Into The Wind

Sometimes the early evening lighting is perfect for a photoshoot, but this wind blows way too much.

We visited Gourmet and Company for dinner this evening and attempted to take photos to show you these great pieces from Cali and York, but the wind quickly changed our plans. 

Later we sat in their lounge for an after-dinner drink and visited with friends. This is the sofa that Mr. Mickey and I sat on until the wee hours of the morning talking and getting to know each other when we first met.

The following photos were taken in my home after we returned from dinner. 

The tank and pants are part of a previous color offered in the Travelers collection from Chico's. The shoes and bag are old.

I am always happy to find a lightweight shirt that can be worn as a jacket with a pair of slacks and a tank when the weather is warm.

Wear It Wednesday - Shoes For All!

There have been countless comments about my shoes in previous posts, so today, I will show you the same look again and again with different shoes and a different bag. (That is the only thing that changes.)This exercise will show you how easy it is to adjust a look to fit your desired shoe style and heel height.

These animal print flat loafers are by Vince Camuto, and the bag is by Coach.

These metallic wedge sandals are by Kenneth Cole Reaction. The straw clutch bag is old from T.J.Maxx.

These Børn loafers have about a one-inch heel. The Tignanello bag is old from Stein Mart.

These Vince Camuto cork platform heels with ponyskin animal print uppers are old from Nordstrom. The Alberta di Canio handbag is from T.J.Maxx.

The half-tucked white top and the jeans are from Chico's. The belt is by Ralph Lauren via Belk.

High School Friends

I met my dear friend Susan when we were about thirteen years old.

I had just enrolled in a new school, and she was one of the first people I met. Her kindness to the new girl was never forgotten. We remained close friends throughout high school, but I moved away a few years after graduating, and we lost touch. 

Thanks to Facebook, we caught up with each other again a few years ago. On Saturday night, Mr. Mickey and I joined Susan and her handsome French husband, C.A., for dinner on Gourmet & Company's patio.

We all chose something healthy and colorful from the menu. Chef Jacob's family was also dining on the patio at the table next to us. Mr. Mickey snapped this precious photo of him as he was holding his daughter. 

I wore white jeans from Dillard's by Kut from the Kloth with a white tank top and a duster length sweater from Chico's. The turquoise color necklace is also from Chico's. The shoes are by Jessica Simpson from T.J. Maxx.

An Evening in the Kitchen at Gourmet & Company

Have you ever been the guest of the chef in the kitchen at a fine dining restaurant? Until this night, neither had we. It was the treat of a lifetime!

 

"Wear something cool. It gets sweltering in the kitchen", they told us.

I chose a high low black top and slim leg black pants from Chico's with earrings from Stein Mart, very old beaded copper evening shoes, and a bag from T.J.Maxx.

Gourmet & Company is celebrating 25 years in business.

This evening they opened their kitchen to us for the evening. A special table was set up in an area where we could watch Chef Jacob and his team create the magic on our plates.

Below is Todd, the most awesome bar manager ever! We have been visiting with him for more than eight years, and he is always charming and professional. His ability to pair the best wine with your food is always spot on.

Below is Chef Jacob. He is an amazingly talented chef, but he also has a keen eye for business and has taught his staff to "be" him. It was like watching a dance performance as they quickly prepared seventy-five fabulous meals on this evening.

Chef Jacob prepared each of our seven courses, and Todd paired each with the perfect wine to complement the flavors.

This pasta dish was one of the best ever!

The Sockeye Salmon was also perfect.

The sweet corn pudding was a delightful dessert course.

The team in action at the busiest time.

Jason, Jacob, Mr. Mickey and I, John and Chance

Our splendid menu for the evening.

Thank you, Chef Jacob and Gourmet & Company, for an evening we will never forget.

Jazz Night

At the end of a tough day, the best reward is a relaxing evening with your best friend.

Mr. Mickey and I stopped at the Memorial Hall Theater at the Veterans Administration for a few quick photos on our way to dinner.

  

The theater is supposedly haunted by an old projectionist and actors moving about on the stage. I am happy to report no such ghosts were seen on this visit.

Established in 1901, the Mountain Home VA Medical Center is located here in Johnson City.

We had dinner at Wellington's, where a jazz band was playing. They often have live entertainment, including professors and students from ETSU.

As is often the case, we struck up a conversation with someone because we liked her shoes. Can you believe this woman is 55?