This is a tale of appreciation ..
In bringing you all up to date on the escapades of Jen & Jason's visit to Miami, I neglected to tell you of an episode that could have been a VERY sad day ...
We were all traipsing along in the hot sand at the beach; wading knee-deep in the surf; then putting our shoes back on to "pound the pavement" along the boulevard of South Beach establishments. We had stopped at an outdoor eatery to grab a bite to eat and try the huge tropical drinks being touted ...
After we had ordered and the menus collected, I reached for my napkin and noticed the diamond was missing from my engagement ring. I was devastated!!! ... all the places we had been - I figured there was no way it would ever be found - I was on the verge of tears.
Everyone was concerned and said we should at least look around the table. We moved glasses, silverware, napkins - nothing. I decided it was too daunting a task to retrace our steps; but, Jen insisted we at least search the immediate area since I had just moticed it being gone. Jen pushed back her chair and started looking all over the floor... After a few seconds, Jen said, "Here it is!"
Absolutely unbelievable!! That little diamond & she found it. Jason carefully wrapped it in a linen napkin & stored it in a zipper pocket in my bag.
To Jen, I will be forever grateful - for her caring concern, for her perseverance AND for her spectacular eyesight! "Thank you," Jen - your succesful "search & find" revived my saddened heart ...
After a very delicious lunch and spirits lightened by those mammouth fruit drinks, we wandered off to other vistas - I, at least, felt like we were walking on air!!
Marma
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
JEN ANN & SAVING GRACE
This is an addendum to my "Last Hurrah" posting. I absolutely do not know how I neglected to tell you about this "happening." It occurred during our Sunday outing at the beach ... you, know, when we were walkng in the sand, strolling ankle-deep in the surf, then ambling over to see the Versaci mansion and visit a few shops. Have told you all about our luncheon and our gigantic drinks!! ... and this is what I DIDN'T tell you ...
We had just ordered drinks and were perusing the menus when I folded mine and said I had selected my entree (or whatever). I looked down and noticed the diamond was missing from my engagement ring!! Needless to say, I was very disheartened. All the places we had been - even strolling in the sand - I could see no possible solution - wouldn't even know where to begin to look. Jen said, "Let's just look around here. You just noticed it; maybe it caught on something." We searched around the table top; pushed glasses around, shook napkins... Jen pushed her chair back and started looking round the floor. "Here it is!!" We all couldn't believe it... In her hand was this cute, little "sparkler", kind of chipped & forlorn; but I was so happy!! Jason wrapped it in a linen napkin; tucked it in a zippered pocket in my bag; and I began wondering how to get the empty ring off my finger.
I never take my rings off. The empty setting was very rough. It not only caught on everything, it, but it hurt when I touched my hands or face. Just turned it over toward my palm for awhile and started working on it next day. Tried cold water and soap - wouldn't move over my knuckle. Waited a day, and Jason said to try Vaseline. Cold water & Vaseline - that did it!! Finger was a little sore; but we wrapped the ring up, put it with the diamond, and will see if it's worth repairing. The ring is rather fragile from wear - I think a prong had worn off and the diamond was loose in its setting...
So-o-o, that's the story...Jen and her soothing persistence...I will be forever grateful...she is so caring and the gentlemen with us were extremely concerned...they kept telling me to be careful with the retrieved gem and they all checked again as soon as we got home. What could have been a "downer" to a great day was averted. Needless to say, we accepted that "buy one, get one" offer on the drinks!!
Gratefully,
Marma
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
THE LAST HURRAH
Can you believe it?? Left Miami on March 11th and it is now April - almost Easter. So many have asked me about those last days in Miami (with Jen & Jason) that I've decided to "clue you in." My computer "Internet action" was on the fritz, but thanks to Juluia (Jane's neighbor) and Jonferes (my own "go-to" person), I'm in business again. Let us move back a few weeks - - picture sunny skies, high 70's, clear blue water, relaxation - a-n-d -
Jen and Jason were scheduled to arrive at the Miami airport late Thursday evening (March 4th). Paul was in Orlando for a business meeting. Larry & I waited for the doorbell to ring - and it did! The couple arrived, told us about the cab driver taking them in the opposite direction miles out of the way - we commiserated, had a snack and retired for the night.
