Thursday, March 31, 2005
$1.96
A bit nuts when I drove by the gas station, saw the price, and thought "that's a great price for gas!"
Linda's Little Deli
Forest Acres: 4130 Bethel Church Rd., 787-4351
Mon-Fri 11 a.m-3 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
A Hidden Gem in Forest Acres
By G.J. Wesley[reviewed 3/30/05]
Tucked away in the back of an ordinary old-style convenience store in Forest Acres, Linda’s Little Deli thrives on sparkling word of mouth and stellar food. You won’t find any signs outside marking the deli or advertisements in local papers about the daily soup specials. They don’t need to advertise — the packed lunchroom and empty plates speak for themselves.
We arrived a bit dubious after searching for Linda’s Little Deli up and down Bethel Church Road. Our fears subsided after hearing the deli staff greet customers by name, the gentle murmur of engaged conversation, and seeing a menu packed with options. The deli prepares the basics, including egg salad and BLTs ($3.75), alongside more adventurous Greek Turkey Pitas ($4.95).
If a deli can master the lowly BLT, it is a good sign that the rest of the menu is OK, too. Linda’s prepared an amazing BLT with the perfect balance of bacon and crispy lettuce. All sandwiches come with a side of chips, but other reputable sides are available, too, including Pasta Salad ($1.50) and Fruit Salad ($2.95). Both sides tasted much better than your average deli. Tri-colored rotini, Parmesan, fresh tomatoes, shredded carrots and black olives made for a delicious pasta salad. The fruit salad also fared well, with cantaloupe and honeydew chunks, strawberries, pineapple and grapes — all drizzled with a light yogurt sauce and topped with crushed walnuts.
Our other entrées, a gigantic Club ($5.75) and Chicken Salad Plate ($4.75), also met our newly elevated expectations. The Club — cut into four triangular sections of ham, turkey, cheddar, Swiss cheese, lettuce, bacon and tomato on white toast — was so tall that it was impossible to bite through all of the layers at once. Definitely more than a meal, we took a few wedges home for an afternoon snack.
Taking in the view of The Other Store, complete with shelves of Gatorade and Meow Mix just beyond our lattice partition, I enjoyed the Chicken Salad Plate. Usually my biggest issue with chicken salad in Columbia is the overabundant use of mayonnaise. Linda’s, however, manages to create a very agreeable version of this staple, with all-white-breast chicken, just enough mayo, and pecans on a bed of lettuce. Simple, direct and no frills. A side of ripe red tomatoes with the house vinaigrette, crackers and the fruit salad accompanied my dollop of chicken salad to round out the light meal.
Ladies lunching around us raved about the Greek Turkey Pita ($4.95), filled with turkey, cucumbers, lettuce and feta. Cries of “this is delicious” came from the mouths of those enjoying the Chef Salad. The salad, made essentially the same as the club, is even better with the mysterious but amazing house vinaigrette dressing.
I finished off our lunch with a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake ($2.95), which I ended up sharing with the rest of the table. Served on a bed of graham cracker crust, the cheesecake was super light and creamy, and laced with hints of strawberry — unlike the soupy strawberry sauce some places dump on top. Not usually a huge cheesecake fan, this slice tasted perfect. Linda’s also has glass jars filled with a variety of fresh cookies (2/$1) at the counter if you are looking for sweets to go.
Linda’s is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Forest Acres area. I know we’ll be back, maybe for Wednesday’s Cajun and Creole specials, or perhaps just to enjoy another perfect BLT.
Mon-Fri 11 a.m-3 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
A Hidden Gem in Forest Acres
By G.J. Wesley[reviewed 3/30/05]
Tucked away in the back of an ordinary old-style convenience store in Forest Acres, Linda’s Little Deli thrives on sparkling word of mouth and stellar food. You won’t find any signs outside marking the deli or advertisements in local papers about the daily soup specials. They don’t need to advertise — the packed lunchroom and empty plates speak for themselves.
We arrived a bit dubious after searching for Linda’s Little Deli up and down Bethel Church Road. Our fears subsided after hearing the deli staff greet customers by name, the gentle murmur of engaged conversation, and seeing a menu packed with options. The deli prepares the basics, including egg salad and BLTs ($3.75), alongside more adventurous Greek Turkey Pitas ($4.95).
If a deli can master the lowly BLT, it is a good sign that the rest of the menu is OK, too. Linda’s prepared an amazing BLT with the perfect balance of bacon and crispy lettuce. All sandwiches come with a side of chips, but other reputable sides are available, too, including Pasta Salad ($1.50) and Fruit Salad ($2.95). Both sides tasted much better than your average deli. Tri-colored rotini, Parmesan, fresh tomatoes, shredded carrots and black olives made for a delicious pasta salad. The fruit salad also fared well, with cantaloupe and honeydew chunks, strawberries, pineapple and grapes — all drizzled with a light yogurt sauce and topped with crushed walnuts.
