A "Virginia" Birthday Lunch Today

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

 

Most of you know that Virginia is my dear friend of many years.  Today, we celebrated Virginia's 86th birthday with lunch at my house.

Italian Cream Cake (A fav of the birthday lady)

Her actual birthday was last Sunday, August 25th. Matching up calendars rendered today as our day to celebrate her. 

Virginia and me

August 30, 2013

I met Virginia in 1981 when I went to work for the IRS.  We have been good friends since.  

Beth, Virginia, and Caroline

August 30, 2013

IRS colleagues, Beth and Caroline, joined us for lunch today.  Beth and I worked together for about 11 years - which is how long I worked for the IRS.  We worked in the same department.  Virginia and Beth are both IRS retirees. 

Top photo: Beth showing off the cake at my Baby Shower at the IRS

Bottom photo:  Me and Caroline during my baby shower. 

September 12, 1989 -two weeks before baby Blair was born!

The above photo is the only one I could find from the days

when Beth, Caroline, and I worked together.  

Virginia and I have kept in touch and remained friends all through the years. I've written several blog posts about her and reference her often.  Beth and I lost touch through the years and reconnected a couple years ago via facebook.   She is very kind to tell me that she enjoys my blog posts.  It has been nice reconnecting with her via social media. I was thrilled to have her join us today to celebrate Virginia's birthday.  I know Virginia was pleased too. 

Floral centerpiece for luncheon today

Caroline is my sweet and dear friend and she still works for the IRS.  She's young :) ---  I hired Caroline in 1988 - she doesn't give me credit for that, she doesn't acknowledge that Ron may have interviewed her first, but he asked me if I would consider hiring her - he had interviewed her - liked her - thought she would be a good employee.  As manager of the unit, it was an easy hire for me because that meant I didn't have to go through all those applications and another interview process.  Beth recommended Caroline to Ron. So, even though she claims Ron hired her - really Beth and I did, didn't we, Beth?  

A few more old photos...

Caroline and Beth preparing for my baby shower - IRS - 1989

Caroline decorating the conference room for my baby shower - IRS - 1989

Virginia (seated) at my baby shower - IRS - 1989

Caroline is very dear to me and we have kept in touch through the years.  I was Caroline's first supervisor and since we've kept in touch for 23 or so years now - I think that speaks for itself.  We were a good team.  Caroline has since promoted to higher positions and has a successful career with the IRS. We talk and see each other often.    

August has been a great month of reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in years.  Also celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, births, etc. with friends I see and talk with often.  My sister is an August birthday gal; a dear friend became a grand in August adding a baby boy to the clan; my grandfather and Virginia share the same birthday - if he were living today, he would be 102.  I'm ready for September now!

It should go without saying - but, I'll say it anyway -- Virginia is my kindred spirit - we bonded years ago - she is my dear friend for life.  Happy Birthday Virginia - I love you!



Beautiful arrangement afterall -- and I love it!

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

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This arrangement has my name on it for sure...it is so me!

Earlier today I shared my disappointment in the flower cake I ordered for the centerpiece for tomorrow's luncheon.  The florist sent a replacement arrangement and it is fantastic.

This arrangement screams Gayla.  It is so very much me.  I love it!  Yes, I called the lady (florist) and told her how much I loved it and what a wonderful and delightful surprise it was to get such a nice replacement.  Here are a few pictures of different views... 

Side One

 

Other Side 

Another angle



Other angle - side 2

As disappointed and frustrated as I was with the first delivery, I was not rude and angry on the phone with the florist. I calmly expressed my disappointment and gently explained the arrangement was being used as my centerpiece for a luncheon. They kindly agreed to send a replacement, explaining that it would not be the flower cake, but they would send a new arrangement. I asked for green and pink flowers. 

With green runner - too much green, don't you think?   

In my first blog earlier today fussing about the situation, I did not call the florist by name and therefore, I am not naming them here either.  The florist told me that it was best to order direct.  It is my opinion that online ordering is the norm now and although I understood what she was saying, I would like to see florist comply with what customers order online instead of taking the position that customers need to order direct. 

I believe online ordering is the norm now not the exception.  And, I believe florist need to send what the customer orders.  They could have called me and told me they needed to substitute.  Afterall, online ordering requires a telephone number and an email address from the customer. 

