A Day in My Life



We shopped After Christmas sales for Christmas decorations in 2007, searched for chimes at Vroman's Bookstore - the section was decimated but we found a charming Kliban mug, pit stops allowed for podcast breaks and we had afternoon tea at the lovely Tudor House.

A Day in My Life



We shopped After Christmas sales for Christmas decorations in 2007, searched for chimes at Vroman's Bookstore - the section was decimated but we found a charming Kliban mug, pit stops allowed for podcast breaks and we had afternoon tea at the lovely Tudor House.

The Rose Parade


Paseo Colorado an open air shopping center with residential condos above the shops is in the heart of downtown Pasadena.



The Rose Parade is the next big local event in my area and many spectator bleachers have been in place since Thanksgiving weekend. Many condo owners and apartment dwellers have awakened each morning to an ugly site for at least one month. In more trafficked areas like this shopping center the stands were erected within the last two weeks.




It was pretty empty while we there, it was late afternoon on a weekday post Christmas. The folks present seemed to have the same idea, if you need something get it now because in two days we won't want to be here. The temporary fencing was also visible to prevent public access to the shops that will be closed during the parade.



We decided to visit to the area before the madness truly begins and folks are roller skating along the main thoroughfare (Colorado Bl.) causing delays of up to 30 minutes to drive two blocks. The crowds are well behaved and there is no more beautiful sight than a float made entirely of organic matter.

The Rose Parade


Paseo Colorado an open air shopping center with residential condos above the shops is in the heart of downtown Pasadena.



The Rose Parade is the next big local event in my area and many spectator bleachers have been in place since Thanksgiving weekend. Many condo owners and apartment dwellers have awakened each morning to an ugly site for at least one month. In more trafficked areas like this shopping center the stands were erected within the last two weeks.




It was pretty empty while we there, it was late afternoon on a weekday post Christmas. The folks present seemed to have the same idea, if you need something get it now because in two days we won't want to be here. The temporary fencing was also visible to prevent public access to the shops that will be closed during the parade.



We decided to visit to the area before the madness truly begins and folks are roller skating along the main thoroughfare (Colorado Bl.) causing delays of up to 30 minutes to drive two blocks. The crowds are well behaved and there is no more beautiful sight than a float made entirely of organic matter.

Utilitarian



Doesn't that sound like a four letter word? Like it's so bad to be described as something that has utility? Or something that serves a specific purpose?

This stand is at an Italian restaurant we frequent in Hollywood, CA. It's compact, reduces clutter, keeps everything organized and in its place. When changing table cloths only this one item needs to be lifted and moved.

As the New Year beckons I need to get my life in order and running as efficiently as this stand. The salt, pepper, dried chili and mozarella cheese shakers of my life are strewn about and my body - the stand if you will - needs to bring them together into one cohesive embodiment.

Drowning in Email!

After seeing my work email contained messages from November, I decided I
really needed to clean my inbox and organize it. I find it necessary to open
each and every email lest, I hurt someone's feelings. Many employees have
Email Receipt as the default setting and I don't want anyone to think I
deleted THEIR email without viewing it. I may be doing this awhile longer!
LOL

Drowning in Email!

After seeing my work email contained messages from November, I decided I
really needed to clean my inbox and organize it. I find it necessary to open
each and every email lest, I hurt someone's feelings. Many employees have
Email Receipt as the default setting and I don't want anyone to think I
deleted THEIR email without viewing it. I may be doing this awhile longer!
LOL

Video Games and Relationships

My friend Shy Girl frequently complains about her husband's video game playing interfering with their time and also with his completing tasks within a time frame. I'm never quite sure what if anything to say, especially since I can't relate to her experience. So most of the time I simply listen and remain silent and all is well.

That is until I gave her two "Rent one video game, Get a second video game rental Free" coupons. The moment I surrendered the coupons to her I knew I'd crossed the line. It was too late for me to back pedal so I spent the next ten minutes listening to her diatribe about why he may or may not receive the coupons.

