Girls' afternoon out

I can't remember the last time I had one of these?

It's the 21st century! I received a text message last night while I was at church asking what I was doing today.

Well, it's Sunday. I was singing at all the Masses and then trying to get myself out of the tailspin I've been in since before Mom passed away.

Not doing very well with her death. I guess I am doing better than others who have lost a loved one, but honestly, I put on a good front. When I am alone, I am a mess.

I have learned NOT to beat myself up. It's been less than 3 months since Mom passed away and I have a feeling I have a lot more grieving to do. I've not even begun going through Mom's things and will not be doing that for a while. I can bearly get up in the morning. So I am cutting myself some slack.

I decided to meet 2 very good friends for a late lunch. We've all lost people recently. Mo just lost her Mom about a month after Mom died and Q lost her grandmother.

It was nice getting out, with dear female friends, and talking.

When people ask me how I am, I hesitate telling them to full truth, but we did touch on some personal issues, 'girlie' topics, and enjoyed some reassuring conversation.

All in all a very nice time had by all.....got home with time to spare to get my groove on for the Grammy Awards.

Another bitter sweet night --Mom and I always watched the Grammy's. My Mom was one of THE coolest, THE hippest chicks in the world. Last year she just loved watching the lead singer from Cold Play in his sockless shoes and tight-tight shirt!

Every minute of every day will continue being a struggle.....I just hope I can endure.

New Tribe Skipper, Manny Acta

2nd day in a row I am hobnobbing with a Cleveland Indian.

This does not normally happen to me.

I was fortunate to attend the Press Club Luncheon with Manny Acta.


Though that in itself was a huge deal, there was an even bigger story unfolding.

This was the first time I had been back to the Terrace Club since Mom's 80th birthday bash and since she passed away. I knew I'd see old friends. I was looking forward to seeing familiar faces, I just did not know who they would be.

The 1st person I saw when I walked in was Kristan Dolan. Yes, she is related to the Indians' owner and she helped me plan Mom's party to a tee! But more importantly, Mom and I had gotten to know Kristan's Mom and Dad --two of the nicest people you could ever know. They immediately took a liking to Mom the minute they met her --the normal response when people met Mom.

I then saw Mary Jo, the manager. She and Mom were very close.

Many of the servers, the chefs, the bartenders....

The initial reason for me being back in the Terrace Club took a back seat to all of the emotions which came bursting through and I became teary-eyed and very shaken.

I had attended the luncheon alone so I sat at a table alone for a while. That was quite awkward. I hate events such as these. But, it was actually good I was alone because being back just knocked the breath out of me.

All of the great times Mom and I had there came rushing back and I was very overwhelmed. I have a feeling I will get this way time and time again until the day I die.

The lunch was fabulous as usual. And the presentation was tremendous. CLICK HERE for an article I wrote regarding Manny Acta's Terrace Club Event.


After his speech and the question & answer period was over, I was fortunate to chat with some staffers including Bob DiBiasio and Curtis Danburg. I shared Mom's story with them both and gave them copies of Mom's Christmas letter. I refreshed Bobby D's memory on how Mom sent him a letter way back when asking if any Indians could send her daughter 'sweet sixteen' birthday cards. Well, Mom came through. For my 16th birthday, though it was around Christmas and the off-season, I wound up getting birthday cards from all over the world from Cleveland Indians: Bo Diaz from Venezuela, Dave Duncan, Dave Garcia, Jerry Dybzinski, Rookie of the Year Joe Charboneau, Duane Kuiper, Wayne Kirby, and so many more! Mom always came through for me!


Then I waited in line to meet Manny Acta, get his autograph and take a picture with him. But more importantly, I told him that my mother passed away on the day he was named Cleveland Indians' manager. He and his team have the biggest Guardian Angel up in the Heavens and he better take advantage of that! He was very cordial, took the letter and said he would hang it in his office. Hopefully, if he does, it will inspire him and bring my Cleveland Indians --Mom's Cleveland Indians-- the luck they need for many years to come!


I managed to hold myself together until I walked out of the banquet hall. The minute I reached the elevators, the flood gates opened and never stopped the whole way home.

They were tears of joy. Even though Mom is gone, she continues making memories with me --making Cleveland Indians' memories with me, and it feels good!!!

Sandy Alomar, Jr.

What can I say.

My family has been so lucky and blessed through the years with all of our baseball experiences. We must have thousands of memories.

I was not about to pass up this next event for the potential of yet one more Cleveland Indian Memory.

Yesterday at work I found out that Sandy Alomar, Jr. was going to be taping something in studio. I made sure it was ok to come in and sit in studio during the interview. Everyone said no problem.

I have been meaning to mail Sandy a note, a few articles I have written on him, and a copy of Mom's Christmas letter.

I figured why mail it when I could give it to him in person.

And that I did.

Now the last time we all saw each other was years ago and I'm sure he did not remember me with all the people he meets...but I brought up a few stories to depict the history we've had together.

