Sunday, April 20, 2008

What's goin' on.....

When I wrote the title of this blog entry, my mind automatically went to Marvin Gaye's song. Such poignant lyrics are embodied in this timeless classic.

So, what's going on with us? Same kind of stuff as you'll usually find us doing... Hanging out at the Marietta Square, checkin' out the local eats and our favorite music.

There's so much going on at the Square, it's hard to keep up - but we give it our best shot! First, let me reiterate how passionate Robert & I are about supporting our local businesses. Whether you're going out for a great cup of coffee in the morning, dinner,or to enjoy one of the many events - I promise you it will be a memorable time.

This past Friday, Robert & I rushed over to the Square as soon as I got home from work to check out the Church Street Block Party. Now, let me tell you something... these merchants really know how to put on a party! Hor'duerves and beverages combined with great conversation and fabulous goods are my idea of a good time. Being that it was late, we were only able to visit our two favorite shops.... Alchemy and King's Row Antiques. Robert hung out with Barry for awhile before indulging me in a fabulous necklace and earring set from Alchemy. (Thank you Darlin') He & Laura (proprietor) have a conspiracy going to make sure that I get the jewelry I like - which I am all for! Then, we mosied (is that really a word?) on over to King's Row and chatted for a long bit with Greg and Susie, before getting a couple of special little gifts (not saying who, but it could be you!) for some friends and relatives. Robert is still talking about how we can fit this bar into our dining room. (who needs a table and chairs?!)

We ate at La Parilla (right on the loop) after our fabulous shopping experience, where the food is good and the staff is downright friendly. I asked our lovely waitress Teresa to ask the manager how much he wants for the six foot blow-up Corona bottle. She assured me that if we come back on Cinco de Mayo that they will GIVE it to us! So, I asked her again, "es verdad?" and she said, "yes, it's the truth!" You now know where Robert & I will be dining on Cinco de Mayo!

We are constantly working on our 'Margaritaville' and I am happy to announce the addition of some new pieces! (whew, our life is really exciting, huh????) Anyhow, I was 'junkin' the other day at our local Goodwill and found four, yes four old wooden barstools. As you can tell by the pix below, they are red and oh so so.... You'll also notice a natural colored footstool that I 'rescued' from the roadside in honor of Earth Day! (sounds like a responsible reason, right?)
A couple of cans of spray paint (from The Home Depot, of course!) later and look what we've got! These stools will be fitting for our back porch or where ever they may land. I'm still thinking about and searching for kewl quotes to paint on them. (Feel free to send us any brilliant ideas you may have!)


So, I'll bet those of you who have never been to our place are wondering what the heck is going on in this 'room'! It's the garage with decorations still up from the Holiday Stress Relief Jam! So, now you know....... Whew!

Yesterday, I hung out with one of my dear friends Donna for the afternoon. We had a delicious lunch at the Marietta Diner , then headed over to the Open House at the Artisan's Resource Center. Now, I have lived in Marietta for about six years now and never knew about this place! I saw a mention on the Fox 5 Good Morning Atlanta show and decided it was a must see. Here's my favorites:
#1
Sculpture with an Edge
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#2 Dana Ruth Designs
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#3Nick Cook Wood Turner
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(great Father's Day gift! )

#4AFX Studios
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They offer classes, so I am seriously considering the metal sculpture class by Sculpture with an Edge or metal jewelry making with Dana of Dana Ruth Designs..... Decisions.....

OK - now on to something I need y'all to pay close attention to! An upcoming benefit on April 26th from 10am until 6pm - featuring six bands, including our very own Premonition!

The West Cobb Business Association is looking to make this their signature fundraising event, with the proceeds going to benefit the children of West Cobb by providing college scholarships. This is a family friendly event with no alcohol sold - bring the kids on out!

All of this is happening on Saturday, April 26, from 10am-6pm at Sun Valley Beach. There will be 6 bands on 2 stages
featuring musical genres of classic rock, blues, jazz and oldies rock music. Besides Premonition, there are two other bands that have listings on Atlanta Blues Society. Totally Savage, and Roger Shepard who is playing with Shuffle Junkies. Of course, Barry Richman, who is Master of Ceremonies.

Here are the artists in order of appearance, starting at 10:30am
  • Keren Leppo
  • Two Stone Junction
  • The Shufflejunkies
  • No Time
  • Totally Savage
  • Premonition (going on ~ 4pm -4:30pm!)
Besides the music, there will be festivities for the whole family. These include outdoor sports such as horseshoes, volleyball and laser tag as well as jumpies and other inflatable for the younger kids. Speaking of kids, there will be a kids area that will allow children to color and paint at their own kids pavilion. We will have a separate food pavilion with other types of live music separate from the main stage.