Our other entrées, a gigantic Club ($5.75) and Chicken Salad Plate ($4.75), also met our newly elevated expectations. The Club — cut into four triangular sections of ham, turkey, cheddar, Swiss cheese, lettuce, bacon and tomato on white toast — was so tall that it was impossible to bite through all of the layers at once. Definitely more than a meal, we took a few wedges home for an afternoon snack.
Taking in the view of The Other Store, complete with shelves of Gatorade and Meow Mix just beyond our lattice partition, I enjoyed the Chicken Salad Plate. Usually my biggest issue with chicken salad in Columbia is the overabundant use of mayonnaise. Linda’s, however, manages to create a very agreeable version of this staple, with all-white-breast chicken, just enough mayo, and pecans on a bed of lettuce. Simple, direct and no frills. A side of ripe red tomatoes with the house vinaigrette, crackers and the fruit salad accompanied my dollop of chicken salad to round out the light meal.
Ladies lunching around us raved about the Greek Turkey Pita ($4.95), filled with turkey, cucumbers, lettuce and feta. Cries of “this is delicious” came from the mouths of those enjoying the Chef Salad. The salad, made essentially the same as the club, is even better with the mysterious but amazing house vinaigrette dressing.
I finished off our lunch with a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake ($2.95), which I ended up sharing with the rest of the table. Served on a bed of graham cracker crust, the cheesecake was super light and creamy, and laced with hints of strawberry — unlike the soupy strawberry sauce some places dump on top. Not usually a huge cheesecake fan, this slice tasted perfect. Linda’s also has glass jars filled with a variety of fresh cookies (2/$1) at the counter if you are looking for sweets to go.
Linda’s is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Forest Acres area. I know we’ll be back, maybe for Wednesday’s Cajun and Creole specials, or perhaps just to enjoy another perfect BLT.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Weekend
I'm back in Columbia after a whirlwind week on St. Simons with Mom, Dad, Mario and the dog. We decorated/furnished one townhouse, found contractors for the other, and we'll have ceramic tile in our house by the end of the weekend.
Fueled by dark chocolate kit kats from the Easter Bunny we did marathon shopping in local stores, averaged 3 shopping carts per store, and managed to blow up Mom's credit card. There is nothing more embarassing than standing in the line at Wal-Mart on a rainy Saturday with three baskets overflowing with stuff and having your mother's credit card rejected about 3 times. Hooray for Mario and his Amex!
Fueled by dark chocolate kit kats from the Easter Bunny we did marathon shopping in local stores, averaged 3 shopping carts per store, and managed to blow up Mom's credit card. There is nothing more embarassing than standing in the line at Wal-Mart on a rainy Saturday with three baskets overflowing with stuff and having your mother's credit card rejected about 3 times. Hooray for Mario and his Amex!
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Spare Time?
Mario and I spent a bit of time on this site that guesses any dictator or sitcom character. We tried Dharma, Tapanka, and a few from I Dream of Jeannie. It's really very good, but beware because it's a time sucker. I promised I'd post it on the blog for Mario so he could try and trump it while I'm gone. (Link courtesy of Pop Culture Reviewed)
Monday, March 21, 2005
Kudos!
Super congratulations to Stan! He's the University of Massachusetts latest and greatest tenure track professor!
Easter Bunny
Dear Easter Bunny:
I just wanted to touch base to let you know that I'll be on St. Simons this Easter so that you can find me easily to deliver my basket. I thought it also might be a good idea to give you a few hints about things I'd love to find inside:
1. Jelly Belly beans
2. an Ipod
3. the Moosewood Cookbook
4. the new Nanci Griffith CD
5. another black and white photo of St. Simons
6. dark chocolate
7. a new pedometer (I dropped my last one in the toilet by accident)
8. yellow peeps
Many hugs and your biggest fan,
Gwen
P.S. I've been much better this year than my brother or Mario.
I just wanted to touch base to let you know that I'll be on St. Simons this Easter so that you can find me easily to deliver my basket. I thought it also might be a good idea to give you a few hints about things I'd love to find inside:
1. Jelly Belly beans
2. an Ipod
3. the Moosewood Cookbook
4. the new Nanci Griffith CD
5. another black and white photo of St. Simons
6. dark chocolate
7. a new pedometer (I dropped my last one in the toilet by accident)
8. yellow peeps
Many hugs and your biggest fan,
Gwen
P.S. I've been much better this year than my brother or Mario.
Monday Ramblings
1. The whole Terry Schiavo thing continues to bug me. Probably from all of the sustained treatment I watched on the oncology floor at Lexington Medical Center. So, here's a general plea, make your living wills now. If you've got questions, ask me. You don't need a fancy expensive lawyer, you can do it for free. The forms for all 50 states are on-line here for living wills and health care power of attorney.
2. I wish I charged my battery last night. It's gorgeous outside and I'd rather be on-line outside on our newly decorated deck. Yesterday we purchased a bunch of palmy plants and flowers to put in giant pots outside. We had dinner outside via candle and motion dectector light. Tres romantic.
