Feeling The Loss - Days 112, 113 and 114

Late today on my way home I received an e-mail notifying me that I would not be able to continue to do business with one of my largest accounts.  Over the last few months we participated in an extensive bid proprosal from an outside purchasing management company in Mexico.  Hundreds of quotes were submitted.  Countless hours were spent on spreadsheets and questions.  The proposal culminated with a bid auction where price was the only deciding factor.  Companies battled to see who could win the job by going below cost.  We did not win the battle.  All the deadlines we had met...all the attention to detail we had shown...all the seminars we had given to educate the buyers...all the quality we had put into the finished product...all the relationships and friendships we had nurtured,...all of this was for naught.  None of it mattered.  Price was the only thing that mattered.  It made me extremely melancholy.  I will miss the friendships.  I will miss the income.  But most of all I will miss believing that if you do things the right way, you will be rewarded. That belief is gone.  It died with an e-mail.  An e-mail that simply said..."See the Non-Reward Letter below..."  What a way to end years of doing things the right way.

The last couple of nights have been spent decorating a Heartsong Cookies tree.  This weekend I got the bright idea to shake things up a bit and do something different with our Christmas tree.  Mike hates getting all the Christmas decorations out of the attic and I wanted a creative outlet.  A trip to the dollar store and a rummage through my kitchen cabinets gave me all I needed to put together my tacky creation.  I trimmed the tree with wooden spoons, spatulas, cookie scoops, pot holders, candy, cookie cutters and red, silver and turquoise colored balls.  I picked up some mini Chinese take our boxes that will be filled with mini Heartsong Cookies and hung on the tree for this weekend's Christmas party.  I fashioned a tree skirt out of a variety of dollar store dish towels.  The result made me smile.  It is tacky and goofy and very me.

Many hugs,
Kathy

In The Giving Spirit - Days 110-111

Black Friday was spent exactly the way it should be...shopping and eating with Vicky...more eating with Mike and Ryan...and finally a whole lot of baking.  I finished the day around 2:30 a.m. with little desire to write a posting.  In fact, I am still suffering from that lack of desire.  It is a shame because today was a wonderful day full of good things (except the Gators).  I actually began the day with 4 1/2 hours a sleep...more than double my usual pre-market output.  The cookies looked beautiful nestled in their holiday adorned baskets.  In fact the entire booth was decked out in Heartsong holiday finery and looked darn good.  I caught the holiday spirit ealier in the week and it continued at the market.  Traffic was slow as expected, but the customers that did stop by got bonuses.  I threw in extra cookies in their orders.  I gave free cookies to fellow vendors.  I gave free cookies to almost everyone that glanced my way.  It was fun.  Mike and Dennis kidded me about my amazing business sense.  Somehow I still managed to make a little money...enough to cover the cost for the December market rental and lunch with Dennis and Mike.  Cookie millionaireville here I come! 

The giving spirit must be contagious because the Gators were definitely in the giving mood this afternoon.  They gave away the ball four times.  They gave up touchdowns.  They gave out excuses and a sickening feeling to all who love the Gators.  I hope Urban can find a cure for this generous spirit that has affected our beloved team.

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Lot To Be Thankful For - Days 108-109

Last night was a roller coaster ride.  One minute I was enjoying small plates with Mike at Cheesecake Factory.  The next minute I was dropping my iPhone on the pavement and shattering the touch screen.  Uug!  Mike and I headed to the AT&T store for a replacement and spent the rest of the night trying to sync it.  It was an expensive, frustrating way to end a nice evening.

This morning Mike and I went on an early morning walk to pick up a Sunday paper and get a little exercise.  It was so nice not to be chained to the kitchen for a change.  For the first time ever, I was not cooking Thanksgiving Day dinner.  Instead we were dining out at Maggiano's with the family.  No copious groceries to buy.  No house to clean up.  No turkey to baste.  No potatoes to mash.  No veggies to chop.  No table to set. 

I felt a little lost, but quickly got over it.  My need to fix something was satisfied by baking a quick and easy pumpkin pie.

