I’ve always wanted to prepare a dish with polenta. I finally purchased some brainstorming on my first dish with lamb. Well, I had a bag of shrimp in the freezer and voila. We have a spin on Shrimp & Grits instead with Polenta Cakes. The shrimp is made with Cajun seasoning (Slap Yo Mama and others), onions, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, bacon mmm…, half & half, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese. It may have more ish… 🤷🏽‍♀️

The main course was accompanied by Spinach w/Golden Raisins, Shitake Mushrooms, Onions, etc. – One of my signature dishes, which I love for its sweet and savory spin.

And, my sip of choice is a Bourbon Spiced Pear Brunch Punch.

Mmmm… 😋Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! Love! #BeDoLove #SelfCareMatters #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #BeDoLoveSAVOR #BonAppetit #IChefToWriteAboutIt #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #PolentaCakes #ShrimpAndPolentaCakes #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate

🎶When I wake up in the morning love. And the sunlight hurts my eyes…🎶 https://youtu.be/bEeaS6fuUoA

Self-care and self-love are necessary for your physical and mental health, especially in these pandemic streets. So yesterday I did a swaggy thing during the beautiful first day of Spring. And, I’m feeling myself with a 🎶new attitude.🎶

Remember my DIY Cleo-Covid braids post? 🤪Well my dear friend Rosa immediately called and was like “heck nah sis!” Followed by her rounding up two of our TBS sisters’ Kathryn and Tyra for love offerings. And, next thing you know I had money from each of them in CashApp. Because they really didn’t have to do that, a friend asked if was going to accept it. I was like, “YEAH! They’re gifts that I’m blessed and grateful for.” This just means I get to pay it forward. So thank you SisTAUs for a good belly laugh and for hooking up ya gurl. Mission accomplished.

Fast forward to almost a month later from my DIY post, first thing yesterday morning my hair person extraordinaire Vonetta of Signature Image Salon (where I go for all of my natural hair care needs) called and invited me to have my braids done by Carolyn. And, because I’m comfortable in her shop, off I went with first stopping to buy hair 😳. I choose the Stitched Braids style because I thought they would look cute. And, they doooooo. Thank you Carolyn for having pride in your work and doing a great job. And, Vonetta thank you for your continued exceptional customer service with reaching out, supporting your stylists (Until now Vonetta’s the only person that’s touched my hair in YEARS!), checking in afterwards, and for offering a comfortable and safe space with my first braids experience. Oh, and the shop renovations look wonderful. Enjoy the flowers that you are so deserving of. I know this past year has been extremely challenging. And, you’ve navigated it with grace and style.

Spring’s like, “I got this Winter your work is done, my turn.” Today we are once again greeted to the newness of Spring with birds chirping and a beautiful and sunny blue sky. The birds sound so sweet and beautiful, singing gently with the message for us all of “New (Look) Moment New Opportunity!” Take time to do something good for YOU in this new rebirthing season. Allowing hope, faith, and love to be your guides. Pause! Breathe Deeply! Exhale Long! Repeat! Enjoy! Namaste Loves! PS: I got my scarf and olive oil spray cause these babies gonna last long time. 🤷🏽‍♀️😆 PSS: I missed walking in with my new hair style and Pop going “OOOHHHH!” RIP Pop!

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?” — unknown

#BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #SwaggaliciousAlert

Tiger Fork (a contemporary Hong Kong kitchen) has one of the best fried rice dishes I’ve had. The texture of the rice reminds me almost of sticky rice, but not too sticky. And, the flavor is explosive. Everything I ordered was delicious, but I can’t stop thinking about the fried rice. Truly a satisfying Friday “Treat Night.”First time caller and I’ll definitely be back.

I’m too far for delivery so I did a pick up. The crazy thing is the restaurant is located in DC in an alley, which is across the street from my very first N Street, NW apartment after graduating from Howard.

My “Friday Treats” were:

Combo Fried Rice (chinese sausage, prawns, egg, scallions, garlic, rice)

Pork Ribs (soy, ginger, happy lady spice) – Tender, juicy, finger licking good.

Smashed Cucumber Salad (garlic, chili, sesame) – This dish is not your normal your cucumber salad.

Crab Rangoon Nachos (lump crab meat, chili cream cheese, sweet and sour sauce, scallions, fried wonton chips)

The Backstory:

Prior to Pop living with me, I practiced a special pleasure ritual that if I wasn’t out and about on a Friday night, it was my “treat night.” Meaning I‘d pick up or have something really satisfying delivered to indulge in the comfort of my home while exhaling from the work week.