3. My 3.0 team has a tennis match tonite (our name: the Love Me Nots) at Greenview. However, it's important to understand that in league play around here, the snacks and beverages afterward are FAR more important than the actual game. I'm more concerned about whether or not the snack I bring will be okay compared to how I play. So, my challenge is to go to Publix this afternoon and either find a sweet that I can cleverly repackage to pass off as my own or to find something simple enough to make.
4. We have a fax line at home (2 rings = fax, 1 ring = call) and somebody keeps ringing the bloody fax without faxing.
2. I wish I charged my battery last night. It's gorgeous outside and I'd rather be on-line outside on our newly decorated deck. Yesterday we purchased a bunch of palmy plants and flowers to put in giant pots outside. We had dinner outside via candle and motion dectector light. Tres romantic.
3. My 3.0 team has a tennis match tonite (our name: the Love Me Nots) at Greenview. However, it's important to understand that in league play around here, the snacks and beverages afterward are FAR more important than the actual game. I'm more concerned about whether or not the snack I bring will be okay compared to how I play. So, my challenge is to go to Publix this afternoon and either find a sweet that I can cleverly repackage to pass off as my own or to find something simple enough to make.
4. We have a fax line at home (2 rings = fax, 1 ring = call) and somebody keeps ringing the bloody fax without faxing.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
B.P.
Introducing the newest member of our family thanks to Michael and Mikie.
D.O.B. 3/14/2005
Full Name: B.P.
Height: 14 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
Fur Color: Caramel
Eye Color: Brown
Belongs To: Baby Pacella
D.O.B. 3/14/2005
Full Name: B.P.
Height: 14 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
Fur Color: Caramel
Eye Color: Brown
Belongs To: Baby Pacella
Belly--14 weeks
It's coming along. Either its the start of the baby or I ate too much/have a lot of gas.
We'll continue with the belly photos over the next few months.
We'll continue with the belly photos over the next few months.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Charlotte
We hit the road to enjoy
1. Lunch with Mikie
2. Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's
3. A trip to Costco
Great fun at lunch and my lettuce wrap craving is satisfied for now. Between Mama Fu's in Charleston and Chang's up in Charlotte I think we'll make it through the next few months. I may need to go and visit Michael and Mikie more often...
Costco cracks me up. Michael and I spent so much time there when we were kids it seems totally natural to go on an afternoon, roam up and down the aisles, try all of the samples, not buy a thing, and to grap a hot dog and coke on the way out. I think Mario dreads my Costco trips because I do go up and down the aisles, eat all of the samples, and a trip seems incomplete without a $1.50 kosher hot dog.
Today we arrived armed with Costco cash (thanks Dad!) and splurged on quite a few items including new halogen track lights for our new kitchen, one of those memory foam pillows (Caroline's reccomendation), and new clothes for Mario.
Bailey even emerged with a gift in hand, a brand new puppy bed. We hope it he likes it...it only took him 4 years to use the last one we bought for him.
1. Lunch with Mikie
2. Lettuce Wraps from P.F. Chang's
3. A trip to Costco
Great fun at lunch and my lettuce wrap craving is satisfied for now. Between Mama Fu's in Charleston and Chang's up in Charlotte I think we'll make it through the next few months. I may need to go and visit Michael and Mikie more often...
Costco cracks me up. Michael and I spent so much time there when we were kids it seems totally natural to go on an afternoon, roam up and down the aisles, try all of the samples, not buy a thing, and to grap a hot dog and coke on the way out. I think Mario dreads my Costco trips because I do go up and down the aisles, eat all of the samples, and a trip seems incomplete without a $1.50 kosher hot dog.
Today we arrived armed with Costco cash (thanks Dad!) and splurged on quite a few items including new halogen track lights for our new kitchen, one of those memory foam pillows (Caroline's reccomendation), and new clothes for Mario.
Bailey even emerged with a gift in hand, a brand new puppy bed. We hope it he likes it...it only took him 4 years to use the last one we bought for him.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Maternity Tags
From what I can tell so far:
In Due Time = Target
Liz Lange = Target
Announcements = Kmart
Duo = JC Pennys
Motherhood = Motherhood
Baby and Me = Kohls
Majamas = Boutique
Japanese Weekend = Boutique
Miami Something = Boutique
In Due Time = Target
Liz Lange = Target
Announcements = Kmart
Duo = JC Pennys
Motherhood = Motherhood
Baby and Me = Kohls
Majamas = Boutique
Japanese Weekend = Boutique
Miami Something = Boutique
Fun Mail!
Got this great package in the mail from Jen yesterday! I'm sure Baby P will love wearing the new Pooh outfit and hat...
My favorite part: the little bear head mittens! Thanks a bunch Jen!
My favorite part: the little bear head mittens! Thanks a bunch Jen!
Irish Luck
Last night at Bunco, not only did I win $45 for having the worst score of the bunch, but I actually met someone who made me laugh, has a book club, and also keeps a blog!
