It looked like a pretty mundane schedule for hubby and me. A few more P.T. workouts for him and then our "normal" routine. We decided to go to a movie on Tuesday afternoon and then out for a nice dinner. My phone was flashing a message when we came out of the theater and when I called daughter #2 back to see what was up, she said she had a somewhat crazy question for me-what would I think about being featured in a television commercial? Now I will admit, when I was WAY younger, I used to fantasize about being Doris Day or one of the Lennon sisters but as soon as I was old enough to realize that I truly have NO talent in any theatrical avenues, I gave up those thoughts.
But, I know Becky has a friend who owns an advertising firm and that she often uses her friends as "talent". Long story short, she was shooting a commercial for a podiatrist and needed people who fit "the demographic" they were trying to reach-I guess women who could have feet, leg and varicose vein issues. And yes, I would have SO rather the commercial had been for Ralph Lauren or Beringer wine (figure they might give out free samples), but Dr. Koppel was very sweet and we had a fabulous time!
Guess I jumped a bit ahead of my story, but we discussed it over a wonderful dinner and of course, I said "yes" and hubby and I headed up the next day.
I must say that it was very fun seeing the behind the scenes of a television commercial. It takes so much more work than I ever realized. None of us really had lines, but we did have to "talk" as they taped. We will be shown walking in, being greeted and escorted back to an examine room and ultimately having a confab with the doctor. I have never had any trouble keeping up my end of a conversation but it was a bit awkward just talking for the sake of them recording moving mouths. We started out like I was really a patient but they did 2 takes of most angles and they did a number of angles so by the time we were done, we were getting a bit silly. After all, how does someone not trained in acting do a decent job showing concern over the image of "their" veins on a screen when the thing that you are looking at bears no resemblance to anything you have ever seen before! Actors and actresses have much more respect in my book these days. Don't think I will be going after my Screen Actor's Guild membership any time soon but it was really fun and I enjoyed it. I would do it again if I ever fit in any more demographics-perhaps Depends or Geritol?
Our "pay" was a gift card for dinner out, so we had 2 fabulous meals in a row! And, this time my daughter, SIL, and grandchildren were with us, so all the better!
We're ready for our close-ups, Mr. Demille!
In all seriousness, I did learn that varicose veins are a very real (and painful) problem for many women - especially if you have carried pregnancies or had a job where you are on your feet a lot. If you are in our area and looking for help, you might want to check out Dr. Koppel.
We spent the night, had a lovely breakfast in one of our favorite restaurants in G'vlle., made stops at Fresh Market and Trader Joes and then headed home.
But, the fun didn't stop there.When we got home, I headed over to pick up Presley. She had voiced that she wanted to come to Nana and Papa's - without Mommy and Daddy! Today was the day we had set and she told me she wanted to make cookies and have a tea party.
Off we went to the grocery store and then home to make Nana's "famous" chocolate chip with salted Spanish peanut cookies. Presley bakes a lot with her Mommy so she really was quite the little helper!
You can only see Crisco in this picture, but rest assured REAL butter is also involved!
Since her tummy was "full" of quality testing, we decided to play a bit before heading out to dinner.
So many Barbies, so little time! I can't believe so many of these dolls have been around since they belonged to my girls! Others are somewhat newer as I bought them as grand daughters came along. The furniture is all left from the girls' big, old Barbie Dream Houses. Some of the furniture has their names on the bottom just in case one ever showed up broken or missing-with 3 girls all close in age, this made problem solving a bit easier. Barbie really is one of those timeless toys as Presley loves them just as much as her cousins and her Mommy and aunts! Who'da thunk I'd have Barbies in my possession for over 35 years??!?
Then, off we went to dinner. We like taking the younger kids to either Horse & Hound (they have a wonderful outdoor area for them to play and eat in & they love it) but it was raining or Bob Evans. They have a really nice children's menu with lots of healthy entrees and side dishes.
Presley came to our house wearing a really cute headband but somewhere along the way she found the "40" crown that we have used for so many birthday celebrations. Since "all of those ships have now sailed", I put it in with the dress-up stuff and she was adamant about wearing it. Let's just say it drew lots of attention to our table-plus a free chocolate chip cookie! Just what we needed after just baking dozens, but who would turn down a big, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Presley actually decided she wanted to save it for Mommy.
When we got home, it was time for the tea party. Notice how she lined up some of our stuffed animals and dolls? Then, she set the table "just so" and took her time pouring us tea-lots of tea, over and over. Papa even had to learn how to do the pinkie lift. It was so much fun.
After enough "tea" to keep us all running all night long, we put together some puzzles and then settled in for a movie before heading to bed! It sure was a fun visit and I am so happy she loves to come spend time with us!
Then, the next day my driveway looked like this:
My family all converged on our house for an impromptu get-together. I love it when that happens. Didn't take many pictures because most of us didn't even put on make-up or even presentable clothes but I snapped a few. I think I managed to catch at least one shot of each grandchild except Harrison-think he must have been in the pool when I actually picked up the camera in the house and one of the dogs-yes, there were four! Good thing the girls DON'T read my blog because I'm sure their photo would be vetoed but, oh well. It was a wonderful, unplanned weekend-hectic, loud, over-indulgent-all those things I love.
Yes, there IS a big bowl of fresh vegetables and mac & cheese and roasted garlic potatoes on the table-you just can't see them behind all of those chips!!
BTW, if you need more proof (aside from the lack of photos) that this weekend really was impromptu and that I have learned to adapt quickly in my old age, check out that dining room table!!! In the past, potato chip bags, no placemats, paper plates, etc. would have truly given me apoplexy! See how I have changed!?
The house has been too quiet since they all left -although we have been dog sitting for the 2 dogs from G'vlle while daughter, SIL and four oldest grand children have been at the beach. Just got a call and they will be heading home soon and want to know if they can spend another night! Yipee! I love that they want to do that!
And so, tomorrow is another day. I don't have too many things on the calendar for this week so I am planning to get back to our tour of my late autumn decorating. That is, unless another better offer comes along. Then, all bets are off! Stay tuned.
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