Well, it took Pop no time to take great joy in “treat night.” Of course he didn’t shy away from throwing out his random food cravings. And, I did my best to balance and honor his requests as well as my out of the box palate. It was cute when I’d serve Pop and he’d excitedly sing 🎶Treeeeat!🎶 Followed by, “Can I have a drink, please?” 🥃 But, don’t let me skip “treat night” as he seemed to anticipate it more than me. Pop would say “No treat night?” At times I’d give him that side eye look, thinking he’s so spoiled. However, I enjoyed and was grateful for this special me time turning into our time. But, guess what? I get to continue spoiling me, especially during this healing grieving time. And, hopefully you’re taking time to love up on you in whatever way you desire.

Well treat night isn’t the same without Pop. But, now I get to enjoy it with pleasant thoughts of him. I can still hear Pop singing 🎶Treeeeat!🎶

While I miss the energy of restaurants and sliding up to a bar stool to chill, dine, and bartender watch, I love how during the pandemic restaurants have pivoted in ways that I still get to enjoy the dining out experience in a different yet still tasty way. I’m still having fun researching, exploring, and being introduced to some great spots.

Mmmmmm… Bon Appetit! Enjoy! RIP Pop! 💜🙏🏾💜Cheers! #BeDoLove #PopThoughts #FridayTreatNight #SelfCareMatters #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #BeDoLoveSAVOR #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #TasteDC #DCFoodie #TigerForkDC #OffTheBeatenPath #DMV

Prior to Pop living with me, I practiced a special pleasure ritual that if I wasn’t out and about on a Friday night, it was my “treat night.” Meaning I‘d pick up or have something really satisfying delivered to indulge in the comfort of my home while exhaling from the work week.

Well, it took Pop no time to take great joy in “treat night.” Of course he didn’t shy away from throwing out his random food cravings. And, I did my best to balance and honor his requests as well as my out of the box palate. It was cute when I’d serve Pop and he’d excitedly sing 🎶Treeeeat!🎶 Followed by, “Can I have a drink?” 🥃 But, don’t let me skip “treat night” as he seemed to anticipate it more than me. Pop would say “No treat night?” At times I’d give him that side eye look, thinking he’s so spoiled. However, I enjoyed and was grateful for this special me time turning into our time. But, guess what? I get to continue spoiling me, especially during this healing grieving time. Most will say “Love up on and do something special for someone on this Valentine’s weekend.” Perhaps that someone is YOU today and ALWAYS!

Well treat night isn’t the same without Pop. But, now I get to enjoy it with pleasant thoughts of him. Last night’s pre-Valentine’s Day delights were from DC’s Baker’s Daughter, which is a boutique café and market brought to you by the good folks from Gravitas. I could hear Pop singing 🎶Treeeeat!🎶 Cause man, everything was sooooo darn delicious. While I miss the energy of restaurants and sliding up to a bar stool to chill, dine, and bartender watch, I love how during the pandemic restaurants have pivoted in ways that I still get to enjoy the dining out experience in a different yet still tasty way. I’m still having fun researching, exploring, and being introduced to some great spots.

Presenting Baker’s Daughter 4-course prix fixe dinner ordered on Tock:

Roasted Butternut Squash and Curry Soup (Coconut Milk, Lime, Cilantro, Maryland Crab Salad)

Gnocchi Bolognese (Ground Veal and Beef, Ricotta, Basil)

Seared Scallops (Blood Sausage, Kale and White Bean Ragout, Chimichurri)

Blueberry Cheesecake (Our classic cheesecake infused with blueberries and a graham cracker crust.)

And, because veggies matter, I added on a side of Southern Braised Kale (Kale braised with bacon, onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar).

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First time caller and I’ll definitely be back. Oh, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies… 😋 Mmmmmm… Bon Appetit! Enjoy! RIP Pop! 💜🙏🏾💜 Cheers! #BeDoLove #PopThoughts #FridayTreatNight #SelfCareMatters #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #BeDoLoveSAVOR #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #TasteDC #DCFoodie #BakersDaughtersDC #OffTheBeatenPath #DMV

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I love Prince backstories. If nothing else for the visuals of him for example in a yellow canary suit gliding in his posh luxury home on sneaker skates that light up with big time executives looking on. Prince captured the art of how to f*k with people in a fun and intellectual way.