Bunco has to be the only game that has absolutely no advantage to being sober. None. Well, you can be the 'designated' score keeper if you're only drinking Gatorade but that really doesn't carry any special benefits.
Mario wanted to know what 'we' were going to do with 'my' winnings. Hmmm...winnings are winnings, it's my choice to share. But I think I hear a few new novels calling my name instead.
Bunco has to be the only game that has absolutely no advantage to being sober. None. Well, you can be the 'designated' score keeper if you're only drinking Gatorade but that really doesn't carry any special benefits.
Mario wanted to know what 'we' were going to do with 'my' winnings. Hmmm...winnings are winnings, it's my choice to share. But I think I hear a few new novels calling my name instead.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Firsts...
I just knew it. As I crossed the parking lot at Taco Bell a vague familiarity set in. It was a close and trusting relationship ended with desperate measures. In my heart I recognized that forgiveness now was out the question.
To be sure, I walked around the rear looking for the usual markings. I found the nooks and crannies that only I knew about, the soft rounded edges, and scars from lovebites. Facing forward around the front, it became unmistakable. When I saw it, my heart trembled, my knees grew a bit weaker, and I walked to my car in disbelief.
Parked right beside me, on an ordinary March day in Columbia, I found my beloved. The one Mario wouldn't let me see anymore, replicate, or live with. My 1997 red Mazda Protege. The one I had to give away to the sleazy used car dealers in exchange for our family cruiser. Gone five speed glory. Gone low gas mileage. Gone...my very first and only new car.
I never thought we'd see each other again. It might have been better that way, but at least I feel a bit more closure after our midday encounter.
To be sure, I walked around the rear looking for the usual markings. I found the nooks and crannies that only I knew about, the soft rounded edges, and scars from lovebites. Facing forward around the front, it became unmistakable. When I saw it, my heart trembled, my knees grew a bit weaker, and I walked to my car in disbelief.
Parked right beside me, on an ordinary March day in Columbia, I found my beloved. The one Mario wouldn't let me see anymore, replicate, or live with. My 1997 red Mazda Protege. The one I had to give away to the sleazy used car dealers in exchange for our family cruiser. Gone five speed glory. Gone low gas mileage. Gone...my very first and only new car.
I never thought we'd see each other again. It might have been better that way, but at least I feel a bit more closure after our midday encounter.
Chicago
Anyhow, I'm going to visit Jen for a certified Girl's Weekend (April 14-19) complete with art galleries, manicures, pedicures, dining, and gossip. And somewhere along the way we'll complete our master plan for the Bachelor/Bachelorette party we are planning for Tim and Becky in Boston this July.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Rain Rain Go Away
It's freezing here in Columbia today. Rain, cold, wind...a good stay inside day. Mario came home for lunch and made us both steaming mugs of real hot chocolate...a nice treat but what we really want is the sunshine we saw this past weekend.
Baby had issues last night at tennis and I ended up forfieting the second set. My stomach and insides were churning terribly so I called the match early and drove home to shower and stretch out. So far I really am enjoying the tennis, not sure what went wrong last night but I hope it doesn't happen again.
Mario and I closed on our refinance so our kitchen project can begin soon. Tonite we are heading out for more estimates, projections, and ideas. The plan is to remodel the kitchen (with new cabinets and countertops) before baby arrives this Fall.
Oh...I also purchased my airline tickets to Chicago to visit
Baby had issues last night at tennis and I ended up forfieting the second set. My stomach and insides were churning terribly so I called the match early and drove home to shower and stretch out. So far I really am enjoying the tennis, not sure what went wrong last night but I hope it doesn't happen again.
Mario and I closed on our refinance so our kitchen project can begin soon. Tonite we are heading out for more estimates, projections, and ideas. The plan is to remodel the kitchen (with new cabinets and countertops) before baby arrives this Fall.
Oh...I also purchased my airline tickets to Chicago to visit
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Monday, March 14, 2005
Names
Found this fun site that ranks names by popularity over the past 100 years. So far we don't have any solid names but are more than open to suggestions.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
St. Simons Island
Mario and I are escaping the paint fumes in the beach house bathroom and hallway tonite at the King and Prince mooching off of their wireless internet. Did you know that Mc Donald's down here even has wi-fi access? Dad and I checked that out on Friday, the only rule I had was that you couldn't use the computer and eat french fries at the same time.
We enjoyed a busy weekend in the 70's and 80's. Dad and I hit all of the garage sales on the island Saturday morning in search of baby bargains. We walked away with a few so the beach house should be well stocked with baby gear by September.
He treated Mario and I to dinner at Blue Water in the village, Spanky's for lunch, and Mateo's for dinner last night. We ate plenty and our bellies are very happy this weekend.
Bailey did the usual swimming at the beach and Mario did his usual bike ride around the island. I took lots of delicious naps and Dad soaked in the sunshine at the pool. A gorgeous and enjoyable weekend. However, my battery is on it's way out, so I'll sign out and post more later.
