Another Thanksgiving Activity

While stumbling onto a few creative activities; I thought I would share with you too.

Not having children can be a bummer. But then I thought to myself, why can't adults participate in these activities.

So here is another "What are you Thankful Four" idea (for young and old).


Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you Thankful for?

Thanksgiving Activity: What Are You Thankful For?

Why should this be limited to children? Why not everyone at this year's Thanksgiving gathering.

If you're looking for something creative to do: Click Here

Time MARCHes On

Here I am again, one month later. I have to wonder that just because I'm so busy during the week, why is it then when the weekend comes around I don't sit down and blog a little? I mean, other people FIND the time, MAKE the time, HAVE the time. I guess I just need inspiration to actually blog.

So, am I inspired today? Ummm...not sure? But I do feel like I've accomplished "some" things that warrant blogging.

So here it is in a nutshell (or Blogshell).

And I suppose I could start off by saying that I will probably post again in April (though, if it comes to pass that I am "inspired" and post before then, "Woo Hoo"!).

February brought a spa date with my LAGF (LA girlfriend), Valentine's day, a new laptop thanks to Am Ex Warranty, friends in "small group" for dinner and a movie, and lots of "Custom Aprons" ordered.


Spa Date:

First, I have to say I love my friends dearly. So when two of of my DGF's (dearest girl friends) moved out-of-state (several years ago), I found myself in search of comfort from some OGF's (other girl friends), which now I refer to as my NGF's (nearest girl friends). *hee hee*

And if I can, I never pass up a Spa Date! And my first call is to my SPGF (spa buddy girl friend) who seems to be willing to drive miles to hang with me at my favorite location "Atmosphere Day Spa" in Laguna Hills. I LOVE that about her. So when we can, we try to have a spa date every month or two and just "veg", "relax", "drink tea", "break bread" and LAUGH, of course.

Me personally? I could not and would not survive this crazy world without my "GF's" (girl friends). So, thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart. You ALL mean the world to me.




Valentines Day:


I had wanted to go to The Old Spaghetti Factory and when we headed down at lunch on a Sunny Sunday Valentines afternoon we discovered it CLOSED. What?!? So what better thing to do, but to go to the store, buy some mizithra cheese and head home to make our own pasta. I wouldn't have traded this Valentines for any other - spent quietly at home with my hubby. Life is good!



New Lap Top:


A new lap top thanks to American Express' warranty. I will more than likely always buy my computers from Costco (because of their tech support and warranty). And I will most definitely use my Am Ex when purchasing because of their extended warranty and policy. Hands Down the best! And even though I did not recoup the entire $1400 original cost of my other laptop (only 3 yrs old with a motherless board); I did get approx $850 to either repair or purchase a new laptop. It made more sense to purchase "new" so I'm back in a warranty with Costco and Am Ex and I have newer bells and whistles. :) I don't think I use my laptop much, but it's great to have when I want to sell on Etsy or Blog.




"Small Group" Dinner & a Movie:


I actually have some pictures to post from our dinner in late February with our friends from Saddleback Church. Our small group leaders suggested a movie we all watch together. A South African movie titled "Faith Like Potatoes". It was a moving story; but after full bellies, would have been better if it was a half hour less. *grin* But good, nonetheless.



Because our small group leaders are always hosting, Jim and I offered to host in our home for this event. And it was great! A full table with excellent conversation, yummy food, and the best part - Friends!

If you'd like to take a peek at my "custom aprons" that I created in February, you can pop on over to my Sew Sassy Apron blog.

Hope you all had a lovely February. And I pray that your March is filled with Springtime and luck of the Irish.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all year long.

~author unknown~

Holidays Buh-Bye!

Isn't it funny how we rush and hurry to get everything ready for the holidays. Then, what seems like a "blink of the eye", they are gone! Buh-Bye!



I often think about what it would be like to slowly prepare throughout the year and then when December comes, calmly sit back, relax and actually ENJOY. Could that even be possible?