Friday, the three of us went to Dolphin Mall for a shopping experience. (Jen was suffering from withdrawal.) Stopped on the way back home to have lunch at a really cool Italian place Paul had told us about - really great food, wine even better!! Jason & Jen were to spend the night at the Doral Resort; so, after grabbing their suitcases, Larry drove us to the Spa Hotel for their check-in. Paul came home a little later. Tomorrow is another day...
Saturday was pretty busy...Paul & Jason scheduled nine holes of golf on the Red Course; Jen made an appointment for a lengthy massage; Larry & I went to the pool for sun & relaxation. The three of us had lunch at Champions; met up with Paul & Jas; toured the area a little; went back to rest a little before heading to South Beach for the evening.
We wandered a few of the side streets for awhile and then went to Esplanada - a two-block area set off on week ends from traffic. Really cool! A number of variety stands selling homemade crafts, apparel, jewelery, etc. Many eateries - all crowded - wanderers with drinks in hand. We decided to put our name in at a tapas place. Had many sangrias while waiting - par for the course,;after all, it WAS a Spanish atmosphere!! After being seated, we had fun picking dishes from the menu, but service was not as attentive as expected. Took a long time to "dine"; but we were seated outside and could see into the restaurant proper. Evidently, the background of the inside stage for the entertainers was the glass window just across from us. Such fun watching those flamenco dancers do their stuff, pulsating music and all... Homeward once again. Sunday is going to be a day at the beach.
Jen and Jason were scheduled to arrive at the Miami airport late Thursday evening (March 4th). Paul was in Orlando for a business meeting. Larry & I waited for the doorbell to ring - and it did! The couple arrived, told us about the cab driver taking them in the opposite direction miles out of the way - we commiserated, had a snack and retired for the night.
Friday, the three of us went to Dolphin Mall for a shopping experience. (Jen was suffering from withdrawal.) Stopped on the way back home to have lunch at a really cool Italian place Paul had told us about - really great food, wine even better!! Jason & Jen were to spend the night at the Doral Resort; so, after grabbing their suitcases, Larry drove us to the Spa Hotel for their check-in. Paul came home a little later. Tomorrow is another day...
Saturday was pretty busy...Paul & Jason scheduled nine holes of golf on the Red Course; Jen made an appointment for a lengthy massage; Larry & I went to the pool for sun & relaxation. The three of us had lunch at Champions; met up with Paul & Jas; toured the area a little; went back to rest a little before heading to South Beach for the evening.
We wandered a few of the side streets for awhile and then went to Esplanada - a two-block area set off on week ends from traffic. Really cool! A number of variety stands selling homemade crafts, apparel, jewelery, etc. Many eateries - all crowded - wanderers with drinks in hand. We decided to put our name in at a tapas place. Had many sangrias while waiting - par for the course,;after all, it WAS a Spanish atmosphere!! After being seated, we had fun picking dishes from the menu, but service was not as attentive as expected. Took a long time to "dine"; but we were seated outside and could see into the restaurant proper. Evidently, the background of the inside stage for the entertainers was the glass window just across from us. Such fun watching those flamenco dancers do their stuff, pulsating music and all... Homeward once again. Sunday is going to be a day at the beach.
As planned, we had a marvelous breakfast, then left for the white sands and hot sun of South Beach. Walked along the beach for some time, then decided to get something to eat and quench our thirst. Actually, we satisfied that thirst first...you buy one huge daquiri for something like $25 and get the second one free. Sounds great, but you can't share! Second drink goes to the same person - makes walking a little more difficult! Journeyed on down to the "main drag" and "people-watched." Went in and out of a few stores. Jen hesitated about purchasing a lovely necklace. After alot of prodding, coaxing, "it looks like you", etc., she gave in. I was glad...it will go with many of her outfits. (It was in the same shop Hillary fell in love with the sunglasses!) On Sundays, it seems, many of the restaurant tables out front of the stores are replaced with Market-type booths...fresh prduce, homemade salsas, dips, baked goods, etc. Quite interesting! Larry bought some delicious avocado dip and I bought some fresh tea leaves to try. Could have done a little more sight-seeing, but - onward - back to the domain...
