The Lords of Discipline

I finished reading Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline yesterday and I have to say that it was SO good!  Once again, Pat's word's sucked me in.  This is a coming of age story that takes place in Charleston at a military college.  The pages are filled with mystery, love, friendship, and personal growth.  I have to say that I have a much greater respect for my dad and anyone else that has graduated from The Citadel, another military college, or are in the military.  One thing is for sure, I don't think I'd make it.  Here are a few quotes I loved:

I looked around at the Romeo Company seniors and tried to relate the proud faces to the shivering, aghast initiates who had endured Hell Night on the fouth battalion quadrangle over three years before.  We looked older and more matue, but we also looked the same.  However, the difference was enormous and aprt of the bizarre and glorious alchemy that made us love the Institute more than anything we ahd ever loved before.  That was the single most sublime and untranslatable mystery of the school.  And I felt the immense weight and actuality of that mystery as I studied the small black box that was before me.  Inside that box was an Institute ring.  But this ring was different from all the other rings ever made.  Engraved in a feathery script on the inside shank was the name: Will McLean.  Here, at last, was the symbol, the absolute proof, that I was part of all this, that I had earned the right to love the school, and to criticize it (264).

I had come to Charleston as a young boy, a lonely visitor slouching through its well-tended streets, a young boy, lean and grassy, who grew fluent in his devotion and appreciation of that city's inestimable charm.  I was a boy there and saw things through the eyes of a boy for the last time.  The boy was dying and I wanted to leave him in the silent lanes South of Broad.  I would leave him with no regrets except that I had not stopped to honor his passing.  I had not thanked the boy for his capacity for astonishment, for curiosity, and for survival.  I was indebted to that boy.  I owed him my respect and my thanks.  I owed him my remembrance of the lessons he learned so keenly and so ominously.  He had issued me a challenge and he passed the baton to the man in me: He had challenged me to have the courgage to become a gentle, harmless man.  For so long, I had felt like the last boy in America and now, at last, it was to leave him.  Now it was the man.  The man was the quest (496).

Toothpicks

It's going to be a long day.  I woke up at 5 am to the crazy loud thunderstorm raging outside of my window.  Sadly, I could not go back to bed.  So I've been up since 5.  I did treat myself to a Chick-fil-A biscuit, which was amazing, but I need toothpicks to hold my eyelids open.

Let's just say 4:30 pm couldn't come fast enough today!  Dad's picking me up and we're driving 5 hours to Atlanta.  I'm hoping I'll be able to take a nap on the drive.  Re-charge so that I can play with my B5 girls* tonight and tomorrow as we prepare for the party we're throwing Mary Alice.  Wa-hoo!


* Glanced through the B5 girls post...it seems to be a theme that when we're getting together, I am awoken at 5am the morning of?!  What in the world?  At any rate, they're so worth it!

An unlikely combination

Peanut butter and bacon.  Together, in one sandwich.  Maggie told me about this unlikely combination a while back.  Since then, I've seen bacon combined with lots of sweet and savory items...makes you wonder if people are bored with their food or truly culinary geniouses.  At any rate, I finally got around to making and tasting my first peanut butter and bacon sandwich.

All in all, not bad!  I like the salty/sweet combo.  In order to make it better, I would make it like a grilled cheese -- buttery bread and warm!  Yum. 

Some Funnies

Yesterday, a few funny things happened to me.

One.  I'm co-hosting a party in Atlanta this weekend (and couldn't be more excited about it!) and purchased the alcohol for the party after work.  Please imagine me in Total Wine, loading up my shopping cart.  Their carts are smaller than the average grocery store shopping cart...I suppose not everyone purchases loads of booze at one time?  Y'all, the first cart filled up quickly and I could barely push it around the store.  My five foot frame isn't accustomed to so much cartage, especially when the cart is filled with breakable glass.  Of course I changed my mind on bottles, had to get more and drop some off.  Then find all the different kids of beer, etc.  I dropped the first one off at the register to grab cart numero dos.  I looked quite silly with all of these carts in the store.  Luckily someone helped me load up my trunk with all the goodies! 