Or is part of the "Holiday Happenings" the stress of it all? Rushing around, trying to find that perfect gift. Making sure the cards are sent off and more importantly that the gifts are shipped off "on time". Throwing Holiday Parties that you hope "everyone" can make it to, so you can visit with them and celebrate just a little before they are off and running to another event.



I think my 2010 will be to plan a little bit better, to schedule things a little bit sooner, and even start making gifts a little bit earlier. And if my mind remembers to, I will look back at 2009 and compare the two and see if it really does make a difference.



Wishing each and everyone of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2010!
Lord knows, we all can benefit from that (don'tcha think?).




,

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a pretty relaxing weekend; going to a few movies (on Friday & Saturday), enjoying the sunshine and friends, and trying out lots of new recipes.

First - the movies we saw were "Star Trek" and "Night at a Museum 2", respectively. We were actually pleasantly surprised with the Star Trek movie. Though we are not Trekies; we did grow up in the 60's and watched the original television series. They actually created a very interesting movie (with lots of special effects, of course). As for the latter, "Night at a Museum 2". It was not nearly as good as the first. But would be enjoyed by children (or so I've been told).

We took walks with the dogs, which is always a nice outlet.

And I was able to share some time with my dear friend, Chris (visiting from Arizona) at our favorite little Tea House in San Juan Capistrano (to celebrate Chris' birthday). What a good time we had.

Last, I was motivated and cooked up some recipes I've been meaning to try. They were all yummy and easy to make. Though, the Polish Salad was time consuming with all the dicing the size of a pea (well worth it, nonetheless).

Check out the pictures and recipes in the blogs to follow.

So, what did you do this past Memorial Day Weekend?

Lucky Toes - St. Patty's Way

I'm sure you've heard of a "lucky rabbit's foot".

Well I say "Why not lucky toes"!

Happy St. Patrick's Day !

May your troubles be less

And your blessing be more

And nothing but happiness Come through your door

-author unknown

Celebrations / Vacations - Part 2

What we've been up to?

The "CliffsNotes"

PART 2
Loving Holiday, and a Needed Getaway




PART 1 (see previous blog) Birthday Celebrations, Home Renovations, Disneyland, Wineland, Visibility, Dog Agility


So it's Five (5) in the morning and what's a girl to do? I suppose, "Blog". Sure, why not. The dog's have been let out and have been fed (why mess with their daily routine).

It's not like I need "sleep" or anything. (*yawn*)

So where was I in my previous blog update. I'm tired and need to refresh this old tired brain of mine.


"Oh Yes". I need to catch you up on February now. OMGosh! That reminds me. Today is March 1st. Wow! 3 months into the new year - can you believe it? No wonder all my friend's babies are growing up so fast.


Anyway...back to February.

The first weekend in February was simply "recovery time" from the busyness of January.


Loving Holiday

The second weekend brought Valentine's, Love AND Family to the Black's Casa. What a fun weekend spent with Jerry & Jill (Jim's brother and our SIL); Caitlin & Nathan (Jim's daughter and her husband); and Sara & Don (Jim's mom and her husband).

If you recall; we had some major rain here in the southland (the beginning of February). Much needed (so no complaints - because our mountain range was beautifully draped in a white snowy blanket) and it actually "felt" like winter (which we don't get very often).


Well that bad weather prevented Sara & Don from driving their motorhome - so instead, they flew down from Nevada and arrived Friday evening. The weather did however prevent them from coming in "on time" and we picked them up from John Wayne airport (JWA) about 11:00 p.m.

And, as many of you OC folks know, JWA has a time curfew so thankfully the plane was allowed to arrive late/land (so we didn't have to drive to LAX to pick them up).

Cate & Nate drove down Friday from Placerville. For those who don't know where Placerville is located - it is just above Sacramento. (Awww - to be Twenty-something again. I recall numerous 8 to 10 hour roadtrips with friends - but I digress.) They arrived in Mission Viejo about 11 p.m.

Fortunately for them (and us); the rain stopped long enough that weekend for them to get through the pass and make it safely to and from their home in Placerville.

