This is 51

We celebrated my birthday a few days early, in the city, eating brunch. We had live music, great food, and a bottle of bubbly cava. We loved Skulks Rainbow Room and Printer’s Alley. 

2025 Concert Series #1

We celebrated Wes’s 50th tonight at the Ryman and saw our first concert of the new year. 

Morgan’s performance didn’t prove to be very popular with the crowd as many left mid-way through. I think I was the only person not on the first row singing along to all of the songs. We stayed until the end, but this show definitely lacked the energy she had when we saw her in 2023. My next visit to the Ryman can only be better. 

Joy

I found this at Costco thinking there’s no way these tulips are going to bloom with the bulbs sitting in two inches of water. But they did. They have brought me so much joy - especially when it’s so cold outside and I’m reminded warm weather is still months away. 

All is Well

Together again. All is well. 

Merry Christmas in January

Today the fam gathered to exchange Christmas gifts with the kids. 

 

Interestingly, all four got a hoodie this year. 

We had the traditional lasagna with a salad and homemade bruschetta for dinner. Dinner was delish, but I loved the winter tablescape even more. I’m channeling the winter look in hopes for a snow day or two. I might be in luck Monday. 

Tackling the Hard Stuff

I tackled the unavoidable task of unpacking and cleaning out Evan’s Jeep. I can say I hate this job every time he moves back home, but I truly find it fascinating. How does he function in such chaos? Golf clubs, fishing equipment, baseball caps, suit with balled up dress shirt, boots, shaving cream, clothing, books, one sock of every color (never a pair), honor cords, food. You name it. It’s in the Jeep and probably has been for weeks if not months. 

 I filled a garbage sack with empty Gatorade bottles, straws, shoes missing entire soles, and this. 

I pulled out his favorite beanie from under the front seat and he said, “Great find! I’ve been looking for that.” 

When I got to the trunk I found this. 

Goggles from one of his lab classes, the medical equipment for his ingrown toenail, and a bottle of break fluid. Packaged neatly together. Because of course the break fluid should be stored with the gauze and medical tape. 

The Jeep is clean today. Empty of junk. Vacuumed. Lysoled. Crumbs removed. Dried icecream scraped off the steering wheel. 

How long do we want to bet it stays this way? Over / Under 7 days? 

To the Core

How do you say Evan’s home without saying Evan’s home? 

IYKYK