Mile Markers - Two Very Different Anniversaries

On September 10th, the 38 Martineau's will be celebrating 

the start of the Family as we know it now.

Albert and Josephine will mark their 

60th Wedding Anniversary

on September 15, 

and to commemorate the occasion, WE will feed THEM 

(they've been nourishing us for decades!) 

at a dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Johnston.

Chicken Parmagiana and Baked Haddock.  With all the fixin's.   Lots of pasta...

and ANNIVERSARY CAKE!

Of course, the meal will be served "Family Style"

(as if there was any other option.)

   
As at every Martineau gathering, it will be our usual wild and crazy time!

This is one of those events that we wish we could invite the world to...but alas, with the economy such as it is, that was not possible. We will be thinking about you, our extended Family, and wishing you were here.
We know you will be thinking about Mom and Dad on their Special Day, and most likely remembering their 50th Anniversary Party that you attended 10 years ago (Such an unbelievably wonderful time!)

**************************

And on Sunday, we reflect on another Anniversary, one which is not festive.

September 11, 2011, the tenth Anniversary of one of our Nation's darkest hours.

Never Forget!

For photos, click here: xoxoxocd: "0" 'Neau!

Love,
Clare

The Unwelcome Guest

Dear Friends,

Sometimes when we have visited you on stops during our journey, we wonder...are we intruding? Over-staying our welcome? Do we talk too much, eat too much, keep you up too late?

Our visitor yesterday was such a one.  Irene.  We didn't ASK her to drop in. She called last week to say she'd be by, but we were hoping she'd change her mind. We did make up her room, however, because hoping wasn't working.  She was on the way, and NOTHING was gonna stop her.

She came early...5:30 am.    Empty-handed.     It appears she was pre-menstrual.

(that's the nice way to say 'miserable bitch'). 

The screaming and crying went on for 18 hours. She wouldn't allow us to talk to anyone else while she was here, and my only connection to the outside world came when I had to twinkle and could use that "private time" to post updates to my Facebook page!. 

She trashed the place. Then she abruptly departed, leaving us to clean up the mess.

Here is what she looked like in action:
(my apologies for the "Blair Witch" effect)

Fortunately, she didn't stay the night, so her room did not take a hit. 

Unfortunately, she has relatives who might drop in before the Winter gets here.

We plan to be out of town if that happens.

Love to you!
xoxoxo, clare

Hurricanes and Birthdays

Hello, Dear Friends!

It's been ages since I sent you a Postcard -- Summer has been busy/fun! -- but now it's time to resume chronicling our travels.

As of this very moment, we are housebound due to Hurricane Irene, who is bearing down upon us as we speak. The rains just began about 30 minutes ago, and high winds are expected throughout tomorrow.  We have prepared our home as best we can for her threats, and we are hopeful that she will be less than the "Weather Professionals" on our local TV channel have hyped.

The REAL reason I'm writing today... jd's 60th Birthday was on August 25th, and we celebrated, "Martineau style".

Which means, of course, that it was as silly as possible.

jd...doesn't he look thrilled???

The fare included a "Cupcake Cake"...

Lollipops, Bubblegum, Sugar Babies, Fruit Roll-ups, Chips Ahoy and Oreo's, among other delectable pastry goodies.

There were Glow Sticks, Balloons, and naturally, the lovely Party Hats seen here:

Dad

Mom

Donna

Tom

Joe, John and Steve

Jessica

David

Kevin

And Party Games!

There is never a dull moment at a Dunn/Martineau gathering!

Wish you were here!

xoxoxo, clare

Summer Shutdown

Hello, Good Buds!

First of all, I know it isn't Summer yet (and I think Summer may not arrive in the Northeast at all this year).
Regardless, the busy days that the Season brings make it difficult for little ol' me to keep up with 3 blogs, so "Postcards" and "Graphic JAM" will go into slumber mode for a while.

You can still find us at "xoxoxocd"  ( http://xoxoxocd.blogspot.com/  ).

So drop on over, and follow us there, where you will see :

Watercolors and acrylics



PLUS

Upcoming Artwork:  "Maggie's English Garden" and "Cliff View"

ALSO

More 'Art by Nick',

AND

Highlights from the Femino Family Art Show and Auction to be held July 9, 2011

(You really don't want to miss this!)

Funny ancedotes and videos, a joke or two, and Family Updates will also be included!
See you all at "XO!"

xoxoxo, clare