My oldest niece was/is his biggest fan. He called her a few times during his stint with the Indians....and I jogged his memory at how he mocked me when he saw me wearing a Herbert Perry t-shirt.

Good times!

I watched the taping with Matt Underwood, which was tremendous, and then approached him after the show.

Again, something I don't feel comfortable doing but it was like Mom was channelling through me and everything she would have said to him came out through me.

I first said hello to Matt, who I had worked with many many years ago. That sort of broke the ice hopefully showing Sandy that I was not really a crazy person (though I am!!).

Then I told him I had been meaning to mail some items to him and was thankful for the opportunity to give them to him in person.

I don't know if he read them. I may never know. But I certainly hope he took the time to read my articles which praised and honored him and depicted how endeared the city of Cleveland is to he and his family.....I also hope he read our annual Christmas letter. I tried to instill on him that he and the team have a heavy-hitting Guardian Angel in Heaven and they better call on her when they need her!

Doing the right thing

(Picture courtesy Gloria's family)

I've said this before and truly believe it. When you do the right thing, unexpected miracles happen.

A parishioner and the sister of one of Mom's dearest friends passed away--Gloria Karpinski Battisti. She was a tremendous person in her own right; however, well known as well for being the wife of Judge Battisti. Click here to read a longer version of a story I wrote depicting her life.

So our choir wanted to sing Gloria's Funeral Mass. Now, if you have been reading previous entries, you know that I have been a bit under the weather. Mercedes and Diane, Gloria's sisters, asked my Choir Director if I could sing a few songs. God was with me. My speaking voice sounded awful but my singing voice came out like an angel. I'm not patting myself on the back. I felt like those singers from other countries who speak with an accent but sound 'American' when they sing. It was the funniest thing!

Mercedes and Mom would debate after Mass WHO I was singing to and for. Mercedes proclaimed it was for her, and of course, my Mother said hands down it was for her!


During the funeral, I recognized one of the funeral directors.

Talk about a small world and one of the strangest things I could ever imagine.

One of the funeral directors also works at Progressive Field during baseball season. When we would go to the games and Mom was tired, we'd often get a wheelchair at the gate. Well, time and again, this man got to know us and before we even requested a chair, had one waiting at the gate for Mom. He'd wheel her to the top of our row and come back at the end of the game.

We've met so many special people along our journey who were strangers and became dear friends.

Well, this was one of God's angels we met along the way.

And to see him again where I least expected to meet him was mind blowing.

Afterward, I went up and spoke with him. I happened to have one of Mom's letters and passed it along to him. He was very sorry for my loss yet his face lit up when he spoke of Mom. He gave me his business card and said to keep in touch and that he'd see me at "Jacob's Field" come April!

Then we were all invited to lunch after the funeral. I must say, I was a bit apprehensive because I really do not like doing things by myself. But, sometimes you have to do something that makes you uncomfortable to help others. And am I glad I did! Not only did I dine with Mercedes and Diane but while we waited for them to get to the restaurant from the cemetery, I met the wife of one of my contacts...the friend of someone I used to work with AND saw a fellow high school mate and her mother.

I had a wonderful afternoon and it all started with sweaty palms and heart palpitations because I was afraid to venture into the unknown.

Where God is involved and when you are doing something to help someone else, never be afraid!

Hopefully hot lemonade will do the trick

I guess it was bound to happen.

That pesky cold bug has reared its ugly head.

It first came on masking itself as allergies but developed into a full blown cold.

I don't actually feel that bad but my cough sounds like I've been a smoker my entire life.

Have been taking cold medicine, and getting as much sleep as possible--not even feeling bad if I sleep well into the morning to try and shake this thing.

What usually does the trick is either hot tea with honey or Mom's special hot lemonade mixture. I can never get it quite the way Mom made it, but by golly, I've been getting very close!



Unfortunately, we've had a death in our church so I need to be in fine singing voice tomorrow to sing Gloria's funeral.

Fingers crossed and asking for a little help from above!!!

Golden Globe Mania

I've always been star struck, though oftentimes I don't lead on to it.

As long as I can remember we've watched all the award shows.

When I was a little girl, we'd watch lots of movies all together as a family.

Then right out of college, I was out and about having fun with my friends and I swayed from that tradition.

But as I got older, we got back to the movie scene, the award-watching tradition and again, being quite star struck.


It's so different, so hard, not having Mom here with me.

Many think it's because I relied on her for so much. And though, that's part of it, Mom was my best friend in the whole wide world. I enjoyed spending time with her. She was the coolest person I knew. I enjoyed taking my Mom to award ceremonies, concerts, ballgames, going out to dinner. I loved hanging with my Mom and I am very proud to say that!

She really is and will always be here.

And it's times like these, watching the Golden Globes, when I recall how truly similar we are. Mom and I hate when people in the limelight clap for themselves. One of our pet peeves. A nominated star hears their name being read and claps. Really! Exhibit a little self control. Let everyone else clap for you --be a bit humble and REALLY show your class by clapping for the others in your category!