Jerry & Jill drove down from Santa Barbara early Saturday morning. They were fortunate to miss Friday night's traffic and still get a good night's sleep before all the "family" stuff.

So now you might be wondering where the heck did we put all these people (in our small 2 bedroom condo)? Well - we didn't . They all stayed up the hill at "Ayres Suites". It actually has nice accommodations for a reasonable price (and is close enough to walk to - but why?). *grin*

Saturday brought sunshine and even though it was in the mid-60's (Brrrr! for us So Cal folks); the rays of light needed to be appreciated. And what do you do with a large gathering of family on a day like that day? Take them out on the lake. From the pictures you'll see we were bundled up. That's because even though the sun was out, my guess it was at least 7-10 degrees cooler on the water. But it made for a fun outing.

We brought Subway and drinks. Nathan brought his trumpet. Yes - I said trumpet. Why? Not sure. But I bet there are some folks that live "on the lake" that will remember us floating by while Nathan played the theme song from "Star Wars" on his trumpet. (Oh, to be in my 20's again - nuff said)


Jerry & Jill

Sara & Don
Nathan (& his green trumpet)




Jim & Jerry

Caitlin

Beautiful view of Saddleback mountain, blue skies and white fluffy clouds


I just realized that after looking at the pictures, it appears as though we are the only crazy people out on the lake. But I can assure you, there were other crazy people out there, too. Some in paddle boats, some sucessfully (and unsuccessfully) fishing. And even another pary boat (like ours) that was heading out when we were heading back in.


After our "lake" excursion we headed back home to "warm up" and relax some more. Jerry & Jill and Sara & Don headed back to the hotel for a brief rest before coming to our home. Caitlin & Nathan hung out for awhile then headed back to the hotel briefly. And all returned somewhere around 3:30 or 4 p.m.


Here are few pictures of eveyone hanging out on our comfy couches (with the dogs, of course).




Prior to everyone's arrival I made Lasagna (from scratch). I plan on making it again today (as Jim said it was quite tasty). Because it was February 14th (Valentine's Day) we didn't want to have to deal with the crowds so it only made sense that we host the dinner.


As some of my friends and blog followers, you know about our new table. Well it worked like a charm and easily sat 8 of us.




After dinner we sat around and talked. And about 10 p.m., when all headed back up to the hotel, the dogs laid down on the couch and passed out from the day filled with activity. I don't think they moved until Sunday morning.


Speaking of Sunday morning, we dropped Sara & Don off at JWA around 6:45 a.m. Shortly after 9 a.m. we met up with Jerry & Jill and Caitlin & Nathan. We went to breakfast and then said our "Goodbyes".


We're looking forward to hosting another family gathering (soon?).


Needed Getaway



The following Thursday we headed off to the Big Island (Kona side) where my friend lives. They plan to move back to the mainland (back to Prescott AZ in April) so we decided to "Carpe diem" seize the day (because we're not sure when we'll head back over to the islands again).


We arrived Thursday afternoon. Karen met us at the airport and we had a lovely afternoon (driving around Kona). We had lunch at the Kona Brewery Co. and headed to Captain Cook where she lives. It's about 45 minutes from Kona. Marc came home from work and we had a yummy dinner and listened to the whales from their Lanai (aka porch). Yes! You could hear the whales. Pretty amazing; being that they live about a mile or so up the side of a mountain.



Another funny tidbit - Karen has pet geckos'. A family. And not intentionally. They decided to move in behind her "Home Sweet Home" artwork (how ironic). I saw two peak their heads out at the same time. Karen believes there are more. I'm guessing she'll find out the final count when they get ready to move in a month (*note - good luck with that, Karen).


Because we delayed renting a car (and when we arrived they were all sold out - did someone say recession???) Karen was such a sweetheart to lend her car to us. We simply needed to drive her to work (back in Kona).