Two.  I'm not sure if I've mentioned this here or not, but my roommate moved to Kansas City a while back for a few months.  While she is away, a kid in the neighborhood is mowing our lawn for us.  He came to the door yesterday and was super cute (not altogether shocking, but I'd never met him before).  He was very polite and even agreed to get the mail for me when I'm out of town next month.  But I had to laugh to myself because there was quite the spinster scene going on inside the house: dimly lit den, plate and bowl on the coffee table from me eating supper on the couch in the den while watching DVR'd RHONJ, empty wine glass on the table...it all screamed spinster.

Three:  My goal for this week was to do some of Jillian's No More Trouble Zones every day.  Well, I wasn't feeling particularly up to it yesterday.  (Here's hoping for today and tomorrow!)  So while in the shower last night, I thought the least I could do was some a bit of tricep work in the shower.  Yes, I'm serious.  I picked up my new bottles of shampoo and body wash...supersized bottles I should add...and did a few of the exercises Jillian forces me to do.  Though the bottles weren't quite as heavy as my large (2 lb) weights I'd normally use, I felt the burn.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Yes, I do love to eat them!  They are so tasty.  But I also LOVE the movie.  It's a quintessential Southern chick flick.  It came on TV last night and I watched.  First, the channel it was on (Encore, I think?) didn't play any commercials = awesome.  Second, I forgot how much I love that movie.  It's even better watching it now as a (so-called) grown up than as a child.  I cried off and on throughout the whole movie (granted, I was a bit emotional before I watched it, but still...).  Some of the things I love about it:

1. Friendship.  This is especially shown through Ruth and Idgie.  Their friendship is sacrificial and full of love.  In different capacities, they rescue each other and give one another new leases on life.  As best friends, they become each other's family. 
2. Kindness.  So often, there is a discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots.  I love that all people come together in this story, bestowing kindness on each other.  Be it providing a meal to a homeless man, treating a person with respect that society feels deserves none, or making someone laugh in their time of sorrow.
3. Empowerment.  We can either let life happen or be a part of it.  Through telling her old stories, Mrs. Threadgoode gives Evelyn the boost she needs to gain some control in her own life and become the woman she wants to be.

One time

I was fishing with my parents; after mom caught a nice fish, she treated herself to a Mike's hard lemonade.  (I should tell you that mom pretty much only drinks Kahlua and cream.  It's been her drink for as long as I can remember and I'm sure it always will be.  But Mom discovered Mike's for fishing because its easier to take on the boat.)  So she caught her fish, gloated, and treated herself to a Mike's.  After a bit, she said, "wow, that Mike's was strong today.  I can feel that!"  My response, "Mom, I don't think it's the Mike's.  I think its that you drank it at 10:30 in the morning.  There's a 12 o'clock rule for a reason; 11 on vacation."  Mom, "Oh...you think so?"

I get to work this morning and see that I have a voicemail from Mom: Hey, honey.  Did you know that you can drink a Mike's at 7:30 in the morning?!?  You can if you catch an 8 pound redfish!

Oh goodness... 

Savory Monkey Bread

I made this a few weeks ago (sorry I don't have a picture) and it was so fun and yummy.

Everyone loves monkey bread - sweet and delicious.  But I made savory monkey bread to go with dinner.  Purchase a can of biscuits and cut each one into quarters.  Roll each piece into a ball.  Then dip each ball into a bowl of melted butter.  You don't have to soak the piece, but rather douse it.  The next dunk goes into a bowl of your favorite herbs and spices.  I used salt, red and black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, rosemary, and perhaps a few others?  Arrange the pieces in a baking dish.  I used a round 9" pan.  Then of course I poured any remaining butter and spices in there and tossed in a large handful of shredded cheese.  I had 5 Italian blend, which worked well, but you could use any cheese.  Toss them all around.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. 