We enjoyed a busy weekend in the 70's and 80's. Dad and I hit all of the garage sales on the island Saturday morning in search of baby bargains. We walked away with a few so the beach house should be well stocked with baby gear by September.
He treated Mario and I to dinner at Blue Water in the village, Spanky's for lunch, and Mateo's for dinner last night. We ate plenty and our bellies are very happy this weekend.
Bailey did the usual swimming at the beach and Mario did his usual bike ride around the island. I took lots of delicious naps and Dad soaked in the sunshine at the pool. A gorgeous and enjoyable weekend. However, my battery is on it's way out, so I'll sign out and post more later.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Baby Pacella
Wow. We had our third doctor's appointment today and enjoyed seeing our baby in 4D with the miracle of technology.
The entire experience felt a bit overwhelming and very real.
Other highlights included hearing the heart beat (162 beats per minute) go whoosha whoosha whoosha.
The entire experience felt a bit overwhelming and very real.
Other highlights included hearing the heart beat (162 beats per minute) go whoosha whoosha whoosha.
Boy or Girl?
It's too early to tell and we decided not to find out, but while in the ultra sound room Mario admitted that he had a twinge of wanting to know.
Here the kid has its hands up to it's eyes and according to our most recent internet update, the kid is officially the size of a lime.
Here the kid has its hands up to it's eyes and according to our most recent internet update, the kid is officially the size of a lime.
Spine
Here's a picture of the baby on the side view with a pretty good picture of the spine.
The critter kept moving around so we tried a variety of different positions and probes to get the most interesting photos. But the spine looks good, the heart sounds good, and we're happy campers.
The critter kept moving around so we tried a variety of different positions and probes to get the most interesting photos. But the spine looks good, the heart sounds good, and we're happy campers.
Choice Aplenty at Subras
Subras
Food ***1/2
Service **1/2
St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1201 Bush River Rd., 798-8011
After spending three months in India, I jumped at the chance to review Subras, which serves Indian cuisine in the location formerly occupied by Royal Taaj on Broad River Road. Armed with a food budget, strong cravings and a new knowledge of Indian cuisine, I headed to Subras to find out what had changed under its new ownership.
The interior of the restaurant is the same, complete with a wall mural of the Taj Mahal and river scenes, and it’s downright plush compared to some of eateries I experienced traveling in India.
Subras has a full bar complete with a selection of Indian beers, wine and mixed drinks. A King Fisher (22 ounces) costs $3.50 and is a nice quencher after a spicy stuffed Vegetable Samosa ($1.99), a deep-fried pastry filled with potatoes, green peas and carrots.If you’re not in the mood for beer, try my new personal favorite: the Plain Lassi ($1.89), a yogurt and milk drink chilled over ice. Lassi drinks come in a variety of flavors including salted, sweet and mango and go well with a meal or as a dessert drink, similar to a smoothie.
Subras hosts an all-you-can-eat Lunch Buffet ($5.95) every day and a Grand Dinner Buffet ($9.95) on Friday and Saturday evenings. Unlike some other Indian buffets in Columbia, which can be confusing, Subras clearly marks and labels each item on its buffet. The foods offered at the buffet reflect a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items offered on the general menu.In order to try as many things as possible, I chose the dinner buffet.
The buffet bursted with fresh raita (a yogurt cucumber sauce that cools the palette), salad, mango chutney, mint sauce and traditional salad dressings. Further down, I heaped lemon rice with cilantro, peanuts and cardamom pods on my plate, followed by Channa Masala, a spicy dish with garbanzo beans in an onion tomato sauce. Both compared well with my experience at other Indian restaurants, but the dishes on this buffet seemed to have a bit more kick than those at Delhi Palace.
I also sampled a few additional vegetarian options, including Navratan Korma and Puv Bhaji. Both mixed-vegetable dishes tasted great, with a variety of carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, potatoes and garbanzo beans, joined together in the same somewhat creamy spicy sauce. My non-vegetarian partner checked out the Goat Curry, Chicken Makhani and Tandoori Chicken.
The menu describes most of the Indian sauces as “special,” but all have hints of classic cardamom, cinnamon, peppers and anise. The bright red Tandoori Chicken, marinated in a garlic sauce, tasted great but ran on the dry side.
One of my favorite parts of enjoying Indian food includes eating with small pieces of bread rather than forks and knives. The buffet offers unlimited fresh buttered Nan to tear, savor and soak up the different sauces. Nan, made from simple white flour mixed with milk and butter, is baked in a clay Tandoori oven and is a great bread for beginners.
If you miss the Friday and Saturday night buffet, most of the above entrées also are available on the regular dinner menu. A great staple entrée at most Indian restaurants, including Subras, is the Chicken Biryani ($8.95). Basmati rice cooked with a few mixed vegetables and chunks of boneless chicken tastes great and is even better with the side of raita dribbled on top.