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Going down the rabbit hole starting with the backstory of Prince’s 2007 Super Bowl XLI halftime performance was worth every bit of my time as it gave me entertaining chills. It was the first super bowl played in the rain and Prince werked it OUT! With all that went down that day (including the cable story), you have to know that was nothing but a beautiful and magical God and Prince collaboration.

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Pure Magic: The Oral History of Prince’s Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show – This article includes the Super Bowl backstory and press conference performance.

Super Bowl Performance –

https://fb.watch/3vWjQ6pniD/

Here are some excerpts that captures the day:

-We learn that Black Lives Matter in the music world related to the practice rehearsal. Arzate: He was upset about the sound. And part of that was, Prince is really very cognizant of how black performers are treated. And he always has a slight—not a big one—paranoia that someone’s gonna mess with the sound and make him look bad.

-Coplin: I had grown up in Miami. It was just unheard of to have a driving rainstorm in February.

-Arzate: “We can always pretend that you’re singing” and have everything off and just play the track. And Prince was like, “I’m Prince, I’m gonna play live.”

-Berry: He comes out on the stage and he has this do-rag wrapped around his head. And I’m like, “Oh, my God! He’s covered up my hair.”

-Mischer: “This actually looks incredible. This could be a blessing in disguise.” Mist was dripping across the stage, creating this ethereal mood. Drops of water began to create stars on the lenses.

-Berry: People ask me, “Was there an umbrella on the stage? How did he not get wet?” I said, “That man was pure magic.” He was one that could dance underwater and not get wet.

-Visser: I would say it was the greatest 12-minute, mystical, magical halftime.

-Arzate: You could tell he was very happy with his performance. I was like, “You made history.” And he was like, “I always make history.”

I especially loved seeing drum extraordinaire, Howard University “Showtime” Bison, and my SisTAU of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Cora Coleman highlighted in the Super Bowl article.

Cora Coleman (drums): He (Prince) was a global icon and had the choice of anyone in the world to share this moment with, but he allowed me to be his heartbeat. It’s an honor that will always resonate with me. We were so used to being together like a family and rehearsing countless hours, that anxiety was replaced with heartfelt respect and gratitude. The impact was undeniable.

Then the rabbit hole led me here:

The Day Prince’s Guitar Wept the Loudest – Prince honoring George Harrison at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony – “…guitar solo on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” stole the show from a handful of less-otherworldly legends.”

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Then it had me look up:

The dope a$$ Australian dancers, the Twinz, Nandy and Maya McClean.

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Well thank you Prince for the beautiful and entertaining memories. They are so fun and eye opening. We love and miss YOU! Enjoy! Peace!

PS: Who’s even performing for this Super Bowl? 🤷🏽‍♀️ Yeah, I’m totally disconnected from football, especially since… Well you know. #Prince #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose

🎶When I wake up in the morning, love…🎶 While I crave a sunrise and sunset beach side chill far, far away, I’m so grateful to experience this morning’s sunrise right from my hood. Did you also experience it? I sure hope so.

As his time drew near, it seemed that Pop began to see and experience people, places and things through an almost childlike in awe and wonderment kind of way. Like he knew he didn’t have time to waste on superficial things (With the exception of 45.). With that, he often could be heard saying/singing “That’s 🎶aaaamaaaazing🎶.” It was so cute and inspiring to experience his singing of the phrase as if he was for example experiencing something in politics, sports, music, nature, healthcare, food, etc. for the first time or just through a different open to receiving lens.

From our sixth floor window, Pop discovered the beauty and joy of watching sunsets, sunrises, or just to breathe and take in the beautiful trees and nature. On his way to and from the kitchen oftentimes he would pause and either stand or kneel on the couch to enjoy the sun, trees, birds, deer, or even locate my car in the parking lot. Here’s a video recorded Saturday, May, 9, 2020. https://youtu.be/Z6O3FeLoxOA

This morning I awakened to capture this beautiful sunrise, that I get to give all honor and glory to God and Pop with. I’m reminded and I hope you are too, that even in the midst of it all to pause and smell the roses. Like really pause, take notice of the beauties of this world, while taking deep healing and rejuvenating breaths that open up your heart to pumping freely with love, joy, and sweet Pop like giggles. To allow your inner child the opportunity to feed your soul and spirit. To: Believe! Breathe! Inhale! Exhale! Love! See! Feel! Heal! Love! Cry! Laugh! Voice! Listen! Connect! Engage! Forgive! Shift! Empathize! Love! Ask! Manifest! Gift! Receive! Activate! Create! Dream! Explore! Rebirth! Strive! Glide! Wake! Sleep! Nap! Relax! Rest! Laugh! Love! Pray! Meditate! Gratitude! Purposeful! Luxuriate! Dance! Sing! Trust! Touch! Taste! Laugh! Love!… (Fill in the blanks.) As Pop would say, “Have a good day. Be safe. Don’t work too hard. Love!” Be blessed. Be grateful. Be safe. Be well. Enjoy. Peace. Live. Love. #BeDoLove #Sunrise #SunriseZen #Sunset #SunriseSunsets #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #CareGiversMatter #CareGiver #CareGivers