Easy to make.  Cool presentation.  Full of flavor.

Attitude Adjustment

A bad day at work yesterday, a poor night of sleep, and tons of traffic from the first day back to school in Charleston this morning, all make for a crappy day today. 

The first two hours of work have included me in a bad mood.

But I'm changing things around for the remainder of the day.  And here's why (1) its part of my goals for 2010 to be more positive.  And this janky attitude is not positive.  (2) I am thankful to have a job.  And if I'm going to be here, I'd like to be pleasant.  For myself and those around me.  (3) My outfit is pretty cute today and includes a new necklace, courtesy of mom, and and old dress, courtsey of The Gap circa high school.  (4) I can still fit into a few articles of clothing from high school.  (5) Classic black dresses never go out of style.  (6) Grooveshark.  Free music all day long.  Keeps me entertained.  (7) Dreaming of things I hope to do with my life one day. 

Trying to keep things in perspective...

One of my favorites!

I read one of my favorite passages in the Bible this morning: Isaiah 6.  I especially love verses 1-8.

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lrod sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him stood the seraphim.  Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called to another and said:

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.  And I said: "Woe is me!  For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.  And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"  Then I said, "Here am I!  Send me."  And he said, "Go..."

I love it because it gives a taste of what we might feel when we see Jesus. We see our Lord as regal, and we also see redemption and grace bestowed on Isaiah. I love, love, love it. Looking more specifically at verse 3, we see an angel calling to another angel, proclaiming the holiness of the Lord. And Isaiah sees the Lord sitting high on His throne and he sees the angels proclaim God’s holiness and that the entire earth is filled with His glory…and what is Isaiah’s response? He says that he is lost and a man of unclean lips living in a land of people with unclean lips. Essentially, he says that he is not worthy of the Lord…because he sees how pure and good and holy the Lord is and Isaiah knows that he falls short of these things. What a pure and humble reaction to the Lord. Often times I am so hardened, so caught up in myself, so worried about things of little worth, that I wonder if I would leave all of that behind to just stand in awe and submit to my Lord if I were to see Him in person. And I do see Him all the time, seeing Him work in my life and in the lives of others…and my response is not always like Isaiah’s. O, Lord, open my eyes to see you for who you really are and let me be in awe of your ways. Let me bow down to your majesty and grasp that I am far from being worthy of you. Yet in your grace, you have given me favor, so that I might see you and walk with you daily. You are holy, holy, holy. In your word, when something is written three times it is to emphasize how much it is true. You are the holiest.  And I love that Isaiah GOES.  To do things for the Lord that may not be fun or glorious, but that is not the point.  He gets to serve the Lord and bring glory to the Lord.  Oh, how I long for this to be my attitude...

RC Sproul says some words about this same passage.  He's deeper and much more eloquant than me and I'd encourage anyone to read it:

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/409_r_c_sproul_session_1/

In the year that King Uzziah died…

Uzziah's story is in 2 Chronicles 26. He was among the handful of good kings among the many wretched kings we read about in the history of Israel. He was second only to David in his accomplishments on the battlefield. He did what was right, but toward the end he became proud and ended his life like a Shakespearean tragic hero. In his pride, he presumed the role of a priest, and at that instant God struck him with leprosy. His 52 year reign ended in shame and disgrace.

…I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up…

But Israel's throne was not vacant. The Lord was seated there.

There are two uses of Lord in your Bible.

Lord without all caps is some form of adonai. This is the most exalted title given to God in the Old Testament, representing absolute sovereignty.

LORD, in all caps, is Yahweh. This is the sacred, ineffable name of God.

Lord is God’s exalted title, and LORD is his name.

The title, Lord, that is reserved for God in the Old Testament, is given to Christ in the New Testament. So when Jesus is said to have the name above every name, it is not "Jesus" Paul is talking about—it is curios, adonai.