I also notice our similarities when I hear comedy bits, such as in the Golden Globes, and I am in the minority not thinking they are funny at all --neither would Mom!


I guess I did rely on her for having my back when everyone else looked at me like I had three heads because my thinking differed from most. At least I always knew I had an ally in Mom!


For this year's Golden Globe winners and so much more, CLICK HERE!!!!

How rude!

Maybe it's because I don't have one of those fancy phones yet where texting is a breeze.

Maybe it's because I am not the center of attention and have people constantly calling or texting me.

Maybe if the two above were true, I would not be writing this entry.

I really can't take it when I am out with someone and all they do all night is answer their phone or worse, text constantly. Or leave the table to do both.

It happened again this weekend.

I was extremely excited to have dinner with a good friend I had not seen since before the holidays. I don't think I saw them since Mom's funeral. I still had their Christmas gifts.

But, it got so bad, I really wanted to just get up and say "I am out of here, good night."

Let's face it, I hate confrontation.


I am in the minority because I was raised differently. I was raised to think of others, to honor your elders, to say please and thank you, to hold doors open for those behind you, to make the sign of the cross when you drive by a church, to let someone with one grocery item go in front of you and your full cart, and so on.....

Kids today, people today have let the art of being kind and courteous fly out of the window.

And now with cell phones, any sign of chivalry, consideration, or face to face verbal communication seem to be gone for good!

I don't care what others do. On this front I am going to stay in the minority, remain an old fuddy duddy, and defer to the days of yore by following Mom's teachings.

When I am out with someone, I want to be with that person, not their cell phone, their neighbors who keep calling, their boyfriend who keeps asking when they will be done....and the next time I WILL get up and leave.

Mom's blooming Christmas Cactus

How does it know when to bloom?

Really?

I must ask my oldest niece whose many talents include gardening as she works for a gardening trade magazine.

Mom loved her Christmas Cactus.

I kind of have a green thumb.

I had a garden for many years as a child. I followed someone else's orders on what to do when planting beets, swiss chard, and everything else. I could not keep straight whether to dig a burrow or just stick the seeds in....very confusing.

But once I utilized someone else's expertise, my garden grew!!

Same thing with flowers and plants.

I handle most plants the same way...but I water, talk to, nurture, and try to keep them alive as best I can.

The way Mom's Christmas Cactus is flourishing this year can only be described as a miracle. It's not me. No way.

It's Mom and her gentle hand, her love, and yet another tangible gift she is giving me to remind me that she is not very far away.

Thank you, Mom!

wii all had a great night!

Birthdays 'usually' are tremendous--unless they fall during the holidays.

My youngest niece and I have birthdays at the holidays.

Mom used to make sure my birthday never got buried and I try to do the same with anyone I know who experiences similar phenomena.

So not to sweep Colleen's birthday under the carpet, we celebrated her birthday on a day other than one of the holidays.....got her favorite pizza and just had a wonderful night all together.

Come on, anytime I can see her rugrats is a good day.

We played games, music, laughed, ate....and 5 and 1/2 hours later, were tuckered out....

Colleen and Sara serenaded us....with John always the bandleader and the jokester....

What a great night together first and foremost--even on one of the coldest nights of the year....toss in some good food, lots of laughter, cute dogs, and friendly competition--which spurred on even more laughter!!!

Dumplings & Sauerkraut

Tradition.

It would not be New Year's Day without eating and making dumplings and sauerkraut.

I hope this tradition lasts forever, or at least for me, through my lifetime....but a great tribute to our ancestors if it continues to be passed on from generation to generation.

When all was said and done, we'd made 40 pounds of potatoes!

At first, we made just over 30 pounds but my stubborn determination got the best of me and I eventually finished off the rest....

Half of the fun truly is gathering early, putting on the sauerkraut, letting it simmer as the rich aroma swirls throughout the house as we attempt to make the potato dumplings.

Mom was the Queen. She had the touch. We came close this year but it was definitely not the same. However, I'm sure we all did her proud.

As for me, never fails, after I place the final dumpling into the pot of boiling water, I am covered in flour and must change before we sit down to eat.

I would not have it any other way!

And to those who are not familiar with this ritual, they cringe and make the oddest of faces as we tell them we encourage slathering the hot grease which the pork was cooking in all over our dumplings, sauerkraut and pork.

Come on, one day out of the year, we indulge. And do we!

Send Text Message: Happy New Year!

A sign of the times: at midnight, the 'Happy New Year' text messages started swirling through the phone lines as actively as the champagne was being poured.

And frankly, that's a good thing.

No matter where I was or where the rest of my family happened to be, we all text messaged each other as 2010 blew in....it was very nice to hear from them all and wish them a Happy New Year as soon as Dick Clark's out of order countdown was complete --even though I knew we'd all be together soon.

And to a core group of friends, I admit I sent out a pre-written template message that was quite homey and personal.

And to one particular friend who got ticked off by my Christmas mass text not realizing that people actually do that, I made sure his was quite 'personalized.'


My wish for you: a happy, healthy, prosperous new year surrounded by the love of family and friends!