Dear Reader:

Look at another cute gift (sign above) from my friend, Debbie Baker, who, unfortunately had recent gall bladder surgery and couldn’t join Sue Anne and myself at Gin-g’s delicious birthday luncheon she held for me. Thank you gals…as wonderful as all the surcies were…nothing touched the friendship and laughter that filled Gin-g’s house yesterday!

Everything was decorated so adorably…the cuisine outstanding, and gifts of friendship (which held personal meaning) took center stage. 

Everyone brought the “boos” to the party…the best of their beautiful selves! Do you know the origin of the word “boo?”

Boo is a term that is derived from the French word “beau” meaning beautiful. In 18th century England it meant an admirer, usually male. It made it’s way into the Afro-Caribbean language, perhaps through the French colonization of some Caribbean islands, finally evolving into a slang expression for a girlfriend or boyfriend

Americans mostly think of the term within one of these meanings:

1) Boyfriend or girlfriend. Term of endearment.

2) A loud, abrupt yell, meant to frighten someone.

3) A sound made to indicate disapproval, the opposite of “yay.”

All the “boos” yesterday fell under the terms of endearment meaning from funny friends who lightened and brightened the day. A memorable time spent together…thanks to Gin-g Edwards putting it all together! What a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays.

Every day I think I am going to have a beautiful Confederate Rose bloom to show you….the tree is weighted down with stems and stems of buds…I did notice last year that it was nearer the second half of October that I started mentioning the beautiful blooms…so we are close…just not quite there. But look how tall the tree has grown this year…now taller than the garage/potting shed!

When the first bloom emerges it will be a “beautiful BOO!” of surprise and awe undoubtedly!

While I was out taking photos of the Confederate Rose bush…I saw a car park in the driveway….It was Sue Anne…bringing me two Jefferson cups (we had shared history trivia at lunch yesterday including Thomas Jefferson)….Sue Anne  said I needed one cup for each hand…it keeps wine cool or any other beverage…she was giving Gin-g and me both two….so sweet! So quickly I looked up the history behind it and here’s the story.

History

 Jefferson first created his iconic cups in 1810.  A close friend of his, George Wythe, had bequeathed Jefferson his collection of silver vessels.  These cups were melted down, and Jefferson commissioned a new design through famed silversmith John Letelier and created a set of eight cups.

The simple design of the cups was crafted with workmanship in mind.  The sleek sides, short stature, and weighted bottoms create a sturdy and durable vessel.  The originals featured a gilded interior achieved through a gold wash.

For the entirety of Jefferson’s life, the cups remained at his home at Monticello.  After his death, the cups were divided among Martha Jefferson Randolph’s children and grandson.  Six of the Jefferson cups are still preserved but two remain missing.

So until tomorrow:

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Walsh sent me the story of Deshaun Watson, former Clemson quarterback, turning his first NFL football game paycheck over to three women who worked in the cafeteria at the stadium and had missed working hours due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, as well as losing cars and homes.

So proud of our Deshaun! He finally has the opportunity to give back and help people (like his own family who was helped by others during difficult times.) Now this is the kind of sports image we all want our children to see and look up to…just kindness and basic decency.