…and the train of his robe filled the temple…

The train of a ruler’s robe is a measure of his status. He is judged by the stuff and substance of his clothing. God’s robe comes over the edge of his throne and down into the sanctuary and fills the temple where he is seated.

Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings…

God's creatures are suitable for their environment. Birds have wings and light bone structures, because the air is their habitat. Fish have gills, scales, and tails for underwater. And Seraphim have an anatomy that is functional for their natural habitat—the presence of God.

The Seraphim’s required anatomical apparatuses:

…with two he covered his face…

Moses once asked the Lord to let him see his face. But God said he didn’t understand what he was asking for. God let him have a momentary glance at his back, but did not let him see his face. He would have died.

The problem is not with the eye—it's with the soul. In the beatitudes, who sees God?—the pure in heart.

Creatures created to live before the face of God, must be designed to endure it.

…with two he covered his feet…

Feet are symbols of creatureliness. Moses was told by the voice in the burning bush to take off his shoes for the ground was holy. What made it holy? Not Moses. It was God in his presence. Moses’s feet represented that he was of dust. Even the feet of angels represent that they are creatures.

…and with two he flew…

…And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

The message of the seraphim is to proclaim God’s glory—his weightiness—his substance—his majesty. It is this glory that provokes the angels to sing holy.

Why 3 times holy?

Similarly to our bold, italic, and underline, a Hebrew emphasis was repetition. Paul writes twice in Galations 1:8-9 that those preaching a contrary gospel should be accursed. And Jesus never uses desultory language, so it is meaningful that he prefaces his words with amen, amen—or truly, truly. He is saying, in effect, “Now hear this. This is of sobering importance!”

So the angels are not content with, “Holy!” And they are not even content with the emphasis of, “Holy! Holy!” They must say it three times—“Holy! Holy! Holy!” They take it to the third degree—the superlative degree. No other attribute of God is praised like this. Not love or mercy or justice or sovereignty. Just Holy.

…And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke…

If God's holiness doesn't turn you on, you don't have any switches. Even the dumb structures of wood and stone have the good sense to shake in God's presence.

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Isaiah was a man of integrity, yet one glimpse of God's holiness makes him come apart at the seams. As long as our gaze is fixed on the horizontal plane of this earth, we have no problem with ourselves. But if we lift our gaze to heaven and contemplate what God is, we will be broken. Security and smugness is annihilated. Holy men are reduced to trembling with one glimpse of God.

When Isaiah discovers who God is he pronounces an oracle of doom on himself—a curse. The first time he saw what God is was the first time he saw who he was. He saw that he had a dirty mouth and that his dirtiness was epidemic, pandemic.

…Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

God did not allow his servant to grovel. He acted in mercy. Hard mercy. He put a hot coal on his lips. You can hear the flesh sizzle and burn, the muffled scream of Isaiah. His guilt was taken away, atoned for. Never talk to Isaiah about cheap grace. There is something painful about free grace. The point was not to torment Isaiah, but to cleanse him. He cauterized the lips of his servant. And forgave his sin.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

I don’t know how Isaiah could speak, but when God asks who he will send, Isaiah says, “Here am I, send me.”

Every one of us who has been ordained into the ministry of Christ has that vocation. Consider when that consecration happened for you. Thousands forsake the ministry when they see there is no glamour in it. But keep going back to who it is you serve. The only thing that qualifies us to minister is the knowledge of our forgiveness. And that we know the sweetness and majesty of the God who has cleansed our lips.

A new trick

So I read this post by Pioneer Woman about cinnamon toast a few weeks ago:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/the-right-way-and-the-wrong-way-to-make-cinnamon-toast/

And I have been thinking about cinnamon toast ever since.  She makes it the way I make it, only better.  No surprise there.  Because she mixes up the butter, cinnamon, sugar together AND adds some vanilla extract.  Sounds like a good idea to me!  Last night I had a craving for Breakfast for Dinner.  So I cooked up some bacon and did PW's trick on waffles. 