For the most part, SG made salient points about her hubby's altered behavior during game play:

~ He outright ignores her
~ Will not rise to answer the phone
~ Eats in front of the TV
~ She must wait until game play ends before he'll leave with her to go somewhere
~ He can't be bothered to let the dogs out/take out the trash
~ He monopolizes the big screen TV
~ The game play is so loud that it drowns out everything else in the house
~ Game play lasts a minimum of two hours

Can any of you relate to this and if so, any suggestions?

Video Games and Relationships

My friend Shy Girl frequently complains about her husband's video game playing interfering with their time and also with his completing tasks within a time frame. I'm never quite sure what if anything to say, especially since I can't relate to her experience. So most of the time I simply listen and remain silent and all is well.

That is until I gave her two "Rent one video game, Get a second video game rental Free" coupons. The moment I surrendered the coupons to her I knew I'd crossed the line. It was too late for me to back pedal so I spent the next ten minutes listening to her diatribe about why he may or may not receive the coupons.

For the most part, SG made salient points about her hubby's altered behavior during game play:

~ He outright ignores her
~ Will not rise to answer the phone
~ Eats in front of the TV
~ She must wait until game play ends before he'll leave with her to go somewhere
~ He can't be bothered to let the dogs out/take out the trash
~ He monopolizes the big screen TV
~ The game play is so loud that it drowns out everything else in the house
~ Game play lasts a minimum of two hours

Can any of you relate to this and if so, any suggestions?

Brrrr!



It is a very cold, blustery day so what possessed me to go to the beach? A delightful tea brunch at an Old English Tea House. The winds were howling and the sunshine was devilishly misleading because it is cold! I donned a hat and silk undergarments for warmth as we walked about the Promenade and let the wind have its way with us - it was so refreshing and clear. We could see the mountains from Los Angeles!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Did Everyone Survive?

Laugh all you want. Some folks feel the holiday is so stressful, they can't wait for it to end.

Gladly, I do not feel this way. I love Christmas. The music. Decorations. Family time. Gift buying. Christmas dinner. Opening presents. Family time.

We had more than enough to eat and too many leftovers to know what to do with. I'm sure we aren't the only ones and that many of you can relate. Mind you, this after we cut back for the second year in a row.

Boo is happy because my speaker system is working again. I know. I was very crestfallen about them suddenly dying on me. Especially after I bought Radio Trash speakers that were so painful to listen to, I turned them off because I couldn't stand the screeching.

After disconnecting and removing the offending lamp, I reconnected the old tried and true system, plugged it into a different outlet and voila! beautiful, rich, clear sound played! I was so elated and Boo was even more thrilled because I was no longer whining about my speakers blowing out.

We'd made a trek to Fry's to check out a comparable system but I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I just couldn't accept that my system had died and wasn't coming back. God must have had mercy on me because the next night they worked. LOL

Boo's already told me to find a back up system that we will buy now and have on standby. Hmmm, do you think I frayed Boo's nerves???

Oh, we didn't watch the McCartney concert DVD because we watched the latest Pirates and You, Me & Dupree DVDs. Both of them very good and entertaining. The latter was quite funny as any Owen Wilson film is.

I received a lot of money and gift cards which I'm confident I will have no problem putting to good use. Just call me a real trooper!

Did Everyone Survive?

Laugh all you want. Some folks feel the holiday is so stressful, they can't wait for it to end.

Gladly, I do not feel this way. I love Christmas. The music. Decorations. Family time. Gift buying. Christmas dinner. Opening presents. Family time.

We had more than enough to eat and too many leftovers to know what to do with. I'm sure we aren't the only ones and that many of you can relate. Mind you, this after we cut back for the second year in a row.

Boo is happy because my speaker system is working again. I know. I was very crestfallen about them suddenly dying on me. Especially after I bought Radio Trash speakers that were so painful to listen to, I turned them off because I couldn't stand the screeching.

After disconnecting and removing the offending lamp, I reconnected the old tried and true system, plugged it into a different outlet and voila! beautiful, rich, clear sound played! I was so elated and Boo was even more thrilled because I was no longer whining about my speakers blowing out.

We'd made a trek to Fry's to check out a comparable system but I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I just couldn't accept that my system had died and wasn't coming back. God must have had mercy on me because the next night they worked. LOL

Boo's already told me to find a back up system that we will buy now and have on standby. Hmmm, do you think I frayed Boo's nerves???

