ANNIVERSARY BASH

Where do I begin……the weekend was full of
GREAT family, love, and fabulous camaraderie….

The pictures only relate bits and pieces of the event. The real, feelings, and love are impossible to show.

Steve, Angela and Tess were the first to arrive on Wednesday afternoon. We had an old fashioned dinner, at home, that evening. It was perfect! Intimate and close….a great start to the wild events of the following days. Thursday, they rested and enjoyed the pool at the hotel. In the late afternoon, the five of us headed out for a “Farmers Market” that Steve was recommended as a MUST. We drove around for over an hour and finally found it. …..the peaches and tomatoes were worth the search! We then enjoyed an Italian dinner at a restaurant Emil had heard great things about. A very quaint setting and a great meal.

Friday the gang started to show up…..Bobby, Carla, Patti, Mark, Maggie, Happy, Pat, MK, and Max arrived!!!!! Everyone, except for Happy, followed Emil’s explicit directions. Somehow, Happy lost a page! We all connected and caught up with all our lives…. then the 14 of us headed out to “I Love NY Pizza” for …you guessed it…pizza.

Saturday, Bobby, Sue, Claire, Erica and Adam arrived……the BASH was officially started! We spent the day eating…………..hamburgers, cheeses, steaks, corn on the cob, grilled zucchini and egg plant, pasta salad, etc. PLUS…… the Wedding Cake AND………..A Special Birthday Cake for MK’s 18th Birthday………AND thoroughly having a ball!!!!

The day ended with a number of the family playing some fun, crazy, (very quiet) game, called: LCR.

Some side notes:

Tours on Kermit around our grounds were conducted for two days. Everyone enjoyed the ride and the scenery. Kermit is exhausted and is resting……..



For months…our “darling” children have plotted and planned a “This is Your Life” presentation. They had conference calls, individual calls, shopping excursions and mail-order duties…….and finally Friday and Saturday, rehearsals at the hotel! We were absolutely taken back with the entire, loving, though devious, event! I never knew they didn’t like Hamburger Helper (5 nights every week).. Or .. Taking out The Atlas, meaning their lives were about to be turned upside down with a new assignment, was their worst nightmare!

We also have some new items ..with more to come

Next week we plan to purchase a TV for our kitchen (thanks in part to a gift card). We need a larger screen because the one we have is a “little” small for our “old” eyes. Hey, going from 14” to 24” is a big deal!!!

In Oct/Nov we will enjoy a wonderful joint Birthday Dinner in a fabulous Atlanta restaurant… Have been drooling over the menu! That will be a special treat!

Believe it or not, we have created a new “room”
to our home. We had a screened porch with two chairs, now we have a ROOM with a sofa, coffee table, area rug, along with the original two chairs, herb planter and touches of color with flowers. Might get a fan…depends on whether Emil can tolerate the “draft”! He’s not a fan person. Usually feels uncomfortable when he’s under one. Believe it or not he has been known to wear a sweat shirt, with hood, in the middle of summer!!

We are able now to enjoying music with our iPod! We have it set up, with the speakers, so we both can enjoy listening to it . I actually have turned off Fox News during the day…….. And when we entertain, we can have mood music. How Grand!

To my complete surprise …Carla and Bobby were able to get back a very treasured and meaningful item of jewelry. It’s Emil’s VPI miniature Class Ring that he gave me on our First Anniversary …long, long story… but thank you for all your hard work and persistence. I am so happy to have it on my finger once more.

AND…

We have Erica’s new art piece!!!

Everyone was so, so, generous with gifts. We truly didn’t expect anything and received so much!!!!

(Even Kermit received some gifts!)

Thank you all ..we love you…..how about 2011 !!!!

A SMALLER VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL

THE FLORIDA CREW ARRIVE

1 + 1 = THIS!!!

OUR "NEW ROOM"

DANCING TO "OUR SONG" ON THE IPOD

BOB AND CARLA RECAPTURE OUR "LOST" VA TECH MINIATURE RING

ERICA'S PAINTING IN A PLACE OF HONOR

KERMIT ALSO RECEIVED PRESENTS

STEVE, ANGELA & TESS ARRIVE

THE MCDONALDS ARRIVE

BOB & CARLA ARRIVE

ERICA & ADAM ARRIVE

THE THREE CONSPIRATORS

OUR GREAT ROOM BECOMES A BANQUET HALL

STEVE, BOB AND PATTI

BOB AND SUE ARRIVE

BROTHERS BOB AND HAP (HENRY)

CLAIRE FLEW IN FROM CALIFORNIA JUST FOR THE "BASH"

BABY HAS A NAME

After viewing the following you will understand how we arrived at our baby's name..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

PLEASE WELCOME......"KERMIT"......TO OUR FAMILY

"THE" WEDDING

WOW.................It was fantastic. Erica and Adam were absolutely precious!!!! I don't know where to begin or what to "highlight" but will share some of the days events.