Subras pleased my new Indian-friendly taste buds, and the buffet presented a great opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes. On the other hand, the service at Subras was pretty much nonexistent: We sat for long periods with dirty dishes and empty glasses, and we played road-trip games while waiting for our check. I
f you like Delhi Palace and Indian Pavilion, Subras is right on par. Take your time, try everything on the buffet, enjoy the Taj mural, and be prepared to wait.
Fire!
Yesterday afternoon Bailey and I bonded while watching Oprah's World's Largest Baby Shower. (Yes, I watched TV. Dad called and made me turn it on so I could tune in with the rest of the world on baby gear.) Towards the end of the show we heard great sirens blaring all over.
We live in a funky neighborhood so sirens are usually nothing new, but these sirens sounded much closer than what I'm used to. I turned of the TV, glanced out the front porch to see tons of fire trucks, flashing lights, and police cars just up the street! On our corner, a fireman hurridly hooked up the giant hose to the fire hydrant.
Turns out, after careful neighborhood investigation, that a house on the next block over ignited after the owner's grandson (age 8) had a round of playing with matches. Textbook, one of those things that I assume never really happens in real life.
Anyhow, Lee (the psychology professor next door) and I walked up to the next block and absorbed the chaos. Tears and sobs poured from the grandson's eyes and lips while he sat on the neighbors stoop across the street, the grandmother spoke with fire folks, and firemen used chainsaws and axes to get water inside the house.
Smoke and flames enveloped the street while we wached it burn. At one point I turned around and spoke to my belly telling the baby, "Don't you EVER do that."
Interesting all of the people you meet in a neighborhood crisis. We bonded as a 2 block section and we will finally install the smoke dectectors we purchased 4 years ago in our house.
We live in a funky neighborhood so sirens are usually nothing new, but these sirens sounded much closer than what I'm used to. I turned of the TV, glanced out the front porch to see tons of fire trucks, flashing lights, and police cars just up the street! On our corner, a fireman hurridly hooked up the giant hose to the fire hydrant.
Turns out, after careful neighborhood investigation, that a house on the next block over ignited after the owner's grandson (age 8) had a round of playing with matches. Textbook, one of those things that I assume never really happens in real life.
Anyhow, Lee (the psychology professor next door) and I walked up to the next block and absorbed the chaos. Tears and sobs poured from the grandson's eyes and lips while he sat on the neighbors stoop across the street, the grandmother spoke with fire folks, and firemen used chainsaws and axes to get water inside the house.
Smoke and flames enveloped the street while we wached it burn. At one point I turned around and spoke to my belly telling the baby, "Don't you EVER do that."
Interesting all of the people you meet in a neighborhood crisis. We bonded as a 2 block section and we will finally install the smoke dectectors we purchased 4 years ago in our house.
MAR 10 DAY
One day a very long time ago, the local priest in Buffalo, NY told Mario that he was a lucky person because he had his own special day: MAR 10.
Since that day he's celebrated MARIO DAY with much gusto. You can tickle him and send MARIO DAY greetings and well wishes to mpacella@stromlaw.com or mariopacella@yahoo.com.
Since that day he's celebrated MARIO DAY with much gusto. You can tickle him and send MARIO DAY greetings and well wishes to mpacella@stromlaw.com or mariopacella@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Flower Top
LOVED this top...but went with one that had a bit more coverage. Along the base this one has a series of tiny red beads that swish around when I move.
I'm sad to report that the same clothes issues I have with normal clothes transfer to maternity clothes. Translation: no strapless tops or dresses.
I think I'll head to Target and Old Navy for my basics and save the fun shops for the 'nicer' clothes.
I'm sad to report that the same clothes issues I have with normal clothes transfer to maternity clothes. Translation: no strapless tops or dresses.
I think I'll head to Target and Old Navy for my basics and save the fun shops for the 'nicer' clothes.
From Here to Maternity
Caroline and I hit the maternity botique this afternoon in Mt. Pleasant. Loved it! Tried on a ton of different clothes with the strap on baby pillow to see how I'll look in a few months.
Ended up purchasing this black wrap, one top, and a pair of amazing khaki pants.
Ended up purchasing this black wrap, one top, and a pair of amazing khaki pants.
Charleston
Greetings from Charleston~
I'm here for another brief visit with Caroline to bond and to learn as much as humanly possible about infants before our kid arrives.
We enjoyed a gorgeous (though gusty) day spent outside on King Street window shopping with Fordham, nachos at Moe's, Marble Slab ice cream treats, lettuce wraps at Mamma Fu's, and chatting along the way.
Yes. There's a lot of food in our day, but I was hungry and she happily stopped so I could refuel and energize for our activities. Today we are heading out to the maternity shops so I can have fun with the pillow inserts and the pregger gear. Photos to come I'm sure.
I'm here for another brief visit with Caroline to bond and to learn as much as humanly possible about infants before our kid arrives.