 

 

All is well that ends well, right!  This ended very well! But, it has been a stressful day. 

We went from this ..... unacceptable

to this - beautiful!

Cheers,

It's a birthday celebration

 



 

 

 

 

 



What kind of florist doesn't have pompons, daisies, and roses...

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

Today I am preparing for a small luncheon tomorrow to celebrate a friend's birthday.

 

A couple weeks ago I posted my preparation for a luncheon where I used tulips as the centerpiece for my dining table sharing how the tulips bend and bow and flip and flop, etc. 

 

This time I decided I'd order flowers and have them delivered.  Then I'd give the centerpiece to my guest of honor.  Yes, that would be perfect.  Even better, I'd order the flower cake like the one a friend sent me last month for my birthday.  Afterall, it was just fantastic.  I loved it and thought it was just the neatest thing. 

 

So, my decision is made and my centerpiece - the flower cake - is ordered to be delivered today, Thursday, August 29th! 

 

Here is a picture of what I ordered...

The description of what I ordered: 

Our beautiful cake-shaped arrangement is hand crafted by floral artists from the freshest hot pink miniature carnations, white pompon daisies, green pompons, orange spray roses and more. Topped with festive candles, this unique floral cake makes the ultimate birthday gift! Measures approximately 8"H x 10"W x 10"D.

Includes:
• Unique Flower Cake Arrangement
• Pink Carnations
• White Daisies
• Green Pompons
• Orange Spray Roses


Here is what was delivered...

Orange flowers - Ugh!

Keep in mind, my table runner is the green one with green pedals and my chargers are black with pink dishes.  So, what do I do with orange and white flowers as my centerpiece?  Ugh!  Ugh! Ugh!  I am so frustrated and disappointed.  My birthday guest of honor doesn't like the color orange!!!  I know her that well!  She will wonder why on earth I used orange!  I personally love the color orange but I don't love this arrangement at all.

The flower cake delivered was approximately 5"H x 7"W  and the one I ordered was supposed to be 8"H x 10"W x 10"D.  I order green pompons, white carnations, white daisies with green center, and pink and orange roses.  I got white and orange carnations and one orange rose in the center. 

Piece of crap florist!  I decide to give them a call.  They might be surprised to find out that the person who ordered the arrangement is also the person who received it.  They probably thought I'd never see it.  I am told that when you order online the florist has the right to substitute flower, and color if they don't have the ones ordered.  That was the case here. 

Really, what kind of florist doesn't have pompons, carnations, daisies, and roses.  Pompons, carnations, and daisies are about as basic and cheap as you get.  What the heck DO you have?  That's what happens when I order online. 

 

Why, Why, Why!  Ugh, Ugh, Ugh.  I am so disappointed - I don't know what to do.  If you know me very well at all, you know this will not do.  And, I've spent my money ordering the dang arrangement and having it delivered.  I could have spent half the amount and just done my signature centerpiece of all one flower but a lot of them.  It's simple, elegant, and always right!!!   Well, to me they're usually always right.

 

Why didn't I just stick with what I know.  I always just buy two or three - sometimes four - bunches of the same flower - cut them short - put them in a simple vase.  It's been my signature arrangement for years. 

 

Oh well, time to regroup, ponder what to do and figure out how I can make it work.  I don't know how to make it right - but, one thing I know for sure - this isn't right, I know that for darn sure!

 

I suppose I can change the dishes and not use pink.  I can use white or green - I have both colors.  That would at least correct the color issue.  Other than that - I'm pretty much at a loss how to fix it.  Well, I'm off now to talk myself out of this funk of a mood.  Then I'll figure out something.

 

Hope tomorrow is better than today,

 

 

  



Every day I need a MOMENT!

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

Every day I need a moment.

 

What am I talking about, you wonder?   For me, a moment can be one of many little things that gives me pleasure throughout the day such as... 

 

A bite of chocolate,

A spoonful of peanut butter;

 

A tight squeeze of a hug,

A little kiss on the cheek;

 

A brownie,

A piece of lemon pie;

 

A great big smile,

A touch on my shoulder;

 

A card in the mail,

A call from a friend;

 

An unexpected email,

A kind comment on facebook;

 

A glass of wine,

  cosmo, or martini,

 Even better, a glass of champagne;

 

It's the little things in life I love

 and / or makes me feel good.

