The musicians

I love this picture of my nephew on the trumpet accompanying my dad on the piano. What a moment!

Thanksgiving

Seems incredible that after days of preparation and cooking, the feast is over so quickly! I spent the day with friends, there were 4 of us for diner but 10 of us for pumpkin martinis before dinner!

Our festive table

Jeeves wanted in on the action

Mary Deane whipping up a batch of her famous pumpkin martinis

Dinner is finally ready

Pumpkin flan - to die for!

Spa day

What would you suppose a little girl want on her 8th birthday. That's right - being pampered! They sure start early these days! Here's my niece having her hair and nails done. Black nail polish was the color of the day!

Thanksgiving lunch at Hollin Meadows

Today was the Thanksgiving lunch at my niece and nephew's school and I think they had the largest contingent of family! Both sets of grandparents, my sister and I all enjoyed lunch with the kids. Half of us ate with my niece and the other half ate with my nephew since they were at different seatings. The kids grow lettuce in the school garden and they had picked it for the salad which we had with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. Pumpkin ice cream for desert was a big hit! We got to meet the kids teachers and ended with a visit to the library where there was a big book sale underway!

Another Principal's Pride recipient!

My niece was recognized this morning at her school with the Principal's Pride award for her 2nd grade class. She was very proud (although not as proud as her aunt!) She received her certificate and book bag and was then featured on the school's morning news! The cool part is that her brother was the newscaster this morning so we got to see both of them shine! Here are a few pics of the big moment.
Receiving her certificate from the Asst Principal:

My nephew on the TV delivering the news:

Telling the school why she received the award - "for doing all her work and following directions"

Principal's Pride

My nephew was recognized this morning at his school with the Principal's Pride award for his 5th grade class. He was very excited and enjoyed glazed donuts and orange juice (can we say major sugar rush) while waiting for the ceremony. After receiving his certificate and book bag, he was featured on the school's morning news! Here are a few pics of the big moment.
With the principal:

The proud aunt!

Little sis enjoying the fruits of brother's hard work!

Fall at the Emily Post House

Emily Post's house is known for it's gorgeous gardens in the summer. “The dahlias grow as large as pie plates and for size and intensity of hue, I have never seen anywhere such roses and delphiniums,” Emily is quoted as saying in 1929. The gardens still look gorgeous this late in the year!


The house was built in 1778.


Born: 27 October 1872
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
Died: 25 September 1960
Best Known As: Mid-20th century American expert on etiquette