Some thanks; I won an award and I have been tagged!

Thank-you to everyone who left David and I sweet anniversary messages. We had a fantastic dinner last night. The restaurant, The Castle, is just top notch. A real treat. I remember when were dating - it was a huge deal to go to The Castle, and while you no longer need a suit and tie to get in, it still maintains that feeling. They have a world renowned wine cellar and cuisine. The original owner's son now runs it and he is just as gray as we are, but the food and service are still as good as they were over 33 years ago. This is the type place where service is still service. The dishes are china and the silverware is silver. They pull out your seat, place your cloth napkin on your lap, and bring the ladies a rose, and later when they found out it was our anniversary, they brought 5 more to make 1/2 dozen to take home. And get this - the ladies menus don't have prices. Works for me. LOL! I used to be intimidated when we went there, but no more. That's one of the joys of being a woman over 50 - the confidence!

The whole meal, from their signature cheese spread and crackers that greet you when you sit down at the white linen covered table, to the decadent dessert cart they bring by to tempt you, is just out of this world. The food portions are just right - not the massive super sized quantities they serve in the chain restaurants and there were real veggies on the plate. And I know you are wondering - yes we did have dessert - David had the Death by Chocolate Cake and I had the Black Forest Chocolate Cake - with Kirsch injected Bing Cherries in one layer. YUMM -OH! Just a few bites each and that was all we needed.

Honestly, I don't need all the fancy fixins to have a good time and I enjoy down home cooking and relaxed living as much as anyone else, but with everything so casual now, and no one dressing for any occasion any more, The Castle certainly knows how to make a special evening feel just that - special. And it was a special way to celebrate 33 special years with my special guy! Thanks honey!

My friend's Jenn and Kindra both picked my blog to win this award, and I thank them very much for including me! It's called the Arte Y Pico award, and this is it, and here are the rules for each winner:



1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4.The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. To show these rules.

I choose to share this award with 5 really sweet blogging friends (and I apologize if you already have this! ) Please accept this award and then do as you choose - no pressure from me!

Katy - The Country Blossom
Tress - The Cozy Parsonage
Leslie - My Country Home
Kate - Kates Kountry Kottage
Stephanie - The Hearts of Hartmann

AND....

I have been tagged! My sweet and talented friend Leslie over at My Country Home has tagged me. I love learning about my new blogging friends so I hope you enjoy learning about me.

1. Name 5 things that I do for myself:
a. Read - books, magazines, the morning paper, the cereal box, I love it all.
b. Do breakfast or lunch with a good friend
c. Get my hair colored
d. Buy the very best fresh produce I can afford in season (it's bing cherries and Vidalia onions right now!!)
e. Get my nails done - and I still manage to garden, do crafts, paint - you name it!

2. Name 5 kind things I do for friends, my children or partner:
a. Make our house a home - keep it clean and neat and place they want to be.
b. Help DH with his expense account and scan his expense receipts.
c. Make their birthdays special - everyone deserve a special day!
d. Prepare a meal when they are sick, had surgery, have a death in the family or just need one.
e. Make DH's coffee and get his travel mug ready

3. Name 5 kind things I've done for a strangers:
a. Sent cards and gifts when they are on Chemo
b. Sent cards and gifts to patients who need an extra pick me up
c. Let someone get in front of me in line at the store or bank
d. Offered to help with a child when a mom needed an extra hand
e. Carried a senior citizens groceries to her car

4. Name 5 hobbies I enjoy:
a. Card making
b. Altered art collages
c. Cross stitch and plain old stitching
d. Blogging and reading other blogs
e. Gardening

Now I get to tag others. Please only do this if you want to and if you haven't been tagged lately - I don't want anyone to feel pressured. And if you want to do it but make your list shorter - go for it. And if you want to join the fun but not tag anyone else, fee free - remember, we each get to make the rules for own blog experience!

Jenn - Stampin Angel Jenn's
Colleen - And Baby Makes Five
Tumbleweed - Tumbleweed Twinspiration Station
JoAnne - The Carter Clan
Tammy - Country Girl at Home

I think that is all the business on hand today! Thanks for stopping by. I hope your Sunday is filled with good things.

Until next time - hugs, Linda