We got into NY yesterday evening and what a relief it is to not have to drive for a few days! The trip was a little longer than usual, as expected. The roads were definetely more congested with the holiday traffic. But we made it in 10 hours safe and sound. We made our customary trip to our favorite pizza place, a quick stop to Truck's house to say hello and then our final destination for the day, my Dad's.
Coming home was the best feeling in the world. The snow still coated the ground, the fireplace smells filled the air, the Christmas lights were in every window, and best of all my was family sitting around the kitchen table having soup, waiting for us to arrive. What a reunion.
Leo and I spent the evening with the Dad and the family, playing Cranium. I never knew my dad was so good at charades. Ask him to show you his interpretation of a volcano!
We hit the sack early - exhausted from the day.
Today we spent some time at the mall. How silly are we? Everyone and their mother, couisn and uncle was there. The 5 foot high snow banks didn't stop every truck, jeep and SUV from parking at 45 degree angles just to get a space. Insanity.
It wasn't so bad though . . I had my husband and brothers in tow and I was in no hurry.
Tonight we are going to Mom & Ed's for drinks, dinner and Christmas celebration. Just the beginning of eating drinking and present-opening for the next few days!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
What a Difference a Day Makes
The other day I was raking the leaves in the yard into a pile wearing shorts and a tank top. No kidding! Yesterday Leo and I finished the leaf-job wearing gloves and heavy sweatshirts. Only a matter of days and over a 40 degree difference!
We finally got some rain last night and today it is sunny but crisp - a true winter day.
Last night we went to a friends house for a little Christmas dinner. This is the same group we got together with before Thanksgiving too. They are a great bunch of people - funny, generous and fun! We came up with a few get-together ideas for the new year. Sounds like I'm going to have to learn how to make a Penne Vodka dinner for 10!
Today I have a roast and veggies cooking away in the crockpot for yet another holiday dinner. Later today Kerri & Rob will be coming over so we can have dinner and open gifts together since we won't see them for Christmas. Celebrating lasts all month for us!
Mom called me last night from a holiday party in NY that I was missing. It made me sad that I wasn't there, especially since there was an announcement that I would have liked to see in person. Long time family friend, Brian and Meghan(his very long time girlfriend) are engaged! We had been speculating about this for a while so we are very excited to hear the good news. Congrats guys! Can't wait to see the bling!
Speaking of weddings, Leo and I were talking more about our plans for the next wedding we will attend next April in LA. We will be going to Las Vegas right after that with Greg and Danielle (and whoever wants to meet us out there!). Can't keep us away from that city for long. I'm excited to get back to LA to see some old friends and stomping grounds.
That's all for now. I'm finally done Christmas shopping and gift-wrapping so I can clean up the mess I've made of ribbon, tape and wrapping paper everywhere. Then . . . I don't know what! I feel pretty free from now through the rest of the year. Feels nice to relax.
We finally got some rain last night and today it is sunny but crisp - a true winter day.
Last night we went to a friends house for a little Christmas dinner. This is the same group we got together with before Thanksgiving too. They are a great bunch of people - funny, generous and fun! We came up with a few get-together ideas for the new year. Sounds like I'm going to have to learn how to make a Penne Vodka dinner for 10!
Today I have a roast and veggies cooking away in the crockpot for yet another holiday dinner. Later today Kerri & Rob will be coming over so we can have dinner and open gifts together since we won't see them for Christmas. Celebrating lasts all month for us!
Mom called me last night from a holiday party in NY that I was missing. It made me sad that I wasn't there, especially since there was an announcement that I would have liked to see in person. Long time family friend, Brian and Meghan(his very long time girlfriend) are engaged! We had been speculating about this for a while so we are very excited to hear the good news. Congrats guys! Can't wait to see the bling!
Speaking of weddings, Leo and I were talking more about our plans for the next wedding we will attend next April in LA. We will be going to Las Vegas right after that with Greg and Danielle (and whoever wants to meet us out there!). Can't keep us away from that city for long. I'm excited to get back to LA to see some old friends and stomping grounds.