So, Friday we drove her to work, had breakfast on the beach at Lava Java. We stopped for a few staple items at Long's drugs (like an inhaler, in case I should have an asthmatic attack at the volcano - due to the sulfuric fumes). We got on the road about 9 a.m. from Kona and headed back up towards Captain Cook and on pass to Kilauea (one of 3 volcanos on the big island of Hawaii). Kilauea is active and thriving.


We made a point to drive the "Chain of Craters", down to the coast (approx. 20 miles from the park entrance) to see the lava running into the ocean. Of course, you cannot get very close to that area by car. But you could see the steam rising at the point.

We also stopped at an ancient Lava tube. It was a very odd feeling walking through the tube.

And we also took some pictures at the active crater top (where steam rose).

After hitting all the "hot" spots at the National park we took the road further and drove to the Hilo side of the island.


And as my husband likes to put it this way; when I say "Hilo" all you can here is the theme song to "Cops" (bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you...). It is a very lush green side of the island; but the town is very "seedy". No wonder "Dog the Bounty Hunter" worked on that island. (*note - no pictures taken - shocker)


After our short stay in Hilo (drive by); we drove back to our friends. Marc made yummy tacos and we all relaxed a while before heading off to bed. "Relax" seems to be the keyword/theme to our Hawaiian getaway.


Saturday we (Jim, Karen and I) drove back towards Kilauea but this time headed out to South Point (the most Southern land in the USA). It was beautiful landscape. Ocean and farmland. You'd never know you were on an island.

After viewing the tide pools and exploring a little we got back in the car and went to Black Sand beach where the turtles come up on shore to rest their weary shells (*grin*). Honestly, they do. It's the funniest thing. I guess all creatures "even Honu aka sea turtles" need to rest ("relax") in Hawaii.

Sunday Jim, Karen, Marc and I headed back to Kona for a "3 hour tour" out on the ocean to whale watch.

But before we reached town we stopped at a local "Avocado Fair" (Jim's heaven). You wouldn't believe the size of Hawaii's avocados. Incredible! And they say California's avocados rock. Well, if you've had an avocado in Hawaii, you might think otherwise. I wish I had a California avocado to take a picture of next to the Hawaiian version. But I did use a pineapple so you could see the massive size. Yes! It's at least 3 times the size of a regular avocado (easily the size of a softball, if not bigger). And the taste "like buttah" (butter)

Whale watching was very exciting. We saw several adult whales (one that actually breached). I, of course, missed that photo op because I was busy looking at video I just took. What a bonehead.

*Mental note - look at pictures and videos later; especially while whale watching.


Along with the adult pods; on our trip back to the harbor we saw a mother and her calf. Fortunately for me, the calf was very active and I was able to get quite a few pictures of the baby whale breaching.

After our boat ride, we headed into town for some schooners ; and had lunch at Bubba Gumps on the water. We walked around Kona to work off the schooners and our late lunch and headed back to our friends to, you guessed right, relax.


Monday came too quickly (though we were able to do quite a bit more this trip than last); but we had one last excursion to see Captain Cook's memorial and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Historical Park - the Place of Refuge. We had lunch at the bay and watched the many people snorkel and scuba.

After a relaxing lunch, we packed up our bags and headed into Kona to meet Marc for dinner. Our flight left at 10:20 p.m. (red eye). The benefit - it allowed us another full day in Hawaii before heading back to the mainland. Worth it? Most definitely.

Not only did we bring back plenty of fun memories (but also, about 20 bug bites, I personally brought home on me).

If you have a moment or two, check out the electronic scrapbook of pictures/videos I put together.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

And now that we're all caught up on the first two month's of the year; my next blog will possibly be on "scrapbooking" (the real deal).

Disco in the New Year

From the electronic scrapbook below you can see what fun we had at our friend's home on New Year's Eve.

Yes - my costume arrived and with a few modifications worked out very well. My character during the Murder Mystery "Done in at the Disco" was Miss Copper Pennies. I was the bookkeeper to the Disco Club owner of "Studio 54 1/2". Too funny.

Bookkeeper by day, Disco Mama by night.