Oh, we didn't watch the McCartney concert DVD because we watched the latest Pirates and You, Me & Dupree DVDs. Both of them very good and entertaining. The latter was quite funny as any Owen Wilson film is.

I received a lot of money and gift cards which I'm confident I will have no problem putting to good use. Just call me a real trooper!

Merry Christmas!



I hope you're relaxing and enjoying your gifts or preparing to feast on a delicious meal worthy of eating on this very special day.

A very Merry Christmas!



From Southern California where it's 79 degrees and sunny. I know, you die hard snow lovers can't begin to imagine how sad I must feel without snow but, truth be known, I love my palm trees and warm weather and wouldn't have Christmas any other way. So to my friends, God bless and may you have a very peaceful and happy Christmas celebration!

A very Merry Christmas!



From Southern California where it's 79 degrees and sunny. I know, you die hard snow lovers can't begin to imagine how sad I must feel without snow but, truth be known, I love my palm trees and warm weather and wouldn't have Christmas any other way. So to my friends, God bless and may you have a very peaceful and happy Christmas celebration!

Music DVDs

Friday's Music Memoirs inspired me to check music DVDs at Circuit City tonight. Lo and behold, I found Elton John's 2000 Live at Madison Square Garden and Paul McCartney's 2005 USA Tour for $19.99 each which is a great price considering Amazon's selling them for $24.95.

Surprisingly, the store was not a mad house, despite all $15.95 and lower priced CDs on sale for $9.99. I appreciated how organized the merchandise was and how everything was not strewn throughout the store as if it had been struck by a tornado. I'll probably view the McCartney concert on Christmas Day and just enjoy the evening.

Music DVDs

Friday's Music Memoirs inspired me to check music DVDs at Circuit City tonight. Lo and behold, I found Elton John's 2000 Live at Madison Square Garden and Paul McCartney's 2005 USA Tour for $19.99 each which is a great price considering Amazon's selling them for $24.95.

Surprisingly, the store was not a mad house, despite all $15.95 and lower priced CDs on sale for $9.99. I appreciated how organized the merchandise was and how everything was not strewn throughout the store as if it had been struck by a tornado. I'll probably view the McCartney concert on Christmas Day and just enjoy the evening.

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 musical things you are looking forward to in the new year

~ The musical Wicked arriving in town in February 2007
~ Concerts both free and paid for. I'm hoping it's a better year!
~ Maybe some new music from Sting, Santana, Elton John and the Moody Blues.
~ I'm going to buy more music DVDs and those on the top of my list are:
Madonna, The Moody Blues, Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
~ In 2007 I will begin buying music online. The music will be from indie artists I discover, as opposed to contract artists who release CDs. The compact disc is still my preferred format and likely to remain so for as long as possible.

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 musical things you are looking forward to in the new year

~ The musical Wicked arriving in town in February 2007
~ Concerts both free and paid for. I'm hoping it's a better year!
~ Maybe some new music from Sting, Santana, Elton John and the Moody Blues.
~ I'm going to buy more music DVDs and those on the top of my list are:
Madonna, The Moody Blues, Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
~ In 2007 I will begin buying music online. The music will be from indie artists I discover, as opposed to contract artists who release CDs. The compact disc is still my preferred format and likely to remain so for as long as possible.

Computer Speakers

I’ve been very bummed about my external computer speakers dying, but too busy to shop for new ones. I spent a nice chunk of money on my Yamaha system five years past, so I am not eager to spend that kind of money again. Instead I bought a $40 Radio Shack system with sub-woofer for $15.00 and I got what I paid for. They're tinny sounding, have no separate control for bass and treble and vibrate as the volume is increased. They'll be returned tomorrow.

As usual, every place wants to sell you an extended warranty. The Radio Shack kid behind the counter was touting the many benefits of the mere $5.00 add on.

“If your speakers die for any reason, simply bring it back and we’ll exchange it.”

“Really. That’s not been my experience. We returned an item supposedly covered on an extended warranty and, since the item was no longer sold by Radio Shack, we were simply out of luck.”

“Oh no, you should’ve been given a gift card to compensate you.”

“Well, we weren’t. Just ring up the speakers.”

