2011 - A year worth remembering

Birthday parties - Holidays - Superbowl - TEN Academy Award Nominated Movies - Weight Watchers - Book Club - Cocoa Beach - Arlington Race Track - Brewers - Netflix - Rummage Sale - Milwaukee Mile - New York - "Chicago" - "Jersey Boys" - New iron; stand mixer; washer/dryer - Retirement

Christmas Eve with the family

A lovely Christmas Eve party compliments of Mike & Chris.  Photo's can be found on my Shutterfly. page.

inSINKerator

The kitchen sink project which began last Wednesday, is almost finished.  I say almost because as I was putting stuff back under the sink today, I managed to dislodge the connection to the new disposer. More photos are on my Shutterfly site - including one of the plumber.  (I love my plumber)

Practically not draining...

Why is it that just when I'm on a roll - cooking, baking and kitchen stuff, the drain acts up?  Such a pain.  Good thing we have a brand new plunger.  The drains should be good as new in a few hours - how long will it last?  Before we buy our next house, I'll be testing out all the drains!

Oops! I stood up the CEO!

The "big guy" wanted to wish me "Best Wishes" on my retirement.  His assistant suggested this past Wednesday between 10 and 10:15 a.m.  Worked well for me.  I bragged about it to all my co-workers telling them to clean up their desks because he'd be stopping by.

He was a "no-show". 

Found out later in the day that I was supposed to go to his office in the main building.

Oh Well...we did finally get together yesterday shortly before my final exit - and I got to see his fabulous office.  (Great view of the lake)

He's a really, really great guy.  Northwestern Mutual is a really, really great place.

I can't stop smiling

Back to work today, for only 3 more days before retirement. 

First:  I had to hurdle a couple of large boxes to get to my desk.  One of my fund partners had sent me some wonderful going-away gifts in huge boxes.

Second: I found out that was while I was off yesterday, management announced a re-organization.  Our department, as of January 1st will no longer exist.

Third: The dinner I was invited to had moved from a hotel restaurant to a top-notch steak house.

Fourth:  When I arrived home, I walked into the house carrying the following:

• Purse
• Computer Bag
• Left-over Rib-Eye Steak in a fancy container
• Gift Bag with a book; fancy room spray; hand wash; lotion; cookies; snacks and an official London Olympic pin
• TWO  - (2) Chairs in a bag - one over each arm.

I can't stop smiling!!!

The 2011 "Banach" brother get-together

Once upon a time, the Banach family had several get-togethers during the year.  New babies; 1st birthdays', 1st communions, wedding or baby showers, graduations and of course holidays.  It was such fun for me as I was from a very small family and really enjoyed all the interactions between a large family.  

Time of course changes things and our get-togethers are much less frequent.  Nevertheless we do an annual holiday get-together and this year co-incided with a Packer Game on TV.  It was such fun - lots to eat; cheer about and a little side betting to make the time interesting.  The photo isn't that great - I'm still learning how to use my new camera.