Just between us...

 

While the setting is the same 

My dear friend has changed....

We are all getting older and some show aging  in different ways

Her picture album ...

I arrived with dinner and before it was all ready on plates and in our favorite spot, she had asked me many times if I wanted some tea.  I do not drink tea. She was ready to make coffee, but no one drinks coffee in the evening.   We watched our usual Hallmark movies, while she asked over and over   "Have you seen this one?"  " Can I get you some tea?"   etc.
Harmless, just not our lady 

but more importantly..

Her love for the Lord and His Word, has not changed 

Shameless  photo memory... different, hard and sweet sleep over at this cozy "retreat"

I live an exciting life

.

ELF

 

It was an evening to remember.... 5 of us out to dinner and then... the 5th Avenue

Not allowed to take pictures during the play, but the theatre is very beautiful

Many smile at the fun event 

And many  dress for the fun event 

“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup.”

And we helped ourselves.... as we said our good nights..

I live an exciting life 

A brief encounter

 

Meet Eric.... He held the needle as I was reclining and giving my blood for a good cause..It was a little longer than the normal... 13 minutes... so we had time to talk.

He has POTS.   I know someone who also has that diagnosis and was interested to hear more. His main symptom is dizziness. Thankfully, not when he is drawing blood.

He has had about 8 years of experience  ( I was comforted to hear that too )

He also said that he used to go to church with his Nana while he was growing up in Florida, but since he came to Washington, he has not gone.

As I left the mobile unit I told him "You  should go to church, it is Christmas, and call your Nana ♥"

He said he would call, and thanked me

This is the reason I donated today.   Little Charlie in the white boots has been treated for cancer for two years.   Now 6 months free !    She and her family are giving back to the community for their support during this time, so they have a blood drive...also a golf tournament...and a toy drive.

Enough said.

Gotta love the Stenson family

Oh, we are related.. Charlie's grandpa and me are first cousins.  Family is so precious to me.

I  live an exciting life

a brief encounter

 a story without a photo..

Dinner at one of our favorite spots, The British Pantry

It has never been this busy on a Saturday night

No hurry, waiting for our entrees

The table closest to us had a family of three children
A baby, a son about 5 and daughter about 7
Dad was playing a word game
He would describe something and then the family
tried to guess... animal?  food?

It was played with "indoor voices"

And no cell phones to be seen

It was about a 25 minute wait and during that time a little gal about 3 years old came past, heading to the  ladies room.  And she came by again, by herself.   One more time and returned with a roll of toilet paper.  Her mother came by and returned it.

I found it hard not to "consider" the difference and had to pause by the table and tell the family, I had noticed their good manners.   They smiled and said thank you.

And that was a highlight of the evening
Along with great shepherds pie

I live an exciting life

it happens once a year

 

And I was ready, 

Thanks to my friends, Anna and Sofia

Each bag with a gospel story paper and several pieces of candy, tied with a silver cord.

The first doorbell... 5:25
it was a group

Next doorbell  6:00

And then a steady flow of little ( and some not so little  ) mostly cute visitors 

By 7:55 the last of the 166 bags were gone

We put a sign on the door

No more treats

But many paused to view .....

Pictures from previous years on the door and front window.  Over 100 for next year, so drop by and see them  (it is on a Saturday next year)

Yes, it was raining..

and  this couple has to be a favorite 

I live an exciting life 

just for you Tammy....

  because it just happened and I might forget

but how can I forget a night at the Swiss Club

a Raclette night

Two Swiss buddies

Yes, on the left, his dad is Swiss
on the right, his Mom

Siblings getting ready...

Showing how it is done

but the little trays underneath hold the wonderful cheese

Mr & Mrs in Swiss apparel

Game time
and the winner?

What happens at the Swiss Club, stays at the Swiss Club 

Anyone interested in Swiss apparel?
just say the word
sweatshirts, kitchen towels, aprons, mugs and much more. 

Next time I will snap more pictures, but still a good memory 

I live an exciting life 

.

not just another wedding

 what is a wedding without the bride and groom

               (they come  later with permission )

A church..

Pretty pews 

Rings and bearers of rings 

Music and musicians 

   

Espresso in  classy glasses

And more beverages

A band that plays on and on 

Table placement  

Shoes for dancing, maybe

and for tired feet   

Roses, and more roses 

Menus and magic 

Pillows of deliciousness  

Gelato with many toppings
and/or
Chocolate dipped shortbread

Picture booth 

Powder room sparkle 

A little hide and seek 

and dancing and dancing

and

And the band played on...til the dawns early light.....  

                 but we missed out.... sparklers for the get-a-way 

I live an exciting life