September 14, 2010

How I Ended My Summer Vacation

The summer of 2010 will go down in Fragrant Liar history as one of the greats. I set out on a new adventure and accomplished some things I'd been working on for a long time. Saw most of my kids on my June road trip and since then my Atlanta girl, TG and her family.

Fragrant Liar and Lisa from That's Why
Atlanta jaunts will always be fun. One of the coolest things that happened this last trip is meeting this fabulous blogger, Lisa at That's Why. She and her hubs, the infamous MathMan, drove 45 minutes to visit me. If you're not yet a fan of Lisa's, head on over there and revel in her coolness.

We have much in common, Lisa and I, most notably our love of writing. She's a talented and fun blogger and an interesting and smart woman. Plus, she's about as tall as me, so she is naturally a super-awesome individual that glows from the inside out. Heh.

I hope to see Lisa on return trips to Atlanta where we can talk about things that always get up people's ire:  sex, politics, and novels in progress.

I am the Corona Extra (emphasis on the crown, yo).
Y'all, the kids were determined we play games. I do love games, but I confess, I never once played Candyland with my daughters when they were young. I know. That's equivalent to depriving them of jelly. So I had some making up to do with Destructo and Miss America. Unfortunately, all their game pawns were either jammed beneath a sofa cushion, ground up in the disposal, or sucked down a toilet chute. So I improvised. Can you guess which bottle-cap-turned-game-pawn led me to victory?

Hey, just cuz they're kids doesn't mean I have to roll over. Winning is everything, people. I know you know that.

Mmmmm, chunky salsa!
I made this scrumptious salsa. Rachel Ray, eat your heart out. Of course, making salsa means you have to eat the carby tortilla chips. Ours were shaped like footballs. Getting drunk on salsa is not easy, but I totally did it, as evidenced by the not-so-pleasing hangover around my waistband. There was a Corona involved as well. Obviously. Go Saints!

Udder Hysteria, this one's for you too!
So I went to Atlanta this time for my daughter TG's birthday. This plaque was the coolest gift she got (besides moi) from her sister, Coco. High-sterical and so appropriate for their relationship.

But, Coco, who actually showed up for the partay? Yeah, that's right. Mama rules.

Miss America and Destructo giving me a tour.

Miss America and Destructo showed me around their neighborhood, which is hilly and lush with trees. What a gorgeous area. During the trek, Miss America was indulging in her usual chattery (where does she get it?), and I was paying close attention for her special brand of wee wisdom. (See, I work for you people nonstop.) So it was particularly noticeable when Miss America stopped, covered her mouth and made the gag face, and pointed to this (look down):



The sad remains of an inattentive squirrel.
Y'all, that's what remains of an inattentive squirrel. Estimated time of death: last spring.

Note the blue chalk line, which is an arrow pointing toward the street. Forensically speaking, this marker probably misled the little guy into thinking all the nuts were on the other side of the road. This once happened to a chicken.

TG, you'll be happy to know that the kids don't need anymore education, because I personally schooled them in the basics of road kill, decomposition, and where that nasty smell comes from (my creative juices really flowed for that one), and I think maggots. Yeah, there was some talk of bugs that live inside you and only come out when there's no more oxygen or something like that. Whatever. They believed it.

You're welcome.

No story of Atlanta would be complete without the requisite bragging over Shaboobka, who at nine months is on the verge of walking.

Foxy, check out that hat! Y'all this is a hat my good Hoo-Ha buddy Foxy made. She's all Etsy over there, and definitely worth a look.

People, I can't wait to take Shaboobka around the 'hood with the other kids. Think of all the wisdom I can impart.
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43 comments:

Missy said...

THE CUTEST KIDS!
I want to get drunk on salsa!
Great post!

lisahgolden said...

It was such a kick to meet you guys! And I can tell the people here that you are as much fun - no more! fun - in person.

And those kids are beautiful and smart. And I want details, but am willing to wait for the post that may never come. That salsa looks good enough to eat with a spoon. Made of corn flour.

Candice said...

Sounds like a fabulous summer filled with fun, family, friends and lots of laughs.

Can't beat that with a stick!

Sandra said...

Love the pictures!
I love the plaque. So much more 'real' than the ever popular and over-used "Chance made us sisters, but love made us friends" blah blah blah...Like your plaque a lot!
Great post and great summer!

Madame DeFarge said...

The kids look so cute. Your summer sounds great, busy but rewarding. Hope you take time to relax now.

Bretthead said...

Cool. People have asked about my summer and I have said its been awesome. They ask why and I attribute it to my boys. Ages 5 and 7 are so much fun. They are my best friends.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great summer! Gotta love those.

Christine Macdonald said...

What a FABULOUS POST!

Thank you for taking the time to share and put this all together.

Missed you!

:)

Fred Miller said...

Thanks for linking to Lisa's site. She is pretty cool.

The Bloggess has a dead squirrel story today, too.

Unknown said...

Great pictures, and the tiny one is absolutely adorable. Glad you had a great time!

foxy said...

Oh, that hat looks downright ADORABLE on her! I love it! Totally made me smile this afternoon... :)

Is that a Smithwicks cap I see? That's kind-of a heavy beer, so I wouldn't choose that one for you. I would guess that you'd be the Corona Light. How close am I??

