Happy Holidays

Home Sweet Home.

I'm back.

This was my fist trip ever to Europe.  (oh, and Africa)

I have had major jet lag.

I feel sorry for Ken, every time I sit down I start to fall asleep.

I missed Ken terribly.

I saw amazing places.

I was with wonderful friends.

I will post pictures of my trip in random order.

Because I feel like it!

I took all my photos from my teeny tiny Canon point and shoot.

I have no regrets about leaving the big Mother Camera at home.


This is Genoa,  Italy.


One of the first wonders of Italy we discovered was their hot chocolate.  Best way to describe it is hot pudding.  The flavor was delizioso.  This was breakfast along with a panini.  Those Italians have got the breakfast thing right.

St Lawrence Cathedral in Genoa.  This Cathedral was so interesting to me because of the black and white stone that was used to construct it.  The color was so striking.  Check it out.  

Beauty in the details....

This is the main plaza.  The three large buildings are essentially their post office, wall street, and the bank.

Oh look,  me in the main Plaza.  The buildings are fantastic.  

These are the gates to the city.  They are right next to the little, teeny tiny house Christopher columbus grew up in.

The home that Christopher Columbus grew up in.  Very,very small!  Three levels, each level the size of a average american bathroom.  Four Euros to see.  Hey,  we want our money back!

My friends Florence and Angie in CC's back yard.  Small house - Big yard - made the kid dream big and go out and discover a new world.

Some additional sights from Genoa.   Ahhhh!

Random memories.....

"You want how much for the taxi?"
"Stay close together, its late and this isn't a good area!"
"Italy is always a good idea in the Fall."
"I need to get some Euros., NOW"
"Where can we get a bus ticket."
"We will just take our luggage and ride the train to Savona.  No big deal it will be easy!"
"Janet, what's he saying?"

Love These Halloween Books

First is The Hallo-Wiener written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey.  This is a book that will give everyone a good laugh.  The story of Oscar the Wiener Dog and his unfortunate halloween costume.  By the end of the story Oscar will go from Wiener Dog to Hero Sandwich.   The only other comment I have is WHAT WAS HIS MOTHER THINKING?

Next up Ghosts in the House! written and illustrated by Kazuno Kohara.  I was first attracted to this little gem because of the illustrations.  They reminded me of books from my childhood.  This is a happy Halloween story about a very clever girl that knows how to take care of the ghosts.  Adorable!

The FriendSHIP

It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away

And find tranquility

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

It's not far to never never land

No reason to pretend

And if the wind is right you can find the joy

Of innocence again

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

Sailing

Takes me away

To where I've always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

And soon I will be free

Fantasy

It gets the best of me

When I'm sailing

All caught up in the reverie

Every word is a symphony

Won't you believe me

It's not far back to sanity

At least it's not for me

And when the wind is right you can sail away

And find serenity

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

   

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A Day at Sea

A beautiful day on the water.  I wasn't sure where Cap'n Ken was going to take us.  It was windy and sunny and warm the perfect combination for sailing.

Cap'n Ken at work getting us ready for the high seas!

There was a very cool water plane flying around.  It would take off and land in the harbor.

We saw these beauties out enjoying the great weather.  Now these are party boats.

San Jacinto

Last Saturday

San Jacinto Mountains

Devil slide Trail

Shady Trail

All Uphill

At the Saddle

Nap Time!

Great Hike

Great Workout

Beautiful Day

Bought an Adventure Pass

We'll be back

Maybe we will hike it in the snow sometime

Why am I writing like this?

Because I feel like it.

Blankie

I stopped at Gardner's Village when I was in Utah and picked up a Pattern for a baby Quilt.  Vintage Baby Quilt by Yoyo Mamma Designs.  I've never made a quilt like this but it looked like a fun project ( oh, wait, I've never made a quilt).  Interesting supplies, huh?

I learned a few things along the way but I love the way it turned out.  The colors are favorites and the blankie is very soft now that I have washed it.

I am going to give this to my friend Julie.  She is expecting a sweet baby girl and I couldn't be happier for her.

I think any baby would be snug as a bug in this blankie.  Now what will my next project be?

Beautiful People

This last month I spent some time with family in McCall, Idaho.  We ventured down to the lake for sunset and I took these pictures of these beautiful people in my life.  I love looking into their eyes and their smiles.  Each and everyone of them is a beautiful person in so many ways.  I love being able to capture their spirit in a photo.  As we have all heard before "the eyes are the window to the soul".