Bon Voyage to Claudia and Lance

Off to the Phillipines!!! We spent one last night with our good friends Claudia and Lance before they started on their adventure to the Phillines for 2 months. After all the packing and repacking they were ready to go. Claudia's cat is living at my house with her boyfriend Luis for the time being. So we put on our "south of the equator" clothes and celebrated at a party then the "Top of the Park". I am so excited for their adventure, one of many more to come.

"The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart" elizabeth foley
We await your return and to hear of your adventure.

Our Personal Chef Dinner

Wow!! Last fall Vince and I bid on Personal Chef Services at a fund raiser for diabetes. We had a dinner for 6 of our close friends. The Chef, Mary Sue, came at 4pm and started cooking. Appetizers were served when our guests arrived, followed by courses of shrimp cocktail, then salad with pears and oranges, then vegetable pesto pasta, then the main dish, seafood stew. It had crab, lobster,shrimp, mussels, clams, and sea bass. Wow, was it good. Then creme brule' for desert. And one of the best things was that the dishes were all done when they left. We had fun doing a wine tour with my niece the weekend before and we picked out wine for each course. The Chef brought a server who whisked the plates away and presented each new course. We used every piece of silverware in my house. A good time was had by all.

New Year's Eve Celebration

"Excess on occasion is exhilerating. It prevents moderation from aquiring the deadening effect of a habit" W. Somerset Maugham

We had dinner with friends, then went to the "Dancing with the Stars' charity competition and dance. Partied and danced the night away.

South Beach

A step back and forward.

The Art Deco architecture was so cool, and the neon lights at night were so retro! We spent the evening "cruising' the streets of South Beach, checking out the people, the architecture, and the atmosphere. Way cool!!

Dolphins at Christmas

An adventure of a lifetime! We went to a dolphin research center and had an opportunity to swim with the dolphins during their "recess" period. No tricks, or trainer...if they want to meet you they will approach and if not they won't. Our group had 8 in the pod, two of which were babies. The male did several sneak approaches to me and then swam right up beside me and looked me in the eye for about 5 seconds. It was like he was looking into my soul.

Then the two mother dolphins came by several times, just inches away, and showed me their babies. We were told that if they presented their "tummy' side that meant they were very curious about you, because they can see you the best in that position. I saw all four tummies of the moms and their babies. Thank you Vince and all 8 dolphins for a wonderful experience.

I'm Dreaming of a Sunny Christmas....

I flew to Florida to join Vince and his family for Christmas. What a great way to celebrate. Except for the fact that my luggage didn't show up for 2 days. No make up, no flip flops, no sundress... NO BATHING SUIT!! But what I had was someone who cares very much about me and a warm and welcoming family.

Christmas

We had a big, sloppy, happy Christmas celebration. The universe smiled on me and we were able to have the kids and grandkids all together for a spontaneous Christmas celebration. We had pizza, played with the Fisher-Price band instruments and opened presents. It was a great night. Thank you all.

Precious Package

A very precious package arrived right after Thankgiving, Hunter Christopher. He was so thoughtful to arrive on a Sunday so I would make the trip to welcome him on his actual birthday. Mom and Dad are doing well, and big brother David, and big sister Lily welcomed him into their family.

So let me see,.... yup almost enough grandkids for a soccer team.

I love you Hunter. Love, Grandma

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner

What an Adventure, cooking my first vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner. No big turkey with stuffing. Instead we had wild rice with morel mushrooms, feta shrimp, bourbon mashed sweet potatoes, homemade cramberry sauce and plenty of wine to wash it down with. We watched movies and settled in. We had a great time.