 Baby Love


And finally, I had to share a couple of pictures of our Baby Grand. These were taken when he was about two weeks old!


We saw him last night and he's a whole lot bigger! Meanwhile, here he is back then -- Easter basket glory!


We are so in love!

Happy to join in Monday Social, Share Your Style and Share Your Cup this week! Happy Easter Week!

35 comments:

Lisa's Yarns said...

There is lots to love in this post, but I'll start off with the stuff I DON'T love, like the fact that you are sick and will need gull bladder surgery! Ugh! I hope it is not too invasive and that you can recover from that fairly quickly (I have no idea what the recovery for that is!). That just sucks. As does having to shell out $8,000 for the bathroom! Yuck.

But shifting to the good stuff - oh my gosh, those baby pictures are so adorable! I just want to snuggle him and sniff his head (I love the smell of babies). I am glad you got to see him recently - I am sure that lifted your spirit and Rick's! And that spread you shared with your guest is perfect - I love snacky meals like that!!!

Feel better soon, Jeanie. Sending hugs from MN.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I am still listening to the guitar music as I type this comment. Wow, amazing! You had me fooled with the "baby grand" because of course, I thought you were getting a piano. Isn't it adorable how they do baby photographs these days? I remember when you just took them to Sears to have pictures done, usually the whole family. We only did that twice! (Bad mother of the year award).
I've had pneumonia a few times and each time I knew it before some doctor told me I had it. Very odd. Good luck on your gall bladder surgery, if you do end up having it. I think it is pretty noninvasive, so hopefully that is your case. Have a good weekend, Jeanie! -Jenn

Valerie-Jael said...

What a fab post, so much to see, read and hear - thanks. I have never seen a cherimoya before! Love the photos of your little treasure, but sorry that you need surgery for our gallbladder. Mine has been out for years and I haven't missed it. Be well! Hugs, Valerie

Valerie-Jael said...

And love the paintings!

Anne said...

What a week, so chuck full of the wild, wooly, and wonderful. Love the jigsaw puzzle.

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh so much happening. You will love the new tv. Love the pillow and table runner. Sorry you are having health challenges. The music is lovely. But best of all seeing that little sweetheart in your life. Precious!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Boy yo have had some week, good, bad and ugly.


The baby is darling and I love the pictures - such a cutie.

Sorry about the shower, its hard when things go wrong and you have to hire people to fix them.

The pillow and table runner are perfect. I don't go there any more because I always spend money. I am trying to get rid of stuff not bring more into the house.

The gentleman is a wonderful musician.

Enjoy the weekend.

Mary

My name is Erika. said...

Oh no. Sorry to hear you need surgery and some recoup time. That's not good. :( But glad are there are some fun things going on too, like a very gorgeous little baby (what cool photos) and wonderful music and even strange fruit. Hmm. Never heard of them but then there are so many exotic fruit out there. Did you ever buy one. I'd be curious what they taste like and what you do with them. Eat them straight or could you bake with them? Take care please and hope you are back up on your feet very soon. Hugs-Erika

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It's better to get planned gallbladder surgery then to have it done after you get pancreatitis like I did last summer. SO PAINFUL! You will feel much better after it's done, I sure did! Your watercolors are always fun to see!! Hugs!

Pam said...

oh my gosh...where to start. The baby pics are adorable. Your table is set so beautifully. And that stuff in the market is very usual and I have never seen it before. Your painting is really looking good. Thanks for sharing.

Lynne said...

Loved "the seeing" and reading of your post and listening to the classical guitar . . .
Much more than wonderful . . .

I thought that fruit was called Osage something??

Oh dear . . . gall stones are so painful . . .
So sorry, hope things are better.

Sweet pictures of Baby Grand . . .
They grow and change fast, don't they.

Best laid plans . . . and then some drips and 8,000 . . . oh dear!
We have an extra shower or two!

Remember the harrowing trip with someone driving straight on to you.
How in the blink of an eye, things can change.
Believe it or not, next day after reading your post, my Mister Irish
was in his first car accident. In driving rain, high wind, large body of standing water
on the freeway . . . he hydroplaned, flipped into a guard rail, flipped around
hit again . . . other than being traumatized, he is fine. The car Is totally demolished!
I can deal with the car, not the thought of possibly losing him . . .

Please let me know how you are feeling . . .
I care about you!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, hope you feel better after you get the surgery. Loved reading about your week and all that is going on. I have that same table runner that I bought at TJ MAXX. It is so perfect for spring! Wishing you a wonderful day!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jeanie, feel better soon, I hope! Sorry about the shower - water is my worst nightmare in a home. Your sweet baby and that sweet guitar.....makes for a lovely Sunday morning. Giorgio's piece reminds me of Larry Carlton's music....

Joanne Huffman said...