We enjoyed a gorgeous (though gusty) day spent outside on King Street window shopping with Fordham, nachos at Moe's, Marble Slab ice cream treats, lettuce wraps at Mamma Fu's, and chatting along the way.
Yes. There's a lot of food in our day, but I was hungry and she happily stopped so I could refuel and energize for our activities. Today we are heading out to the maternity shops so I can have fun with the pillow inserts and the pregger gear. Photos to come I'm sure.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Catch Up
An action packed weekend for sure! A quick trip to St. Simons Island to visit with Dad on Friday and Saturday, an overnite in Charleston with the Smith's, and back to Columbia for errands and such.
St. Simons with Dad ended up being great fun. Lots of fresh fruit, yard sales, and wandering around the island. We hit the mother of all baby yardsales sponsored by an OB, his wife, and their friends that just finished having kids. We cleaned up with bounce seats, back packs, snugglies, and toys to keep at the beach house. Dad and I also enjoyed pedicures complete with back and leg massages. Talk about heaven.
The previous entries detail our adventure with Fordham. I'm really impressed with how well Mario did with all of the baby stuff. We leave with a new appreciation for our very quiet house and the quiet months coming this summer.
Tonite I've got tennis. I am slated to play #1 Doubles with a new partner. We'll see how that goes, but it should be great fun. Luckily it's about 30 degrees warmer than it was last week so that alone should make for more comfortable play.
The icing on today's cake: a letter from Andrea and plans for a college reunion/celebration in Boston this July.
St. Simons with Dad ended up being great fun. Lots of fresh fruit, yard sales, and wandering around the island. We hit the mother of all baby yardsales sponsored by an OB, his wife, and their friends that just finished having kids. We cleaned up with bounce seats, back packs, snugglies, and toys to keep at the beach house. Dad and I also enjoyed pedicures complete with back and leg massages. Talk about heaven.
The previous entries detail our adventure with Fordham. I'm really impressed with how well Mario did with all of the baby stuff. We leave with a new appreciation for our very quiet house and the quiet months coming this summer.
Tonite I've got tennis. I am slated to play #1 Doubles with a new partner. We'll see how that goes, but it should be great fun. Luckily it's about 30 degrees warmer than it was last week so that alone should make for more comfortable play.
The icing on today's cake: a letter from Andrea and plans for a college reunion/celebration in Boston this July.
Dinner Time
Watch out for flying carrots! As this kid graduates from rice cereal to vegetables he also seemed to master the fine art of spitting and bubbling food back to the feeder.
We managed to get a bunch in but had to strip the child afterwards because carrots were EVERYWHERE! I'm wearing a bib too next time we feed him.
We managed to get a bunch in but had to strip the child afterwards because carrots were EVERYWHERE! I'm wearing a bib too next time we feed him.
Bath 101
In an attempt to experience all things baby, Mario gave Fordham a bath on Saturday nite in the sink.
All went well, highlights included squirting water on Fordham with the minature rubber duckies and splashing (hence the apron).
Mario did really well with all of the baby care agenda items. After he tucked Fordham into bed for the evening we inhaled a pepperoni pizza together and started to relax.
Mario's main comment about the evening, "There's a lot going on there."
All went well, highlights included squirting water on Fordham with the minature rubber duckies and splashing (hence the apron).
Mario did really well with all of the baby care agenda items. After he tucked Fordham into bed for the evening we inhaled a pepperoni pizza together and started to relax.
Mario's main comment about the evening, "There's a lot going on there."
Backpacking
Mario and Fordham test out the new backpack purchased while garage sale shopping with Grandpa Mike on St. Simons Island.
The backpack appears to be a hit and should get a fair amount of use in the next year. Hands free delight!
Fordham especially loved the easy access to neck hair, ears, and the baseball cap.
The backpack appears to be a hit and should get a fair amount of use in the next year. Hands free delight!
Fordham especially loved the easy access to neck hair, ears, and the baseball cap.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Home Alone
Bailey and I are nestled together at home tonite while Mario wines and dines in Charleston. We enjoyed a quiet day complete with take out from M'Cafe my favorite Asian place downtown, an outing to run errands, and a long afternoon nap.
Tomorrow temperatures are supposed to be in the sixties! Whoop whoop, spring is well on it's way. I need to think of something creative to do with Mario tomorrow nite...perhaps an Inferno Hockey game?
Tomorrow temperatures are supposed to be in the sixties! Whoop whoop, spring is well on it's way. I need to think of something creative to do with Mario tomorrow nite...perhaps an Inferno Hockey game?
Weekend Plans
It's Thursday...close enough to the weekend to dicuss our plans. Mario's in Charleston today and tonite for a meeting or two. Bailey and I will be hanging out alone at home bonding over the ball game and whatever else seems to come up.
Saturday we are heading to Charleston for BABY CARE 101 courtesy of Caroline and Stephen. We're going to babysit so that Mario can enjoy his first child care experience complete with baby bath time, stroller walking (with dog), feeding, and not being able to go anywhere after 7 p.m. I think the experience will give us perspective of some sort. And then we'll get to brunch with C and S on Sunday morning (hello cheese grits!).