Jim had fun playing "Big Daddy Black"; Miss Copper Pennies boyfriend. He was the strong silent type.

All in all, it was a fun evening; and we were happy to get home safely about 1 a.m.

Today we relaxed and in the afternoon took the dogs for a 2 mile walk. A very nice way to start the first day of 2009.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Looking forward to sharing more memories and reading your blogs, too.

New Years Eve 2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A Reason (during this Season) To Blog...

Only 3 days to go (where has the month gone?). I've wanted to Blog about so many things but just couldn't seem to find the time (or energy for that matter).

But yesterday we held our Annual Holiday House.

It normally happens the first weekend in December; but not this year. This year it almost didn't happen.

THANK GOODNESS it did. All because of some friend's encouraging words.

Among the family and friends that came by for some holiday cheer, we were fortunate and finally able to spend some pre-holiday time yesterday with my Cousin Shane, his wife Brandie and their darling little girl, Gabriella.

OMGoodness!

Can I tell you that when they walked in all heads turned.

No! Not to look at Shane (grin). All eyes went straight to baby Gabriella. You just can't help it.

She's simply one of the most adorable babies I've ever seen. It's hard to believe she is only 8 months. She's so bright, alert, smart and cute as can be.

See for yourself...








We want to THANK ALL those that were able to make our Holiday House a success.

We plan on continuing the tradition next year (back to the first weekend in December).

And on this 21st day of Christmas (with only 3 days to go); I hope you are able to find time to do something you "really want to do" but just can't seem to find the time.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!

Emotional Reunion

Happy First Day of Fall

Autumn is here; and Summer is gone.
Hello, coolness of Fall; Goodbye, warmth of the sun.

For some of you may say, "Oh, what a bummer"!
But have no fear, there's always an "Indian Summer".

So put away your shorts, and pull out your sweaters,
A cup of hot cocoa is the best for this weather.

Until the days are long again, we'll sit and wait patiently.
Personally Autumn is my favorite; now it's time for cup of tea.

Happy First Day of Autumn!

Welcome-New Look-Thank You-Polls

Welcome to the "New" look.

I'd like to "Thank" Chris for motivating (shoving) me into finally updating my blogger template (it's much easier to use).

Hope you enjoy what you read here. And don't forget to take the "Polls" to the right.

Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya!

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - 2008

Ho-Ho-Ho!

...the Black family just made total elves of themselves.

Check it out by clicking on the green link above.

Tis the season to be silly - Fa La La La La La La La La

This is a tribute to three of my dearest friends.

Click on the link: -> Elf-Friends

One is my neighbor (Chris - far left). She actually lives in Arizona now. But she will always be my neighbor and best "elf-friend".

Next is Cat. She's the brown haired beauty. We once were neighbors, too. Though she isn't anymore, she still lives close by. She's an amazing person/friend and a very talented photographer. Her link "www.photobycat.com" is a must see.

Then there is my "Big Sis" (Karen - to my right). She's my sister from another mother. And she lives on an island. Swear! Too far away if you ask me. But we always find a way to keep in touch. And I've been blessed this year with a few visits when she found her way to the mainland. My goal next year is to go and visit her.

So...here's the thing. With a little holiday magic, I'm able to gather my dear elf-friends (aka girlfriends) together and have a grand ol' time on the web.

I know it's silly (would you expect any less from mwah?), but it is from the heart.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I had makin' it.

Happy Holiday Elf-friends. Now go ahead and shake your money makers and have a Happy Holiday.

Eight Days until Christmas! Eeek!

That's right. Go ahead and Countem but it won't change a thing.

So this will be a very brief blog, as you can only imagine. I feel like I'm up to my eyeballs in ribbon & wrapping paper. My front room looks like a packing company hit it!


I just wanted to take a few moments out of my gift wrapping project to share this Holiday Greeting with you.


Just click on the link, sit back & enjoy!


http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=1b3756419d60d35f5a4ec63G06121706



Last but certainly not least...Wishing you ALL a very, Merry Christmas!