Y'all, it was SO good!  You really can taste the vanilla.  And putting it all on before it goes in the toaster oven made the waffles so buttery and moist and delicious.  I will certainly be doing this again!

Shoes

I come from a line of shoe-loving women (on my mom's side).  My grandmother treated herself with fancy shoes (and not much else).  My mom's aunt, my great-aunt, was known to purchase up to 6 pairs of nice shoes and would then hide them around the house.  She'd pull them out as needed.  This was her trick for my great uncle to not know that she'd bought so many shoes.  Though I'm pretty sure he noticed the credit card swipe at Bob Ellis on the bill...haha.  My mom has been a lover of shoes for as long as I can remember.  And this gene was passed on to me.  I love shoes.

But my favorite shoes are the ones Grammy (mom's mom) has given me.  We have the same size foot -- small and narrow.  And it is hard to find pumps that fit me these days.  Back in the day, Grammy bought size 6's.  Today, a size 6 pump is HUGE on me.  I even have a pair of 4 1/2's.  My grandmother is pretty anal (wonder where I get it from?) and most of her shoes are in the original boxes, the original tissue paper in them, and are perfectly labeled.  The shoes are in perfect condition -- well, until I wear them.  Sadly, I'm pretty harsh on my shoes.

I love wearing them and feeling like I'm carrying a bit of Grammy with me.  This pair is probably my favorite pair:

What's weirder?

Last night I was able to have dinner with some of my favorite Columbia friends.  I worked with Amanda in Columbia and also became friends with her husband, Nathan.  They now have a super cute little boy, Becket, and are expecting Mary Cate in a few weeks!  They took a mini vacation to Charleston and I was so glad to see them while they were here.

Becket is cute as ever and loves to dance.  And he's not afraid to be the lone dancer in the room...it seems as though Becket and I have a lot in common.  Together, Nathan and Amanda are a trip to be around.  Both from Illinois, they are still sometimes curious about Southern things -- especially Nathan.  This, coupled with his intense analytical skills, cracks me up.  They make me think, tell great stories, and love to laugh.  Who wouldn't want to be their friends? 

Over dinner, Nathan posed this question to me: in our American culture today (not Hollywood, but the average American) which of the following would more people be alarmed/surprised by: 

A 32 year old male virgin.

or

A family of 8.  Two parents.  Six kids.

My vote is on the former; Nathan's vote is the latter.  Any other opinions out there?

Remember when...

...it was cloudy (this past) Saturday morning and weather.com said it would be really ugly and rainy all day on Saturday?  So Courtney and I bypassed the beach for a trip to the outlets.  And it was GORGEOUS all day long.

...I crashed a wedding with Courtney and Jacqueline Saturday night?  And they gave out koozies that said: I crashed Mel & Thomas' wedding!  How appropriate for me?!?!

...Courtney and I got home from the wedding Saturday night and she walked into the guest room aka: her room.  And the bed was gone?  Ok, the frame was still there, but the mattress and box spring were gone.  Linens strewn all over the floor! 

I questioned whether or not we had been robbed.  Perhaps even more eerily, nothing else was missing.  So I called the roommate/homeowner to inquire...

Turns out, they did not belong to my roommate/homeowner.  And the owners came to get them.  Didn't think to call me.  Didn't think to leave a note.  Didn't think to fold and place the linens somewhere nicely.

I don't want to complain...

...but I need a vacation.  Not a weekend.  A full-fledge vacation.  And I'm getting one, but not for another 4 weeks.  I hope I make it until then.

Who am I kidding?  Not making it is not an option.

The few. The proud. The single.

B5 girls are throwing a BBQ shower for Mary Alice & Steven in a few weeks.  I was discussing some of the details with Maggie today.  The guest list includes our "group" from college, consisting of 16 girls.  Yes, that is a lot of estrogen in one room.

