Valentines Day!!!

For Christmas this year, CC and I each opened a small box from Scott.....

I cried when I saw a ticket to see Tony Bennett in Boston on Valentines Day!!

I'm so excited and counting down the days!

Father son excursion

 TJ will be heading off for college at the end of the month.  So before he takes off Scott and TJ planned one last hoorah!

The 100 mile wilderness hike!!

Not my cup of tea, but hey, they were excited and they've been talking about it for two years!

So I woke up early yesterday morning, made my coffee, watched them gather a weeks worth of supplies, and then drove them to the trail!

I heard from them yesterday afternoon and they completed 14 miles.  Scott twisted his knee, but stopped and iced it in some streams.  I just got a call this morning from Scott and his knee is not hurting at all, but he is babying it just to be safe!  All is well with them and they are having fun!

Tony Bennett "Smile"

This isn't the best video, but I wanted to post one that reflected what we 

saw Saturday night at the theater.

I never knew the story behind this song.

Words can't even express how overwhelming it was for me to sit there

while Tony Bennett sang 26 songs right in front of me.  One of my dad's favorite singers, He first saw Tony Bennette in Atlantic City.  I fought to hold back tears a lot.  Especially when his daughter came out and they sang together.

This was a "once in a lifetime" for my daughter, my mom, my son, my husband and myself.  I am so grateful to my husband that I was able to go!

My daughter is still speechless, and is still trying to process the whole experience...

My mom cried as it took her back to memories of my dad....

My son was totally impressed with the musicians....

My husband throughly enjoyed every minute....

Me...well, you know where I stand!

Doris Day Tony Bennett I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I don't really have a "Bucket List" but if I didn't this would be at the top! To see Tony Bennett!!! Live!!! In concert!! So my wonderful husband decided to track down where he would be and is taking my daughter, son, mother and myself to go see him.  We are super excited!!!  Scott and my son are looking forward to it, but not like us girls.  There is somewhat of a connection to my dad when I hear the crooner's music.  It turns me into a sentimental fool! I instantly think of my dad, my grandparents, and a way of life back then that was elegant, the type of entertainment they enjoyed. The mere thought of actually seeing Tony Bennett sing those songs can even produce a tear or two in the corners of my eyes.  It's just because of my dad.

I am super excited that my daughter is going be able to go as well as my mom.  My dad introduced me to classic movies and music when I was a teenager.  Turner Classic Movies was on quite a bit at my house when I was growing up.  I remember watching the movies with my dad, and it's probably why I feel the connection to my past thru the old music and movies.  I have now been watching classic movies and listening to the crooner's music with my daughter since she was 4.  She loves the fashion, the music, and the movies from the 30's, 40's, and 50's.  She gives Michael Buble the thumbs down on Pandora, because he just won't do.  It has to be the original crooners! It's just the rule.  Classic movies need to be the originals, remakes are very rarely accepted.  These are our rules and we live by them faithfully! :)

So this weekend should be a weekend to remember.  I'm not sure how old Tony Bennett is, but one woman said to me when I told her we were going to see him, "He's still around?!" Yes, he's still around and he's touring the globe and singing!!

Franks's Cucina

So when Scott asked me if I wanted to attend an Italian Supper Club, I said sure why not!

I had no idea how fun, relaxed, and amazing it would be!

I would make the trip to Cape Cod for this one night !!!

Frank (above and below) putting the finishing touches on 

pan seared flounder served on pan fried daikon radish slices with his balsamic reduction!

WOW!! doesn't even begin to describe it!!

Lobster and baby artichoke risotto.....

AMAZING!!!!

Their home is so warm and inviting.  A traditional Cape that has one of the most welcoming

atmospheres I have ever been in.  

I have yet to find this in a restaurant!

Frank prepares the main course!

Warm Salad with spring lamb with white asparagus, and Japanese mushrooms, finished with a Saba vinaigrette ! 

Here is where I came undone!!!!

Pear tartlet with marzipan and caramel sauce, with homemade vanilla bean gelato!

Weekend Getaway

My one an only <3 ......

Driving through the city of Boston....

I'm certainly NOT a city girl.....

The Boston Garden....

The worst part of the trip for me....

I HATE tunnels...

Finally in Cape Cod.....

Hyannis...

Reminded us of the coast of Maine...

Pretty....

There is a howling cold wind blowing......

...but...

..we're not thinking about that today...

..we're drying sundresses!

Flavored Water

When Scott and I stayed at Hawks Cay in Florida for our 20 year 

anniversary, we went to a spa.

When our massage and facial was done we relaxed in our robes and slippers, and sipped

this Blueberry and White tea antioxidant mixed with our water.

It was so good, we brought a bottle home.

It is delicious and adds a light taste to my ice water.

Islamorata Fishing

We took an entire day to go fishing for Tarpon

I can't even count the turtles, ray's, and sharks we saw!

Scott caught a Lemon Shark! 

Number 5 on the most dangerous!

The water was so beautiful and very shallow......

Here's Scott's 125lb Tarpon....

Took him 45 min to reel him in!

The captain released it and that Tarpon took off like lightning!

Aleta and Delta

One of the things we did on our trip was swim with dolphins! We chose the

Dolphin Research Center

in Marathon Key.  It was a great experience!!

Meet Aleta (in back) and her 1 year old son Delta!

Cute face!

Giving Scott a fin ride!

So much fun!

Delta is still learning to give kisses, and this is as far as he will go right now....

Mama Aleta

Hawks Cay Resort

This is the amazing resort we stayed at in Duck Key! 

It was beautiful!!

Every other night they lit this fire and had live entertainment....

(Photo from the web)

One of the two pools they had!  Heated I might add!

(Photo from the web)

The man made salt water lagoon! I didn't swim in it ....

...it wasn't heated!!

20 Year Anniversary Trip Pt.2

The first stop.........Robbie's Marina to feet the tarpon! 

Tarpon have tiny little teeth, kinda like sand paper.  

Their big ol' fish!

So this is how it works......you buy a bucket of fish, and dig your thumb nail into to tail end and hold on!

Dangle it just above the water and watch the tarpon eyeball it.......

They are quick as lightning....they jump up and will take the fish and part of your hand (if your lucky),

then you can come home and show everyone your tarpon scars and scrapes!

It's a guy thing!