To Feel The Love

The last two weeks have been crazy to say the least.  Two weeks ago I got a call about a new job with another Title Company.  If you know me, you know that I have worked at the same place for the last 39 years.  And, to get a new job was exciting, scary and sad all at the same time. 

I hadn't want to really look for a new job, I liked mine, but I was only working part time due to the fact we were laid off part time, and unemployment was a joke.  I tried to cut our expenses where I could but sooner or later I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with the bills. 

I tried working part time at night for Fed Ex but besides finding out why everything is broken when it is delivered it was too hard for me to do and way to dangerous for an old lady.  I applied to a lot of jobs on line and then I got the call for an interview about a month ago for another Title Company doing more or less the same thing I am doing  now.  And when the call came that I got the job, well it was kind of sad at work.  We all teared up because we now knew that the three of us would soon be down to two. 

I spent the next two weeks packing up 39 years of accumulated stuff.  Christmas stuff, stuffed animals, food stuff and how many coffee mugs can a girl have stuff.  All of which ended up in my dining room.  The last day was difficult, but not as bad as I thought it would be.   Presents that I did not expect, a lunch which was delicious and good byes that were heartfelt and heartbreaking. 

Not only had I worked with Annette all those 39 years, Barb came along 19 years ago and became a BFF easily.  How do you leave them?  Well, one thing is that I will visit often.  Thankfully it is close by.  I didn't feel the emptiness until a few minutes ago when I was putting Christmas cookies away.  I didn't pack any for the girls for tomorrow.  It felt like I had a hole in the stomach and I got a lump in my throat.  Instead I will take some to them later this week.

Now just when I thought it couldn't get anymore emotional, yesterday proved to be even more so. 

Saturday we had a Santa's breakfast at our church.  So much fun, so much food.  It was a great time.  At the end when the helpers got a chance to sit down I was eating with another BFF of mine, Cathy.  My mom was sitting next to me and then suddenly there seemed to be a lot of people around.  I just figured they were  talking, but the next thing I knew there was a present.  Gail, a wonderful women from my church had a gift for me.  Now, I don't like to be singled out, so at first I thought what could this be, why am I getting a present? Well, to my surprise it was a painting that Gail did of me.  Me, as Super Stewardship Woman.  Me, with blue wig askew, cape flying and crazy tights.  In that moment I felt like my heart would just pop out of my chest with love.

So,  that's been my week.  I don't know what tomorrow holds, but whatever it is I know one thing for certain, I am loved.  And I don't go through this world alone.  I have so many dear friends.  So many BFF's that I feel blessed.  More blessed than one human being should be.

It has been a rough couple of months but I am looking forward to new adventures, new friends and new challenges.

And that is Another day in Catasauqua

What a weekend in Catasauqua

My weekend started last night as usual - food shopping.  But, when we came home my mom had said "there was a man here to see me."  What man, what was his name; my mother, of course, did not ask.  The gentleman did, however, show up after 8 o'clock and what a fantastic story.  He tracked me down, by this blog!  It was kind of exciting hearing the man say to Parke, "I am a looking for Beverly Werner, she writes a blog called "Another Day in Catasauqua"  ooooooo!  That's me!!! "I am a private detective."  ooooo! That's not me! "Don't worry you are not in trouble" Okay - it's me then.

It was very interesting -we talked about a 2014 story that I wrote - I just happened to take a picture that helped him in a case he was working on, unfortunately I could not be of more help to him, but  it was still the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately.

The Sweets

Then this morning it was to church for a fundraiser called Soup, Salad and Sweets.  My laughs started with my BFF, Tammy, who had Hallmark hair.  If you watch as many Hallmark movies as Tammy, Cathy or I do, you know what I mean.  It is that kind of hair you have when you meet Mr. Right, but of course, you dislike each other at first, perhaps you met in a fender bender in the parking lot or you spilled soup all over him, but by the end of the movie or this blog whichever happens first, you kiss and inevitably live happily ever after.