Saturday we are heading to Charleston for BABY CARE 101 courtesy of Caroline and Stephen. We're going to babysit so that Mario can enjoy his first child care experience complete with baby bath time, stroller walking (with dog), feeding, and not being able to go anywhere after 7 p.m. I think the experience will give us perspective of some sort. And then we'll get to brunch with C and S on Sunday morning (hello cheese grits!).
Lovin' It.
Ahh...free ice cream! I actually went TWICE yesterday to Baskin Robbins to enjoy free Yahoo! ice cream cones.
The first time: Chocolate Mint Oreo
The second time: Chocolate Peanut Butter
What a deal. Mario and I went last night on a date after tennis, and yes, it was really cold in S.C. last night (hence the goofy hat!).
The first time: Chocolate Mint Oreo
The second time: Chocolate Peanut Butter
What a deal. Mario and I went last night on a date after tennis, and yes, it was really cold in S.C. last night (hence the goofy hat!).
Clinic
Last night I regressed to age 12 at tennis practice. The instructor ran us ragged, made us do sprints, and left us winded. All in all -- great fun but I can feel it today all over my body.
The way it works is: each Wednesday our team (anyone that wants to) shows up at Greenview for a group lesson with Domino for $10. I loved the instruction, would enjoy more one on one time, and have a desire to develop a nice slice shot.
The way it works is: each Wednesday our team (anyone that wants to) shows up at Greenview for a group lesson with Domino for $10. I loved the instruction, would enjoy more one on one time, and have a desire to develop a nice slice shot.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Free Ice Cream!
If you have a Yahoo! account you are eligible for a free ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins. They're running a special promotion to celebrate 10 years. The link below has the coupon information. Enjoy!
http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/yahoo_birthday/
http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/yahoo_birthday/
Food Diary
5:45 a.m. Rice Chex with milk
9:00 a.m. English Muffin and Cheese Slices
11:30 a.m. Ham and Swiss sandwich and cottage cheese
2:00 p.m. 1 lb. of fruit salad from the grocery store
3:30 p.m. Peanut M and M's
5:00 p.m. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and carrots
8:00 p.m. Pasta with tomato creme sauce
11:00 p.m. Oatmeal
9:00 a.m. English Muffin and Cheese Slices
11:30 a.m. Ham and Swiss sandwich and cottage cheese
2:00 p.m. 1 lb. of fruit salad from the grocery store
3:30 p.m. Peanut M and M's
5:00 p.m. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and carrots
8:00 p.m. Pasta with tomato creme sauce
11:00 p.m. Oatmeal
3-6, 4-6
I lost last nite. But played great tennis. Turned out I played the other team's #1 singles opponent in the frigid 38 degree temps. I really wanted to win and should have beat her, but between wind gusts, a score dispute, and a strong desire not to play a third set I conceeded.
Next time I'll do better. Tonite we have a tennis clinic with the local pro at six. I haven't had a tennis lesson since taking them in Manassas, but it should be good and maybe I can pick up some improvements for my game.
The best part from last nite: playing good games and the hot chocolate afterwards.
Next time I'll do better. Tonite we have a tennis clinic with the local pro at six. I haven't had a tennis lesson since taking them in Manassas, but it should be good and maybe I can pick up some improvements for my game.
The best part from last nite: playing good games and the hot chocolate afterwards.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Week 11 -- Baby Walnut
Your baby weighs about 7 grams, is about 2 inches long and in an ultrasound will look a bit out of proportion. Your baby has toes, eyes, ears, fingernails and lips, but it may appear that your baby's head is about 1/2 the size of their body.
The Latest...
1. The baby gets really hungry in the middle of the night. While most of the nausea and vomiting is gone, hunger is the new wake up call. Luckily Mario's really sweet and will break his sleep to join me for a snack of cereal and milk, granola bars, or sliced cheese. The hard part: falling back to sleep.
2. The official switch. Last night we swapped sides of the bed so I've got the spot closest to the bathroom and kitchen. Armed with my body pillow, advice to sleep on my left side, and tired tennis legs we tried it out. I'm not sure how long it will last, we may need different beds if I keep tossing, talking and turning through the nite.
2. The official switch. Last night we swapped sides of the bed so I've got the spot closest to the bathroom and kitchen. Armed with my body pillow, advice to sleep on my left side, and tired tennis legs we tried it out. I'm not sure how long it will last, we may need different beds if I keep tossing, talking and turning through the nite.
6-3, 6-2
Pat arrived to the courts with a water bottle in one hand, a red Solo party cup of beer in the other. She introduced herself as my new doubles partner and we shivered our way to Court 11.
We kicked it. I've never had a partner that actually worked out that well. We played great, had lots of fun, and decided that we'd love to play again in future matches.
We kicked it. I've never had a partner that actually worked out that well. We played great, had lots of fun, and decided that we'd love to play again in future matches.
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