Of course, if I ever find a great deal on an Altec Lansing, Yamaha or Creative speaker system with sub-woofer, I’ll grab it. This is what I had and loved but can't find anymore.



While out and about last night, it looked like folks were stressing as they hurriedly scoured for a coveted parking space and the elusive gift. I am so glad we’re not caught up in the last minute hunt. It’s kind of fun though, to sit back and watch people frantically scurry like lost chickens. I haven’t seen tempers flare yet, though we did hear many a blaring horn from the driver who didn’t get the parking space.

Computer Speakers

I’ve been very bummed about my external computer speakers dying, but too busy to shop for new ones. I spent a nice chunk of money on my Yamaha system five years past, so I am not eager to spend that kind of money again. Instead I bought a $40 Radio Shack system with sub-woofer for $15.00 and I got what I paid for. They're tinny sounding, have no separate control for bass and treble and vibrate as the volume is increased. They'll be returned tomorrow.

As usual, every place wants to sell you an extended warranty. The Radio Shack kid behind the counter was touting the many benefits of the mere $5.00 add on.

“If your speakers die for any reason, simply bring it back and we’ll exchange it.”

“Really. That’s not been my experience. We returned an item supposedly covered on an extended warranty and, since the item was no longer sold by Radio Shack, we were simply out of luck.”

“Oh no, you should’ve been given a gift card to compensate you.”

“Well, we weren’t. Just ring up the speakers.”

Of course, if I ever find a great deal on an Altec Lansing, Yamaha or Creative speaker system with sub-woofer, I’ll grab it. This is what I had and loved but can't find anymore.



While out and about last night, it looked like folks were stressing as they hurriedly scoured for a coveted parking space and the elusive gift. I am so glad we’re not caught up in the last minute hunt. It’s kind of fun though, to sit back and watch people frantically scurry like lost chickens. I haven’t seen tempers flare yet, though we did hear many a blaring horn from the driver who didn’t get the parking space.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Lethal Combination



Given my propensity for mugs 16 ozs. or larger and love of snowmen, I was in big trouble Sunday morning while browsing my local Coffee, Bean & Tea Leaf coffeehouse. They're not as popular as Star*ucks, but their coffee and ice blendeds taste heavenly to me. I refrained from buying anything other than a latte and a gift. I so wanted the two mugs shown here. Alas, my bursting cupboards tell a different story of lack of space and too many mugs for one person to use in a lifetime!

The Carpenters' Christmas album

There's one CD that I love to listen to each Christmas but find most people do not like. They say it's too slow, makes them feel sad, is too depressing or puts them to sleep.

That one special CD is The Carpenters' (as in Karen & Richard Carpenter, the brother and sister duo from Southern California) Christmas Portrait. More than any other Christmas CD in my collection this is my most treasured.

The Carpenters' Christmas album

There's one CD that I love to listen to each Christmas but find most people do not like. They say it's too slow, makes them feel sad, is too depressing or puts them to sleep.

That one special CD is The Carpenters' (as in Karen & Richard Carpenter, the brother and sister duo from Southern California) Christmas Portrait. More than any other Christmas CD in my collection this is my most treasured.

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)



After a little shopping, dining and visiting with my mom, we embarked on finding some of the nicest decorated houses and admiring them. We get a kick from the variety of decorations and the color schemes folks come up with it. There are so many cute inflatables everywhere and since I have a thing for snowmen, I'm always on the look out for the cutest and best. This little guy wowed us with his color, smile and candy cane!

~ James Brown Soulful Christmas
~ India Arie & Stevie Wonder The Christmas Song
~ Melissa Etheridge Christmas in America
~ Louis Armstrong Cool Yule
~ Elton John Step into Christmas
~ Chuck Berry Run, Rudolph, Run
~ Aaron Neville Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
~ Ella Fitzgerald Jingle Bells
~ Barenaked Ladies Do They know it’s Christmas?
~ Bryan Adams Christmas Time

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)



After a little shopping, dining and visiting with my mom, we embarked on finding some of the nicest decorated houses and admiring them. We get a kick from the variety of decorations and the color schemes folks come up with it. There are so many cute inflatables everywhere and since I have a thing for snowmen, I'm always on the look out for the cutest and best. This little guy wowed us with his color, smile and candy cane!