But, maybe the best laughs came later with the arrival of BFF's Jaime and Rami. You see, they have been remodeling their bathroom and Rami's new pride and perhaps joy is the bidet.  Yes, a bidet, which has a heated seat and lights up in the dark; which I may try in the future.  If I do, watch for my blog, "Another bidet in Catasauqua"  it is sure to be one that captivates your imagination.

Of course, Rami, who is eating for two can't understand the complaints of pregnant women, since he is not experiencing any morning sickness and I heard laughter coming from the table, since he was surrounded by women.

You know what--
isn't that a great thing.  To sit with friends, to make new friends and to eat great desserts (okay threw that one in because I ate some of the best desserts today) and to laugh.  I feel so happy today I just had to share it with you, my readers.

Yup this is my weekend so far, who knows it isn't over yet, maybe some more craziness will happen.  BUT that's the great thing, you never know what is going to happen next, Hallmark hair, baby daddy's (Dale and Rami) and bidets, you know what I call that ........Another day in Catasauqua.

"It's a Wonderful Life"

A long time friend, (better than saying old) gave me a gift last night.  Brenda gave me a little wooden sign with stars that said "It's a wonderful Life".  When I got home last night I hung it in the living room, when I got up this morning it was the first thing I saw when I came downstairs.  My first thought was, it is a wonderful life, even though my stomach was upset from all the different food I ate last night at a Christmas party, my mom was talking about something and I was running a tad late; all I could think about was all the great friends and family that I have.  I am blessed.

It is so easy at this time of the year to get disgusted with people, with shopping and with crowds.  The shopping takes precedence over what the holiday is all about, LOVE.    The gift of a baby, Jesus was God's love coming down to us.  He sent Jesus to guide us and show us love.  To help others, to give love away.  Simply, to love.

I have another friend, I will keep her name of out this, she knows who she is, who told me she had an issue with a family member.  She was very upset, so upset she did NOT want to do anything. She did not want to attend anything, go anywhere or help with anything.  She sat, but she prayed, and she wrote in her journal.  Then she prayed more and wrote more.  I thought, how strong this woman was.  She might not of thought so at that moment, but she was.  She didn't fly off the handle, like I might have, or got sick with worry - she was turning over her problems to someone much bigger who is there to handle our problems.  And the answer is always the same, love.  If someone has done something that you

are upset about you need to love them anyway.  You need to love yourself, even if you think you can't.

Now before I get too preachy let's just talk about how wonderful life is.  Sometimes we might not think that but it is.  I love living in Catasauqua, it's not Bedford Falls, but it is a nice small town and you know what - the world would not be a better place without you in it.  Clarence showed George Bailey just that.  George did not have enough love for himself, but soon found out that everyone in town loved him and helped him in his time of need.

I am lucky, I have a house, food, family and friends.  What I lack in money, I make up in love.  So, if you see me and I am not smiling, remind me to smile.  If you come across someone suffering from PHS (Pre-Holiday Syndrome) flash them a smile, give them patience and add a little love.

Everyone is dealing with something, remember that and remember, it is a wonderful life....and that's another day in Catasauqua.

A Walk in the Park - Coca-Cola Park

 Yesterday was a special day, it was our Annual Iron Pigs Suite night at Coca-Cola Park.  Once a year a group of us from Salem UCC rent the Iron Pigs Suite, we each chip in to cover the costs and we have a night of FOOD, friendship, fun and baseball. 

I decided to take some pictures to share here in case you haven't had a chance to be in one of the suites yet. 

First we headed to the park with cloudy skies overhead, we knew that there was a chance that the game might be rained out.  But, whether the weather co-operates or not, you have to go for the food part of the night. 

We hopped into the elevator to the 2nd floor even though the suites are numbered in the 300's - tricky.  Off the elevator and pass the bar and food to the hallway leading to the suites. 