That's all for now. I'm finally done Christmas shopping and gift-wrapping so I can clean up the mess I've made of ribbon, tape and wrapping paper everywhere. Then . . . I don't know what! I feel pretty free from now through the rest of the year. Feels nice to relax.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Summery Winter
Yesterday we were somewhere around 75 degrees . . . today a bit higher. Wednesday the high is predicted to be 79. I hate to brag, but I gotta do it. IT'S BEAUTIFUL DOWN HERE! I don't know whether I should be wearing flip flops and short sleeves or what (I really did just put most of it away and we really did just have the fireplace on the other night). It's just wacky. But no complaints here. Although it will make the transition to NY that much harder. I know I'll be swearing then but at least I will get to make use of all these sweaters I just unpacked.
Mommy Sharon and Stan were lucky enough to experience this wacky weather too. They were down in the Carolinas hunting for a new home and it sounds like they hit the bullseye. They found something perfect in their first few days. They will be moving to thier new home in less than a month! Congratulations! It will be nice to have them closer (only 2 hours from here), have those built-in babysitters when we need them someday and of course be able to enjoy the beach with them!
Well, I have to go put on my sunscreen befor ei leave the house for the day. Later!
Mommy Sharon and Stan were lucky enough to experience this wacky weather too. They were down in the Carolinas hunting for a new home and it sounds like they hit the bullseye. They found something perfect in their first few days. They will be moving to thier new home in less than a month! Congratulations! It will be nice to have them closer (only 2 hours from here), have those built-in babysitters when we need them someday and of course be able to enjoy the beach with them!
Well, I have to go put on my sunscreen befor ei leave the house for the day. Later!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
shaved heads and scotch tape
What a wild and crazy weekend. At least it was for me. Saturday morning I was rushing around from early in the morning - Arbonne appointments, shopping excursions, and a lunch date. It was a productive day. And it went right on into the night.
Our friend James came over with his family for a craps lesson. Who knew it could be so much fun without money?! But it was! The grown-ups sipped margaritas while their kids played Wii and Playstation for a few hours. Our cozy group of four at the game table grew to ten. Some friends came over and somehow a poker game had begun. I was out early but had been sitting for hours by then and the beer bottles in the kitchen were getting a little unmanagable so I gladly cleaned up a bit. Our friends stayed a while longer - until 2am! I didn't last quite that long although I was present. I was just passed out on the couch. I heard later the boys were poking at me while I was blissfully unaware and lost in dreamland. Luckily there were no magic marker incidents as sometimes happens when you have kooky friends like ours. But we did manage to multi-task and shave Leo's head in the midst of our Saturday night gathering. We like to keep things interesting around here.
Today was a bit of relaxation until I had to go out to get scotch tape to finish gift-wrapping and came home with a bag from Target AND Pier One. No, Pier One does not have scotch tape but they hae great ornaments, pillows and a card holder shaped like a tree for our holday cards. Who knew?!
And now, finally, I can rest for the remainder of the weekend . . . all 2.5 hours of it! Looking forward to being a cough potato in NY!
Our friend James came over with his family for a craps lesson. Who knew it could be so much fun without money?! But it was! The grown-ups sipped margaritas while their kids played Wii and Playstation for a few hours. Our cozy group of four at the game table grew to ten. Some friends came over and somehow a poker game had begun. I was out early but had been sitting for hours by then and the beer bottles in the kitchen were getting a little unmanagable so I gladly cleaned up a bit. Our friends stayed a while longer - until 2am! I didn't last quite that long although I was present. I was just passed out on the couch. I heard later the boys were poking at me while I was blissfully unaware and lost in dreamland. Luckily there were no magic marker incidents as sometimes happens when you have kooky friends like ours. But we did manage to multi-task and shave Leo's head in the midst of our Saturday night gathering. We like to keep things interesting around here.
Today was a bit of relaxation until I had to go out to get scotch tape to finish gift-wrapping and came home with a bag from Target AND Pier One. No, Pier One does not have scotch tape but they hae great ornaments, pillows and a card holder shaped like a tree for our holday cards. Who knew?!
