Month: March 2021

There are so many ways to say I Love You.
“Text or call me when you get there “
“Don’t forget your jacket”
“Drive safe”
There are many ways to show your love.
Holding them while they cry, and not utter a word.
Making breakfast.
Surrendering the remote.
Cuddling on the couch.
Letting them sleep in.
Putting Vicks on their chest and nose.
Vicks vaporub is Troy’s love language.
He keeps a jar in the night stand. He swears it will cure everything.
And I must admit, when he slathers it on me, I always feel so much better.
The eucalyptus penetrates my passageways as I inhale, opening my senses, Melts into my skin, keeping the cough at bay.
It never has the same affect when I do it myself, so it must be love.
Troy’s way of doctoring me.
Making me feel better.
Comforting me.
Easing my discomfort.
Telling me he loves me.
Isn’t that what love is all about?
Caring so much about another that you put their comfort, happiness, health and feelings first. And in doing so, your world is a better place.
Love isn’t a trinket, flowers or candy. It is something money can’t buy.
It’s respect.
Encouragement
Support
And sometimes a little Vicks.
I watched 2 friends get married yesterday.
It may have been their official day of man and wife, but they were a committed couple long before that moment.
Two very independent lives living as one.
Together not out of need or necessity, but out of love and respect.
They are each others biggest cheerleaders.
They laugh together.
Enjoy each other’s company.
They can live without each other but choose not to.
A piece of paper does not make a marriage.
But Vicks does.
So can loving out loud, and loving big.
Lorene

Good morning
I haven’t written much since my surgery. I thought I’d have all this free time sitting at home, bored.
Well, I am.
I am sleeping in, taking naps, vegging out. Basically trying not to think too much.
I have a hard time doing what the doctor tells me to do.
Maybe it makes me feel weak.
Helpless.
Useless.
I know my body needs the rest.
I’ll go back to work Monday with the promise it is just desk duty for the next 3 weeks. Pushing papers. Oh joy, my favorite past time.
Time to get my brain back to functioning and focusing on priorities.
This week seemed long and drawn out, I didn’t think I’d ever feel better. My bellybutton is still mad, but my soreness has subsided. Only the first night did I hurt enough for a pain pill. After that it’s been Aleve and coffee.
Yes, it still hurt, but a manageable pain. For that I am grateful.
I feel like I’ve wasted a week sitting at home binge watching the Vampire Diaries. I am not used to doing nothing for so long. Is this what staycations feel like? I haven’t driven all week, or left the house other than the front porch.
I may venture out this weekend.
Brunch is always nice.
I’m not worried about the coronavirus, I wash my hands. I’ve had the flu and pulled thru it. I wouldn’t go out in public if I felt ill.
Most of all, I wont panic.
I’m mentally ready to get back to being me. Go go go….
My body isn’t quite there, but it’s trying to catch up and I’ll be patient.
I may play in the kitchen this weekend. Cook something out of the ordinary.
Or write.
It’s time to give Big Daddy a break. He has been such a great care giver to me. I normally don’t let him, i do things for myself, but this time I just enjoyed watching him buzz around me, making sure I was comfortable. Cooking amazing meals when I finally felt like eating. All after a long day at the shop. It sounds selfish, I know. If you know us, you know its not. Neither of us want to be a burden to the other, but both of us love being able to take care of each other. Being able to spoil the other just a bit, take a little stress away, show our love yet another way.
Letting go of a little independence, allowing the other to do things for us, is our way of saying I love you, and i know you will protect me if I ever cant protect myself. I trust you with my well being, my life. I know I am not a burden , I am your other half, and you are the same for me. We are in this together. Forever.
I love you Big Daddy.
Love Big!
Lorene

I am dressed, sort of, a dress and a blanket on the porch. Coffee and a new book.
It’s a little chilly but beautiful outside. I’m trying to absorb some natural vitamin D.
I’m not used to be limited. I feel good except for the soreness in my abdomen. Moving into the sitting or standing position pulls those stomach muscles and they aren’t happy right now.
I don’t know why I thought it wouldn’t hurt but a day or two. Lol. Wishful thinking. I’ll get through it. Don’t want to do the pain meds, so Aleve is my friend.
I had enough TV yesterday to last me a long time. I’ve worked on menus, now I’ll try a little reading and sunshine. I’m bored but need to keep my brain occupied since my body is on a leave of absence.
I am grateful my staff can handle the day to day operations, I have the PTO available to be off as long as I need, and the support of friends texting and checking in on me to make sure I haven’t flown the coop.
And of course my wonderful Troy. Cooking for me and watching over me.
Well, this book wont read itself.
Have a wonderful day!
Lorene