 

Every day, I need a moment!
Sometimes more than one,
Don't You?

??? Baby Heirlooms ???

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~

An heirloom?  Yes, we know it is an object or possession passed down from generation to generation.  Do you have family heirlooms? 

 

I have a few items which are, by my definition, heirlooms.  They are objects passed down from another generation.  I think mine could be described as possessions passed down from the heart.  I also have a few items I have purchased that I hope will be passed down to future generations, therefore, becoming heirlooms. 

 

You can tell from this post I have been spending quite a bit of time in my daughter's room.  The objects are near and dear to my heart.  I'd like to be able to tell you that I've been cleaning out the room - but that's not true.  I have no plans to remove these "heirlooms" from her room any time soon. 

 

First, two framed nursery wall hanging / pictures.   These were passed down from another generation to me for use in the baby nursery.     

I do not know specific details of them - I think they are fantastic.  The prints are still in their original frames.  The little girl, on the left, with her foot in her hands as if she is about to put her toes in her mouth - one sock missing - is just too cute for words!  The little boy, on the right, with one shoe missing and his bottle tucked under his arm while he is sleeping is absolutely adorable.  Just doesn't get any cuter than these! 

Pictures hung above the baby bed - 1989

My dear friend, Virginia, who is now 85, gave me these pictures. Virginia is not family by birth - but she is definitely family by love. The prints might be classified as antiques instead of heirlooms - but in my heart they are heirlooms. These darling prints hung in Virginia's nursery when she was a baby. How neat is that? Pretty darn neat, I think. Do the math and they are at least 85 years old.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Future Heirlooms...

 

 Rocking Horse

White wooden rocking horse - a future heirloom

Santa brought this precious white wooden rocking horse to my daughter for Christmas in 1990.  She was 15 months old and she immediately knew how to ride it. 

Blair - age 15 months

 She rocked and rocked with feet high and feet low -- a big smile across her face with belly laughs that would follow.

Blair on Christmas morning 1990- age 15 months

"What is it, she wonders!" 

It didn't take her long to figure out how to make him go.

This may not technically be considered an heirloom right now, but I hope one day it will be passed down to a future generation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 Rocking Chair

Baby Blair's white wicker rocking chair - another future heirloom

The white wicker rocking chair was a birthday gift to my baby girl on her first birthday (September 1990.) 

Blair sitting in her new white wicker rocking chair during her 1st birthday party.

Yes, it's sitting up on top of the dining table next to her cake :)

A fantastic number ONE birthday gift.  It looks like an heirloom to me, don't you agree?  Again, hopefully one day it will be passed on to a future generation.

 

Heirloom or no heirloom - these are just a few items that are near and dear to me and I can't part with them.  I think that means they must become heirlooms some day, don't you agree?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 





Lunch full of laughter, stories and all smiles...Alice-Ouida-Gayla

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

A fantastic lunch today! 

My Luncheon ladies today-Aug. 9, 2013

Alice, 66 and Ouida, 90 yrs old

They both look so young for their age!

 

Alice and I worked together when I was 22 years old at Arkansas Electric Cooperatives.  It was my first job when I moved to Little Rock.  Ouida hired me to work with her for the cooperatives' monthly magazine called Rural Arkansas. They both look so good (above photo) - we didn't have anyone to take a photo of the three of us today.

Me in 1977 - Rural Arkansas Magazine

Look at the "computer"  LOL - typewriter!

Sitting at my desk in 1977

Rural Arkansas Magazine, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives

I still have the name plate! 1977

I thought it was so fancy having my name on my desk.

Last month Ouida sent me a birthday card because she found an old address book and my birthday - July 17th - was listed in it.  It was such a surprise as I hadn't been in touch with Ouida for 35 plus years.  She retired in January after working there 63 years - can you imagine? 

Alice retired last week -- I finally confirmed a day for us to have lunch together. I decided to invite Ouida to join us because I knew Ouida and Alice were good friends.

The three of us enjoyed lunch today at my house. It was a wonderful time chatting, laughing, telling stories and we had a few bites of good food too. 

