A Merry Christmas Indeed!

Holly waiting for Michael to wake up!







Star Wars has taken over the house from Star Wars Monopoly; SW Bobble Heads; SW Plush toys; SW Pinball Game.





Holly couldn't wait to see what was in her stocking!



Another stuffed critter to mutilate and destroy (and spread that stuffing stuff all over the house!).





Our faithful Holly, watching over the festivities! Have I mentioned how much I love this girl??



These slippers are cute? Can I eat them?



We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas - I know that we sure did!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

'twas the night before Christmas...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart with peace, your home with love

Life Is Good Today

I got my toes in the water




ass in the sand


Not a worry in the world,




Life is good today. Life is good today.




We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week in San Diego. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, not a cloud in sky for the whole 7 days! We went to Coronado Island one afternoon to soak up the vitamin D and let the sun warm our bones to prepare us for what is supposed to be a long, cold winter (according to The Farmer's Almanac).

These photos reminded me of the song 'toes' by The Zac Brown Band...here the first verse.

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.
Well, the plane touched down just about 3 o’clock
And the city’s still on my mind
Bikinis and palm trees danced in my head
I was still in the baggage line
Concrete and cars are their own prison bars like this life I’m living in
But the plane brought me farther.
I’m surrounded by water
And I’m not going back again

Special Request for a Special Child - An Early Christmas

Noah Biorkman is a young boy stricken with cancer. His family doesn’t think he’ll make it to Christmas, so, they want to have as many people as possible to send him cards now.

I just saw a video on CNN. What a little doll! He is from South Lyon, MI and is in the last stages of a 2 1/2 yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. Noah & his family are celebrating X-mas next week since he may not make it through Dec. Noah’s request for X-mas was to get a lot of Christmas cards in the mail. Let’s fulfill his request! Send cards to: Noah Biorkman 1141 Fountain View Circle South Lyon, MI 48178..Copy and Repost! Let’s show this child how special he is:)”

So I wanted to see if I could help.

I’m going to send my card this week, will you?

Post Script: Sad News -- Noah Biorkman died on Monday, November 23rd. He received over 1 million Christmas Cards from well wishers from all over the world. Sleep in peace, Noah.

A Chrismas Carol (In July)

It was snowing in Union Station!






Disney's "A Christmas Carol" train came into Union Station for a few days this summer on its way from L.A. to New York city for the premiere of the newest version of the Dickens classic. We took the Metra down to see it and it was really neat, once you got through the long line.









Four cars were turned into really cool exhibits; everything from real artifacts from the Charles Dickens Museum in London, to actual props and costumes worn by the actors.






One car had a lot of hands-on things to show the cool technology they used to turn the live performances into virtual 3-D.





At the end of the exhibit, they had a little place set up for a photo op - We wish you a Merry Christmas!



After we viewed the 3-D preview of the movie, we hopped a cab to have lunch at Ed Debevic's, a 50's style diner.




They make you wear these dorky paper hats...



The music and food are great. If you ever visit Chicago, you have to "Eat At Ed's".



All in all, it was a nice excursion to the city, but it's time to go home now.



after while, Crocodile...

There were some frightful sights in the neighborhood....

Happy Haunting

AHHHHHH! Happy Halloweeeeen!!!

Family

My Dad and Step-Mom, Pat came to visit us a few weeks ago. They drove their new little RV from California. It's a Winnebago View and it's quite cute - it would be perfect for Ron, Michael, Holly and I to travel this great land of ours one day! *giggle*

Here's my Dad, he's 83 - doesn't he look great?

Here's a photo of my Dad and Mom when he was about 32 or 33 - handsome fella, eh? My Mom was quite pretty, I really miss her.





This is my Dad and Pat. They have been married for almost 25 years now. She's always on the go, go, go! Pat had a double knee replacement last year on Valentine's day and she said it was the best thing she ever did, although her recovery took longer than she hoped it would. She is a fantastic seamstress and quilter. She always wins ribbons at the San Diego County Fair for her creations. She also sews baby blankets and clothes for needy children. She's a neat lady and I love her very much.



Cousins...



First Cousins - my Dad and his cousin, Bill, who is 89.


We all had a ball at the reunion. Sometimes I really miss Michigan and all of my friends and family, but I'm happy with the home that Ron and I have here.

Girl's Weekend (part 2)

We stayed at a charming B&B in Asheville, The Princess Anne Hotel. What a delightful, charming place. The suite we stayed in was darling, the night manager was a delight, graciously extending the wine and cheese happy hour for us Yankees! I would definitely go back and stay at the Princess Anne again.






.
All in all, it was a lovely weekend, although I hurt for days after I got home. I took my first riding lesson in about 10 years on a great big horse, 17.1 hand TB. It was a blast and boy am I out of riding shape. More later.

Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing all a very Happy and Safe 4th - Happy Birthday, America!