Who says dreams never come true?
I lived a short term dream that left a lifetime of memories.
Every day I miss living it.
I miss the organized chaos in the kitchen, walking through the dining room to to say hello to my customers. Customers that became my friends.
I miss designing meals for people, specials, going in early to just sit at the bar with toast and coffee and pinch myself to remind me that I am awake and this is MY DREAM, in living color.
Bistro Lorene only lasted 3 years, in a brick and mortar structure. But for me and some of my staff and regulars, it will last forever.
The Bistro is the place where they met their spouse, made their first $100 tip, and even saw their children fight over fried brussel sprouts.
So now. I am on a mission to make it last forever. I won’t say a cookbook, cookbooks are just recipes with pictures of food and maybe a quip here and there.
This is a Bistro Lorene memoir.
Full of flavor.
Stories
Recipes
Pictures
History
Musings
My dream all wrapped up in a pretty cover.
And I am excited.
It is getting closer.
Just when I think I have written all I can, more memories flood through. My publisher is amazing at pointing things out that I don’t think are book worthy.
I cant wait to share it with you. Maybe one of your Bistro memories is included.
I never thought I would leave a mark on this world, but here I am, children, grandchildren and open faced meatloaf sandwiches.
Damn,
Life is good.
Love big,

Lorene

Queen Lorene update:
Yes I was still under the influence of anesthesia when this was taken. I had just returned to my castle to settle down. I thought I’d share, if you cant laugh at yourself, you cant be happy.
I am happy.
And sore.
I have a 5lb weight restriction. That’s not a lot! My purse weights more that that. Lifting my full tea kettle this morning pulled a little. My fur baby weighs about 12lbs and she a small puppy. 😭
I do not like being stuck without transportation. Troy took my truck since I’m not allowed to drive just yet. Not that I’ll go anywhere, but it’s the principle. Ugh.
Independence has always been my thing.
Bright side, no pants, no bra. Possibly all week. I’ll get some reading and writing in and possible a Netflix show or two.
Or maybe I’ll lounge around in my crown and command the remote.
It’s good to be Queen!
Lorene

The wind is going at it this morning.
Another ponytail day.
I like when nature dictates a ponytail.
Its easy, comfortable and simple.
The older I get the more important comfort is to me. Trying to impress people like when I was young just doesn’t happen anymore.
I remember using a hanger in the holes of my jeans zipper to pull it up. Sometimes a pair of pliers. Tight, starched jeans. Oh my, now IF I wear jeans, there is spandex involved.
Skirts and sun dresses are what’s best for me now. No pantyhose to fake a tan. I am white. I glow in the dark. It’s fine. I’m fine. I embraced it. No socks if possible either.
Slip on shoes. No laces. Easy and simple.
I was never one for a lot of make up, maybe some mascara and lip gloss. Going out meant some face powder and blush. Now, I wash my face and smile. So much simpler and time for an extra cup of coffee.
Is it being lazy?
I don’t think so.
I have learned over the years to live for me. Not anyone else.
If I am comfortable and it makes me happy, so be it.
If I would rather have an extra cup of coffee in the morning than spend 30 minutes fixing my hair or face,
I will.
And be happy about it.
I have never had anyone tell me I should wear make up.
I should dress up more.
I should curl my hair.
I should wear high heels.
And no one better.
They may get a lesson on loving themselves.
At my age, I have come to realize time is precious.
I wish I had learned that early in life.
Every second should be spent happy.
Spent with family, friends and people that help make you happy.
It’s ok to not include toxic people.
Read that again.
Even if its family.
Once you spend time, you can’t earn any more. The account slowly dwindles away.
One and done every minute of the day.
When I am on the couch watching mindless television, all day on a Saturday I used to feel like I wasted the day away.
Now I know I am actually spending time with me. And that’s important.
Because I am important.
I need quality time too.
Time to recharge.
Time to just be.
And I will never feel guilty taking it.
I have simplified my life. Now if I could just declutter what I’ve amassed over the decades…
Well, since it’s a ponytail day. I am having another cup of coffee.
Spend a few extra minutes with me.
Love big
Lorene

