Thanksgiving Eve

Hello all, I have a few thoughts before I got to bed here on this chilly Thanksgiving Eve...

Firstly, I'd like to wish all of my Tri Delta's reading this, a happy 125th Founder's Day.  Our Founders Day is always Thanksgiving Eve, but this year is particularly special because it is a nice round number, but also because the founding day was November the 27th, when the idea of Delta Delta Delta was formed.

While I have been upset with our Nationals ever since they made the tragic decision to close our chapter, this Founder's Day, coupled with some recent news of a sick sister, I am more grateful than ever to have my sisters from the sorority.  I always thought Louise would be the child to go down the sorority route, that it was not for me, but someone else had other plans, and I am so glad, because I can't imagine life without the women who surround me.  I went to dinner on Sunday at the sorority house, and it was particularly sad because it is the last Founder's Day dinner Epsilon Eta will have for a long while.  It's terrible every time I'm reminded that this is the last time, with these people.

That being said, I want to start off talking about the things I am thankful for this year.  Since I was already talking about my sisters, I will state how thankful I am for them first.  There is no better feeling than seeing a group of them, whether it be for the first time that day, or the first time in a month.  I feel so loved by everyone, and I love each of them back.  I am so thankful for this second family I never expected to fall into my lap.

Epsilon Eta Founder's Day Dinner

I am thankful for my wonderful fiance, Kyle, who is the most patient and kind person I know, even on his worst day.  I don't know how I got so lucky to meet him way back in the day, but damn, do I have good taste (but really, y'all know that already).  He works so hard in every aspect of his life - at work, at home around the house, with his EDM hobby which is hopefully the beginning of a blossoming career - he motivates me to be better at everything, every single day.

I am also lucky that my future in-laws treat me as a member of the family already, because I know many people do not get along with their spouse's families.  I can't imagine living in animosity with Kyle's family.  Family is important to me, so I am glad to have such a great addition to my future family.  One day I hope to be as good at hosting dinner parties as they are, so I can repay all the good food and drink they've given to me.  On that note - I can't wait to murder some Thanksgiving food at Kyle's grandparent's tomorrow - I've been looking forward to it for WEEKS.

Of course I am thankful for my own family, for always supporting me, no matter which path I veer off onto in life.  You may occasionally drive me crazy (white hot rage is always bubbling beneath the surface), but each of you is always there if I need a laugh or a good cry.  As much as I love Kyle's family, it is still hard getting used to being away from my family at the holidays, because I love y'all so much.

I am thankful for my friends I have scattered across the United States, who I don't get to see as often as I'd like, but am grateful that on those lucky occasions, its as if no time has passed. (STG this counts for you too since you often live off in a distant land that is the NCSU CVM library).

I'm thankful for my little wild child Sienna, even though it sometimes seems like her singular goal in life is to eat my paycheck in one big CHOMP.  My life has certainly improved with her in it.

This barely scratches the surface of all the things I'm thankful for, but those are the big ones.  I tell you what, I am a lucky gal, and I really try not to take that for granted.

xx Marion

AVA pictures! (and a BONUS!)

So I mentioned that Loy, my mother, and I all went to the CFOH A Vintage Affair a few weeks ago?  I ordered a picture from the event to show us off in our fancy pants (dresses?).  The photo quality is not the best from scanning it into the computer, but it is still a great photo nonetheless.

I also took this photo with my phone, which is *really* bad quality, but it was all of us in front of the CFOH plane, which is pretty neat.

Also, earlier this week, Sienna and I had a great morning walk - it had just rained, the oak trees were perfectly colored, we were all alone, and we happened across the most beautiful sight (below) just around the corner from my house.  I didn't have my phone on me, so once I got home, I quickly got in the Taco and drove back to the site to get the picture you see.  I was dumb and in a rush, so I didn't think to get my real camera, which I really regret after seeing how beautifully the picture came out.  I think it is the most beautiful picture ever, potentially the best I've ever taken, and I sadly only have it on iPhone quality.  Maybe it was just the environment that made it so special to me.