Really sorry about the gall bladder. Everyone I know who has had the surgery is glad to have had it. Also sorry to hear about the shower; I hate unexpected household expenses (postponing a trip to the west coast this year because I'm redoing the siding on my house this spring). The music is lovely. The baby is adorable. Your water coloring just gets better and better. Enjoy your new tv.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Jeanie.. you are so smart to get a second opinion on your surgery. I hope you don't have to have surgery! You have been very busy and put on quite a spread for your musician friend! Keep us posted on your health and I hope you get good news this week!

La Table De Nana said...

First of all..he is a beautiful bébé♥


Then..well I am sorry about the ER..etc..I have an anecdote..my brother suffered from polycystic kidneys..he has had a double transplant and is amazing..but I had to get checked..oh maybe 20 yrs ago..I didn't have that but they said I should have a gall bladder op..I had never had an issue..so I got a second and third opinion and I still have it and have never had an issue..I have other things believe me..just getting second opinions etc are sometimes Godsends..sometimes not.

Get well soon:)
House problems are such niggly $$ things..
they need to get done..but..:(So lucky to have homes..

So cute you live up the street from Rick:)

I love Netflix.We rarely watch regular TV..
I love your pillow:)
Table runner..all the care you put into everything..and your painting..

I like that palette..is it Mujello..like how tight it seals and I see your Primas:)

Take care..I hope you are feeling so much better..very very soon:)


Maggie said...

I thought of much to comment on as I read this post, Jeanie, but all words failed me when I saw your beautiful grandbaby! He is absolutely wonderful!
Sorry to hear about the gallbladder situation, I had the same experience in 2004 and instead of celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in Cancun was rushed to hospital in St.Lo to have my gall bladder and 5 gallstones removed!
Take care, dear lady.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh my goodness, a lot of stuff is happening! GALLBLADDER SURGERY?? Is it urgent? Be well dearest Jeanie, and your sweet little boy here is darling!

Mae Travels said...

HI Jeanie,
You worry me! I've been hoping you'll be feeling better ever since I read about your ordeal on FB -- I was definitely thinking of you today when I ate lunch at Common Grill in Chelsea.

About that fruit you depicted: I have a feeling the big spiky thing is a breadfruit. Chirimoyas are smaller and often have a sort of alligator pattern on the skin rather than spikes. If you opened them you would know: the chirimoya has a soft, creamy, pure white flesh and to me tastes like juicy fruit chewing gum. The breadfruit is large, more spiky, has a thick stem, and is also white inside but I think it has to be cooked. Hard call.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Jennifer Richardson said...

So much deliciousness here
but hate to hear of your gall bladder trouble!
And pneumonia:/ Dislike:/
Your cheerful platter of grapes and lovelies
has my mouth watering.
I love your world:)
And you:)
-Jennifer

Stacey said...

Jeanie, girl you have a lot going on! I loved seeing the spread you put together for Giorgio. How neat to gather and enjoy music like this. Your grand baby is too cute for words! I always love seeing your pretty art. Wish I had a little of that in me! I truly hope you are better soon. We've known so many people who've had their gall bladder out. Take care of yourself. :)

Little Wandering Wren said...

Well so much to say here, I think I'll start with the lovelies and end with the hope you and the shower are feeling better! How gorgeous is your Grandson's photos? They are so creative these days. It's a good sign he will sleep anywhere! I love your little bird purchases and your artwork is brill :) How lovely that your week has been filled with music and light, despite your health and plumbing issues! Your spread (Aussie word for the spread of food) looks delicious, the fruit is like what we see here as a durian - along with signs banning it from the shopping centres for its strong smell - let me know if you find a good recipe as I surely should be tempted to try it soon. So dear Jeanie I do hope you and your shower are on the mend soon and that you have a lovely Easter ahead.
Love Wren x

Victoria Zigler said...

Sorry to hear about the plumming issues, and the need for surgery. Repair bills like that are the thing that makes me glad I rent, which means I don't have to pay for those kinds of repairs (something I'm extremely glad about with recent events). Anyway, I hope the issue is sorted soon, and that surgery goes well.

Glad there are some happy things going on in your life right now to balance the less pleasant things. I think your little baby grand, as you called him, would balance it all by himself, wouldn't he?

Tracy said...

JEANIE!! This post held sooo much...I keep going back and reading over everything. I wish we could sit down with tea and some of those cookies you've got set out there! Oh, my gall bladder surgery??!! Hope you're not in much discomfort while you wait for surgery. And your bathroom... More waiting, and a lot to do there too. :/ Hope it all goes well! LOVE the pics of your Baby Grand (LOVE that expression too!). It's amazing what some folks are doing with baby/children's photography these days. And so beautiful is all that food... Glad it's been a fun time with Rick's friend Giorgio visiting. He plays beautifully--so glad you shared! Fun finds at the market... And your new items for home are sooo PRETTY--especially loving the table runner--lovely for spring! Funny with your TV... You will love Acorn, though! My Mom has it and it's very addicting... LOL! We don't have a TV anymore, haven't for years, and don't really miss having the bulk black "box". We watching things online with laptop. Such FUN seeing what you've been painting! Your kitty paintings are so sweet! Giorgio is still playing as I type... I could listen to that all day... :) Be taking good care there, my friend! ((BIG HUGS))

Bonnie said...