Back in my castle.
Surgery was a successful eviction of my gallbladder. It took an extra incision but he is out of there. Thank you Dr. Patel.
Sandy, Danielle and Dana (I think I got the names right, my brain is still foggy)were the best nurses with before and after care. My anesthesiologist, my brain cant find his name, helped me with the best nap! And Luther, our surgery director for wheeling me down.
I got home about 130 and have been napping and walking like I was told.
I have made it to the couch and trying to see if sitting up is a good move.
Troy has been with me making sure I don’t do anything I’m not supposed to do. Because he is amazing.
I am trying to catch up on all my messages, my phone has been off so I could rest.
Thank you everyone for checking on me and Troy for being my private secretary.
I’ll be back to as normal as I get in no time.
❤❤

Lorene

It doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Champagne, caviar…
More like a margarita and nachos.
Simple things.
Simple people
Simple life.
My simple is exciting.
Snuggled up on the couch with Troy and Maddie, watching a movie. Maddie and I sharing his lap because Lord knows she doesn’t like me in her territory.
A char grilled steak, hand rubbed with spices and love, cooked on the back deck by my man. Served on Bistro dishes, plated perfectly with potatoes and veggies. Seated at the kitchen island with the best company around. No one waiting for our table, no rushing, no bread loaf with butter, no tablecloth or candles.
Simple and perfect.
Standing at the kitchen sink, watching out the window together. The bird feeder is full of our feathered friends. We watch as they take turns, push each other over, the males standing guard and sometimes hitting the feeder so feed falls to the ground and is easily scooped up by the females. Thirty minutes will pass in a second. Simple time together. Perfect again.
My morning quiet time is as simple as it gets.
Me and my thoughts.
Sometimes written, sometimes not.
A warm blanket, hot coffee. House sounds and peace. The best part of simple.
No fame, no fortune, at least not in a bank. My biggest asset is Love ❤
How perfect is that?
It may be simple.
Oh, but its Big.
Lorene

So I’m sipping the last of today’s water consumption before surgery tomorrow.
I’m going to hate not having my coffee in the morning.
I’ve had my first shower with surgical scrub, too bad it’s not fat melting too. Not being able to apply lotion makes me growl. My skin is so dry, hands are chapped from washing them so much. I’ll be slathering it on like Buffalo Bill’s houseguest tomorrow night.
I’m not looking forward to the inconvenience but my body probably needs the down time. I know my staff will knock it out of the park and take care of business.
I’ll catch up on some writing, because a pen and paper will be about what I’m allowed to lift.
I have faith God will guide Dr. Amish Patel in removing one of those extra parts he threw into creation for good measure. Possibly one way to prove he has a sense of humor. Maybe the slow her down organ, a sure way to make me take a break.
Anyway, please keep me in your prayers, I’m looking forward to getting back to it quickly and as painlessly as possible.
I tried to get a tummy tuck added to the procedure but that was a no go. So I’ll bring my Thanksgiving pants to go home in, you know the elastic banded ones. And hope the scars are a base for a cool tattoo.
Good night and sweet dreams, I’ll bother you more tomorrow. Maybe drugged induced 😳
Lorene

Good morning,
I hope you are enjoying some quiet coffee time.
I am the keeper of the kitchen this morning so I am up making coffee and starting breakfast. Bacon is in the oven so I decided to sit and just listen.
It’s not the normal home sounds.
Someone’s phone alarm going off, I think I hear a snore here and there. Everyone sleeping off the excitement of us all getting together and seeing each other again. For some it’s been months, others over a year. But now just seems like yesterday.
Just as coffee warms my soul, so does gatherings like this. Everyone has their own unique talents, baking, decorating, organizing, storytelling and more. Listening to the laughter, singing and chatting just makes you feel at home.
Makes for a perfect weekend.
I miss waking to Big Daddy and Queen Maddie, my cozy quiet space and sitting with just a blanket, but missing them makes me appreciate them more.
It affirms I have a wonderful life.
Not perfect, but close.
Very close
I love big, and am loved big in return.
Ahhhhhh, I smell bacon.
Guess I better get back to cooking for my tribe. One of the ways I love big.
Kiss!

Lorene