Obviously you had a kick-ass time in Atlanta. Which is awesome.

Wendy said...

I'm heading to ATL to visit friends and meet Lisa this weekend. Can't wait!

Sounds like you had a great summer. :)

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Love, love, LOVE seeing little Miss America again. You know how I miss her. It almost makes up for the fact that I was in your area while you were in Atlanta blog-dating another. *sigh*

Next time, my friend. You and me!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Oh, come on, tell. Tell!

How lucky you are to have such a fine family. I know how you miss those little kids. If I have grandkids, will you 'splain all that stuff to them, too?

CiCi said...

Lisa and you are pretty close in height, short, right? Ha. Just kidding because I am too. The pictures of your little grands are so sweet. Lucky kids will know so much more about life and stuff so the other kids at school will look up to them. Whatever happened, kiss or not, I hope it rocked.

Blondie's Journal said...

Too bad you never tried Candyland~it really is addicting!

Thanks for stopping by for the party. Those pictures of moi were awfully dusty!

xoxo
Jane

Kristina P. said...

Will you please send me some salsa?

diane said...

I want some of that salsa, wahhhhh!
Everyone looks great, and happy, which makes me happy for you. The baby is absolutely adorable!
I had a good summer too, mostly. Got to swim and walk alot, so that's good.
You look really pretty, btw. :)

Irish Gumbo said...

We used corks and called it "Brandy Land". hic.

Seems Atlanta is just brimming with good lookin' peaches :)

Udder Hysteria said...

I have a special finger for you - oo! No explainin' necessary. Tee hee!

Carol Pavliska said...

And I haven't found you before now WHY? Thanks for visiting the can!

Anonymous said...

a grand adventure! you've DEFINITELY got your groove back, if you ever really lost it in the first place!

Nancy said...

You are about the coolest writer I know - and have some darn cute grandkids, too!

Sueann said...

I am totally jealous that you got to meet a fellow blogger!! How cool is that??? Awesome!!
Glad you had a good time...and the kids are fabulous!!! And it is so good that you had the opportunity to share with them the wisdom of ages! They need to know these things!!!!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Brian Miller said...

haha. sounds like some good times..the salsa looks great. .love making it fresh...not so much on the roadkill...and he shoulda learned from that chicken..smiles. nice pics...

creative kerfuffle said...

the salsa looks yummy; sounds like you had a splendiferous summer; the road kill cracks me the hell up, blue chalk and all; your grandkids are looking as cute as ever and that little one is BEGGING for a raspberry, i just know it--all babies should have them administered at least twice a day.

Gaelyn said...

Such a great adventure. Seeing family, teaching the grandkids what they really need to know in life, and hopefully having something not to tell after the kissing part.
HA!

Joann Mannix said...

Oh, those kids. Oh, oh, oh, that baby! Scrumptious, indeed.

I picked the Corona Extra right away. I think we're going to be friends. Yo.

I just got back, as you know, from my own trip. I am going to have to starve myself and run one mazillion miles a day for my spare tire hangover. Salsa looks divine.

drollgirl said...

sure sounds like you had a blast!!! and you deserve it!

corona and chips and salsa?!?! three of my favorite things in life. i wish i was gulping and snarfing them down right now!

Sandra Rose Hughes said...

What a sad, yet fascinating squirrel. I enjoyed reading about your awesome summer.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

On you are good girl!
This story was so much fun!
I'm glad you came by my blog so I could find yours!
Yah!
Cindy

Captain Dumbass said...

I bet the kids were pretty impressed with the CSI:Rodent. That salsa's making me hungry. Oh, and I love Shaboobka's toque.

Jocelyn said...

I hope you didn't forget to tell the kids how some really cool worms can burrow inside your body, grow and suck for awhıle, and then they, one day, emerge through your skın.

Kınd of lıke ın the movıe ALIEN, whıch maybe they should watch wıth you at Chrıstmas.

SY said...

So adorable...

I've never played Candyland myself so I wouldn't even have to let them win they would probably just beat me

Cool that all you bloggers out there are meeting up

Stafford Ray said...

Hate to point this out, but that last photo is surely a baby shot of one half of Abbott and Costello!
And the hat! I want a pup out of that... not for the baby, for me!
Enjoying your energy.

Anonymous said...

I only experience ATL from the airport ad occasional rental car terminal, but since i have had my credit card number stolen TWICE...I am not as big of an Atlanta fan as yu are...The only thing I have ever left there with that I didn't bring with me was Gonorrhea.

shrink on the couch said...

What a little doll that Shabooka is .. I just lubs those big round charlie brown heads... and Little Miss America and Destructo are adorable cute, as well. Love that sister quote. Need to remember that one.

Anonymous said...

I'm digging the Candyland pieces!!!

Looks like a fabulous summer. Well deserved!

Suzy said...

I have nothing to say except that you look about 21 years old and I find that very annoying.

secret agent woman said...

Great sounding trip!

(If it were me, I'd go with the Corona Extra)

Pseudo said...

Great summer Liar ; -) The kid are adorable. I discovered Lisa's blog this summer, I can imagine you two hitting it off and having a blast.

Ruth said...

I am in love with Shabooka and her hat.

Michelle Wells Grant said...

What a great trip! Something for everybody. And how fun that you got to meet fabu blogger friend Lisa! Girl, you be makin' frens all over da world!