Monday, we hit the Doral pools again - Jen has to get a little color before going home. Paul wandered by, in business attire, of course. Unfortunately, Jen has to leave this evening, so we went back to get her suitcase and eat before she leaves. We stopped at Latin Cafe - an informal place with good Cuban food -very good, but so-o filling. Upon leaving, Jason and I wanted to try their Cuban coffee...Larry said it was different but tasty. They serve it through an outside window in tiny expresso-type cups...very thick, strong but sweet, different coffee taste. Good! Drove Jen to the airport and reluctantly bid goodbye...
Jason is very excited. Today is the first day of practice for the golf pros who are playing in the annual Doral Open. We have our passes in hand, a little sunscreen and cameras at-the-ready. Going to be a long day, so, naturally, we HAD to eat. Stopped at the Chicken Kitchen, noted for their deluxe Cuban fare; filled our gullets to the brim & headed toward the Doral's Blue Monster.
We wandered wherever there was action and a golfer Jason would recognize. Tiger is supposed to show sometime and Paul is keeping us informed. Guess he is very protected, practices early before others arrive and then goes out again to practice drives or putts, whichever he deems needs more attention. We went into the merchandise shop so Jason could get a flag or something for golfers to sign. Thought about a hat but opted for the flag - and a felt-tip pen (nothing like being prepared). Paul informed us that Tiger was to have a press conference in the hotel just above the gift shop and if we hurried we might be able to get a picture. Jas & Larry hurried to the area just outside the conference room while I ambled, somewhat slower, up the stairs. There was somewhat of a commotion and I moved over a little as a group of guys came scurrying by. In the midst, less than an arm's-length away, was Tiger, with his "men", on their way to the press session. Larry & Jason had been shooed out of the area and we were all moved around the corner. One "gentleman" also told Jason (upon seeing his flag & pen) that Tiger would be signing no autographs. So much for THAT! At least we got to see him up close and personal...it was secretive, however; would've been a great photo-op if the watchdogs hadn't been so sttentive. That's okay - Jason just "flung his flag" at other pro golfers and let them fill in the space he had "saved" for Tiger.
It's Wednesday, March llth, our last day in the Miami sun!! We packed our suitcases, took a change of clothes for the plane and headed once again to Doral and the Open practices. More pros practicing today, especially on the putting green - even Tiger. Jason, with souvenir flag in hand, found an autograph or two to fill in the blank spaces. He seemd to be having a ball - told Ernie Els that he was Jen's favorite golfer...when Ernie asked "How come?", Jason said because he was always the pro golfer in her crossword puzzles. Ernie laughed and said that was a good enough reason!! We went to the Point across from the Blue Monster and had hot dogs & beer (at least for Jas)...mighty good, too. We met up with Paul at his office, went to change into our "Chicago" clothes, climbed into the car for our ride to the airport, bid our sad farewells, and went to await our plane..
Uneventful flight home. Jen is to meet us upon arrival. Took forever for our dumb suitcases to traverse the carousel; but, once we had them in tow, we went outside to meet Jen. What a rude awakening! Cold, cold, snowy, 22 degrees, wet - Jason had no coat - freezing. Jen arrived and threw his coat to him. Thank goodness her car was so warm. Glad to be home, but will miss that weather!!
Could bring you all right up to the present, but what do you care about going out to breakfast with Karen, grocery shopping, greeting Sheila as she comes in for her own personal errands, running into Jane & Laddie unexpectedly in downtown Elmhurst & going to Vine & Dine for vino. attending Isabel's Confirmaton & luncheon, journeying to Glen Ellyn for Hanna's "Bye, Bye, Birdie" play (excellent), on to Telanders where we almost forgot to go home...and this was all up until Sunday a.m. What a homecoming!!
... and now, we are all looking forward to getting together for Easter - I know I am! All kinds of sweets after a long "dry spell". Perhaps there will be more to "blog" about, hopefully with pictures, after that little happening. Sorry this is so late...and so lengthy...but you all kept asking, "What about when Jen & Jason were visiting?" Cheez!! Now you have it - such as it is...