Dinner at Maggiano's was delicious.  The four course meal was served family style with the only real challenge being agreement on the choices.  We began the meal with bruschetta, compliments of the chef.  Then it was on to the salad course - Caesar Salad and Maggiano's Salad.  Next came the entree and pasta course - Turkey with Foccacia Sausage Dressing, Ham with Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Four Cheese Ravioli, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Creamed Corn and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.  The grand finale was a Pumpkin Cheesecake and a decadent Chocolate Cake.  I actually got to sit at the table with the family and engage in conversation.  As I looked around the table I realized I had a lot to be thankful for...great food and good people to share it with.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Many hugs,
Kathy 

A Basket Of Hugs - Day 108

Tonight I baked a basket of Thanksgiving hugs for my friends at SeaWorld.  They are some of my biggest cookie fans and I thought it would be the perfect time to tell them how much I appreciate their support.  I used up the leftover dough from Sunday's birthday cookies and fashioned a basket full of mini morsels. 

In the down time between batches I planned the flavor choices for this weekend's farmers market.  The offerings will include Peppermint Bark Cookies, White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan, Tri Chip (No Nuts), Holiday M&M, Sugar Cookies and Chewy Molasses Cookies.  I may also experiment with a flavor combo I have wanted to try for a long time - Dark Chocolate Orange.  I found candied orange peel at the grocery store and think it will make a great addition to my dark chocolate cookie base.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Comfort Food - Day 107

Tonight was all about comfort food.  I met Mike at Cracker Barrel for dinner.  I don't exactly know why I like this restaurant so much.  The food is not remarkable.  The decor is rather tacky.  But I feel good every time I go.  Tonight was no exception. 

The good feeling was made even better by the company.  Mike and I had a great conversation about nature versus nurture.  A conversation with a client got me thinking as I drove around the state today and I shared my thoughts with Mike.  My client was lamenting the challenges she was having with her sixteen year old son.  I thought about just how fortunate I have been with my son.  I dreamed years ago of raising my little red headed handful into a confident, successful man.  My dream came true beyond my wildest dreams.  Ryan and I argue about who should get more credit for the way he turned out...his parents or his genes.  He thinks he deserves most of the credit.  I think his dad and I did a damn good job.  Mike thinks nature and nuture both play important roles.  Anyway, the topic lead to a great discussion with Mike and a big smile on my face.  This was comfort at its best.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Birthday Baking - Day 106

Mike was still in South Florida so I had a day all to myself with a to do list a mile long.  Maddie mad sure I got off to an early start at 7:00 a.m. by jumping on the bed and standing over me until I got my butt up to take her on a walk.  Problem was I still hadn't caught up from the lack of sleep the last few days and I wanted nothing more than to climb back in bed with my breakfast tray to watch Breakfast With The Gators.  Yes, I know it is sick.  I just went to the game yesterday...but there is something so relaxing about watching the game over on TV.  I missed my usual viewing partner, but Maddie did her best as a stand in for Mike.  I think she was feeling a little guilty for getting me out of bed.

With half the day gone, I finally tackled my list.  First priority was making dough for birthday cookies for Ariana.  Her mom had requested a mixed basket of 36 cookies for her to to take to school tomorrow and I promised to deliver early this evening.  I made White Chocolate Macadamia, Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip, Tropical Escape and Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan.  Each batch turned out pretty close to perfect.  I think it must have been the good mood I was in.  In between the dough making and baking I managed to tackle a few of my household chores...unfortunately a few too few.  My list is still gargantuan.

I bagged the cookies, wrapped them up in Heartsong finery and headed out to drop them off to Ariana. When I arrived at their home her little sister greeted me in the yard.  "Hello, Cookie Lady!" she giggled.  It was so cute.  Ariana headed out the door to retrieve the basket.  The look on her face made all my effort worthwhile.  She kept repeating "It is just so beautiful!"  My heart was singing as I drove away.  I love what I do!

Tonight Mike and I finally got to have our dinner out together that had eluded us on Friday night.  We had a wonderful meal at Bonefish with a $25 gift card and a little more.  Time alone is OK for accomplishing things, but time with Mike is just plain wonderful!

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Group Hug and A Good Day - Days 103-105

One hundred thirty mini hug bags make for one gigantic group hug and very little sleep.  I sorely underestimated the time it would take for me to complete my promise to Dorene to deliver the cookies by 8:00 Friday morning.  I began the task around 4:30 Thursday afternoon and finished at 4:30 Friday morning.  Oh my...I was tired, but happy.  They were the cutest "little" group of hugs I had ever made.  Dorene seemed really pleased when I dropped them off.  I hope the teachers she was honoring would feel the love I put into each tasty morsel.

Two hours of sleep made for one very long work day.  Combine no sleep with the beginnings of a head cold and you get one pooped purveyor.  Mike and I attempted to dine out Friday night, but all of Orlando decided to dine out as well.  After visiting four restaurants with hour waits we decided soup at home and an early turn in was the perfect alternative.  No bowl of soup ever tasted better.  No bed ever felt better.