Me:  I love the irony: the only single girls of the 16 throwing a couple's shower.
Maggie: Duh because we want to meet single guys.
Me: That don't exsist...none are invited to the shower or the wedding.  I've already asked.
Me:  I mean Maggie.  I am a dork.  We know it.  I took a post it note, wrote our names down, and here are the stats for the 16:  5 married.  2 engaged.  5 dating.  4 single.  Singles = Courtney, Mary Anne, you and me.  (We are 4 of the 5 throwing the party.)

The few.  The proud.  The single.

Flossing

Since my last dentist appointment, I've been determined to floss on a regular basis -- for the first time in my life.

My goal: daily. 
Reality: about every other day. 

I have to say, that it has been worth it.  My teeth feel cleaner and my overall mouth health has improved.

Broccoli Beef Stir fry: at home!

I found this recipe online and made it this week: 

• 3 tablespoons peanut oil -- I used olive oil
• 1 pound round steak, thinly sliced 
• 3 cups chopped broccoli 
• 1/4 cup water 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro -- I used dried because that's what I had
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup 
• 1/4 cup water 
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and stir-fry round steak. When browned, remove meat and set aside.
2. Add broccoli, water, cilantro, red pepper flakes and garlic powder. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, water, soy sauce, cornstarch and ginger. Blend well, then add to skillet with reserved meat. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.  

This turned out really well -- especially the sauce.  I would make the sauce and use it in other dishes as well.  I paired with rice and enjoyed.

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/beef/broccoli_beef_recipe.html

Best. Icing. Ever.

I got this recipe off of Pioneer Woman, who got it from someone else.  I made it and I have to say: it is absolutely some of the best icing I have EVER had.  And I LOVE icing!

• Stir 5 tablespoons of flour into 1 cup of milk; then heat over medium-high heat until it gets very, very thick, stirring/wisking constantly.
• Cool completely.
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Cream 2 sticks of butter and 1 cup of sugar.
• Add the milk/flour mixture and blend for about 45 seconds.
• Presto!  The best icing ever!  It is best when used immediately.

Pioneer Woman shows great pictures and provides entertaining comments.  Check out her version of the recipe here:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/03/a-tasty-recipe-thats-the-best-frosting-ive-ever-had/

Black Beans & Rice

I made some black beans and rice the other day and I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how delcicious they turned out. 

I sauteed one red onion in a smidge of olive oil.  Added some chopped garlic after a few minutes and cooked for a few more minutes.  Then I added a can of black beans, drained.  And some chicken stock, salt, black and red pepper, dashes of vinegar and Texas Pete.  Brought it all to a boil, reduced, and let them enjoy one another's company for about 30 minutes.  Meanwhile I cooked some Mexican rice.  The Uncle Ben's microwave in 90 seconds kind of rice.  I added it to the pot and let cook for a few more minutes. 

Top with sour cream and enjoy.  Really easy and quite tasty. 

Saturday

Saturday morning I picked mom up and we headed to Columbia for a brunch honoring Mary Alice.  Brooke and her mom threw the brunch for Mary Alice, all of her bridesmaids, and their moms.  It was at DiPrato's and was delicious!  I always enjoy starting my dat with a mimosa.  Mom and I had a great time stuffing ourselves with Belgian waffles and talking to the other lovely ladies. 

After the brunch mom and I went dress shopping for my brother's wedding.  I can't believe its just a month away!  Mom found a great dress that we both love!  (And I'm really, really hoping she doesn't return this one!)  In the middle of our shopping adventures, we stopped by to see Jenn and Ryan.  Always a treat! 

We headed Back to Charleston and I went with mom and dad to a party for a friend of mine from high school.  She's moved to Massachusetts and I haven't seen her since I left for Presbyterian College -- it was really fun to see her!  And catch up with some of the neighborhood folks...  All in all, a great Saturday.