The Best Gift of All

We were all gathered together on Christmas Eve, sitting in our usual spots at Grandma's condo. The doorbell rang at 10pm. Who could it be? We were all there. Must be someone at the wrong address. One of the boys answered the door, thinking to give directions to a stranger, when in walks our Texas bunch! They had planned this for weeks and kept it so quiet that we were all surprised! It's been many years since they were with us on Christmas so it was one of the best gifts for everyone. Now - if only we could find a spot at Grandma's condo to photograph TEN GROWN cousins! They are getting too big to cram on the stairs!!!!!

Herself's Special Gift

Today I gave away two glass shamrocks that have hung on my Irish tree to my favorite little leprechauns. They proudly carried them home like they had a pot of gold.
I think I'm the one who found the end of the rainbow.
Merry Christmas.

Hot Diggity Dog

No school and both girls working left me with my two pals today and a lot of last minute errands. Traffic was a nightmare, shopper's were frantic, everything was at the other end of town. I needed a Prozac the size of a golf ball. Instead I decided to pull into Lion's Choice, throw open the tailgate (taking advantage of the near 60 degree weather) and give these little guys a hot dog picnic. They had a blast! Nothing soothes the nerves like a weiner and apple juice for them and a couple of smiles and hugs for me. Who cares if we looked like hillbillies?

Keebler's Elves

In case you ever wondered where those beautiful cookies came from here are the little baking elves hard at work.

The Making of a Christmas Card

The annual Christmas Card photo usually sends my family running for cover. This year went pretty well, especially for the squirrels who LOVED the bird seed buffet the kids spilled all over the ground! I'll show you the end result after I get my cards mailed out.

Oh Christmas Tree....

I wasn't going to put a tree up this year because, well, you know, all my kids have left the nest. The boy wasn't happy about that so here is our little tree that came home to roost.

Baby it's cold outside!

Didn't you think to buy the fleece lined boots?

Frosty was here

Got these pink boots just in time! Frosty came and left us this pretty white blanket of snow along with freezing temps!

Making his list.....

Just wanting to make sure that Santa knows they've been good, my little buddies stopped him in the midst of feeding Ruldolph to tell him so.

Birdie Buffet

What a treat it is to watch our feathered friends come by for a snack.

Animal Holiday House

It seems the boys are really getting into the holiday spirit at their campus apartment. I followed the buzz of the electric meter to find my way there last night.

Not Wicked, but Good

My nephew was outstanding at the Madrigal performance this evening - all six foot 2 inches of him. Gone is the shy little guy.

Postcards take a holiday

Postcards have been on holiday.........

Had a great time - wish you'd been there.

Now we are back. Here's an oldie until new ones are edited.

Happily Ever After

Yes, Virginia, there IS a happily ever after.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature is making me get the warm wooly socks out tonight. Brrrrr.......

Checkmate

Samantha tries (without much success) to teach her little friends the game of chess. All they wanted to do was ride the horses.

Veteran's Day

In honor of our Veterans and those who are currently serving our country.......





These photos were taken by Eric Geise and sent to me earlier this week. With his permission I am sharing them here as I felt it was a fitting postcard for today.

An Exciting Evening

No, I didn't shoot this photo, but I DID have the opportunity to spend the evening with Robert Redford. It didn't matter that the symphony hall was packed with others listening to this incredible man speak about his life, his education, films he's made, Sundance, the environment, and even a bit about politics - I was on the edge of my seat as if he were a guest in my home. I went there in excited anticipation of seeing my very favorite movie star in person, and left there thinking what an intelligent man he is and how much I admire his contributions to our society. It was an evening that I will not soon forget. Now......off to watch "The Way We Were"
photo from http://www.pbs.org

Tri-et

Not such a beautiful song, but still music to my ears.

Poday's Toastcard

By muddy just boved this look! (that's "my buddy just loved this book" in animal talk).
Not only did he sit and giggle over the silly poems, but he actually was able to translate them into human talk. What a great book this is, but then again, Mr. Silverstein has never disappointed any of my little kiddies in the past.