Man's Best Friend

I just wanted to share this series of cuteness with yall.. these two snuggled for about 2 hours tonight, and it was adorable.

best pals

snugglin'

goofball

look at those big feet!

Kyle is actually asleep in these last two, so it was especially funny

The Sky's the Limit!

I was so excited this weekend because I was able to see all my CFOH friends at their annual gala, A Vintage Affair!  Last year they had it at the General Aviation terminal at the RDU airport, and it was busting at the seams.  This year they had the event in the TAC Air hangar which was SO neat!  I'm sad I did not get any pictures, so I stole some from the CFOH Facebook page.  It was all blue and green lighting, white couches, CFOH's private plane was in the hangar - great atmosphere! Because the hangar was so big, the food and drink were more spread out, so it was fun to move around the space while eating.  They had about 10 of Raleigh's best restaurants with foods for tasting, as well as several great wines to taste.  I loved it, and I love the organization.  They are such great people, making lives better.

 

Sunday I woke up and had a great ride on little Leo, who was only half wild.  He doesn't realize he's old.  Then Sienna and I went to the vet and she was OUTSTANDING!  I was such a proud momma.  We had to wait 5-10 minutes to be helped, and at least 7 dogs were in the relatively small lobby with us.  We practiced heeling, laying, and sitting and she was totally focused.  The only time she screamed a little was when this other high energy dog was bouncing all around.  I decided to keep rolling on the good behavior train, so we went out to the Duke horse show at the fairgrounds.  She was good there, but not perfect, so we still have some work to do.  AKA this corgi was laying underneath her truck and she was NOT happy about it.

After hanging out at the show, I dropped Sienna off with her aunties Daisy & Paige, while Kyle, my mom, and I went out to Fearrington again to check out the leaves.  We decided on the "Crabapple" garden site, which looks into the garden courtyard.  I absolutely cannot wait!  We had lunch at the Granary again, played with the Oreo cows, and spied on a wedding - it all wore me out!

Saturday night I got to see some of my favorite people!  I saw Loren and Hunter at the Grand Prix at the horse show, and then we three, plus STG went for a late night snack and drink at Beasley's Chicken & Honey!

Sunday I bathed and clipped Leo, not that exciting...  Sunday night Kyle and I made a great dinner in less than an hour!

It doesn't look that fancy, but OMG - it was good! A ribeye steak, jalepeno chimichurri sauce, coconut & tapioca flour dinner rolls, and blue cheese/bacon/balsamic brussels sprouts!!  YUM.  We had pumpkin chia seed pudding for dessert, which was good but needed just a hair less nutmeg. Recipes below.

Jalepeno Chimichurri Sauce

Easy Dinner Rolls

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Blue Cheese, & Balsamic Glaze

Future Anniversary

Short post for today - two years from today, almost at this exact moment, Kyle and I will be getting married!  I know two years is a long ways away, but I have lots to do!  I can't wait though! Kyle, Mother and I are all going back out to Fearrington this weekend to check out the tree colors again, to hopefully decide on a garden location for the ceremony because there are about four to choose from.  I generally keep the excitement levels below the surface, but visiting Fearrington makes me ridiculously excited and it all bubbles out.

Sooo... Happy Future Anniversary Kyle!!!!!

PS: my engagement party dress gets to see the light of day again tomorrow at Children's Flight of Hope, A Vintage Affair gala!  Both it and I are excited!

Crabby Mood

This one is for you Alyssa -  here is a yummy recipe.  Usually my meals are not too out of the ordinary, but Kyle has in a "crabby" mood lately, so I decided to make us a healthy crab soup.  It was different from your regular crab soup - it had coconut cream, goat cheese, bacon, and more goodies!  It was a little on the sweet side from the coconut cream but good enough for me to be excited to post about!!  The pictures don't do the soup justice... it went great with beer too!

Recipe here! Crabby Tuesday Soup