Alice at my wedding - 1981

 Alice was one of the reception attendants at my wedding in 1981. I somewhat kept in touch with her through the years. We have mutual friends and would email now and then. We'd catch up on each other and our daughters, etc.   Months - maybe even years - would go by and we'd touch base again, etc.  Alice also attended high school where my mother taught music many years ago!    I immediately bonded with Alice because she knew my Mother, etc. 

Alice with her daughter - 2013

 I admire Alice and when I was young often wished I was 'just like her' because she was tiny and cute.  I've never been described as tiny and cute!  She also is loved by everyone - she was the 'go to' person.  Anytime you needed help you'd go to Alice.

Ouida was my boss.  She is admired by many and most everyone loves her southern old fashion charm.  She introduced me to LR - showed me the ropes/city - I thought she lived a fun life.   I took my first airplane trip with O u i d a. We traveled to San Francisco and she showed me the city! I loved the week we spent in San Francisco. I was in my early twenties and it was definitely a little country girl goes to the big city trip. 

I was so impressed with Ouida and her 'big city' life.  I smile as I say that because, at the time, I thought Little Rock was a big city.  She was a country girl too and identified with me.  I'm pretty sure that's why she hired me.  Ouida grew up about 20 miles north of where I grew up.  Small world, huh! 

Ouida when she was the Editor of the Rural Arkansas Magazine

This photo of Ouida is exactly as I remember her...I can still hear her heavy southern accent.  She would say "yea-ah" and she knew everyone. 
I told her I'd never eaten an artichoke, so she brought one to the office and cooked it for my lunch.  Yuck - it was awful.  I love artichokes today, but I still don't care for them steamed. 

Ouida always wore her readers down low on her nose.  She drove her car with her glasses sitting exactly as in the photo.  I would be sitting in the front passenger seat - look over at her - she would be driving way too fast and her eyes peering over the top of her glasses.  I'd think, oh my lord, we are going to hit that car!  :)

Ouida wore her hair long and pulled back.  She wore lipstick and always a smile!  She must surely have had an impact on me because, you know what, I think I just described myself -- that sounds much like me today - hair long and pulled back - lipstick and readers!  OH MY!! And, I try to always have a smile.  I certainly had one today! 

A lunch full of laughter, stories and smiles indeed.

Gayla

Tulips Dance in the Vase

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

As I start to type this blog about my tulips - I automatically, in my head, start singing "Tip toe through the tulips."  But, singing that cute little song has nothing to do with this blog post.

Tulips dancing in their vase

It doesn't matter how much you tip toe around tulips when using them as a cut flower, it doesn't do any good.  

Tulips used as a cut flower in water flip and flop as they wish!

I am preparing for a luncheon tomorrow with friends I haven't seen in a very long time.  I am very excited to get together, but starting to notice I'm obsessing a little bit over the details -- it's not really like me.  Don't get me wrong - I always pay attention to the details, but I don't usually fret over them.

Tulips Bow and Bend



I bought tulips to use as the centerpiece. I knew tulips, as a cut flower, have a mind of their own. I'm not second guessing my decision to use them - well, maybe I am - but it's a little too late now. Tulips when cut and put in water bend and bow, twist and turn, and flip and flop, as they want. Doesn't really matter how you arrange them in the vase - they behave totally opposite of most cut flowers. Actually, it's the beauty of tulips as a cut flower...often floral designers say they dance in the vase. But, will my guests / friends know this about tulips or will they be thinking my centerpiece is odd looking? Then again, does it really matter? 

Tulips as a cut flower in water have a mind of their own.

What matters is that I put forth the effort to make the table pretty and for their enjoyment.

 

Oh well, they're very pretty, to me anyway - I love them - so, I can stop worrying - relax, let the tulips do their thing!  The pink dishes with black chargers and the green runner made of pedals are nice.  I think my friends will love them too!  I'll just let my freshly cut tulips dance around in their vase and enjoy their unique personality.

 

Tip-toeing,

Gayla 

 

p.s. - In case you're wondering what that thing is in the middle of the two vases of tulips....it's a ball covered with moss and if you look closely at the picture below - it's sitting on top of - yes, three of my bangle braclets.  Who would have guessed???  I only thought of the bangles because they were on my arm at the time I was pondering.  The tulips were a tad bit too tall for conversation, so two vases were used and placed where no one would be sitting directly in front of them. Something was then needed to go between the tulips.  Pretty clever, I think! 

Moss covered ball sits between the vases of tulips

 

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