Grandma and Chuck-a-Rama

JOY is the "Grandma Maxine

 monthly dinner at Chuck-a-Rama
tradition"

Monthly, we would take Grandma Garff to a delicious buffet dinner at the Chuck-a-Rama on 4th South. It was such a thrill to recapture old times with her and then to have Mom and Dad accompany, was like icing on the "Kettle Roasted Turkey" and the "Bread Pudding." A favorite line of the evening was when Grandma  asked how to spell Shrew...

JOY was revisiting a tradition.

JOurneY on...

Christmas Guests

Grandma and Grandpa made the rounds...unfortunately for them, the miles in distance was far and wide...Idaho Falls for Christmas Eve and opening presents on Christmas Day with Howard and his family and then quickly back to Salt Lake to spend the day with us. Noah was thrilled to have their company and wanted them to have a sleepover. We settled on dinner and a few games. "Name 5 Professional Teams that do not end in the letter 'S'...Broncos? No. 49ers? No. Packers? Bears? Steelers? Redskins? No. No. No. Then who?"

JOY is truly having an enJOYable Christmas Day.

JOurneY on...

Christmas Eve

This free picture collage generated with Smilebox

Noah wanted to go Ice Skating for Christmas Eve. I cannot even begin to tell of the JOY and entertainment that we had that night. The lights on the ice were beyond description...the music was festive for the season... I was charmed by my boy, "May I have this dance?" I had my spills both on and off the ice. We also had the good fortune of having one of Noah's friends join us for a bit of Christmas Magic. Awaiting back home...hors d' eurves and Rick's famous slumgullion. It was just the thing for the cold nipping at my toes and fingers. In keeping with tradition, Noah opened his one gift on Christmas Eve...pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa. We ended the evening with "It's a Wonderful Life" and tonight it certainly was a wonderful life.

JOY is a wonderful life.

JOurneY on...

The 1st JOY of Christmas...Lion House Tradition

A delicious dinner at the Lion House to ring in the Christmas Season... green salad, warm Lion House rolls, glazed ham, cheese potatoes, vegetables and crepes for dessert...sitting at Grandma Garff's table...dinner conversation with Howard, Lisa, Richard and Camille...family photos...Mom and Dad sharing a message of love and gratitude...it was more than a JOYful moment...it was a JOYful evening. Thanks to Mom and Dad for making every season special.

JOurneY on...

A Grand American Feast

There was a reservation made for 5:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Grand America. It was our good fortune to celebrate this day of thanks with my Mom and Dad. Eating out ???? I had no idea what to expect but I knew I wouldn't be cooking, cleaning, or snacking on leftovers. The Hotel was exquisite. It was beautifully decorated for the Christmas Season. The Garden Room so quaint and intimate. I am sure we had the very best table. King Crab, Salmon and Shrimp, salad, beef, turkey, dressing, vegetables, maccaroni and cheese, rolls, soups, and so much more. There was a delectable dessert table...everything appeared perfect and we were to help ourselves. Some personal favorites of mine were the sweet potatoes, the pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding. There was no preparation, no cleanup...just plain enJOYing the delicious food and wonderful conversation. JOY was being together as a family again.

JOurneY on...

We Gather Together

JOY was gathering together with friends and loved ones. Da Vinici needed attending to and so Rick did not come up. He was missed. Noah stayed the night over in Johnathan's room. They really seemed to enJOY themselves and that made me happy and grateful.

JOurneY on...

I'll Have the Soup Please

The family went around the corner from Summit Watch to a Mexican Restaurant for dinner. We were seated in an area with three tables in a small room. Noah and Johnathan had their own table and made movies with the camera. The rest of us gathered around the large table. The chips and salsa were superb, so we had high hopes for the meal to follow. It was cold outside and soup seemed to hit the spot. The waitress came to the table. I inquired of the vegetable soup wondering if it was spicy. The waitress said that it was not spicy at all and so I ordered a bowl. Mom followed my lead and ordered the soup as well. The meal was a long time in coming. Everyone was served but Mom and me . She wondered if she had missed something and Mom reminded her of the vegetable soup. I had envisioned a tomato-salsa type base with a variety of vegetables. I was astounded at the size of the bowl. Mom and I looked at each other in anticipation. What we saw was a yellow transparent broth with a few carrots, cabbage and onions. Simultaneously, Mom and I sipped the soup. Spicy? Oh my no! In fact there wasn't a bit of flavor period. I went in search of salt shakers and we doused the liquid with salt. We overcame our disappointment with a bit of laughter. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we would have plenty of room for the feast after a dinner of this nature. I have heard Cabbage can be cleansing...at least we had the JOY of wonderful company.

JOurneY on...

Taco Night

A woman I work with told me that "Del Taco" had a special. I had never been to "Del Taco" but passed it everyday. I happened to mention the Taco deal to Rick and off we went. Oh my word! Who knew? Those chicken tacos were so tasty...so tasty that we have started a tradition...Taco Night Thursdays. What fun...there is JOY in traditions...there is JOY in "Del Taco" tacos. I highly recommend them.

JOurneY on...

To Market, to Market

Mom and Dad called and invited us to dinner. Typically we go to Zupas or Cafe Rio. Tonight Mom felt like enJOYing a bowl of clam chowder. There is only one place for that...and that is where we went...to Market Street Grill. Delicious food, nummy desserts,
delightful conversation made for a JOYful evening. Noah loves being with his grandparents and I am always thrilled to be with them. JOY! JOY! JOY! and Noah gave me the hiccups.

JOurneY on...

Trick or Treat

Triple the treats times two on Halloween Night...#1) Grandma and Grandpa took us to dinner at the "Goodwood." #2) Employees were dressed in costume. Our waiter was decked out in a Balerina Tutu. The pile of bones we left on the table after eating those #3) lip smacking, finger lickin' barbeque ribs were fitting for a Halloween Centerpiece. Noah was anxious to participate in traditional door to door knocking. He put on his costume and then invited me to go with him...Me of all people...he had friends that had invited him to go but he wanted me. #4) That was utterly SWEET JOY to accompany him. After bitter cold nights, we had a perfect evening for Trick-or-Treaters. #5) I didn't even wear a jacket. What fun! We laughed! We spooked! #6) Noah shared his candy. My personal favorite--Resees Peanut Butter Cups.

JOurneY on...

Blast from my Past

Choosy mothers choose Jif. My mother chose Peter Pan and Wonder Bread. I couldn't help but put some Peter Pan upon my shelf.
I enJOY memories from the past and a great PB&J sandwich.

JOurneY on....