Wow, Jeannie, You have been busy and I'm sorry you need gall bladder surgery. My husband had it last August and he did great. You will be glad to get it over with.
I love your paintings. I wish I had talent in that area.
Your sweet baby grand is adorable. They do the sweetest pictures these days.
Sounds like your musical guest was a special time. I am impressed with your party food.
The cherimoya is a new one for me.
Have a good week and take care.

Marcia said...

I'm sorry to hear about your gallbladder, Jeanie. :( Husband had surgery a few months ago. I highly recommend getting medical opinions. Seems to be one of the most popular surgical fads these days, often unnecessary. ABC apple, beets, carrot juicing daily is excellent, and milk thistle. Hope it all works out.
The baby pics are DREAMY, love that baby grand reference. ;) The music was lovely. I can barely listen to a guitarist without crying because our son is a very gifted musician, esp guitar, but rarely plays anymore.
PS I'll be your keeper at Home Goods. HA! ;)
xoxo

The French Hutch said...

Hi Jeanie, enjoying your post and it's content of fun and interesting happenings, your new runner, lovely, your painting and drawings, lovely then the bad news about your shower, thinking yes,always something with houses. But, I was so sorry to hear about your gallbladder. I think you were wise to wait so you can find the surgeon of your choice. Keep us posted........

Jenny Woolf said...

I was thinking what a lovely post - oh what a beautiful little baby!!! perfectly cute!
And that is certainly mystifying fruit. I would love to try it. I'm a bit of a fruit fan.

And what a wonderful meal in honour of Rick's guitarist friend. I wanted to hear the Youtube link of his playing but couldn't somehow find it on the post.

Oh ... and congratulations on the jigsaw. I am most impressed!!!!

And glad to see the paintbox out...

....and then I read about the surgery. I am sorry to hear about it and I hope you can sail through it with ease, I think it's reasonably quick and simple these days with keyhole surgery but I agree that waiting to be sure that the surgeon is the right one for you, a good idea. As for pneumonia, it seems a strange diagnosis if you aren't feeling that ill, so I am hoping to hear that this is not the case, and you'll be on the mend soon.

Kitty said...

I have been spending way too much time on the computer and telephone tonight! I just realized it it's midnight, but have to comment on your special week. So special. Loved everything but the trip to the hospital. Kim Brown was asking about you tonite. I told her what I knew. Love he pictures of Carson. Such creative photos! Love to you and Rick.

shoreacres said...

I was gone and offline most of the weekend, and missed all this until just now. Oh, my goodness. Well, if my mother and my aunt are any indication, you'll feel ever so much better once that gall bladder situation is taken care of. They both had theirs removed -- both in their sixties, as I recall, and both had thirty more good years of life. In fact, my aunt still is clicking along.

I love lemon, and may very well look at that cookbook online. The last thing I need is another cookbook, but that certainly tempts me. And I'm happy for your new television. Learn how to use it to its full potential before your surgery, and recuperation can be more fun. Of course, recuperation isn't the long-term project it used to be, thanks to medical progress. I hope all goes well, and is behind you lickety-split!

Bella Rum said...

I think that's jackfruit at the market. Maybe also called cherimoya. I don't know.
Those are the most adorable baby pics I've ever seen. So precious.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Jeanie, baby grand is precious! I love the photos. Sorry to hear about your gall bladder. I had to have that done last year and really it was so easy and I felt great immediately after and ever since! No more attacks!! Loved hearing your friend from Italy play, and your sneak peek of your art work is fabulous! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I can't believe I didn't leave a comment on this post, because I read it and fell in love with the darling "Grandlittle." What a great name.

As I said in my other post, there isn't much info on the equipment use, but I saw it on tv on our local station KWCH.com. I can't seem to leave a link in comments, but you can go there and get the story about it. Maybe you can ask your state representative or police department to find out more about it. Looked like a blinged up fire cracker to me.

Doodle T said...

Sorry to hear about surgery...ugh...hospitals...double ugh...but taking care of business and getting well is all good. Love your watercolors...the tuxedo looks like our Moon Cat...and oh my your new baby...precious! What an enjoyable post. :)

Kathy said...

Seeing (and hearing) this a year later; hope to find you in a better place healthwise and Baby Grand will be huge; that basket picture of his is just lovely! I, too, love the smell of clean baby; hard to beat Johnson's baby shampoo and talc!

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