The VENUE was a renovated fabric mill and could not have been more picturesque. Perfect for Erica's vision of her wedding. The ceremony and reception were both held there which made "travel" a breeze. How easy can you get.

The DRESS......What can I say....It WAS Erica! I was with her when she shopped for it last summer. She looked at many dresses of different styles but when she spotted this one the search was over! What you can't see are the SHOES. They were perfectly chosen and added the finishing touch.

The VOWS were simple and meaningful. The Minister added a few personal memories from their past .....that brought smiles to faces that were filled with tears of joy!

The PARTY......Perfect, Perfect and filled with artistic Erica accessories. Instead of flower arrangements on the tables, she purchased large vases and filled them with candies. Each table had a different candy. Apparently Adam is a candy nut and she surprised him with this feature. The guests had a great time going from table to table scooping up their favorites! Rumor had it that the M&M table were selling theirs!!!

The BUFFET.... We had a choice of Tradition or Indian (their extra, favorite food)! What fun! and very good!! The Cake was so, so good and so, so different! Leave it to Erica to design a wedding cake like that!

The DANCING.....The First Dance was priceless. Erica and Adam have been taking dancing lessons for months just for this part of the party! They were great!

Emil and I surprised some when we got up and danced to a "fast" number. Most of the guests being on the young side figured people our age can hardly walk let alone DANCE!! We showed them!

I think my FAVORITE part was the manner in which they left for their Honeymoon. For days, Erica and Maggie made origami flowers. When it came time for them to leave all the guests made two long rows. The Happy Couple then proceeded to walk down the "aisle" formed by the guests. As they paraded down, the guests tossed the flowers towards them. How great, AND while this is going on the music is playing New York, New York as they leave the building to go on their Honeymoon (to NYC of course)!

Certainly a day and a Wedding that I will cherish forever.....

WEDDING PICTURES

MEET JENNIFER.........

I met Jennifer about three years ago……. Instantly we became friends. Recently some very special events have occurred in her life. I wish to send her the biggest CONGRATULATIONS I can………………AND………… wish her all the success in the world.

Most of you know that the Nordstrom Department Store chain has been a big part of my life for over 40 years!!!! In the 1960’s they were a shoe kiosk in the Best Department Store that opened in the new Tacoma Mall. Yes, Nordstrom, was originally a local Seattle shoe store. Over the years they purchased the Best stores and grew to be a leading department store known for their outstanding customer service.

After we left the Tacoma area I didn’t have a chance to visit many Nordstrom stores until one opened ten years ago in the MacArthur Center in Norfolk. Wow… was that a day! Norfolk had a Nordstrom. I was in heaven…………..

The first store Manager was a very handsome young man who certainly lived up to the practice of “customer service”……….. It is important to note here that I have never spent a LOT of money in the store………… but……..they do have GREAT SALES……… I was a mall walker and would park my car at one of the entrances to the Nordstrom store. ( I always figured it was the nicest way to start my walks, the store was beautiful and the associates extremely friendly). I walked through the store, chit chatted with the associates, and entered the mall to start my “walk”. One day the Manager spotted me and suggested that they would gladly keep my purse, coat and whatever in their office while I walked. (That way I didn’t have to worry about them in the car.) I hesitated, but he insisted………… So the routine began……….. Every day, I parked, entered the store, and went immediately to Customer Service, where I would leave my things. Over the years, managers were promoted and new ones came. They all continued the practice.

Then…one Spring day, Jennifer appeared!! She literally chased me down and said: “Mrs. Day, I am Jennifer Strugala, the new store Manager. I want to personally introduce myself and let you know I will do anything to make you happy in our store!!!!!!! I have heard we hold you personal items while you walk. I will certainly continue that during my time here… plus, please let me know any other way I can be of help to you here at our Nordstrom store.” She was so excited and happy about her new position …. so eager to make this the best Nordstrom in the country.

