A Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today is a special day for me.
It's one of "my" days to make others happy.
A day to share and tell others how much I care for them and how much I love having them in my life.

 

 Of course a token of love and appreciation for my favourite folks....Brownie's vet and his wonderful caring staff at the RSPCA.


A big box of Belgium assorted truffles and a batch of homemade muffins in Banana Nut and Blueberry flavours.

Brownie was a bit upset that he did not have a taste of the muffins. 
Usually when I bake at home I would make extra so that we could enjoy the goodies as well....not today though....no bakers dozen code was applied......just exactly 12 muffins were made.
Mr. B was not pleased at all.
I dropped the goodies off and left a note explaining his annoyance at not having a taste but that he hoped they all enjoyed them....they all  laughed. 
A BIGGGG "Thank You" hug from the good old Doc and Nurse Charmaine and then I was off again.
Home in time to share a vase of flowers from my garden and a box of chocolate covered cookies with my neighbour....she in turn gave me two fried flying fish which were so delicious.  I shared them with you know who and he forgot all about the muffins.  He licked his paws all over and then promptly fell asleep under the dining room table....probably dreaming of more.
What a wonderful day.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!!!

Al Jarreau

Al Jarreau

Alwin Lopez "Al" Jarreau

March 12, 1940 - February 12, 2017

A singer and jazz musician, I met Al many years ago at a dinner party hosted by my best friend Dawn.

Sitting at the table chatting with other friends, my ears were tickled by the background music.

"Who is that?" I asked.

"It's Al Jarreau," she replied. 

I was hooked, his voice was soothing and his music held me captive.

It was the beginning of my love affair with jazz music.

Yes, Al was the first jazz artist that I fell in love with and after that pleasant introduction I never let him go.
Whenever  I had the opportunity I attended all his concerts....he never disappointed.

Throughout the years I collected every single album of this seven time Grammy Award winner....his love ballads were simple and touched the heart.... sometimes with a feather and at others with a big old tug.

He was the first vocalist in history to win Grammy Awards in three distinct categories - jazz, pop and R&B.
A true gentleman....a class act....his music always soulful smooth and full of love.

Al , Thank YOU for anointing me with the power of jazz music...I am truly indebted to you.
I know you are still singing with that wonderful voice wherever you are.

Al I am going to miss you....my old friend.

Rest in Peace my friend...your words will be in my mind forever.
I know I can.... like any man ...reach out my hand.... and touch the face of GOD!! ("Morning" by Al Jarreau)

We're in this love together

I will be here for you

Our Love

After All

"Breaking Away" (1981) Full Album

Brownie and the yogurt cup

Brownie is still  Brownie for 2017.
He makes me laugh so hard sometimes....his funny antics and mannerisms are hilarious.

Case in point.
An empty yogurt cup with a smidge of leftover yogurt for him to enjoy.

 Determination at its best...rolling that cup over and over until it sits just right for him to begin "the licking process".

 The licking process is an art form that has been mastered by dogs throughout the centuries.

 Keeping the cup steady with one foot to make sure it doesn't roll away.

 Amazing how he gets his tongue inside at all different angles while keeping the cup steady and licking it clean all at the same time.
Seems as if he's getting some help from Pinky Pig.

The cross footed pose which always cracks me up.
The cup is CLEAN upon retrieval.
I use these small empty cups to pot up small seedlings for my plant swaps.
Thank goodness I have my boy to help me get these cups spotlessly clean. 
Thank YOU Brownbie!!!

A Blissful Day

As we all know, daughter dear and I always celebrate our birthdays by going to a "new"(*) eaterie and yesterday was no different.
"Mum for my birthday we can check out Bliss Cafe," she said a few days ago.
"Sure no prob, whatever you want," I replied.
Her cousin Jerae is here visiting on the island as she came in especially to spend Nat's birthday with her...... a very nice gesture.
The two of them are more like sisters than cousins, so the three of us set out for our birthday brunch to celebrate the "old girl".
With our appetites in high gear we arrived at Bliss Cafe located on the south coast in Dover, Christ Church.

Bliss Cafe

Bliss is a family run business with the husband and wife team of Ray and Nicola at the forefront backed up with a very friendly staff.

The Art Gallery wall

The Menu Board took a while to take it all in.
There was so much deliciousness to choose from.
I liked the Vegan Options and the Natural Juices that were available.
We finally decided to try the homemade waffles and boy am I glad that we did.
No fast food here as the food took a little while but that's because it was FRESHLY prepared with great care and I suspect a lot of love.

Birthday girl's plate.

Delicious made-to-order waffle topped with ham, cheese, baby spinach and scrambled egg surrounded by a honey mustard sauce.

The food was definitely worth the wait.

The two cousins were in deep thought as they ate...couldn't get a word out of them until after the first few minutes.
They were enjoying every single morsel.

My plate, the smaller version without the ham and egg.
Everything was fresh and tasty and the mustard honey sauce was the perfect complement for the dish.
It was really GOOD!!!

Of course when we told the staff it was Nat's birthday, a  lovely slice of warm freshly baked banana cake appeared.
That was also delicious.
We ate to our hearts content, and could hardly move afterwards.
"Do you want to drive back?" my daughter asked.
"Don't think so, I'm knocked out" I replied.
We practically rolled out of the cafe.

That was the end of the "mummy" portion of the day of celebrations.
A party was planned for later that night (too late for me) so we headed off to collect the cake.

I spent my night at Jazz with the Oliver Jones Trio (more on that in another post).
Up to now as I write this I have not had any feedback about the party.
I do believe a smashing time was had by all and they're still recuperating.
Happy Birthday to you again Nat!!!
(*) new for us....never tried before. 

 The demise of the birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Daughter Dear!!!

To My dear daughter Natalie!!!!
The best daughter in the world!!!
Gosh time is going by so fast.  I can't believe how old you are already.
May you live to enjoy many many many many many more birthdays with God's blessings.
I LOVE YOUUUU!!!