My plate

Besides being with friends the food is my  next favorite part.  This year it didn't let me down there was fried chicken, pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked pasta dish, potato salad, a salad with dressings, condiments and fixings.  On another table was potato chips and the best cookies, the sugar cookies being my favorite!

The Buffet

I have it down to a science, I usually eat a hamburger, sometimes I just eat hot dogs, this is only because I love hot dogs, but Parke does not and the ball games are my time to get hot dogs.  We are 18 game plan holders so I usually get my share during the season, especially on Dollar Dog nights.  Last night, I ate to much, but it was so good.  I am of the mentality that I have to get my monies worth.  Thus why I am sipping peppermint tea as I write this!

A note to self - do not drink a beer after consuming a large quantity of food - I felt like I just poured vinegar in a stomach full of baking soda, can you say BLOAT.  My muffin top turned into a sheet cake over my jeans.  

John and Tammy

BFF Tammy was to throw out the first pitch for our group, and she was so excited to do so, but after she left to line up the rain started, the tarp came out and Tammy came back up, they were told to wait in the tunnel, but it was a good thing she didn't, the game eventually was rained out.

Super Ferrous

As usual Ferrous made a quick visit to our suite - it was Super Hero Night and he was dressed for the occasion.

Me with my cookie

I don't mind a rain out when we are in the suites, because you get tickets for another game and they will give them for the 2nd level which is called club level!  I like the club level because if it happens to be a bad weather night or if it is too hot out you can take shelter inside.  And to top it off this time they are giving us an additional $15.00 credit on each ticket to use for food - GO PIGS - hot dogs, here I come.

The suites are sweet, sofa and chair - high tables and stools - sorry Shayna for accidentally grabbing your boob to hike myself up on the stool.  But the night is about laughs, talking with friends and usually rooting on the Iron Pigs, well it was still good friends, laughter and food....maybe next year we can "root, root, root for the Iron Pigs, if they don't win it's a shame, cause it 1, 2, 3 strikes your out at the old ball game......and that another day in Catasauqua.

PJ PARTY in CATASAUQUA - Part 2

Well, it's the day after the annual sleepover and I am tired.  For the first time in the history of the sleepovers everyone showed up.  Twenty were invited and during the course of the evening 20 attended.  Over the years we have taken the group shot on the stairs, on the sofa, and even in bed.  This years picture was on the sofa again, because it was the only place we could all fit. 

It was a night of laughs, food and fun.  First we ate, omg what great food,  4 crockpots, one with chicken chili, the next one, chicken barbeque, then sausage soup and last but not least, homemade perogies.  There was fruit, potato salad, chips, dip, shrimp,  taquitos (which were wonderful, thanks Roseanne) Lan's wonton thingys, and that's only a portion of what was there.  

We later went through books that were part of the collection from our friend Miriam, who recently departed this life.  Tons of books and we went through them and shared them with each other.  The real laughs began when we went through Miriam's scarf collection.  There were scarves for everyone and it got crazy, we made headbands, Tammy went pirate on us, and we even decided to make some of them into bandeaus, some of us needed more fabric than others.

We, of course, had to break out the fortune telling cards and I had to read everyone future, which turned out to be very bright this year for everyone.  Everyone it seems was meeting a new love, and since the only place we ever really go to meet people is church -- all I can say is WATCH OUT CHRIS KOLLAR. 

A majority left by midnight and we popped in a movie, Bridesmaids.  There were 8 of us left and we settled in around 2:15 AM.  I felt that I didn't fall asleep till around 4am, but Tammy assures me that I was snoring before that. 

Nancy #1, got up at the ungodly time of 6am and I rolled off the inflatable bed at 7:00 am.  Miraculously,  I have not napped, but instead took down my valentine stuff and got out my St. Patty's Day stuff.  Cathy and book club 2 will be proud of how I draped around the green scarves from last night.  Seriously though, the scarf that I had in my hair last night, one of Miriams', is now on my piano with a matching green candle holder on it.  The funny thing - they are the exact same color, and the candle was a gift from Miriam for my 50th birthday. 

