Dad's 80th Birthday Surprise

After months of secret planning, the birthday party was a success. We celebrated my father's 80th birthday, one month early, on the day after Thanksgiving. We were all back in our home town for the festive event.

Olga is to the left, while Carly, Amanda and Katie (in blue) are on the right. I can't resist adding this fashionble shot of Carly.

November Days and Nights

As I write this, I am wearing a cast-off from the 15 year old. She needed better clothes for Uncle Johnny's funeral a couple of years ago--and hasn't worn them since. In cleaning her room last night, the dark brown corduroy jacket landed on the master bedroom floor. I tried it on this morning, it fits, and I'll wear it to work today. Oh, and I'll also wear it to the elementary school's Thanksgiving Lunch. Hmmmm. Turkey Roll and Salty Stuffing. I'm already thinking of a quick stop at Starbucks on my way back to work!

While work is gearing up for the holidays we finally have time to sit at home in the evening--at least a couple of nights a week. Carly's sports season is over. Only football still has games. Olio2go has very successfully completed two trade shows. The PTA Directory has been published. For the first time in a couple of months, I feel like I have time to read and knit. Of course, while still in bed this morning, I found myself wondering when I will have time to do the family Christmas letter. Will the blog suffice?

On Tuesday, the girls and I spent the afternoon at Tysons, power shopping. Carly has a hard time believing she needs appropriate clothes between jeans and prom dresses. We focused on finding acceptable clothes for the holidays. Carly quickly changed gears with a jacket from Nordstrom, pants from Ann Taylor Petites (maybe I should try those on?), shared tops from J.Jill (we can both wear them; they'll stay in my closet), and two tops from American Eagle. Katie only had to be convinced that we weren't buying anything from Limited Too this trip. She selected a sweater and pants at Talbots Kids.

Taking Tuesday off was a joy after working all weekend at the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show. We each brought home a selection of Olio2go's open bottles. The first one to be finished was Ursini Gentile di Chieti. That was flavorful and deep green! Now we're working on the Capezzana, which featured nicely in our dinner last night: Gorgonzola ravioli with walnut sauce. Walnuts and Garlic were sauteed in Capezzana with a touch of lemon juice and served over the ravioli. Of course a great green salad with Manicardi #12 balsamic vinegar.

I updated the Squidoo lens today, too....visit my Olive Oil Lens at Squidoo.

Olive Oil Weekend

We'll be at the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show all weekend. It's so much work to get ready for a trade show!

This morning we're packing the olive oil for transport to the Convention Center, setting up this afternoon, and I just might make it to the high school football game tonight. Or not.

Knitting will be very necessary soon!