Belatedly,
Marma
Monday, we hit the Doral pools again - Jen has to get a little color before going home. Paul wandered by, in business attire, of course. Unfortunately, Jen has to leave this evening, so we went back to get her suitcase and eat before she leaves. We stopped at Latin Cafe - an informal place with good Cuban food -very good, but so-o filling. Upon leaving, Jason and I wanted to try their Cuban coffee...Larry said it was different but tasty. They serve it through an outside window in tiny expresso-type cups...very thick, strong but sweet, different coffee taste. Good! Drove Jen to the airport and reluctantly bid goodbye...
Jason is very excited. Today is the first day of practice for the golf pros who are playing in the annual Doral Open. We have our passes in hand, a little sunscreen and cameras at-the-ready. Going to be a long day, so, naturally, we HAD to eat. Stopped at the Chicken Kitchen, noted for their deluxe Cuban fare; filled our gullets to the brim & headed toward the Doral's Blue Monster.
We wandered wherever there was action and a golfer Jason would recognize. Tiger is supposed to show sometime and Paul is keeping us informed. Guess he is very protected, practices early before others arrive and then goes out again to practice drives or putts, whichever he deems needs more attention. We went into the merchandise shop so Jason could get a flag or something for golfers to sign. Thought about a hat but opted for the flag - and a felt-tip pen (nothing like being prepared). Paul informed us that Tiger was to have a press conference in the hotel just above the gift shop and if we hurried we might be able to get a picture. Jas & Larry hurried to the area just outside the conference room while I ambled, somewhat slower, up the stairs. There was somewhat of a commotion and I moved over a little as a group of guys came scurrying by. In the midst, less than an arm's-length away, was Tiger, with his "men", on their way to the press session. Larry & Jason had been shooed out of the area and we were all moved around the corner. One "gentleman" also told Jason (upon seeing his flag & pen) that Tiger would be signing no autographs. So much for THAT! At least we got to see him up close and personal...it was secretive, however; would've been a great photo-op if the watchdogs hadn't been so sttentive. That's okay - Jason just "flung his flag" at other pro golfers and let them fill in the space he had "saved" for Tiger.
It's Wednesday, March llth, our last day in the Miami sun!! We packed our suitcases, took a change of clothes for the plane and headed once again to Doral and the Open practices. More pros practicing today, especially on the putting green - even Tiger. Jason, with souvenir flag in hand, found an autograph or two to fill in the blank spaces. He seemd to be having a ball - told Ernie Els that he was Jen's favorite golfer...when Ernie asked "How come?", Jason said because he was always the pro golfer in her crossword puzzles. Ernie laughed and said that was a good enough reason!! We went to the Point across from the Blue Monster and had hot dogs & beer (at least for Jas)...mighty good, too. We met up with Paul at his office, went to change into our "Chicago" clothes, climbed into the car for our ride to the airport, bid our sad farewells, and went to await our plane..
Uneventful flight home. Jen is to meet us upon arrival. Took forever for our dumb suitcases to traverse the carousel; but, once we had them in tow, we went outside to meet Jen. What a rude awakening! Cold, cold, snowy, 22 degrees, wet - Jason had no coat - freezing. Jen arrived and threw his coat to him. Thank goodness her car was so warm. Glad to be home, but will miss that weather!!
Could bring you all right up to the present, but what do you care about going out to breakfast with Karen, grocery shopping, greeting Sheila as she comes in for her own personal errands, running into Jane & Laddie unexpectedly in downtown Elmhurst & going to Vine & Dine for vino. attending Isabel's Confirmaton & luncheon, journeying to Glen Ellyn for Hanna's "Bye, Bye, Birdie" play (excellent), on to Telanders where we almost forgot to go home...and this was all up until Sunday a.m. What a homecoming!!
... and now, we are all looking forward to getting together for Easter - I know I am! All kinds of sweets after a long "dry spell". Perhaps there will be more to "blog" about, hopefully with pictures, after that little happening. Sorry this is so late...and so lengthy...but you all kept asking, "What about when Jen & Jason were visiting?" Cheez!! Now you have it - such as it is...
Belatedly,
Marma
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