The Gypsy Wagon

This One's For You, Lara!

Pink Tennis Balls
Originally uploaded by The Gypsy Wagon.

Because I know that the plethora of pink products drives Lara crazy, I have been a little slow to reveal these babies, but I can't take it anymore. I found these at Target, and I LOVE them. I don't think John is quite as keen on them, but Cullen doesn't mind. I only bought one can, but should have bought more. They match the pink swoosh on my tennis shoes, and my pink tennis shirt. And while I am on the subject of confessions, Lara - I really kind of like the pink Kitchen Aid mixer!

And Sew On. . .

And Sew On. . .
Originally uploaded by The Gypsy Wagon.

How it can be Monday again is beyond me! The weekend passed in a blur of swim meet, laundry, church, swim meet, lacrosse practice and general household mayhem.

I am missing that hour that I lost Saturday night/Sunday morning - although I really need an extra 24 hours to catch up. Spring break is in effect for Cullen - although not for my big two to their dismay. I am taking the time that I have between events to quilt up the 3rd grade quilt for the spring fundraising auction. No elaborate quilting for this piece - just simple stitch in the ditch around each portrait. Perhaps I'll add some free-motion quilting in the sashing between the blocks; most of that will depend on the time available for the project. The problem with sewing this particular item is that I am thinking of all the other projects that I need to be working on simultaneously - not to mention regular household maintenance. And - it's spring break so we've gotta have some fun too!

Tomorrow I plan to take Cullen and a friend to the Navy lacrosse game - which is conveniently (for me) taking place at 10 am. The weather is supposed to be in the 70's - a first for this spring. My goal is to get this baby ready for binding so I can finish it off while sitting in the sun at the game!

They went to the chapel . . .

Newlyweds 1
Originally uploaded by The Gypsy Wagon.

And it was beautiful! The wedding was a wonderful success - full of bright young faces, tears, flowers, enormous swelling organ music, satin and organza, ribbons and medals. What a lovely day.

After the arch of swords, the bridal party stopped for some wedding photos.  The rest of the guests were treated to the  festive piping from one of the midshipmen bagpipers.  He was dressed in full regalia - including the polaris tartan - which is only worn by the pipers at the Naval Academy;  he led the procession of guests to the reception site, and played as the guests entered.  It was the perfect way to bridge the wedding and the reception.

After the bride and groom arrived with their wedding party, the reception rolled into full swing.  One of the groom's younger brother's played the guitar and sang a Jack Johnson song for their first dance - so beautiful.  The music was terrific, the food delicious and the company was excellent. 

As the night drew to a close, I am sure that some of the younger members of the wedding party were just getting started, but I was happy to end the night with best wishes to the new couple, and happy memories of our wedding!

Wedding Day!

Bridal brunch food
Originally uploaded by The Gypsy Wagon.

Today's the day - we're midway through and needing a nap in order to refuel for the afternoon's festivities. We had the bridal brunch this morning, and it was a success!

John and I got up at 5:30 to start the preps, and Carey joined us at 6:30. As an aside, I couldn't have thrown this party without her help - she was a consumate party giver. Yesterday, with my friend Laura's help, I prepped the creme brulee french toast, and had it soaking in the fridge (all 32 egg yolks and gallon of heavy cream!) - and we cut and sauteed the vegetables in the vegetable frittata. I washed the fruit, cooked the sausage patties.

After the rehearsal dinner last night, John and Conner moved the two additional tables out of the basement and into the dining room and living room. We put tablecloths on them and started setting the tables last night. The flowers were done, so we placed those on the tables, and then collapsed from exhaustion.

Today with all of the prep work done, the main objective was getting the frittatas and the french toast baked. The frittatas went into the oven at 6:30 this morning and weren't done til 8, and the french toast went in around 8, and I was pulling it out of the oven as guests were arriving. It was delicious, and the french toast really was sinful. I balanced that out with a healthy serving of vegetable frittata and threw in a bonus of some berries. There was only time for one weak mimosa, but that's just as well. I might have fallen asleep on the table had there been time for more. Now I have time for a quick rest before changing for the afternoon wedding. Maybe more pix soon!

Happy Flowers

Here are the centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner.  There are six tables and each table gets a centerpiece, 5 votive candles, placecards and more.  I'll take pictures tomorrow night when they are all set up.   

After much gnashing of teeth in trying to find sunflowers locally only to be told that I didn't have enough time for the local florists to order them, I went to the 'net for help.  I surfed until I found wholesale florists who don't require a business license in order to purchase from them.  I ended up here, and was thrilled to find the sunflowers I wanted, at a reasonable price, able to be delivered when I needed them!  The stems are long, and the bright happy sunflower faces make such a strong impact.  I ordered 75 stems and split them among 6 tall vases.  Each one has a single curly willow stem for interest.  Corralled on my dining room table, they look great - and they are brightening up a gray day!