~ James Brown Soulful Christmas
~ India Arie & Stevie Wonder The Christmas Song
~ Melissa Etheridge Christmas in America
~ Louis Armstrong Cool Yule
~ Elton John Step into Christmas
~ Chuck Berry Run, Rudolph, Run
~ Aaron Neville Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
~ Ella Fitzgerald Jingle Bells
~ Barenaked Ladies Do They know it’s Christmas?
~ Bryan Adams Christmas Time

A Day in My Life



Sipping martinis on a crisp autumn day at The Abbey in West Hollywood, which provided us a rich source for observation and discussion. A variety of flavored martinis coupled with appetizers kept the convo flowing and the spirit high! All around us people were scrambling to find the elusive gift and that rare parking space!

A Day in My Life



Sipping martinis on a crisp autumn day at The Abbey in West Hollywood, which provided us a rich source for observation and discussion. A variety of flavored martinis coupled with appetizers kept the convo flowing and the spirit high! All around us people were scrambling to find the elusive gift and that rare parking space!

A Lazy Day

I am not fond of cold rainy weather and am even less excited about being out and about in it. So it was quite surprising to find me at Wal*Mart today. We decided to do general grocery shopping (yes, I do so love my new Super Wal*Mart) and it wasn't bad at all. The store had shoppers and I found a parking space right in the front. The checkout lanes were empty and we waltzed right in and out.

The rain abated for the most part until we returned to my mother's house. Once nestled indoors we watched her new 42" Sony television and I have to say, her TV has one spectacular picture. Of course, it will look much better with satellite or cable service once I order it.

It seems the majority in her neighborhood are DirecTV subscribers, even so I continue hoping and searching for a cable company in her area. I'm a staunch supporter of cable service and I would prefer this route to satellite. Again I ask, does anyone know of a website to help me determine which if any cable company serves my mom's area?

A Lazy Day

I am not fond of cold rainy weather and am even less excited about being out and about in it. So it was quite surprising to find me at Wal*Mart today. We decided to do general grocery shopping (yes, I do so love my new Super Wal*Mart) and it wasn't bad at all. The store had shoppers and I found a parking space right in the front. The checkout lanes were empty and we waltzed right in and out.

The rain abated for the most part until we returned to my mother's house. Once nestled indoors we watched her new 42" Sony television and I have to say, her TV has one spectacular picture. Of course, it will look much better with satellite or cable service once I order it.

It seems the majority in her neighborhood are DirecTV subscribers, even so I continue hoping and searching for a cable company in her area. I'm a staunch supporter of cable service and I would prefer this route to satellite. Again I ask, does anyone know of a website to help me determine which if any cable company serves my mom's area?

Where's my Carrot?



It is very cold, wet and blustery day in So. Cal. and this little snowman looks like he's about to blow off to the North Pole or, at the very least, lose his nose! Driving through neighborhoods appreciating the creativity and work of others and the joy they bring us is a wonderful past time during the holidays.

Earbud Recommendations

Calling all audiophiles (this includes you Adrea), do you have a preference in brand and style of earbuds? Anything with noise cancellation that's not going to break the bank?

I listen to my Muvo everyday while at work and the earbuds supplied by Creative do a decent job sound-wise, but I need noise cancellation as well. The equipment in my area interferes with the noise quality and I don't desire to continue increasing the volume. I'd like to have good hearing for years to come. Hence, my search for new earbuds.

Earbud Recommendations

Calling all audiophiles (this includes you Adrea), do you have a preference in brand and style of earbuds? Anything with noise cancellation that's not going to break the bank?

I listen to my Muvo everyday while at work and the earbuds supplied by Creative do a decent job sound-wise, but I need noise cancellation as well. The equipment in my area interferes with the noise quality and I don't desire to continue increasing the volume. I'd like to have good hearing for years to come. Hence, my search for new earbuds.

Satellite Service Update

Omigod, Boo has been comparison shopping between Dish & DirecTV and I can't
begin to tell you the massive headache and hassle it's been. You call Dish
and receive a plethora of options, none of them clearly describing which
premium channels are included. What constitutes Basic v. Expanded v. Premium
packages? Dish charges for some installation based on package type and
charges for a second television hook up, but DirecTV doesn't. Have I lost
you yet? Does anyone know of a website that includes accurate, up to date
comparisons among service providers? If so, pass me some love.