Today was a good day.  Mike left around 3:00 in the morning for a bowling tournament in Miami.  Thankfully I got to stay in bed a little longer.  My expectations for the day were low.  I was taking my mom and Chris to Gainesville to see the Gators play their final home game against Appalachian State.  After last week's Gator performance, I did not think I could stomach another game.  I was also worried about my mom.  Her recent mystery illness made me wonder if she could handle the walking and stress of game day.  But when she showed up at the house so excited to be going to the game, I had an inkling things were going to turn out just fine.  We picked up Chis and headed to Chick-fil-a for breakfast courtesy of Chris.  My mom is very expressive and appreciative of the little things.  The happy sounds she made while enjoying her biscuit made me smile.  And Chris was so proud to be treating us.  It was very cool.

We took the scenic route to Gainesville stopping at Yalaha Bakery along the way for a couple of my favorite cookies - Almond Horns, courtesy of Chris.   My mom pointed out fall foiliage and grape vines along the way.  Once again I smiled.  I realized my mom is one of the big reasons I notice and take great pleasure in the little things.  This was very cool.

We made it to Gainesville with just enough time for Chris to make his weekly Gator garb purchase.  Mom made it to the stadium a little winded, but just fine.  And the Gators actually showed up to play.  We bonded with our fellow Gators around us.  Shared high fives, hugs and "We Are The Boys" swaying.  Our mugs were featured on the jumbo tron at least three times.   The Gators won 48-10.  It was great to be a Florida Gator once again.  Post game traffic was minimal.  We headed to Bistro 1245 for our postgame celebration.  As I watched my mom savor her second glass of wine and Chris laugh an open mouth green pesto laugh, I thought to myself this was very cool.

Today was a really good day and it was all very cool.

Many hugs,
Kathy

My Heart Is Still Singing - Day 102

Ryan, when you came into my world 24 years ago my heart sang.  It is still singing and it always will be.  You have made me a very proud mom.  Happy Birthday!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Twenty Four Years Ago...Day 101

Tomorrow...or actually later today my son turns twenty four.  As I baked birthday cookies for him tonight, my thoughts turned back to the evening twenty four years ago.  The excitement, the fear, the pain, the anticipation...it all came flooding back to me.  My life changed forever in the best way possible.  We brought an amazing little red headed bundle into the world.  Happy Birthday Ryan! 

Many hugs,
Kathy

One Hundred Days - Day 100

Wow!  I can't believe it has actually been one hundred days since I started purveying hugs and cookies.  It definitely has been a wild ride with many sleepless nights and lessons learned.  But most of all it has been the most soul satisfying undertaking I have ever been involved with.  My friends and family have amazed me with their unending support.  I found a home at the Lake Mary Farmers' Market and even have acquired a handful of regular customers.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Today I got to play cookie fairy with my mini cookie samples I made last night.  I assembled a couple of mini Hug Bags for Dorene to see if the size and packaging would work for her teacher thank you treats to honor American Education Week.  She was thrilled and said they would be the perfect size to tuck in their cubbies.  Now I just have to figure out how I can get them all assembled for Friday morning. 

This week is going to be crazy.  I have said "Yes!" a few too many times this week.  Birthday cookies for Ryan.  Extra birthday cookies for him to share with his co-workers and Jaguars players.  Birthday cookies for Peggy's daughter.  Booksigning cookies for Margaret.  And finally 130 mini Hug Bags for Dorene.  Breathe.  I can do this! 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Mini Hugs - Day 99

This morning I woke up with a South Carolina game hangover and I hadn't even had a drop of alcohol the day before.  Frankly I wish I had.  After re-hashing all we thought was wrong with the Gators, Mike, Chris and I headed to lunch at Carrabba's.  The food was great.  Mike and I shared Risotto Poppers and the Italian Combo plate.  Chris had Pasta Carrabba with a side of more Gator moaning and groaning.  I think we finally got it all out of our system by the end of the meal.  Chris headed for home.  I headed out to run errands.  Mike headed for the computer to laugh at all the postings on Gator Country.

