San Diego for a day

San Diego Old Town was all decked out for Christmas. It was so great to wander around. I had so many memories of Old Town from when I was a kid - not much has changed but everything seemed smaller. It's funny how things "shrink" as we get older.

A little tour around Old Town

A stop at the beach was required...

Alan and Lorie enjoying the view

Ann likes the sand and water too

Chargers vs. Raiders

A few of us decided we should go to an NFL game - why not? If you're going to an NFL game in December, it's a good idea to chase some sun too. We had a choice between Denver and San Diego...nothing against the Mile High City, but we headed south.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, your San Diego Chargers!"

Lorie and Ann

Ann and Lyndsey

86,000 people all leaving Qualcomm Stadium at the same time...fun.

Tower of Goodness

I love presents. I love things wrapped up. I love that moment of anticipation before you open it..."What could it be?"

A vendor I've been working with for almost a year sent me a tower of treats from Harry and David as a thank you for a big project we did with them. Wasn't that nice?

So pretty!

Want a treat? I have plenty to share.

Which should I open first?

The very best pears (seriously, pears) ever.

Swinging, Hiking, Exploring

I went to Oregon to visit Dad and Diane for Thanksgiving. They have a gorgeous property just outside of Salem. Dad built a super-high, super-fast, super-duper tree swing - just like the one I had in Minnesota. He is (rightfully) very proud of it and all kids and grandkids get to test it out.

My youngest stepsister, Cheryl, was there too, so we took some time to catch up. She has a heart of gold and being around her is fun. We went shopping, exploring (code for getting very lost driving around) and just had a great little vacation.

We returned to a place I fell in love on my last visit - Silver Falls. We went to a new lovely place - Portland's Japanese Gardens. Thanksgiving holiday? Two thumbs up.

Jazzy Monday

A very nice vendor of mine invited me (plus one) to join her tickets to a Jazz game. My trusty stand-in date, Lori, attended with me. We watched (and cheered in vain) as an injured line up of Jazz players worked very hard against the Bulls - to no avail. We ate junk, traded boy stories and enjoyed the evening completely. We even got to watch some seriously coordinated and limber jump-ropers at half time. All in all, not a bad for a Monday night.

Lori's "F" Word

According to Stephanie, the "F" word is what happens on the birthday following your 39th year. Considering that Miss Lori had just such an event coming up, we planned a snappy party for the occasion. A group of Lori fans gathered for a lovely meal at the Melting Pot (decor by Melissa) and then a girls-only slumber party in a grand little hotel downtown. If you ask me, the "F" word(s) event was fabulous and fantastic fun.

Event-a-rama

For now, I have a break in what I have been referring to as "Event-a-rama". The photo above is from my latest round which included two long events back-to-back...urgh. A phone to one ear, a radio clipped to my hip and a tin of Altoids became the "must-haves" for me this season. Don't worry - I always manage to have some fun. I can prove it; see below.

Mexico
Xel Ha

Grand Cayman

Formal night
Delray Beach