And now, finally, I can rest for the remainder of the weekend . . . all 2.5 hours of it! Looking forward to being a cough potato in NY!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
A little too much holiday spirit?
I know Jen enjoys Christmas, but I keep telling her this was a little bit too much decoration..
Monday, December 3, 2007
Happy December
Happy December. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty excited for this time of year!
A few weekends ago we met up with some old friends who we used to work with back in the old Aloha days. James and his family moved to Durham about a year ago and we FINALLY made it over to their house for a poker night. Their middle son was very cute – he had clearly been practicing and knew the game much better than me. But I still did alright. The homemade margaritas made it fun too!
This past weekend we spent the night home playing a good old game of scrabble. I won. Well, I paced Leo pretty well and he helped me with the last few points but still – next time I’m beating his butt all by myself. He’s admitted I’ve gotten better. He’s a good teacher.
Saturday I started decorating for Christmas. I put up the tree. We have to figure out lights for the outside. I loved what we did last year but we don't have access to a super tall ladder and, frankly, it is a lot of work. I'm ok with it but Leo isnt quite on board. So we are negotiating a simpler approach to showing off our holiday spirit. Pictures to follow . . .
Saturday evening we went to a neighbors house for a little while for a holiday party. Many other neighbors were there as well. It’s a nice feeling – knowing who lives around you. The hostess is an amazing baker and had a very large assortment of desserts. I could only take a small amount – that’s a lot of sugar to consume! But I think we are headed over there this week to help finish off the left-overs.
As for the rest of the month, our December plans are filling up fast. I’m filling my calendar with Arbonne Spa Parties and then of course the regular holiday gatherings. I love December! But it isn’t quite the same without the snow. I’m not complaining – I hear there have been bitter nights in the teens in NY – but I do hope to see some of the white stuff on Christmas Day!
I’ve got shopping under control. I love the internet! You won’t catch me in long lines at the mall if I can help it. The only down-side is the cardboard boxes that are taking over the garage. I could build an addition to the house with it all. . . not a bad idea.
Leo and I finally decided on having a New Years party. We went back and forth for a while and now it’s on. Come on down – make it an excuse to visit!
And that’s it for now. Back to work for me . . .
A few weekends ago we met up with some old friends who we used to work with back in the old Aloha days. James and his family moved to Durham about a year ago and we FINALLY made it over to their house for a poker night. Their middle son was very cute – he had clearly been practicing and knew the game much better than me. But I still did alright. The homemade margaritas made it fun too!
This past weekend we spent the night home playing a good old game of scrabble. I won. Well, I paced Leo pretty well and he helped me with the last few points but still – next time I’m beating his butt all by myself. He’s admitted I’ve gotten better. He’s a good teacher.
Saturday I started decorating for Christmas. I put up the tree. We have to figure out lights for the outside. I loved what we did last year but we don't have access to a super tall ladder and, frankly, it is a lot of work. I'm ok with it but Leo isnt quite on board. So we are negotiating a simpler approach to showing off our holiday spirit. Pictures to follow . . .
Saturday evening we went to a neighbors house for a little while for a holiday party. Many other neighbors were there as well. It’s a nice feeling – knowing who lives around you. The hostess is an amazing baker and had a very large assortment of desserts. I could only take a small amount – that’s a lot of sugar to consume! But I think we are headed over there this week to help finish off the left-overs.
As for the rest of the month, our December plans are filling up fast. I’m filling my calendar with Arbonne Spa Parties and then of course the regular holiday gatherings. I love December! But it isn’t quite the same without the snow. I’m not complaining – I hear there have been bitter nights in the teens in NY – but I do hope to see some of the white stuff on Christmas Day!
I’ve got shopping under control. I love the internet! You won’t catch me in long lines at the mall if I can help it. The only down-side is the cardboard boxes that are taking over the garage. I could build an addition to the house with it all. . . not a bad idea.
Leo and I finally decided on having a New Years party. We went back and forth for a while and now it’s on. Come on down – make it an excuse to visit!
And that’s it for now. Back to work for me . . .
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