Tonight I experimented with cookie sizes for an order later in the week for Dorene.  I made a batch of Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip and used my tiniest scoop and the next size up to craft a smaller version of a Heartsong Cookie.  I have to find an affordable way to put together 125 Mini Hugs for a group of teachers.  Dorene wants something to tuck in their mail slots to honor American Education Week.  I think I may have found the solution.  Two mini cookies in a tiny cello bag dressed up with a hug tag and a ribbon bow.  I think it works.  Now the hard part...figuring out how to cover my costs and fit within her budget.  I honestly wish I could do it all for free.

Many hugs,
Kathy

We Laid An Egg - Day 98

A stinking, rotten, nasty, dirty, ugly, sucky egg.  If I could think of any other adjectives at 12:55 in the morning I would add to the list.  Tonight I witnessed the most miserable display of football I have ever experienced at Florida Field.  It was so bad that I could not stomach any more of it and left late in the third quarter.  Another first for this Gator fan.  I know I am spoiled rotten with year after year of success, but this is ridiculous.  It is not the least bit fun.  It is painful.  Ryan kept admonishing me during the game for my complaining, but I could not help myself.  I like competition.  I like to win.  I do not like to see a coaching staff do the same stupid thing over and over and over again and expect different results.  This is INSANITY!  I know this has absolutely nothing to do with purveying hugs and cookies, but I have to vent.  Tomorrow...or later today, the sun will come up and all will once again be right in the world.  But tonight life smells like rotten eggs.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Purveying Happiness - Day 97

I honestly don't know who is happier...me the baker of the cookies or those who eat them.  Last night I stayed up late baking cookies for my friends Carolyn, Peggy and Bree.  After a week long sabbatical from baking I was feeling a little rusty and a lot lazy.  I really wasn't in the mood.  But then I tossed some butter, brown sugar and vanilla into my mixing bowl and things began to change.  The relaxing, comforting feeling that overcomes me every time I hear the roar of the mixer worked its magic once again. Suddenly I wasn't the least bit tired and all the rust was gone.  I was baking basket full of hugs for my friends and it felt so good.  The flavors of the evening were White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip, Tri Chip and M & M Milk Chocolate Chip.  I bagged each hug individually and tucked them into baskets decked out in the colors of fall.

This morning I headed out to purvey a little happiness.  Peggy was the first stop.  Her basket was being passed on to a friend fresh out of the hospital in need of a little comfort.  Carolyn at my office was stop two.  She was sharing her basket with a new customer in hopes of gaining a smile and a job or two.  My last stop was the office of my friend Bree.  She and her husband Jason are celebrating their 1st anniversary with a weekend picnic in St. Augustine.  Heartsong Cookies seemed like the perfect addition to her picnic basket.

With each stop, I got a big smile to add to my collection.  I could get used to purveying happiness all day long.  It just feels right.  And it fits right in with my vow to breathe.  Aaaaahhhhhhhh.  This is the way life should be.

Many hugs,
Kathy 

When I Grow Up...Day 96

Yesterday I received a call from Greg, a client friend I work with once a year.  The last time I saw him I dropped off a couple of cookies with a proof and told him about my dream of a business.  So it was not surprising that he greeted me with the question "How are the cookies going?"  I was happy to report my dream had come true.  I was actually in the cookie business.  I told him of the challenges and the successes.  I shared the joy of watching a customer taste a bite of a Heartsong Cookie for the first time.  Greg listened intently and then shared a story of his own.  He told me fifteen years ago he started a "side" business of his own with a $1,000 investment and 200 customers.  Five years later he quit his full time job to run his "side" business.  Fifteen years later his "side" business grosses $7-8million...yes, MILLION dollars a year.  Amazing!

Greg said when you do things for all the right reasons...like making people happy, good things will follow.

When I grow up...
I want to be Greg!

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Dennis Dinner - Day 95

Today began with a bang and ended with a hug.  On the way to work I was rear ended at a stop light.  Thank goodness the damage was minimal...just some scuffs and a jolt.  As the day wore on I continued to adjust to my new more relaxed way of doing business.  I am actually starting to get the hang of it.  A good work day ended with an early dinner with my friend Dennis at BJ's Brewhouse.  We shared a couple of appetizers, stories of our recent vacations and pondered the feasablility of Heartsong Cookies participating in a holiday event in Winter Garden on Friday, December 3rd.  It was a great way to wrap up my day.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Balance - Day 94