Jennifer was barely 30 and already a success and going further. Her heart and soul were in the store. Retail stores have their Special Events on weekends……………Jennifer’s day off was Sunday. She was so committed to her “people” that she made sure she was there, on her days off, for them. Needless to say, Jennifer rarely had a day off. I don’t know many who give up their personal time to be available if needed!

Jennifer grew up in a Traditional Italian family in New Jersey. Her parents traveled to Norfolk and helped her move into her new apartment and get settled. Her dad had to be reassured that his little girl was happy and in a safe environment. It was hard for her to be so far from them and she was TERRIBLY homesick. Whenever I saw her, we talked about them and the next time they would be together. It was refreshing to see a young woman who treasured her parents’ approval and suggestions.

When the store held it’s two largest events, one in the Spring and the other in early December, Jennifer made a point to make them special for Emil and Smitty (the husband of a dear friend). These “events” occur on Sunday evenings after store hours. Food and drinks are served and there are special “events” in the different departments. Jennifer made a point to have two very comfortable chairs set aside for the “two guys” and she personally served them drinks, food, and had, on hand, recent editions of magazines and the local newspaper. They loved it……NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE…….. And Jennifer had it down pat!

She has kept up with me through e-mails this past year. In January I received the one with the news I was waiting to hear. She had been …….PROMOTED………AND …..to make it even better to the Nordstrom in Cherry Hill……….. NEW JERSEY !!!!!!!! I just found out that it is a NEW store and will have its Grand Opening Friday, March 27th.

I know that she is so happy to be near her parents and I couldn’t be happier for her. If any one of you are ever in the Cherry Hill Mall, please pop in to the Nordstrom store and say “Hi” to Jennifer. She will make you feel extremely welcome and you will have a special day.

CONGRATULATIONS…. JENNIFER….. THE BEST OF SUCCESS FOR A WONDERFUL FUTURE

YOU HAVE EARNED IT…….YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL GIRL

Claire is a winner

Claire did it again......

She was the 2000 hit on the blog......
Thank you, Claire, for all your support

Aunt Patty

ERICA ON A ROLL

Our very own, Erica, now has a web site with her personal CUSTOM designs for sale. Check out the site as she "builds" her inventory !

She has started, with the introduction of her CUSTOM, FABULOUS, reversible Hood/Scarf with "hidden" pockets! What a great idea....What a great design......

Congratulations Erica ........ this is just the beginning

www.irisiDesigns.etsy.com

CRYSTAL CANDLESTICKS

FORTUNE TELLER'S CRYSTAL BALL

ANTIQUE INK WELL

A CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

At this time of the year we think about all the people that have meant so much to us along with the ones who continue to be a big part of our lives.

The other day I was thinking back 10 years, when I first met, Bill Shaver. Bill was an Interior Designer with tons of talent who never had the opportunity to shine. We were in the market for some furniture and he was the salesman who approached me as I entered the store. We hit it off right away and he mentioned that the store had a policy that encouraged their Designers to make house calls to help the buyers with their choices. That statement stuck in my head! He was so helpful with my selection of a sofa and chair and gave me wonderful hints about future projects.

A few months later, a cruise we were planning on taking to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, was canceled four days before it was to sail! We were devastated. Then, when I realized we were getting all our funds back, I had my first EPIPHANY !

Bill had mentioned that there were lots of ideas he had to "finish" the look I was after. He said: "When you're ready, come back and we'll work together." EPIPHANY……use the trip money and finish my design dream.

That was the start of a lasting relationship that evolved over the next 5 years. He helped me with area rugs to candles. You name it, he had wonderful ideas and new ways to do things. He loved to add little touches of whimsy, and like Kenneth, loved that pop of RED. He told me he had many plans for our home and would let me know in steps, because I was too eager to do it all at one time. He taught me to use restraint, that less was more, and that I didn't have to have everything I owned displayed. He was the inspiration for my warehouse! The idea of putting some things away and bringing them back out at a later time for a different purpose has been a wonderful tool I owe entirely to him.

In his last year he was very ill and became housebound. The furniture store supplied him with a special chair so he could sleep in his living room. He could no longer climb the stairs to his bedroom and when his fellow employees realized he was sleeping on the floor they got to work and supplied the chair. He was hospitalized the last few weeks and Emil and I would visit him daily bringing him design magazines. The next day they would be spread out across the bed with tabs marking his favorite "projects" for the future. We also made him tapes of all the HGTV design shows. He didn't have cable and missed his favorite designers, none of which are on at this time. Kenneth Brown was a new designer that we would catch on Designer's Challenge. Bill loved his work. He said: "That guy is going places… he has what it takes- that special talent… Patty … learn from him."