I  prepared my lesson for Sunday School early today and I have already showered and am now enjoying the leftover chocolate wine from last night.  I don't think I will last much longer I felt like dozing off about an hour ago, so I will leave you with this.  Enjoy life, party when you can, act like a fool occasionally, and cherish your friends.  Finally, sometimes stay up late with your friends, because the next day will be another day in Catasauqua.

PJ PARTY in CATASAUQUA....tonight



no, this is not us..we wish though

 Yes, it is that day again - it is the Annual Pajama Party!  Yes a bunch of "church" ladies of all ages get together and have a sleepover!  The very first year I slept on the floor in a sleeping bag, that was 14 years ago.  I got smarter since and have an inflatable bed.  I remember turning to Cathy in the morning on the first year, her sleeping bag was next to mine and I said, "I feel like I didn't sleep" and she answered, "It's because we didn't".  The early years we stayed up late and got up early.  Miriam would start the coffee in the morning at most ungodliest of times.  This year I will really miss that.  Miriam entered eternal life not to long ago.  I know we might shed a tear or two tonight, but I know, and I really know this, we will also laugh. 

The party starts at 5:00 PM and I am not disclosing the location, just safe to say it is in Catasauqua.  That is when the food will start arriving, in waves, and that's how we eat.  I always take, it's a tradition, Chocolate Covered Strawberries.  Shirley's homemade periogies will be there and so will the shrimp that Nancy B1, always brings.  There is always a gaggle of crockpots going and food all over the dining room table, which gets moved later to accomodate the sleeping bags and beds.   I am bringing a crockpot dish also, but it is for breakfast, it is a breakfast dish which includes ham, eggs and potatoes.

We have had over the years all kinds of food.  I brought sushi one year, we have had chocolate liquor bottles that were quite the hit, along with chocolate wine (which I am also taking tonight).  While I am on the subject let's talk booze, there is enough at this party to make half the town drunk, yet I don't think there has been a time that any one of us imbided too much.  My favorite, and I bring it every year is MARGARITAS!!! START THE BLENDER!!!

I must confess though, I was not geared up for this night until today.  The loss of Miriam and other issues in my life but a little damper on my spirits, but today I am all excited with anticipation of a fun night.  We even have someone new coming tonight, a new friend.  Hope we don't scare her too much, LOL!

Sincerely though friendship is the best thing.   Friends are the most important ingredient in the recipe called life.  I love each of my friends, and each friend brings a different world with them.  Together we have a galaxy of delights, dreams and wishes. 

So let the games begin (no Karen not literally)....let's instead say, let the fun begin and if by chance you see a bunch of police cars at a house tonight let's just say that it's another day in Catasauqua.

"You got be with your friends, even when life sucks"

"You got be with your friends, even when life sucks"  a quote from Nancy Bushspice.   She told me that tonight at a joint birthday party for me and another friend, Barbara, who was celebrating her 70th Birthday.

I didn't want to go tonight, I knew something was probably up, they told me it was just a party for Barb.   I was trying to stay away.  I left work for a hair cut, which thanks to Sheila at Expressions, turned into a cut, color and had my eyebrows done.  The brighter hair lifted my spirits a bit, but I still didn't want to go tonight.  I figured I go home, have Parke take me out to dinner and then come home and sulk. 

I got lots of reasons to sulk,. I am on a partial layoff from work, ends are harder to meet, savings is starting to deplete, can't find a new job because I don't have a college education and I am not bilingual.  I got family issues, health issues, money issues and just some plain old issues.  Why celebrate?

On the other hand, God loves me,  I have a job, ends do seem to eventually meet, I still have savings, a man who loves me,  a mother who bought me cupcakes, grandchildren with a birthday message, and I have good friends.  Lots of really good friends.  Who love me even when I sulk.  Yeah, I guess I have some good reasons to celebrate.

So besides being my birthday, which by the way happens every year around this time, it's.....another day in Catasauqua.