What about the food?! There will be food vendors of all sorts - from fair fare (little play on words, huh?) such as popcorn, pretzels, funnel cakes, sno-cones, cotton candy to real rib stickin' food like burgers, hotdogs, BBQ and Jamaican food.
Yumo as Rachel would say!

The festival will host numerous vendors displaying Arts and Crafts while others will display their services or products. It is rumored that there will be many price giveaways and numerous raffles throughout the day.

Oh and by the way.... the weather forecast is 70's, partly cloudy with only a 10% chance of rain! Bring your sunscreen and get ready for a good time!


OK - and if you're still up to it.... Sunday is Taste of Marietta.
This year promises to be the biggest and best ever! The festival area has been expanded to include all sides of the Historic Marietta Square. With over 65 restaurants selling their tastiest tastes and all day entertainment, everyone is sure to have a great time!

  • Four stages with live music!
  • Fun and games at Kid's Alley!
  • Sports Corner featuring the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Gwinnett Gladiators, Atlanta Silverbacks, Georgia Tech, and an appearance by Dominique Wilkins!
  • A sunset concert featuring Banks and Shane!
  • FREE parking shuttle provided by the Historic Marietta Trolley Company.
  • Canned food drive for MUST Ministries.
  • Autographed cookbook give-a-way from Food Network star and Marietta resident Alton Brown!
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Quick! go take a nap now - you need to rest up for next weekend!

Psstttt.... I've got a favor to ask of you. Knock, knock - can anyone hear me? Throw us a bone, ahem... leave a comment to let us know you dropped by. (you can even do it anonymously if you're shy)

Monday, April 07, 2008

LIVE- from Barnacles!

It's Monday night, and more importantly NOT a school night for Robert (aka he doesn't have to work tomorrow), sooooo..... here we are at Barnacles Sports Bar in Marietta, right near the Walmart! (isn't everything near a Walmart or Waffle House here in Georgia?)

So... I just had to check in to let you know that we are watching the NCAA Championships with a bunch of really loud people with over 100 TVs surrounding us! Yikes! For those of you who know Robert, he is in heaven right now, with the only thing being any better than this would be Nascar. (please scroll down to previous posts...)


I am rooting for Kansas (ahem who BTW is winning right now!), but Robert thinks that Memphis will win. Time and three more quarters will tell. So let's talk about the cuisine here. The prime rib is much better than expected, the cheese sticks are as greasy as expected and the Patron shots are just right! What's the special of the day you ask? This great Sam Adams glass with the purchase of a draft of ... you guess it! Sam Adams! I think we'll order another just for the kewl glass.


Hmmm..... what else can I tell you about this place???? Our waitress may have never been inside of a bar until today, but is really sweet. The hostess has an attitude, along with the big sigh when she finally concedes to show you to your seat. (Really, it wasn't just us - she's an equal opportunity when it comes to giving an attitude.)

All in all, this is a good place as sports bars go. We'll be back again - but absolutely NOT on Tuesday evening as it is the ever dreaded K-A-R-A-O-K-E! Oh wait! Tuesday's special is $5 shots of Patron.... Hmmmm - so if we were playing rock-paper-scissors, Patron would beat Karaoke.... You never know, we may be back on Tuesdays afterall.

Edited to add final score. Kansas 75 - Memphis 68!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Thank You


During the course of each of our lives, we will make friends that are true blue and will stick with us through thick and thin. As Robert recounted his experiences of the last few days, I realize that Ernie, his wife Esperanza and new precious baby girl, and Steph and her two wonderful daughters, Brianna & Alyssia (only one pictured here) were truly a part of Kapena's extended family.

We are ever so grateful that they were there for him, and how wonderful for Robert to hear their warm and funny memories of our dear Kapena.




Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Remembering Kapena


Hawaii welcomes me home like a long-lost friend
The warm trade winds whisper "relax" in my ears
I see a rainbow in the clear blue sky after
A sudden shower and feel the Spirit of Aloha
The beaches around the islands call to me
With joy and freedom, I plunge in the crystal sea
Fishes of all colors gather around to greet me
Sunset paints the sky in pink and red to please
My eyes as I walk around Waikiki with a smile
Hawaii lulls me to slow down and enjoy the pace
Of Island life where time has little meaning
I dream of whales and dolphins on my flight
Home and feel the Spirit of Aloha in my heart



Dear son, brother, uncle and friend - Kapena touched many lives during his short time here with us. We will all remember him with love, and vow to take him home to his native Hawaii.