“A Lovely Day” by Bill Withers –

https://youtu.be/bEeaS6fuUoA

Once a upon a time my visits to the grocery store were quite infrequent. With Pop’s arrival my weekly ritual became Saturday grocery shopping. Prior to that weekdays were for errands and Saturday’s were for sleeping in and leading a life of leisure with doing whatever I did or didn’t want to do.
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I hadn’t been to the grocery store since a week prior to Pop’s passing. Well, today was my first time. Since I needed to go out for an appointment, I decided to maximize my time and not to wait for Saturday. Seems a little surreal only shopping for me. But, I did well with not bursting into tears all over the shopping cart and groceries. And, if I had, oh well. It’s just par for the course as every moment is its unique moment.
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I thank Pop and am grateful for his presence and having me to consider healthier choices not only for him (which was very important to keep him up and going) but also for me. And, it was also easier on the pockets with less eating out for the both of us. I also appreciated having a purposeful routine that got me out to soak up some sun and breathe fresh air during these COVID times. Well, here’s to new normals and taking care of Kathryn. It’s a good habit to hold on to. Not sure about those Saturday errands tho. IJS! 🤷🏽‍♀️ Peace! PS: I was too lazy to go back upstairs to get my recyclable grocery bags. Something I also got good at to preserve the environment and rid myself of the shopping bag under the sink habit. #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud

Today I felt transported back to my childhood, to my teens, and then my young adult years. On a Sunday when Pop began cooking early and the delicious aromas filled the apartment. When I would visit from college and after I officially moved, one of my favorite requested Trinidadian meals was Cou-Cou, Stewed Fish (King or Red Snapper) or Salt Fish, Callaloo, and Fried Plantain.

Early December Pop requested to prepare this meal. However, after doing the shopping I was informed that the gas in the building would need to be shut off indefinitely. So as not to waste the Red Snapper (cause it cost a grip at Whole Foods), I seasoned it and off to the freezer it went. Well, the gas was FINALLY (Yeah, that’s another story) restored a couple of days ago. And, wallah.

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Here we have Cou-Cou, Stewed Red Snapper, Callaloo, and Fried Plantain. You have to understand the significance of this moment as this is the first time I’ve ever prepared Cou-Cou and Callaloo. Yep! And, my brother Greg said “This is better than a lot of places sis.” “You ever thought about opening a restaurant?” You can cook sis. When you want to.” Yeah, cause I’m not a consistent cooker.

What I know is I’m a good watcher and cooking is in my blood after all with my Trinidadian and Bajan roots. My father and mother never gave me lessons, however, DNA and roaming in and out of the kitchen served me well.

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I would imagine Pop was watching over me today to give a measuring nudge here and there. However, for the Cou-Cou I did look up a Bajan recipe as their Cou-Cou (main ingredients are corn meal and okra) has a very nice texture. While seemingly simple, similar to grits, you can easily go left when preparing Cou-Cou. It’s all about the proper liquid measurements and consistent stirring. And, I went out on a limb with the Callaloo, going from my memory of watching. Callaloo is spinach and okra with a piece of smoked Turkey. Pop would use pig tail. A cousin puts crab legs.

For my meal, the textures and the seasonings are perfect. And, the fact that the fish was marinating in its seasonings for a few weeks… Ooooo Weeeee!!! Tasty! Perhaps I’ll create a new tradition, and have this meal become my annual New Years Day meal in honor of Pop. I’m sure he’d loved that. Bon Appetit! Enjoy! 🇧🇧🇹🇹 #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #BeDoLoveSAVOR #BonAppetit #IChefToWriteAboutIt #BirthAndLiveYourSoulFULLPurpose #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #Trinidad #Barbados #WestIndianFood #CaribbeanFood