Satellite Service Update

Omigod, Boo has been comparison shopping between Dish & DirecTV and I can't
begin to tell you the massive headache and hassle it's been. You call Dish
and receive a plethora of options, none of them clearly describing which
premium channels are included. What constitutes Basic v. Expanded v. Premium
packages? Dish charges for some installation based on package type and
charges for a second television hook up, but DirecTV doesn't. Have I lost
you yet? Does anyone know of a website that includes accurate, up to date
comparisons among service providers? If so, pass me some love.

Wordless Wednesday

First job

Wordless Wednesday

First job

Ten on Tuesday
10 Things You Want for Christmas (or the Holidays)

~ For my loved ones to be in good health and happy
~ For Buddah to be healthy
~ Logitech MM50 speakers for the iPod
~ Flickr pro upgrade
~ DVD Somewhere in Time
~ George Lopez DVD Why You Crying? and CD Alien Nation
~ iPod car charger
~ New computer speakers (my Ymaha speakers just bit the dust! How bloody funky is that?)
~ DVD Joy Luck Club
~ GNR’s Greatest Hits

Ten on Tuesday
10 Things You Want for Christmas (or the Holidays)

~ For my loved ones to be in good health and happy
~ For Buddah to be healthy
~ Logitech MM50 speakers for the iPod
~ Flickr pro upgrade
~ DVD Somewhere in Time
~ George Lopez DVD Why You Crying? and CD Alien Nation
~ iPod car charger
~ New computer speakers (my Ymaha speakers just bit the dust! How bloody funky is that?)
~ DVD Joy Luck Club
~ GNR’s Greatest Hits

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)


This year's Christmas Tree on Main Street, Disneyland, California. This weekend's music was heavily influenced by the Festival of Lights and the spirit of the season, in general. The rain this weekend brought the temperature down and made night air much cooler and Christmassy.

~ Silver Bells
~ The Emotions What do the Lonely do at Christmas?
~ Elvis Presley If Everyday Were Like Christmas
~ The Jackson Five I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
~ Mariah Carey Christmas
~ White Christmas with cute animation and a rocking sound! How can you not like it?
~ Margie Joseph Christmas Gift
~ The Stylistics When You’ve got Love, It’s Christmas all year Long
~ The Temprees It’s Christmas Time Again
~ Luther Vandross O Come all Ye Faithful

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)


This year's Christmas Tree on Main Street, Disneyland, California. This weekend's music was heavily influenced by the Festival of Lights and the spirit of the season, in general. The rain this weekend brought the temperature down and made night air much cooler and Christmassy.

~ Silver Bells
~ The Emotions What do the Lonely do at Christmas?
~ Elvis Presley If Everyday Were Like Christmas
~ The Jackson Five I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
~ Mariah Carey Christmas
~ White Christmas with cute animation and a rocking sound! How can you not like it?
~ Margie Joseph Christmas Gift
~ The Stylistics When You’ve got Love, It’s Christmas all year Long
~ The Temprees It’s Christmas Time Again
~ Luther Vandross O Come all Ye Faithful

Festival of Lights



Every year the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power sponsors the Festival of Lights at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. Hundreds of people will drive through the park and observe beautiful decorations of all sizes, shapes, colors and variety of lights.

We arrived early after dining at a nearby restaurant and didn't have a long wait to enter or drive through. We made an attempt the previous weekend but the exit lane on the freeway was backed up for at least two miles. The rain began just as we neared the end and we had a blast feasting our eyes on the wonderful decorations.

Festival of Lights



Every year the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power sponsors the Festival of Lights at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. Hundreds of people will drive through the park and observe beautiful decorations of all sizes, shapes, colors and variety of lights.

We arrived early after dining at a nearby restaurant and didn't have a long wait to enter or drive through. We made an attempt the previous weekend but the exit lane on the freeway was backed up for at least two miles. The rain began just as we neared the end and we had a blast feasting our eyes on the wonderful decorations.

Happy Holidays!