I am trying to get the hang of this breathing thing.  For me, I am either all in or all out.  Today, I felt all out.  I could not get motivated to do much of anything.  I felt kind of unconnected.  Thank goodness my day was pretty much planned for me.  After an early morning sales meeting, I was off to Tampa to deliver a job and pick up another...nice and mindless.  Tonight I warmed up some leftover pasta, did a little birthday shopping for Ryan and indulged a guilty pleasure of really bad reality TV.  As I sat down to my do my posting tonight and reflected on my day, I realized I have to find some balance.  I cannot go from frantic to lethargic.  My happy place is somewhere in the middle.  I didn't think it would be this hard.  Change is definitely a work in progress.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I Vow To Breathe - Day 93

During the last week of recuperation and renewal I learned a few things about myself.  I learned that I like myself a lot better when I relax.  I learned that I have to make some major changes in the way I live my life.  Frantic and out of control must be replaced with deep breaths and a slower pace. 

This morning was my first day back to work in over a week.  The anxiety began last night and continued when the alarm went off this morning.  I cannot begin another week like this.  I made a vow to myself right then and there.  I vowed to breath.  I vowed to make changes and pursue new opportunities.  I said my vow out loud to Mike as I left the house.  His reaction told me I was on the right track.  It was a look of...DUH!  WHY DID IT TAKE YOU SO LONG TO FIGURE IT OUT?!

Many hugs,
Kathy 

Vacation Finale - Day 92

Today was the grand finale to a week of rest and relaxation.  And what better way to go out with a bang than spending the day with Ryan taking a culinary tour of Orlando with some football mixed in.  We began at home with Breakfast With The Gators and Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti Granola.  Then it was on to the AT&T store to get Ryan a new iPhone.  His phone died yesterday and it was time.  The afternoon was spent at Buffalo Wild Wings with Ryan's friend Long, lots of NFL football and great wings.

A visit to mom at the hospital was next on the agenda.  We arrived just in time to see her packing up for home.  She was finally getting discharged after five days in the hospital...still not knowing what was the cause of her infection, but very grateful to be out of there. 

This evening Ryan and I made one more culinary stop.  We headed for Olive Garden for a little comfort food and conversation.  I miss having Ryan around.  This was quite a treat to get to spend the entire final day of my vacation accomplishing absolutely nothing, but spending time with my son.  After giving Ryan a quick haircut he headed out the door for the trip back to Jacksonville.  Mike was on the way back from Atlanta.  And I was left feeling melancholy and alone.  The week had been amazing and exactly what I needed.  But tomorrow work and my stress filled life would begin again.  Oh joy.   

Many hugs,
Kathy

Bartering With Cookies - Day 91

This morning began with a panicked realization that my alarm did not go off and it was time to leave for the market.  Thank goodness Ryan heard me scurrying to get ready and woke up to load my car while I finished getting ready.  We made it to the market with minutes to spare.  Ryan helped me set up the booth, but had other plans for the day, so I worked the market alone.  It actually was OK.  Traffic was steady and the weather was brisk just like I like it.  I almost sold out of my cookies and was able to use the last few remaining morsels as barter for some tasty treats.  I traded a bag of cookies for four mini cream puffs from my friends at Cream Puffery...a few more for two delectable pulled pork sandwiches...three more yielded a jar of pickled peppers and four more turned into a beautiful orchid plant from one of my best customers.  I could get used to this form of trade.  Who needs money?  I DO!

I love the sense of community I have developed at the market.  The vendors are like a family.  I even have developed a handful of regular customers.  This makes all the effort worthwhile.  It definitely fuels my soul. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Magical Night - Day 90

My good friend Vicky gave me a wonderful birthday treat that I was able to share with my son Ryan... tickets to the Orlando Magic vs. New Jersey Nets game at the new Amway Center.  Not just any tickets, but her club seat tickets with an amazing view of the court and parking pass included. Ryan and I had a wonderful time together exploring the impressive new digs, and feasting on overpriced, but good arena food.  It truly was a magical night.  Thanks Vicky!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Good News and Good Eats - Day 89

My son Ryan came to visit last night and brought with him a belated birthday gift...the promise of time together and a selection of recipes from which to choose a birthday dinner prepared by him.  I chose Chicken with Prosciutto and Sage and a Frittata.  This morning Ryan and I set out on our day together.  We began with breakfast at Athena Cafe with Mike and then headed to the hospital to visit my mom.  Even though her blood pressure was low, her spirits were high.  Many of the more serious possibilities have been ruled out, but they still have no idea what is causing the infection.  After a nice visit with mom, Ryan and l did a little shopping at the mall and the grocery store.  Then headed home to relax.  I felt like a queen as Ryan did all the prep for my birthday meal.  He has turned into quite a good cook.  You can tell cooking for others is something that fuels his soul like baking fuels mine.  Dinner was delicious!  He couldn't have given me a better gift.

