Where Did It Go?

I had a recap of Christmas all typed and everything and it disappeared. Ah well. I'll redo it later. Until then - here are a few pics!

OK - it was in the draft folder - so now it is showing below. Enjoy!

Well Here We Are...

Christmas Day sunset.












The view from the master bedroom.

Here we are in the last week of December. Where did the year go? Seems like I ask that more and more lately.

Returning to reality after a week in Florida for Christmas. We rented a house on the gulf side in Redington Shores, and visited family from there. That was probably the best idea ever! Everyone had their own space, and could sleep in if they wanted without being bothered. We had the beach right outside the front door, so walking the dogs every morning and late in the evening each day became one of my daily rituals.

Visits to mom and dad, watching one of Jennifer's soccer games, shopping, chilling, and spending one whole day at the Universal parks filled the week quickly. Christmas Eve was at Bret's with everyone. Always fun when there are kids around! We brought a small pre-lit tree and our star, tree skirt, and stockings so we could have some Christmas decor in our house. Mom and dad got to try out their new Tom Tom navigation system when they came to our house for a spaghetti dinner on christmas afternoon. Although it seems like they got lost, they really did not! Tom Tom led them to the correct destination, just not the one they intended! ;-) Gary and Chris drove about 5 minutes and brought them to the house for a few hours away from home, dinner, and a short walk to the beach.

And then - just like that - it was over, time to pack up and go home.

But Harry Potter Wizarding World opens this spring at Universal, so I do know we will be back at some point, just not sure when! Now back to reality and the process of unpacking and whatnot.

Where is the Time Going?

I can not believe it is almost December. I am so in the mood to do Christmas decorations and have about 250 other things to do. Ah well.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving - went to San Antonio for family dinner with Mike, Diane, Joe & Michelle. Made me remember all the years past that we went out there with the kids when they were so young, going to watch the lights on the Riverwalk, etc.

I forgot to bring the dessert cheesecakes, though. :-( At least they still had some awesomely great stuff - german chocolate pie, punkin pie (made by Michelle) and an apple pie we picked up at Buccee's. And we now have pumpkin cheesecake and a cranberry walnut cheescake to eat here. Oh darn! ;-)

So here's to the slide into the 2009 holiday season!

November Already???

The first weekend of the month and stores along Hwy 6 already have Christmas decorations out on the buildings. Sheesh! I just put our jack-o-lanterns away!

Biggest travesty in automotive history seen on Keith Harrow Rd, pulling out of Glencairn - a nice 4 door Jaguar - with big shiny rims. I mean, c'mon, really?

The Illini won today! Yeah!

Nothing is nicer than getting a nice mani/pedi on a Saturday morning! Although, Michelle's salon would be at the top of the list, since they serve wine and other adult beverages with their services. Mmmm!

Chik-fil-a has Peppermint chocolate chip shakes for the holidays. I could have one every day, but then I would look like the cows they use to advertise! But they are really good. I'm also glad to see Starbucks Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread lattes back for the holidays. Makes grocery shopping a bit more fun! I am easy to please, too! ;-)

Time to take care of house stuff. Sigh.

Saturday Afternoon

GO ILLINI!!!!! That is all, don't want to create bad karma or anything!

Random Things Bouncing Around

Put things in a safe place and then forget where that safe plae is! Argh!

The thought of standing in a government office to replace missing items is not nice.

Mark McGuire as Cards hitting coach? Ahhmmm, OK?

I miss fall up north for the color changes. I dislike fall here for the temperature swings. Forty degree temp drops in 2 hours are not nice.

Holding a dog in your lap for a belly rub is good therapy!

I need motivation!

I Knew It Was Coming...

...just wish it could have held off for a couple more years.

We will be down to three for Thanksgiving this year. :-( I expected it, but still am sad. But now Gary and I are thinking out of the box for us (me, him and Chris). Not sure what we are doing, but if we travel, it won't be anything huge. We are going to Florida for Christmas, renting a beach house for a family vacation that does not center around a sporting event! Ch-ch-ch-changes!