The holidays can be a very challenging and lonely time for many people. Strained relationships, loved ones departed, mounting expenses and the bombardment of commercials depicting the perfect family - things that make challenges more difficult.

Tis windy & raining tonight, time to head home! Bowie says Lets Dance, I am pooped.

Tis windy & raining tonight, time to head home! Bowie says Lets Dance, I am pooped.

Top 5 On Friday - Week 101
Top 5 songs written by or performed by John Lennon.

~ Stand By Me
~ Starting Over
~ Beautiful Boy
~ Mind Games
~ Imagine

Top 5 On Friday - Week 101
Top 5 songs written by or performed by John Lennon.

~ Stand By Me
~ Starting Over
~ Beautiful Boy
~ Mind Games
~ Imagine

Pets and Christmas Trees

Everyone who reads my blog knows that I love cats and that my little guy Buddah is the fur person in my life. And anyone who has pets, especially cats, knows how inquisitive they naturally are and Christmas trees are a very tempting playmates!



Meet Iris and Fern and enjoy peering in on their adventures. Christmas time is a magical time for many of our pets, just as it is for children.

Enjoy!

Pets and Christmas Trees

Everyone who reads my blog knows that I love cats and that my little guy Buddah is the fur person in my life. And anyone who has pets, especially cats, knows how inquisitive they naturally are and Christmas trees are a very tempting playmates!



Meet Iris and Fern and enjoy peering in on their adventures. Christmas time is a magical time for many of our pets, just as it is for children.

Enjoy!

Office Building



One of the things that I most enjoy about Christmas is the decorations. Corporations large and small spare no expense in decorating their lobby's with huge trees and beautiful lights. The originality and variety speak to the child in me and captivate me like nothing else can.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Take Me Back Tuesday
With all the christmas music that the Music Whore, my partner in crime, has been blogging about, it's not unusual that I have christmas on the brain.

So that's Week 100's topic.

Three Christmas Songs that get you in the holiday spirit.
~ John Legend Winter Wonderland
~ Mariah Carey Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
~ Lionel Richie Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Three artists with signature christmas songs.
~ Bing Crosby
~ Dean Martin
~ Elvis Presley

Three holiday albums.
~ The Carpenters Christmas Portrait (one of the most beautiful Christmas albums ever with fabulous orchestration and Karen Carpenters beautiful voice.)
~ Mariah Carey Merry Christmas
~ Frank Sinatra A Jolly Christmas

Take Me Back Tuesday
With all the christmas music that the Music Whore, my partner in crime, has been blogging about, it's not unusual that I have christmas on the brain.

So that's Week 100's topic.

Three Christmas Songs that get you in the holiday spirit.
~ John Legend Winter Wonderland
~ Mariah Carey Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
~ Lionel Richie Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Three artists with signature christmas songs.
~ Bing Crosby
~ Dean Martin
~ Elvis Presley

Three holiday albums.
~ The Carpenters Christmas Portrait (one of the most beautiful Christmas albums ever with fabulous orchestration and Karen Carpenters beautiful voice.)
~ Mariah Carey Merry Christmas
~ Frank Sinatra A Jolly Christmas

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)



On our drive to the Happiest Place on Earth I was feeling very Christmassy and cheerful, so I played an old mix CD about five years old. Some mixes never lose their purpose and this one kept us singing and laughing. Surprisingly, the longest wait to get on a ride was 25 minutes and of course, we got a pair of ears for 2006. Now I feel like the holidays are upon us!

~ Brenda Lee Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
~ The Beach Boys Little St. Nick (Oh so Southern California and fun!)
~ Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock
~ Eartha Kitt Santa Baby
~ The Drifters White Christmas
~ Frosty the Snowman
~ Luther Vandross The Mistletoe Jam
~ Alan Jackson A Holly Jolly Christmas
~ The Jackson Five Santa Claus is Coming to Town
~ Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas is You

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)



On our drive to the Happiest Place on Earth I was feeling very Christmassy and cheerful, so I played an old mix CD about five years old. Some mixes never lose their purpose and this one kept us singing and laughing. Surprisingly, the longest wait to get on a ride was 25 minutes and of course, we got a pair of ears for 2006. Now I feel like the holidays are upon us!