After dinner I got a voice mail from my mom with very good news.  The doctor had stopped by and was pleased with her progress.  If her vitals are good tomorrow evening after another night of the antibiotic drip, she will be allowed to go home.  Happy dance!

Many hugs,
Kathy

Feeling Pretty - Day 88

I finally got to talk to my mom this morning.  She seemed in good spirits, but still did not know what was causing the fever and the swelling.  She had been poked, prodded, scanned and still knew nothing.  I asked her what she needed to feel more comfortable.  All she wanted was undereye concealer and a curling iron.  She wanted her self esteem back.  I was going to pick up some cheery flowers on my way to the hospital, but her request gave me a better idea.  I would go to my least favorite shopping establishment...WalMart Supercenter to pick up goodies to make my mom feel pretty.  I got a makeup bag and filled it with foundation, undereye concealer, blush, eyeshadow and mascara.  I grabbed a mirror, curling iron, brush and a few treats...Keebler Fudge Sticks (mom's favorite guilty pleasure) and a couple of magazines.  Then I headed to the hospital. 

I wish you could have seen my mom's face when I presented her with the goodie bag.  She was like a kid on Christmas morning.  I opened everything and set her up for prettification.  We talked a while and I headed out to run errands and do some prettification of my own...cleaning my house.  I called my mom later in the afternoon and the tone of her voice told me everything I needed to hear.  The gift worked its magic.  My mom felt pretty again. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

It Must Have Been A Dream - Day 87

The last three days were truly magical.  So magical that I think it must have all been a dream.  A dream from which I awoke the moment I drove over the border from Georgia into Florida.  That is when reality bit me in the butt.  First I got an e-mail from the commercial kitchen owner further restricting my baking hours at the kitchen and making it virtually impossible for me to prepare for the farmers' market.  Then I got a text message from my brother telling me my mom was at the emergency room with a high fever and swelling.  I tried to call him, but the signal would not go through in the hospital.  My phone battery was almost dead and I could not get any answers.  All the stress that had vacated my body the last few days came storming back.  I felt sick, worried and helpless.  We made it back home around 10:00, 1 1/2 hours past the end of visiting hours.  My mom is having a cat scan and I still have no answers.  The dream was replaced by a nightmare.

Many hugs and prayers for my mom,
Kathy

EXACTLY What I Needed - Day 86

Today was the perfect prescription for everything that ails me.  It was EXACTLY what I needed.  Mike and I woke up after NINE hours of sleep...yes NINE, not 1 1/2, 2, 3 or 4, but NINE!  I opened the curtains to a gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains dressed in all their Fall slendor.  We headed downstairs for our free breakfast and then hit the road for apple picking.  We ended up at Reece's Apple Farm just outside of Ellijay.  Apple picking season is just about over,  but  they did have Arkansas Black and Rome Beauty still on the trees.  I was in heaven.  We filled a bushel bag with our ruby goodies and supplemented our haul with pre-picked Cameo and Yates apples.  A fried apple pie and an apple cider slushie completed the visit.  I cannot begin to explain how good this morning made me feel.  And this was only the beginning.  We stopped by Hillcrest Apple Farms for a 1/2 peck of mini Fuji, Red Delicious, Pink Lady and Cameo Apples.  Then it was on to Burt's Farm specializing in pumpkins, gourds, squash and Indian corn...all things that make Fall seem like Fall.  We frolicked amongst the pumpkins just like all the kids that were paying a visit to the farm.  By this time I was giddy.

Dahlonega was next.  We wandered through the quaint downtown square stopping for a taste of fudge and a sip of wine.  Lunch was a mid afternoon German feast at Hofer's in Helen.  Mike had a Schnitzel Sandwich.  I put together my own sampler plate from the side item menu...a single wurst, red cabbage, spatzle and a pretzel dumpling.  Oh my, the pretzel dumpling was divine...kind of like a savory French toast topped with sauteed onions.

Tonight we played on the computer and dined on wine, bread, salami, apples and cheese served on a hand towel.  No utensils.  Nothing fancy.  Just perfection.  Time with Mike.  No stress.  Nature.  Mountains.  Cool air.  Sweet smells.  It was a feast for my soul.  I am satiated and content.  Once again life is pretty damn good.

Many hugs,
Kathy