Emil and I miss Bill very much, but we know he is in a better place and is no longer in any pain. But……. the story doesn't stop here. Bill's work wasn't finished when he died. He remained with us….

He stayed for almost a year. We had many "happenings" and strange events that go beyond the "natural" during that time. You might think I am crazy, but we are positive Bill was with us. If I got an idea on a design project, he let me know if he approved.

One of the first "strange" happenings was after we put some mirror tiles on a wall. We were trying to think of a product for another project we were working on, a backsplash in the kitchen. In the middle of the night, we heard a loud crash! We looked all over the house and finally discovered one of the mirror tiles had fallen to the floor. Immediately we realized Bill was telling us…."use mirrors for your backsplash." We did, and it was perfect!

Occasionally, furniture would move during the night. Heavy furniture. The small adjustments would be improvements from their original placements. We started looking forward to his comings and goings. I was constantly getting ideas from him in one form or another. He was there to the end of the design project.

One sunny morning, about a year after his death, we looked out onto our balcony, we saw two large footprints. The weather was so clear and sunny that day, but these two prints were wet and as clear as a bell. They were facing away from our home…..Bill had left… His job was finished. He approved of all our work and he could rest.

Today I have been thinking of Bill quite a bit. I believe his spirit will move with us, to our new home in Georgia.

"Merry Christmas Bill", put a little whimsy on the clouds and add that pop of red to the stars.

TOUR

The tour was a HIT ...A BIG HIT

Over 1000 upbeat visitors came through. We were told that our home was THE BEST...

The comments and questions were unbelievable. Erica's art was among the most asked about. The picture of Kenneth Brown and yours truly at High Point was also a big conversation piece. Emil's den/guest room gave the visitors an insight into our past with our Air Force and Va. Tech accessories. EVERYONE loved the tree and the decor. The evening tours were by far the favorite. The city added the Christmas Magic ...the VIEWS from our home are fantastic and they definitely showed themselves off these last three days. The entire event was something I will never forget and will treasure for many years.

Today things are back to normal. Although, normal in my life isn't quite the norm!

We are now looking forward to Santa with Steve and Tess. We will miss not having Angela here and will look forward to seeing her this summer....at the BIG party....

In a few days I will get back to regular entries. Have some news and want to share it with all of you.

Stay tuned...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Staff and Management of Patty's Epiphanies want to take this opportunity to wish all our loyal and faithful readers the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/6U8FB5kun2mGaz5XJAEl

We have been rehearsing diligently for weeks to give you this sample of our dancing talents. Click on the "Other Dances" button to see our full repertoire. Dancing With The Stars, watch out.

CHARLOTTE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

What a fun week! Since my last entry I have actually put order back into my life, found the "PLAN", and finished trimmings down to every last crystal!

We have been told over 1500 people will most likely tour our home. That's a staggering thought!

The tour is in the evening, on Friday and Saturday, and ending Sunday afternoon. I think the two nights will be the best. The city lights that are visible from our windows will make the room glisten all the more.

The "décor" consists of 300 yards of ribbon, six large sheets of different gift papers, hundreds of small crystals, silver and crystal balls, and numerous crystal accessories…. Not to mention the glitter debris that took two days to clean up! I am sure I will find "sparkle" in the shag rug well into June!

"Thank You, Erica," for the wonderful Design Plan. The table runner and the bed pillow cover you "whipped" up finished the look! Your talents are fantastic and I greatly appreciate all your help. I could not have done it without your contributions.

I am looking forward to the Christmas Season. As most of you know it's my favorite time of the year. Every year I am transformed into a 7 year old little girl, looking forward to Santa, for the entire month! This Christmas will be extra special because Steve and our 9 year old Granddaughter, Tess, will be here for Santa. It's always magical when the little ones are part of Christmas morning.

I cannot end this entry without giving tons of credit to Kenneth Brown. He graciously and generously answered my questions and gave me wonderful ideas. "Thank You, Kenneth" ….. you are a VERY special, giving person.

Don't stop now. There are ten more pictures below. Also remember that by double clicking on the pictures, you can make them larger.

CONGRATULATIONS

You did it ......Claire Wihnyk, my niece, was #1000...
Thank you Claire

AND

Thank you all for the fabulous support these last months.