~ Brenda Lee Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
~ The Beach Boys Little St. Nick (Oh so Southern California and fun!)
~ Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock
~ Eartha Kitt Santa Baby
~ The Drifters White Christmas
~ Frosty the Snowman
~ Luther Vandross The Mistletoe Jam
~ Alan Jackson A Holly Jolly Christmas
~ The Jackson Five Santa Claus is Coming to Town
~ Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas is You

A Day in My Life



Temps in the high seventies with a slight Santa Ana breeze blowing and lots of folks at Disneyland enjoying the colorful parades, lovely choirs and orchestra, fun rides and wonderful decorations. That's how we spent today. Nothing beats the splendor of Disneyland during the holidays!

A Day in My Life



Temps in the high seventies with a slight Santa Ana breeze blowing and lots of folks at Disneyland enjoying the colorful parades, lovely choirs and orchestra, fun rides and wonderful decorations. That's how we spent today. Nothing beats the splendor of Disneyland during the holidays!

Photo Scavenger Hunt
Lights



In the exclusive enclaves of the rich and VIP, passersby are greeted with lighted wreaths or snowflakes attached to electric fences reminding others to Keep Out! The fancier decorations are hidden behind tall walls or heavily shrubbed fence lines.

It's a cool night and after dinner we drove around town admiring decorations and enjoying the creativity of others. I love lights and truly enjoy and appreciate the generosity of those who decorate and share.

Photo Scavenger Hunt
Lights



In the exclusive enclaves of the rich and VIP, passersby are greeted with lighted wreaths or snowflakes attached to electric fences reminding others to Keep Out! The fancier decorations are hidden behind tall walls or heavily shrubbed fence lines.

It's a cool night and after dinner we drove around town admiring decorations and enjoying the creativity of others. I love lights and truly enjoy and appreciate the generosity of those who decorate and share.

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 songs that make you feel like celebrating

~ Kiss Rock and Roll All Night
~ Cyndi Lauper Girls Just want to Have Fun
~ All She Wants to do is Dance
~ The B-52s Rock Lobster
~ The Doors Love Her Madly

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 songs that make you feel like celebrating

~ Kiss Rock and Roll All Night
~ Cyndi Lauper Girls Just want to Have Fun
~ All She Wants to do is Dance
~ The B-52s Rock Lobster
~ The Doors Love Her Madly

Five things that annoyed me today:

~ SUV drivers parking in the space directly opposite me and leaving their lights on as they sit in their truck, striking me square in the face.
~ Parents cursing in front of their young, impressionable children.
~ Impatient drivers honking at pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk on a green light.
~ Adults purposely littering when a trash can is less than five steps away.
~ Rude drivers stealing parking spaces from the elderly who are less agile and fast.

And on a very positive note, two great things happened today :

~ The neighbor across the street came over this morning as I was rushing off to work to compliment and thank us for the wonderful Christmas decorations. How's that for a fantastic start of the day? Absolutely fabulous - that's how!

~ I received wonderful comments to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post and it was wonderful to logon this evening and read them. A wonderful way to end this day.

I feel very blessed today, thank you!

Five things that annoyed me today:

~ SUV drivers parking in the space directly opposite me and leaving their lights on as they sit in their truck, striking me square in the face.
~ Parents cursing in front of their young, impressionable children.
~ Impatient drivers honking at pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk on a green light.
~ Adults purposely littering when a trash can is less than five steps away.
~ Rude drivers stealing parking spaces from the elderly who are less agile and fast.

And on a very positive note, two great things happened today :

~ The neighbor across the street came over this morning as I was rushing off to work to compliment and thank us for the wonderful Christmas decorations. How's that for a fantastic start of the day? Absolutely fabulous - that's how!

~ I received wonderful comments to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post and it was wonderful to logon this evening and read them. A wonderful way to end this day.

I feel very blessed today, thank you!

Black Friday



Normally Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving), is slated to be the kick off of the holiday season and the day when merchants are in the black and out of red. All of this happens because thousands of us flock to the mall eager to spend our money.

Well, I confess to being one of the mob but I diverged ever so slightly. I didn't shop for Christmas gifts, we shopped for new Christmas decorations and then spent Saturday decorating. This little guy is our centerpiece for 2006 and once it's completed, I'll post a photo.