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“Cou-Cou consists mainly of cornmeal (corn flour) and okra (ochroes). Because these main components are inexpensive, the dish became common for many residents in Barbados’ early colonial history. Cou-Cou derives from the island’s African ancestry and was a regular meal for those slaves who were brought over from Africa to Barbados. Traditionally served on Fridays, Cou-Cou and flying fish is Barbados’ national dish. In Trinidad and Tobago, Cou-Cou (or coo-coo) is often prepared alongside Callaloo and either stewed or fried fish. In Ghana, a similar meal of fermented corn or maize flour eaten with okra stew and fish is known as banku, a favorite dish of the Ga tribe in Accra.” —Wikipedia

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Well, here we are. My brothers (Terence, Gregory, and Alec) and I had the honor of releasing our 91 years young father while at home Friday, December 25, 2020 around 4:05pm to depart and be with The Ancestors and to joyfully become our personal Angel!

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As my brother Greg put it, “Pop went out like a man’s man.” I’ll add that Pop transitioned as the magical spiritual warrior that he is. Yes, Enric Quentin Boxill embarked on his new assignment on Christmas Day. “CHRISTMAS.DAY.Y’ALL!!!” As my dear friend and spiritual midwife La Tonia said “What an elegant departure is all I keep hearing… So classy!”

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How else is Pop magical? My brother Greg, witnessed Pop take his last breath at the same time I was logging on to our family Christmas Zoom gathering. It was perfect as being with family at that time allowed for the blow of his passing to not be so intense and dramatic. It was easy and graceful, just like him. And, if you’re wondering, we decided it was best to wait until after the zoom to share the news. My family says the Oscar should go to me.

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How else is Pop magical? Pop was a masterful OG charmer. The ladies (and men) loooooved Pop. When he was in the hospital followed by hospice care, the nurses loved taking care of him as he was easy, gracious, and often had them blushing. Well, as he was prepared to exit my place, it was done by whom? Women! The hospice nurse came to declare his death. Followed by two Black young ladies arriving from the funeral home to carry him off. My brothers were in awe after realizing no men were coming behind them to support them. I was like “Pop is something else.” 🤷🏽‍♀️

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Pop fought a good fight against cancer, going way past the time the doctors predicted. Pop had shown that “It’s Still a Wonderful Life,” despite the trials and tribulations. And, it is indeed well with his soul. Our family is so blessed and grateful to have had Pop here at least through this Christmas. God is awesome.

It will always be an honor to have been of contribution to Pop with providing a safe space for him to live and breathe. As my divine assignment has come to an end (with the exception of working on arrangements), I pray and desire that I too can live my life with the peace, the ability to inspire, ease, fun, wonder, love, and grace that Pop mastered. As my dear Bison friend and client, Marcia Watts said, “Pop was living even as he was transitioning. That’s the lesson I got from him, is to live.” I pray and wish that for us all. As Pop would say, “Have a good day. Be safe. Don’t work too hard. Love!” Be blessed. Be grateful. Be safe. Be well. Enjoy. Peace. Live. Love. PS: Pop is being cremated. And, we’ll inform of arrangements as they are developed. #BeDoLove #91YearsYoung #CareGiversMatter #CareGiver #CareGivers #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud

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Pop has always had a love and appreciation for card giving. He and my mom both, selecting perfectly beautiful and thoughtful cards. An art form I am grateful to have inherited. (tee hee)

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Pop: I want to send Christmas cards.

Me: Okay. (Thinking that’s nothing unusual.)

Pop: I want to take a picture.

Me: 👀 Okay. (Seems like Pop has gotten comfortable with my picture taking. 😆)

Pop: (pause) That was easy. 😆😆😆

These beautiful cards were mailed to family and friends and received without delay.

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Our family is so blessed and grateful to have Pop here for another holiday season. God is awesome. Pop has shown that “It’s Still a Wonderful Life,” even as he’s gone toe to toe with cancer to live and love another and another and another day. Through it all, Pop is such a loving and dope example of how to walk with grace, perseverance, fun, laughter, thoughtfulness, ease, joy, and boundless love.

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Thank you all for being such a wonderful source of support for Pop, me, and the Boxill family, especially during this challenging year. We look forward to better days ahead in 2021 and to reunite with love and joy.

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During this holiday season, please love up on those who may be struggling, especially the caregivers in your life. Someone needs your love and support today and always, especially during this pandemic.

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Wishing you and your loved ones peace and joy during this holiday season and in the new year!

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– With all of our love and gratitude, Pop and The Boxill Family

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PS: Be blessed. Be grateful. Enjoy. Peace. Be safe. Be well. Love. #BeDoLove #91YearsYoung #CareGiversMatter #CareGiver #CareGivers #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud